Fluid spray system for cleaning and sterilizing medical devices supported on a rack

Abstract

A fluid delivery system ( ) for an automated processor (A) includes spray nozzles ( ) for sequentially spraying washing, microbial decontaminant and rinsing solutions over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also includes connection ports ( ) for connecting with internal passages ( ) of the device to deliver the washing and microbial decontaminant solutions thereto. A removable rack ( ), specially configured for the particular device, positions the device within a chamber ( ). The spray nozzles are located on rear and side walls ( ) and on a door ( ) of the chamber, such that the device is impinged with spray from all directions. Sets ( ) of the spray nozzles are pulsed in sequence so that the spray jets ( ) do not cancel each other out. Leaking connectors ( ) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports ( ) of the device and allow a portion of the cleaning, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system ( ) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.