Cleaning method and arrangement for pre-cleaning endoscope

Abstract

To provide a method for cleaning an endoscope that is less prone to errors.SOLUTION: An endoscope comprises: multiple connection ports for connection of fluid hoses; and multiple channels respectively extending from the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope. A cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope comprises: drawing liquid into at least one of the multiple channels; and determining an electrical parameter of one or more fluids in at least one of the multiple channels into which liquid has been drawn.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope and to an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] An endoscope is an inspection instrument that can be used to inspect and, if necessary, manipulate the interior of a living organism. Endoscopes can be used in human medical diagnostics for human or animal examination or minimally invasive surgical procedures. Endoscopes typically include an image sensor, an optical lens, and a light source.

[0003] After use of an endoscope, it is typically pre-cleaned, manually or automatically cleaned, disinfected, and sometimes sterilized before it is reused on a patient. If endoscopes and accessories used in patient procedures are not cleaned immediately after each patient procedure, residual organic debris will begin to dry and harden, inhibiting effective removal and effective reprocessing. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-clean endoscopes and accessories at the bedside immediately after each patient procedure.

[0004] Typically performed at the bedside immediately after each patient procedure, pre-cleaning includes, among others, the following steps: First, the biopsy / aspiration flow paths are pre-cleaned by placing the tip of the endoscope in water and drawing fluid through the endoscope. Then, air is drawn through the endoscope. Second, the air / water flow paths are pre-cleaned by placing the tip of the endoscope in water and flushing the air / water flow paths with fluid. The air / water flow paths are then flushed with air. Third, if available, the auxiliary water flow paths are pre-cleaned by flushing the auxiliary water flow paths with water. Finally, the accessories are removed from the endoscope and placed in a fluid, such as water or a detergent solution. Typically, after the pre-cleaning procedure, the endoscope is removed from the equipment used in the patient procedure (e.g., video system center, light source, suction pump, etc.) and transported to a reprocessing area.

[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 1,144,5900 it is proposed to pre-clean an endoscope by using multiple input members in the form of flexible tubes for use in supplying cleaning fluid to multiple input ports of the endoscope, so that the cleaning fluid is supplied to the endoscope through the flexible tubes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11445900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, known procedures for pre-cleaning are relatively time-consuming and prone to errors. Since pre-cleaning typically consists of several manually applied steps followed by a pre-cleaning procedure, the endoscope may not be sufficiently pre-cleaned if only one of these steps is not performed correctly according to the pre-cleaning procedure. Furthermore, since not all endoscope flow paths are connected to each other, it is not possible to flush all the flow paths with only one source. In a typically performed pre-cleaning procedure, the video system center needs to flush the air / water flow paths, the suction pump for the suction and biopsy flow paths, and the flushing pump or syringe for flushing the auxiliary water flow paths. Thus, the user is permanently involved in the procedure and needs to interact with several different user interfaces, where the user is required to operate all of these user interfaces. Furthermore, many instruments / accessories are required to perform the pre-cleaning procedure.

[0008] Furthermore, after pre-cleaning, there is the potential problem of drying and solidification in the channels that are no longer filled with fluid.

[0009] Furthermore, known procedures for pre-cleaning typically do not provide for verification to check whether the pre-cleaning has been performed properly and / or whether sufficient pre-cleaning has occurred.

[0010] Additionally, it is typically not possible to reliably document whether pre-cleaning has been performed properly and / or whether sufficient pre-cleaning has been performed.

[0011] Additionally, there is typically no ability to check and / or verify whether liquid is present in the endoscope flow path after pre-cleaning and / or whether liquid has been drawn out of the endoscope flow path due to a leak.

[0012] Furthermore, blockages in the flow paths are typically not identifiable, which may result in a situation where liquid cannot be drawn through the flow path where the blockage exists, resulting in such blocked flow paths not filling with liquid and potentially resulting in inadequate pre-cleaning of the flow paths.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, and in particular to provide a method and arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope that is less prone to error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to a first aspect, there is provided a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, the endoscope including a plurality of connection ports for connecting fluid hoses and a plurality of flow paths each extending from the plurality of connection ports to a tip of the endoscope, the cleaning method comprising the steps of drawing liquid into at least one of the plurality of flow paths and determining electrical parameters of one or more fluids in at least one of the plurality of flow paths into which liquid has been drawn.

[0015] In the following, firstly a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope as well as its function and advantageous embodiments are described.

[0016] Preferably, the pre-cleaning procedure is performed immediately or shortly after the endoscope has been used in a patient procedure. Preferably, the pre-cleaning procedure is initiated within 60 minutes after use in a patient procedure, particularly preferably within 30 minutes after use in a patient procedure, and especially within 15 minutes after use in a patient procedure. Preferably, the pre-cleaning is performed at the patient's bedside, so that the cleaning method can be performed immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope in a patient procedure without the need to move the endoscope to another location before performing the pre-cleaning.

