Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An integrated system for reprocessing contaminated medical instruments, e.g., scopes, surgical instruments, scope accessories, etc. The system includes plural, e.g., four, instrument processing units and a remotely located common controller for effecting the simultaneous control of each processing unit. Each processing unit includes various components, e.g., pumps, solenoids, valves, sensors etc., and a processing chamber. Each chamber is adapted for receiving a medical instrument carrier to which plural medical instrument in need of processing are connected. The controller includes a microprocessor, an associated memory storing a control program, a keyboard, a video display, and a printer. The control program establishes respective protocols of processing steps for effecting the reprocessing of the medical instruments in each of the reprocessing units by the microprocessor controlling the operation of the various components of the processing units via an electrical interface. The respective protocols are preestablished in accordance with the specific type of medical instrument to be reprocessed in the associated reprocessing unit. A database of information regarding previously processed instrument is stored within the system. Operation of the system can be monitored by viewing the video display. That display is selectable to graphically depict the various operational steps being accomplished in one or more of the processing units as those units are operated.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim