Method and system for precleaning an endoscope

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for pre-cleaning an endoscope. The method for pre-cleaning an endoscope is preferably carried out immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope and comprises the following steps: providing an endoscope comprising a channel for transporting a fluid, a connection port, in particular for connecting a fluid hose, and a distal end of the endoscope, each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to a distal end of the endoscope; extracting a liquid into at least one of the channels; an electrical parameter of the fluid or fluids in at least one of the channels into which the liquid has been drawn is determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope is an inspection instrument that can be used to inspect and (optionally) manipulate the interior of a living organism. Endoscopes can be used in human medical diagnosis, for inspection or minimally invasive surgery on humans or animals. An endoscope typically includes an image sensor, an optical lens, and a light source.

[0003] After use, endoscopes are typically pre-cleaned, either manually or automatically, disinfected, and possibly sterilized before being used again on a patient. If endoscopes and accessories used during patient procedures are not cleaned immediately after each patient procedure, the residual organic debris will begin to dry and solidify, preventing effective removal and reprocessing. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-clean endoscopes and their accessories at the bedside immediately after each patient procedure.

[0004] Typically, the pre-cleaning performed at the bedside immediately after each patient operation includes, among other things, the following steps: First, the biopsy / suction channel is pre-cleaned by placing the distal end of the endoscope in water and extracting fluid through the endoscope. Then, air is extracted through the endoscope. Secondly, the air / water channel is pre-cleaned by placing the distal end of the endoscope in water and flushing the air / water channel with fluid. Then, the air / water channel is flushed with air. Third, if available, the auxiliary water channel is pre-cleaned by flushing the auxiliary water channel with water. Finally, the accessories are removed from the endoscope and placed in a fluid, such as water or a detergent solution. Typically, after the pre-cleaning process, the endoscope is removed from the equipment used in the patient operation (e.g., video system center, light source, suction pump) and transported to a reprocessing area.

[0005] In US 1 1 445 900 B2 it is proposed to pre-clean an endoscope by using multiple input members in the form of flexible tubes for delivering the cleaning solution to multiple input ports of the endoscope, whereby the cleaning solution is delivered to the endoscope through the flexible tubes.

[0006] However, the known pre-cleaning process is both relatively time-consuming and prone to error. Since pre-cleaning usually consists of several steps that are subsequently manually applied, pre-cleaning is relatively time-consuming, and if only one of these steps is not performed accurately according to the pre-cleaning process, the endoscope may not be adequately pre-cleaned. In addition, since not all endoscope channels are interconnected, it is not possible to flush all channels with only one source. In the pre-cleaning process that is usually performed, a video system center is required to flush the air / water channels, a suction pump is used for the suction and biopsy channels, and a flushing pump or syringe is used to flush the auxiliary water channel. Therefore, the user is constantly involved in the process and needs to interact with several different user interfaces, which requires the user to be able to operate all of these user interfaces. In addition, many devices / accessories are required to perform the pre-cleaning process.

[0007] Furthermore, one problem is that after pre-cleaning, drying and solidification may occur in channels which are no longer filled with fluid.

[0008] Furthermore, in known pre-cleaning processes, there is generally a lack of a validation possibility for checking whether the pre-cleaning was performed properly and / or whether an adequate pre-cleaning took place.

[0009] Furthermore, there is often no possibility to reliably document whether the pre-cleaning was performed appropriately and / or whether sufficient pre-cleaning took place.

[0010] Furthermore, there is usually no possibility to check and / or verify whether fluid is present in the channels of the endoscope after pre-cleaning and / or whether fluid has been drawn out of the channels of the endoscope due to leakage.

[0011] Furthermore, there is usually no possibility to identify blockages in the channels. Such blockages may lead to a situation where fluid cannot be drawn through the channel in which the blockage exists. Such blocked channels are then not filled with fluid, which may lead to an inadequate pre-cleaning of the channels. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and an improved arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope which is less prone to errors.

[0013] According to a first aspect, a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, is provided, the method comprising the following steps: providing an endoscope, the endoscope comprising a channel for transmitting a fluid, a connection port, in particular a connection port for connecting a fluid hose, and a distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; sucking liquid into at least one of the channels; determining electrical parameters of the fluid or multiple fluids in at least one of the channels into which the liquid has been sucked.

[0014] In the following, firstly a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope and its function and advantageous embodiments will be described.

[0015] Preferably, the pre-cleaning process is performed immediately or shortly after the endoscope is used in a patient procedure. Preferably, the pre-cleaning process is initiated within 60 minutes after use in a patient procedure, particularly preferably within 30 minutes after use in a patient procedure, particularly within 15 minutes after use in a patient procedure. Preferably, the pre-cleaning is performed at the patient's bedside so that the method can be performed immediately or shortly after the endoscope is used in a patient procedure without having to move the endoscope to another location before performing the pre-cleaning.

[0016] Preferably, the channels each extend from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope. However, the endoscope may also have additional channels that do not extend from one of the connection ports to the distal end.

[0017] The distal end of an endoscope may also be referred to as the distal tip of the endoscope. Preferably, the distal end is understood to be the end portion of the endoscope that is located at the front of the insertion part of the endoscope, in particular the end portion that is first inserted into the patient's body when the insertion part of the endoscope is moved into the patient's body. Preferably, the outlet of the channel is arranged at the distal end. Further preferably, a light guide is arranged at the distal end. Further preferably, an objective lens can be arranged at the distal end. It is particularly preferred that the distal end is arranged at the end of the insertion part with a flexible insertion tube.

[0018] Preferably, the connection port is understood to be a port to which a fluid hose or the like can be connected.

[0019] Preferably, the endoscope may be, for example, a colonoscope, a gastroscope, an ultrasound endoscope, a duodenoscope or another type of endoscope.

[0020] Preferably, liquid is sucked into at least one of the channels by connecting a suction device to at least one of the connection ports and applying negative pressure by activating the suction device. Such a suction device may be, for example, a suction pump.

[0021] Preferably, the electrical parameters of the fluid or multiple fluids in at least one of the channels into which the liquid has been sucked are determined by measuring such electrical parameters between two contact points which are preferably arranged at both ends of the channel (i.e. at the connection port and / or the outlet opening) so that the corresponding channel essentially extends between the two contact points.

[0022] Preferably, determining such an electrical parameter comprises measuring the electrical parameter.Then, for example, the electrical conductivity may be determined.

[0023] Preferably, the channel walls comprise or consist of an electrically insulating material, such as a polymer material, which is substantially electrically insulating and thus has a relatively low electrical conductivity. Thus, if the channel is filled with air, the electrical conductivity measured along the extension of the channel is relatively low, since both the electrical conductivity of the channel walls and the air inside the channel is very low. However, if the channel is filled with a liquid, such as water or a disinfectant solution or a detergent solution, the electrical conductivity measured along the extension of the channel is significantly higher. Thus, the electrical conductivity (and therefore the resistance) may be very different depending on whether the channel is filled with air or a liquid.

[0024] The advantage of this method is that by determining the electrical parameter it can be reliably determined whether the channel is filled with liquid. Thus, it can be determined in a particularly advantageous manner whether a sufficient pre-cleaning has been carried out for the respective channel and (if the measurement is carried out after flushing and / or drawing liquid through the respective channel) whether the channel is filled with liquid.

[0025] Another advantage of this method is that the patency of the channel can be checked in a particularly advantageous manner. If there is a blockage in the channel and liquid cannot be drawn through the channel due to this blockage, the channel will not be filled with liquid, resulting in a significant reduction in conductivity. In this way, a blockage of the channel can be identified and thus verify whether the patency of the respective channel is provided. Thus, the patency of the respective channel can be demonstrated.

[0026] Another advantage of this method is that after the pre-cleaning process, the channel can be reliably kept moist and / or filled with liquid. Thus, drying and solidification in the channel after the pre-cleaning can be prevented in a reliable and particularly advantageous manner.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises: comparing the determined parameters of the fluid or multiple fluids with a predetermined threshold value; and preferably, based on the comparison between the determined parameters of the fluid or multiple fluids and the threshold value, determining whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the channel is sufficient, and / or whether the channel is filled with liquid, and / or whether the patency of the channel is provided, and / or whether an electrical measuring instrument for measuring electrical parameters is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0028] Preferably, the determined electrical parameter is compared with a predetermined threshold value, wherein depending on whether the determined electrical parameter is above or below the threshold value, it is determined whether the corresponding channel is filled with liquid.

[0029] The advantage of such a comparison is that it can be reliably determined whether the corresponding channel is filled with liquid and / or whether the patency of the corresponding channel is provided. By using such a predetermined threshold value, it is easy for the user to determine whether the desired liquid level and / or humidity level is reached in the channel and whether the patency of the channel is provided simply by comparing the measured value with the predetermined threshold value.

[0030] A further advantage of such a comparison with predetermined values ​​is that the comparison can be performed automatically, for example by using a processing unit which is adapted to compare the determined parameter with a predetermined threshold value and preferably output data based on the comparison, the data comprising information about whether the determined value is above or below the threshold value and / or whether the corresponding channel is sufficiently filled with liquid and / or whether the patency of the corresponding channel is provided.

[0031] A further advantage of this comparison is that it can be reliably determined whether the measuring instrument for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope in the correct manner.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the method includes: fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope by arranging a container on the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device, preferably a suction pump, to one of the connection ports; connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports; and drawing liquid into at least one of the channels by activating the suction device, so that liquid is drawn from the liquid source through at least one channel via the distal end toward the suction device.

[0033] Preferably, at least two of the channels are flushed with liquid by activating the suction device so that liquid is drawn from a liquid source through at least one of the channels via the distal end and then from the distal end through at least one other of the channels towards the suction device.

[0034] Preferably, the container can be arranged on the distal end in the case where it is filled with liquid or not filled with liquid.If the container is not filled with liquid, a continuous flow of liquid can be drawn through the channel via the distal end.

[0035] Preferably, the container is not filled with liquid before flushing the channels of the endoscope. The advantage of such an empty container is that liquid can be drawn from the connection port through the channel to the container and from the container through the suction channel toward the suction device outside the endoscope, wherein there is no liquid gap containing gas. In this way, when the liquid is drawn out from the connection port, the user can then be sure that the liquid has been completely extracted through at least two channels. However, alternatively, the container can already be filled with liquid before flushing the channels. Filling the container with liquid before starting to flush the channels can have the following advantages: the distal end of the endoscope is in contact with the liquid for a longer period of time, and is immersed for a longer period of time, which can be conducive to achieving a more thorough pre-cleaning of the distal end if necessary.

[0036] One advantage of arranging such a container at the distal end of the endoscope is that, although not all endoscope channels are interconnected inside the endoscope, all of them can be flushed with just one source by connecting the channels to each other via the container arranged at the distal end of the endoscope. Thus, the pre-cleaning process can be performed faster, easier and in a less error-prone manner.

[0037] Another advantage of arranging such a container on the distal end of the endoscope is that during pre-cleaning of the endoscope, there is no need to interact with several user interfaces and / or devices in order to perform the pre-cleaning process.

[0038] Another advantage of arranging such a container on the distal end of the endoscope is that, using the described method, far fewer devices and / or accessories are required to perform pre-cleaning than with conventional pre-cleaning methods. For example, no video center or flushing pump is required to perform pre-cleaning.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the electrical parameter is determined by resistance measurement and / or voltage measurement and / or current measurement and / or conductance measurement, preferably by using an ohmmeter and / or a multimeter.

[0040] Preferably, the electrical parameter is determined by measuring the resistance and / or the voltage and / or the current and / or the conductance and optionally by calculating the electrical parameter from the measured values.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the resistance measurement and / or the voltage measurement and / or the current measurement and / or the conductance measurement comprises contacting a channel in which the electrical parameter of the fluid or fluids is to be determined.

[0042] Preferably, the channel or channels in which the electrical parameter of the fluid or fluids is to be determined are electrically contacted at the end of the respective channel or channels so that the electrical parameter can be determined for the respective channel or channels using an electrical measuring instrument.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the step of determining an electrical parameter of the fluid or fluids in at least one of the channels comprises: determining the resistance or resistivity between two separated points of the channel; and / or determining the conductance or conductivity between two separated points of the channel.

[0044] Preferably, the resistance and / or conductance is determined between two ends of the channel.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, one of the two spaced apart points between which the electrical measurement is performed is located at or adjacent to a connection port of the respective channel and / or one of the two spaced apart points between which the electrical measurement is performed is located at or adjacent to a connection port to which the suction device is connected.

[0046] Preferably, when the container is arranged at the distal end of the endoscope, the electrical measurement is performed between the first connection point arranged at the connection port of the first channel and the connection port of the suction channel. In this way, the entire extension of the first channel and the entire extension of the suction channel can be electrically measured, because these channels are fluidically connected to each other through the container arranged at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the step of pumping liquid into at least one of the channels comprises completely filling the respective channel with liquid.

[0048] Preferably, after the liquid is pumped into the channel, the liquid is retained in the channel to avoid solidification of residual organic debris.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the step of connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports comprises connecting at least one liquid-containing vessel, preferably at least three liquid-containing vessels, in particular four liquid-containing vessels, to at least one of the connection ports, preferably at least three of the connection ports, in particular four of the connection ports.

[0050] The advantage of connecting at least one vessel for holding liquid to at least one of the connection ports is that, in particular by applying negative pressure, liquid can be extracted from the vessel through a channel extending from the connection port to which the vessel is connected to the distal end of the endoscope, and when the container is arranged at the distal end, the liquid can be further extracted from the distal end through another channel (in particular toward the suction device). In this way, it can be achieved that liquid is extracted from the vessel starting from the first channel via the distal end and then through another channel through the entire extension of two of these channels, so that two of these channels are reliably flushed with liquid along their entire extension. Other channels can be reliably flushed in the same way. Therefore, it is preferred that the vessel is arranged on several connection ports so that all channels extending from these connection ports to the distal end can be reliably flushed with liquid along their entire extension.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the channel includes an air channel extending from an air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, a suction channel extending from a suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, a water channel extending from a water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, and preferably an auxiliary water channel extending from an auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0052] Preferably, the air channel is adapted to provide air to the distal end of the endoscope. Preferably, the suction channel is adapted to extract liquid and / or objects, such as tissue samples, from the distal end of the endoscope through the endoscope. Preferably, the water channel is adapted to provide water at the distal end of the endoscope. Preferably, the auxiliary water channel is adapted to provide water at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0053] Preferably, the channels are arranged parallel to each other over at least a portion of their extension from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises providing an RFID transponder comprising information about at least one pre-cleaning parameter, wherein, preferably, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter comprises at least one dynamic parameter comprising information about electrical parameters of a fluid or multiple fluids in at least one of the channels determined to have aspirated liquid and / or information about humidity in at least one of the channels of the endoscope.

[0055] In particular, RFID is to be understood as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID can in particular utilize electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags.

[0056] An RFID transponder preferably comprises an antenna, an electrical circuit for receiving and sending data, and a digital circuit with a memory. The antenna, the electrical circuit and the digital circuit may be integrated on a single microchip.

[0057] Preferably, the RFID transponder comprises a memory which can be written to at least once and contains an unchangeable identification.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter comprises at least one static parameter comprising information about an expiry date of the liquid to be drawn into at least one of the channels. Preferably, the at least one static parameter comprises information about a reference number for proving the use of the correct product and / or about an expiry date for proving the validity of the expiry date.

[0059] Preferably, the at least one dynamic parameter may be a resistance and / or a voltage and / or a current and / or a conductance. Preferably, the at least one dynamic parameter may include information about whether the electrical parameter is above a predetermined threshold value. Preferably, the at least one dynamic parameter may include information about whether the liquid level and / or the humidity level in the channel is sufficient, and / or whether the channel is filled with liquid, and / or whether patency of the channel is provided, and / or whether an electrical measuring instrument for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0060] Preferably, the dynamic parameter may in particular comprise one or more measured values ​​which can be interpreted after being read out by an RFID reader, in particular in the form of raw data.Such an RFID reader may, for example, be arranged outside the RFID circuit.

[0061] Preferably, information about the resistance and / or the voltage and / or the current and / or the conductance and / or further parameters can be written into the memory of the RFID transponder, wherein further parameters can be, for example, the temperature and / or the pressure values ​​during the pre-cleaning process.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter is determined by using a measuring instrument, preferably an electrical measuring instrument, wherein the RFID transponder, in particular the RFID antenna of the RFID transponder, provides the power for operating the measuring instrument.

[0063] Such an electrical measuring instrument may in particular be an ohmmeter and / or a multimeter.Preferably, the energy required for measuring and / or determining the at least one pre-cleaning parameter may be provided via the RFID antenna of the RFID transponder.

[0064] An advantage of providing energy for the RFID transponder for taking the measurements required for determining at least one pre-cleaning parameter is that no additional batteries or any other portable energy source are required to provide energy for taking the measurements.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment, the RFID transponder is arranged on a portable and preferably disposable device.Preferably, the RFID antenna is arranged on the portable device.

[0066] An advantage of using such a portable and disposable device is that a disposable ready-to-use solution for pre-cleaning can be provided which is easy to handle by the user and can be easily disposed of after use.

[0067] In another preferred embodiment, the method includes: reading out the information stored on the RFID transponder and continuing to reprocess the endoscope based on this information, or performing further cleaning steps for cleaning the endoscope, in particular cleaning steps for cleaning the channels of the endoscope.

[0068] Preferably, after reading out the information stored on the RFID transponder, it can be determined whether sufficient pre-cleaning has been performed and / or whether the channels that should be filled with liquid are filled with liquid. Thus, based on the information read out after performing the pre-cleaning process, it can be determined whether the pre-cleaning has been performed in a correct manner and / or whether further pre-cleaning steps must be performed to ensure sufficient pre-cleaning.

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises reading out the RFID transponder after the pre-cleaning, preferably by using an RFID reader, preferably at a reprocessing location, in particular before reprocessing of the endoscope.

[0070] In this way, the data written to the RFID transponder can be checked and / or verified and / or recorded before further further processing steps are carried out.

[0071] Preferably, after reading out the RFID transponder, it can be checked whether the parameters are valid and whether the pre-cleaning has been sufficiently performed. Based on these data, it can be determined whether reprocessing can be started or whether additional cleaning steps, such as flushing and / or rinsing and / or soaking, are required before continuing the reprocessing of the endoscope.

[0072] The advantages described above for the method for pre-cleaning also apply to this arrangement for pre-cleaning.

[0073] According to a further aspect, an arrangement is provided for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, in particular according to a method as described herein, the arrangement comprising: an endoscope comprising channels for transmitting fluids, connection ports, in particular connection ports for connecting fluid hoses, and a distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; a device, in particular an electrical measuring instrument, for determining electrical parameters of a fluid or multiple fluids in at least one of the channels of the endoscope.

[0074] As to advantages, preferences and details of the various aspects and preferred embodiments thereof, reference is also made to the corresponding advantages, preferences and details described with reference to the corresponding other aspects.

[0075] Further advantageous embodiments result from the combination of individual, several or all of the preferred features described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope is shown;

[0078] Figure 2 shows a schematic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment for determining electrical parameters;

[0079] Figure 3 shows a schematic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment for determining electrical parameters;

[0080] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope;

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1 A schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 is shown. The endoscope 10 may be pre-cleaned immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope 10. The endoscope 10 comprises an endoscope body 30 and channels 11, 12, 13, 14 for transmitting liquids, namely a suction channel 11, an air channel 12, a water channel 13 and an auxiliary water channel 14.

[0083] The suction channel 11 is adapted to extract liquid and / or objects, such as tissue samples, through the endoscope 10 from the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The suction channel 11 extends from the suction channel connection port 11a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The distal end 20 is an end portion of the endoscope 10 located at the frontmost end of the insertion portion 21 of the endoscope 10.

[0084] The air channel 12 is adapted to supply air to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The air channel 12 extends to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 from an air channel connection port 12a.

[0085] The water channel 13 is adapted to provide water at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The water channel 13 extends to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 from a water channel connection port 13a.

[0086] The auxiliary water channel 14 is adapted to provide water at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The auxiliary water channel 14 extends to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 from the auxiliary water channel connection port 14a.

[0087] The connection ports 11a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a are suitable for the connection of fluid hoses and / or vessels and / or closure elements. Each of the channels 11, 12, 13, 14 extends from one of the connection ports 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0088] By arranging the container 80 on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10, the channels 11, 12, 13, 14 are fluidically connected to each other at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The container 80 is arranged on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 so that the distal end 20 (including the outer peripheral surface 20a of the distal end 20) is entirely arranged inside the container 80. If the container 80 is filled with liquid, the entire distal end 20 (including the outer surface 20a of the distal end 20) is in contact with the liquid, so that reliable pre-cleaning of the entire distal end 20 can be achieved. The container 80 is arranged on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 so that the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 is sealed liquid-tight and air-tight relative to the environment surrounding the container 80.

[0089] The endoscope 10 also includes a biopsy branch 11 b extending from the biopsy branch connection port 11 c to the suction channel 11 .

[0090] The air channel 12 and the water channel 13 can be fluidly connected to each other and / or separated from each other via the air cylinder / water cylinder 19. A vent can be assembled to the air cylinder / water cylinder 19. The air cylinder / water cylinder 19 is sealed using a closing element 60 suitable for liquid-tightly closing the air cylinder / water cylinder 19. In addition, a suction cylinder 40 connected to the suction channel 11 is provided. A vent can be assembled to the suction cylinder 40.

[0091] The vessel 71 is arranged on the biopsy branch connection port 11c. If it is not necessary to flush the biopsy branch 11b during the pre-cleaning process, a closing element may be arranged on the biopsy branch connection port 11c instead of the vessel 71.

[0092] The vessel 72 is arranged on the connection port 12a of the air channel 12. If it is not necessary to flush the air channel 12 during the pre-cleaning process, a closing element may be arranged on the connection port 12a instead of the vessel 72.

[0093] The vessel 73 is arranged on the connection port 13a of the water channel 13. If it is not necessary to flush the water channel 13 during the pre-cleaning process, a closing element may be arranged on the connection port 13a instead of the vessel 73.

[0094] Furthermore, a vessel 74 is arranged on the connection port 14a of the auxiliary water channel 14. If the auxiliary water channel 14 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning process, a closing element may be arranged on the connection port 14a instead of the vessel 74.