[0017] Preferably, each of the flow paths extends from one of the connection ports to the tip of the endoscope, however, the endoscope may have additional flow paths that do not extend from one of the connection ports to the tip.

[0018] The tip of the endoscope may also be referred to as the distal end of the endoscope. Preferably, the tip should be understood as the end of the endoscope located most forward of the insertion part of the endoscope, in particular the end that is inserted first into the patient when the insertion part of the endoscope is moved into the patient. Preferably, the outlet of the flow channel is located at the tip. More preferably, the light guide is located at the tip. More preferably, an objective lens can be located at the tip. It is particularly preferred that the tip is located at the end of the insertion part having a flexible insertion tube.

[0019] Preferably, a connection port is to be understood as a port to which a fluid hose or the like can be connected.

[0020] Preferably, the endoscope may be, for example, a colonoscope, or a gastroscope, or an ultrasound endoscope, or a duodenoscope, or another type of endoscope.

[0021] Preferably, the step of drawing liquid into at least one of the plurality of flow paths is performed by applying negative pressure by connecting a suction device to the at least one connection port and activating the suction device. Such a suction device may be, for example, a suction pump.

[0022] Preferably, the step of determining the electrical parameters of one or more fluids in at least one of the flow paths through which liquid is drawn is carried out by measuring such electrical parameters between two contact points, preferably located at either end of the flow path, i.e. at the connection port and / or the outlet opening, such that the corresponding flow path extends substantially between these contact points.

[0023] Preferably, determining such an electrical parameter comprises measuring an electrical parameter, and for example the electrical conductivity may be determined.

[0024] Preferably, the channel wall comprises or consists of an electrically insulating material, such as a polymeric material, which is substantially electrically insulating and thus has a relatively low electrical conductivity. Thus, when the channel is filled with air, the electrical conductivity measured along the channel extension is relatively low, since the electrical conductivity of both the channel wall and the air inside the channel is very low. However, when the channel is filled with a liquid, such as water or a disinfectant or detergent solution, the electrical conductivity measured along the channel extension is significantly higher. Thus, the electrical conductivity, and therefore the electrical resistance, can be significantly different depending on whether the channel is filled with air or liquid.

[0025] The advantage of such a cleaning method is that by determining the electrical parameter it is possible to reliably determine whether the flow paths are filled with liquid, and thus in a particularly advantageous manner it can be determined whether pre-cleaning has been sufficient for the corresponding flow paths and whether the flow paths are still filled with liquid if measurements are taken after flushing and / or drawing liquid through the corresponding flow paths.

[0026] Another advantage of such a flushing method is that it allows checking the patency of the channels in a particularly advantageous way. If there is a blockage in the channel and liquid cannot be drawn through the channel due to such blockage, the channel will not fill with liquid, which will result in a significant drop in conductivity. In this way, it is possible to identify a channel blockage and thus verify whether the patency of the corresponding channel is given. It is therefore possible to prove the patency of the corresponding channel.

[0027] Another advantage of this cleaning method is that it is possible to ensure that the channels are kept wet and / or filled with liquid after the pre-cleaning procedure, thus preventing drying and solidification in the channels after pre-cleaning in a reliable and particularly advantageous manner.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes the steps of comparing the electrical parameter with a predetermined threshold value and, depending on the result of the comparison of the electrical parameter with the threshold value, determining at least one of: whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the flow path is sufficient, whether the flow path is filled with liquid, whether patency of the flow path is provided, and whether an electrical measuring device for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0029] Preferably, the determined electrical parameter is compared to a predefined threshold and depending on whether the determined electrical parameter is above or below the threshold it is determined whether the corresponding flow path is filled with liquid.

[0030] An advantage of such a comparison is that it can reliably determine whether the corresponding flow path is filled with liquid and / or whether patency of the corresponding flow path has been given. By using such a pre-defined threshold, a user can easily determine whether a desired liquid level and / or humidity level in the flow path has been reached and whether patency of the flow path has been given by simply comparing the measured value with the pre-defined threshold.

[0031] Another advantage of such a comparison with a predefined value is that the comparison can be performed automatically, for example by using a processing unit adapted to compare the determined electrical parameter with a predefined threshold value and preferably relying on the comparison output data containing information as to whether the determined electrical parameter is above or below the threshold value and / or whether the corresponding one is sufficiently filled with liquid and / or whether patency of the corresponding flow path is given.

[0032] Another advantage of such a comparison is that it can reliably determine whether the measuring equipment for measuring the electrical parameters is correctly electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes the steps of fluidly connecting a plurality of flow paths to one another at the tip of the endoscope by placing a container at the tip of the endoscope; connecting a suction device to one of the plurality of connection ports; connecting at least one liquid source to the at least one connection port; and drawing liquid into at least one flow path by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from the liquid source, through the at least one flow path, and through the tip toward the suction device.

[0034] Preferably, at least two of the flow paths are flushed with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from a liquid source through the tip and then through at least one other of the flow paths from the tip and towards the suction device.

[0035] Preferably, the reservoir can be placed on the tip in a liquid-filled or liquid-free state, and when the reservoir is liquid-free, a continuous flow of liquid can be drawn through the flow path via the tip.

[0036] Preferably, the container is not filled with liquid before flushing the channels of the endoscope. The advantage of such an empty container is that liquid can be drawn from the connection port through the channels into the container and from the container through the suction channels from the endoscope towards the suction device, without any gaps of liquid containing gas. Thus, when liquid is drawn from the connection port, the user can be sure that this liquid has been drawn completely through at least two channels. However, alternatively, it is also possible that the container is already filled with liquid before flushing the channels. Filling the container with liquid before starting to flush the channels can have the advantage that the tip of the endoscope is in contact with liquid for a longer period and is submerged in water for a longer period, which can be beneficial to achieve a more complete pre-cleaning of the tip, if necessary.

[0037] The advantage of having such a container at the tip of the endoscope is that even if all of the flow paths of the endoscope are not connected to each other inside the endoscope, by connecting the flow paths to each other via a container located at the tip of the endoscope, all of these flow paths can be flushed with only one source, and thus the pre-cleaning procedure can be performed in a faster, easier, and less error-prone manner.

[0038] Another advantage of placing such a container at the tip of the endoscope is that while pre-cleaning the endoscope, there is no need to interact with several user interfaces and / or devices to perform the pre-cleaning procedure.

[0039] Another advantage of placing such a container at the tip of the endoscope is that the described cleaning method requires much less equipment and / or accessories to perform the pre-cleaning compared to conventional pre-cleaning methods, e.g., no video center or cleaning pump is required to perform the pre-cleaning.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the electrical parameters are determined by electrical resistance, voltage, current and / or conductivity measurements by using an ohmmeter and / or a multimeter.

[0041] Preferably, the electrical parameters are determined by measuring electrical resistance, and / or voltage, and / or current, and / or electrical conductivity, and optionally calculating the electrical parameters from the measurements.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, an ohmmeter and / or multimeter is contacted with the flow path in which the electrical parameter is to be determined.

[0043] Preferably, the flow path or paths in which an electrical parameter of one or more fluids is determined are electrically contacted at the ends of one or more corresponding flow paths, such that an electrical measurement device can be used to determine the electrical parameter for the one or more corresponding flow paths.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the step of determining the electrical parameter comprises at least one of determining an electrical resistance or electrical resistivity between two spaced apart points of the flow path and determining an electrical conductivity or conductance between two spaced apart points of the flow path.

[0045] Preferably, the electrical resistance and / or electrical conductivity is determined between the two ends of the flow path.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, one of the two spaced apart points at which the electrical measurements are made is positioned at or adjacent to a connection port of a corresponding flow path, and / or one of the two spaced apart points at which the electrical measurements are made is positioned at or adjacent to a connection port to which an aspiration device is connected.

[0047] Preferably, when the container is placed at the distal end of the endoscope, the electrical measurement is performed between the first connection point arranged at the connection port of the first flow path and the connection port of the suction flow path. In this way, the entire extension of the first flow path and the entire extension of the suction flow path can be electrically measured, since these flow paths are fluidly connected to each other via the container arranged at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, drawing liquid into at least one of the plurality of flow paths comprises completely filling the corresponding flow path with liquid.

[0049] Preferably, after drawing the liquid into the flow path, the liquid is retained within the flow path to avoid solidification of residual organic debris.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment, the step of connecting at least one liquid source to the at least one connection port comprises connecting at least one conduit holding liquid to the at least one connection port.

[0051] The advantage of connecting at least one conduit carrying liquid to at least one of the connection ports is that liquid can be drawn from the conduit through a flow path extending from the connection port to which the conduit is connected to the tip of the endoscope, in particular by applying a negative pressure, and when the container is placed at the tip, the liquid can be further drawn from the tip through another flow path, in particular towards a suction device. In this way, it is possible to achieve that the liquid is drawn through the entire extension of both of these flow paths, starting from the conduit, through the tip through the first flow path and then through the other flow path, so that both of these flow paths are surely flushed with liquid along their entire extension. Further flow paths can be surely flushed in the same way. It is therefore preferable to arrange the conduits on several connection ports to ensure that all of the flow paths extending from these connection ports to the tip can be surely flushed with liquid along their entire extension.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the multiple flow paths include an air flow path extending from an air flow path connection port of the multiple connection ports to the tip of the endoscope, a suction flow path extending from a suction flow path connection port of the multiple connection ports to the tip of the endoscope, a water flow path extending from a water flow path connection port of the multiple connection ports to the tip of the endoscope, and an auxiliary water flow path extending from an auxiliary water flow path connection port of the multiple connection ports to the tip of the endoscope.

[0053] Preferably, the air flow channel is adapted to supply air to the tip of the endoscope. Preferably, the suction flow channel is adapted to draw liquid and / or matter, e.g., a tissue sample, from the tip of the endoscope through the endoscope. Preferably, the water flow channel is adapted to supply water to the tip of the endoscope. Preferably, the auxiliary water flow channel is adapted to supply water to the tip of the endoscope.

[0054] Preferably, the flow paths are arranged parallel to one another over at least a portion of their extension from one of the connection ports to the tip of the endoscope.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes providing an RFID transponder including information regarding at least one pre-cleaning parameter, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter including at least one dynamic parameter including information regarding an electrical parameter and / or information regarding humidity in at least one of the multiple flow paths.

[0056] RFID should in particular be understood as Radio-frequency identification (RFID, Radio-frequency identification), which in particular makes it possible to automatically identify and track tags using electromagnetic fields.

[0057] The RFID transponder preferably includes an antenna, electrical circuitry for transmitting and receiving data, and a digital circuit with memory. The antenna, electrical circuitry and digital circuitry may be integrated on a single microchip.

[0058] Preferably, the RFID transponder comprises a memory that can be written at least once and contains an immutable identity.

[0059] Preferably, the at least one pre-wash parameter comprises at least one static parameter including information regarding the expiration date of the liquid drawn into the at least one flow path. Preferably, the at least one static parameter includes information regarding a reference number to verify the use of the correct product and / or information regarding an expiration date to verify the validity of the expiration date.

[0060] Preferably, the at least one dynamic parameter may be an electrical resistance, and / or a voltage, and / or a current, and / or an electrical conductivity. Preferably, the at least one dynamic parameter may include information regarding whether the electrical parameter is above a predefined threshold value. Preferably, the at least one dynamic parameter may include information regarding whether the liquid level and / or the humidity level in the flow path is sufficient, and / or whether the flow path is filled with liquid, and / or whether the patency of the flow path is given, and / or whether an electrical measuring device for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0061] Preferably, the dynamic parameters may include one or more measurements, especially in the form of raw data, that can be interpreted after being read by an RFID reader, such an RFID reader for example being located external to the RFID circuit.

[0062] Preferably, information regarding the electrical resistance, and / or the voltage, and / or the current, and / or the electrical conductivity, and / or further parameters can be written into the memory of the RFID transponder, which further parameters can be, for example, temperature and / or pressure values ​​when performing the pre-cleaning procedure.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment, the electrical parameter is measured by using an electrical measuring device, and the RFID antenna of the RFID transponder provides power to operate the electrical measuring device.

[0064] Such an electrical measuring device may in particular be an ohmmeter and / or a multimeter. Preferably, the energy required to measure and / or determine the at least one pre-cleaning parameter may be provided via the RFID antenna of the RFID transponder.

[0065] An advantage of the RFID transponder providing energy to make the measurements necessary to determine at least one pre-clean parameter is that no additional batteries or any other portable energy source is required to provide energy to make such measurements.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, the RFID transponder is located on the portable disposable device.Preferably, the RFID antenna is located on the portable disposable device.

[0067] The advantage of using such a portable disposable device is that it provides a disposable, ready-to-use pre-cleaning solution that is easy for the user to handle and easy to dispose of after use.

[0068] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes the step of reading the information stored in the RFID transponder and, depending on this information, continuing with reprocessing of the endoscope or performing further cleaning to clean the flow path of the endoscope.

[0069] Preferably, after reading out the information stored in the RFID transponder it can be determined whether sufficient pre-cleaning has been performed and / or whether the flow paths that should be filled with liquid are filled with liquid. Thus, based on the information read out after performing a pre-cleaning procedure it can be determined whether the pre-cleaning has been performed in the correct way and / or whether a further pre-cleaning step needs to be performed to ensure that sufficient pre-cleaning has been performed.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes the step of reading the RFID transponder after pre-cleaning and prior to reprocessing of the endoscope at the reprocessing position by using an RFID reader.

[0071] In this way it is possible to check and / or verify and / or document the data written to the RFID transponder before further reprocessing steps are carried out.

[0072] Preferably, after reading the RFID transponder it can be checked whether the parameters are valid and whether the pre-cleaning has been sufficient. Depending on this data it can be decided whether reprocessing can be started or whether additional cleaning steps, e.g. brushing and / or rinsing and / or soaking, are necessary before continuing with the reprocessing of the endoscope.

[0073] The advantages mentioned above for the method for pre-cleaning are also advantages for such an arrangement for pre-cleaning.

[0074] According to a further aspect, there is provided an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, particularly in accordance with the cleaning methods described herein, the arrangement comprising an endoscope including flow paths for transporting fluids, connection ports, particularly for connecting fluid hoses, and a tip of the endoscope, each of the flow paths extending from one of the connection ports to the tip of the endoscope, and an apparatus, particularly an electrical measuring device, for determining electrical parameters of one or more fluids in at least one of the flow paths of the endoscope.

[0075] With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the individual different aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference is also made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and details which have been explained with reference to the respective other aspects.

[0076] Further advantageous embodiments result from the combination of any individual, some or all of the preferred features described herein.

[0077] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0078] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment for determining an electrical parameter; [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment for determining an electrical parameter; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a configuration for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10. The endoscope 10 can be pre-cleaned immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope 10. The endoscope 10 includes an endoscope body 30 and flow paths 11, 12, 13, 14 for transporting fluids, namely, a suction flow path 11, an air flow path 12, a water flow path 13, and an auxiliary water flow path 14.

[0080] The suction channel 11 is adapted to draw liquid and / or matter, such as, for example, a tissue sample, through the endoscope 10 from a tip 20 of the endoscope 10. The suction channel 11 extends from the suction channel connection port 11a to the tip 20 of the endoscope 10. The tip 20 is the end of the endoscope 10 located immediately before the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 10.

[0081] The air flow path 12 is adapted to supply air to the tip 20 of the endoscope 10. The air flow path 12 extends from the air flow path connection port 12a to the tip 20 of the endoscope 10. The water flow path 13 is adapted to supply water to the tip 20 of the endoscope 10. The water flow path 13 extends from the water flow path connection port 13a to the tip 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0082] The auxiliary water flow path 14 is adapted to supply water to a tip 20 of the endoscope 10. The auxiliary water flow path 14 extends from the auxiliary water flow path connection port 14a to the tip 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0083] The connection ports 11a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a are adapted for the connection of fluid hoses and / or conduits and / or closure elements. Each of the flow channels 11, 12, 13, 14 extends from one of the connection ports 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0084] The channels 11, 12, 13, 14 are fluidly connected to each other at the tip 20 of the endoscope 10 by disposing a container 80 on the tip 20 of the endoscope 10. The container 80 is disposed on the tip 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the entire tip 20, including the outer peripheral surface 20a of the tip 20, is disposed inside the container 80. When the container 80 is filled with liquid, the entire tip 20, including the outer peripheral surface 20a of the tip 20, is in contact with the liquid, thereby ensuring that the entire tip 20 is pre-cleaned. The container 80 is disposed on the tip 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the tip 20 of the endoscope 10 is liquid-tight and air-tight sealed from the environment surrounding the container 80.

[0085] The endoscope 10 further includes a biopsy branch 11b extending from the biopsy branch connection port 11c to the suction channel 11.

[0086] The air flow passage 12 and the water flow passage 13 can be fluidly connected and / or separated from each other via an air / water cylinder 19. An air vent can be assembled to the air / water cylinder 19. The air / water cylinder 19 is sealed with a closure element 60 adapted to seal the air / water cylinder 19 liquid-tight and gas-tight. Also provided is a suction cylinder 40 to which the suction flow passage 11 is connected. An air vent can be assembled to the suction cylinder 40.

[0087] On the biopsy branch connection port 11c is disposed a conduit 71. If it is not necessary to flush the biopsy branch 11b during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be disposed on the biopsy branch connection port 11c instead of the conduit 71.

[0088] A conduit 72 is arranged on the connection port 12a of the air flow path 12. If the air flow path 12 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be arranged instead of the conduit 72 on the connection port 12a.

[0089] A conduit 73 is arranged on the connection port 13a of the water flow path 13. If it is not necessary to flush the water flow path 13 during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be arranged instead of the conduit 73 on the connection port 13a.

[0090] Also, a conduit 74 is arranged on the connection port 14a of the auxiliary water flow path 14. If it is not necessary to flush the auxiliary water flow path 14 during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be arranged instead of the conduit 74 on the connection port 14a.

[0091] The conduits 71, 72, 73, 74 are filled with a liquid, in particular a disinfectant solution and / or a detergent solution.

[0092] The suction device 90, which is a suction pump in this embodiment, is connected via a fluid hose 90a to the connection port 11a of the suction channel 11. When the suction device 90 is activated, a negative pressure is applied to the system, as will be described in detail below, resulting in liquid being drawn towards the suction device 90.

[0093] Fluid is drawn from conduit 71 through biopsy branch 11b via biopsy branch connection port 11c and from there further through the portion of the aspiration channel 11 that extends towards tip 20. Due to a fluid connection at tip 20 provided by a reservoir 80 located at tip 20, the liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the aspiration channel 11 out connection port 11a, via fluid hose 90a to suction device 90 and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95.

[0094] Liquid is drawn from conduit 72 through air passage 12 into tip 20. A fluid connection at tip 20 provided by a reservoir 80 located in tip 20 allows liquid to be drawn from there through the full extension of suction passage 11, out connection port 11a, via fluid hose 90a to suction device 90, and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95.

[0095] Liquid is drawn from conduit 73 through water flow passage 13 into tip 20. Due to a fluid connection at tip 20 provided by a reservoir 80 located in tip 20, liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of suction flow passage 11, out connection port 11a, via fluid hose 90a to suction device 90, and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95.

[0096] Liquid is drawn from conduit 74 through auxiliary water passage 14 into tip 20. A fluid connection at tip 20 provided by a reservoir 80 located in tip 20 allows liquid to be drawn from there through the full extension of suction passage 11, out connection port 11a, via fluid hose 90a to suction device 90, and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95.

[0097] 2 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment for determining an electrical parameter. The schematic diagram shown may be applicable, for example, to an arrangement and / or endoscope such as that shown in FIG. 1. However, the schematic diagram shown may also be applicable to other arrangements used, for example, in conjunction with an endoscope such as that shown in FIG. 1 with or without a container disposed at the tip of the endoscope, or in conjunction with an endoscope similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with or without a container disposed at the tip of the endoscope.

[0098] The pre-cleaning procedure can be performed as follows: An endoscope to be pre-cleaned is provided. A flow channel 14, for example an auxiliary water flow channel 14, may be any other flow channel of the endoscope, has a connection port to which a liquid source in the form of a conduit 74 is connected and to which a suction device 90 is connected at the other end of the flow channel 14. Furthermore, the additional flow channels 11b, 12, 13 can also be connected to the suction device 90 at their connection ports, directly or indirectly to the conduits 71, 72, 73, if liquid is also drawn into these additional flow channels. The suction device 90 is further connected to a suction container formed as a suction jar 95. The conduits 74, 71, 72, 73 containing liquid are arranged on the connection ports of the flow channels 11b, 12, 13, 14. By activating the suction device 90, liquid is drawn in the direction shown by the arrows, i.e. from conduits 74, 71, 72, 73 through channels 14, 11b, 12, 13 (to which conduits 74, 71, 72, 73 are connected) towards the suction pump 90 and thereafter collected in the suction jar 95.

[0099] An electrical measuring device 210, for example an ohmmeter or multimeter, is connected to the flow path 14 at two spaced apart contact points 210a, 210b. If further flow paths 11b, 12, 13 need to be pre-cleaned, at least one additional electrical measuring device 220 can be used to measure the further flow paths 11b, 12, 13 by connecting an device to the contact points 220a, 220b of each flow path. However, it is also possible to measure all flow paths of interest, for example flow paths 14, 11b, 12, 13, with just one electrical measuring device. In this case, the reference numbers 210 and 220 belong to just one, i.e. the same, electrical measuring device.

[0100] The electrical measuring devices 210, 220 can perform electrical measurements and, based on the measurements, determine electrical parameters of one or more fluids in the flow path 14 into which liquid has been drawn, and possibly in the flow paths 11b, 12, 13. The determined parameters of the one or more fluids can then be compared to predefined thresholds, and depending on the comparison of the determined parameters of the one or more fluids with the thresholds, it can be determined whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the flow path is sufficient, and / or whether the flow path is filled with liquid, and / or whether patency of the flow path has been provided, and / or whether the electrical measuring devices for measuring the electrical parameters are properly electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0101] Fig. 3 shows a schematic configuration of an exemplary embodiment for determining electrical parameters. The embodiment shown here is the same as that described in relation to Fig. 2, and further provides an RFID transponder 230 with an RFID antenna 231, an Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) software 250, and an endoscope reprocessing plant 260. The RFID transponder 230 includes information on at least one pre-cleaning parameter 234, preferably including at least one dynamic parameter including information on determined electrical parameters of one or more fluids in at least one of the fluid-drawn flow paths 14, 11b, 12, 13, and / or information on humidity in at least one of the endoscope flow paths 14, 11b, 12, 13. The RFID transponder 230 includes an RFID antenna 231, an electrical circuit 232 for transmitting and receiving data, and a digital circuit 233 with a memory. The antenna 231, the electrical circuit 232, and the digital circuit 233 can be integrated in a single microchip. The RFID transponder 230 includes a memory 235 that can be written to at least once and contains an immutable identity.

[0102] The pre-wash parameters 234 include at least one static parameter including information regarding the expiration date of the liquid drawn into at least one of the flow paths. Preferably, the at least one static parameter includes information regarding a reference number to verify the use of the correct product and / or information regarding an expiration date to verify the validity of the expiration date.

[0103] The at least one dynamic parameter may in particular be an electrical resistance, and / or a voltage, and / or a current, and / or an electrical conductivity. The dynamic parameter may additionally or alternatively include information regarding whether the electrical parameter is above a predefined threshold. In particular, the at least one dynamic parameter may include information regarding whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the flow path is sufficient, and / or whether the flow path is filled with liquid, and / or whether patency of the flow path is provided, and / or whether an electrical measuring device for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0104] The RFID antenna 231 of the RFID transponder 230 provides power to operate the electrical measurement devices 210, 220. Therefore, no additional batteries or any other portable energy source is required to provide energy to make the electrical measurements.

[0105] The RFID transponder 230 is disposed on a portable disposable device 270 .

[0106] The RFID transponder 230 can be read and data can be transmitted to the EWM software 250. Furthermore, the RFID transponder 230 can be read by the endoscope reprocessing plant 260 in order to decide depending on this information whether the reprocessing of the endoscope can continue or whether a further cleaning step needs to be performed to clean the endoscope, in particular to clean the flow path of the endoscope. After reading the RFID transponder 230, it can be checked in particular whether the parameters are valid and whether the pre-cleaning has been sufficient. Depending on this data, it can be decided whether the reprocessing can start or whether an additional cleaning step, e.g. brushing and / or rinsing and / or soaking, is required before continuing the reprocessing of the endoscope.

[0107] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method 100 for pre-cleaning an endoscope, such as the endoscope shown and described in connection with Figure 1. The cleaning method 100 is performed immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope in a patient procedure and includes the following steps:

[0108] In step 110, an endoscope to be pre-cleaned is placed, the endoscope including fluid channels for transporting fluids, connection ports, particularly for connecting fluid hoses, and a distal end of the endoscope, each of the fluid channels extending from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0109] In step 120, liquid is drawn into at least one of the flow paths.

[0110] In step 130, an electrical parameter of one or more fluids in at least one of the flow paths into which the liquid has been drawn is determined. This step includes determining an electrical resistance or resistivity between two spaced apart points of the flow path and / or determining an electrical conductivity or conductance between two spaced apart points of the flow path.

[0111] In step 140, the determined electrical parameters of the one or more fluids are compared to a predetermined threshold value.

[0112] In step 150, depending on the result of comparing the determined electrical parameters of one or more fluids with a threshold value, it is determined whether the liquid level and / or humidity level in the flow path is sufficient and / or whether the flow path is filled with liquid and / or whether patency of the flow path is provided and / or whether an electrical measuring device for measuring the electrical parameters is electrically connected to the endoscope.

[0113] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method 100 for pre-cleaning an endoscope, such as the endoscope shown and described in relation to Figure 1. The cleaning method described in relation to Figure 5 includes the same method steps 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 as described in relation to Figure 4. In addition to these method steps, the cleaning method includes the following steps:

[0114] In step 160, an RFID transponder is provided that includes information about at least one pre-cleaning parameter, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter including at least one dynamic parameter including information about a determined electrical parameter of one or more fluids in at least one of the flow paths into which liquid is drawn and / or information about humidity in at least one of the flow paths of the endoscope, and at least one static parameter including information about the expiration date of the liquid drawn into at least one of the flow paths. Also, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter is determined by using a measuring device, preferably an electrical measuring device, and the RFID transponder, in particular the RFID antenna of the RFID transponder, provides power for operating the measuring device. The RFID transponder is disposed on the portable disposable device.

[0115] In step 170, the information stored in the RFID transponder is read and depending on this information either reprocessing of the endoscope continues or further cleaning is performed to clean the endoscope, in particular to clean the flow paths of the endoscope.

