Ultraviolet radiation sterilization

A solution for sterilizing one or more hollow components of a device, such as a medical device, is provided. Ultraviolet radiation having one or more predominant wavelength(s) and a sufficient dose is generated and directed to an interior side of the hollow component(s). The predominant wavelength(s) is/are selected to harm one or more target organisms that may be present on the interior side. The ultraviolet radiation can be delivered by a structure that is periodically inserted and retracted into the hollow component. The structure can be configured to provide additional cleaning capability, such as suction, for removing matter that may be present in the hollow component.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention relate generally to sterilization, and more particularly, to a solution for sterilizing a medical device using ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ultraviolet radiation has been successfully used in purification and sterilization systems for various media, such as air, water, and food. Such a system includes a source of ultraviolet radiation that emits ultraviolet radiation having wavelength(s) close to the absorption peaks of biologically significant molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteins. The system sterilizes the media by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation of a sufficient power and for a sufficient exposure time to destroy the internal biomolecular structure of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other organisms, which may be present in the media.

Typically, the source of the ultraviolet radiation in an ultraviolet purification or sterilization system is a mercury lamp. To this extent, a low-pressure or a medium-pressure mercury lamp provides a linear spectrum of radiation with one or more peak lines having a wavelength that is in the relative vicinity to the DNA absorption line. For example, a low-pressure mercury lamp having a main peak at 253.4 nanometers (nm) is generally used in low-consumption residential water purification systems and residential air purification systems. Further, a medium-pressure mercury lamp having a higher radiation power and a multi-peak radiation spectrum is used in municipal systems with medium and high water consumption.

However, the use of a mercury lamp as the source of ultraviolet radiation has significant drawbacks. For example, mercury is an extremely dangerous element, thereby limiting the applications of mercury-based water and/or air purification systems. In particular, such a mercury-based water purification system is generally not used in transportation or individual applications. Further, a typical lifetime of the mercury lamp generally does not exceed ten thousand hours. Still further, the radiation spectrum of the ultraviolet radiation generated by the mercury lamp includes peak lines having characteristic wavelengths that do not exactly coincide with the absorption peaks of DNA and proteins and these peak lines cannot be controlled or adjusted, which results in a decrease in the efficiency of the system. Still further, mercury lamps are fragile and often bulky, which generally adds to the overall cost and/or size of the system and does not allow for a flexible design. Various other limitations are present as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide a solution for sterilizing one or more hollow components of a device, such as a medical device. Ultraviolet radiation having one or more predominant wavelength(s) and a sufficient dose is generated and directed to an interior side of the hollow component(s). The predominant wavelength(s) is/are selected to harm one or more target organisms that may be present on the interior side. The ultraviolet radiation can be delivered by a structure that is periodically inserted and retracted into the hollow component. The structure can be configured to provide additional cleaning capability, such as suction, for removing matter that may be present in the hollow component. The sterilization can be performed in a non-obstructive manner, which enables use of the component, and therefore the device, to continue during and after the sterilization.

A first aspect of the invention provides a medical sterilization system, the system comprising: means for generating ultraviolet radiation; and means for directing the ultraviolet radiation onto an interior side of a hollow component of a medical device.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method of sterilizing a medical device, the method comprising: generating ultraviolet radiation using a set of ultraviolet radiation sources; and directing the ultraviolet radiation onto an interior side of a hollow component of the medical device.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of sterilizing a hollow elongated structure, the method comprising: generating ultraviolet radiation using a set of ultraviolet radiation sources; and inserting a second elongated structure into the hollow elongated structure, the second elongated structure directing the ultraviolet radiation onto an interior side of the hollow elongated structure.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a system for sterilizing a hollow elongated structure, the system comprising: means for generating ultraviolet radiation; a second elongated structure; and means for inserting the second elongated structure into the hollow elongated structure, the second elongated structure directing the ultraviolet radiation onto an interior side of the hollow elongated structure.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a computer program product stored on at least one computer readable medium, which when executed causes a computer system to implement a method of sterilizing a hollow structure, the method comprising: generating ultraviolet radiation using a set of ultraviolet radiation sources; and inserting a second structure into the hollow structure, the second structure directing the ultraviolet radiation onto an interior side of the hollow structure.

