System and method for drying an endoscope device

Abstract

Devices, methods, and kits for cleaning and / or drying an endoscopic instrument, such as an endoscope, are provided. In one aspect, a drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument includes an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument, and a drying member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. At least a portion of the drying member has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the elongate member and may be shaped and configured to substantially maintain contact with the lumen wall as the elongate member advances through the lumen. The elongated member and the drying member are sterilized or disinfected such that the disinfected and / or sterilized device channel is not damaged by the drying process.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 339,497, filed on May 8, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Endoscopes are used and reprocessed many times every day to provide highly advanced optical performance, consistent real-time imaging transmission, predictable scope handling, and other functions that are critical to the successful diagnosis and treatment of clinical conditions. This also occurs in non-medical applications involving inspection, cleaning, and repair of remote locations utilizing non-medical endoscopes. This includes, by way of example, but is not limited to, inspection and repair of hydraulic lines, oil field pipelines, refinery lines and lumens, sewer and pipeline lines, internal areas of internal combustion engines, and other non-medical applications involving remote visualization of areas that benefit from remote access and assessment.

[0004] Endoscopes are high-tech instruments that typically have advanced, expensive optical chips at the distal end of the scope to facilitate excellent visualization. These image signals are collected on the chip and then communicated through high-definition image transmission technology involving improved software and imaging processing hardware that processes the optical signals. These signals are then converted and projected by software and processors at many frames per second to an imaging screen, console, or other device that transmits the image to the user remotely from the optical chip.

[0005] The superior imaging capabilities of endoscopes have enabled many advances in both medical and non-medical fields. This is largely due to the combination of excellent optical performance and scope handling combined with the reusable nature of nearly all endoscopes. This powerful combination allows advanced, high-quality optical components to become available at a reasonable cost per use due to the ability to clean, disinfect (if applicable) and reuse endoscopes with their advanced optical capabilities. The ability to reuse these scopes effectively amortizes the high cost of the capabilities of the endoscopes across multiple procedures / uses, thereby enabling reasonable, low-cost access to advanced technologies for multiple beneficial uses around the world. Endoscopes with these advanced optical capabilities are too expensive to use once and discard. In addition, the environmental impact of discarding advanced electronics that facilitate endoscope capabilities is considerable, unwarranted and unsafe for the environment. Reusable scopes provide a way to make peak optical capabilities available for a variety of procedures, where otherwise people would not be able to afford the cost of using such technology.

[0006] Even with the considerable advances and capabilities provided by reusable endoscopes, recent concerns have arisen regarding one's ability to consistently and predictably clean and thereby remove all dirt and biological matter that contaminates endoscopes during use. Successful cleaning is a critical step in supporting disinfection and / or sterilization (as applicable) to reprocess these scopes for their next use. Cleaning non-medical scopes is also important to avoid inhibiting scope performance for the next use, as residual matter can accumulate and adversely affect scope performance. This applies to both non-robotic scopes and scopes used in conjunction with or otherwise with robotics to view, navigate, and treat (as applicable) using remote visualization.

[0007] With respect to these scopes, multiple contamination-related reprocessing issues have been noted that have resulted in potential patient infection and / or scope performance issues. These issues include issues with the cleanliness of the reusable valves used to facilitate aspiration and air / water expression, the presence of residual material that cannot be consistently removed from the complex distal tips of some scopes (particularly duodenoscopes and ultrasound endoscopes), and concerns regarding successful cleaning of the long biopsy / working channels in some scopes that are important for passing instruments to the distal tip of the scope.

[0008] Almost all of these issues can be addressed by using new relatively low-cost technologies and practices that were created in response to these concerns, that can be applied in the context of current workflow and procedural economics, and that are environmentally friendly, especially when compared to single-use scope alternatives. These relatively low-cost technologies and practices include using single-use disposable tubing and disposable valves instead of reusable tubing and valves, using sterile, single-use endoscope shields to seal the complex distal end of the scope during use and initial pre-cleaning instead of leaving this area open and exposed to contamination, using forced air drying, improving compliance with reprocessing pathways, and implementing post-procedural cultures and monitoring to address other areas of concern.

[0009] With all of these advances, one area that remains to be addressed is the cleaning of the internal lumen of the endoscope. During medical procedures, the internal biopsy and aspiration channels become heavily contaminated with bacteria, biological matter, and debris by passing multiple instruments through the biopsy channels, and by activating suction to remove mucus, debris, and other materials that can obscure the physician's visual inspection during the procedure. All of these activities benefit the patient by providing care in a minimally invasive manner through the scope, but while these beneficial activities are taking place, the scope experiences severe contamination of these channels, which must then be effectively cleaned to return the scope to service for the next patient (or non-medical use) without exposing the next patient (or non-medical use) to the risk of infection associated with the scope (or a poorly performing, unclean non-medical scope). It is well known that in the event of unsuccessful cleaning, the endoscope cannot be successfully disinfected or sterilized. Unremoved biological matter and debris act as a barrier to pathogens, protecting the pathogens from being killed by the disinfectants and sterilants used to reprocess the scope. Additionally, unremoved biological matter and pathogens create opportunities for organisms to attach to surfaces within the scope, replicate, and form biofilms, which makes removal of these organisms particularly difficult, and this in turn creates the risk of multi-drug resistant infections spreading through the scope. Biofilms can replicate, detach, and then attach to new locations and repeat the process, while also recruiting other organisms into the biofilm during this process, creating additional multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) that cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics. MDRO infections are extremely dangerous and have resulted in multiple deaths worldwide from contaminated endoscopes that have not been successfully reprocessed.

[0010] Another significant unmet need with respect to these instruments and with respect to the process is the downstream issues associated with drying the instruments after the cleaning and / or disinfection or sterilization process is complete. Most, if not all, of the disinfection or sterilization approaches involve some element of liquid or gas delivery of the disinfectant or sterilant followed by flushing with an agent (such as water or sterile water) in most protocols to clean and aid in the removal and / or, or in selected very limited circumstances, evaporation of the agent used for disinfection or sterilization.

[0011] In all of these processes, the key final step after disinfection or sterilization is the drying of the instrument. For the outer surface of a medical device, this aspect of the process is quite simple, but for recessed areas, and especially relatively narrow and sometimes long channels, the drying of these areas is difficult, time-consuming, and unpredictable or inconsistent. Failure to effectively dry will offset the benefits of the entire reprocessing approach (including disinfection and / or sterilization steps). This is because wet surfaces promote the proliferation of pathogens and biofilms. If the instrument is dry, pathogens and biofilms cannot grow. Hydration is a core element in the growth of pathogens and biofilms that cause infections, including nosocomial infections, drug-resistant infections, and other deadly infections. For non-medical uses, residual hydration promotes the growth of biofilms and pathogens, which can affect device performance and even ultimately expose users to one or more pathogens.

[0012] Current drying approaches employ a variety of inconsistent and variable methods that do not provide consistent assurance of moisture removal within these channels and recessed areas and thus drying of the remote and / or recessed areas. Unsuccessful attempts have been made to hang the device vertically with the wet channels positioned so that gravity causes the water within the channels to eventually flow down and evaporate. Evidence that the channels will not dry consistently and completely even after several days in this position has proven this approach to be faulty.

[0013] Attempts to overcome these problems have included flushing the channels with alcohol, on the assumption that this would speed drying and act as an additional bacteriostatic agent (even though the device in the medical application has already been disinfected or sterilized at this point). Data show that this does not significantly speed drying time or drying efficiency, and may even prolong the drying process in some cases. Additionally, there is concern that the use of alcohol may actually immobilize certain otherwise inert or harmless bacteria and pathogens in the channels, which in turn could be passed on to the patient or user.

[0014] Other approaches involve using air drying approaches, but air drying approaches are inherently difficult, time-consuming and variable because recessed and sometimes long and thin channels must be dried. Some of these channels are four to six feet long, and only a few millimeters or less in diameter. Attempts to dry include aiming compressed air at the channel or aiming it into the channel, or hanging the instrument in a cabinet with circulating air, which uses a motorized fan to blow air into a small space to improve drying. Some of these approaches filter the air blown into a small area (such as an endoscope channel) by a motorized fan through a duct and are labeled "forced air drying". Even these more proactive and targeted approaches have variable results, which are at least partially due to the distance that must be traveled by the air drying channel, the variable diameter of the channel (which affects the air speed), and the surface tension of water (which may be greater than the force of the air at different points, hindering the effective and timely removal of water). In addition, the small space can be basically closed or help maintain and promote a humid environment to inhibit evaporation. Challenges in addition to even these significant difficulties include endoscopes and other instruments having tortuous internal channels and lumens where one or more channels converge to form more varied surfaces, such as Y-junctions and connectors where water may pool, and areas near and / or outside of valves that interact with the channels.

[0015] Therefore, it is desirable to provide improved systems and methods for drying endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, and other instruments having remote channels and lumens after cleaning so that the channels and lumens can be effectively sterilized or disinfected. In particular, it is desirable to provide a device that can effectively remove all liquids and moisture from the internal lumens of endoscopic technology, including liquids present in cracks, scratches, Y-joints, or other irregularities. Summary of the invention

[0016] The present invention provides devices and methods for drying endoscopic instruments (such as endoscopes) after cleaning. These devices and methods are particularly useful for quickly and consistently drying internal lumens or other spaces within endoscopic instruments. Also provided are devices, kits, and methods for both cleaning and drying endoscopic instruments and for testing to confirm successful cleaning and drying. The disclosed innovations address multiple limitations of current approaches for cleaning and / or drying lumens or channels of endoscopes and provide new and important capabilities to improve cleaning and drying performance.

