Sterilization-assistance device
A sterilization-assistance device is described herein. In some embodiments, the sterilization-assistance device comprises a dry booster and at least one measurement device attached to the dry booster. In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include a strain gauge. In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include a pressure sensor. In various embodiments, the at least one measurement device may include a pressure sensor and a strain gauge. The sterilization assistance device may also include a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless-communication module. The measurement device may provide indications that the dry booster has become detached from an endoscope during a sterilization procedure.
1. A method of using a sterilization-assistance device, comprising:
providing the sterilization-assistance device, the sterilization-assistance device comprising a dry booster and a measurement device including a strain gauge attached to the dry booster;
attaching the sterilization-assistance device to an elongate medical device having a lumen;
placing the sterilization-assistance device attached to the elongate medical device into a vacuum chamber;
determining a first strain; and
comparing the first strain to a predetermined strain.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining whether the sterilization-assistance device is detached from the elongate medical device.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising determining whether leaks occurred between the sterilization-assistance device and the elongate medical device.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising determining whether a blockage occurred in the lumen.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:
aborting a sterilization process; and
reattaching the sterilization-assistance device to the elongate medical device.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the sterilization-assistance device further comprises a communication module.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the communication module is a wireless-communication module.
8. A method of using a sterilization-assistance device, comprising:
providing the sterilization-assistance device, the sterilization-assistance device comprising a dry booster and a measurement device including a pressure sensor disposed within the dry booster;
attaching the sterilization-assistance device to an elongate medical device having a lumen;
placing the sterilization-assistance device attached to the elongate medical device into a vacuum chamber;
determining a first pressure within the dry booster;
determining a second pressure outside the dry booster;
determining a first pressure difference between the first pressure and second pressure; and
comparing the first pressure difference to a predetermined pressure difference.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising determining whether the sterilization-assistance device is detached from the elongate medical device.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising determining whether leaks occurred between the sterilization-assistance device and the elongate medical device.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising determining whether a blockage occurred in the lumen.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
aborting a sterilization process; and
reattaching the sterilization-assistance device to the elongate medical device.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the sterilization-assistance device further comprises a communication module.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the communication module is a wireless-communication module.