[0116] In step 180, after pre-cleaning, the RFID transponder is read, preferably at the reprocessing location, and in particular prior to reprocessing of the endoscope, preferably by using an RFID reader. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 Endoscopy 11 Suction channel 11a Suction flow path connection port 11b Biopsy bifurcation 11c Biopsy branch connection port 12 Air Flow Path 12a Air flow path connection port 13 Water channel 13a Water flow path connection port 14 Auxiliary waterway 14a Auxiliary waterway connection port 19 Cylinders 20 Tip 20a Outer surface 21 Insertion section 30 Endoscope body 40 Suction Cylinder 60 Closure elements 71 Conduit 72 Conduit 73 Conduit 74 Conduit 80 containers 90 Suction device, suction pump 90a fluid hose 95 Suction Jar 210 Electrical measuring instruments 210a Contact point 210b Contact point 220 Electrical Measuring Instruments 220a Contact point 220b Contact point 230 RFID transponder 231 RFID antenna 232 Electrical Circuits 233 Digital Circuits 234 Pre-cleaning parameters 235 Memory 250 Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) Software 260 Endoscope reprocessing plant 270 Portable disposable devices

Claims

1. 1. A cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, comprising: The endoscope includes: a plurality of connection ports for connecting fluid hoses; a plurality of flow paths each extending from the plurality of connection ports to a tip portion of the endoscope; The cleaning method includes: drawing a liquid into at least one of the plurality of flow paths; determining one or more electrical parameters of fluid in at least one of the plurality of flow paths into which the liquid is drawn; A cleaning method comprising:

2. comparing said electrical parameter to a predetermined threshold; 2. The cleaning method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: determining, depending on the result of comparing the electrical parameter with the threshold, at least one of: whether a liquid level and / or humidity level in the flow path is sufficient; whether the flow path is filled with the liquid; whether patency of the flow path is provided; and whether an electrical measuring device for measuring the electrical parameter is electrically connected to the endoscope.

3. fluidly connecting the plurality of flow paths to one another at the distal end of the endoscope by disposing a container at the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device to one of the plurality of connection ports; connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of said connection ports; drawing the liquid into at least one of the flow paths by activating the suction device such that the liquid is drawn from the liquid source, through the at least one flow path, and through the tip toward the suction device; The cleaning method of claim 1 , comprising:

4. 2. The cleaning method of claim 1, wherein the electrical parameters are determined by electrical resistance, voltage, current and / or conductivity measurements using an ohmmeter and / or a multimeter.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the ohmmeter and / or the multimeter contact the flow path where the electrical parameter is determined.

6. The step of determining the electrical parameter comprises:

2. The method of claim 1, comprising at least one of determining an electrical resistance or resistivity between two spaced apart points of the flow path and determining an electrical conductivity or conductance between two spaced apart points of the flow path.

7. one of the two spaced apart points at which electrical measurements are taken is positioned at or adjacent to the connection port of the corresponding flow path; and / or one of the two spaced apart points at which electrical measurements are taken is positioned at or adjacent to the connection port to which a suction device is connected; The cleaning method according to claim 6.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein drawing liquid into at least one of the plurality of flow paths comprises completely filling the corresponding flow path with the liquid.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports comprises connecting at least one conduit holding the liquid to the at least one of the connection ports.

10. The plurality of flow paths include an air flow path extending from an air flow path connection port of the plurality of connection ports to the tip portion of the endoscope; a suction flow path extending from a suction flow path connection port of the plurality of connection ports to the tip portion of the endoscope; a water flow path extending from a water flow path connection port among the plurality of connection ports to the tip portion of the endoscope; The cleaning method according to claim 1 , further comprising: an auxiliary water flow path extending from an auxiliary water flow path connection port of the plurality of connection ports to the tip portion of the endoscope.

11. providing an RFID transponder containing information regarding at least one pre-clean parameter; at least one dynamic parameter, the at least one pre-cleaning parameter including information regarding the electrical parameter and / or information regarding humidity in at least one of the plurality of flow paths; and at least one static parameter comprising information regarding the shelf life of the liquid drawn into at least one of the flow paths.

12. the electrical parameter is measured by using an electrical measuring instrument; 12. The method of claim 11, wherein an RFID antenna of the RFID transponder provides power to operate the electrical measurement device.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the RFID transponder is located on a portable disposable device.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of reading information stored in the RFID transponder and depending on said information continuing with reprocessing of the endoscope or performing further cleaning to clean the flow path of the endoscope.

15. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: after pre-cleaning, reading the RFID transponder at a reprocessing location and prior to reprocessing of the endoscope by using an RFID reader.

16. 13. An arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope, the arrangement comprising: An endoscope comprising: A flow path for transporting a fluid; A tip portion of the endoscope; a connection port for connecting a fluid hose and the tip portion of the endoscope, an endoscope, each of the flow paths extending from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; an electrical measurement device for determining an electrical parameter of one or more fluids in at least one of the flow paths of the endoscope; 16. An arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope, comprising:

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