[0017] The methods and devices disclosed herein may be used with or incorporated into a variety of different reusable or disposable endoscopic instruments and devices that include an internal lumen or other internal space, such as endoscopes, trocars, cannulas, dilation devices, Foley catheters and other indwelling catheters, guidewires, central venous catheters, bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical or ultrasonic devices, arterial lines, drainage catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, endotracheal tubes, feeding tubes, ventilators, respirators, robotic surgical devices, and other devices that are indwelling, penetrating, and / or navigated within the body. Of course, the dimensions of the drying devices disclosed herein will be adjusted according to the size of the particular instrument or device.

[0018] In one embodiment, a drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument includes: an elongated member configured to be advanced through a lumen within the endoscopic instrument; and a drying element coupled to at least a portion of the elongated member. The drying element includes portions having an outer dimension (e.g., diameter, width, height, or other dimension) that is greater than an outer dimension of the elongated member.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the drying device is sterilized or disinfected so that the sterilized and / or disinfected device channel is not damaged by the drying process. Instead, when the drying device passes through the sterilized or disinfected device channel, water and moisture are removed without changing or contaminating the sterilized or disinfected state of the device through the channel.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the drying device comprises more than one drying component. For example, in one such embodiment, the drying device comprises 2-10 drying components, preferably 2-6 drying components. The drying components can be coupled to each other to provide a string of such drying components spaced apart along the elongated element or at various distances to improve the efficiency of the device.

[0021] The drying member may be a disk, fin, squeegee or other protrusion extending outwardly from the elongated member. In an embodiment, the drying member is shaped to form consistent circumferential contact with the inner wall of an endoscope channel when the elongated member is advanced through the endoscope channel (such as a biopsy or suction channel).

[0022] In certain embodiments, the drying component preferably has a substantially annular, circumferential, cylindrical or conical shape, wherein at least a portion of the element has a diameter that is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the internal lumen. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the proximal end portion and the distal end portion is about 1 to about 1.5 times the diameter of the internal lumen, preferably about 1 to about 1.25 times the diameter. This avoids deflection of the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, thereby reducing buckling and the generation of gaps between the drying element and the inner wall of the lumen.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the elongated member of the drying device comprises a wire, line, tube, shaft or other element that can be advanced into an internal passage, which includes other passages that are long, curved or difficult to access because they are recessed or located inside. In an embodiment, once the element is pulled through the internal passage, the element can be grasped at the end and then pulled through the passage as part of the drying process. It can also be advanced from the other end by pushing the advancement element. The element may include a version that enables air to be advanced through the device and into the passage (including a removal position to reach the interior of the passage), and exceeds the typical effectiveness of forced air drying in the passage.

[0024] The drying component may include one or more substantially annular or cylindrical components spaced apart from each other along the elongated component. The cylindrical component is configured to maintain contact with the channel wall to transfer and remove any moisture when the elongated element travels through the channel. The elongated element may be advanced by pushing, pulling or by other means, including stirring back and forth, advancing and withdrawing based on a pattern. The elongated element may be advanced through the sight glass by being incorporated into an automated or mechanized approach or any other means that moves the channel drying element through the channel to transfer, absorb and / or remove water at least in part by direct contact with the surface area to be dried.

[0025] In embodiments, the drying elements of the present invention may be in any shape or form that can transfer water and moisture by advancement and withdrawal, including scrapers, discs, fins, cylinders, a series of absorbent strips or other absorbent materials or substances, including sponges, venturis or inverted venturis, rectangular and round, spheres or spherical drying elements.

[0026] In an embodiment, the drying component may include a series of one or more cylindrical scrapers, which are designed to make wall contact with the inner wall of the channel to remove fluid and moisture from the channel. These cylindrical scrapers can be arranged in any manner to effectively remove liquid and moisture from the channel. Depending on the channel diameter, length, curve, junction with other channels and other factors, this includes groups of two and then three scrapers, or vice versa, or other configurations of scrapers, such as groups of one and then two scrapers, two and then four, three and three, four in a row, five in a row, or any other number and configuration of scrapers that effectively remove water and moisture.

[0027] In embodiments, some of these scrapers may have different heights to make the device more suitable for use with different sized channels. For example, the device may have a scraper with a diameter of 5 to 5.2 mm, followed by a smaller scraper with a diameter of between 2 and 2.2 mm, followed by another scraper with a diameter of 3.8 to 4 mm to create variable wall contact across various channel sizes. In embodiments, the height and arrangement of the scrapers are not limited to this description, and these diameters, positions, scraper thicknesses, etc. should vary based on what is most effective for drying a given channel drying application.

[0028] The spacing between the scraper and any other elements (including the drying elements) can be any spacing that supports fast and predictable tunnel drying, including spacing of 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, a close spacing of 1.25 mm followed by a 4 mm gap followed by a spacing of 1.25 to 1.5 mm, or other spacings that are closer or farther or more variable that optimize and support fast and predictable tunnel drying. In embodiments, the spacing, diameter, and arrangement and grouping of drying elements can vary based on tunnel size, tunnel material, the number of curves to navigate around, the number of junctions with other tunnels (if any), tunnel dryer material, and other factors specific to a given tunnel drying application.

[0029] The thickness of the scraper and fins is any thickness that facilitates channel drying and positioning the fins and scrapers for drying and, in some embodiments, cleaning. In embodiments, this includes scraper and fin thicknesses between 0.2 and 0.5 mm; other variations with thicknesses of 0.5 to 1.0 mm; other variations with tapered thicknesses, where the thickness at the base of the scraper or fin is greater and tapers closer to the channel wall to enhance element deflection and conformity of the element to the channel wall while providing support and some rigidity and flexibility around the propulsion element.

[0030] The annular components are spaced apart from each other along the elongated member. In some embodiments, the distance between each of the annular components is substantially equal. In other embodiments, the distance may vary between some or all of the annular components. For example, the device may include a first annular component, a second annular component, and a third annular component, wherein the first annular component and the second annular component are spaced apart from each other by a greater distance than the second annular component and the third annular component.

[0031] In one embodiment, the device includes at least a first group of annular components and a second group of annular components, wherein each group has a plurality of annular components. The annular components within each group may be substantially equidistant from each other, or their spacing may vary. The first group is spaced apart from the second group by a greater distance than the spacing within each of the first and second groups.

[0032] The fins, disks, scrapers or other annular components or other drying components may be at any angle to the channel wall that promotes and enhances drying, including vertical, angled backwards at an angle between 1 and 89 degrees, angled forwards at an angle between 1 and 89 degrees, or any other angle that promotes drying. In embodiments, these angles should not be limited to this description and should vary based on what is most effective for drying a given channel drying application.

[0033] In another embodiment, the elongated member includes a rod member having a first end, a second end, and a loop coupled to the first end. The device may also include a swab member having a first end attached to the loop and a second end including a tail. The swab member may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the loop and the second end includes a tail, such as the tail of a kite, wherein the tail may be of any length. The swab member may include one or more materials that may be woven or twisted, wherein the tail end of the swab member includes an unwoven or untwisted end of one or more materials constituting the swab member. In addition, the swab member may include a foam material and / or a microfiber material.

[0034] Additionally, the rod component may include a continuous polymer rod, wherein the annular end of the rod component includes one thickness or diameter, and the straight end of the rod component includes two thicknesses or two diameters of the annular end of the rod. The two thicknesses or diameters of the polymer rod forming the straight end of the rod component may be melted or bonded together, laminated together, or coextruded.

[0035] In an embodiment, the drying device includes a centering element so that the drying element remains centered when passing through the channel for drying. The centering element prevents the drying element from losing contact with the channel wall being dried to enhance the drying effect. The centering element can be any shape that keeps the device substantially centered in the lumen and prevents such deflection, wherein a preferred embodiment is a cylindrical shape with a tapered distal end. When this misalignment (which is a problem with existing brushes and pull-through devices) occurs, as the device is pulled around the curves, corners and joints of the lumen, the brush and other elements are pulled to one side of the lumen, resulting in the contact with the lumen wall and the drying element (whether a brush, a pull-through device or other device) being minimized, changed or lost in an unfavorable manner, resulting in an adverse effect on the effectiveness of the drying approach. By placing a centering element in front of or behind the device or both, this problem is corrected, resulting in more consistent and more effective drying, especially around the curves, corners, channel joints and other complex areas inside the endoscope or other endoscopic instruments or devices.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the centering element is between 50 and 90 percent of the diameter of the clean inner lumen, with another preferred embodiment having a diameter or height between 70 and 85 percent of the diameter of the clean inner lumen.

[0037] In some embodiments, the centering element may include a series of shaped elements protruding from the elongated member or the navigation member. The series of shaped elements may include, for example, pillars, spikes or other protrusions extending radially outward from the elongated member and sized to substantially center the elongated member and / or drying / cleaning element within the interior passage of the endoscopic device.

[0038] In an embodiment, the elongated member includes an attachable push-pull element, such as a navigation element, which can be advanced from the proximal end of the internal lumen of the endoscopic instrument (such as the biopsy channel on the endoscope) to the distal end of the biopsy channel so as to exit from the biopsy channel and connect to the drying element. In some embodiments, the drying device can be removably attached to the distal end portion of the propulsion or navigation element. In other embodiments, the drying device is permanently attached to the navigation element. These embodiments allow the drying element to be translated from the distal end of the viewing scope lumen to its proximal end, or vice versa.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the drying device comprises a programmable motor coupled to the elongated member and configured to translate the device through the lumen of the endoscopic instrument. Preferably, the programmable motor is configured to withdraw the elongated member through the lumen a specified distance within a specified duration.

[0040] In another aspect, a method for drying one or more lumens within an endoscopic instrument includes providing a drying device including an elongated member and at least one drying component coupled to a portion of the elongated member; and advancing at least a portion of the elongated member through the lumen within the endoscopic instrument such that the drying component substantially remains in contact with a wall of the lumen. In certain embodiments, the drying device is sterilized or disinfected such that the disinfected and / or sterilized device channel is not damaged by the drying process.