The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve one or more of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problems not discussed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a solution for sterilizing one or more hollow components of a device, such as a medical device. Ultraviolet radiation having one or more predominant wavelength(s) and a sufficient dose is generated and directed to an interior side of the hollow component(s). The predominant wavelength(s) is/are selected to harm one or more target organisms that may be present on the interior side. The ultraviolet radiation can be delivered by a structure that is periodically inserted and retracted into the hollow component. The structure can be configured to provide additional cleaning capability, such as suction, for removing matter that may be present in the hollow component. The sterilization can be performed in a non-obstructive manner, which enables use of the component, and therefore the device, to continue during and after the sterilization. As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “set” means one or more (i.e., at least one) and the phrase “any solution” means any now known or later developed solution.

Aspects of the invention generally relate to cleaning one or more surfaces of a device. In general, the device can comprise any type of device that includes hollow structure(s) within which any combination of air, gases, fluids, solids, and/or the like, may pass through, accumulate, or otherwise be present. In an illustrative embodiment, the device is a biological device, such as a medical device, and the surface(s) is/are on the interior of a hollow structure (e.g., tubing) that is included in the biological device, and which is used to provide the passage of air, fluids (e.g., biological, medical, and/or the like), solids, and/or the like.

Regardless, aspects of the invention provide a solution in which the surface(s) are sterilized using ultraviolet radiation. To this extent, the ultraviolet radiation can be directed at the surface(s) in such a manner as to harm (e.g., suppress growth, reduce an amount, kill, damage, injure, etc.) any organisms that may be present on the surface(s). The organism(s) can comprise any combination of various types of organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, biofilms, mold, and/or the like. The discussion herein refers to the sterilization of one or more surfaces. As used herein, “sterilizing” and “sterilization” refer to harming one or more target organisms, and include purification, disinfection, and/or the like. Further, as used herein a “sterilized surface” includes a surface that is devoid of any live organisms, a surface that is devoid of any live targeted organisms (but which may include non-targeted organisms), and a surface that includes some live targeted organism(s), but which is substantially free of such organism(s).

Turning to the drawings,FIG. 1shows an illustrative medical device10according to an embodiment of the invention. Medical device10includes a control component12, which operates a delivery component20, a removal component22, and a cleaning component24. In an embodiment of the invention, medical device10comprises any type of respiratory and/or breathing device, such as a mechanical ventilator, artificial respirator, or the like, which can assist and/or replace the spontaneous breathing of a patient2. In this case, during operation of medical device10, operation module14can operate delivery component20to periodically deliver air (e.g., oxygen, or an oxygen mixture) into patient2through a source tube30and an endotracheal tube32. Similarly, operation module14can operate removal component22to periodically remove air (e.g., carbon dioxide) from patient2through endotracheal tube32and drainage tube34. Delivery component20can deliver the air and removal component22can remove the air using any solution. However, it is understood that removal component22could comprise a passive system. Regardless, delivery component20and/or removal component22can include one or more sensors for obtaining data on the air (e.g., volume, content, etc.), which can be obtained by operation module14. Operation module14can display the air data, maintain a history of the air data, make one or more adjustments to delivery component20and/or removal component22based on the air data, generate one or more alarms based on the air data, and/or the like.

In any event, during operation of medical device10, matter, such as bodily fluids and/or the like, can accumulate in endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36. As a result, connecting tube36and/or endotracheal tube32will require periodic cleaning and/or changing to maintain a clear airway for the air and/or prevent organism growth. To this extent, suction module16can periodically operate cleaning component24to insert/retract a sterilization structure40into/from endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36.

FIGS. 2A-Bshow illustrative positions of sterilization structure40with respect to endotracheal tube32and patient2according to an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 2A, sterilization structure40is shown inserted into endotracheal tube32. As illustrated, both sterilization structure40and endotracheal tube32extend into patient2. When inserted, sterilization structure40may extend beyond tube32to perform cleaning on a surface within patient2. Alternatively, sterilization structure40can be inserted along substantially an entire length of endotracheal tube32, without extending beyond endotracheal tube32. InFIG. 2B, sterilization structure40is shown within endotracheal tube32, but not within patient2. Sterilization structure40can be moved along endotracheal tube32to clean an interior side of endotracheal tube32while it remains in patient2and functioning as part of medical device10(FIG. 1).

Returning toFIG. 1, sterilization structure40can comprise any type of elongated structure. The elongated structure can be substantially rigid or include sufficient flexibility to bend about a corner. In an embodiment of the invention, sterilization structure40comprises a tube, which can enable the removal of matter from an interior side of endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36using any solution. For example, suction module16can operate cleaning component24to remove matter from the interior side of endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36by sucking the matter through sterilization structure40. In this case, it is understood that the amount of suction used by cleaning component24should be small enough so that the breathing of patient2is not interfered with in any significant manner. Cleaning component24can continuously or periodically suck matter through sterilization structure as sterilization structure40is inserted and/or removed from endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36using any solution. When an end of sterilization structure40is sufficiently close to an end of endotracheal tube32, cleaning component24can reduce and/or stop the suction to prevent harming patient2.

According to an embodiment of the invention, sterilization structure40directs ultraviolet radiation onto an interior side of endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36. The ultraviolet radiation can comprise a set of predominant wavelengths. A predominant wavelength comprises a particular wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum that is emitted by an ultraviolet radiation source at a higher power than other wavelengths within the ultraviolet spectrum. The predominant wavelength(s) can be selected to coincide with ultraviolet wavelength(s) that coincide with or are close to the absorption spectra of the targeted DNA and/or ribonucleic acid (RNA) containing organism(s). Upon absorption, the ultraviolet radiation will harm one or more organisms that may be present and/or grow on the interior side of tubes32,36during use of medical device10. To this extent, the ultraviolet radiation can include one or more predominant wavelengths that are within a range of approximately 200 nanometers to approximately 360 nanometers.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ultraviolet radiation includes one or more predominant wavelengths in a first ultraviolet wavelength region between approximately 250 nanometers and approximately 280 nanometers, which can destroy the DNA/RNA containing organism(s) that may be present. For an ideal air environment, the ultraviolet radiation can have a wavelength between approximately 262 nanometers and approximately 267 nanometers, however, it is understood that the appropriate wavelength(s) will be dependent on the particular mixture of media (e.g., air, water, blood, lymph, and/or the like) in the environment. Additionally, the ultraviolet radiation can include one or more predominant wavelengths in a second ultraviolet wavelength region between approximately 280 nanometers and approximately 360 nanometers, which can prevent the reproduction of DNA/RNA containing organism(s) that may be present. A direct sterilization effect may be possible in a range between approximately 280 nanometers and approximately 320 nanometers, however, other mechanisms and objects of sterilization may be effected by higher wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, the specific wavelength(s) utilized can be selected based on the target organism(s) using any solution.

In any event, radiation module18can operate cleaning component24to generate ultraviolet radiation using a set of ultraviolet radiation sources and/or direct the ultraviolet radiation using sterilization structure40. As discussed herein, cleaning component24can periodically insert and retract sterilization structure40into/from endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36. Radiation module18can operate cleaning component24to automatically generate the ultraviolet radiation while the sterilization structure40is being inserted, while the sterilization structure40is being retracted (e.g., after suctioning), and/or both. Regardless, sterilization structure40can deliver a sufficient dose of the ultraviolet radiation onto the interior side in order to harm any target organism(s), e.g., biofilm. In an embodiment of the invention, the set of ultraviolet radiation sources can generate sufficient ultraviolet radiation to enable sterilization structure40to deliver an ultraviolet dose in a range between approximately 3.5 μJ/cm2to about 1000 mJ/cm2.

The ultraviolet radiation source(s) can comprise any combination of various types of ultraviolet radiation sources, such as ultraviolet light emitting diodes (LEDs), ultraviolet laser diodes, mercury lamps (low- and/or medium-pressure), and/or the like. A particular combination of ultraviolet radiation source(s) can be selected based on the desired predominant wavelengths using any solution. Sterilization structure40can comprise any type of structure for directing ultraviolet radiation. For example, sterilization structure40can comprise a material that is at least substantially transparent with respect to ultraviolet radiation.

In an embodiment of the invention, cleaning component24controls a set of ultraviolet radiation sources that includes a plurality of ultraviolet diodes. Each ultraviolet diode can comprise any type of ultraviolet radiation emitting diode, such as a semiconductor LED, a compound semiconductor diode (e.g., AlInGaN/GaN), a nitride-based semiconductor ultraviolet LED, an ultraviolet laser diode, a periodic array of ultraviolet diodes, and/or the like. Collectively, the ultraviolet diodes can emit ultraviolet radiation having a substantially similar predominant wavelength or multiple predominant wavelengths.

Additionally, radiation module18can operate cleaning component24to adjust one or more properties of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet diodes using any solution. For example, cleaning component24can adjust a predominant wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by an ultraviolet diode, an energy density of the ultraviolet radiation, and/or the like. To this extent, cleaning component24can provide any space and time distribution for controlling the ultraviolet diode(s). In an illustrative embodiment, cleaning component24can pulse one or more ultraviolet diodes emitting ultraviolet radiation having a particular predominant wavelength. When the ultraviolet radiation includes multiple predominant wavelengths, the ultraviolet radiation for each predominant wavelength can be generated continuously or pulsed. When two or more wavelengths are pulsed, the respective pulses can comprise different pulse durations and/or sequences.

The plurality of ultraviolet diodes can be located on sterilization structure40using any solution. For example,FIGS. 3A-Bshow illustrative configurations of sterilization structure40including ultraviolet diodes thereon according to embodiments of the invention. Each sterilization structure40includes a plurality of ultraviolet diodes, such as ultraviolet diodes42A-B, secured (e.g., attached, embedded, fixed, and/or the like) around its exterior and/or interior using any solution. Each ultraviolet diode42A-B can be placed on sterilization structure40to emit ultraviolet radiation outward from and/or through sterilization structure40in a substantially perpendicular direction to the length of sterilization structure40. As sterilization structure40is moved through, for example, endotracheal tube32, the ultraviolet radiation will impinge on an interior side of endotracheal tube32. Sterilization structure40can include wiring or the like, which enables cleaning component24(FIG. 1) to operate ultraviolet diodes42A-B. The ultraviolet diodes42A-B can be configured to enable independent operation of each ultraviolet diode42A-B, independent operation of two or more sub-groups of ultraviolet diodes42A-B, operation of all ultraviolet diodes42A-B as a single group, and/or the like.

Ultraviolet diodes42A-B can be placed on sterilization structure40such that the ultraviolet radiation will impinge on substantially all locations of the interior side of, for example, endotracheal tube32. Additionally, when multiple predominant wavelengths are desired for the ultraviolet radiation, the ultraviolet diodes42A-B can be configured/operated such that substantially all locations of the interior side of endotracheal tube32are impinged by each of the predominant wavelengths. InFIG. 3A, ultraviolet diodes42A-B are shown located on sterilization structure40in a spiral-type configuration, while inFIG. 3B, ultraviolet diodes42A-B are shown located on sterilization structure40in multiple circular patterns. However, it is understood that these configurations are only illustrative and ultraviolet diodes42A-B can be located on sterilization structure40using any solution.

Additionally, sterilization structure40can include a wave guiding structure for directing ultraviolet radiation outward from sterilization structure40. For example,FIG. 3Cshows an illustrative configuration of sterilization structure40including a wave guiding structure44according to an embodiment of the invention. Wave guiding structure44can comprise any type of material capable of delivering ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet radiation source50to various points along sterilization structure40. For example, wave guiding structure44can comprise a plurality of ultraviolet fibers, each of which terminates at an opening in sterilization structure40, a diffuser, and/or the like. In any event, it is understood that sterilization structure40can include multiple locations on various sides from which ultraviolet radiation is emitted. These locations can be configured such that substantially all locations of the interior side of, for example, endotracheal tube32, are impinged by the predominant wavelength(s). Additionally, it is understood that sterilization structure40can include wave guiding structure44in addition to ultraviolet diodes42A-B (FIGS. 3A-B).

