Siphon protection and infection prevention for air-water tube end connectors

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for preventing leakage from the endoscope tip of a tubing set during equipment exchange between endoscopic procedures. An exemplary system can include a storage case and a cap. The storage case can include a base including a plurality of wells, an insert disposed in each well of the plurality of wells, and a lid configured to cover the base. The cap can have a housing extending from a first open end to a second closed end and defining a cavity between the first open end and the second closed end, and can be configured to be removably disposed within one of the plurality of wells.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid containers and methods, and more particularly to containers and tubing sets for delivering fluids and / or gases to an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, endoscopic devices have been widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, physicians can use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning to flush out debris, clean optical components, and insufflate the working lumen. For example, sterile water can be used to irrigate the working lumen during the procedure. Furthermore, during an endoscopic procedure, the video lens at the distal end of the endoscope, which is used to navigate and visualize the target tissue, can be prone to becoming contaminated with blood, mucus, and other debris during the procedure. The tubing set used to provide irrigation and / or lens cleaning fluids is typically used over a 24-hour period across multiple endoscopic procedures. However, the same endoscope is not used on multiple patients and must be replaced between procedures. While the tubing set connector connecting the fluid tubing to the endoscope is detached from the endoscope, the tubing set needs to be placed somewhere. In some cases, the tubing set is placed in a position that is prone to leaking. For example, if the tubing is left on the floor, the difference in water level between the tubing and a water bottle can lead to the initiation of siphoning. This can create large pools of water that are a safety hazard to people in the room as well as to nearby electronic equipment. Additionally, if the tube end connectors are left open to the environment, the tube ends are susceptible to transmitting infection.

[0003] It may be desirable to prevent water from being siphoned from the water bottle after cleaning, as well as to ensure that the air-water end connector remains sanitary between procedures. With these considerations in mind, improvements to the present disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary of the disclosure is provided to aid in understanding, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure can be advantageously used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Neither the inclusion nor the absence of an element, component, or the like in this summary is intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, while the disclosure is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that individual aspects can be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that or any other embodiment.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a system for preventing leakage from an endoscope end of a tubing set for use with an endoscope may include a storage case including a base including a plurality of wells, an insert disposed in each well of the plurality of wells, and a lid configured to cover the base. The system may further include a cap having a housing extending from a first open end to a second closed end and defining a cavity between the first open end and the second closed end, the cap configured to be removably disposed within one of the plurality of wells.

[0006] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the insert may be sized and shaped to fit within the interior surface of the cap. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the insert may include perforated foam.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the insert may include embedded antimicrobial or bacteriostatic material. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the system may further comprise a disinfectant disposed in at least one well of the plurality of wells.

[0008] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the cap can be configured to be placed over the exterior surface of the endoscope end of the tubeset. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the system may further comprise a sealing member disposed within the cavity of the cap.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the cap may further comprise a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the cap to the endoscope end of the tubing set.

[0010] In another example, a system for preventing leakage from an endoscope end of a tubing set for use with an endoscope can include a clamp having a fixation region and an actuation region configured to be actuated to selectively expand the fixation region; a cap secured to a portion of the clamp, the cap having a housing extending from a first end to a second end and configured to be releasably secured to the endoscope end of the tubing set; and a coupling mechanism disposed on a portion of the cap.

[0011] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the coupling mechanism can be configured to engage with a mating feature on the endoscope end of the tubing set. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the anchoring region may comprise a first arm and a second arm.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, in the absence of an applied force, the first arm and the second arm of the fixation region may be biased toward the central axis of the clamp.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the actuation region may comprise a first arm and a second arm. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the first arm and the second arm of the actuation region can be configured to be biased toward a central axis of the clamp under an applied force to move the first arm and the second arm of the fixation region away from the central axis of the clamp.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the clamp can be configured to be releasably secured to a post of the endoscope tower. In another example, a system for preventing leakage from an endoscope end of a tubing set for use with an endoscope can include a clamp having a fixation region and an actuation region configured to be actuated to selectively expand the fixation region; a first cap secured to a portion of the clamp, the first cap having a housing extending from a first end to a second end and configured to be releasably secured to the endoscope end of a first tubing set having a first coupling type; and a coupling mechanism disposed on a portion of the first cap.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the coupling mechanism can be configured to engage a mating feature on the endoscope end of the first tube set.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the anchoring region may comprise a first arm and a second arm. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, in the absence of an applied force, the first arm and the second arm of the fixation region may be biased toward the central axis of the clamp.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the actuation region may comprise a first arm and a second arm. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the first arm and the second arm of the actuation region can be configured to be biased toward a central axis of the clamp under an applied force to move the first arm and the second arm of the fixation region away from the central axis of the clamp.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the clamp can be configured to be releasably secured to a post of the endoscope tower. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the first cap may be fixedly attached to the clamp.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the first cap may be releasably secured to the clamp. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the system may further include a second cap secured to a portion of the clamp, the second cap configured to be releasably secured to the endoscope end of the second tubing set, the second tubing set having a second coupling type different from the first coupling type.

[0020] In another example, a system for preventing leakage from an endoscope end of a tubing set for use with an endoscope can include a clamp having a fixation region including a first arm and a second arm and an actuation region including the first arm and a second arm, the clamp having a generally "X" shape with a notched region at an intersection of the fixation region and the actuation region; a cap secured to a portion of the clamp, the cap having a housing extending from the first end to the second end and configured to be releasably secured to the endoscope end of the tubing set; and a coupling mechanism disposed on a portion of the cap.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the cap may further comprise a sealing member. These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the claimed invention being set forth in the appended claims.

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 shows components of an endoscope. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates components of an endoscope system including an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water reservoir, and a tube assembly for delivery of air and lens cleaning fluid. [Figure 3] 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cap configured to be secured to an endoscope end of a water delivery tube. [Figure 4] 4 shows a perspective view of the exemplary cap of FIG. 3 with the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary storage case in an open configuration and having an exemplary cap disposed therein. [Figure 6]6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary base of the storage case of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary endoscope tower including a clamp for securing a gas / lens wash supply tube or other fluid supply tube. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates a top view of the exemplary clamp of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary clamp of FIG. 8 assembled with the post of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 10 shows a perspective view of the exemplary cap of FIG. 9 coupled to another endoscope end of a gas / lens cleaning supply tube. [Figure 11A] 10 shows a front perspective view of another exemplary cap configured to be secured to an endoscope end of a water delivery tube. [Figure 11B] 11B shows a rear perspective view of the exemplary cap of FIG. 11A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] While the present disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that can be used in an endoscopic medical procedure. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed devices and associated methods of use can be utilized in any suitable procedure, medical or otherwise. The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar reference numerals are used to refer to like or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0026] The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device farthest from the user when the device is introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device closest to the user when the device is positioned within a patient. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example," not "ideal." Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of a stated or implied value. Additionally, terms indicating the geometry of components / surfaces refer to exact and approximate shapes.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with particular reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tubing assemblies or sets. It will be understood that such embodiments may be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of different purposes, including, for example, insufflating a patient, facilitating lens cleaning, and / or irrigating a working channel to help flush / aspirate debris during an endoscopic procedure.

[0028] Although the present disclosure includes a description of containers and tubing sets suitable for use with an endoscopic system to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope, the devices, systems, and methods herein can be implemented in other medical systems requiring the delivery of fluids and / or gases and for a variety of other purposes.

[0029] It should be noted that references herein to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment(s) may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, if a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, are contemplated as being combinable or configurable with each other to form other or additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiment(s), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] Conventionally, endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, physicians can use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing debris, cleaning optics, and insufflating the working lumen. Some systems can use two separate water bottles for irrigation and lens cleaning, while other systems can use a single water bottle for both irrigation and lens cleaning. As clinicians work through each case, a certain amount of water is depleted from the water bottle, and the bottle may need to be replaced one or more times throughout the day. The process of changing the bottle may require the user to bend or lean forward to remove the cap and associated inlet tubing from the empty bottle and place them into a full bottle of sterile water without touching / contaminating the tubing to an external bottle or other non-sterile surface (so as not to pose an infection risk to the patient). This can be particularly difficult with single-bottle devices, where multiple inlet hoses dangle from the cap when the cap is removed to replace the sterile water bottle.

[0032] 1-2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 are shown, which may include an elongated shaft 100a for insertion into a patient. A light source 205 provides illumination to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may house an imaging device (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imaging device) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed in a video processing unit 210, which processes signals input from the imaging device and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 also functions as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air supply pump, within the unit.

[0033] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c disposed at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible bending portion 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible bending portion 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. An end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 includes a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to insufflate a treatment area inside a patient and water to clean a lens covering an imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 in the end face 100d provide irrigation fluid to the treatment area of ​​the patient. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing a tool to the treatment area may also be included on the face 100d of the distal tip 100c. The working channel 235 extends along the shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 located distally of the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 can be utilized to seal the channel opening 110 against unwanted fluid escape.

[0034] The operating handle 115 may include knobs 125 for providing remote four-way control of the distal tip via wires connected to an articulation joint within the bendable flexible section 105 (e.g., one knob controls up / down control and another knob controls left / right control). A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely controlling the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115. Additionally, the handle 115 includes dual valve wells 135. One of the valve wells 135 can accommodate a gas / water valve 140 for supplying insufflation gas and lens water. A gas supply line 240a and a lens irrigation supply line 245a extend distally along the shaft 100a from the gas / water valve 140 and converge at the distal tip 100c proximal to the gas / irrigation nozzle 220 (FIG. 2). The other valve well 135 accommodates a suction valve 145 for supplying suction. A suction supply line 250 a extends distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100 a to a junction in fluid communication with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100 .

[0035] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilical 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) supply line 240b, a lens rinse supply line 245b, a suction supply line 250b, an irrigation supply line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). When plugged into the video processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 within the video processing unit to the light guide. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical 260 and endoscope shaft 100a to transmit light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. When plugged into the video processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 also connects the air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b within the umbilical 260.

[0036] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 through the connector portion 265 and the umbilical 260. A single gas supply tube 240c passes from one end located in a gap 275 between an upper portion 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of the reservoir 270 and residual water 285 in the reservoir to a removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 outside the connector portion 265. The removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the gas supply tube 240c. A gas supply line 240b from the umbilical 260 branches off at the connector portion 265 and is in fluid communication with the gas supply tube 240c at the removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290, as well as with the air pump 215. A single lens cleaning supply tube 245c, with one end located at the bottom of reservoir 270, passes through top 280 of reservoir 270 to the same removable connection 290 as gas supply tube 240c on connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or isolated from one another. Connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) extending from a source of irrigation water (not shown) to irrigation supply line 255b within umbilical 260. Removable irrigation connection 293 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or the irrigation supply tubing (not shown). In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) separate from water reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens cleaning supply tubing 245c may supply water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a removable suction connection 295 for suction supply line 250a and suction supply line 250b that fluidly connects a vacuum source (e.g., hospital suction) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100. Removable suction connection 295 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or suction supply line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0037] Gas supply line 240b and lens wash supply line 245b are fluidly connected to valve well 135 for gas / water valve 140, such that operation of gas / water valve 140 within the well controls the supply of gas or lens wash to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to valve well 135 for suction valve 145, such that operation of the suction valve within the well controls suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary operation of an endoscopic system 200 including an endoscope such as the endoscope 100 described above will be described. Air from an air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows through a connector portion 265, is diverted to the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, flows through a gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260, through a gas supply tube 240c, and flows to a water reservoir 270 via a connection 290 on the connector portion 265. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, with a user's finger not on the valve, air can flow out of the valve to atmosphere. In the first position, a user's finger is used to block venting to atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow out of the valve 140, down the gas supply line 240a, and out the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to insufflate a treatment area of ​​a patient. When gas / water valve 140 is pushed downward to a second position, gas is prevented from exiting the valve, allowing the pressure of air passing from air pump 215 to build up in water reservoir 270. By pressurizing the water source, water is forced from lens cleaning supply tube 245c, through connector portion 265, umbilical 260, through gas / water valve 140, down lens cleaning supply line 245a, and merges with gas supply line 240a before exiting distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 via gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220. The air pump pressure can be calibrated to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the irrigation water supply.

[0039] The lens cleaning flow volume is governed by the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270. As the gas pressure begins to drop within the water reservoir 270 as water is forced out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning supply tube 245c, the air pump 215 replaces the lost air supply within the reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, which in turn provides a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed within the path of the gas supply tube 240c to filter out undesirable contaminants or particulates from passing into the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed within the path of the lens cleaning supply tube to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after it has passed through the valve.

[0040] Compared to lens cleaning, irrigation typically requires a relatively high flow rate because its primary use is to remove debris from the patient's treatment area that obstructs the user's field of view. Irrigation is typically achieved through the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing located at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and is routed through the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tubing of the pump is connected to irrigation supply line 255b of umbilical 260 and irrigation supply line 255a of endoscope 100 via irrigation connection 293 on connector portion 265. When irrigation water is needed, the irrigation pump is activated, such as by pressing a footswitch (not shown), causing fluid to be pumped from the water source, through irrigation connection 293, through irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in endoscope shaft 100a, and to distal tip 100c. An air vent (not shown) may be included in the top 280 of the water reservoir 270 to equalize pressure within the water source as water is pumped from the irrigation supply tube. The air vent allows atmospheric air to enter the water source, preventing the buildup of negative pressure within the water source, which could create a vacuum that sucks unwanted material from the patient, through the endoscope, and back toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown), similar to that of the lens wash supply tube 245c, may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tube to help prevent backflow of water into the reservoir after it has passed through the valve. In some cases, irrigation water may be supplied from the water reservoir 270. Some exemplary systems in which supply tubes for irrigation and lens cleaning are connected to and drawn from a single water reservoir are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,239, entitled "INTEGRATED CONTAINER AND TUBE SET FOR FLUID DELIVERY WITH AN ENDOSCOPE," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,256, entitled "TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] In some cases, it may be desirable to prevent water / fluid from leaking from the gas / lens wash supply tubes 240c, 245c (e.g., configured to connect to the gas / lens wash connector 290) and / or the irrigation tube (not explicitly shown) (e.g., configured to connect to the irrigation connector 293). While exemplary caps are described with respect to the gas / lens wash supply tubes 240c, 245c, it should be understood that the connectors and coupling configurations described herein can be used at other connection points, as desired. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cap 300 configured to be secured to the endoscope end of the gas / lens wash supply tubes 240c, 245c.

