NL2020655B1 - A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments - Google Patents

A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2020655B1
NL2020655B1 NL2020655A NL2020655A NL2020655B1 NL 2020655 B1 NL2020655 B1 NL 2020655B1 NL 2020655 A NL2020655 A NL 2020655A NL 2020655 A NL2020655 A NL 2020655A NL 2020655 B1 NL2020655 B1 NL 2020655B1
Authority
NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
container
lid
decontamination
tray
opening
Prior art date
Application number
NL2020655A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Maria Verhoeven Franciscus
Herman Maria Pessers Paul
Alex Eduard Van Der Leij Theo
Wilhelmina Bakker-Van De Kerkhof Jolande
Original Assignee
Log10 B V
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Log10 B V filed Critical Log10 B V
Priority to NL2020655A priority Critical patent/NL2020655B1/en
Priority to AU2019239007A priority patent/AU2019239007A1/en
Priority to US16/982,731 priority patent/US20210002013A1/en
Priority to PCT/NL2019/050179 priority patent/WO2019182449A1/en
Priority to EP19720185.8A priority patent/EP3768190B1/en
Priority to CA3094316A priority patent/CA3094316A1/en
Priority to JP2021500773A priority patent/JP7399936B2/en
Priority to CN201980034507.XA priority patent/CN112188871A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2020655B1 publication Critical patent/NL2020655B1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
    • A61B50/33—Trays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A61L2/06—Hot gas
    • A61L2/07—Steam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B2050/005—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers with a lid or cover

Abstract

A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments Abstract A method and system for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument. The method includes providing a container including a tray and a lid, the tray having an opening for inserting therethrough the medical instrument into an inner space of the tray, and the lid being arranged for closing the opening. The method includes inserting the container into a decontamination device, inside the decontamination device decontaminating the tray, the lid and the medical instrument while the lid is positioned away from the opening. The method includes, inside the decontamination device, a container handler of the decontamination device closing the container by closing the lid onto the tray for closing the opening, and removing the closed container containing the decontaminated medical instrument from the decontamination device. Fig. 4

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to reprocessing of reusable medical instruments, such as dental instruments.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Reusable medical instruments are instruments that health care providers can reuse to diagnose and/or treat multiple patients. Examples of reusable medical instruments include medical instruments used in dental care, such as scalpels, syringes, scopes, mirrors, drills, burs, discs, handpieces, excavators, turbines, files, reamers, etc..
When used on patients, reusable instruments become soiled and contaminated with blood, tissue and other biological debris such as microorganisms. To avoid any risk of infection by a contaminated instrument, reusable instruments undergo reprocessing, a process to decontaminate, e.g. clean and disinfect and/or sterilize, them. Reprocessing results in a medical instrument that can be safely used more than once in the same patient, or in more than one patient. Adequate reprocessing of reusable medical instruments is vital to protecting patient safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object to provide a system and a method that render the task of decontaminating a medical instrument less cumbersome, less time-consuming and/or less expensive. More in general, it is an object to provide a method and system for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument.
Thereto, according to an aspect is provided a method for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument. The method includes providing a container including a tray and a lid. The tray includes one or more supports supporting the medical instrument. The tray includes an opening for inserting therethrough the medical instrument into an inner space of the tray. The lid is arranged for closing the opening. The method includes inserting the container into a decontamination device. The method includes, inside the decontamination device decontaminating the tray, the lid and the medical instrument while the lid is positioned away from the opening. The method includes, inside the decontamination device, a container handler of the decontamination device closing the container by closing the lid onto the tray for closing the opening. The method includes removing the closed container containing the decontaminated medical instrument from the decontamination device. Hence, the container is closed when the tray, the lid and the medical instrument have been decontaminated. The container is closed inside the decontamination device, such as in a clean zone, such as a decontamination chamber, of the decontamination device. Hence, the decontaminated container can be closed around the decontaminated medical instrument in the clean zone of the device. Thus, decontamination of the content of the container, i.e. the medical instrument, can easily be provided. Also, the lid being positioned away from the opening during decontamination allows for easy access of the inner space and the medical instrument during decontamination.
Optionally, the container includes a further lid. The tray can have a further opening, preferably opposite the first opening, the further lid being arranged for closing the further opening. The method can include, inside the decontamination device, decontaminating the tray, the lid, the further lid and the medical instrument while the lid is positioned away from the opening and the further lid is positioned away from the further opening. The method can include, inside the decontamination device, the container handler closing the lid onto the tray for closing the opening, and closing the further lid onto the tray for closing the further opening. It will be appreciated that when decontaminating the container with the lid and the further lid, it is also possible to decontaminate the tray, the lid, the further lid and the medical instrument while only one of the lid and the further lid is positioned away from the opening or the further opening, respectively.
Optionally, the opening spans substantially the entire cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. The opening can e.g. be larger than 80%, preferably 90%, of the cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. Side walls of the tray, such as substantially vertical side walls, can define the opening.
Optionally, the further opening spans substantially the entire cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. The further opening can e.g. be larger than 80%, preferably 90%, of the cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. Side walls of the tray, such as substantially vertical side walls, can define the further opening. The tray can he substantially tubular. The tubular tray can have a length (in the direction from the first opening to the second opening) that is smaller than a dimension orthogonal to the length. The one or more supports of the tray can be arranged for holding one or more medical instrument between the opening and the further opening. The one or more supports can be arranged for locking the instrument(s) in the tray to prevent the instrument(s) from falling out of the tray, e.g. regardless of the orientation of the tray.
Optionally, the step of inserting includes inserting the container into the decontamination device while the lid, and the optional further lid, is closed onto the tray. Thus a closed container, preferably containing one or more medical instruments to be decontaminated, can be inserted into the decontamination device. Hence, the user can collect the medical devices after use on a patient in a container, close the container, and present the closed container at the decontamination device for reprocessing.
Optionally, the method includes, inside the decontamination device, removing the lid from the opening, and optionally removing the further lid from the further opening. Thus, the closed container containing the medical devices to be decontaminated can be inserted into the decontamination device, the decontamination device opening the container for good access to the medical instrument during decontamination.
Optionally, the method includes the container handler gripping the container by the tray, by the lid, and by the optional further lid. Hence, the container handler can effectively open and/or close the container as desired.
It will be appreciated that it is also possible to present an open container at the decontamination device. It is e.g. possible to present trays and lids separately to the decontamination device, e.g. in separate stacks and/or separate entry ports.
Optionally, the decontaminating includes one or more of rinsing, washing, disinfecting, sterilizing, and drying. Optionally, the decontaminating includes ultrasonic cleaning.
Optionally, the method includes maintaining the tray in a position with the opening extending in an upright plane, and optionally the further opening extending in a further upright plane, while decontaminating. Hence, the plane(s) in which the opening(s) extend is(are) upright, e.g. substantially vertical. This allows easy access during decontamination. This also allows easy dripping off of liquids used during decontamination. The lid(s) can also be maintained extending in such upright plane. The lid(s) can e.g. be displaced from the opening(s) in a direction away from the opening(s), e.g. along an axis extending perpendicular through the plane(s) in which the opening(s) extend. Thus, the lid(s) can be maintained close to the tray, while still allowing good access to the inner space of the tray for decontamination.
Optionally, the medical instrument(s) to be decontaminated are maintained in an upright position during decontamination. For generally elongate medical instruments, in the upright position, the main axis of elongation of the instrument, is upright, such as substantially vertical. Thus the contact, area of the instrument with the supports can be minimized. Especially when using jets during decontamination, and/or when using ultrasonic cleaning, the points of contact will change during decontamination, thus allowing full decontamination of the instrument.
