Cleaning method and cleaning device

Abstract

To provide a cleaning method and a cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope that are less prone to errors.SOLUTION: A cleaning method comprises: providing an endoscope that comprises connection ports for connection of fluid hoses and also comprises channels for transporting fluids, where each channel extends from one of the connection ports to a distal end of the endoscope; fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device to at least one of the connection ports or to the distal end of the endoscope; connecting at least one container that holds liquid to at least one of the connection ports; and flushing at least one of the channels with the liquid by activating the suction device such that the liquid is drawn from the at least one container through the at least one channel towards the suction device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, and further to a cleaning device 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 surgery. Endoscopes typically include an image sensor, an optical lens, and a light source.

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

[0004] Typically performed at the bedside immediately after each patient procedure, pre-cleaning includes, among others, the following steps: First, the biopsy / aspiration channel is pre-cleaned by placing the distal end of the endoscope in water and drawing fluid through the endoscope. Then, air is drawn through the endoscope. Second, the air / water channel is pre-cleaned by placing the distal end of the endoscope in water and flushing the air / water channel with fluid. Then, air is flushed into the air / water channel. Third, if available, the auxiliary water channel is pre-cleaned by flushing the auxiliary water channel with water. Finally, accessories are removed from the endoscope and placed in a fluid, such as water or a detergent solution. Typically, after a 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 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 delivered to the endoscope through the flexible tubes.

[0006] However, known procedures for pre-cleaning are relatively time-consuming and prone to errors. Since pre-cleaning typically consists of several manually applied steps that are subsequently performed, pre-cleaning is relatively time-consuming and if only one of these steps is not performed correctly according to the pre-cleaning, the endoscope may not be sufficiently pre-cleaned. Furthermore, since not all endoscope channels are connected to each other, flushing all channels with only one source is not possible. In a typically performed pre-cleaning procedure, the video system center needs to flush the air / water channels, the suction pump for seeking the suction and biopsy channels, and the flushing pump or syringe for flushing the auxiliary water channel. Thus, the user needs to be permanently involved in the procedure and to interact with several different user interfaces that require the user to be able to operate all of these user interfaces. Furthermore, many instruments / accessories are needed to perform the pre-cleaning procedure.

[0007] Additionally, after pre-cleaning, there is the potential for drying and solidification in the channels that are no longer filled with fluid.

[0008] Furthermore, the flow and volume of fluid used to flush the channels of the endoscope are typically controlled manually, i.e., by pressing a valve, by the user performing the pre-cleaning procedure. The contact time of the fluid in the channel is therefore difficult to control, as it depends on the manual control of the user. The contact time of the fluid in the channel is limited to the corresponding pre-cleaning step itself, since the fluid is removed from the channel after the pre-cleaning procedure. There is a risk that the remaining organic debris may dry out after performing the pre-cleaning procedure.

[0009] Additionally, blockages of channels may occur which may result in insufficient pre-cleaning of these channels, as the fluid cannot pass through such blockages and the channel or portions of the channel remain dry, do not come into contact with the fluid and are therefore not adequately pre-cleaned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11445900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved cleaning method and an improved cleaning apparatus for pre-cleaning an endoscope, and in particular to provide a cleaning method and an improved cleaning apparatus for pre-cleaning an endoscope which is less prone to error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] 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, comprising the steps of: providing an endoscope including, in particular, connection ports for connecting fluid hoses and channels for transporting fluids, each extending from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device, preferably a suction pump, to at least one of the connection ports or to the distal end of the endoscope; connecting at least one container for holding liquid to at least one of the connection ports; and flushing at least one of the channels with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from the at least one container through the at least one channel towards the suction device.

[0013] In the following, firstly a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope as well as its function and advantageous embodiments are described.

[0014] The distal end of the endoscope may also be referred to as the distal tip of the endoscope. Preferably, the distal end should be understood as the end of the endoscope located most forward of the insertion section of the endoscope, in particular the end that is inserted first into the patient when the insertion section of the endoscope is moved into the patient. Preferably, the outlet of the channel is located at the distal end. More preferably, the light guide is located at the distal end. More preferably, the objective lens may be located at the distal end. It is particularly preferred that the distal end is located at the end of the insertion section that has a flexible insertion tube.

[0015] Preferably, the cleaning method is performed immediately or shortly after the endoscope has been used in a patient procedure. Preferably, the cleaning method for pre-cleaning the endoscope 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 a few 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.

[0016] Preferably, at least two of the channels are flushed with liquid by activating a suction device such that liquid is drawn from a container holding the liquid, through the channels and into the suction device.

[0017] Preferably, the channels are fluidly connected to each other by placing a container at the distal end of the endoscope. Liquid can then be drawn from at least one container through the channel to the distal end and further through another channel to which the suction device is connected via a fluid connection provided by the container placed at the distal end, so that liquid flows from the distal end towards the suction device. If the container is placed on the distal end, the container can be placed on the distal end in a state filled with liquid or not filled with liquid. If the container is not filled with liquid, a continuous flow of liquid can be drawn through the channel via the distal end. Preferably, the container is not filled with liquid before flushing the channels of the endoscope. The advantage of such an empty container is that liquid can be drawn from the connection port through the channel to the container and from the container through the suction channel from the endoscope towards the suction device, and there is no gap 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 commencing flushing of the channel can have the advantage that the distal end of the endoscope is in contact with the liquid for a longer period of time and is submerged for a longer period of time, which can be beneficial to achieve a more thorough pre-cleaning of the distal end if necessary.

[0018] However, instead of locating such a container at the distal end of the endoscope, it is also possible to connect the suction device to the distal end of the endoscope, preferably indirectly via a suction hose or the like. In this alternative method, the fluid connection of the channel extending to the distal end can also be obtained at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0019] Preferably, each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope, however, the endoscope may have additional channels that do not extend from one of the connection ports to the distal end.

[0020] Preferably, a connection port is to be understood as a port to which a fluid hose or the like can be connected.

[0021] Preferably, the endoscope may be, for example, a colonoscope, or a gastroscope, or an ultrasound endoscope, or a duodenoscope, or another type of endoscope.

[0022] The advantage of this cleaning method is that even if all the channels of the endoscope are not connected to each other inside the endoscope, by connecting the channels together it is possible to flush all of these channels with only one source. Thus, the pre-cleaning procedure can be performed in a faster, easier and less error-prone manner.

[0023] An advantage of the present cleaning method is that the channels can be kept wet and / or filled with liquid after the pre-cleaning procedure has been carried out, and thus drying and solidification in the channels after pre-cleaning can be prevented in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0024] Another advantage of the present cleaning method is that while performing the pre-cleaning of the endoscope, there is no need to interact with several user interfaces and / or devices to perform the pre-cleaning procedure.

[0025] Another advantage of the present cleaning method is that compared to conventional pre-cleaning methods, the described cleaning method requires much less equipment and / or accessories to perform the pre-cleaning, e.g., no video center or flushing pump is required to perform the pre-cleaning.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one container is fluidly connected to at least one of the connection ports such that the at least one container is liquid-tight sealed from the environment surrounding the container.

[0027] Such a liquid-tight sealing of the at least one container is to be understood in particular as a sealing which prevents liquid from flowing between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container when the container is connected to a connection port. Preferably, the only fluid connection to the interior of the container is to a channel which extends to the connection port to which the container is connected.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one container is fluidly connected to at least one of the connection ports such that the at least one container is hermetically sealed from the environment surrounding the container.

[0029] Such gas-tight sealing of the at least one container is to be understood in particular as a sealing which prevents gas, in particular air, from flowing between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container when the container is connected to a connection port. Preferably, the only gas connection to the interior of the container is to a channel which extends to the connection port to which the container is connected.

[0030] An advantage of such a liquid-tight and air-tight seal is that it provides a container whose interior volume can change depending on the amount of liquid withdrawn from the container.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one container comprises a container holding chamber having a container holding chamber volume for holding liquid, and during drawing of liquid from the container into the at least one channel, the container holding chamber volume is preferably reduced by the volume of liquid drawn from the container.

[0032] Such a container-holding chamber should in particular be understood as a part of the container in which the liquid held by the container is located. Preferably, the liquid is drawn from the container-holding chamber through a connection port where the container is connected to at least one channel that extends to this connection port.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the container-holding chamber is completely filled with liquid at any time before all of the liquid is withdrawn from the container-holding chamber.

[0034] Preferably, the container-retaining chamber is completely filled with liquid at any time before all of the liquid is withdrawn from the container-retaining chamber, even if the volume of the container-retaining chamber changes as liquid is withdrawn from the container. Then, preferably, the volume of liquid in the container-retaining chamber and the volume of the container-retaining chamber decrease, but the volume of the liquid and the volume of the container-retaining chamber decrease in the same way so that the container-retaining chamber is still completely filled with liquid.

[0035] Therefore, preferably the container is designed so that the volume of the container-holding chamber decreases when negative pressure is applied to draw liquid from the container.

[0036] The advantage of such a change in volume of the container-holding chamber is that it is possible to see from the outside of the container how the volume decreases over time and when all of the liquid has been withdrawn from the container.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, liquid is drawn from the container-retaining chamber until the container-retaining chamber volume reaches its minimum volume, such that remaining liquid in the at least one channel stops flowing towards the suction device.

[0038] An advantage of such a container having such a container holding chamber, which reduces its volume as liquid is withdrawn from the container, is that when the container is empty and the minimum volume of the container holding chamber is reached, flow through the channel to which the container is connected preferably automatically stops, since in this state the negative pressure is not sufficient to withdraw the remaining liquid located only within the channel completely from the channel.

[0039] A further advantage is that it is possible to actively determine when the channel is empty due to the steady state of the liquid in the channel after removal of the endoscope from the suction device.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the container-holding chamber is formed by a plastic bag and / or the container is provided with a height-adjustable structure that reduces its height while liquid is being withdrawn from the container-holding chamber.

[0041] Preferably, the container-holding chamber is made of an elastic and / or easily deformable material, such that when liquid is withdrawn from the container, the container-holding chamber deforms such that the volume of the container-holding chamber is reduced by the amount of volume withdrawn from the container-holding chamber.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes the step of severing the connection between the suction device and the at least one connection port to which the suction device was connected once the liquid has been drawn from the container holding chamber.

[0043] The advantage is that when the negative pressure is removed, the liquid remains in the channel due to capillary action in the channel, especially when the endoscope is disconnected from the suction device. In this way, the wet state of the endoscope channel can be maintained for a long time, i.e. as long as necessary. Such a wet state is particularly beneficial, since it makes it possible to avoid drying of potential dirt and, in the case of detergent solutions used as liquids (especially in the case of enzymatic detergents), it is possible to further extend the contact time and / or immersion time to improve the cleaning effect.

[0044] It is particularly preferred to connect each of the connection ports either to a container or to a closure element or to a suction device. Preferably, each of the connection ports is then connected to a container or to a closure element or, preferably, indirectly to a suction device via a hose or the like.

[0045] A closure element is to be understood as a preferably fluid-tight, in particular air-tight, element adapted to close a connection port when applied to the connection port. Preferably, the closure element is connected to such a connection port which is connected to a channel that does not need to be flushed in the pre-cleaning procedure.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, a hydrophobic filter is disposed in each of the at least one container, the hydrophobic filter being designed to allow gas to flow from the environment surrounding the container through the hydrophobic filter and into the container holding chamber of the corresponding container.

[0047] Preferably, the hydrophobic filter is designed to prevent liquid from flowing from the environment surrounding the container through the hydrophobic filter and into the container-retaining chamber of the corresponding container.

[0048] Preferably, the hydrophobic filter is designed to prevent liquid from flowing through the hydrophobic filter from the container-holding chamber of the container to the environment surrounding the corresponding container, but to allow gas, in particular air, to enter the container-holding chamber from the environment surrounding the corresponding container.

[0049] Preferably, the hydrophobic filter is disposed opposite a connection area of ​​the container connected to the connection port.

[0050] An advantage of an arrangement having such a hydrophobic filter in the container is that if the negative pressure applied to draw liquid through the channel is maintained, it is possible to draw liquid from the container through the channel and automatically draw air through the channel after the liquid has been drawn from the container.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes a step of flushing at least one of the channels with liquid, followed by keeping the suction device activated after the liquid has been drawn from the at least one container, thereby drawing air from the environment surrounding the container, through the hydrophobic filter, into the container holding chamber of the corresponding container, and further through the at least one channel towards the suction device to flush the channel with air.

[0052] The advantage of such a flushing method is that the liquid is drawn from the container through the channel, followed by the air directly. The air flow can then be stopped by switching on the suction device. Advantageously, the user performing the pre-cleaning procedure does not need to actively control the liquid flow, since the amount of liquid placed in the container holding chamber is drawn through the corresponding channel. The user does not need to actively stop the liquid flow. The user can then turn off the suction device and / or disconnect the suction device from the endoscope to stop the air flow.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the step of fluidly connecting the channels to one another at the distal end of the endoscope is performed by placing a container at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0054] Preferably, liquid is drawn from containers into the channels through their connection ports, the liquid is drawn through these channels towards the distal end and then through at least one channel connected to the suction device, i.e. the suction channel, through a fluid connection provided by the container at the distal end. After all liquid has been drawn from these containers, due to the presence of the hydrophobic filter, air is likewise drawn through the channels through the distal end towards the suction device until the negative pressure is turned off, for example by switching off the suction device.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, the container is disposed on the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end of the endoscope is liquid-tight, preferably gas-tight, sealed from the environment surrounding the container.

[0056] The advantage of sealing the inside of the container against the environment is that in this way, external fluids cannot enter the channels and liquids in the environment surrounding the container cannot exit the container.

[0057] Preferably, the internal volume of the container is not alterable. This can be achieved, for example, by using a relatively rigid material for the container walls that define the internal chamber of the container. In this way, when negative pressure is applied to the internal chamber of the container, the internal volume of the container remains empty and substantially unchanged, so that the fluid connection of the channels at the end of the endoscope remains even when negative pressure is applied to the channel system and thus the internal volume of the container.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, when flushing at least one of the channels with liquid, liquid is drawn from the at least one container through the at least one channel via the distal end towards the suction device.

[0059] Preferably, at least two of the channels are flushed with liquid by activating a suction device such that liquid is drawn from a container holding the liquid, through the channels and into the suction device.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the channels include an air channel extending from the air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, a suction channel extending from the suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, a water channel extending from the water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, and preferably an auxiliary water channel extending from the auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0061] Preferably, the air channel is adapted to provide air to the distal end of the endoscope. Preferably, the suction channel is adapted to draw liquid and / or matter, such as a tissue sample, from the distal end of the endoscope through the endoscope. Preferably, the water channel is adapted to provide water to the distal end of the endoscope. Preferably, the auxiliary water channel is adapted to provide water to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0062] Preferably, the channels are arranged parallel to one another over at least a portion of their extension from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes the steps of severing the fluid connection between the air channel and the water channel, preferably by placing a sealing element on the air / water cylinder to separate the air channel from the water channel, and drawing liquid, preferably from at least one container, through at least one of the channels towards a suction device.

[0064] Preferably, the air channel and the water channel can be fluidly connected to each other, and this fluid connection is broken to allow independent liquid flow in each of these channels. Preferably, such disconnection of the fluid connection between the air channel and the water channel is performed by applying a sealing element where these channels can be connected. Preferably, the sealing is placed in an air / water cylinder where the channels can be connected to each other to disconnect the channels from each other by sealing. The container can then be connected to the connection port of the water channel and the connection port of the air channel, and a suction device can be connected, for example, to the connection port of the suction channel or the distal end of the endoscope to draw liquid from the container through the air channel and through the water channel, and the liquid is drawn independently through these disconnected channels.

[0065] Preferably, in addition to severing such fluid connections, each of the connection ports is connected either to a container or to a closure element or to a suction device. Preferably, each of the connection ports is then connected to a container or to a closure element or, preferably, indirectly to a suction device via a hose or the like. In this way, advantageously, all channels to which a container is connected can be flushed with liquid independently.

[0066] Preferably, after a defined running time of the suction device, the containers are emptied, i.e. liquid is drawn from the containers through the channels, if there are no blockages in the channels that would prevent the flow of liquid through them. Preferably, the user can verify whether the containers are empty, i.e. liquid has been drawn from each of the containers. In this way, it is possible in a particularly advantageous manner to check whether the channels are blocked and, if at least one of the channels is blocked, which channel or which channels are blocked.

[0067] Preferably, after applying negative pressure to draw liquid through the channels, it is possible to identify whether and which flow path of at least one of the channels is blocked based on the fill level of the container. If the container remains full, the channel to which the container is connected via the connection port of this channel is blocked.

[0068] In one example, the first container can be connected to an air supply connection port of a first branch of the air channel, the second container can be connected to a water bottle connection port of a second branch of the air channel, the first branch and the second branch of the air channel are fluidly connected at a connection point to form one air channel extending to the distal end, and the third container can be connected to a water bottle connection port of the water channel. In such an example, it is possible to check whether the channels are blocked and, if at least one of the channels is blocked, which channel or which channels are blocked. This check can be performed by analyzing the fill level of the liquid in the containers as follows: if, after applying negative pressure to flush the channels, no liquid remains in the first container, no liquid remains in the second container, and no liquid remains in the third container, the first branch of the air channel to which the first container is connected is blocked. If after applying negative pressure to flush the channel, liquid remains in the second container, no liquid remains in the first container, and no liquid remains in the third container, the second branch of the air channel to which the second container is connected is blocked. If after applying negative pressure to flush the channel, liquid remains in the first container, liquid remains in the second container, and no liquid remains in the third container, either the first branch and the second branch of the air channel or the air channel is blocked. If after applying negative pressure to flush the channel, liquid remains in the third container, no liquid remains in the first container, and no liquid remains in the second container, the water channel to which the third container is connected is blocked. If after applying negative pressure to flush the channel, liquid remains in the first container, liquid remains in the second container, and liquid remains in the third container, the fluid connection provided to the distal end by a container preferably arranged on the distal end is blocked.

[0069] It is particularly preferred that the container is transparent. Providing a transparent container has the advantage that a user can see from outside the container how much liquid is left in the container.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method comprises a step of checking whether liquid remains in each of the containers, preferably after a predetermined time of activation of the suction device, and preferably each of the containers comprises a code which is readable when no liquid remains in the container and preferably unreadable when liquid remains in the container, and preferably the patency of the channel connected to the container is determined and / or proven by reading the code.

[0071] Preferably, the code can only be read if the corresponding container is empty, i.e. if the liquid has been completely drawn from this container. Preferably, the code cannot be read if the corresponding container is not empty, i.e. if the liquid has not been completely drawn from this container.

[0072] The advantage of providing such code is that with such a code it is possible to verify and document in a reliable way whether the corresponding container is empty and therefore whether the channel to which the container is connected has been flushed with the liquid that was in the container. Such a code therefore provides reliable documentation that the channel has been flushed and the documentation cannot be manipulated, since the code can only be read if the container is empty and therefore the corresponding channel has been flushed with liquid. In this way, such a code can in particular prevent errors in documentation and therefore increase the confidence that all channels have been cleaned.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method comprises the steps of evaluating, preferably after a predetermined time of activation of the suction device, whether liquid remains in each of the containers, and depending on the result of the evaluation, determining whether at least one of the channels is blocked, and preferably if at least one of the channels is blocked, determining which of the channels are blocked.

[0074] A further advantage of providing such code is that it can be used to verify and document the patency of the channel in a reliable manner.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment, the step of fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope is performed by placing a container on the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end of the endoscope is liquid-tight, preferably air-tight, sealed from the environment surrounding the container, and preferably each of the connection ports is connected to one of the at least one container, except for the connection port connected to the suction device.

[0076] The advantages mentioned above for the cleaning method for pre-cleaning are also advantages for such a cleaning device for pre-cleaning.

[0077] According to a further aspect, there is provided a cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, in particular for pre-cleaning an endoscope according to the cleaning method described herein, the endoscope including connection ports, in particular for connecting a fluid hose, and channels for transporting fluids, each extending from one of the connection ports to a distal end of the endoscope, the cleaning device comprising at least one container for holding a liquid and connected to at least one of the connection ports, and a suction device, preferably a suction pump, connected to one of the connection ports or to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a container positioned on the distal end of the endoscope such that the channels are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end of the endoscope, the container is positioned on the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end of the endoscope is liquid-tight, preferably air-tight, sealed from the environment surrounding the container, and preferably each of the connection ports is connected to one of the at least one receptacle, except for the connection port connected to the suction device.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Further advantageous embodiments result from the combination of any individual, some or all of the preferred features described herein.

[0081] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0082] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Figure 2B] 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Figure 3B] 3B shows a schematic diagram of water and air channels in an embodiment of a cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] 13 shows a schematic flow diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Figure 4] 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

[0083] In the figures, elements having the same or equivalent functions are designated with the same reference numbers.

[0084] 1A shows a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 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 comprises an endoscope body 30 and channels 11, 12, 13, 14 for transporting fluids, namely, a suction channel 11, an air channel 12, a water channel 13, and an auxiliary water channel 14.

[0085] The suction channel 11 is adapted to draw liquid and / or matter, such as a tissue sample, through the endoscope 10 from a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The suction channel 11 extends from the suction channel connection port 11a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The distal end 20 is the end of the endoscope 10 that is located most forward of the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 10.

[0086] The air channel 12 is adapted to provide air to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The air channel 12 extends from an air channel connection port 12a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0087] The water channel 13 is adapted to provide water to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The water channel 13 extends from the water channel connection port 13a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0088] The auxiliary water channel 14 is adapted to provide water to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The auxiliary water channel 14 extends from the auxiliary water channel connection port 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0089] The connection ports 11a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a are adapted for the connection of fluid hoses and / or containers and / or closure elements. Each of the channels 11, 12, 13, 14 extends from one of the connection ports 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0090] The channels 11, 12, 13, 14 are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 by disposing a container 80 on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The container 80 is disposed on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the entirety of the distal end 20, including the outer circumferential surface 20a of the distal end 20, is disposed inside the container 80. When the container 80 is filled with liquid, the entirety of the distal end 20, including the outer circumferential surface 20a of the distal end 20, is in contact with the liquid, and a reliable pre-cleaning of the entirety of the distal end 20 can be achieved. The container 80 is disposed on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 is liquid-tight and air-tight sealed from the environment surrounding the container 80.

[0091] The endoscope 10 further comprises a biopsy branch 11 b extending from a biopsy branch connection port 11 c to the suction channel 11 .

[0092] The air channel 12 and the water channel 13 can be fluidly connected and / or separated from one another 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 close the air / water cylinder 19 in a fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, a suction cylinder 40 is provided to which the suction channel 11 is connected. An air vent can be assembled to the suction cylinder 40.

[0093] The container 71 is placed on the biopsy branch connection port 11c. If the biopsy branch 11b does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the biopsy branch connection port 11c instead of the container 71.

[0094] The container 72 is placed on the connection port 12a of the air channel 12. If the air channel 12 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the connection port 12a instead of the container 72.

[0095] The container 73 is placed on the connection port 13a of the water channel 13. If the water channel 13 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be placed on the connection port 13a instead of the container 73.

[0096] Furthermore, the container 74 is placed on the connection port 14a of the auxiliary water channel 14. If the auxiliary water channel 14 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the connection port 14a instead of the container 74.

[0097] The containers 71, 72, 73, 74 are filled with a liquid, in particular a disinfectant solution and / or a detergent solution.

[0098] A suction device 90, which in this preferred embodiment is a suction pump, is connected via a fluid hose 90a to a connection port 11a of the suction channel 11. When the suction device 90 is activated, negative pressure is applied to the system such that liquid is drawn towards the suction device 90, as will be described in more detail below.

[0099] The vessel 71 includes a vessel-retaining chamber 71h having a vessel-retaining chamber volume for holding liquid, which during drawing of liquid from the vessel 71 into the channel 11b preferably decreases by the volume of liquid being drawn from the vessel 71. The vessel-retaining chamber 71h is completely filled with liquid at any time before all of the liquid is drawn from the vessel-retaining chamber 71h. Although the volume of liquid in the vessel-retaining chamber 71h decreases, the volume of the liquid and the volume of the vessel-retaining chamber decrease in the same manner, so that the vessel-retaining chamber 71h is still completely filled with liquid.

[0100] The vessel 72 includes a vessel-retaining chamber 72h having a vessel-retaining chamber volume for holding liquid, which during drawing of liquid from the vessel 72 into the channel 12 preferably decreases by the volume of liquid being drawn from the vessel 72. The vessel-retaining chamber 72h is completely filled with liquid at any time before all of the liquid is drawn from the vessel-retaining chamber 72h. Although the volume of liquid in the vessel-retaining chamber 72h decreases, the volume of the liquid and the volume of the vessel-retaining chamber decrease in the same manner, so that the vessel-retaining chamber 72h is still completely filled with liquid.

[0101] The vessel 73 includes a vessel-retaining chamber 73h having a vessel-retaining chamber volume for holding liquid, which during drawing of liquid from the vessel 73 into the channel 13 preferably decreases by the volume of liquid being drawn from the vessel 73. The vessel-retaining chamber 73h is completely filled with liquid at any time before all of the liquid is drawn from the vessel-retaining chamber 73h. Although the volume of liquid in the vessel-retaining chamber 73h decreases, the volume of the liquid and the volume of the vessel-retaining chamber decrease in the same manner, so that the vessel-retaining chamber 73h is still completely filled with liquid.

[0102] The container 74 includes a container-retaining chamber 74h having a container-retaining chamber volume for holding liquid, which during drawing of liquid from the container 74 into the channel 14 preferably decreases by the volume of liquid being drawn from the container 74. The container-retaining chamber 74h is completely filled with liquid at any time before all of the liquid is drawn from the container-retaining chamber 74h. Although the volume of liquid in the container-retaining chamber 74h decreases, the volume of the liquid and the volume of the container-retaining chamber decrease in the same manner, so that the container-retaining chamber 74h is still completely filled with liquid.

[0103] Fluid is drawn from the container 71 through the biopsy branch 11b, thence through the suction channel 11, from the connection port 11a via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0104] Liquid is drawn from the reservoir 72 through the air channel 12 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, the liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 out of the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0105] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 73 through the water channel 13 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 to the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0106] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 74 through the auxiliary water channel 14 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 out of the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0107] The liquid is withdrawn from the container holding chambers 71h, 72h, 73h, 74h, thereby disconnecting the suction device 90 from the connection port 11a to which the suction device 90 was connected. When the negative pressure is thus removed, the liquid remains in the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 due to capillary action in the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14. In this way, the wet state of the endoscope channels can be maintained for a long time, i.e. as long as necessary. Such a wet state is particularly beneficial, since it avoids drying of potential soils and, in the case of detergent solutions used as liquids (especially in the case of enzymatic detergents), allows the contact time and / or immersion time to be further extended to improve the cleaning effect.

[0108] 1B shows a schematic flow diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10. The cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 described in relation to FIG. 1A includes a step of fluidly connecting the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 of the endoscope 10 to each other at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 by placing a container 80 on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 and connecting a suction device 90 to the channel 11, which is further connected to a suction container formed as a suction jar 95. The containers 71, 72, 73, 74 containing the liquid in the container holding chambers 71h, 72h, 73h, 74h are placed on the connection ports 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a of the channels 11b, 12, 13, 14. By activating the suction device 90, liquid is drawn in the direction indicated by the arrows, i.e. from the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 through the channels 11b, 12, 13, 14 (to which the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 are connected) towards the distal end 20 and from the distal end 20 through the container 80 into the suction channel 11 and through the suction channel 11 to the suction pump 90 and collected in the suction jar 95. Liquid is then drawn from the container holding chambers 71h, 72h, 73h, 74h until the container holding chambers 71h, 72h, 73h, 74h are empty and the flow of fluid stops because the volume of the container holding chambers 71h, 72h, 73h, 74h is reduced to a minimum. The negative pressure is then removed and the liquid remains in the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 due to capillary action in the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14.

[0109] 2A shows a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 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 comprises an endoscope body 30 and channels 11, 12, 13, 14 for transporting fluids, namely, a suction channel 11, an air channel 12, a water channel 13, and an auxiliary water channel 14.

[0110] The suction channel 11 is adapted to draw liquid and / or matter, such as a tissue sample, through the endoscope 10 from a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The suction channel 11 extends from the suction channel connection port 11a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The distal end 20 is the end of the endoscope 10 that is located most forward of the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 10.

[0111] The air channel 12 is adapted to provide air to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The air channel 12 extends from an air channel connection port 12a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0112] The water channel 13 is adapted to provide water to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The water channel 13 extends from the water channel connection port 13a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0113] The auxiliary water channel 14 is adapted to provide water to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The auxiliary water channel 14 extends from the auxiliary water channel connection port 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0114] The connection ports 11a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a are adapted for the connection of fluid hoses and / or containers and / or closure elements. Each of the channels 11, 12, 13, 14 extends from one of the connection ports 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0115] The channels 11, 12, 13, 14 are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 by disposing a container 80 on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The container 80 is disposed on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the entirety of the distal end 20, including the outer circumferential surface 20a of the distal end 20, is disposed inside the container 80. When the container 80 is filled with liquid, the entirety of the distal end 20, including the outer circumferential surface 20a of the distal end 20, is in contact with the liquid, and a reliable pre-cleaning of the entirety of the distal end 20 can be achieved. The container 80 is disposed on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 is liquid-tight and air-tight sealed from the environment surrounding the container 80.

[0116] The endoscope 10 further comprises a biopsy branch 11 b extending from a biopsy branch connection port 11 c to the suction channel 11 .

[0117] The air channel 12 and the water channel 13 can be fluidly connected and / or separated from one another 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 close the air / water cylinder 19 in a fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, a suction cylinder 40 is provided to which the suction channel 11 is connected. An air vent can be assembled to the suction cylinder 40.

[0118] The container 71 is placed on the biopsy branch connection port 11c. If the biopsy branch 11b does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the biopsy branch connection port 11c instead of the container 71.

[0119] The container 72 is placed on the connection port 12a of the air channel 12. If the air channel 12 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the connection port 12a instead of the container 72.

[0120] The container 73 is placed on the connection port 13a of the water channel 13. If the water channel 13 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be placed on the connection port 13a instead of the container 73.

[0121] Furthermore, the container 74 is placed on the connection port 14a of the auxiliary water channel 14. If the auxiliary water channel 14 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the connection port 14a instead of the container 74.

[0122] The containers 71, 72, 73, 74 are filled with a liquid, in particular a disinfectant solution and / or a detergent solution.

[0123] A suction device 90, which in this preferred embodiment is a suction pump, is connected via a fluid hose 90a to a connection port 11a of the suction channel 11. When the suction device 90 is activated, negative pressure is applied to the system such that liquid is drawn towards the suction device 90, as will be described in more detail below.

[0124] Fluid is drawn from the container 71 through the biopsy branch 11b, thence through the suction channel 11, from the connection port 11a via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0125] Liquid is drawn from the reservoir 72 through the air channel 12 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, the liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 out of the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0126] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 73 through the water channel 13 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 to the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0127] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 74 through the auxiliary water channel 14 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 out of the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0128] The containers 71, 72, 73, 74 do not necessarily have container holding chambers that can change their volume. Instead, the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 2A can have either a constant, unchanging volume or a volume that can fluctuate and change with the amount of liquid in the container. Furthermore, the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 2A are not airtight. Thus, air from the environment surrounding the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 can enter the interior of the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 and be transported from the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 through the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 towards the suction device 90. Thus, hydrophobic filters 51, 52, 53, 54 are provided. The hydrophobic filter 51 is connected to the container 71. The hydrophobic filter 52 is connected to the container 72. The hydrophobic filter 53 is connected to the container 73. The hydrophobic filter 54 is connected to the container 74. The hydrophobic filters 51, 52, 53, 54 are designed to allow gases, particularly air, to flow from the environment surrounding the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 through the hydrophobic filters 51, 52, 53, 54 into the container-holding chambers of the corresponding containers. The hydrophobic filters 51, 52, 53, 54 are designed to prevent liquids from flowing from the environment surrounding the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 through the hydrophobic filters 51, 52, 53, 54 into the container-holding chambers of the corresponding containers 71, 72, 73, 74. These hydrophobic filters 51, 52, 53, 54 in the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 make it possible, when the negative pressure applied to draw liquid through the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 is maintained, to draw liquid from the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 through the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 and automatically draw air through the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 after the liquid has been drawn from the containers 71, 72, 73, 74.

[0129] 2B shows a schematic flow diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10. The cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 described in relation to FIG. 2A includes a step of fluidly connecting the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 of the endoscope 10 to each other at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 by placing a container 80 on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 and connecting a suction device 90 to the channel 11, which is further connected to a suction container formed as a suction jar 95. Containers 71, 72, 73, 74 containing liquid in a container holding chamber are placed on the connection ports 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a of the channels 11b, 12, 13, 14. By activating the suction device 90, liquid is drawn in the direction indicated by the arrows, i.e. from the vessels 71, 72, 73, 74 through the channels 11b, 12, 13, 14 (to which the vessels 71, 72, 73, 74 are connected) towards the distal end 20 and from the distal end 20 through the container 80 into the suction channel 11 and through the suction channel 11 to the suction pump 90 and collected in the suction jar 95. Liquid is then drawn from the vessel holding chambers of the vessels 71, 72, 73, 74 until no liquid remains in the vessels 71, 72, 73, 74. Air then enters the vessels 71, 72, 73, 74 through the hydrophobic filters 51, 52, 53, 54 and is drawn through the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 towards the suction device 90.

[0130] 3A shows a schematic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 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 comprises an endoscope body 30 and channels 11, 12, 13, 14 for transporting fluids, namely, a suction channel 11, an air channel 12, a water channel 13, and an auxiliary water channel 14.

[0131] The suction channel 11 is adapted to draw liquid and / or matter, such as a tissue sample, through the endoscope 10 from a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The suction channel 11 extends from the suction channel connection port 11a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The distal end 20 is the end of the endoscope 10 that is located most forward of the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 10.

[0132] The air channel 12 is adapted to provide air to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The air channel 12 extends from an air channel connection port 12a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0133] The water channel 13 is adapted to provide water to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The water channel 13 extends from the water channel connection port 13a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0134] The auxiliary water channel 14 is adapted to provide water to a distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The auxiliary water channel 14 extends from the auxiliary water channel connection port 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0135] The connection ports 11a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a are adapted for the connection of fluid hoses and / or containers and / or closure elements. Each of the channels 11, 12, 13, 14 extends from one of the connection ports 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0136] The channels 11, 12, 13, 14 are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 by disposing a container 80 on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10. The container 80 is disposed on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the entirety of the distal end 20, including the outer circumferential surface 20a of the distal end 20, is disposed inside the container 80. When the container 80 is filled with liquid, the entirety of the distal end 20, including the outer circumferential surface 20a of the distal end 20, is in contact with the liquid, and a reliable pre-cleaning of the entirety of the distal end 20 can be achieved. The container 80 is disposed on the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 such that the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 is liquid-tight and air-tight sealed from the environment surrounding the container 80.

[0137] The endoscope 10 further comprises a biopsy branch 11 b extending from a biopsy branch connection port 11 c to the suction channel 11 .

[0138] The air channel 12 and the water channel 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. Furthermore, a suction cylinder 40 is provided to which the suction channel 11 is connected. An air vent can be assembled to the suction cylinder 40.

[0139] The container 71 is placed on the biopsy branch connection port 11c. If the biopsy branch 11b does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the biopsy branch connection port 11c instead of the container 71.

[0140] The container 72 is placed on the connection port 12a of the air channel 12. If the air channel 12 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the connection port 12a instead of the container 72.

[0141] The container 73 is placed on the connection port 13a of the water channel 13. If the water channel 13 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be placed on the connection port 13a instead of the container 73.

[0142] Furthermore, the container 74 is placed on the connection port 14a of the auxiliary water channel 14. If the auxiliary water channel 14 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closure element can be placed on the connection port 14a instead of the container 74.

[0143] The containers 71, 72, 73, 74 are filled with a liquid, in particular a disinfectant solution and / or a detergent solution.

[0144] A suction device 90, which in this preferred embodiment is a suction pump, is connected via a fluid hose 90a to a connection port 11a of the suction channel 11. When the suction device 90 is activated, negative pressure is applied to the system such that liquid is drawn towards the suction device 90, as will be described in more detail below.

[0145] Fluid is drawn from the container 71 through the biopsy branch 11b, thence through the suction channel 11, from the connection port 11a via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0146] Liquid is drawn from the reservoir 72 through the air channel 12 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, the liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 out of the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0147] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 73 through the water channel 13 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 to the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0148] Liquid is drawn from the vessel 74 through the auxiliary water channel 14 to the distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at the distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the full extension of the suction channel 11 out of the connection port 11a, via the fluid hose 90a to the suction device 90 and from the suction device 90 to the suction jar 95.

[0149] In this embodiment, the container 73 has a water portion 73a and an air portion 73b. The water portion 73a is connected to a portion of the connection port 13a that is connected to the water channel 13. The air portion 73b is connected to a portion of the connection port 13a that is connected to the first branch 12y of the air channel 12. The other, second branch 12x, is connected to the container 72 via the connection port 12a. These two branches 12x, 12y join together to form the air channel 12.

[0150] Since the water channel 13 and the air channel 12 are connected to each other via the air / water cylinder 19, a channel separator 61a can be connected to the air / water cylinder 19. This channel separator 61a is adapted to provide a channel separation 61, i.e. to separate the water channel 13 from the air channel 12. This channel separator 61a functions as the channel separation 61 by providing a sealing element 62 (see FIG. 3b) between the water channel 13 and the air channel 12 to cut off the fluid connection between the air channel 12 and the water channel 13. The channel separator 61a also comprises a closure element 60 (see FIG. 3b) for providing a sealing between the channels 12, 13 in the area of ​​the air / water cylinder 19 and the environment surrounding the endoscope 10.

[0151] Each of the containers 71, 72, 73, 74 includes a code 71c, 72c, 73c, 74c which is readable only if no liquid remains in the corresponding container 71, 72, 73, 74 and is unreadable if liquid remains in the corresponding container 71, 72, 73, 74. With such codes 71c, 72c, 73c, 74c it is possible to determine and document whether liquid has been withdrawn from the container 71, 72, 73, 74 through the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 and therefore whether the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 have been flushed with liquid.

[0152] Figure 3B shows a schematic diagram of the water channel 13 and the air channel 12 in the embodiment of the cleaning device shown in Figure 3A. As described in relation to Figure 3A, a channel separator 61a forms a channel separation 61 with a sealing element 62 that separates the air channel 12 from the water channel 13. Additionally, a closure element 60 is provided to seal the channels 12, 13 from the ambient air.

[0153] The suction device 90 is connected to a channel system, preferably suction channel 11, with channels 11, 12, 13, 14 being fluidly connected to one another via a container 80 disposed at the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 (as shown in FIG. 3A ). However, alternatively, the suction device 90 may be connected to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10 directly or via a hose or the like connected to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0154] Preferably, after a defined running time of the suction device 90, the containers 72, 73a, 73b are emptied, i.e. liquid is drawn from the containers 72, 73a, 73b through the channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13, if there are no blockages in the channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13 that would prevent the flow of liquid therethrough. The user can verify whether the containers 72, 73a, 73b are empty, i.e. liquid has been drawn from each of the containers 72, 73a, 73b, and thus whether one of these channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13 is blocked and, if at least one of the channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13 is blocked, determine which channel 12x, 12y, 12, 13 or which multiple channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13 are blocked. The containers 72, 73a, 73b are preferably transparent so that it is easy to see whether and how much liquid remains in the containers 72, 73a, 73b.

[0155] If, after applying negative pressure to flush channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13, liquid remains in container 72, no liquid remains in container 73a, and no liquid remains in container 73b, then the first branch 12x of air channel 12 to which container 72 is connected is blocked.

[0156] If, after applying negative pressure to flush channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13, liquid remains in container 73b, no liquid remains in container 72 and no liquid remains in container 73a, then the second branch 12y of air channel 12 to which container 73b is connected is blocked.

[0157] If, after applying negative pressure to flush channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13, liquid remains in container 72, liquid remains in container 73b, and no liquid remains in container 73a, then either the first branch 12x and the second branch 12y of air channel 12, or air channel 12, is blocked.

[0158] If, after applying negative pressure to flush channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13, liquid remains in container 73a, no liquid remains in container 72, and no liquid remains in container 73b, then the water channel 13 to which container 73a is connected is blocked.

[0159] If, after applying negative pressure to flush channels 12x, 12y, 12, 13, liquid remains in container 72, liquid remains in container 73a, and liquid remains in container 73b, the fluid connections provided at distal end 20 are blocked.

[0160] FIG. 3C shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10, in which the arrangement described in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is provided. The containers 72, 73a, 73b are transparent and / or include codes 72c, 73c that can be read only when the containers 72, 73a, 73b are empty. Due to the negative pressure applied by the suction pump 90, liquid is drawn from the containers 72, 73a, 73b through the air channel 12 and through the water channel 13. As described in relation to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the channel separator 61a separates the water channel 13 from the air channel 12, cutting these channels 12, 13. The liquid is then drawn through these channels 12, 13 towards the suction pump 90 and collected in the suction jar 95.

[0161] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 as shown in Figure 1A, or as shown in Figure 2A, or as shown in Figure 3A. The cleaning method 100 is performed immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope 10. The cleaning method includes the following steps:

[0162] In step 110, an endoscope is provided that includes channels for transporting fluids, connection ports, particularly for connecting fluid hoses, and a distal end of the endoscope, each of the channels extending from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0163] In step 120, the channels are fluidly connected to one another at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0164] In step 130, a suction device, preferably a suction pump, is connected to at least one of the connection ports or to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0165] In step 140, at least one container for holding a liquid is connected to at least one of the connection ports.

[0166] In step 150, at least one of the channels is flushed with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from the at least one container through the at least one channel towards the suction device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10 Endoscopy 11 Channels 11a Connection port 11b channel 11c Biopsy branch connection port 12 Channels 12a Connection port 12x first branch 12y Second branch 13 Water Channel 13a Connection port 14 Auxiliary Water Channel 14a Connection port 19 Air / Water Cylinders 20 Distal end 20a Outer surface 21 Insertion section 30 Endoscope body 40 Suction Cylinder 51 Hydrophobic Filter 52 Hydrophobic Filter 53 Hydrophobic Filter 54 Hydrophobic Filter 60 Closure elements 61 Channel Separation 61a Channel Separator 62 Sealing Elements 71 Container 71c Code 71h Container holding chamber 72 Container 72c code 72h container holding chamber 73 Container 73a container 73b Container 73c Code 73h Container holding chamber 74 Container 74c Code 74h container holding chamber 80 Container 90 Suction device 90a fluid hose 95 Suction Jar

Claims

1. 1. A cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, comprising: A connection port for connecting a fluid; providing an endoscope including a channel for transporting a fluid, the channel extending from one of the connection ports to a distal end of the endoscope; fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device to at least one of the connection ports or to the distal end of the endoscope; connecting at least one container holding a liquid to at least one of said connection ports; and flushing at least one of the channels with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from the at least one container through the at least one channel towards the suction device.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one container is fluidly connected to at least one of the connection ports such that the at least one container is liquid-tight sealed from an environment surrounding the container.

3. the at least one container is fluidly connected to at least one of the connection ports such that the at least one container is hermetically sealed from an environment surrounding the container; The cleaning method according to claim 1 .

4. the at least one container comprises a container-retaining chamber having a container-retaining chamber volume for holding the liquid; The method of claim 1 , wherein the container-holding chamber volume decreases during drawing of liquid from the container into the at least one channel by a volume of liquid drawn from the container.

5. the container-holding chamber is completely filled with the liquid before all of the liquid is withdrawn from the container-holding chamber; The cleaning method according to claim 4.

6. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the liquid is withdrawn from the container-holding chamber until the container-holding chamber volume reaches its minimum volume such that remaining liquid in at least one of the channels stops flowing toward the suction device.

7. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the container-holding chamber is formed by a plastic bag and / or comprises a height-adjustable structure that reduces its height while liquid is being withdrawn from the container-holding chamber.

8. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of severing a connection between the suction device and the at least one connection port to which the suction device was connected once the liquid has been drawn from the container-holding chamber.

9. a hydrophobic filter disposed in each of the at least one container; 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the hydrophobic filter is designed to allow gas to flow from the environment surrounding the container through the hydrophobic filter and into the container-retaining chamber of the container.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of flushing at least one of the channels with liquid by leaving the suction device activated after the liquid has been withdrawn from the at least one container to draw air from the environment surrounding the container, through the hydrophobic filter, into the container holding chamber of the container, and through the at least one channel toward the suction device to flush the channel with air.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of fluidly connecting the channels to one another at the distal end of the endoscope is performed by placing a container at the distal end of the endoscope.

12. The cleaning method of claim 11, wherein when flushing at least one of the channels with liquid, liquid is drawn from the at least one container through the at least one channel via the distal end towards the suction device.

13. The channel is an air channel extending from an air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; a suction channel extending from a suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; a water channel extending from a water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: an auxiliary water channel extending from an auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope.

14. severing the fluid connection between the air channel and the water channel by placing a sealing element in an air / water cylinder to separate the air channel from the water channel; The method of claim 13 further comprising drawing liquid from the at least one container through at least one of the channels toward the suction device.

15. the step of checking whether liquid remains in each of the containers after a predetermined time of operation of the suction device; 15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the containers includes a code that is readable when no liquid remains in the container and that is unreadable when liquid remains in the container, and patency of the channel connected to the container is determined and / or proven by reading the code.

16. assessing whether liquid remains within each of the containers after a predetermined time from activation of the suction device; determining whether at least one of the channels is blocked depending on a result of the evaluation; The method of claim 1 , further comprising: if at least one of the channels is blocked, determining which of the channels are blocked.

17. the step of fluidly connecting the channels to one another at the distal end of the endoscope is performed by placing a container at the distal end of the endoscope; the container is disposed at the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end of the endoscope is liquid-tight and gas-tight sealed from an environment surrounding the container; 2. The cleaning method of claim 1, wherein each of the connection ports is connected to one of the at least one container, except for the connection port that is connected to the suction device.

18. 1. A cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope, comprising: The endoscope includes: A connection port for connecting a fluid; a channel extending from each of the connection ports to a distal end of the endoscope for transporting a fluid; The cleaning device includes: at least one container for holding a liquid and connected to at least one of said connection ports; a suction device connected to one of the connection ports or to the distal end of the endoscope.

19. a container disposed on the distal end of the endoscope such that the channels are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end of the endoscope; the container is disposed over the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end of the endoscope is liquid-tight and gas-tight sealed from an environment surrounding the container; 20. The cleaning device of claim 18, wherein each of the connection ports is connected to one of the at least one container, except for the connection port that is connected to the suction device.

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