How should reusable endotracheal tubes be cleaned and sterilized at high temperature?

As a common medical device, endotracheal tubes are widely used in clinical anesthesia, emergency treatment and critical care. For reusable endotracheal tubes, proper cleaning and sterilization are essential, which is not only related to the safe use of the equipment, but also directly affects the health and treatment effect of the patient. Since endotracheal tubes usually involve direct contact with the airway and respiratory system, any residues of bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms may cause cross infection, and cleaning and sterilization must be carried out strictly in accordance with regulations.
Reusable endotracheal tubes need to be thoroughly cleaned after use. The first step in the cleaning process is to pre-treat the tube in time after removing it from the patient's body. The main goal of the pre-treatment stage is to remove dirt from the surface of the tube, especially adherent secretions and blood. At this time, the tube can be soaked in warm water to soften the residue and avoid equipment damage due to improper operation. Use a soft brush or a special cleaning tool to gently scrub the inner and outer surfaces of the tube to ensure that every part is thoroughly cleaned. It should be noted that hard bristles or wire brushes should be avoided when scrubbing to avoid scratching the surface of the tube and affecting its subsequent use.
After cleaning, the endotracheal tube also needs to be disinfected. Disinfection is an important supplement to the cleaning process, which aims to kill or inhibit microorganisms remaining on the surface of the tube to ensure that the tube meets the requirements for sterile use. The choice of disinfectant should be based on the material of the tube, and medical-grade disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine are usually used. The concentration and use time of the disinfectant should strictly comply with the product instructions to ensure the maximum disinfection effect. The tube can be disinfected by soaking, wiping, etc. The specific method needs to be operated according to the instructions for use of the disinfectant.
After cleaning and disinfection, high-temperature sterilization of the endotracheal tube is the next key processing procedure. High-temperature sterilization is an effective means to ensure that medical devices are completely sterile. The sterilization process needs to be carried out at high temperature, and steam sterilization is generally used, that is, high-pressure steam heating equipment is used to act on the tube at high temperature for a certain period of time to kill all potential bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Usually, the endotracheal tube should be completely dry before high-temperature sterilization, because moisture may affect the sterilization effect and even cause corrosion of the equipment.
High-temperature sterilization equipment is generally a high-pressure steam sterilizer or autoclave. When operating, it should be ensured that the equipment meets relevant specifications and can accurately control the temperature and time to avoid excessive or insufficient sterilization. The entire sterilization process must not only ensure that the required temperature is reached, but also be carried out within the appropriate time to completely eliminate all pathogens. After sterilization, the cannula should be stored in a sterile environment to avoid contact with the source of contamination again.