As shown inFIGS. 3A-C, a protective covering46can be included over at least a portion of sterilization structure40. Protective covering46can prevent sterilization structure40from becoming contaminated due to contact with matter in, for example, endotracheal tube32. Protective covering46can be made of any type of material, such as plastic or the like, which is transparent or substantially transparent with respect to ultraviolet radiation. As a result, ultraviolet radiation emitted from sterilization structure40can pass through protective covering and impinge, for example, endotracheal tube32. As illustrated, protective covering46can loosely cover sterilization structure40. Alternatively, protective covering46can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid covering. In either case, protective covering46can be permanently or temporarily attached to sterilization structure40. In the latter case, protective covering46can be replaced after one or more uses. InFIGS. 3A-B, protective covering46is shown attached so that an interior end48of sterilization structure40remains exposed, which can enable sterilization structure40(e.g., a tube) to remove matter. Alternatively, inFIG. 3C, protective covering46is shown enclosing interior end48of sterilization structure40, which can be used when sterilization structure40does not require an exposed portion.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 3A, radiation module18and/or cleaning component24can receive feedback on the emitted ultraviolet radiation and adjust one or more properties of the generated ultraviolet radiation accordingly. For example, sterilization structure40can include a set of ultraviolet detectors, such as ultraviolet detectors52A-B. Ultraviolet detectors52A-B can comprise any type of ultraviolet sensing device, such as an ultraviolet-sensitive photodetector (e.g., an ultraviolet photodiode). Ultraviolet detectors52A-B can be secured on sterilization structure40using any solution, and can be configured to sense ultraviolet radiation after it has reflected off of an interior surface of, for example, endotracheal tube32. Sterilization structure40can include wiring or the like, which enables radiation module18and/or cleaning component24to receive feedback from the set of ultraviolet detectors52A-B. Radiation module18and/or cleaning component24can use the feedback to ensure that ultraviolet diodes42A-B deliver a sufficient dose for sterilization in, for example, an unstable current flow, changeable contamination, varying power supply conditions, and/or the like. Sterilization structure40and/or endotracheal tube32can include an exposed surface having a high reflection coefficient for the ultraviolet radiation, to help ensure a sufficient dose of ultraviolet radiation is delivered.

FIG. 4shows an illustrative cross section of sterilization structure40within a tube, such as endotracheal tube32, according to an embodiment of the invention. Sterilization structure40is shown including four ultraviolet diodes, such as ultraviolet diodes42A-B, that are located around sterilization structure40. Each ultraviolet diode42A-B emits ultraviolet radiation, which impinges a portion of endotracheal tube32. The impinged portion of endotracheal tube32varies based on an emission angle54of the ultraviolet radiation emitted from each ultraviolet diode42A-B (and/or a wave guiding structure). In an embodiment, emission angle54can vary between approximately five degrees to approximately ninety degrees.

Additionally, the impinged portion will vary based on the relative diameters56,58of sterilization structure40and endotracheal tube32, respectively, and the location of sterilization structure40within endotracheal tube32. In an embodiment, sterilization structure40has a diameter56that is approximately one half of the diameter58of endotracheal tube32. For example, for an endotracheal tube32having a diameter58of approximately ten millimeters, sterilization structure40can comprise a diameter56of approximately five millimeters. In this manner, sterilization structure40can ensure that sufficient volume remains in endotracheal tube32to enable the continued functioning of medical device10(FIG. 1) even when sterilization structure40is present therein.

In any event, as illustrated, ultraviolet diodes42A-B in a particular cross section may not emit ultraviolet radiation that impinges substantially all of endotracheal tube32. To this extent, the locations of ultraviolet diodes42A-B can be rotated to help ensure that substantially all of the interior side of endotracheal tube32will be impinged by ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, it is understood that more ultraviolet radiation sources (e.g., ultraviolet diodes42A-B and/or wave guiding structures) can be included in a single cross-section to provide more comprehensive coverage of the interior side of endotracheal tube32.

Returning toFIG. 1, medical device10includes other components that can be sterilized according to the invention. For example, tubes30,34also may be sterilized using sterilization structure40in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to tubes32,36. Further, medical device10includes a connector60that connects tubes30,34,36, and which can be configured to assist in directing the air flow through tubes30,34,36using any solution. Radiation module18and/or cleaning component24also can sterilize an interior side of connector60.

To this extent,FIG. 5shows an illustrative connector60according to an embodiment of the invention. Connector60includes connection points for tubes30,34,36to enable air flow through the respective tubes during operation of medical device10(FIG. 1). Additionally, connector60includes an ultraviolet radiation source62(e.g., one or more ultraviolet diodes), which can emit ultraviolet radiation onto an interior side of connector60to sterilize it. Connector60also includes an interface64, which communicatively couples ultraviolet radiation source62with cleaning component24(FIG. 1), thereby enabling operation of ultraviolet radiation source62to perform the sterilization.

FIG. 6shows another illustrative connector60according to an embodiment of the invention. As discussed herein, connector60includes connection points for tubes30,34,36to enable air flow there through. Further, connector60includes a sterilization component66, which can control an ultraviolet radiation source62and a sterilization structure40, and provide a communications link with cleaning component24(FIG. 1). In operation, cleaning component24can operate sterilization component66to periodically emit ultraviolet radiation using ultraviolet radiation source62, insert/retract sterilization structure40into/from tube36, and/or the like. Still further, cleaning component24can operate sterilization component66to remove matter from the interior of tube36. In addition to sterilizing tube36and/or tube32(FIG. 1), sterilization structure40can be used to sterilize tubes30,34, and/or connector60in a similar manner. For example, sterilization component66can further control one or more mechanical structures in connector60, which can direct sterilization structure into any tube30,34,36using any solution. Additionally, sterilization structure40can direct ultraviolet radiation onto an interior of connector60while it is retracted from tubes30,34,36.

Returning toFIG. 1, a specific example is discussed. Suction module16and/or radiation module18can operate cleaning component24to periodically place (e.g., insert) sterilization structure40into and subsequently retract sterilization structure40from some or all of endotracheal tube32and/or connecting tube36. Sterilization structure40can be inserted and subsequently retracted from substantially all of endotracheal tube32, which has a total length of approximately thirty centimeters. Sterilization structure40can have a diameter of 5 millimeters, endotracheal tube32can have a diameter of 10 millimeters, and 0.2 millimeter×0.2 millimeter ultraviolet diodes can be mounted on a surface of sterilization structure40. With Lambertian distribution, each ultraviolet diode will shine on an approximately 2.5 millimeter square area of the inner surface of endotracheal tube32. As a result, a power density on the inner surface of endotracheal tube32will be approximately 150 times lower than at the surface of the ultraviolet diode. During a cleaning cycle (e.g, insertion and retraction), cleaning component24can move sterilization structure40at a speed of approximately three centimeters per second. The cleaning cycles can be repeated every fifteen minutes.

In this case, a typical duration for each cleaning cycle is approximately twenty seconds (ten seconds insertion+ten seconds retraction). With four cycles per hour, a total cleaning time would be approximately eighty seconds per hour. It is understood that a slower insertion/retraction speed and/or longer endotracheal tube32could be used, with which the duration of each cleaning cycle could increase to a range between approximately thirty seconds and approximately sixty seconds. Regardless, a required power to prevent the formation of biofilm is approximately 10 μW/cm2. As a result, a total required dosage of ultraviolet radiation per hour can be calculated as: 10 μW/cm2×3600 seconds=3.6 mJ/cm2. For an exposure time of sixty seconds per hour, the required power density would be 0.6 mW/cm2.

