Cleaning method and cleaning device

Abstract

To provide a cleaning method and a cleaning device for an endoscope that are less prone to errors.SOLUTION: A cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope 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 by arranging a container at the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device to one of the connection ports; connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports; and flushing at least one of the channels with a liquid by activating the suction device so that the liquid is drawn from the liquid source through the at least one channel via the distal end towards the suction device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 it is 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, pre-cleaning is performed at the bedside immediately after each patient procedure and includes, among other things, 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. Air is then 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. Air is then 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 cleaning 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 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.

[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 followed by a pre-cleaning procedure, pre-cleaning is relatively time-consuming and if only one of these steps is not performed correctly according to the pre-cleaning procedure, 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, a suction pump for seeking the suction and biopsy channels, and a 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, which requires 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] Furthermore, after pre-cleaning, problems may occur with drying and solidification in the channels that are no longer filled with fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11445900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for pre-cleaning an endoscope, and in particular to provide a method and apparatus for pre-cleaning an endoscope which is less prone to error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] 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 cleaning method comprising the steps of providing an endoscope with connection ports for connecting fluid hoses and channels for transporting fluids, each 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 by placing a container at the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device, preferably a suction pump, to one of the connection ports; connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports; and flushing at least one of the channels with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from the liquid source through the at least one channel via the distal end towards the suction device.

[0011] In the following, firstly a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope as well as its function and advantageous embodiments are described.

[0012] 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 that is 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 arranged at the distal end. More preferably, the light guide is arranged at the distal end. More preferably, an objective lens can be arranged at the distal end. It is particularly preferred that the distal end is arranged at the end of the insertion section that has the flexible insertion tube.

[0013] Preferably, the cleaning method is performed immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope 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 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.

[0014] Preferably, at least two of the channels are flushed with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from a liquid source through at least one channel via the distal end and then from the distal end through at least one other of the channels towards the suction device.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Preferably, a connection port is to be understood as a port to which a fluid hose or the like can be connected.

[0017] Preferably, the endoscope may be, for example, a colonoscope, or a gastroscope, or an ultrasound endoscope, or a duodenoscope, or another type of endoscope.

[0018] The reservoir may be disposed on the distal end in a liquid-filled or liquid-unfilled state, and when the reservoir is unfilled, a continuous flow of liquid may be drawn through the channel via the distal end.

[0019] 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 to the container and from the container through the suction channel 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 completely drawn 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 the flushing of the channels can have the advantage that the distal end of the endoscope is in contact with the liquid for a longer period and is immersed for a longer period, which can be beneficial to achieve a more complete pre-cleaning of the distal end, if necessary.

[0020] The advantage of this flushing method is that, although not all channels of the endoscope are connected to each other inside the endoscope, by connecting the channels to each other via a container located at the distal end of the endoscope, it is possible to flush all of these channels with only one source, thus making the pre-cleaning procedure faster, easier, and less prone to error.

[0021] The advantage of this cleaning method is that the channels can be kept wet and / or filled with liquid after the pre-cleaning procedure has been carried out, thus preventing drying and solidification in the channels after pre-cleaning in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0022] Another advantage of this cleaning method 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.

[0023] Another advantage of this cleaning method is that compared to conventional cleaning methods, the described method requires much less equipment and / or accessories to perform the pre-cleaning. For example, no video center or flushing pump is required to perform the pre-cleaning.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the step of connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports comprises the step of connecting at least one conduit holding liquid, preferably at least three, in particular four, conduits holding liquid, to at least one of the connection ports, preferably at least three, in particular four, of the connection ports.

