marTract® – Wound Retractor System
Revision 4
35
5
Processing
5.1
Pre-Treatment at the Application Location prior to Reprocessing
Improper sterilization and non-sterile handling of the instruments can lead to serious health hazards for
patients.
All instruments must be cleaned and sterilized before using them or the first time, as well as prior to each
subsequent use.
We recommend performing the reprocessing of the contaminated instruments as soon as possible after
their use. The instruments should be transported in a closed container. Make sure that the instruments are
not damaged during transport after use.
5.2
Reprocessing Limitations and Restrictions
Frequent reprocessing has only a minor influence on the service life of surgical instruments, which is mainly
a function of use-related wear and tear or damage. Please dispose of your instruments in accordance with
relevant local regulations, or have them properly recycled, once they have reached the end of their life
cycle.
The national regulations for waste disposal must be complied with!
5.3
Preparation before Cleaning
Before the cleaning process, the instruments must be disassembled as far as possible (see also our
Instructions for Use), and the eccentric locks must be released.
To prevent corrosion and allow efficient cleaning, both for wet disposal and for dry disposal avoid long
waiting times before reprocessing, e.g. overnight or over the weekend. The “Arbeitskreis Instrumenten-
Aufbereitung” (Instrument Processing Working Group) recommends dry disposal of the instruments where
possible. Practical experience shows that waiting times of up to 6 h are unproblematic in case of dry
disposal.
5.4
Cleaning and Disinfecting
5.4.1
Manual Cleaning and Disinfection
•
Immerse contaminated parts into cold water for at least 10 min.
Please note: The instruments should, however, not remain in water or cleaning and disinfection agents
for a longer period of time, for example overnight/over the weekend.
–
Submerge the parts and clean them with a brush, making sure that all surfaces are cleaned.
Cannulations and blind holes should receive special treatment with a suitable brush.
–
Thoroughly rinse the parts under running water. The water must flow through the cannulations;
blind holes must be filled and emptied repeatedly.
–
Thoroughly dry the parts using a clean cloth or a clean air stream. All joint parts must be dried
after cleaning.
–
Place the pre-cleaned parts into an ultrasonicator heated to 40
°C (104
°F) with 0.5% alkaline
cleaner (e.g. Deconex® 28 Alka One by Borer Chemie) according to the manufacturer's Instructions
for Use, and treat the instruments with ultrasound for 10 min.