[0095] The vessels 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 are filled with a liquid, in particular a disinfectant solution and / or a detergent solution.

[0096] In the preferred embodiment, the suction device 90 as a suction pump is connected to the connection port 11a of the suction channel 11 through a fluid hose 90a. When the suction device 90 is activated, negative pressure is applied to the system so that the liquid is drawn toward the suction device 90, as described in detail below.

[0097] The liquid is drawn from the vessel 71 through the biopsy branch 11b, and from there further through the portion of the suction channel 11 extending from the connection with the biopsy branch 11b to the distal end 20 toward the distal end 20. Due to the fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by the container 80 arranged at the distal end 20, the liquid is drawn from the distal end 20 through the entire extension of the suction channel 11 from the connection port 11a, is drawn to the suction device 90 via the fluid hose 90a, and is drawn from the suction device 90 to the suction canister 95.

[0098] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 72 to the distal end 20 through the air channel 12. Due to the fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by the container 80 arranged at the distal end 20, the liquid is drawn from the distal end 20 through the entire extension of the suction channel 11 from the connection port 11a, drawn to the suction device 90 via the fluid hose 90a, and drawn from the suction device 90 to the suction tank 95.

[0099] The liquid is drawn from the vessel 73 to the distal end 20 through the water channel 13. Due to the fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by the container 80 arranged at the distal end 20, the liquid is drawn from the distal end 20 through the entire extension of the suction channel 11 from the connection port 11a, drawn to the suction device 90 via the fluid hose 90a, and drawn from the suction device 90 to the suction tank 95.

[0100] The liquid is drawn from the vessel 74 to the distal end 20 through the auxiliary water channel 14. Due to the fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by the container 80 arranged at the distal end 20, the liquid is drawn from the distal end 20 through the entire extension of the suction channel 11 from the connection port 11a, drawn to the suction device 90 via the fluid hose 90a, and drawn from the suction device 90 to the suction tank 95.

[0101] Figure 2 Schematic arrangements of exemplary embodiments for determining electrical parameters are shown. The schematic arrangements shown here can be applied, for example, to Figure 1 However, the schematic arrangement shown here can also be applied to other arrangements, such as Figure 1 The endoscope shown (with or without a container at the distal end of the endoscope) is used in connection with or in conjunction with a device similar to Figure 1 The endoscopes shown are used in conjunction with other arrangements of endoscopes (with or without a container disposed at the distal end of the endoscope).

[0102] The pre-cleaning process can be carried out as follows: an endoscope to be pre-cleaned is provided. A channel 14, for example an auxiliary water channel 14 (but it can be any other channel of the endoscope), has a connection port, a liquid source in the form of a vessel 74 is connected to the connection port, and a suction device 90 is connected to the connection port at the other end of the channel 14. In addition, if liquid should also be sucked into additional channels 11b, 12, 13, these additional channels can also be connected to the vessels 71, 72, 73 at their connection ports and to the suction device 90 in a direct or indirect manner. The suction device 90 is further connected to a suction container formed as a suction tank 95. The vessels 71, 72, 73, 74 containing liquid are arranged on the biopsy branch 11b and the connection ports of the channels 12, 13, 14. By activating the suction device 90 , the liquid is sucked in the direction indicated by the arrow (i.e., from the vessels 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 through the biopsy branch 11 b (to which the vessels 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 are connected) and the channels 12 , 13 , 14 toward the suction pump 90 ) and is then collected in the suction tank 95 .

[0103] An electrical measuring instrument 210, such as an ohmmeter or a multimeter, is connected to the channel 14 at two spaced apart contact points 210a, 210b. If additional channels 11b, 12, 13 need to be pre-cleaned, at least one additional electrical measuring instrument 220 can be used to measure the additional channels 11b, 12, 13 by connecting the instrument to the contact points 220a, 220b of each channel. However, it is also possible to measure all channels of interest, such as the biopsy branch 11b as well as the channels 12, 13, 14, with only one electrical measuring instrument. In this case, the reference numerals 210 and 220 belong to only one electrical measuring instrument, i.e., to the same electrical measuring instrument.