[0041] In an embodiment, the method further comprises centering the drying element within the lumen as the drying element is advanced through the lumen. The centering element is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lumen through which the device is advanced, but of a size large enough to prevent the navigation element from being misaligned and biased to one side or the other of the lumen as it is navigated, including as the drying element is pulled or pushed around various lumen curves, corners, and junctions, including Y-shaped junctions.

[0042] The method may also include introducing a guide element through a first opening in the lumen of the instrument, and advancing the elongated drying device through a second opening in the lumen so that at least a portion of the elongated drying device engages the guide element. The guide element engages and couples with the drying device so that the drying device can be withdrawn toward the first opening of the lumen through the guide element.

[0043] In some embodiments, the endoscope lumen includes a first lumen and a second lumen coupled to each other at a junction, such as a Y-shaped junction between a biopsy channel and a suction channel in an endoscope. In these embodiments, the method further includes introducing a directing element through the first lumen through the junction into the second lumen, and advancing an elongated drying device through the second lumen so that the elongated drying device engages the directing element. The directing element can then be used to withdraw the drying device through the junction and through the first lumen. This ensures that the drying device dries the biopsy channel, rather than being deflected and continuing through the Y-shaped junction further proximally into the suction channel.

[0044] In other embodiments, the endoscope lumen includes a turn or bend with a relatively small radius of curvature through which it would be difficult to advance the drying element. In these embodiments, a guiding element is introduced through the lumen on one side of the turn and advanced through the lumen. The drying device is advanced or retracted through the lumen on the other side of the turn until it engages the guiding element. The guiding element is then withdrawn to pull the drying device through the turn.

[0045] The guiding element may include a tubular sheath or similar device having a distal end portion configured to engage the end portion of the cleaning element. In some embodiments, the tubular sheath is removably coupled to the cleaning element. In other embodiments, the tubular sheath may have an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the proximal end portion of the elongated cleaning element, and may be further configured to deflect or otherwise guide the drying element through a junction or other tortuous area in the lumen.

[0046] On the other hand, a kit for cleaning and drying an endoscopic instrument includes a drying device having a propulsion element configured to be advanced through an inner cavity in the endoscopic instrument and at least one drying component coupled to a portion of the propulsion element. At least a portion of the drying component has an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the elongated component. The kit also includes a cleaning device having a second elongated component configured to be advanced through an inner cavity in the endoscopic instrument, and at least one cleaning component coupled to a portion of the second elongated component. The cleaning component can be used to clean the inner cavity in the early stages of the process of cleaning the device and, in some embodiments, disinfecting or sterilizing it.

[0047] In one embodiment, the drying device is one of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the cleaning component includes a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a central portion between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion, and wherein the central portion is formed to generate a pressure gradient along the central portion from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion. The variable pressure central portion of the cleaning device is designed to generate a variable pressure between two circumferential elements and the wall of the cleaned channel. Therefore, as the cleaning component advances inside the channel and the sight glass and its channel are immersed in the cleaning fluid (as required by the sight glass manufacturer), when the variable pressure design between the two circumferential elements moves through the inner cavity, a venturi effect is generated between the cleaning element and the wall of the endoscope channel. As a result, when the cleaning fluid flows across the variable pressure region, this affects the fluid flow when the fluid flow is transferred from the high pressure region across the low pressure region and then returns to another high pressure region between the two cylindrical elements. This guides the cleaning fluid at the channel wall with an increased rate and force, thereby removing more biological substances and other debris than conventional devices. In a drying device, air is pressurized and flows in a manner similar to the fluid flow of a liquid, which can produce this same pressure waveform effect.

[0048] In another embodiment, the cleaning device may include any combination of the elements described above with reference to the drying device.

[0049] In another aspect, a kit for cleaning and drying an endoscopic instrument includes a drying / cleaning device having an elongated member configured to be advanced through a lumen within an endoscopic instrument, and at least one cleaning / drying member coupled to a portion of a second elongated member. In this aspect, the drying / cleaning device is configured to both clean and dry the interior lumen while passing through the interior lumen. In embodiments, this version may be particularly suitable for cleaning and drying after use of liquid chemical sterilants and disinfectants, or one aspect of the kit may be used for cleaning, and a separate aspect (preferably disinfected or sterile) may be used for drying.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is configured for use with an endoscope. The propulsion or navigation element is a polymer wire, line or tube. The material used for the propulsion element is any material suitable for the application, and in embodiments, it may be polypropylene, PET, nylon, PEEK, PTFE, ETFE, polyurethane, high density or low density polyethylene or other suitable polymer material. The propulsion or navigation element may also be a metal wire (including stainless steel, nitinol or other materials), or a combination of materials, including a polymer reinforced by a wire, or a wire covered with a polymer, or a combination thereof.

[0051] In one embodiment, the drying element is injection molded on the propulsion element or connected or glued to the propulsion element. The injection molded drying element is any hardness (durometer) that helps dry the channel, but in a preferred embodiment, the hardness of the material is between 35 and 75 Shore hardness. In an embodiment, the drying element can be made of any elastomer or any elastic material, including pebax, polyurethane, santoprene, silicone, high-density or low-density polyethylene, EVA and other elastic materials. In an embodiment, the drying element can be a combination of multiple materials, including a combination of hard materials and soft materials with different elasticities.

[0052] In embodiments, versions of the drying portion of the present invention may include a water-absorbent material, such as a sponge, absorbent cloth, or other material that absorbs and retains moisture and water. Such material may be attached to the propulsion element as a cylinder, as a single length or strips of material of varying lengths, as overlapping material, as a sphere, or as any other shape that helps remove water and moisture from the passage as the propulsion element passes through the passage. The absorbent material may be located at the end or beginning of the drying element, or interspersed between other drying elements, such as scrapers or fins.

[0053] The present invention may include coatings that help attract or repel water and aid navigation by changing friction levels. The present invention may have internal cavities that allow air to be blown through the present invention to deliver forced air deep within the channel close to or directly adjacent to the channel wall.

[0054] In other embodiments, the cleaning / drying device may have one or more absorbent sponges placed in front of or at the end of the cleaning / drying device, or placed between one or more of the cylindrical elements to absorb biological substances and debris. The absorbent sponge may be a single chamber structure, or a plurality of sponges with different chamber structures, to provide the combination of scrubbing, absorption, promotion, diffusion or these attributes of cleaning fluid. The absorbent sponge may include any material that absorbs biological substances, fluid or other debris, such as polymer, foam, sponge, bamboo, hemp, microfiber, polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. In one embodiment, the cleaning component includes a sponge-like material, such as cellulose, dry cellulose, natural cellulose and / or compressed cellulose. In an exemplary embodiment, the material includes a mixture of cellulose and compressed cellulose, which allows the sponge to expand when it is hydrated. Preferably, the material is selected so that the sponge has the following ability: expand to at least the inner surface of the inner chamber, while in a preferred embodiment, keep enough absorbency to absorb the material or fluid volume of the volume of the segment of the inner chamber that is at least equal to it.

[0055] In embodiments, the sponge is soft and abrasive when immersed in a fluid, and expands to a size that is at least sufficient to remove debris from the cleaned channel (and / or remove moisture and fluid from the channel), and in preferred embodiments is larger than the cleaned channel. The sponge can be any shape and size that conforms to and facilitates cleaning the channel of the viewing scope, including, for example, but not limited to, cylindrical shapes, spiral shapes, conical shapes, triangular shapes, square shapes, or any combination thereof, and can be disinfected or sterilized.

[0056] In other embodiments, the device disclosed herein can be used for drying indwelling devices. In these embodiments, the device may also include a sheath or similar structure to cover the drying element and / or the elongated element when the drying element and / or the elongated element are translated through the lumen of the apparatus to avoid interfering with any biofilm of biological matter and accumulation therein. The system may also include a measuring device, such as a mark on the elongated element or a separate element, to confirm the positioning of the device in the lumen of the catheter. Once the sheath is withdrawn, the polymer forming the drying element may expand. Alternatively, an electroresponsive polymer can be used to change shape and expand with the application of energy, causing them to expand and contact the wall of the catheter, or at least partially contact the wall of the catheter.

[0057] The device may include a hydrophobic coating. In yet another embodiment, the device is superhydrophobic and / or oleophobic. In yet another embodiment, the device is anti-infective and hydrophobic. In yet another embodiment, the device is anti-infective and superhydrophobic. In yet another exemplary embodiment, an anti-inflammatory coating is incorporated into the device. In other embodiments, the anti-inflammatory coating may include a hydrophilic material, or be hydrophilic.

[0058] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, rather than restrictive of the description. Additional features described will be explained in part in the following description or can be learned by the practice of the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present specification.

[0060] Figure 1 A representative endoscope for use with the systems and methods disclosed herein is shown;

[0061] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a representative endoscope showing one or more lumens within the endoscope;

[0062] Figure 3 is a side view of one end of the drying and cleaning apparatus;

[0063] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a side view of the other end of the drying and cleaning device; and

[0064] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a drying device;

[0065] Figure 6 is a side view of the air drying device;

[0066] Figure 7 is a side view of another embodiment of an air drying device;

[0067] Figure 8 Another embodiment of a cleaning and drying apparatus is shown; and

[0068] Fig. 9 A kit for cleaning and / or drying a beverage container is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] This specification and the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments and should not be considered as limiting, wherein the claims (including equivalents) define the scope of this specification. Without departing from the scope of this specification and the claims (including equivalents), various mechanical, compositional, structural and operational changes may be made. In some cases, known structures and techniques are not shown or described in detail so as not to confuse the description. Similar marks in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements. In addition, the elements and their associated aspects described in detail with reference to an embodiment may be included in other embodiments at any feasible time, in which other embodiments, they are not specifically shown or described. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to an embodiment, and the element is not described with reference to the second embodiment, the element may still be required to be included in the second embodiment. In addition, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size or dimensions of the system or the member shown.

[0070] Note that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," as well as any use of the singular of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variations are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0071] Although the following description is primarily directed to endoscopes and devices for drying endoscopes, it should be understood that the features of the presently described systems may be readily adapted for use with a variety of reusable or disposable endoscopic instruments and devices that include an internal lumen or other internal space, such as endoscopes, trocars, cannulas, dilation devices, Foley catheters, guidewires, central venous catheters, bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical or ultrasonic devices, ventilators, respirators, CPAP and other positive airway machines, robotic and telesurgery equipment, arterial lines, drainage catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, endotracheal tubes, feeding tubes, and other devices that are placed, penetrated, and / or navigated within the body.

[0072] As used herein, the term "endoscope" generally refers to any viewing scope used in a medical application (which includes the body (human or otherwise)) or in a medical application or in a non-medical application, and includes, for example, laparoscopes, arthroscopy, colonoscopes, gastroscopes, duodenoscopes, ultrasound endoscopes, bronchoscopes, enteroscopes, cystoscopes, laparoscopes, laryngoscopes, sigmoidoscopes, thoracoscopes, cardioscopes, and saphenous vein harvesters with viewing scopes (whether robotic or non-robotic).

[0073] When performing remote visualization inside a patient, a variety of scopes are used. The scope used depends on the extent to which the physician needs to navigate into the body, the type of surgical instruments used in the procedure, and the level of invasiveness appropriate to the type of procedure. For example, visualization of the inside of the gastrointestinal tract may involve endoscopy in the form of a flexible gastroscope and colonoscope, as well as a specialized duodenoscope that can be up to several feet in length and over 1 cm in diameter. The physician can rotate and articulate or manipulate these scopes as the scope is navigated through the patient. Many of these scopes include one or more working channels for delivering and supporting instruments, fluid channels and cleaning channels for flushing tissue and cleaning the scope, an insufflation channel for insufflation to improve navigation and visualization, and one or more light guides for illuminating the field of view of the scope.

[0074] Smaller and less flexible or rigid scopes, or scopes with a combination of flexibility and rigidity, are also used in medical applications. For example, when examining joints and performing arthroscopic surgery (such as surgery on the shoulder or knee), a smaller, narrower, and much shorter scope is used. When a surgeon uses arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus tear in the knee, the shorter, more rigid scope is typically inserted through a small incision on one side of the knee to view the injury, while instruments are passed through incisions on the opposite side of the knee. Instruments can flush the scope on the inside of the knee to visualize the location, and manipulate tissue to complete the repair.

[0075] Other scopes may be used for diagnosis and treatment using minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, including, by way of example and without limitation, the use of scopes to examine and treat conditions in the lungs (bronchoscope), oral cavity (enteroscopy), urethra (cystoscopy), abdomen and peritoneum (laparoscope), nose and sinuses (laryngoscope), anus (sigmoidoscope), and other aspects of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroscopy, duodenoscope, colonoscope), chest and thoracic cavity (thoracoscope), and heart (cardioscopy). Additionally, robotic medical devices rely on scopes for remote visualization of the area being assessed and treated by the robotic device.

[0076] These and other scopes can be inserted through natural orifices (such as the mouth, sinuses, ears, urethra, anus, and vagina) as well as through incisions and port-based openings in a patient's skin, cavity, skull, joints, or other medically indicated access points. Examples of diagnostic uses for visualization, endoscopic examinations using these medical scopes include investigating symptoms of disease, such as digestive disorders (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding), or confirming a diagnosis (e.g., by performing a biopsy for anemia, bleeding, inflammation, and cancer) or surgical treatment of disease (such as removing a ruptured appendix, or cauterizing intragastric bleeding).

[0077] View now Figure 1 , a representative endoscope 10 includes a proximal handle 12 suitable for being manipulated by a surgeon or clinician, the proximal handle being connected to an elongated shaft 14, and the elongated shaft 14 is suitable for being inserted into a body cavity of a patient through an endoscope or percutaneous puncture. The endoscope 10 also includes a fluid delivery system 16 connected to the handle 12 via a universal cable 15. The fluid delivery system 16 may include an internal lumen connected to the shaft 14 for delivering (multiple) fluids (such as water and air), many different tubes for suction, and other features that clinicians may desire to divert fluids, blood, debris and particulate matter in the field of view. This provides a better observation of the tissue or substance below for evaluation and treatment. In a representative embodiment, the fluid delivery system 16 includes a water spray connector 18, a water bottle connector 20, a suction connector 22 and an air tube 24. The water spray connector 18 is connected to an internal water spray lumen 28, and the internal water spray lumen 28 extends through the handle 12 and the elongated shaft 14 to the distal end of the endoscope 10. Similarly, the water bottle connector 20 , the suction connector 22 , and the air tube 24 are each connected to an internal lumen 30 , 32 , 34 , respectively, which passes through the shaft 14 to the distal end of the endoscope 10 .

[0078] The proximal handle 12 may include a variety of control devices for the surgeon or clinician to operate the fluid delivery system 16. In a representative embodiment, the handle 12 includes a suction valve 34 and an air / water valve 36 and a biopsy valve 38 for extracting tissue samples from a patient. The suction channel 34 extends from the suction connector 22 (in the suction connector, the suction channel 34 makes a relatively sharp turn or bend 22A) through the universal cable 15 to the handle 12. The suction channel 34 then extends through the shaft 14 to the distal end of the endoscope 10. When the suction channel 34 passes through the biopsy valve 38, it forms an internal Y-shaped joint 38B with the channel 38C extending into the biopsy valve 38. As discussed in more detail below, this Y-shaped joint 38b poses a challenge for cleaning / drying the suction channel 34 using conventional devices.

[0079] In some embodiments, the handle 12 may also include an eyepiece (not shown) coupled to an image acquisition device (not shown), such as a lens and a light transmission system. The term "image acquisition device" as used herein also need not refer to a device having only a lens or other light directing structure. Instead, for example, the image acquisition device may be any device that can acquire and relay images, including (i) a relay lens between the objective lens and the eyepiece at the distal end of the viewing scope, (ii) an optical fiber, (iii) a charge coupled device (CCD), (iv) a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The image acquisition device may also be simply a chip for sensing light and generating an electrical signal for communication corresponding to the sensed light or other technologies for transmitting images. The image acquisition device may have a viewing end in which light is acquired. In general, the image acquisition device may be any device that can view an object, acquire images, and / or acquire video.

[0080] In some embodiments, endoscope 10 includes some form of positioning assembly (e.g., manual control) attached to the proximal end of the shaft to allow an operator to manipulate the scope. In other embodiments, the scope is part of a robotic element that provides maneuverability and positioning of the scope relative to a desired point to survey and focus the scope.

[0081] like Figure 2As shown in , the endoscope 10 may also include a camera lens 62 for providing a view of the surgical site in the patient, a scope cleaner 32 and a light source 60, and a biopsy channel 50 for passing instruments therethrough. The biopsy channel 50 allows instruments to pass along the axis 14 of the endoscope 10 for removing tissue. The biopsy channel 50 may also be used as a working channel for other instruments to pass through the endoscope 10 for evaluating and treating tissue and other materials. Such instruments may include cannulas, catheters, stents and stent delivery systems, papillotomies, wires, other imaging devices including miniature scopes, cages, snares, and other devices for use with scopes in the lumen. Alternatively, the endoscope 10 may include separate working channels for these instruments.

[0082] An exemplary drying device will now be described. The cleaning drying device comprises an elongated shaft and a drying component disposed on a portion of the shaft. The drying component may be removably attached to the shaft, or permanently attached to the shaft. The shaft may include any suitable material that provides sufficient rigidity for the shaft to propel the element through the lumen of the endoscope. The elongated shaft has an outer diameter sized to fit within and translate through the inner lumen in the endoscope 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft will have an outer diameter in the range of about 0.5 to about 5 mm, preferably about 1 to 4 mm.

[0083] The drying component may include one or more substantially cylindrical components spaced apart from each other along the propulsion component. The cylindrical component is configured to maintain contact with the channel wall to transfer and remove any moisture when the propulsion element travels through the channel. The propulsion element may be advanced by being pushed, pulled, or by other means, including stirring back and forth, advancing, and withdrawing based on a pattern. The propulsion element may travel through the sight glass by combining an automated or mechanized approach or any other means to move the channel drying element through the channel to transfer, absorb, and / or remove water at least in part by direct contact with the surface area to be dried.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the drying devices described herein are sterilized or disinfected such that the disinfected and / or sterilized device channels are not damaged by the drying process. Instead, when the drying device passes through the disinfected or sterilized device channels, water and moisture are removed without changing or contaminating the disinfected or sterilized state of the device through the channels.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the device includes a pull cable configured to retract or advance the element elongated shaft within the interior lumen of the endoscope 10. The device may also include an energy source and a motor for advancing and / or retracting the elongated shaft. Of course, it will be appreciated that the elongated shaft may be manually translated through the interior lumen via a proximal handle or a suitable actuator (i.e., without a motor).

[0086] View now Figure 3, a drying device 200 according to certain embodiments will be described. The drying device 200 includes a propulsion element 202 and one or more drying elements 204 attached to the propulsion element 202. The propulsion element 202 can be advanced from the proximal end of any internal lumen to the distal end (or vice versa) with respect to the endoscope. For example, in one embodiment, the propulsion element 202 is advanced from the biopsy channel of the viewing scope to the distal end of the biopsy channel so as to exit from the biopsy channel and connect to the cleaning element and / or the drying element. The propulsion element 202 can also be advanced from the proximal end of the biopsy channel of the viewing scope to the distal end of the biopsy channel (or the suction channel, if applicable) so as to exit from the biopsy channel and connect to the drying element, or alternatively, it is advanced and pulled through the channel from the proximal end of the biopsy channel (or the suction channel) to the distal end. The push and / or pull propulsion element is attachable and also detachable in some embodiments, and can be permanently attached to the drying element in other embodiments.