Optionally, the method includes performing washing in a first chamber of the decontamination device, and performing sterilizing in a second chamber of the decontamination device.
Optionally, the step of closing includes closing the container such that, a microbial barrier is formed preventing microbes from entering the inner space. Hence, the container provides protection against, microbial contamination when released from the decontamination device. Optionally, the step of closing includes hermetically closing the container. Optionally, the method further including reducing gas pressure inside the container prior to closing the container. Thus, the decontaminated medical instrument, can he stored under reduced gas pressure until next use. The container can include a tamper evidence feature arranged for being in a first state when the reduced gas pressure is present inside the container, and in a second state when ambient pressure is present inside the container. Thus, it can easily be determined whether the container is still in the reduced gas pressure state in which it was released by the decontamination device or not. The gas used for filling the container can be air, e.g. filtered using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The gas can also be an inert gas such as nitrogen.
Optionally, the method includes labelling, e.g. using a labelling unit of the decontamination device, the container with a label representative of the performed decontamination. The label can e.g. be a sticker or can be printed onto the container. Hence it is possible to determine the decontamination performed on the instrument from the label. The label can include information on the performed decontamination, e.g. a code representative of performed process steps. The label can also include information representative of a location in a database where information on the performed decontamination is stored. The label can include information representative of a date and time of decontamination.
Optionally, the instrument is a dental instrument. The dental instruments can e.g. be scalpels, syringes, scopes , mirrors, drills, burs, discs, handpieces, excavators, turbines, files, reamers, (plastic) re-usables, disposables, prosthetics, implants, 3D printed implants, inserts, measuring devices, spreaders etc..
Optionally, the method includes the decontamination device reading decontamination instructions from a machine readable identification of the container. The decontamination device can then perform the decontamination process according to the read instructions.
Optionally, the decontamination device stores data representative of the decontamination process of a particular container in a record in a memory. Thus, it is possible to retrieve the data representative of the decontamination process.
Optionally, the decontamination device monitors a decontamination history of a container. It is for instance possible that the decontamination device warns that a certain container has not been decontaminated for a predetermined period of time, e.g. approaching, coinciding with, or exceeding an expiration time of the previous decontamination process. Thus, the decontamination device may e.g. warn that decontamination of a predetermined container has expired, and e.g. request said container to be presented at the decontamination device for renewed decontamination.
According to an aspect is provided a system for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument. The system includes a decontamination device and a container. The container includes a tray and a lid. The tray includes one or more supports for supporting one or more medical instruments. The tray includes an opening for inserting therethrough the one or more medical instruments into an inner space of the tray. The lid is arranged for closing the opening. The decontamination device includes an entrance for inserting the container into the decontamination device. The decontamination device includes a container handler arranged for holding the container in the decontamination device. The decontamination device includes a decontamination unit arranged for decontaminating the tray, the lid and the medical instrument. The decontamination device includes an exit for removing the closed container containing the decontaminated medical instrument from the decontamination device. The container handler is arranged for holding the lid positioned away from the opening while decontaminating. The container handler is arranged for closing the container by closing the lid onto the tray after decontamination.
Optionally, the container includes a further lid. The tray can have a further opening, preferably opposite the first opening. The container handler can be arranged for holding the further lid positioned away from the further opening while decontaminating. The container handler can be arranged for closing the container by closing the further lid onto the tray after decontamination.
Optionally, the entrance is arranged for receiving the container while the lid, and the optional further lid, is closed onto the tray.
Optionally, the container handler is arranged for removing the lid from the opening, and optionally removing the further lid from the further opening, prior to decontamination.
Optionally, the container handler is arranged for gripping the container by the tray, by the lid, and by the optional further lid. Optionally, the lid includes a tab or rim arranged for being gripped by the container handler. Optionally, the further lid includes a tab or rim arranged for being gripped by the container handler. Optionally, the tray includes a tab or rim arranged for being gripped by the container handler.
Optionally, the lid includes one or more recesses or protrusions, arranged for cooperating with one or more corresponding protrusions or recesses, respectively, of a tray of another container, for stacking the containers.
Optionally, the lid includes one or more recesses or protrusions, arranged for cooperating with one or more corresponding protrusions or recesses, respectively, of a further lid of another container, for stacking the containers.
Optionally, the lid includes a geometry arranged for allowing stable positioning on the tray in an upside-down manner. Thus, in a simple manner a decontaminated workspace can be provided for preparing the decontaminated instrument(s).
Optionally, the container handler is arranged for maintaining the tray in a position with the opening extending in an upright plane, and optionally the further opening extending in a further upright plane, while decontaminating.
Optionally, the decontamination unit is arranged for one or more of rinsing, washing, disinfecting, sterilizing, and drying. Rinsing can be performed using water, such as cold water for preventing coagulation of blood. Washing can be performed using water, such as hot water, e.g. using a detergent. Disinfecting can be performed using a disinfectant. Sterilizing can be performed using steam. Preferably, sterilizing is performed using a gaseous sterilizer such as ozone. Drying can be performed using, e.g. hot, air.
Optionally, the decontamination unit is arranged for ultrasonic ally cleaning the instruments.
Optionally, the decontamination device includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The container handler can be arranged for transporting the container from the first chamber to the second chamber. The decontamination device can be arranged for performing a first decontaminating, such as washing and/or disinfecting, in the first chamber. The decontamination device can be arranged for performing a second decontaminating, such as sterilizing, in the second chamber. The container handler can be arranged for closing the container after the first decontaminating, transporting the closed container from the first chamber to the second chamber, and opening the container in the second chamber for performing the second decontaminating.
Optionally, the decontamination system is arranged for closing the container such that a microbial barrier is formed preventing microbes from entering the inner space. Optionally, the decontamination system is arranged for hermetically closing the container. Optionally, the system includes a pump for reducing a gas pressure inside the container prior to closing the container.
Optionally, the system includes a reader arranged for reading decontamination instructions from a machine readable identification of the container.
According to an aspect is provided a container of the system.
According to an aspect is provided a reprocessing container for holding a reusable medical instrument. The container includes a tray. The tray includes an inner space. The tray includes one or more supports for supporting one or more medical instruments. The tray includes a first opening at a first side and a second opening at an opposite second side, for inserting a medical instrument, into the inner space through at leas one of the first and second openings. The container includes a first, lid for closing the first opening. The container includes a second lid for closing the second opening.
Optionally, the first opening spans substantially the entire cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. The first opening can e.g. be larger than 80%, preferably 90%, of the cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. Side walls of the tray, such as substantially vertical side walls, can define the first, opening.
Optionally, the second opening spans substantially the entire cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. The second opening can e.g. be larger than 80%, preferably 90%, of the cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray. Side walls of the tray, such as substantially vertical side walls, can define the second opening. The tray can be substantially tubular. The tubular tray can have a length (in the direction from the first opening to the second opening) that is smaller than a dimension orthogonal to the length. The one or more supports of the tray can be arranged for holding one or more medical instrument between the first, and second openings. The one or more supports can be arranged for locking the inst.rument(s) in the tray to prevent the instrument's) from falling out of the tray, e.g. regardless of the orientation of the tray.
Optionally, the first lid includes a tab or rim arranged for being gripped. Optionally, the second lid includes a tab or rim arranged for being gripped. Optionally, the tray includes a tab or rim arranged for being gripped. Optionally, the tab or rim of the tray is positioned eccentrally relative to a center plane passing midway between the first and second openings.
Optionally, the first and/or second lid includes a transparent window for allowing visual inspection of the instrument(s) in the container without opening the container. Optionally, the first and/or second lid is transparent.