[0104] The electrical measuring instruments 210, 220 can perform electrical measurements to determine, based on the measurements, electrical parameters of the fluid or fluids in the channel 14 and possible additional channels 11b, 12, 13 into which the liquid has been sucked. The determined parameters of the fluid or fluids are then compared with predetermined threshold values, so that it can be determined, based on the comparison between the determined parameters of the fluid or fluids and the threshold values, whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the channel is sufficient, and / or whether the channel is filled with liquid, and / or whether the patency of the channel is provided, and / or whether the electrical measuring instruments for measuring electrical parameters are correctly electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0105] Figure 3 A schematic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment for determining electrical parameters is shown. Figure 2 The embodiment described is the same, wherein additionally, an RFID transponder 230 with an RFID antenna 231 and an extended warehouse management (EWM) software 250 and an endoscope reprocessor 260 are provided. The RFID transponder 230 contains information about at least one pre-cleaning parameter 234, wherein, preferably, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter 234 comprises at least one dynamic parameter, the at least one dynamic parameter comprising information about electrical parameters of the fluid or fluids in the biopsy branch 11b and at least one of the channels 12, 13, 14 into which the determined liquid has been sucked and / or information about humidity in at least one of the additional channels 11b, 12, 13 of the endoscope. The RFID transponder 230 comprises an RFID antenna 231, an electrical circuit 232 for receiving and sending data, and a digital circuit 233 with a memory. The antenna 231, the electrical circuit 232 and the digital circuit 233 can be integrated on a single microchip. The RFID transponder comprises a memory 235 which can be written at least once and contains an unchangeable identification.

[0106] The pre-cleaning parameters 234 include at least one static parameter including information about the expiry date of the liquid to be drawn into at least one of the channels. Preferably, the at least one static parameter includes information about a reference number for proving the use of the correct product and / or information about an expiry date for proving the validity of the expiry date.

[0107] In particular, the at least one dynamic parameter may be a resistance and / or a voltage and / or a current and / or a conductance. Additionally or alternatively, the dynamic parameter may comprise information about whether the electrical parameter is above a predetermined threshold. In particular, the at least one dynamic parameter may comprise information about whether the liquid level and / or the humidity level in the channel is sufficient, and / or whether the channel is filled with liquid, and / or whether the patency of the channel is provided, and / or whether an electrical measuring instrument for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0108] The RFID antenna 231 of the RFID transponder 230 provides power for operating the electrical measuring instruments 210, 220. Therefore, no additional battery or any other portable energy source is required to provide energy for making electrical measurements.

[0109] The RFID transponder 230 is arranged on a portable, disposable device 270 .

[0110] The RFID transponder 230 can be read out and the data can be sent to the EWM software 250. In addition, the RFID transponder 230 can be read out by the endoscope reprocessor 260 in order to decide on the basis of this information whether the reprocessing of the endoscope can continue or whether further cleaning steps for cleaning the endoscope, in particular cleaning steps for cleaning the channels of the endoscope, are required before this. After reading out the RFID transponder 230, it can be checked in particular whether the parameters are valid and whether the pre-cleaning has been sufficiently carried out. Based on these data, it can be decided whether the reprocessing can be started or whether additional cleaning steps such as flushing and / or rinsing and / or soaking are required before continuing the reprocessing of the endoscope.

[0111] Figure 4 A method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, for example in combination with Figure 1 Describe and Figure 1 1 is a schematic flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 100 for performing an endoscope. The method 100 is performed immediately or shortly after using an endoscope during a patient operation and includes the following steps:

[0112] In step 110, an endoscope is provided, which includes channels for transmitting fluid, connection ports (particularly connection ports for connecting fluid hoses), and a distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0113] In step 120, liquid is drawn into at least one of the channels.

[0114] In step 130, electrical parameters of the fluid or fluids in at least one of the channels into which the liquid has been drawn are determined, including determining the resistance or resistivity between two separated points of the channel, and / or determining the conductance or conductivity between two separated points of the channel.

[0115] In step 140, the determined parameter of the fluid or fluids is compared to a predetermined threshold value.

[0116] In step 150, based on a comparison between the determined parameters of the fluid or multiple fluids and a threshold value, it is determined whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the channel is sufficient, and / or whether the channel is filled with liquid, and / or whether the patency of the channel is provided, and / or whether an electrical measuring instrument for measuring electrical parameters is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0117] Figure 5 A method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, for example in combination with Figure 1 Describe and Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 100 for performing endoscopy. Figure 5 The described method includes combining Figure 4 The method steps described are the same as method steps 110, 120, 130, 140, 150. In addition to the above method steps, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0118] In step 160, an RFID transponder is provided which contains information about at least one pre-cleaning parameter, wherein the at least one pre-cleaning parameter comprises at least one dynamic parameter comprising information about electrical parameters of the fluid or fluids in at least one of the channels into which the liquid is determined to have been drawn and / or information about humidity in at least one of the channels of the endoscope, wherein the at least one pre-cleaning parameter comprises at least one static parameter comprising information about an expiry date of the liquid to be drawn into at least one of the channels, wherein the at least one pre-cleaning parameter is determined by using a measuring instrument, preferably an electrical measuring instrument, wherein the RFID transponder, in particular an RFID antenna of the RFID transponder, provides power for operating the measuring instrument. The RFID transponder is arranged on a portable, disposable device.