[0042] The cap 300 may include a body or housing 302 extending from a first end 304 to a second end 306. The first end 304 may define an opening or aperture 308 that communicates with an interior cavity 310 of the housing 302. The second end 306 may include an end cap or wall 312 such that the cavity 310 does not extend through the entire length of the cap 300. The diameter of the cap 300 may vary from the first end 304 to the second end 306. For example, the outer diameter of the cap 300 may decrease in diameter from the first end 304 to the second end 306. In some cases, the change in diameter may occur in an abrupt, step-like manner. In other embodiments, the change in diameter may be gradual or sloped. In still other embodiments, the cap 300 may include both abrupt and gradual changes in diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 300 may include a first region 314a having a first generally uniform outer diameter and a first generally uniform inner diameter, a second region 314b having a second generally uniform outer diameter and a second generally uniform inner diameter, and a third region 314c having a third generally uniform outer diameter and a third generally uniform inner diameter. The first region 314a may have a larger outer / inner diameter than the second region 314b, which may have a larger outer / inner diameter than the third region 314c. The cap 300 may further include a first transition region 316a between the first region 314a and the second region 314b. The first transition region 316a may be sloped or tapered to gradually transition from the first inner / outer diameter to the second outer / inner diameter. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the first transition region 316a may be an abrupt or step-like transition. The cap 300 may further include a second transition region 316b between the second region 314b and the third region 314c. The second transition region 316b may be sloped or tapered to gradually transition from the first inner / outer diameter to the second outer / inner diameter. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, the second transition region 316b may be an abrupt or step-like transition.It is contemplated that the wall thickness of the cap 300 may remain substantially constant from the first end 304 to the second end 306, such that the inner diameter of the cap 300 varies in a similar manner as the outer diameter. In some embodiments, the inner and outer diameters of the cap 300 may be configured to mirror the outer diameter of the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c.

[0043] 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cap 300 with the endoscope end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c. The cap 300 can be coupled to the endoscope end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c by placing the cap 300 over the endoscope end 320 so that the endoscope end 320 is disposed within the cavity 310. It is contemplated that the cap 300 can be releasably secured to the endoscope end 320 via a snap fit, friction fit, threaded engagement, quick release mechanism (e.g., a bayonet-style locking mechanism), or other releasable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the releasable coupling mechanism used to secure the cap 300 to the endoscope end 320 can be determined by the type of coupling mechanism used to couple the endoscope end 320 to the endoscope (e.g., different brands of endoscopes may incorporate different connection types for coupling the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c to the endoscope). For example, cap 300 may include internal threads, external threads, a luer fitting, etc. It is further contemplated that the shape of cap 300 may be determined by the type of coupling mechanism used to couple endoscope tip 320 to the endoscope.

[0044] When the endoscope end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c is inserted into the cavity 310 of the cap 300, the open end 322 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c can contact the wall 312 of the second end 306 of the cap 300 to form a fluid-tight seal between the endoscope end 320 and the cap 300. This prevents water from leaking out the open end 322 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c when the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c is removed from the endoscope, regardless of the placement of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. In some embodiments, a sealing member, such as, but not limited to, a deformable insert 318, can be present within the cavity 310 against the wall 312 to help provide a fluid-tight seal. Additionally or alternatively, one or more O-rings or gaskets 330 may be disposed within cavity 310 to help maintain a connection between cap 300 and endoscope end 320 of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more O-rings or gaskets 330 may be disposed adjacent one or more of transition regions 316a-b. However, O-rings or gaskets 330 may be disposed in other locations within cap 300, as desired. Cap 300 may be sized and shaped such that cap 300 is disposed over connection region 324 of endoscope end 320 of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. Locating the connection region 324 of the endoscope end 320 within the cavity 310 of the cap 300 can prevent the connection region 324 from contacting surfaces when the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c are not coupled to the endoscope, which can help prevent contamination of the endoscope end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c and therefore help achieve infection prevention.

[0045] Although the cap 300 is shown and described as fitting onto the exterior surface of the endoscopic end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c, in some embodiments, the cap 300 may be inserted into the lumen of the endoscopic end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. For example, the cap 300 may function as a plug that is inserted into the endoscopic end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c, rather than onto the exterior surface of the endoscopic end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. In some cases, the cap 300 may include a portion configured to be disposed within the endoscopic end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c and a portion that extends over its exterior surface to protect against infection.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cap 300 may be tethered to the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c such that the cap 300 remains in close proximity to the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c when the cap 300 is not in use. In other embodiments, when the cap 300 is not in use (e.g., when the endoscope tip 320 is coupled to the endoscope), the cap 300 may be manually removed from the connection area 324 and placed in a storage case. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary storage case 400 in an open configuration and with the exemplary cap 300 placed therein. The storage case 400 may include a base 402 and a lid 404. While the storage case 400 is shown as having a generally cuboid or rectangular parallelepiped shape, the storage case 400 may take on any desired shape. The storage case 400 may be formed from a rigid material, such as, but not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS), thermoplastics, other polymers, hard rubber, metals, alloys, etc. However, other embodiments may include storage case 400 made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, such as a flexible or semi-rigid polymeric material.

[0047] The lid 404 can be coupled to the base 402 in an orientation that covers the base 402 in a closed configuration (not explicitly shown). The lid 404 and base 402 can have the same or substantially the same outer dimensions to provide a uniform exterior surface. In other embodiments, the lid 404 can have larger or smaller outer dimensions than the base 402. The lid 404 can be pivotally coupled to the base 402 at a hinge assembly 406. The hinge assembly 406 can include a pin that extends from the lid 404 into an aperture in the base 402. However, other hinge assemblies and configurations can be used as desired. The lid 404 can rotate between a closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 5 ) and an open configuration. In some embodiments, the base 402 and the lid 404 can include features for selectively and reversibly coupling the lid 404 to the base 402. Some exemplary coupling features may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic closure, a snap fit, a friction fit, or other suitable coupling mechanisms. Although not explicitly shown, the base 402 and / or the lid 404 may include a cutout portion or recess in the front to provide space for a user to grip the lid 404 and rotate the lid 404 away from the base 402.

[0048] The base 402 may include multiple cavities or wells 408a-d configured to receive one or more caps 300. Each well 408a-d may be configured to receive a single cap 300. For example, a cap 300 may be disposed within one of the wells 408d. In some embodiments, the wells 408a-d may each have the same overall shape and size to receive caps 300 of similar shapes and sizes. In other embodiments, the wells 408a-d may be different shapes and / or sizes to receive caps of different shapes and sizes. For example, the wells 408a-d may be sized and shaped to receive multiple different caps 300. It is contemplated that caps 300 of different sizes and shapes may be provided to accommodate different endoscope ends 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c. The base 402 may include fewer or more than four wells 408a-d, as desired.

[0049] The lid 404 may include a recess or cavity 410 configured to receive the second end region of the cap 300. For example, the cap 300 may protrude from the well 408d to allow a user to easily grasp the cap 300 adjacent its second end 306. The cavity 410 in the lid 404 may be sized and shaped to accommodate this portion of the cap 300 while still allowing the lid 404 to close over the base 402.

[0050] Further, referring to FIG. 6 , which shows a perspective view of an exemplary base 402 of the storage case 400, each well 408a-d can include an insert or sheet 412a-d disposed therein. The inserts 412a-d can be formed from a perforated foam, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene foam. However, other materials, including, but not limited to, other polymeric materials, can be used as desired. In some cases, an antimicrobial or bacteriostatic material can be infused into the inserts 412a-d to provide additional antimicrobial properties. Some exemplary antimicrobial or bacteriostatic materials can include, but are not limited to, ionized silver, copper, zinc, quaternary ammonium compounds, and the like. The inserts 412a-d can be soaked in a disinfectant solution, which can help disinfect the cap 300. In some cases, the inserts 412a-d can be soaked in the disinfectant solution before being placed in the wells 408a-d. In other cases, the disinfectant solution can be injected into the wells 408a-d to immerse the inserts 412a-d. In some examples, the inserts 412a-d may have a diameter similar to the inner diameter of the first region 314a such that the inner diameter of the first region 314a contacts the outer edge of the inserts 412a-d. However, this is not required. While the inserts 412a-d are shown as having a generally disk-like shape, the inserts 412a-d can have other shapes as desired. In some embodiments, the inserts 412a-d may be configured to contact the inner surface of the cap 300. For example, the inserts 412a-d may be sized and shaped to fit all or a portion of the inner surface of the cavity 310 of the cap 300, thereby allowing the disinfecting fluid to contact (and disinfect) surfaces of the cap 300 that may contact surfaces of the endoscope end 320 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c.