Optionally, the first lid includes one or more recesses or protrusions, arranged for cooperating with one or more corresponding protrusions or recesses, respectively, of a second lid of another container, for stacking the containers.
Optionally, the first and/or second lid includes a geometry arranged for allowing stable positioning on the tray in an upside-down manner. Thus, in a simple manner a decontaminated workspace can be provided for preparing the decontaminated instrument(s).
Optionally, the container is arranged to be closed such that a microbial barrier is formed preventing microbes from entering the inner space. Optionally, the container is arranged to be hermetically closed. Optionally, the container is arranged to maintain a reduced gas pressure inside when closed.
Optionally, the container includes a tamper evidence feature arranged for being in a first state when the reduced gas pressure is present inside the container, and in a second state when ambient pressure is present inside the container.
Optionally, the container includes a machine readable identification.
According to an aspect is provided a decontamination device of the system.
According to an aspect is provided a decontamination device for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument in a container. The container includes a tray and a lid. The tray includes one or more supports for supporting one or more medical instruments. The tray includes an opening for inserting therethrough the one or more medical instruments into an inner space of the tray. The lid is arranged for closing the opening. The decontamination device includes an entrance for receiving the container into the decontamination device. The decontamination device includes a container handler arranged for holding the container in the decontamination device. The decontamination device includes a decontamination unit arranged for decontaminating the tray, the lid and the medical instrument. The decontamination device includes an exit for removing the closed container containing the decontaminated medical instrument from the decontamination device. The container handler is arranged for holding the lid positioned away from the opening while decontaminating. The container handler is arranged for closing the container by closing the lid onto the tray after decontamination.
Optionally, the decontamination device is arranged for receiving a container including a further lid, the tray having a further opening, preferably opposite the first opening. The container handler can be arranged for holding the further lid positioned away from the further opening while decontaminating. The container handler can be arranged for closing the container by closing the further lid onto the tray after decontamination.
Optionally, The entrance is arranged for receiving the container while the lid, and the optional further lid, is closed onto the tray.
Optionally, the container handler is arranged for removing the lid from the opening, and optionally removing the further lid from the further opening, prior to decontamination.
Optionally, the container handler is arranged for gripping the container by the tray, by the lid, and by the optional further lid. Optionally, the container handler is arranged for griping a tab or rim of the lid. Optionally, the container handler is arranged for griping a tab or rim of the further lid. Optionally, the container handler is arranged for griping a tab or rim of the tray.
Optionally, the container handler is arranged for maintaining the tray in a position with the opening extending in an upright plane, and optionally the further opening extending in a further upright plane, while decontaminating.
Optionally, the decontamination unit is arranged for one or more of rinsing, washing, disinfecting, sterilizing, and drying.
Optionally, the decontamination device includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The container handler can be arranged for transporting the container from the first chamber to the second chamber. The decontamination device can be arranged for performing a first decontaminating in the first chamber and a second decontaminating in the second chamber.
Optionally, the decontamination device is arranged for closing the container such that a microbial barrier is formed preventing microbes from entering the inner space. Optionally, the decontamination device is arranged for hermetically closing the container. Optionally, the decontamination device includes a pump for reducing a gas pressure inside the container prior to closing the container.
Optionally, the decontamination device includes a reader arranged for reading decontamination instructions from a machine readable identification of the container.
According to an aspect, a method is provided for associating one or more reusable medical instruments with a container. It is for instance possible to associate a predetermined set of instruments with a predetermined container. Using a user interface, e.g. of a decontamination device, e.g. of a decontamination system, as described above, a record can be stored in a memory including data representative of the set of instruments and the container. The record can also include data representative of a machine readable identification of the container. The container can also include a human readable identifier, such as a name, a number, a code, a color, a drawing, or the like. It is also possible to associate a set of instruments with a predetermined type of container. For instance, a number of, e.g. five, types of container can be predefined. The container types can e.g. be recognizable by their human readable identifier, such as a colored label.
Using the user interface, processing instructions (such as which decontamination process steps to follow) can be inserted and/or selected. Data representative of the processing instructions can be stored in the record.
Once the medical instrument, or set of medical instruments is associated with a (type ol) container, the instrument(s) are intended to remain with that (type of) container. For example. The container including the decontaminated instrument(s) can be taken from the decontamination device, or from storage, and brought to a treatment space. There the decontaminated instrument(s) is (are) taken from the container (e.g. after inspection of the tamper evidence) and used for the procedure. After the procedure, the contaminated instrument(s) is (are) repositioned in the container. The container is presented at the decontamination device. For example, the reader of the decontamination device can determine the machine readable identification of the holder. From the memory the corresponding record is retrieved. The decontamination of the instrument(s) in the container can be performed using the processing instructions in the record. Hence, there is no need for entering processing instructions for the same instrument(s) each time the instrument(s) is (are) presented at the decontamination device.
According to an aspect a method is provided for reprocessing reusable medical instruments in a container. The container includes a tray and a lid. The tray includes one or more supports for supporting one or more medical instruments. The tray includes an opening for inserting therethrough the one or more medical instruments into an inner space of the tray. The lid is arranged for closing the opening. The method includes maintaining the tray in a position with the opening extending in an upright, plane while decontaminating.
Optionally, the medical instruments to be decontaminated are maintained in an upright position during decontamination. For generally elongate medical instruments, in the upright position, the main axis of elongation of the instrument, is upright, such as substantially vertical. Thus the contact, area of the instrument with the supports can be minimized. Especially when using jets during decontamination, and/or when using ultrasonic cleaning, the points of contact will change during decontamination, thus allowing full decontamination of the instrument.
It will be appreciated that any one or more of the above aspects, features and options can be combined. It will be appreciated that, any one of the options described in view of one of the aspects can be applied equally to any of the other aspects. It, will also be clear that all aspects, features and options described in view of the methods apply equally to the system, device and container, and vice versa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in a drawing. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustration. It is noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention that are given by way of non-limiting example.
In the drawing:
Fig. 1 shows an example of a container;
Fig. 2 shows an example of a container;
Fig. 3 shows an example of an exploded view of a container;
Fig. 4 shows an example of a decontamination device;
Figs. 5a-5g show examples of processing steps in an exemplary decontamination device; and
Fig. 6 shows an example of a decontamination device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of an example of a reprocessing container 1 for holding a reusable medical instrument 2. In the example of Figure 1 the container includes a tray 4. The tray includes supports 6 for supporting the medical instrument 2 or a plurality of medical instruments 2. Here the supports 6 include movable supports 6a arranged to be moved in an opened position for inserting the instrument, 2 and in a closed position for preventing the medical instrument, from falling out, of the tray, regardless of the orientation of the tray. In this example, the movable supports 6a are pivotally mounted to the tray 4 at, pivot points 6b. The tray includes a first opening 8. Here the first, opening 8 extends over the entire area formed by the inner surface of the circumferential wall 10 of the tray 4. Thus, in this example, the first opening 8 spans substantially the entire cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray 4. Thus, the instrument 2 or instruments 2, can easily be placed in an inner space 12 of the tray through the first, opening 8. In this example, the tray 4 further includes a bottom 15. When used for inserting medical instruments 2 into the container, and/or taking medical instruments 2 from the container, the container 1 will normally be placed with the bottom 15 resting on a carrier surface, such as a counter top or table top. Here the bottom 15 is integral with the circumferential wall 10.
Here, the container 1 includes a first, lid 14. The first lid is arranged for closing the first, opening 8. In this example, the first lid 14 includes a first circumferential seal 16. In normal use, with the bottom 15 facing downwards, opening the first, lid 14 allows easy access to the medical instrument,(s) 2 inside the container 1 via the first opening 8, which then extends on an upper side of the tray
4.
