Method and system for precleaning an endoscope

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for pre-cleaning an endoscope. A method is provided for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, the method comprising: 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 the distal end of the endoscope; fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope by arranging the 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; at least one of the channels is flushed with the liquid by activating the aspiration device such that the liquid is drawn from the liquid source through the at least one channel via the distal end toward the aspiration device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. In addition, 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, manually or automatically cleaned, disinfected, and (possibly) sterilized before being used again on a patient. If endoscopes and accessories used in patient procedures are not cleaned immediately after each patient procedure, the remaining organic debris will begin to dry and solidify, preventing effective removal and reprocessing. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-clean endoscopes and 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, pre-clean the biopsy / suction channel by placing the distal end of the endoscope in water and extracting fluid through the endoscope. Then, extract air through the endoscope. Second, pre-clean the air / water channel by placing the distal end of the endoscope in water and flushing the air / water channel with fluid. Then, flush the air / water channel with air. Third, if available, pre-clean the auxiliary water channel by flushing it with water. Finally, remove the accessories from the endoscope and place them in a fluid such as water or a detergent solution. Typically, after the pre-cleaning process, the endoscope is removed from the instruments 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. Summary of the invention

[0008] 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 error.

[0009] 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: providing an endoscope, the endoscope comprising: channels for transmitting fluid, connecting ports, in particular connecting ports for connecting fluid hoses, and a distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connecting ports to the distal end of the endoscope; 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 connecting ports; connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connecting ports; and flushing at least one of the channels with liquid 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.

[0010] In the following, firstly a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope and its function as well as advantageous embodiments will be described.

[0011] The distal end of the 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. More preferably, the light guide is arranged at the distal end. More preferably, an objective lens may be arranged at the distal end. It is particularly preferred that the distal end is arranged at the end of the insertion part having a flexible insertion tube.

[0012] Preferably, the method is performed immediately or shortly after the endoscope is used in a patient operation. Preferably, the method for pre-cleaning the endoscope is started within 60 minutes after the use in a patient operation, particularly preferably within 30 minutes after the use in a patient operation, and in particular within 15 minutes after the use in a patient operation. 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 operation, without the need to move the endoscope to another location before the pre-cleaning is performed.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Preferably, a connection port is understood to be a port to which a fluid hose or the like can be connected.

[0016] Preferably, the endoscope may be, for example, a colonoscope, or a gastroscope, or an ultrasound endoscope, or a duodenoscope, or another type of endoscope.

[0017] The container can be arranged on the distal end when it is filled with liquid or not filled with liquid. If the container is not filled with liquid, a continuous liquid flow can be drawn through the channel via the distal end.

[0018] 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 channels into the container and from the container through the suction channels toward the suction device out of the endoscope without the presence of a liquid gap containing gas. Therefore, when liquid is drawn from the connection port, the user can be sure that the liquid has been completely drawn through at least two channels. However, alternatively, the container can also be filled with liquid before flushing the channels. Filling the container with liquid before starting flushing of the channels can have the advantage that 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.

[0019] The advantage of this method is that even if not all channels of an endoscope are connected to one another inside the endoscope, all of them can be flushed with only one source by connecting the channels to one another via a 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.

[0020] The advantage of this method is that, after the pre-cleaning process has been carried out, the channel can remain moistened and / or filled with liquid. Thus, drying and solidification in the channel after the pre-cleaning can be prevented in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0021] Another advantage of the method is that during pre-cleaning of the endoscope, it is not necessary to interact with several user interfaces and / or devices in order to perform the pre-cleaning process.

[0022] Another advantage of the method is that, with the method, far fewer instruments 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.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports includes 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.

[0024] The advantage of connecting at least one vessel containing liquid to at least one of the connection ports is that, in particular by applying underpressure, 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 because the container is arranged at the distal end, the liquid can also be extracted from the distal end through another channel (in particular towards 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 vessels are 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.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises connecting a closure element to each of the connection ports which are not connected to the liquid source and the suction device.

[0026] It is particularly preferred to connect each of the connection ports to a vessel or a closure element or a suction device. Preferably, each of the connection ports is then connected to a vessel or a closure element, or preferably indirectly connected to a suction device via a hose or the like.

[0027] A closure element is preferably understood as an element which is suitable for closing a connection port, preferably fluid-tightly, in particular gas-tightly, when applied thereto. Preferably, the closure element is connected to such a connection port to which a channel which does not need to be flushed during pre-cleaning is connected.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises flushing at least two, preferably all, of the channels with liquid by activating the suction device so that the liquid is drawn through the channels via the distal end towards the suction device.

[0029] By activating the suction device, an underpressure can be obtained, with which underpressure liquid can be drawn through the channels towards the suction device.Preferably, only one of the channels is connected to the suction device.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the channel includes: an air channel extending from the air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; a suction channel extending from the suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; a water channel extending from the water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; and preferably an auxiliary water channel extending from the auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0031] Preferably, the air channel is adapted to provide air to the distal end of the endoscope. Preferably, the suction channel is adapted to aspirate liquid and / or objects (e.g., tissue samples) through the endoscope from the distal end of 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the container is arranged on the distal end of the endoscope in such a way that the entirety of the distal end (including the outer surface of the distal end) is arranged inside the container.

[0034] Preferably, the outer surface of the distal end, in particular the outer surface formed as the peripheral surface, is arranged inside the container when the container is filled with fluid.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the container is filled with a liquid and the entire distal end (including the outer surface of the distal end) is in contact with the liquid.

[0036] Pre-cleaning of the distal end can be challenging, especially if the distal end has a complex geometry (which is the case, for example, with a duodenoscope). An advantage of arranging the entire distal end (including the outer surface) inside the container is that when the entire distal end is arranged in the container and the container is filled with fluid, the distal end and its outer surface can be reliably pre-cleaned because the liquid is now in contact with all surfaces of the distal end (including the outer surface).

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the container is arranged at the distal end of the endoscope in such a way that the distal end of the endoscope is sealed fluid-tight (and preferably gas-tight) with respect to the environment surrounding the container.

[0038] An advantage of sealing the interior of the container with respect to the environment is that in this way no external fluid can enter the channel and no liquid can escape from the container in the environment surrounding the container.

[0039] Preferably, the internal volume of the container is not variable. This can be achieved, for example, by using a harder material for the container wall defining the inner cavity of the container. In this way, when underpressure is applied to the inner cavity of the container, the internal volume of the container does not shrink but remains substantially unchanged, so that the fluid connection of the channels at the end of the endoscope remains unchanged even when underpressure is applied to the channel system and thereby to the internal volume of the container.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, each of the connection ports, except the connection port connected to the suction device, is connected to a vessel.

[0041] The advantage of this preferred arrangement is that, by arranging the vessel to all connection ports except the connection port connected to the suction device, all channels can be reliably flushed and thus pre-cleaned. Therefore, if all channels are to be flushed, this arrangement is particularly preferred.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the suction device is fluidly connected to a suction container adapted to receive liquid withdrawn from the endoscope by the suction device.

[0043] By connecting such a suction container to a suction device, liquid that is withdrawn from the endoscope through the channel via the suction device can be safely collected.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the liquid pumped through at least one of the channels is water or a disinfectant solution or a detergent solution.

[0045] Preferably, a disinfectant solution and / or a detergent solution is used to remove organic debris better than water.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the endoscope is immersed in the liquid so that the connection port is in contact with the liquid, wherein preferably, the connection port connected to the suction device is connected to the suction device via a hose or the like.

[0047] In this alternative, in contrast to the arrangement of the vessel on the connection port, the endoscope may be fully or partially immersed in the liquid such that the connection port is in contact with the liquid in which the endoscope is immersed.