[0051] In some cases, it may be desirable to secure the endoscopic ends of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c to the endoscope tower to prevent water from leaking from the endoscopic ends of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c and to prevent the endoscopic ends of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c from contacting the floor or other surface, which could contaminate the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c. FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary endoscope tower 500 including a clamp 520 for securing the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c when not in use. Generally, the endoscope tower 500 may include a shelf portion 502 and one or more posts 504. Although not explicitly shown, the endoscope tower 500 may include additional features. For example, the endoscope tower 500 may be elevated off the ground on a rolling cart and / or include additional shelves, posts, etc. The post 504 may include a plurality of pin holes 506 for adjusting the placement of various pieces of equipment coupled to the post 504. For example, a monitor or other component or device can be adjustably secured to post 504 using a pin. A removable clamp 520 can be secured to post 504 for securing gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c thereto.

[0052] 8 , which illustrates a top view of an exemplary clamp 520, the clamp 520 can include a fixation region 522 configured to grip the post 504 and an actuation region 524 configured to be actuated to selectively expand the fixation region 522. The fixation region 522 can include a first arm 526 a and a second arm 526 b spaced a distance from the first arm 526 a. Each arm 526 a-b can include a curved inner surface 528 a-b configured to conform to the outer surface of the post 504. In the absence of an applied force, the arms 526 a-b can be biased inward toward a central axis 530 of the clamp 520, such that the curved inner surfaces 528 a-b grip the post 504 when the clamp 520 is attached to the post 504. The actuation region 524 can include a first arm 532 a and a second arm 532 b. Collectively, the arms 526a-b of the fixed region 522 and the arms 532a-b of the actuation region 524 may be angled or arranged such that the clamp 520 has a general "X" shape. The clamp 520 may include a cutout region 534 at the intersection of the arms 526a-b of the fixed region 522 and the arms 532a-b of the actuation region 524. The cutout region 534 may be sized and shaped to allow the arms 526a-b of the fixed region 522 to move toward or away from the central axis 530. Furthermore, the cutout region 534 may be sized and shaped to allow the arms 532a-b of the actuation region 524 to move toward the central axis 530 under an applied force.

[0053] The clamp 520 can be secured to the post 504 by applying a squeezing force to the arms 532a-b of the actuation region 524, causing the arms 532a-b to move toward the central axis 530. As the arms 532a-b of the actuation region 524 move inward, the arms 526a-b of the fixation region 522 deflect or move outward, away from the central axis 530. While the arms 526a-b of the fixation region 522 are deflected outward, a user can place the arms 526a-b of the fixation region 522 around the post 504 and release the actuation region 524. When the arms 532a-b of the actuation region 524 are released, the arms 526a-b of the fixation region 522 move toward the central axis 530 such that the curved surfaces 528a-b grip the post 504. In some cases, curved surfaces 528a-b may include a textured surface or may be formed from a material that helps maintain clamp 520 at a desired height. It is contemplated that the diameter of post 504 may be larger than the space 538 between curved surfaces 528a-b such that curved surfaces 528a-b exert a force on post 504.

[0054] 9 shows an enlarged perspective view of exemplary clamp 520 assembled with post 504. Clamp 520 may further include a cap 540 extending from a bottom surface thereof. It is contemplated that cap 540 may be formed with clamp 520 as a single monolithic structure or may be formed as a separate component and then coupled to clamp 520. For example, cap 540 may be fixedly attached to clamp 520 using, for example, adhesive, welding, brazing, etc., or cap 540 may be releasably secured to clamp 520 using, for example, magnets, a threaded arrangement, a friction fit, etc.

[0055] The cap 540 may extend from a first end 542 coupled to the clamp 520 to a second end 544 configured to extend into the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. The cap 540 may have an outer diameter or outer cross-sectional dimension that varies along its length. For example, the first end region 546 may have a first outer diameter, the intermediate region 548 may have a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter, and the second end region 550 may have a third outer diameter that is smaller than the second outer diameter. It is contemplated that the outer contour of the cap 540 may mirror the inner contour of the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. It is contemplated that the intermediate region 548 and the second end region 550 may be configured to extend at least partially into the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c, while the first end region 546 may abut the end face of the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c.

[0056] The cap 540 may further include a coupling mechanism 552 disposed on / within the intermediate region 548. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling mechanism 552 may be a pin extending radially outward from the intermediate region 548 and configured to engage a luer-type coupling mechanism on the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. However, other coupling mechanisms may be used as desired. Other coupling mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, internal threads, external threads, snap fits, friction fits, etc. It is contemplated that the coupling mechanism 552 may be determined by the type of coupling mechanism on the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. Similarly, the outer (and / or inner) contour of the cap 540 may be determined, at least in part, by the type of coupling mechanism on the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. For example, in some embodiments, cap 540 can be configured to be placed over the endoscope end of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 24c, 245c in a manner similar to that shown and described with respect to Figures 3-4 or 11A-B (described below). Although not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, clamp 520 can include more than one type of cap or different caps such that the same clamp 520 can be used to secure more than one type of endoscope end of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. For example, caps similar to those shown and described with respect to Figures 3-4 or 11A-B, or caps of other designs, can be fixedly or releasably coupled to clamp 520.

[0057] The cap 540 may further include an O-ring, gasket, or other sealing member 554. The sealing member 554 may be positioned anywhere along the length of the cap 540 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the cap 540 and the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 554 may be positioned adjacent the second end of the intermediate region 548. However, this is not required. In some cases, the cap 540 may include an embedded antibacterial, bacteriostatic, or antimicrobial material, but this is not required. Some exemplary antibacterial, bacteriostatic, or antimicrobial materials may include, but are not limited to, ionized silver, copper, zinc, quaternary ammonium compounds, and the like.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the exemplary cap 540 of FIG. 9 coupled to another endoscopic end 560 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. While the cap 540 is shown separate from the clamp 520, it should be understood that the cap 540 may be fixedly or releasably coupled to the clamp 520. The endoscopic end 560 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c can extend from a first end region 562 configured to couple to an endoscope and a second end region 564 configured to couple to the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. As mentioned above, the endoscopic end 560 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c can have various coupling mechanisms depending on the endoscope manufacturer and / or model. In the illustrated embodiment, the endoscopic end 560 can have a luer-type connection including a curved slot 566 extending from an open first end 568 to a closed second end 570. The curved slot 566 can extend axially and circumferentially through the wall thickness of the first end region 562 of the endoscope end 560 .

[0059] To assemble the endoscope end 560 with the cap 540, the first end 568 of the curved slot 566 can be aligned with the pin 552 of the cap 540. The endoscope end 560 can then be rotated and advanced axially, moving the curved slot 566 along the pin 552. In some cases, the pin 552 may contact the second end 570 of the curved slot 566. However, this is not required. The first end face of the endoscope end 560 can abut or contact the first end region 546 of the cap 540 before the pin 552 reaches the second end 570 of the curved slot 566. It is contemplated that the first end region 546 can have an outer diameter approximately the same as or larger than the first end region 562 of the endoscope end 560 to fluidly seal the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. 10, the sealing member 554 can contact the interior surface of the endoscope tip 560 to fluidly seal the endoscope tip 560. The method of assembly of the endoscope tip 560 and the cap 540 can vary based on the configuration of the endoscope tip 560.

[0060] Endoscope end 560 can be secured to cap 540 before or after clamp 520 is placed on post 504, as desired. It is contemplated that clamp 520 can be placed over a water bottle (e.g., water bottle 270) to prevent siphoning. Coupling endoscope end 560 to post 504 via cap 540 and clamp 520 not only prevents water leakage, but also prevents the endoscope end from contacting the floor or other surfaces, thereby reducing the possibility of contamination.

[0061] In some embodiments, the endoscopic end 560 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c can be secured to the post 504 without the use of the cap 540. For example, the clamp 520 may be removed from the post 504, and the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c may be placed in the cutout region 534. The clamp 520 can then be secured to the post 504. It is contemplated that the cutout region 534 can grip the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c to secure the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. Alternatively, or additionally, the endoscopic end 560 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c can have a cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the cutout region 534. When clamp 520 is secured to post 504, endoscopic end 560 of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c may be positioned above cutout area 534, thereby preventing endoscopic end 560 of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c from dislodging from cutout area 534 if gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c slides down due to gravity.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, a strap can be used to secure the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c to the post 504. For example, the strap may include a plurality of holes and a buckle, similar in form and function to a belt, that allows the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c to be releasably secured to the post 504 with the endoscopic ends 560 of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c above the water bottle to prevent siphoning. In some cases, the strap may be used to secure two or more tubing sets to the post 504. In yet another embodiment, the cap 540 may be separate from the clamp 520 and may include a pin configured to directly engage one or more pin holes 506 in the post 504.

[0063] FIG. 11A shows a front perspective view of an exemplary cap 600 configured to secure to the endoscope end of a gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c, and FIG. 11B shows a rear perspective view of the exemplary cap 600 of FIG. 11A. The cap 600 may include a body or housing 602 extending from a first end 604 to a second end 606. The first end 604 may define an opening or aperture 608 that communicates with an interior cavity 610 of the housing 602. The second end 606 may include an end cap or wall 612 such that the cavity 610 does not extend through the entire length of the cap 600. The cavity 610 may include a first region 614a and a second region 614b with a pair of inwardly curved surfaces 616a-b disposed therebetween. It is contemplated that the cavity 610 may be sized and shaped to receive the endoscopic ends of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c, where the gas supply tube 240c extends alongside the lens cleaning supply tube 245c. For example, the cavity 610 may be sized and shaped to match the outer contours of the endoscopic ends of the gas / lens cleaning supply tubes 240c, 245c.