Figure 2 shows a schematic drawing of an example of a reprocessing container 1 for holding a reusable medical instrument 2. Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the container 1 of Figure 2. In this example the container includes a tray 4. The tray includes supports 6 for supporting the medical instrument 2 or a plurality of medical instruments 2. Here the supports 6 includes movable supports 6a for preventing the medical instrument from falling out of the tray, regardless of the orientation of the tray. In this example, the movable supports 6a are pivotally mounted to the tray 4 at pivot points 6b. The tray includes a first opening 8. Here the first opening 8 extends over the entire area formed by the inner surface of the circumferential wall 10 of the tray 4. Thus, in this example, the first opening 8 spans substantially the entire cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray 4. Thus, the instrument 2 or instruments 2, can easily be placed in an inner space 12 of the tray through the first opening 8.
Here, the container 1 includes a first lid 14. The first lid is arranged for closing the first opening 8. In this example, the first lid 14 includes a first circumferential seal 16.
In the example of Figure 2, the tray 4 includes a second opening 18.
Here the second opening 18 extends over the entire area formed by the inner surface of the circumferential wall 10 of the tray 4. Thus, in this example, the second opening 18 spans substantially the entire cross sectional area in top plan view of the tray 4. Here, the container 1 includes a second lid 20. The second lid 20 is arranged for closing the second opening 18. In this example, the second lid 20 includes a second circumferential seal 22.
When used for inserting medical instruments 2 into the container, and/or taking medical instruments 2 from the container, the container 1 will normally be placed with the second lid 20 resting on a carrier surface, such as a counter top or table top. The second lid 20 then acts as a bottom of the container 1.
In normal use, with the second lid 20 facing downwards, opening the first lid 14 allows easy access to the medical instrument(s) 2 inside the container 1 via the first opening 8, which then extends on an upper side of the tray 4.
In the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the container 1 can include a machine readable identification 34, here a radiofrequency identification, RFID. In these examples, the container 1 can also include a human readable identification 36, here a label.
Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an example of a decontamination device 24. The decontamination device 24 includes an entrance
26. The entrance 26 is arranged for inserting a container 1 into the decontamination device 24. As will be described below, the decontamination device can be used with a container 1 as described in view of Figure 1 and/or a container 1 as described in view of Figures 2 and 3. It will be appreciated that the decontamination device 24 in combination with one or more containers 1 forms a system for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument 2.
The decontamination device 24 includes a container handler 28 arranged for holding the container 1 in the decontamination device. The decontamination device 24 includes a decontamination unit 30 arranged for decontaminating the container 1 and the medical instrument 2. The decontamination device includes an exit 32 for removing the closed container 1 containing the decontaminated medical instrument 2 from the decontamination device.
In this example, the decontamination device 24 includes a reader 38 for reading the machine readable identification 34.
Here, the decontamination device 24 includes a processor 40. The processor 40 is communicatively connected with a memory 42. The processor 40 is communicatively connected with a user interface 44.
In this example the decontamination unit 30 includes a first chamber 30A and a second chamber 30B.
The decontamination device 24 as described thus far can be used as follows with reference to Figure 4 and Figures 5a-5g.
A container 1 and a medical instrument 2 to be decontaminated are presented at the decontamination device 24. In this example, the contaminated medical instrument 2 is included inside the inner space 12. Here, the container 1 is closed. The container 1 is presented at the entrance 26. The reader 38 reads the identification 34 of the container. In this example, a stack of containers 1 is presented at the entrance 26 (see Figure 4). Hence, a next container including an instrument 2 to be decontaminated can be placed on top of the stack and wait to be processed by the decontamination device 24.
In this example, the processor 40 retrieves from the memory 42 a record associated with the identification 34 of the container 1. In this example, the record includes data representative of processing instructions for the decontamination of the container 1. It is possible that data representative of the processing instructions is displayed on the user interface 44. For instance, the user interface may display a cleaning cycle as retrieved from the record. It will be appreciated that it is possible that the user interface 44 allows manual manipulation of the processing instructions. It is also possible that the processor 40 does not retrieve processing instructions from the memory 42, and that the user interface 44 prompts the user to enter processing instructions for the container.
The container 1 at the bottom of the stack is engaged by the container handler 28 (see Figure 5a). In this example, the container handler 28 includes a first jaw 48 arranged for engaging the tray 4, here at a rim 50 of the tray 4. In this example, the container handler 28 also includes a second jaw 52 arranged for engaging the first lid 14, here at a rim 53 of the first lid 14. The container handler 28 can include a third jaw 54 arranged for engaging the second lid 20, e.g. at a rim 56 of the second lid. It will be appreciated that if the decontamination device is arranged for solely processing containers as described in view of Figure 1, the third jaw 54 may be omitted.
In this example, the jaws 48, 52, 54 include grooved side members 70A, 70B arranged for engaging a front side 72A and a rear side 72B of the rims 50, 53, 56, respectively. Here the grooved side members 70B are biased by a resilient element 74, such as a spring, to close around the respective rim. By moving the grooved side members 70B against the biasing force, a distance between the grooved side members 70A, 70B can be enlarged for gripping the respective rim.
In this example, the container 1 is moved to the first chamber 30A while the container 1 is maintained in its closed state. Here the container handler 28 moves the container 1 from the bottom of the stack horizontally to above the second chamber 30A. Then the container handler 28 tilts the container 1 such that the openings 8, 18 (although still closed by the lids 14, 20) extend in a vertical plane (see Figure 5b). It will be appreciated that a deviation from exactly vertical is possible. Next, the container 1 is lowered into the first chamber 30A. It will be appreciated that the generally elongate medical instruments 2 are positioned in an upright position, with their longitudinal axis substantially vertical.
Once in the first chamber (or while or before entering the first chamber) the first lid 14 is moved away from the first opening 8 by the second jaw 52 and the second lid 20 is moved away from the second opening 18 by the third jaw 54 (see Figure 5c). In this example, walls 58 of the first chamber 30A include guide grooves 60A, 60B, 600. The first guide groove 60A guides the first jaw 48 when entering the first chamber 30A. Here, the first guide groove 60A guides the first jaw 48 along a straight line. The second guide groove 60B guides the second jaw 52 when entering the first chamber 30A. Here, the second guide groove 60B guides the second jaw 52 along a curved line. The curved line of the second guide groove 60B moves the first lid 14 away from the first opening 8, effectively opening the first opening 8. The third guide groove 60C guides the third jaw 54 when entering the first chamber 30A. Here, the third guide groove 60C guides the third jaw 54 along a curved line. The curved line of the third guide groove 60C moves the second lid 20 away from the second opening 18, effectively opening the second opening 18.
Now the container 1 is in the first chamber 30A in an opened state. The internal faces of the container, and the contained instrument(s) can be decontaminated. It will be appreciated that in this example, the external faces of the container can also be decontaminated.
In this example, decontamination includes the following process steps. In this example, a first process step is rinsing. For rinsing, jets of a liquid, such as cold water, are directed at the internals of the container 1. During rinsing, the container 1 may be moved up and down relative to the jets to improve rinsing. In this example, a second process step is washing. For washing, in this example the first chamber 30A is filled with a washing liquid to a level that is sufficient for submerging the entire container. During washing, ultrasonic cleaning may be used in the liquid bath in which the container and instruments are submerged. In this example, a third process step is disinfecting. For disinfecting, in this example, jets of a liquid, such as hot water containing a disinfectant, are directed at the internals of the container 1. During disinfecting, the container 1 may be moved up and down relative to the jets. In this example, a fourth process step is drying. For drying, a drying gas, such as hot air, is flown through the opened container.
