摘要:
A method detects proper connection of an endoscope to an endoscope processor by measuring pressure pulses applied to the connection point. The method can include measuring for the pressure pulses at a second connection point on the endoscope processor and measuring for a beat frequency produced variations in the frequency of pressure pulses input at each connection point. The method can also include looking for echoes of the pressure pulsations from physical structures within a lumen of the endoscope connected to the connection point.
摘要:
The present invention provides a power feedback control system for controllably maintaining a predetermined average power value of a power applied to a plasma of a sterilization system. The power has a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The power feedback control system includes a power monitor including a current monitor and a voltage monitor. The current monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of a current applied to the plasma. The voltage monitor is adapted to produce a second signal indicative of a voltage applied to the plasma. The power monitor is adapted to produce a third signal in response to the first signal and second signal. The third signal is indicative of the power applied to the plasma. The power feedback control system further includes a power control module adapted to produce a fourth signal in response to the third signal from the power monitor and to a reference signal corresponding to the predetermined average power value. The power feedback control system further includes a power controller adapted to adjust, in response to the fourth signal, the power applied to the plasma to maintain the predetermined average power value of the power applied to the plasma.
摘要:
A smoke extraction device for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The smoke extraction device includes an elongated body portion defining a first lumen having first and second ends. The first end of the first lumen is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum. A channel portion defining a second lumen is connected to the body portion. The channel portion defines a second lumen and includes an inlet opening which communicates with the first and second lumens. An attachment member is operatively secured to the elongated body portion. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the smoke extraction device to a surgical instrument having a distally extending tool member. The attachment member is positioned on the elongated body such that when the smoke extractor device is releasably secured to a surgical instrument, the inlet opening of the channel portion is positioned below the tool member.
摘要:
An endoscope processor, according to the present invention, provides for cleaning and sterilizing an endoscope having a body, and a first flexible tube attached to the body. It includes an operational housing and an enclosure which is attachable to and detachable from the operational housing, the enclosure being sealed from ingress of potentially contaminating microorganisms when detached from the operational housing. The enclosure is shaped, sized and oriented to receive the endoscope in an orientation with the first flexible tube depending vertically downwardly from the endoscope body. The enclosure includes a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The operational housing includes a circulating system comprising at least one liquid pump having a pump outlet connected to the liquid inlet of the enclosure when the enclosure is attached to the operational housing, and a pump inlet connected to the liquid outlet of the enclosure when the enclosure is attached to the operational housing, whereby to circulate liquid through the enclosure. A source of sterilizing fluid is associated with the pump and a control system is programmed to control a sterilization procedure whereby the pump circulates a liquid comprising the sterilizing fluid through the enclosure.
摘要:
Provided is a method of decontaminating an area, and related device. The method comprises releasing a germicidal agent into the area from a germicidal source, controlling the germicidal agent concentration in the area to a predetermined concentration that does not exceed a Permissible Exposure Limit, and contacting microorganisms in the area with the germicidal agent to decontaminate the area. The device comprises a releasing mechanism configured to release a germicidal agent from a germicidal source at a predetermined concentration into the area such that the predetermined concentration of germicidal agent in the area does not exceed a Permissible Exposure Limit.
摘要:
A sterilization system and method applies low frequency power to a plasma within a vacuum chamber to remove gas or vapor species from an article. The sterilization system includes a switching module adapted to pulsate the low frequency power applied to the plasma and a low frequency power feedback control system for controllably adjusting the low frequency power applied to the plasma. A power monitor is adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the low frequency power applied to the plasma within the vacuum chamber. A power control module is adapted to produce a second signal in response to the first signal from the power monitor, and a power controller is adapted to adjust, in response to the second signal, the low frequency power applied to the plasma to maintain a substantially stable average low frequency power applied to the plasma while the article is being processed.
摘要:
A method and system for sterilizing an article is provided that includes use of a low frequency (LF) gas discharge plasma. The method includes placing the article in a vacuum chamber and evacuating the vacuum chamber to a predetermined pressure. Gas or vapor species are introduced into the vacuum chamber, and a low frequency plasma is generated within the vacuum chamber, the low frequency plasma having a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz. The low frequency plasma is maintained for a time period sufficient to substantially remove gas or vapor species from the article. The sterilization system includes a vacuum chamber coupled to a vacuum pump and a vent, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The sterilization system further includes a first region within the vacuum chamber, the first region including a region between the first and second electrodes, and a second region within the vacuum chamber, the second region being in fluid communication with the first region. The sterilization system further includes a source of reactive agent species coupled to the vacuum chamber, a process control monitor, and a low frequency power module including components adapted to apply a low frequency voltage between the first electrode and second electrode to generate a low frequency plasma in the vacuum chamber, the low frequency voltage having a frequency of from 0 to approximately 200 kHz.
摘要:
A surgical system has a multiple electrode electrosurgical capability in combination with a gas plasma capability for delivery of electrosurgical energy to the tissue or bodily fluids of a patient. The system includes a holder, a source of electrical energy, electrodes connected to the source of electrical energy, one or more passages carried on the holder for transporting ionizable gas, and a source of ionizable gas of a selectable flow rate. The gas passages may include at least one electrode extending toward the operative site. The gas passages may include a part that creates a vortex in the gas flow. The electrodes may be coaxially placed in the gas passages. The system may also be configured such that two electrodes are each shrouded by the ionized gas so that the electrosurgical energy is conducted to the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site by passing along conductive pathways in the ionized gas from each electrode. There may also be a dielectric barrier between the conductive pathways. The system may also be configured such that one of the multiple electrodes is substantially in contact with the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site and another of the multiple electrodes is in the circuit through the conductive pathway of the ionized gas flow so that electrosurgical energy is conducted through the tissue or bodily fluids of the operative site and between the electrodes. Methods of manufacture and use for the system are also claimed.
摘要:
A method of reducing the concentration of disinfectant in an environment having a concentration of disinfectant of about 500 ppm or less for a period of time to a lower concentration is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of dehumidifying the environment for the period of time to remove disinfectant, and humidifying the environment with moisture during the period of time to maintain a difference between a lower relative humidity and an upper relative humidity of the environment ranging from about 20 to 50%. A system for decontaminating an environment is also disclosed, comprising a source of disinfectant, a source of moisture, one or more spray generators, and a dehumidifier.
摘要:
A decontamination apparatus is disclosed. The decontamination apparatus comprises a mist generator configured to generate a mist, a first conduit in fluid communication with the mist generator and configured to receive the mist, a stream movement device configured to move a stream, and a heating device configured to heat the stream moved by the stream movement device. The decontamination apparatus comprises a second conduit in fluid communication with the stream movement device and configured to receive the heated stream. The first conduit comprises a first outlet configured to pass the mist therethrough and the second conduit comprises a second outlet configured to pass the heated stream therethrough. The second outlet is positioned proximate to the first outlet. A portion of the mist evaporates into a vapor for decontamination of an environment when mixed with the heated stream outside of the first outlet, the second outlet, and the decontamination apparatus.