Device and method for instrument steralization

Abstract

An electrolytic device and method for generating a sterilizing solution that utilizes hydrogen produced at the cathode as a further means to discharge biofilm material, microorganisms, and other organic material from the cathode surface. The device to be cleaned is typically electrically conductive and acts as a cathode, preferably by being in electrical contact with the cathode tray of the system. Aqueous Chlor-oxygen disinfectants produced within the device can be circulated through internal components of devices or instruments that may have internal passages. Gasses generated from the electrolysis operation, primarily hydrogen that is liberated at the cathode surface, are passively or forcibly vented from the system or are neutralized by a catalytic recombiner.

1 . An instrument sterilization apparatus comprising: 
 at least two electrodes wherein at least one electrode comprises at least one cathode and at least one electrode comprises at least one anode, said at least one cathode comprising a tray for holding and providing electrical contact to an instrument and said at least one anode comprising a tank;    at least one insulator for separating said anode and said cathode; and    electrolyte disposed in said tank;    wherein an electrical potential between said anode and said cathode causes an electrical charge to pass through said electrolyte, thereby generating at least one oxidant in the electrolyte.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an electrolyte storage container.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said electrolyte storage container is replaceable.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said electrolyte storage container further comprises a quick disconnect valve for allowing flow of said electrolyte to said tank only when said container is attached to said apparatus.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a microprocessor circuit that identifies said electrolyte storage container with said apparatus or measures a remaining volume of said electrolyte in said storage container.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a brine generating device.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the instrument contacts said tray.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an oxidant residual measuring device.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprises a vent or reactor for eliminating hydrogen gas generated during sterilization.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said tray is porous.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a tube for circulating electrolyte to the interior of an instrument.  
     
     
         12 . A method for sterilizing and instrument, the method comprising the steps of: 
 disposing electrolyte in a tank;    placing an instrument in a tray, the tray electrically insulated from the tank;    providing an electrical potential between the tank and the tray so that the tank becomes an anode in an electrolytic reaction and the tray becomes a cathode in the reaction; and    generating at least one oxidant in the electrolyte.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the placing step comprises placing the instrument in electrical contact with the tray.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of generating hydrogen gas at the surface of the instrument.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of measuring a value of a characteristic of the electrolyte.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of adjusting the electrical potential so that the value remains within a desired range.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of circulating electrolyte to an interior surface or interior component of the instrument.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of eliminating hydrogen gas generated during the reaction by venting or reacting the hydrogen gas.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of rinsing the instrument with a sterile solution.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of drying the instrument with heated air.