It will be appreciated that in view of the above process steps, the decontamination device can include one or more nozzles for generating jets, rinsing liquid supply means, washing liquid supply means, disinfection liquid supply means, liquid pumps for feeding the nozzles, liquid pumps for filling the chamber, liquid pumps for emptying the chamber, liquid heating means, gas heating means, blowing means, and an ultrasound transducer.
The nozzles can be placed on a structure extending from a bottom of the first chamber (see Figure 6). The structure can be arranged such that the tray 4 passes the structure on one side and the first or second lid passes the structure on an opposite side. Hence, the structure is interposed between the tray and the first or second lid when the container is in its opened state in the first chamber. This allows efficient positioning of the nozzles close to the tray, lid and medical instruments. It will be appreciated that a first such structure can be interposed between the first lid and the tray and a second such structure can be interposed between the second lid and the tray. It is also possible that one or more ultrasound transducers are positioned on the structure(s).
It will be appreciated that the decontamination process may be modified to suit the decontamination needs of the medical instruments included in the container. For example, one or more process steps may be omitted if desired. It is also possible that process parameters, such as liquid temperature, jet pressure, jet duration, ultrasound intensity, ultrasound duration, movement of the container during rinsing, washing, disinfecting and/or drying, gas temperature, etc. may be varied according to need.
In this example after drying the container 1 is removed from the first chamber 30A. Here, during lifting of the container 1 out of the chamber 30A, the guide grooves 60A, 60B, 60C cause the container 1 to be closed again. Thus, the decontaminated closed container is provided at this point. In this example, the container 1 is transported (see Figure 5d) towards a labelling unit 62 (see Figure 5e). The labelling unit 62 is arranged for applying a label 64 to the container 1, here to the first lid 14. The label 64 can include human readable indications. The human readable indications can e.g. include information on the decontamination process performed on the (contents of the) container. The information can e.g. include a processing date and/or an expiration date.
In this example, the container 1 is lowered into the second chamber 30B for performing a further process step (see Figure 5f). Once in the second chamber (or while or before entering the second chamber) the first, lid 14 is moved away from the first, opening 8 by the second jaw 52 and the second lid 20 is moved away from the second opening 18 by the third jaw 54. In this example, walls 66 of the second chamber 30B include guide grooves 68A, 68B, 68C. The first guide groove 68A guides the first, jaw 48 when entering the second chamber 30B. Here, the first guide groove 68A guides the first jaw 48 along a straight line. The second guide groove 68B guides the second jaw 52 when entering the second chamber 30B. Here, the second guide groove 68B guides the second jaw 52 along a curved line. The curved line of the second guide groove 68B moves the first lid 14 away from the first opening 8, effectively opening the first opening 8. The third guide groove 68C guides the third jaw 54 when entering the second chamber 30B. Here, the third guide groove 68C guides the third jaw 54 along a curved line. The curved line of the third guide groove 68C moves the second lid 20 away from the second opening 18, effectively opening the second opening 18.
In the second chamber 30B in this example, a fifth process step is performed. In this example, the fifth process step is sterilizing. For sterilizing, in this example, the second chamber 30B is filled with a sterilizing gas, e.g. containing ozone. It will be appreciated that, information on sterilization can also be included on the label 64. The label may be applied to the container before sterilization or after sterilization.
In this example, a sixth process step is evacuation. Here, the second chamber is evacuated, e.g. to a predetermined pressure below ambient pressure. In this example during lifting of the container 1 in the second chamber 30B, the guide grooves 68A, 68B, 68C cause the container 1 to he closed again. Here, the container is closed inside the second chamber 30B while evacuated. Thus, the closed container includes gas, such as air or a protective gas, below ambient pressure. The container 1 can include an indicator arranged for indicating whether or not the pressure inside the container is below a predetermined threshold pressure. Thus, the sterilized closed container is provided at this point. In this example, the container 1 is transported to the exit 32 (see Figure 5g). In this example, the container is placed at the bottom of a stack of containers at the exit 32. The container can be retrieved from the exit 32, e.g. manually.
The decontamination method as described above can be used as follows.
In an example, an association is made of a predetermined set of medical instruments with a predetermined container or a predetermined type of container. The predetermined set of instruments can e.g. be a set required for performing a certain procedure on a patient. The predetermined container can he an identifiable container, e.g. a container having a predetermined indicator such as a number, a letter, a code, a color, an icon, a drawing, or the like on an external surface.
The association of the predetermined set of medical instruments with a predetermined container or a predetermined type of container is stored in the memory 42 of the decontamination device, or is stored in a remote memory and is retrievable by the processor 40, e.g. via a communications network, such as an intranet or the internet. The association is stored in a record in memory. The record can include data representative of the set of instruments and the container. The record can also include data representative of a machine readable identification of the container. The record can include processing instructions (such as which decontamination process steps to follow, and using which parameters). It is possible that for a new association, such record can be created using the user interface 44. It is also possible that an existing association can be modified using the user interface 44.
In the above example, when the reader 38 recognizes the container 1, the record can be retrieved from memory and the processing steps for the instruments in that container are automatically loaded in the processor 40. It will be appreciated that it is possible that the user interface provides the possibility of manually modifying or overriding the retrieved processing steps.
Once the medical instrument, or set of medical instruments is associated with a (type of) container, the instrument(s) are intended to remain with that (type of) container. For example. The container including the decontaminated instrument(s) can be taken from the decontamination device, or from storage, and brought to a treatment space. There the decontaminated instrument(s) is (are) taken from the container (e.g after inspection of the tamper evidence) and used for the procedure. After the procedure, the contaminated instrument,(s) is (are) repositioned in the container. The container with the contaminated instruments can then be presented at the decontamination device again.
Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes maybe made therein, without, departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate examples or embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.
In the examples, the process steps rinsing, washing, disinfecting and drying are performed in the first, chamber, while sterilizing and evacuating is performed in the second chamber. It, will be appreciated that it is also possible that, the process steps are assigned to the chambers differently. It, will be appreciated that, it is also possible that, all process steps are performed in one single chamber. It, is also possible that more than two chambers are used for performing the process steps. It will be appreciated that, one or more of the process steps may be omitted in view of the requirements of the medical instrument, to be decontaminated.
Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident, that various modifications, variations, alternatives and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part, of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged and understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. The specifications, figures and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit, and scope of the appended claims. Further, many of the elements that, are described are functional entities that may he implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, hut instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims (56)

ConclusiesConclusions 1. Een werkwijze voor het herverwerken van een herbruikbaar medisch instrument, omvattende:A method for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument, comprising: het, verschaffen van een houder omvattende een tray en een deksel, waarbij de tray een of meer steunen omvat welke het, medische instrument steunen, waarbij de tray een opening heeft voor het daardoorheen inbrengen van het medische instrument, in een binnenruimte van de tray, en waarbij de deksel is ingericht om de opening te sluiten;providing a container comprising a tray and a lid, wherein the tray comprises one or more supports which support the medical instrument, wherein the tray has an opening for inserting the medical instrument therethrough into an interior space of the tray, and wherein the lid is adapted to close the opening; het inbrengen van de houder in een decontaminatie-inrichting; het, in de decontaminatie-inrichting decont,animeren van de tray, de deksel en het medische instrument terwijl de deksel zich van de opening af bevindt;inserting the container into a decontamination device; animating, in the decontamination device, the tray, the lid and the medical instrument while the lid is away from the opening; het, in de decontaminatie-inrichting door middel van een houderhanteerinrichting van de decontaminatie-inrichting sluiten van de houder door het, sluiten van de deksel op de tray om de opening te sluiten; en het verwijderen van de gesloten houder welke het, gedecont,ambieerde medische instrument, omvat, uit, de decontaminatie-inrichting.closing the container in the decontamination device by means of a container handling device of the decontamination device by closing the lid on the tray to close the opening; and removing the closed container comprising the decontaminated ambitious medical device from the decontamination device. 2. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de houder een verdere deksel omvat, waarbij de tray een verdere opening heeft, bij voorkeur tegenover de eerste opening, waarbij de werkwijze omvat, het in de decontaminatie-inrichting decontamineren van de tray, de deksel, de verdere deksel en het medische instrument terwijl de deksel zich van de opening af bevindt, en de verdere deksel zich van de verdere opening af bevindt; en het in de decontaminatie-inrichting door middel van de houderhanteerinrichting sluiten van de deksel op de tray om de opening te sluiten, en sluiten van de verdere deksel op de tray om de verdere opening te sluiten.Method according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a further lid, wherein the tray has a further opening, preferably opposite the first opening, the method comprising decontaminating the tray, the lid, the lid in the decontamination device further lid and the medical device while the lid is away from the opening, and the further lid away from the further opening; and closing the lid on the tray in the decontamination device by means of the container handling device to close the opening, and closing the further lid on the tray to close the further opening. 3. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij de stap van het inbrengen omvat het inbrengen van de houder in de decontaminatie-inrichting terwijl de deksel en de optionele verdere deksel op de tray zijn gesloten.The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of inserting comprises introducing the container into the decontamination device while the lid and the optional further lid are closed on the tray. 4. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 3, omvattende het in de decontaminatieinrichting verwijderen van de deksel van de opening, en optioneel het verwijderen van de verdere deksel van de verdere opening.Method according to claim 3, comprising removing the lid from the opening in the decontamination device, and optionally removing the further lid from the further opening. 5. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 1 - 4, omvattende dat de houderhanteerinrichting de houder grijpt aan de tray, aan de deksel, en aan de optionele verdere deksel.The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the container handling device engaging the container on the tray, on the lid, and on the optional further lid. 6. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 1 - 5, omvattende het in een rechtopstaande stand houden van de tray met de opening zich uitstrekkend in een rechtopstaand vlak, en waarbij optioneel de verdere opening zich uitstrekt in een verder rechtopstaand vlak, tijdens decontaminatie.A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising holding the tray in an upright position with the opening extending in an upright plane, and wherein optionally the further opening extends in a further upright plane, during decontamination. 7. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 1 - 6, waarbij het decontamineren een of meer omvat van het spoelen, het wassen, het desinfecteren, het steriliseren en het drogen.The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the decontamination comprises one or more of the rinsing, washing, disinfecting, sterilizing and drying. 8. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 7, omvattende het uitvoeren van het wassen in een eerste kamer van de decontaminatie-inrichting, en het uitvoeren van het steriliseren in een tweede kamer van de decontaminatie-inrichting.The method of claim 7, comprising performing washing in a first chamber of the decontamination device, and performing sterilizing in a second chamber of the decontamination device. 9. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 1 - 8, waarbij de stap van het sluiten omvat het sluiten van de houder zodanig dat een microhiële barrière wordt gevormd welke voorkomt dat microben de binnenruimte binnentreden.The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closing step comprises closing the container such that a microhial barrier is formed which prevents microbes from entering the interior space. 10. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 1 - 9, waarbij de stap van het sluiten het hermetisch sluiten van de houder omvat.The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the closing step comprises hermetically closing the container. 11. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 10, verder omvattende het verminderen van de gasdruk in de houder voorafgaand aan het sluiten van de houder.The method of claim 10, further comprising reducing the gas pressure in the container prior to closing the container. 12. Werkwijze volgens een der conclusies 1-11, omvattende dat de decontaminatie-inrichting decontaminatie-instructies uit een identificatie van de houder leest.The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the decontamination device reads decontamination instructions from an identification of the container. 13. Een systeem voor het herverwerken van een herbruikbaar medisch instrument, omvattende van een decontaminatie-inrichting en een houder, de houder omvattende een tray en een deksel, waarbij de tray een of meer steunen omvat voor het steunen van een of meer medische instrumenten, waarbij de tray een opening heeft voor het daardoorheen inbrengen van de een of meer medische instrumenten in een binnenruimte van de tray, en de deksel ingericht is om de opening te sluiten;A system for reprocessing a reusable medical instrument comprising a decontamination device and a container, the container comprising a tray and a lid, wherein the tray comprises one or more supports for supporting one or more medical instruments, wherein the tray has an opening for inserting the one or more medical instruments therethrough into an interior space of the tray, and the lid is adapted to close the opening; de decontaminatie-inrichting omvattende:the decontamination device comprising: - een ingang voor het inbrengen van de houder in de decontaminatie inrichting;- an entrance for introducing the container into the decontamination device; - een houder-hanteerinrichting ingericht voor het houden van de houder in de decontaminatie-inrichting;- a container handling device adapted to hold the container in the decontamination device; - een decontaminatie-eenheid ingericht voor het decontamineren van de tray, de deksel en het, medische instrument,; en- a decontamination unit adapted to decontaminate the tray, the lid and the medical instrument; and - een uitgang voor het, verwijderen van de gesloten houder omvattende het gereinigde medische instrument uit de decontaminatie-inrichting;- an outlet for removing the closed container comprising the cleaned medical instrument from the decontamination device; waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting is ingericht om de deksel op afstand van de opening te houden tijdens decontaminatie; en waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het sluiten van de houder door de deksel op de tray te sluiten na decontaminatie.wherein the container handling device is adapted to keep the lid spaced from the opening during decontamination; and wherein the container handling device is adapted to close the container by closing the lid on the tray after decontamination. 14. Systeem volgens conclusie 13, waarbij de houder een verdere deksel omvat, waarbij de tray een verdere opening heeft, bij voorkeur tegenover de eerste opening;14. System as claimed in claim 13, wherein the holder comprises a further lid, wherein the tray has a further opening, preferably opposite the first opening; waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting verder is ingericht, om de verdere deksel weg van de verdere opening te houden tijdens decontaminatie; en waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting verder is ingericht voor het sluiten van de houder door de verdere deksel op de tray te sluiten na decontaminatie.wherein the container handling device is further adapted to keep the further lid away from the further opening during decontamination; and wherein the container handling device is further adapted to close the container by closing the further lid on the tray after decontamination. 