[0087] In other embodiments, the advancing element 202 and the drying element 204 are adhered to each other and are advanced or retracted together through one or more lumens. The advancing element 202 and the drying element 204 can be manufactured as one integral device, or they can be manufactured separately and attached to each other prior to use.

[0088] Drying element 204 may include any suitable shape that is substantially consistent with the wall of the internal lumen, thereby forming a consistent circumferential contact with the inner wall of an endoscope channel (such as a biopsy or suction channel) to remove fluid and moisture from the channel. In certain embodiments, drying element 204 preferably has a substantially annular, circumferential, cylindrical or conical shape, and has a diameter that is roughly equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the internal lumen. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum diameter of drying element 204 is about 1 to about 1.5 times the diameter of the internal lumen, preferably about 1 to about 1.23 times the diameter. For example, if the diameter of the internal lumen is about 5mm, the maximum diameter portion of element 204 may be about 4.2 to 5.5mm, preferably about 5mm. This additional size allows element 204 to be slightly deformed when they pass through the lumen to ensure that they will remain in contact with the lumen.

[0089] The drying elements 204 can be arranged in any manner that effectively removes fluid and moisture from the channel. Depending on the channel diameter, length, curve, interface with other channels and other factors, this includes groups of two and then three scrapers, or vice versa, or other configurations of scrapers, such as groups of one and then two scrapers, two and then four, three and three, a row of four, a row of five, or any other number and configuration of scrapers that effectively remove water and moisture.

[0090] In embodiments, some of the drying elements 204 may be different heights or outer dimensions to make the device 200 more suitable for use with channels of different sizes. For example, the device may have a drying element 204 with a diameter of 5 to 5.2 mm, followed by a smaller drying element 204 with a diameter between 2 and 2.2 mm, followed by another drying element 204 with a diameter of 3.8 to 4 mm to create variable wall contact across various channel sizes. In embodiments, the height and arrangement of the drying elements 204 are not limited to this description, and these diameters, positions, drying element 204 thicknesses, etc. should vary based on what is most effective for drying a given channel drying application.

[0091] The spacing between drying elements 204 can be any spacing that supports fast and predictable tunnel drying, including spacing of 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, close spacing of 1.25 mm followed by a 4 mm gap followed by a spacing of 1.25 to 1.5 mm, or other spacings that are closer or farther or more variable that optimize and support fast and predictable tunnel drying. In embodiments, the spacing, diameter, and arrangement and grouping of drying elements can vary based on tunnel size, tunnel material, the number of curves to navigate around, the number of junctions with other tunnels (if any), tunnel dryer material, and other factors specific to a given tunnel drying application.

[0092] The thickness of the drying element 204 is any thickness that facilitates drying of the channel and positioning of the element 204 for drying. In embodiments, this includes drying elements with a thickness between 0.2 and 0.5 mm, other variations with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and other variations with a tapered thickness, where the thickness is greater at the base of the drying element and tapers closer to the channel wall to enhance element deflection and conformability of the element to the channel wall while providing support and some rigidity and flexibility around the propulsion element.

[0093] In an embodiment, the device 200 includes a centering element (not shown) so that the drying elements 204 remain centered when they are advanced through the channel to dry. The centering element prevents the drying element from losing contact with the channel wall being cleaned to enhance the drying effect. The centering element may include any shape that keeps the drying element in the relative center of the channel so that any lateral movement required to navigate through the channel (especially around a curve) does not cause the drying element to lie flat against the wall when it is advanced and thereby lose contact with the channel wall it is drying. In an exemplary embodiment, the centering element is located between 50% and 95% of the diameter of the channel being dried or cleaned. The centering element may be placed anywhere on the propulsion element or the drying element, including multiple centering elements, to enhance and maintain drying and cleaning performance.

[0094] In some embodiments, the centering element may include a series of shaped elements protruding from the elongated member or the navigation member. The series of shaped elements may include, for example, pillars, spikes or other protrusions extending radially outward from the elongated member and sized to substantially center the elongated member and / or drying / cleaning element within the interior passage of the endoscopic device.

[0095] The centering element is used to center the propulsion element 202 and the drying device as the device is pulled or pushed through the lumen around turns and navigates through corners and other complex areas, including the junctions of multiple lumens and internal channels in a cleaning scope or other instrument. In embodiments, the centering element may be smaller than the diameter of the lumen through which the device is advanced, but of a size large enough to prevent the propulsion element 202 from being misaligned and deviating to one side or the other of the lumen as it navigates, including when the cleaning and / or drying device is pulled or pushed around curves, corners, and junctions (including Y-shaped junctions) of various lumens.

[0096] The centering element can be any shape that keeps the device generally centered and prevents this deflection, with a preferred embodiment being a cylindrical shape with a tapered distal end. When this misalignment occurs (which is a problem with existing brushes and pull-through cleaners), the brushes and other elements are pulled to one side of the lumen as the cleaner is pulled around the curves, corners, and junctions of the lumen, with the result that contact with the lumen wall and the cleaning and / or drying element (whether a brush, pull-through cleaner, or other cleaner) is minimized, adversely altered, or lost, resulting in an adverse effect on the effectiveness of the cleaning and / or drying approach. By placing a centering element at the front or back of the device, or both, this problem is corrected, resulting in more consistent, more effective cleaning and / or drying, especially around curves, corners, channel junctions, and other complex areas inside an endoscope or other endoscopic instrument or device.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the centering element is between 50 and 90 percent of the diameter of the clean lumen, wherein another preferred embodiment has a diameter or height between 70 and 85 percent of the diameter of the clean lumen. The centering element can be any shape that keeps the cleaning and / or drying element centered when it navigates through the passage. In an embodiment, this includes cylindrical, conical, spherical, and the centering element can be placed at the distal region of the device, at the distal end and the proximal end, between the cleaning and / or drying components, or at the proximal end (as the case may be), especially when the cleaning and / or drying element navigates around curves, across Y-shaped joints and other aspects of the lumen, to help center the cleaning and / or drying element.

[0098] The material for the propulsion element 202 can be any material sufficient to navigate through the passage of cleaning and capable of managing the pulling force associated with the propulsion cleaning and / or drying element 202 through the passage of cleaning and drying. This includes all materials based on metals and polymers, including stainless steel wire, nitinol and other metals. It also includes all materials based on polymers in the form of monofilaments, extruded tubes, braids or any other forms sufficient to facilitate the propulsion of the cleaning and / or drying element 204 through the passage of cleaning and drying. In a preferred embodiment, the propulsion element is a monofilament made of nylon, polyamide, polyurethane or other polymer materials, and it has a diameter of at least 1mm. The propulsion element 202 can include a gripping element (not shown) that is convenient to hold and transmit the propulsion element 202 at one end. In an embodiment, the gripping element is larger than the entry point of the biopsy passage to protect and avoid excessively advancing the propulsion element 202 into the biopsy passage and losing the grip of the propulsion element 202.

[0099] In some embodiments, the propulsion element 202 may be attached to the drying element 204 by permanent attachment, which may be by molding, overmolding, secondary molding, glue or other means to create an attachment between the propulsion element and the drying element, wherein the two elements are fixed or attached for use. Alternatively, the propulsion element 202 may be attached separately and in some embodiments is attachable and removable so that the propulsion element 202 can be attached from one end of the channel to the other, exit the channel, and then attached to the drying element 204. The attachment means may be any manner suitable for the intended use, for example, it may include interlocking elements, compression fittings, slide and lock mechanisms, loop and hook mechanisms, insertion and twist mechanisms, or variations and alternative combinations suitable for the diameter and shape of the navigation element and the cleaning and / or drying element.

[0100] In an embodiment, the drying device 200 may include one or more absorbent sponges placed in front or at the end of the drying element 204, or placed between one or more of the drying elements. The absorbent sponge may be a single chamber structure, or have a plurality of sponges with different chamber structures to provide scrubbing, absorption, promotion, diffusion or a combination of these properties of the cleaning fluid. The absorbent sponge may be any material including polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol or other absorbent materials. In an embodiment, the sponge is soft and non-damaged when immersed in the fluid, and expands to a certain size, which is at least the size of the dry channel, and is larger than the dry channel in a preferred embodiment. The sponge may be any shape that meets and contributes to the channel of the dry sight glass, for example, including but not limited to cylindrical shape, spiral shape, conical shape, triangle, square or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the sponge has a pore size between about 200 to 1500 PPC, preferably between about 200 PPC and about 600 PPC.

[0101] View now Figure 4 , the cleaning device 200 may include a brush 210 of various designs, such as a tapered nylon brush, which contacts a portion of the channel wall in addition to contacting other aspects of the drying element 200. In one embodiment, the brush 210 is located on the end of the propulsion element 202 opposite to the drying element 204. For example, this allows the user to clean the endoscope lumen or channel with the brush 210, and then dry the channel with the drying element 204. The length of the brush may be, for example, a ratio of 1.0 to 1.4 times the diameter of the channel to be cleaned. In an embodiment, the brush is preferably made of a non-damaging polymer such as polyurethane, which has a thickness and hardness designed to limit trauma and damage to the channel wall while maintaining sufficient rigidity to remove contaminants from the wall of the channel. The diameter of the brush element that contacts the channel wall may be any diameter, but in an embodiment may be between 0.5 and 2 mm. The brush element may be perpendicular to the navigation element, and in some embodiments, may be a portion of a separate shorter navigation element designed to reach only a limited distance in the biopsy channel. The shorter version may be any length suitable for cleaning the initial entry point into the biopsy channel, but in a preferred embodiment is between 4.5 and 15 cm in length. The brushing element (whether part of the cleaning and / or drying device or a separate shorter version) may also use nylon bristles or other bristles if arranged in a manner that effectively cleans and minimizes damage to the scope channel. The gripping element of the brush may have a larger shape at one end or in the center of the element to facilitate introduction into the biopsy channel.

[0102] View now Figure 5 , another embodiment of a drying device 300 includes a propulsion element 302 and one or more drying elements 304. The propulsion element 302 can be advanced from the proximal end to the distal end of any internal lumen (or vice versa) with respect to the endoscope. In some embodiments, the propulsion element 302 and the drying element 304 are adhered to each other and are advanced or retracted together through one or more lumens. The propulsion element 302 and the drying element 304 can be manufactured as one integral device, or they can be manufactured separately and attached to each other before use.

[0103] The drying element 304 may include any suitable shape that substantially conforms to the wall of the internal lumen, thereby forming a consistent circumferential contact with the inner wall of an endoscope channel (such as a biopsy or aspiration channel) to remove fluid and moisture from the channel. In certain embodiments, the drying element 304 preferably has a substantially annular shape and has a diameter approximately equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the internal lumen.

[0104] The spacing between the drying elements 304 can be any spacing that supports fast and predictable tunnel drying, including spacing of 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, a close spacing of 1.25 mm followed by a 4 mm gap followed by a spacing of 1.25 to 1.5 mm, or other spacings that are closer or farther or more variable that optimize and support fast and predictable tunnel drying. In one embodiment, the drying device 300 includes a first group of three drying elements 204 spaced substantially equal distances from each other, and a second group of two drying elements 204 also spaced substantially equal distances from each other. The first group of drying elements and the second group of drying elements 204 can be spaced the same distance from each other as individual elements, or a greater distance (e.g., Figure 5 ).

[0105] The dry element 300 can be effectively used to clean lumen channels having an inner diameter of about 2.8 mm to about 5.0 mm, or about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm, or about 1.0 mm to about 1.2 mm.

[0106] In another embodiment, the drying device may include a rod or filamentary member having at least one end terminating in a loop and a swab member attached to the loop. The swab member may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the loop and the second end includes a tail, such as the tail of a kite, wherein the tail may be of any length. The swab member may include one or more materials that may be woven or twisted, wherein the tail end of the swab member includes an unwoven or untwisted end of the one or more materials that constitute the swab member. In addition, the swab member may include a foam material and / or a microfiber material.

[0107] The rod component of the cleaning device may include a polymer having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is a straight end and the second end is a ring-shaped end. In addition, the rod component may include a continuous polymer rod, wherein the ring-shaped end of the rod component includes a thickness or diameter, and the straight end of the rod component includes two thicknesses or two diameters of the ring-shaped end of the rod. The two thicknesses or diameters of the polymer rod forming the straight end of the rod component may be melted or bonded together, laminated together, or coextruded. A more complete description of suitable kite tail drying components can be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0250614, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0108] View now Figure 6 and Figure 7, another embodiment of the drying device 400 includes a manual pump 402 coupled to an air nozzle 404 for delivering air to an endoscope channel; and an air inlet valve 406 for receiving air into the manual pump 402. The air nozzle 404 is preferably sized to fit within one of the valves of the endoscopic device, such as an air / washer valve. In an embodiment, the device 400 may include one or more removable fittings or guide elements to be inserted into the end of the channel for drying to form a seal to help force air into the channel. The device 400 allows an operator to quickly flush an endoscope channel with air without using a motorized fan or central air line to force and deliver air into the channel.

[0109] The device 400 may also include a filter 408, such as a Hepa filter, to filter the air entering the pump 402. In one embodiment, the filter 408 is located near the inlet valve 406 ( Figure 6 In another embodiment, the filter 408 is located within the air nozzle 404 ( Figure 7 ).

[0110] The drying device 400 allows for rapid and low-cost delivery of air to flush the channels, which is beneficial for smaller channels and is beneficial to further speed up the drying process associated with the drying devices described above. The device 400 can be sterilized or disinfected, or can include a sterile sheath or cover to hold the pump 402. The pump 402 can be reusable, or single-use, and can be sterilized, including using gamma rays, ETO, electron beam, steam, and other forms of sterilization.

[0111] The materials of the manual air pump and its related components may include one or more elastic materials and elastomeric materials. As an alternative embodiment, the fast air pump may use a syringe or a manual pump to push air into the channel to be dried, or may have a connector to obtain air from another source (such as a built-in source in the surgical unit) to guide the air through the heap filter and then through the nozzle and into the observation mirror channel. In an embodiment, the connector may have a single air source with one end bifurcated, which diverts air between multiple channels for drying. In an embodiment, this may also include a valve to prevent backflow and prevent air intended for one channel from crossing to an adjacent channel when the airflow resistance between two adjacent channels and a common forced and / or filtered air source changes.

[0112] As an alternative to sterilizing the manual air pump, the present innovation may include a sterile sheath or cover to secure the manual air pump within the sterile cover to deliver forced air to the channel.

[0113] The above-mentioned device can be equipped with one or more related elements, including but not limited to, for example, a separate channel cleaner, a channel cleaning confirmation test (such as an ATP test), a sponge for cleaning, a viewing mirror carrier, enzyme cleaning, detergents, a dry sponge or other manual drying element, a channel drying confirmation test and other related products. The kit can also include Tyvek or other sealable bags or containers to keep the dry medical device dry and keep disinfected or sterilized. The bag or container can include materials attached to the inside of the bag or in a pouch, or other means of absorbing atmospheric moisture inside the bag or container. The bag or container and other elements of the kit can be sterile, sterile or non-sterile.

[0114] A kit for cleaning and / or drying an endoscopic instrument is also provided. The kit includes any of the cleaning and / or drying devices described above and may include an endoscopic instrument or an endoscope, such as described above with reference to Figure 1 Any of the endoscopes described, or other endoscopes known to those skilled in the art. Additionally or alternatively, the kit may include various other devices for any combination of cleaning and / or drying procedures, such as cleaning brushes, cotton swabs and / or sponges, enzyme cleaners, disinfectants, and other devices and reagents for sterilizing and / or disinfecting medical devices, sight glass desiccants, test strips or other sensors for determining the effectiveness of such cleaning and / or drying devices (i.e., detecting the presence of proteins, biological substances, bacteria, fungi, viruses, proteins, ATP or bacterial markers or other pathogens), personal protective equipment (PPE), sight glass housings for transporting sight glass to and from, for example, a reprocessing location, contamination bags, etc.

[0115] Another kit provided herein includes a cleaning device and a drying device. In certain embodiments, both the cleaning device and the drying device may include one or more of the above-described embodiments. The kit may include an unsterilized or cleaning device, and a sterilized drying device. Alternatively, the kit may include a device for both cleaning and drying the inner lumen of an endoscopic device. In an embodiment, the cleaning device may be one color, and the drying device may be a different color, so that the user can easily determine the purpose of each device. This helps to identify the purpose of each device and helps to clarify which device is sterilized after it is opened. The color difference may be in the navigation element, the cleaning / drying element, the pad printing line or other markings to clarify the different purposes of each device.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the kit includes a cleaning device (such as one of the above embodiments) and a drying device, the drying device including a propulsion element, which may be a wire, thread, tube, or other element capable of being advanced into an internal passage (including a long passage, a curved passage, or other passages that are difficult to enter because they are recessed or internal). In an embodiment, once the element is pulled through the internal passage, the element may be grabbed at the end and then pulled through the passage as part of the drying process. It may also be advanced from the other end by pushing the propulsion element. The element may include a version capable of propelling air through the device and into the passage (including a removal position to the interior of the passage), and beyond the typical effectiveness of forced air drying in the passage.

[0117] In certain embodiments, the kit may include a drying device such as described above, and a cleaning device including a variable pressure zone. The variable pressure center portion is designed to generate a variable pressure between two circumferential elements and the wall of the cleaned channel. Therefore, as the cleaning component advances inside the channel and the sight glass and its channel are immersed in the cleaning fluid (as required by the sight glass manufacturer), when the variable pressure design between the two circumferential elements moves through the inner cavity, a Venturi effect is generated between the cleaning element and the wall of the endoscope channel. As a result, when the cleaning fluid flows across the variable pressure zone, this is when the fluid flow is transferred from the high pressure zone across the low pressure zone and then returns to another high pressure zone between the two cylindrical elements, or in some embodiments from low pressure to high pressure and back to low pressure when affecting the fluid flow. This guides the cleaning fluid at the channel wall with an increased rate and force, thereby removing more biological substances and other debris than conventional devices. A more complete description of such cleaning devices may be found in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 509,304, filed on Oct. 25, 2021, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0118] Figure 8 Another embodiment of a cleaning and / or drying device 800 is shown. As shown, the device 800 includes a plurality of cleaning and / or drying elements 300, wherein each cleaning and / or drying element 300 includes a proximal end portion 302 and a distal end portion 304 and a variable pressure region 306 between them, as described above. The proximal end portion 302 and the distal end portion 304 are preferably cylindrical elements having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the lumen to be cleaned (as discussed above). In this embodiment, the cleaning and / or drying elements are coupled to each other at the proximal end portion and the distal end portion.

[0119] The variable pressure region 306 includes a constriction section coupled to the proximal contact element 302, a diffusion section coupled to the distal contact element 304, and a throat section coupling the diffusion section and the constriction section. The throat section has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the contact elements 302, 204 and larger than the diameters of the diffusion section and the constriction section. The design enhances the performance of the cleaning fluid (or air, as applicable) by transforming the fluid (or air, as applicable) from a static interaction point with the wall of the sight glass channel to a dynamic interaction point where the lifting action of the cleaning fluid's chemicals (or air in the case of drying) is enhanced by the pressure through the fluid or air direction of the cleaning and / or drying components at the wall of the sight glass channel.

[0120] The variable pressure region 306 may include an inverted partial venturi shape, a parabolic shape, a variable slope shape, or other such shape that creates a variable pressure between the two cylinders and the wall of the cleaning channel, thereby increasing the force with which the cleaning fluid or air is ejected at the channel wall as the cleaning and / or drying components are advanced.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, the throat section is substantially cylindrical. The diameter of the contraction section preferably increases from the contact section 302 to the throat section, and the diameter of the diffusion section preferably decreases from the throat section to the contact section 304, thereby creating a Venturi effect between the distal end portion 302 and the proximal end portion 304 of the cleaning and / or drying element 310.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the variable pressure region 306 has an inverted partial venturi shape with three different regions at various spacings from the wall of the sight glass channel, which produces an accelerated hydrodynamic effect or a similar effect with air to eject the cleaning fluid (or air) at the channel wall for more effective cleaning. These regions include a contraction section, which is the beginning of the region where the cleaning fluid (or air) exists on the other side of the first cylindrical element. The contraction section is the beginning of the region where the fluid accumulates and changes in the space available for the fluid, and when the cleaning and / or drying element 300 advances and the fluid (or air) is directed into the throat section (which further changes the pressure between the cleaning and / or drying element and the channel wall), it becomes smaller, subject to varying pressures. As the drying element 300 is advanced, the throat section (where the shape available to the fluid is further reduced in a manner that changes the pressure on the fluid (or air) compared to the pressure on the fluid (or air) in the contraction section) produces an acceleration of the fluid (as cleaning) and / or air (as drying element 300); followed by a diffusion section that supports the diffusion of the cleaning fluid (or air) at an accelerated rate as it leaves the throat section. In general, these sections between the cylindrical elements produce a fluid dynamic force for the cleaning fluid that is sufficient to remove bacteria, biological matter and debris from the walls of the channel of the endoscope, or to produce a similar force with respect to the air to transfer water and moisture to dry the channel of the endoscope. This fluid dynamic force applied to the air is also sufficient to remove substantially all moisture and fluid from the lumen during the drying process.

[0123] The angle of inclination of the contraction section (defined as the angle generated between the vertical section of the tapered section 302 and the inclined section of the contraction section) can vary depending on the diameter of the clean channel, the viscosity of the fluid (or the concentration of the air) and other factors, and should be sufficient to support the variable pressure flow of the cleaning fluid or air between the cylinders when the cleaning and / or drying element is advanced. In certain embodiments, the angle defined by the contraction section and the proximal end portion (i.e., the contact section 302) is about 4 degrees to about 85 degrees, preferably between about 15 degrees and about 30 degrees. Similarly, the angle defined by the diffusion section and the distal end portion (i.e., the contact section 304) is about 4 degrees to about 85 degrees, preferably about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees. Of course, it will be recognized that various pressure regions 306 may have more than one slope, curved shape, variable shape or other such shapes that contribute to changing the pressure between the two cylindrical elements 302,304.

[0124] Likewise, the angles between the contraction and diffusion sections and the throat section may vary depending on the diameter of the passage being cleaned, the viscosity of the fluid or air and other factors, and should be sufficient to support variable pressure flow of the cleaning fluid or air between the cylinders as the cleaning and / or drying element is advanced. In certain embodiments, the angle is about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees, preferably about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees, and more preferably about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees.

[0125] Preferably, the length and diameter of each segment of the variable pressure region 306 are selected to optimize the Venturi effect and will vary based on the diameter of the internal lumen, the viscosity of the fluid or air, and other factors. For example, in a lumen having a diameter of about 4.2 mm, the length of the throat segment 310 may be about 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably about 3 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably about 4 mm. The outer diameter of the throat segment will also depend on the diameter of the internal lumen and the diameters of the contraction and diffusion segments. In certain embodiments, the throat segment is less than the diameter of the internal lumen, but greater than 50% of the diameter of the lumen, preferably greater than about 60% of the diameter of the lumen, and more preferably equal to or greater than about 70% of the diameter of the lumen (e.g., about 3 mm in a lumen having an inner diameter of about 4.2 mm).

[0126] The venturi effect created by the variable pressure region 306 affects the fluid flow (and air flow, if applicable) as the fluid is transferred from the high pressure region across the low pressure region between the two cylindrical elements and then back to the other high pressure region such that the cleaning fluid or air is directed at the channel wall with increased force, similar to the venturi effect created when one's thumb is partially placed on the end of a garden hose to increase the force of water spraying from the hose. The variable pressure design means that when the cleaning and / or drying element 300 is attached and retracted or pulled through the scope channel using the navigation element, the cleaning fluid or air in the channel and between the cylindrical element and the wall of the endoscope channel moves across the variable pressure region between the two cylindrical spheres, creating a jet of cleaning fluid to clean the channel wall of the endoscope channel with cleaning fluid pressure, or creating air pressure to dry the channel wall.

[0127] This unique capability has the powerful effect of enhancing the performance of the cleaning fluid by transforming the fluid from a static interaction point with the sight glass channel wall to a dynamic interaction point where the lifting action of the cleaning fluid's chemicals is enhanced by the fluid (or air) direction of the cleaning and / or drying element at the wall of the sight glass channel using pressure. Computational modeling using fluid and pressure dynamics has shown that in an embodiment, the application of the inverted venturi principle to generate variable pressure between two cylindrical elements directs the cleaning fluid (or air) at all channel walls with variable and increasing force fluid dynamic (or air) pressure to create a new high efficiency cleaning and / or drying capability that can remove debris, biological matter and bacteria from the channel, or dry, including addressing changes in channel surface topography, which is due to the ability to use fluid dynamics (or air) to direct the cleaning fluid into any scratches and breaks in the sight glass channel.

[0128] In an embodiment, the variable pressure region 306 causes the cleaning fluid or air to be ejected at the channel wall with a pressure that exceeds the adhesion of bacteria or moisture that may be attached to the wall to produce a powerful benefit that does not exist in existing brushing technology. This ability enhances cleaning or drying, just like using a pressure washer to enhance the cleaning of an outer surface using a detergent, such as using a pressure washer with detergent to remove contaminants from the side of a building or a sidewalk, or an air dryer. This innovation enhances the cleaning fluid or drying in a completely new and powerful way, plus adding other features to its design, changing the channel cleaning performance so that the successful cleaning of the sight glass channel does not depend on the performance of a single element, such as the unpredictable wall contact force of a bristle brush or a pull-through cleaner, or the static performance of the cleaning detergent, or the drying based on evaporation over time. The variable pressure region 306 of the cleaning / drying element 300 generates a fluid dynamic / air pressure that guides the detergent / air at the channel wall of the sight glass. The cleaning or drying action using hydrodynamic pressure to enhance the cleaning fluid performance or air drying and combined with mechanical pressure to do so is the best way to achieve consistent, predictable and repeatable success in removing biological matter and debris from the channels of an endoscope or other endoscopic instrument or removing moisture by drying without damage to these important channels.

[0129] The combination of cylindrical elements and variable pressure elements is important for generating fluid dynamics or air forces and it adds additional cleaning and / or drying forces by making non-damaging contact with the walls of the sight glass channel. These cylindrical elements add channel wall contact pressure as an additional cleaning or drying mode to remove debris and biological matter or dry from the channel walls as an additional complementary cleaning or drying capability working in conjunction with the variable pressure elements between the cylinders.

[0130] An embodiment of the cleaning and / or drying device 800 with a plurality of cleaning and / or drying elements 300 will now be described.As shown, each cleaning and / or drying element 300 comprises a proximal end portion 302 and a distal end portion 304 and a variable pressure zone 306 therebetween, as described above.Proximal end portion 302 and distal end portion 304 are preferably cylindrical elements, which have an outer diameter (as discussed in detail below) substantially identical to the internal diameter of the inner chamber to be cleaned.In this embodiment, cleaning and / or drying elements are coupled to each other at proximal end portion and distal end portion.In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end portion of a cleaning and / or drying element is integral with the distal end portion of a next cleaning and / or drying element, but it will be appreciated that other configurations are also possible. For example, the cleaning and / or drying device 400 may have more than one cylindrical element placed next to another cylindrical element with a spacing that does not produce a variable pressure, and a spacing between the rear or (alternatively) front cylindrical element and the next cylindrical element that produces a variable pressure between the cleaning and / or drying element 300 and the wall of the channel being cleaned. In an embodiment, a series of cylindrical elements may be organized at various spacings to produce a variable pressure between the cylindrical elements, and at a certain spacing to produce a constant pressure between the cylindrical elements.

[0131] The cylindrical elements 302, 304 can be made of any shape and size that makes contact and at least partially conforms to the wall of the channel being cleaned, including in some embodiments, cylindrical elements with tapers, reverse tapers, cylindrical elements that deflect and contact each other or deflect and do not contact another cylindrical element, or cylindrical elements that contact or do not contact variable pressure shapes between cylindrical elements. The cylindrical elements do not have to be cylindrical, but need to be able to assist in generating variable pressure results with the rest of the elements of the cleaning and / or drying device 400, which means that they must have wall contact that is meaningful enough to support the generation of variable pressure areas to accelerate fluid flow or air flow, and thereby use fluid power or air pressure to guide cleaning fluid or air at the channel wall.

[0132] The cleaning and / or drying device 800 includes two additional cylindrical elements 402, 404 located at the distal end of the device 800. In this embodiment, the device 800 also includes a proximal end element 802 and a proximal cylindrical centering element 804 disposed around the variable pressure region 306. The element 804 is preferably disposed around the contraction section 308 of the pressure region 306 between the divergent section 312 and the throat section 310 (see Figure 4 and the above description of these elements).

