APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING AN INTERIOR PORTION OF AN INSTRUMENT
An apparatus for sterilizing a medical instrument in a container by applying thermal energy to the container includes a first base member coupled to the container and an elongated member with a first end that couples to the first base member and a second end extending into an interior portion of the medical instrument. The first base member transfers a portion of the thermal energy to the elongated member to heat the interior portion.
1 . An apparatus for sterilizing a medical instrument in a container by applying thermal energy, comprising:
a first base member coupled to the container; and
an elongated member with a first end that couples to the first base member and a second end extending into an interior portion of the medical instrument;
wherein the first base member transfers a portion of the thermal energy to the elongated member to heat the interior portion.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first end is pivotably coupled to the first base member.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second end extends through the interior portion to a second base member coupled to the container.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first base member includes a thermally conductive material.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member includes a thermally conductive material.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a locking member that increases contact between the elongated member and the first base member to increase thermal communication.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the locking member includes a thermally resistive material.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member includes an interior portion having an opening for receiving heated steam.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member conducts thermal energy to the interior portion of the medical instrument.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first base member receives thermal energy from heated steam by convective heat transfer.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first base member receives thermal energy from the container by conductive heat transfer.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first base member transfers thermal energy to the elongated member by conductive heat transfer.
13 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein an interior portion of the elongated member receives thermal energy from heated steam by convective heat transfer.
14 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first base member includes a removable base member for positioning in multiple locations within the container.