15. Systeem volgens conclusie 13 of 14, waarbij de ingang is ingericht voor het, ontvangen van de houder terwijl de deksel, en de optionele verdere deksel, op de tray zijn gesloten.The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the input is adapted to receive the container while the lid, and the optional further lid, are closed on the tray. 16. Systeem volgens conclusie 15, waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het verwijderen van de deksel uit de opening, en optioneel het, verwijderen van de verdere deksel van de verdere opening, voorafgaand aan decontaminatie.The system of claim 15, wherein the container handling device is adapted to remove the lid from the opening, and optionally, remove the further lid from the further opening, prior to decontamination. 17. Systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 16, waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het grijpen van de houder aan de tray, aan de deksel, en aan de optionele verdere deksel.17. System as claimed in any of the claims 13-16, wherein the holder handling device is adapted for gripping the holder on the tray, on the lid, and on the optional further lid. 18. Systeem volgens conclusie 17, waarbij de deksel een lip of rand omvat welke is ingericht om te worden gegrepen door de houder-hanteerinrichting.The system of claim 17, wherein the lid comprises a lip or rim adapted to be grasped by the container handling device. 19. Systeem volgens conclusie 17 of 18, waarbij de verdere deksel een lip of rand omvat welke is ingericht om te worden gegrepen door de houderhanteerinrichting.A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the further lid comprises a lip or rim which is adapted to be grasped by the container handling device. 20. Systeem volgens conclusie 17, 18 of 19, waarbij de tray een lip of rand omvat welke is ingericht, om te worden gegrepen door de houder-hanteerinrichting.The system of claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein the tray comprises a lip or rim that is adapted to be grasped by the container handling device. 21. Systeem volgens een der conclusies 13-20, waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht om de tray rechtop te houden waarbij de opening zich uitstrekt in een rechtopstaand vlak, en optioneel de verdere opening zich uitstrekt, in een verder rechtopstaand vlak, tijdens decontaminatie.The system of any one of claims 13-20, wherein the container handling device is adapted to hold the tray upright with the opening extending in an upright plane, and optionally the further opening extending in a further upright plane during decontamination. 22. Systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 21, waarbij de decontaminatieeenheid is ingericht voor een of meer van het, spoelen, het wassen, het desinfecteren, het, steriliseren en het drogen.The system of any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the decontamination unit is arranged for one or more of the rinsing, washing, disinfecting, sterilizing and drying. 23. Systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 22, waarbij de decontaminatieinrichting een eerste kamer en een tweede kamer omvat, waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het transporteren van de houder van de eerste kamer naar de tweede kamer, waarbij de decontaminatie-inrichting is ingericht voor het uitvoeren van een eerste decontaminatie in de eerste kamer en een tweede decontaminatie in de tweede kamer.A system according to any of claims 13 - 22, wherein the decontamination device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the container handling device is adapted to transport the container from the first chamber to the second chamber, the decontamination device being arranged for performing a first decontamination in the first chamber and a second decontamination in the second chamber. 24. Systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 23, waarbij het decontaminatiesysteem is ingericht, om de houder te sluiten zodanig dat een microbiële barrière wordt, gevormd welke voorkomt dat microben de binnenruimte binnentreden.The system of any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the decontamination system is arranged to close the container such that a microbial barrier is formed which prevents microbes from entering the interior space. 25. Systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 24, waarbij het decontaminatiesysteem is ingericht voor het hermetisch sluiten van de houder.25. System as claimed in any of the claims 13-24, wherein the decontamination system is adapted for hermetically closing the container. 26. Systeem volgens conclusie 25, verder omvattende pompmiddelen voor het verminderen van een gasdruk in de houder voorafgaand aan het sluiten van de houder.The system of claim 25, further comprising pumping means for reducing a gas pressure in the container prior to closing the container. 27. Systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 26, omvattende een lezer ingericht voor het lezen van decontaminatie-instructies uit een identificatie van de houder.A system according to any one of claims 13 - 26, comprising a reader adapted to read decontamination instructions from an identification of the holder. 28. Een houder van het systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 27.A holder of the system according to any of claims 13 to 27. 29. Een decontaminatie-inrichting van het systeem volgens een der conclusies 13 - 27.A decontamination device of the system according to any of claims 13 - 27. 30. Een herverwerkingshouder voor het houden van een herbruikbaar medisch instrument, omvattende:30. A reprocessing container for holding a reusable medical instrument, comprising: een tray omvattende: een binnenruimte;a tray comprising: an interior space; - een of meer steunen voor het steunen van een of meer medische instrumenten;- one or more supports for supporting one or more medical instruments; - een eerste opening aan een eerste zijde en een tweede opening aan een tegenoverliggende tweede zijde, voor het inbrengen van een medisch instrument in de binnenruimte door ten minste een van de eerste en tweede openingen;- a first opening on a first side and a second opening on an opposite second side, for introducing a medical instrument into the inner space through at least one of the first and second openings; een eerste deksel om de eerste opening te sluiten; en een tweede deksel om de tweede opening te sluiten.a first lid to close the first opening; and a second lid to close the second opening. 31. Houder volgens conclusie 30, waarbij de eerste opening in hoofdzaak het gehele dwarsdoorsnede-oppervlak van de tray overspant.The container of claim 30, wherein the first opening substantially spans the entire cross-sectional area of the tray. 32. Houder volgens conclusie 30 of 31, waarbij de tweede opening in hoofdzaak het gehele dwarsdoorsnede-oppervlak van de tray overspant.The container of claim 30 or 31, wherein the second opening substantially spans the entire cross-sectional area of the tray. 33. Houder volgens een der conclusies 30 - 32, waarbij de eerste deksel een lip of rand omvat welke is ingericht om te worden gegrepen.A container as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the first cover comprises a lip or rim which is adapted to be gripped. 34. Houder volgens een der conclusies 30 - 33, waarbij de tweede deksel een lip of rand omvat welke is ingericht om te worden gegrepen.A container as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the second lid comprises a lip or rim which is adapted to be gripped. 35. Houder volgens een der conclusies 30 - 34, waarbij de tray een lip of rand omvat welke is opgesteld om te worden gegrepen.The container of any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the tray comprises a lip or rim that is arranged to be gripped. 36. Houder volgens conclusie 35, waarbij de lip of rand van de tray excentrisch is gepositioneerd ten opzichte van een middenvlak welke halverwege tussen de eerste en tweede openingen loopt.The container of claim 35, wherein the lip or edge of the tray is eccentrically positioned with respect to a center plane which runs midway between the first and second openings. 37. Houder volgens een der conclusies 30 - 36, waarbij de houder is ingericht om zodanig te worden gesloten dat een microbiële barrière wordt gevormd welke voorkomt, dat microben de binnenruimte binnentreden.The container of any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the container is arranged to be closed such that a microbial barrier is formed which prevents microbes from entering the interior space. 38. Houder volgens een der conclusies 30 - 37, waarbij de houder is ingericht om hermetisch te worden afgesloten.The container of any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the container is adapted to be hermetically sealed. 39. Houder volgens conclusie 38, waarbij de houder is ingericht om binnen een verminderde gasdruk te handhaven.The container of claim 38, wherein the container is adapted to maintain within a reduced gas pressure. 40. Houder volgens conclusie 39, omvattende een manipulatieaantoonmaatregel ingericht om zich in een eerste stand te bevinden wanneer de verminderde gasdruk aanwezig is binnen de houder, en in een tweede stand wanneer omgevingsdruk aanwezig is in de houder.A container according to claim 39, comprising a manipulation detection measure adapted to be in a first position when the reduced gas pressure is present within the container, and in a second position when ambient pressure is present in the container. 41. Houder volgens een der conclusies 30 - 40, omvattende een machineleesbare identificatie.A container as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 40, comprising a machine-readable identification. 