[0133] Centering element 804 is positioned around pressure region 306, rather than at the proximal end of the device (eg, Figure 7 B). The centering element 804 is sized so that its outer surface contacts the inner surface of the lumen of the endoscopic device. When the device 800 is pulled or pushed through the lumen, the centering element 804 engages the inner surface of the lumen and displaces any biological matter (cleaning) and / or moisture (drying) on ​​the surface, and moves the material forward with the device 800. In this case, FIG. 27 shows a kit 900, which includes a water bottle 902 with a straw 904 and a cleaning and / or drying device 910 for the straw 904. In this embodiment, the device 910 can be used to clean and / or dry the inner surface of a drinking container and components of a drinking container, such as a drinking straw, a drink container, a water container, a bottle, a thermos, a kettle, a pitcher, a carafe, a baby bottle, a water bottle, and an insulated drink container and a drinking straw for any of these containers.

[0134] As shown, device 910 includes multiple cleaning and / or drying elements 300, wherein each cleaning and / or drying element 300 includes a proximal end portion 302 and a distal end portion 304 and a variable pressure zone 306 between them, as described above. The proximal end portion 302 and the distal end portion 304 are preferably cylindrical elements, which have an outer diameter (as discussed above) substantially the same as the inner diameter of the lumen to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the cleaning and / or drying element is coupled to each other at the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The cleaning and / or drying device 910 includes two additional cylindrical elements 402,404 at the distal end of the device 910.

[0135] In this embodiment, the device 910 also includes a proximal end element 908 and a proximal cylindrical centering element 906 (formed on the proximal side of the proximal cleaning and / or drying element 300). The end element 908 preferably includes a substantially cylindrical plug-shaped element that forms the proximal end of the device 910. The end element 908 is used to guide the device 910 through the straw 904 and transfer moisture and / or biological matter from the inner surface of the straw. In certain embodiments, the device 910 may also include a distal end element (not labeled) that is substantially the same design as the proximal end element 908.

[0136] Fig. 9 A kit 900 is shown that includes a water bottle 902 having a straw 904 and a cleaning and / or drying device 910 for the straw 904. In this embodiment, the device 910 can be used to clean and / or dry the interior surfaces of drinking containers and components of drinking containers, such as drinking straws, drink containers, water containers, bottles, thermoses, pitchers, jugs, carafes, baby bottles, water bottles, and insulated drink containers and drinking straws for any of these containers.

[0137] As shown, device 910 includes multiple cleaning and / or drying elements 300, wherein each cleaning and / or drying element 300 includes a proximal end portion 302 and a distal end portion 304 and a variable pressure zone 306 between them, as described above. The proximal end portion 302 and the distal end portion 304 are preferably cylindrical elements, which have an outer diameter (as discussed above) substantially the same as the inner diameter of the lumen to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the cleaning and / or drying element is coupled to each other at the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The cleaning and / or drying device 910 includes two additional cylindrical elements 402,404 at the distal end of the device 910.

[0138] In this embodiment, the device 910 also includes a proximal end element 908 and a proximal cylindrical centering element 906 (formed on the proximal side of the proximal cleaning and / or drying element 300). The end element 908 preferably includes a substantially cylindrical plug-shaped element that forms the proximal end of the device 910. The end element 908 is used to guide the device 910 through the straw 904 and transfer moisture and / or biological matter from the inner surface of the straw. In certain embodiments, the device 910 may also include a distal end element (not labeled) that is substantially the same design as the proximal end element 908.

[0139] In certain embodiments, the drying device further comprises a programmable motor (not shown), which may be part of the elongated member, or separate from the elongated member. The programmable motor is designed to withdraw the member from the internal lumen of the endoscope 10 at a fixed or variable rate. Alternatively, the motor may be programmed with a specific algorithm corresponding to a certain cleaning target. In one embodiment, the motor is programmed to withdraw the elongated member at a fixed rate based on a determined cleaning time required to completely absorb and remove biological matter from the internal lumen. In an alternative embodiment, the motor is programmed to retract the elongated member in a series of discrete steps, i.e., the shaft is held in position for a specified period of time, and then withdrawn a specified distance and the step is repeated until it is withdrawn and the cleaning procedure is complete.

[0140] The drying device described herein may include one or more sensors (not shown) along the elongated member for detecting biological matter, pathogens, liquids or other particulate matter within the endoscope 10. Suitable sensors may include PCT and microarray-based sensors, optical sensors (e.g., bioluminescence and fluorescence), piezoelectric sensors, potentiometric sensors, amperometric sensors, conductivity sensors, nanosensors, etc. The device may also include an indicator such as a display, which is connected to the sensor and is configured to indicate the presence of biological matter pathogens, liquids, or other details detected by the sensor. The indicator may be any suitable chemical indicator for verifying a cleaning and / or sterilization procedure that undergoes a physical or chemical change visible to the human eye after exposure to certain parameters. The indicator and sensor may be part of the same device, or separate from each other.

[0141] All issued patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individually issued patent, published patent application, or non-patent publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0142] Although several embodiments of the present specification are shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present specification is limited thereto, because it is expected that the present specification is as wide in scope as the art allows, and the specification is read similarly. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. The features shown or described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Those skilled in the art can envision various alternatives and modifications without departing from the present specification. Therefore, the present specification is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize the additional features and advantages of the present specification based on the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, except as indicated in the appended claims, the present specification will not be limited by the content specifically shown and described.

Claims

1. A drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument, the device comprising: an elongated member configured for advancement through a lumen within the endoscopic instrument; at least one dryer component coupled to a portion of the elongated member, wherein the dryer element includes at least one portion having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the elongated member; and Wherein, the elongated component and the drying component are sterilized or disinfected.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the drying member is shaped and configured to substantially remain in contact with a wall of the lumen as the elongated member is advanced through the lumen.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The drying element includes one or more substantially annular members extending radially outwardly from the drying element.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The annular member is a disc.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The annular member is a fin.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The annular member is a scraper.

7. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The annular members are spaced apart from one another along the elongated member.

8. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The annular member includes an absorbent material.

9. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The annular component includes a first annular component having a first diameter and a second annular component having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The elongated member comprises a wire, a thread or a tube.

11. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The annular members are spaced substantially equidistant from one another along the elongated member.

12. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a first annular component, a second annular component and a third annular component, wherein: The first annular component and the second annular component are spaced apart from each other by a greater distance than the second annular component and the third annular component.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The elongated member includes a first end and a second end, and further includes a ring coupled to the first end.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a swab member having a first end attached to the loop and a second end including a tail.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising a centering element coupled to the elongated member or the drying member and configured to center the drying member within the inner cavity.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The centering element has an outer dimension that is between about 50 percent and about 90 percent of the inner diameter of the lumen.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The outer dimension is between about 70 percent and about 85 percent of the inner diameter of the lumen.

18. A method for drying one or more lumens within an endoscopic instrument, the method comprising: providing a drying device comprising an elongated member and at least one drying member coupled to a portion of the elongated member; as well as At least a portion of the elongated member is advanced through the lumen within the endoscopic instrument such that the drying member remains substantially in contact with a wall of the lumen.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising sterilizing or disinfecting the drying device.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising centering the drying component within the lumen as the drying component is advanced through the lumen.

21. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The drying member comprises one or more substantially annular members spaced from one another along the elongated member.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The annular member is a disc.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The annular member is a fin.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The annular member is a scraper.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The annular member includes an absorbent material.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein: The annular component includes a first annular component having a first diameter and a second annular component having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein: The elongated member comprises a wire, a thread or a tube.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein: The annular members are spaced substantially equidistant from one another along the elongated member.

29. The method of claim 21, further comprising a first annular member, a second annular member, and a third annular member, wherein: The first annular component and the second annular component are spaced apart from each other by a greater distance than the second annular component and the third annular component.

30. The method of claim 21, wherein: The elongated member includes a first end and a second end, and further includes a ring coupled to the first end.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising a swab component having a first end attached to the loop and a second end including a tail.

32. A kit for cleaning and drying an endoscopic instrument, the kit comprising: a drying device comprising an elongated member configured for advancement through a lumen within the endoscopic instrument and at least one drying member coupled to a portion of the elongated member, wherein at least a portion of the drying member has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the elongated member; and A cleaning device includes a shaft configured for advancement through a lumen within the endoscopic instrument and at least one cleaning component coupled to a portion of the shaft.

33. The kit of claim 32, wherein: The drying device is sterilized or disinfected.

34. The kit of claim 32, wherein: The drying member is shaped and configured to substantially remain in contact with a wall of the lumen as the elongated member is advanced through the lumen.

35. The kit of claim 32, wherein: The drying device is coupled to the cleaning device.

36. The kit of claim 32, wherein: The cleaning member is shaped and configured to substantially maintain contact with a wall of the lumen as the elongated member is advanced through the lumen.

37. The kit of claim 32, wherein: The cleaning member includes a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a central portion therebetween, and wherein the central portion is shaped to create a pressure gradient along the central portion from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion.

38. A kit comprising: a beverage container, the beverage container including a drinking straw; as well as an elongated member configured to be advanced through an interior lumen of the drinking straw; at least one dry component coupled to a portion of the elongated member, wherein the dry component includes a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a central portion between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion; and wherein the central portion is shaped to create a pressure gradient along the central portion from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion.

39. The kit of claim 54, wherein: As the drying element is advanced through the lumen, the pressure gradient causes an increase in relative velocity between the drying element and the fluid and air within the lumen.

40. The kit of claim 54, wherein: The pressure gradient causes an increase in shear stress between the fluid and air in the lumen and the inner wall of the lumen.

41. The kit of claim 54, wherein: The central portion of the drying component includes a contraction section connected to the proximal end portion, a diffusion section connected to the distal end portion, and a throat section connecting the diffusion section and the contraction section, wherein the throat section has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and larger than the diameter of the diffusion section and the contraction section.

42. The kit of claim 57, wherein: The converging section increases in diameter from the proximal end portion to the throat section, and the diverging section decreases in diameter from the throat section to the distal end portion, and wherein the throat section is substantially cylindrical.

43. The kit of claim 54, wherein: The drying device also includes a terminal element having a substantially cylindrical shape and sized to be advanced through the lumen of the drinking straw.

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