[0025] 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 channel extending from the connection port to which the conduit is connected to the distal end of the endoscope, in particular by applying a negative pressure, and since the container is arranged at the distal end, the liquid can be further drawn from the distal end through another channel, in particular towards a suction device. In this way, liquid can be drawn starting from the conduit, through the distal end through the first channel and then through the other channel, throughout the entire extension of both of these channels, so that it can be achieved that both of these channels are flushed with liquid along their entire extension. Further channels can be flushed reliably in the same way. It is therefore preferable to arrange the conduits on several connection ports to ensure that all of the channels extending from these connection ports to the distal end can be flushed with liquid along their entire extension.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method comprises the step of connecting a closure element to each of the connection ports to which the liquid source and the suction device are not connected.

[0027] It is particularly preferred to connect each of the connection ports either to a conduit or to a closure element or to a suction device. Preferably, each of the connection ports is then connected to a conduit or to a closure element or, preferably, indirectly to a suction device via a hose or the like.

[0028] A closure element is to be understood as a preferably fluid-tight, in particular gas-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.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning method includes the step of flushing at least two of the channels, preferably all of the channels, with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn through the channels towards the suction device via the distal end.

[0030] By activating the suction device, a negative pressure can be obtained that can draw liquid through the channels towards the suction device. Preferably, only one of the channels is connected to the suction device.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Preferably, the air channel is adapted to supply 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 supply water to the distal end of the endoscope. Preferably, the auxiliary water channel is adapted to supply water to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the container is positioned over the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end, including the outer surface of the distal end, is located entirely inside the container.

[0035] Preferably, the outer surface of the distal end, in particular the outer surface formed as an outer circumferential surface, is located inside the container when the container is filled with fluid.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the container is filled with liquid and the entire distal end, including the outer surface of the distal end, is in contact with the liquid.

[0037] Pre-cleaning of the distal tip can be difficult, especially if the distal tip has a complex shape, which is the case for example with duodenoscopes. The advantage of placing the entire distal tip, including the exterior surface, inside a container is that when the entire distal tip is placed inside the container and the container is filled with fluid, the liquid will come into contact with all surfaces, including the exterior surface of the distal tip, ensuring that the distal tip and its exterior surface can be pre-cleaned.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the container is disposed at 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 container's internal chamber. In this way, when negative pressure is applied to the container's internal chamber, the container's internal volume does not accommodate and remains 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 to the container's internal volume.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, each of the connection ports is connected to a conduit, except for the connection port which is connected to a suction device.

[0042] The advantage of such a preferred device is that by placing conduits in all connection ports except the connection port connected to the suction device, it is possible to ensure that all channels are flushed and therefore pre-cleaned, such a device is therefore particularly preferred when all channels are flushed.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the suction device is fluidly connected to a suction receptacle adapted to receive liquid drawn from the endoscope by the suction device.

[0044] By connecting such a suction container to a suction device, liquid drawn from the endoscope via the channel and through the suction device can be safely collected.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, the liquid drawn through at least one of the channels is water, a disinfectant, or a cleaning solution.

[0046] It is preferred to use a disinfecting and / or cleaning solution to achieve better organic debris removal compared to water.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the endoscope is immersed in the liquid such that the connection port is in contact with the liquid, and preferably the connection port connected to the suction device is connected to the suction device via a hose or the like.

[0048] In such an alternative solution, compared to a solution in which the conduit is positioned over the connection port, the endoscope can be fully or partially immersed in the liquid such that the connection port is in contact with the liquid in which the endoscope is immersed.

[0049] Preferably, the connection port connected to the suction device is connected to the suction device via a hose or the like. This connection port can also be immersed in liquid, but preferably without providing a fluid connection between the channel connected to the connection port and the liquid.

[0050] According to a further aspect, there is provided a cleaning apparatus 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 methods described herein, the endoscope comprising 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, the cleaning apparatus comprising a container arranged on the distal end of the endoscope such that the channels are fluidly connected to each other at the distal end of the endoscope, at least one liquid source connected to at least one of the connection ports, and a suction device, preferably a suction pump, preferably connected to one of the connection ports.

[0051] The advantages mentioned above for the method for pre-cleaning are also advantages for such a device for pre-cleaning, which are in particular achieved by arranging the container on the distal end in this way.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the suction device is adapted to flush at least one of the channels with liquid by activating the suction device such that liquid is drawn from a liquid source through the at least one channel towards the suction device via the distal end.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the endoscope comprises 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, an auxiliary water channel preferably extending from the auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope, and at least one closure element preferably connected to each of the connection ports to which the liquid source and suction device are not connected.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Further advantageous embodiments result from the combination of any individual, some or all of the preferred features described herein.

[0056] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] In the figures, elements having the same or equivalent functions are designated with the same reference numbers.

[0059] 1 is a schematic diagram of an 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.

[0060] 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 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 immediately before the insertion section 21 of the endoscope 10.

[0061] The air channel 12 is adapted to supply 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.

[0062] The water channel 13 is adapted to supply 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.

[0063] The auxiliary water channel 14 is adapted to supply 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.

[0064] The connection ports 11a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14a are adapted for the connection of fluid hoses and / or conduits and / or closure elements. Each channel 11, 12, 13, 14 extends from one of the connection ports 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a to the distal end 20 of the endoscope 10.

[0065] 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 entire 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 entire distal end 20, including the outer surface 20a of the distal end 20, is in contact with the liquid, so that a reliable pre-cleaning of the entire 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, preferably air-tight, sealed from the environment surrounding the container 80.

[0066] The endoscope 10 further comprises a biopsy branch 11 b extending from a biopsy branch connection port 11 c to the suction channel 11 .

[0067] 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. The air / water cylinder 19 can be equipped with a vent. The air / water cylinder 19 is sealed with a closure element 60 adapted to close the air / water cylinder 19 fluid-tight. Furthermore, a suction cylinder 40 is provided, to which the suction channel 11 is connected. The suction cylinder 40 can be equipped with a vent.

[0068] On the biopsy branch connection port 11c is disposed a conduit 71. If there is no need 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.

[0069] A conduit 72 is arranged 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 closing element can be arranged on the connection port 12a instead of the conduit 72.

[0070] On the connection port 13a of the water channel 13 a conduit 73 is arranged. If the water channel 13 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be arranged on the connection port 13a instead of the conduit 73.

[0071] Furthermore, a conduit 74 is arranged on the connection port 14a of the auxiliary water channel 14. If the auxiliary water channel 14 does not need to be flushed during the pre-cleaning procedure, a closing element can be arranged on the connection port 14a instead of the conduit 74.

[0072] The conduits 71, 72, 73, 74 are filled with a liquid, in particular a disinfecting liquid and / or a cleaning liquid.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Fluid is drawn from conduit 71 through biopsy branch 11 b , thence through suction channel 11 , from connection port 11 a via fluid hose 90 a to suction device 90 and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95 .

[0075] Liquid is drawn from conduit 72 through air channel 12 to distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at distal end 20 provided by a container 80 located at distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the entire extension of suction channel 11 to connection port 11a, via fluid hose 90a to suction device 90 and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95.

[0076] Liquid is drawn from conduit 73 through water channel 13 to distal end 20. Due to a fluid connection at distal end 20 provided by a container 80 located at distal end 20, liquid is drawn from there through the entire extension of suction channel 11 to connection port 11a, via fluid hose 90a to suction device 90 and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95.

[0077] Liquid is drawn from conduit 74 through auxiliary water channel 14 to distal end 20. A fluid connection at distal end 20 provided by a container 80 disposed at distal end 20 allows liquid to be drawn from there through the entire extension of suction channel 11 to connection port 11a, via fluid hose 90a to suction device 90 and from suction device 90 to suction jar 95.

[0078] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method 100 for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 designed as shown in Fig. 1. The cleaning method 100 for pre-cleaning an endoscope 10 includes the steps of fluidly connecting the channels 11, 11b, 12, 13, 14 of the endoscope to one another at the distal end 20 of the endoscope by placing a container 80 on the distal end 20 of the endoscope and connecting a suction device 90 to the channel 11, which is further connected to a suction container formed as a suction jar 95. Conduits 74, 71, 72, 73 containing liquids 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 shown by the arrows, i.e. from conduits 74, 71, 72, 73 through channels 11b, 12, 13, 14 (to which conduits 74, 71, 72, 73 are connected) towards the distal end 20 and from the distal end 20 via the container 80 into the suction channel 11, through the suction channel 11 to the suction pump 90 and then collected in the suction jar 95.

[0079] Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning method 100 for pre-cleaning an endoscope as shown and described in relation to Figure 1. The cleaning method 100 is performed immediately or shortly after use of an endoscope in a patient procedure and includes the following steps:

[0080] In step 110, an endoscope is provided having 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.

[0081] In step 120, the channels are fluidly connected to one another at the distal end of the endoscope by placing a container at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0082] In step 130, a suction device, preferably a suction pump, is connected to one of the connection ports.

[0083] In step 140, at least one liquid source is connected to the at least one connection port.

[0084] In step 150, at least one, and preferably at least two, of the channels are flushed with liquid by activating a suction device such that liquid is drawn from a liquid source through the at least one channel, and preferably at least two channels, towards the suction device via the distal end. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Endoscopy 11 Suction Channel 11a Connection port 11b channel 11c Biopsy branch connection port 12 Air Channels 12a Air channel connection port 13 Water Channel 13a Connection port 14 Auxiliary Water Channel 14a Connection port 19 Air / Water Cylinders 20 Distal end 20a Outer surface, outer surface 21 Insert Section 30 Endoscope body 40 Suction Cylinder 60 Closure elements 71 Conduit 72 Conduit 73 Conduit 74 Conduit 80 containers 90 Suction Devices 90a fluid hose 95 Suction Jar

Claims

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

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

3. The cleaning method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of connecting a closure element to each of the connection ports to which the liquid source and the suction device are not connected.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising flushing at least two of the channels with the liquid by activating the suction device such that the liquid is drawn through the channels toward the suction device via the distal end.

5. The connection ports are an air channel connection port, a suction channel connection port, a water channel connection port, and an auxiliary water channel connection port; the channels being an air channel, a suction channel, a water channel, and an auxiliary water channel; The endoscope, the air channel extending from the air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; the suction channel extending from the suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; the water channel extending from the water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; The cleaning method of claim 1 , further comprising: the auxiliary water channel extending from the auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the container is placed over the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end, including an outer surface of the distal end, is disposed entirely inside the container.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the container is filled with the liquid and the entire distal end, including the exterior surface of the distal end, is in contact with the liquid.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the container is disposed at the distal end of the endoscope such that the distal end of the endoscope is fluid-tight sealed from the environment surrounding the container.

9. The cleaning method of claim 1 , wherein each of the connection ports is connected to the channel except for the connection port that is connected to the suction device.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the suction device is fluidly connected to a suction receptacle adapted to receive the liquid drawn from the endoscope by the suction device.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the liquid drawn through at least one of the channels is water, a disinfectant, or a cleaning solution.

12. the endoscope is immersed in the liquid such that the connection port is in contact with the liquid; The cleaning method according to claim 1 , wherein the connection port connected to the suction device is connected to the suction device via the fluid hose.

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

14. 14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the suction device is adapted to flush at least one of the channels with the liquid by activating the suction device such that the liquid is drawn from the liquid source through at least one of the channels via the distal end toward the suction device.

15. The connection ports include an air channel connection port, a suction channel connection port, a water channel connection port, and an auxiliary water channel connection port; the channels include an air channel, a suction channel, a water channel, and an auxiliary water channel; The endoscope, the air channel extending from the air channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; the suction channel extending from the suction channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; the water channel extending from the water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; the auxiliary water channel extending from the auxiliary water channel connection port to the distal end of the endoscope; 14. The cleaning station of claim 13, comprising: at least one closure element connected to each of the connection ports to which the liquid source and the suction device are not connected.

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