| CPC A61B 90/70 (2016.02) [A61L 2/10 (2013.01); A61L 2/18 (2013.01); A61L 2/26 (2013.01); B08B 3/08 (2013.01); B08B 3/12 (2013.01); A61L 2202/122 (2013.01); A61L 2202/14 (2013.01); A61L 2202/17 (2013.01); A61L 2202/24 (2013.01)] | 16 Claims |
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1. A method for cleaning, decontaminating, and/or sterilizing an instrument, said method comprising:
immersing said instrument in an apparatus for cleaning, decontaminating and/or sterilizing said instrument during an intraoperative phase of a surgical procedure, said apparatus comprising a container having an aperture, a bottom portion, and at least one sidewall defining a bath configured to hold a cleaning agent;
immersing said instrument within said cleaning agent disposed within said bath of said container;
exposing said instrument while immersed in said cleaning agent to an ultrasonic radiation emitted from a vibration means coupled to said container; and
exposing said instrument while immersed in said cleaning agent to ultraviolet radiation emitted from one or more radiation means coupled to said container;
wherein said steps of immersing said instrument within said cleaning agent, exposing said instrument to ultrasonic radiation, and exposing said instrument to ultraviolet radiation are simultaneously performed during said intraoperative phase of said surgical procedure; and
wherein said at least one sidewall further comprises a longitudinal channel disposed within said at least one sidewall, and wherein said radiation means is disposed within said longitudinal channel, and wherein said longitudinal channel further comprises a shrouded lip portion.
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