When endotracheal tube32is only exposed to ultraviolet radiation in one direction of the insertion/retraction cycle, a total exposure time can be calculated as 2.5 mm/1 cm*0.3 seconds=0.075 seconds, for four cycles per hour, the hourly exposure time will be approximately 0.3 seconds. In order to accumulate a sufficient dose to prevent the formation of biofilm in 0.3 seconds, a total power delivered during the 0.3 seconds will need to be approximately 12 mW/cm2. To obtain this power density on the inner surface of endotracheal tube32, a power density on the surface of the ultraviolet diode will need to be 1.8 W/cm2, which is approximately 0.8 mW power for the 0.2 mm square ultraviolet diode. To irradiate substantially all of the inner surface of endotracheal tube32, approximately twelve ultraviolet diodes (each irradiating approximately a 2.5 mm square) will be required. In an illustrative implementation, medical device10can use a sterilization structure40having twenty ultraviolet diodes, each having 1 mW of power. The ultraviolet diodes can emit ultraviolet radiation for ten seconds per cycle, which yields forty seconds per hour, which in turn yields sixteen minutes per day. For an ultraviolet diode lifetime of approximately 500 hours, sterilization structure40would last for nearly 1,900 days of operation of medical device10.

While aspects of the invention have been shown and described with reference to “tubes”, it is understood that the teachings apply equally to any hollow component having any shape. Similarly, while aspects of the invention have been shown and described with reference to a breathing device, the teachings apply equally to any type of medical device for any type of application, including, but not limited to, a catheter, a dental treatment system (e.g., suction), a medical drainage system, a blood supply system, an oxygen supply system, an anesthesia system, an endoscope probe, an ear diagnostic system, a hearing aid, nasal diagnostic and/or treatment system, a vaginal diagnostic system, a urological diagnostic and/or treatment system, a colonoscopy system, and/or the like. Further, while aspects of the invention have been shown and described with reference to a human patient, the teachings apply equally to medical devices and applications for animals and/or animal experimentation. Still further, while aspects of the invention have been shown and described with reference to a medical device, it is understood that the teachings apply equally to non-medical devices and applications, including but not limited to, a hazardous material suit, a diving suit, a space suit, and/or the like.

In certain applications, in addition to and/or alternative to cleaning an interior surface of a hollow structure, sterilization structure40can perform ultraviolet-based cleaning on a surface within patient2. In particular, sterilization structure40can be inserted beyond a tube within patient2(e.g., as shown inFIG. 2A) and radiate ultraviolet radiation that impacts a surface of patient2. In this manner, one or more organisms that may be present on the surface can be harmed. For example, sterilization structure40can be utilized as part of a root canal examining/curing ultraviolet treatment, endoscopy, bladder treatment, colonoscopy with combined diagnostics and treatment, and/or the like.

As described herein, control component12can operate delivery component20, removal component22, and/or cleaning component24. To this extent, it is understood that control component12includes one or more input/output (I/O) devices for communicating with the various components20,22,24. Further, control component12can include I/O device(s) for communicating with a user and/or one or more additional systems not shown. Communications between the various systems can occur over any combination of one or more types of wired and/or wireless communications links, such as a public or private network. Regardless, control component12can comprise any computing article of manufacture capable of implementing the processes described herein. For example, control component12can comprise one or more general purpose computing articles of manufacture capable of executing computer program code installed thereon. In this case, the functionality described in conjunction with each module14,16,18can be enabled by computer program code.

It is understood that modules14,16,18and components20,22,24are only illustrative of numerous combinations, which can be used to implement the processes described herein. Additionally, it is understood that a general purpose computing device and program code is only representative of various possible equivalent computing devices that may perform the processes described herein. To this extent, in other embodiments, the functionality described herein can be implemented by one or more computing articles of manufacture that include any combination of general and/or specific purpose hardware and/or computer program code. In each embodiment, the program code and hardware can be created using standard programming and engineering techniques, respectively. In any event, when control component12includes computer program code, it is understood that control component12will include various hardware components, such as a memory and processor, to enable the execution thereof. Similarly, components20,22,24may include computer program code and the corresponding hardware components.

As used herein, it is understood that the term “program code” means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause computer system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after any combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, program code can be embodied as one or more types of program products, such as an application/software program, component software/a library of functions, an operating system, a basic I/O system/driver for a particular computing and/or I/O device, and the like. Further, program code can be embodied in one or more computer-readable media, which comprise one or more of any type of tangible medium of expression (e.g., physical embodiment) of the program code.