[0048] Preferably, the connection port connected to the suction device is connected to the suction device via a hose etc. The connection port may also be immersed in the liquid, but preferably no fluid connection is provided between the channel connected to the connection port and the liquid.

[0049] 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 for pre-cleaning the endoscope according to the method described herein, the arrangement comprising: an endoscope comprising: channels for transmitting fluid, 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 container, which is arranged on the distal end of the endoscope in such a way that the channels are fluidically connected to each other at the distal end of the endoscope; at least one liquid source, which is connected to at least one of the connection ports; and preferably a suction device (preferably a suction pump), which is connected to one of the connection ports.

[0050] The advantages described above for the pre-cleaning method are also advantages for the arrangement for pre-cleaning. These advantages are achieved in particular by arranging the container at the distal end in this manner.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the suction device is adapted to flush at least one of the channels with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from a liquid source through the at least one channel via the distal end towards the suction device.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the endoscope includes: an air channel extending from an air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; a suction channel extending from the suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; a water channel extending from the water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; and preferably an auxiliary water channel extending from the auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; and preferably at least one closing element connected to each of the connection ports that are not connected to the liquid source and the suction device.

[0053] As to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the various aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference may also be made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and details described with reference to the corresponding other aspects.

[0054] Further advantageous embodiments may result from combinations of individual, several or all of the preferred features described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic depiction showing an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope;

[0057] Figure 2 A schematic flow chart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope;

[0058] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In the drawings, elements having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0060] 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 fluids, namely, a suction channel 11, an air channel 12, a water channel 13, and an auxiliary water channel 14.

[0061] The suction channel 11 is adapted to extract liquid and / or objects (e.g., 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 the frontmost end portion of the endoscope 10 located at the insertion portion 21 of the endoscope 10.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The connection ports 11a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a are suitable for connecting fluid hoses and / or vessels and / or closing 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.

[0066] 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 in such a manner that the distal end 20 (including the outer peripheral surface 20a of the distal end 20) is completely arranged inside the container 80. If the container 80 is filled with a liquid, the entire distal end 20 (including the outer peripheral 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 in such a manner that the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 is sealed liquid-tight and air-tight relative to the environment around the container 80.

[0067] The endoscope 10 also includes a biopsy branch 11 b extending from the biopsy branch connection port 11 c to the suction channel 11 .

[0068] The air channel 12 and the water channel 13 can be fluidically connected and / or separated from each other by the air / water cylinder 19. The discharge port can be assembled to the air / water cylinder 19. The air / water cylinder 19 is sealed with a closing element 60, which is suitable for fluid-tightly closing the air / water cylinder 19. In addition, a suction cylinder 40 is provided to which the suction channel 11 is connected. The discharge port can be assembled to the suction cylinder 40.

[0069] 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 instead of the vessel 71 may be arranged on the biopsy branch connection port 11c.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Furthermore, the 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 member may be arranged on the connection port 14a instead of the vessel 74.

[0073] The vessels 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 are filled with a liquid, in particular a disinfectant solution and / or a detergent solution.

[0074] Suction device 90, which in this preferred embodiment is a suction pump, is connected via a fluid hose 90a to connection port 11a of suction channel 11. When suction device 90 is activated, underpressure is applied to the system, thereby drawing liquid toward suction device 90, as described in detail below.

[0075] The liquid is drawn from the vessel 71 through the biopsy branch 11 b , and from there further through the suction channel 11 from the connection port 11 a , drawn to the suction device 90 via the fluid hose 90 a , and from the suction device 90 to the suction canister 95 .

[0076] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 72 through the air passage 12 to 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 passage 11, drawn out 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.

[0077] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 73 through the water channel 13 to 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, drawn out 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.

[0078] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 74 through the auxiliary water channel 14 to 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, drawn out 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.