42. Een decontaminatie-inrichting voor het herverwerken van een herbruikbaar medisch instrument in een houder, waarbij de houder een tray en een deksel omvat, waarbij de tray een of meer steunen omvat voor het steunen van een of meer medische instrumenten, waarbij de tray een opening heeft voor het daardoorheen inbrengen van de een of meer medische instrumenten in een binnenruimte van de tray, en waarbij de deksel ingericht is voor het sluiten van de opening, waarbij de decontaminatie-inrichting omvat:42. A decontamination device for reprocessing a reusable medical device in a container, the container comprising a tray and a lid, the tray comprising one or more supports for supporting one or more medical instruments, the tray containing a has an opening for inserting one or more medical instruments therethrough into an interior space of the tray, and wherein the lid is adapted to close the opening, the decontamination device comprising: een ingang voor het ontvangen van de houder in de decontaminatieinrichting;an entrance for receiving the container in the decontamination device; een houder-hanteerinrichting ingericht, voor het, houden van de houder in de decontaminatie-inrichting;a container handling device adapted to hold the container in the decontamination device; een decontaminatie-eenheid ingericht voor het decontamineren van de tray, de deksel en het medische instrument; en een uitgang voor het verwijderen van de gesloten houder omvattende het gereinigde medische instrument uit de decontaminatie-inrichting;a decontamination unit adapted to decontaminate the tray, the lid and the medical instrument; and an outlet for removing the closed container comprising the cleaned medical instrument from the decontamination device; waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting is ingericht, om de deksel van de opening af te houden tijdens decontaminatie; en waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het sluiten van de houder door de deksel op de tray te sluiten na decontaminatie.wherein the container handling device is adapted to keep the lid off the opening during decontamination; and wherein the container handling device is adapted to close the container by closing the lid on the tray after decontamination. 43. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens conclusie 42, ingericht voor het ontvangen van een houder omvattende een verdere deksel, waarbij de tray een verdere opening heeft, bij voorkeur tegenover de eerste opening;A decontamination device according to claim 42, adapted to receive a container comprising a further lid, wherein the tray has a further opening, preferably opposite the first opening; waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting verder is ingericht om de verdere deksel van de verdere opening af te houden tijdens decontaminatie; en waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting verder is ingericht voor het sluiten van de houder door de verdere deksel op de tray te sluiten na decontaminatie.wherein the container handling device is further adapted to keep the further lid away from the further opening during decontamination; and wherein the container handling device is further adapted to close the container by closing the further lid on the tray after decontamination. 44. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens conclusie 42 of 43, waarbij de ingang is ingericht voor het ontvangen van de houder terwijl de deksel, en de optionele verdere deksel, op de tray wordt gesloten.The decontamination device of claim 42 or 43, wherein the entrance is adapted to receive the container while the lid, and the optional further lid, is closed on the tray. 45. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens conclusie 44, waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht, voor het verwijderen van de deksel van de opening, en het optioneel verwijderen van de verdere deksel van de verdere opening, voorafgaand aan decontaminatie.The decontamination device of claim 44, wherein the container handling device is adapted to remove the lid from the opening and optionally remove the further lid from the further opening prior to decontamination. 46. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens een der conclusies 42 - 45, waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het grijpen van de houder aan de tray, aan de deksel, en aan de optionele verdere deksel.A decontamination device as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the container handling device is adapted to grip the container on the tray, on the lid, and on the optional further lid. 47. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens conclusie 46, waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het grijpen van een lip of rand van de deksel.The decontamination device of claim 46, wherein the container handling device is adapted to grip a lip or edge of the lid. 48. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens conclusie 46 of 47, waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het grijpen van een lip of rand van de verdere deksel.The decontamination device of claim 46 or 47, wherein the container handling device is adapted to grip a lip or edge of the further lid. 49. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens conclusie 46, 47 of 48, waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het grijpen van een lip of rand van de tray.The decontamination device of claim 46, 47 or 48, wherein the container handling device is adapted to grip a lip or edge of the tray. 50. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens een der conclusies 42 - 49, waarbij de houder-hanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het in een rechtopstaande stand houden van de tray met de opening zich uitstrekkend in een rechtopstaand vlak, en waarbij optioneel de verdere opening zich uitstrekt in een verder rechtopstaand vlak, tijdens decontaminatie.A decontamination device as claimed in any one of claims 42 - 49, wherein the container handling device is adapted to hold the tray in an upright position with the opening extending in an upright plane, and wherein the further opening optionally extends in a furthermore upright, during decontamination. 51. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens een der conclusies 42 - 50, waarbij de decontaminatie-eenheid is ingericht voor een of meer van het spoelen, het wassen, het desinfecteren, het steriliseren en het drogen.The decontamination device according to any of claims 42 to 50, wherein the decontamination unit is adapted for one or more of the rinsing, washing, disinfecting, sterilizing and drying. 52. Decontaminatie-inrichting volgens een der conclusies 42 - 51, omvattende een eerste kamer en een tweede kamer, waarbij de houderhanteerinrichting is ingericht voor het transporteren van de houder van de eerste kamer naar de tweede kamer, waarbij de deeontaminatie-inrichting is ingericht voor het uitvoeren van een eerste decontaminatie in de eerste kamer en een tweede decontaminatie in de tweede kamer.A decontamination device as claimed in any one of claims 42 - 51, comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the container handling device is adapted for transporting the container from the first chamber to the second chamber, the deontamination device being adapted for performing a first decontamination in the first chamber and a second decontamination in the second chamber. 53. Deeontaminatie-inrichting volgens een der conclusies 42 - 52, ingericht voor het sluiten van de houder zodanig dat een microbiële barrière wordt gevormd welke voorkomt dat microben de binnenruimte binnentreden.A deontamination device according to any one of claims 42 - 52, adapted to close the container such that a microbial barrier is formed which prevents microbes from entering the interior space. 54. Deeontaminatie-inrichting volgens één der conclusies 42 - 53, ingericht voor het hermetisch sluiten van de houder.A deeontamination device as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 53, adapted for hermetically closing the container. 55. Deeontaminatie-inrichting volgens conclusie 54, verder omvattende pompmiddelen voor het verminderen van een gasdruk binnen de houder voorafgaand aan het sluiten van de houder.The decontamination device of claim 54, further comprising pumping means for reducing a gas pressure within the container prior to closing the container. 56. Deeontaminatie-inrichting volgens een der conclusies 42 - 55, omvattende een lezer ingericht voor het lezen van decontaminatie-instructies uit een identificatie van de houder.A deeontamination device as claimed in any one of claims 42 - 55, comprising a reader adapted to read decontamination instructions from an identification of the holder. 1/121/12 ΊΊ
NL2020655A 2018-03-23 2018-03-23 A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments NL2020655B1 (en)

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NL2020655A NL2020655B1 (en) 2018-03-23 2018-03-23 A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments
AU2019239007A AU2019239007A1 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-03-22 A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments
US16/982,731 US20210002013A1 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-03-22 A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments
PCT/NL2019/050179 WO2019182449A1 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-03-22 A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments
EP19720185.8A EP3768190B1 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-03-22 A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments
CA3094316A CA3094316A1 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-03-22 A method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments
JP2021500773A JP7399936B2 (en) 2018-03-23 2019-03-22 Method and system for reprocessing reusable medical devices
CN201980034507.XA CN112188871A (en) 2018-03-23 2019-03-22 Method and system for reprocessing reusable medical instruments

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US20080236631A1 (en) * 2007-03-30 2008-10-02 Szu-Min Lin Washer and decontaminator with lid control
US20100065456A1 (en) * 2008-09-15 2010-03-18 Straumann Holding Ag Cassette for storage of medical instruments
US20100154353A1 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-06-24 Cesa Joseph A Single Use Sterilization Container
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080236631A1 (en) * 2007-03-30 2008-10-02 Szu-Min Lin Washer and decontaminator with lid control
US20100065456A1 (en) * 2008-09-15 2010-03-18 Straumann Holding Ag Cassette for storage of medical instruments
US20100154353A1 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-06-24 Cesa Joseph A Single Use Sterilization Container
US20140077435A1 (en) * 2012-09-14 2014-03-20 Andrew Powell Sterilization Base-Tray with Internal Frame and Integrated Latching and Intrument Retention System

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