Decontamination Tray With Permeable Membrane For Endoscope Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices with elongated and tortuous flow paths, such as endoscopes, pose challenges for decontamination due to numerous exterior crevices and interior lumens that can harbor microbes, and there is a need for a method that can decontaminate these devices without damaging them and maintain the decontaminated state for storage.
Innovation Solution
A decontamination system using a tray with a permeable membrane and a hub assembly, where a decontaminating fluid, such as hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, is introduced as a vapor to flow through the device's lumens, and the system includes a vacuum pump to control pressure and ensure thorough decontamination, while a lid and membrane maintain a sealed environment for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a decontamination process is applied to devices with elongated lumens and crevices, then microbes are eliminated from surfaces, but the device may be damaged by harsh decontaminating agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the decontaminating fluid from liquid to vapor, allowing the use of harsher chemical agents (like hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid) without direct liquid contact damage to sensitive device components. The vapor phase enables effective decontamination while reducing mechanical and chemical damage risks to the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of water (liquid to vapor to liquid) to deliver decontaminating agents. Water is heated to generate steam, which carries the decontaminating chemicals into the device lumens, then condenses back to liquid for drainage. This phase transition mechanism enables thorough decontamination while controlling the intensity of chemical exposure to protect device integrity.
2Reliability
If traditional decontamination methods are used, then microbes are killed, but the device cannot be stored in a decontaminated state
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs decontamination before storage by vaporizing decontaminating fluids that penetrate and sterilize device lumens and surfaces. The pre-decontamination state ensures the device is sterile before being placed in the storage container, maintaining the decontaminated state during subsequent storage without requiring additional treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
Water vapor acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers decontaminating chemicals deep into device lumens and crevices, then condenses and drains away. This intermediary mechanism ensures complete coverage of hard-to-reach areas, maintaining decontaminated surfaces that can be safely stored for extended periods.
3Reliability
If harsh decontaminating agents are used to ensure complete sterilization, then all microbes are eliminated, but the device materials may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of decontaminating agents from liquid to vapor phase, enabling the use of harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid in vapor form. This vaporization reduces direct liquid contact damage to sensitive materials while maintaining sterilization effectiveness, as the vapor can penetrate crevices and lumens without the mechanical impact of liquid streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a controlled vapor environment using water as a carrier gas, which is inherently less damaging than direct liquid chemical application. The water vapor atmosphere delivers decontaminating agents gently throughout the device structure, providing complete sterilization while the water matrix buffers the chemical harshness to protect material stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively decontaminates devices with elongated flow paths without damaging them and maintains the decontaminated state, allowing for safe storage and repeated use, applicable to various medical, surgical, and dental equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A membrane permeable by a decontaminating fluid is positioned over the top of the tray to form an enclosed space
Implementation Method 2
the system includes a vacuum pump to control pressure and ensure thorough decontamination
Implementation Method 3
a decontaminating fluid, such as hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, is introduced as a vapor to flow through the device's lumens
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a method of decontaminating a device including a tray. A membrane permeable by a decontaminating fluid is positioned over the top of the tray to form an enclosed space. A lid is secured to the tray and the membrane is positioned between the tray and the lid. A hub assembly is positioned within the tray.