[0079] Figure 2 Shown for pre-cleaning as Figure 11 is a schematic flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 100 for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 designed as shown. The method 100 for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 comprises: fluidly connecting channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 of the endoscope to each other at the distal end of the endoscope by arranging a container on the distal end 20 of the endoscope, and connecting a suction device 90 to the channel 11, wherein the suction device 90 is further connected to a suction container formed as a suction tank 95. Containers 74, 71, 72, 73 containing liquids are arranged on the connection ports of the channels 11b, 12, 13, 14. By activating the suction device 90, the liquid is drawn in the direction indicated by the arrow, that is, from the vessels 74, 71, 72, 73 through the channels 11b, 12, 13, 14 (connected to the vessels 74, 71, 72, 73) toward the distal end 20, and from the distal end 20 via the container 80 into the suction channel 11, drawn through the suction channel 11, and drawn through the suction channel to the suction pump 90, and then collected in the suction tank 95.

[0080] Figure 3 Shown for pre-cleaning as Figure 1 As shown and combined Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the described endoscopic method 100 is shown. The method 100 is performed immediately or shortly after using an endoscope during a patient surgery and includes the following steps:

[0081] 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.

[0082] In step 120, the channels are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end of the endoscope by placing a container on the distal end of the endoscope.

[0083] In step 130, a suction device, preferably a suction pump, is connected to one of the connection ports.

[0084] In step 140, at least one liquid source is connected to at least one of the connection ports.

[0085] In step 150, at least one of the channels, preferably at least two of the channels, is flushed with liquid by activating the suction device so that liquid is drawn from the liquid source through at least one channel, preferably at least two channels, via the distal end toward the suction device.

Claims

1. A method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, the method comprising the following steps: An endoscope is provided, the endoscope comprising: Channels for transporting fluids, connection ports, in particular for connecting fluid hoses, 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; 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; and The at least one channel is flushed with the liquid by activating the suction device so that liquid is drawn from the liquid source through at least one of the channels via the distal end toward the suction device.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The step of connecting the at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports comprises the following steps: 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.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising the following steps: A closure element is connected to each of the connection ports that are not connected to the liquid source and the suction device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the following steps: At least two of the channels, preferably all of the channels, are flushed with the liquid by activating the suction device so that the liquid is drawn through the channels via the distal end towards the suction device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The channel comprises: 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.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The container is arranged on the distal end of the endoscope in such a way that the entirety of the distal end, including the outer surface of the distal end, is arranged inside the container.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The container is filled with a liquid, and the entire distal end, including an outer surface of the distal end, is in contact with the liquid.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The container is arranged on the distal end of the endoscope in such a way that the distal end of the endoscope is sealed fluid-tightly, and preferably gas-tightly, relative to the environment surrounding the container.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, Each of the connection ports except the connection port connected to the suction device is connected to a vessel.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, The suction device is fluidly connected to a suction reservoir adapted to receive liquid withdrawn from the endoscope by the suction device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in, The liquid pumped through at least one of the channels is water or a disinfectant solution or a detergent solution.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The endoscope is immersed in liquid so that the connection port is in contact with the liquid, wherein, preferably, the connection port connected to the suction device is connected to the suction device via a hose or the like.

13. A system for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, in particular for pre-cleaning an endoscope according to a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: An endoscope, the endoscope comprising: Channels for transporting fluids, Connection ports, in particular 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 container disposed on the distal end of the endoscope in such a manner that the channels are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end of the endoscope; at least one liquid source connected to at least one of the connection ports; and Preferably, a suction device, preferably a suction pump, is connected to one of the connection ports.

14. The system according to claim 13, in, The suction device is adapted to flush the at least one channel with liquid by activating the suction device so that liquid is drawn from the liquid source through at least one of the channels via the distal end towards the suction device.

15. The system according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein: The endoscope comprises: 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, the auxiliary water channel extending from the auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, and Preferably, at least one closing element is connected to each of the connection ports which are not connected to the liquid source and the suction device.

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