[0119] In step 170 , the information stored on the RFID transponder is read out and, based on this information, the endoscope is further processed or a further cleaning step is performed for cleaning the endoscope, in particular for cleaning the channels of the endoscope.

[0120] In step 180 , after pre-cleaning, preferably by using an RFID reader, preferably at a reprocessing location, in particular before reprocessing of the endoscope, the RFID transponder is read out.

Claims

1. A method for pre-cleaning an endoscope immediately or shortly after use, the method comprising the following steps: An endoscope is provided, the endoscope comprising: a channel for conveying a fluid; a connection port, in particular a connection port for connecting a fluid hose; and The distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; drawing a liquid into at least one of the channels; An electrical parameter of the fluid or fluids in the at least one channel that has drawn the liquid into the channel is determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: comparing the determined parameter of the fluid or fluids to a predetermined threshold; as well as Preferably, the determination is made based on a comparison between the determined parameter of the fluid or the plurality of fluids and the threshold value, whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the channel is sufficient, and / or whether the channel is filled with a liquid, and / or Whether the patency of the channel is provided, and / or Whether an electrical measuring instrument for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising the following steps: fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope by disposing a container on the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device, preferably a suction pump, to one of the connection ports; connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports; The liquid is drawn into the at least one of the channels by activating the suction device, such that the liquid is drawn from the liquid source through the at least one channel via the distal end toward the suction device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The electrical parameters are preferably determined by resistance measurement and / or voltage measurement and / or current measurement and / or conductance measurement using an ohmmeter and / or a multimeter.

5. The method according to claim 4, in, The resistance measurement and / or the voltage measurement and / or the current measurement and / or the conductance measurement comprises contacting a channel in which an electrical parameter of the fluid or fluids is to be determined.

6. The method according to claim 3, in, The step of determining an electrical parameter of a fluid or fluids in said at least one of said channels comprises the following steps: determining the resistance or resistivity between two spaced apart points of the channel; and / or The conductance or conductivity between two spaced-apart points of the channel is determined.

7. The method according to claim 6, in, One of the two separated points between which the electrical measurement is performed is located at or adjacent to a connection port of the corresponding channel, and / or one of the two separated points between which the electrical measurement is performed is located at or adjacent to a connection port to which the suction device is connected.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The step of drawing the liquid into the at least one of the channels comprises completely filling the respective channel with the liquid.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The step of connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports comprises connecting at least one liquid-containing vessel, preferably at least three liquid-containing vessels, in particular four liquid-containing vessels, to at least one of the connection ports, preferably at least three of the connection ports, in particular four of the connection ports.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, The channel includes an air channel extending from an air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, a suction channel extending from a suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, a water channel extending from a water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, and Preferably, an auxiliary water channel extends from an auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the steps of: providing an RFID transponder containing information about at least one pre-cleaning parameter, Wherein, preferably, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter comprises at least one dynamic parameter, the at least one dynamic parameter comprising information about electrical parameters of the fluid or multiple fluids in the at least one channel into which the liquid has been sucked into the determined channel and / or information about humidity in at least one of the channels of the endoscope, Therein, preferably, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter comprises at least one static parameter, the at least one static parameter comprising information about an expiry date of the liquid to be sucked into the at least one channel in the channel.

12. The method according to claim 11, in, The at least one pre-cleaning parameter is determined by using a measuring instrument, preferably an electrical measuring instrument, wherein the RFID transponder, in particular an RFID antenna of the RFID transponder, provides electrical power for operating the measuring instrument.

13. The method according to claim 11, in, The RFID transponder is arranged on a portable and preferably disposable device, Preferably, an RFID antenna is arranged on the portable device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising the steps of: The information stored on the RFID transponder is read out and, based on this information, the endoscope is further processed or a further cleaning step is performed for cleaning the endoscope, in particular for cleaning the channel of the endoscope.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising the steps of: After pre-cleaning, the RFID transponder is read out, preferably by using an RFID reader, preferably at a reprocessing location, in particular before reprocessing of the endoscope.

16. A system for pre-cleaning an endoscope immediately or shortly after use, in particular according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the system comprising: An endoscope, the endoscope comprising: a channel for conveying a fluid; a connection port, in particular a connection port for connecting a fluid hose; and The distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; and A device, in particular an electrical measuring instrument, for determining an electrical parameter of a fluid or a plurality of fluids in at least one of the channels of the endoscope.

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