[0064] The cap 600 can be coupled to the endoscope end of the gas / lens rinse supply tube 240c, 245c by placing the cap 600 over the endoscope end such that the endoscope end is disposed within the cavity 610. It is contemplated that the cap 600 can be releasably secured to the endoscope end via a snap fit, friction fit, threaded engagement, a quick release mechanism (e.g., a bayonet-style locking mechanism), or other releasable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the releasable coupling mechanism used to secure the cap 600 to the endoscope end can be determined by the type of coupling mechanism used to couple the endoscope end to the endoscope (e.g., different brands of endoscopes may incorporate different connection types for coupling the gas / lens rinse supply tube 240c, 245c to the endoscope). For example, the cap 600 can include female threads, male threads, a Luer fitting, etc.

[0065] When the endoscope end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c is inserted into the cavity 610 of the cap 600, the open end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c can contact the wall 612 of the second end 606 of the cap 600 to form a fluid-tight seal between the endoscope end and the cap 600. This prevents water from leaking out the open end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c when the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c is removed from the endoscope, regardless of the placement of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. In some embodiments, a sealing member, such as, but not limited to, a deformable insert, can be present within the cavity 610 against the wall 612 to help provide a fluid-tight seal. Additionally or alternatively, one or more O-rings or gaskets can be disposed within cavity 610 to help maintain a connection between cap 600 and the endoscope end of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. Cap 600 can be sized and shaped so that cap 600 is disposed over a connection region at the endoscope end of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. Locating the connection region at the endoscope end within cavity 610 of cap 600 can prevent the connection region from contacting surfaces when gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c is not coupled to the endoscope, which can help prevent contamination of the endoscope end of gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c and therefore help achieve infection prevention.

[0066] Although the cap 600 is shown and described as fitting onto the exterior surface of the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c, in some embodiments, the cap 600 may be inserted into the lumen of the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. For example, the cap 600 may function as a plug that is inserted into the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c rather than onto the exterior surface of the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c. In some cases, the cap 600 may include a portion configured to be positioned within the endoscopic end of the gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c and a portion that extends over the exterior surface to protect against infection.

[0067] In some embodiments, cap 600 may be tethered to gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c such that cap 600 remains in close proximity to gas / lens cleaning supply tube 240c, 245c when cap 600 is not in use. In other embodiments, when cap 600 is not in use (e.g., when the endoscope tip is coupled to the endoscope), cap 600 may be manually removed from the connection area and placed in a storage case similar in form and function to case 400 described with respect to Figures 5-6.

[0068] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0069] All devices and methods discussed herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. These examples are merely examples, not the only ways to implement these principles. Therefore, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be understood as references to example embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the particular elements, structures, or features shown. Those skilled in the art will, upon reading this disclosure, be able to think of other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles.

[0070] In the foregoing description and in the claims that follow, it will be understood that the terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or," as used herein, are open-ended expressions that operate both conjunctively and disjunctively. The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and / or serve to distinguish regions of associated elements from one another and do not limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between groups of elements and relative movement between the elements, unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to one another. Distinguishing references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, tertiary, quaternary, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0071] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. It will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the disclosure can be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and using other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concept, spirit, scope, or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the disclosure have been grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of specific aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure can be combined into alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure can be used with many other modifications of structure, arrangement, proportion, material, components, and the like used in practicing the disclosure that are specifically adapted to particular environments and operating requirements without departing from the principles of the disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be comprised of multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, the size or dimensions of elements may be changed, and features and components of various embodiments may be selectively combined. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the claimed invention being indicated by the appended claims, not limited to the foregoing description.

[0072] The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprises" / "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. In addition, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may in some cases be advantageously combined, and their inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. Furthermore, references to the singular do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a," "an," "first," "second," etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. 1. A system for preventing leakage from an endoscope end of a tubing set for use with an endoscope, comprising: A storage case, a base including a plurality of wells; an insert disposed within each well of said plurality of wells; a lid configured to cover the base; a storage case comprising: a cap having a housing extending from a first open end to a second closed end and defining a cavity between the first open end and the second closed end, the cap configured to be removably positioned within one of the plurality of wells; A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert is sized and shaped to fit within the interior surface of the cap.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert comprises perforated foam.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert comprises an embedded antibacterial or bacteriostatic material.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a disinfectant disposed in at least one well of the plurality of wells.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cap is configured to be placed over an exterior surface of an endoscope end of a tubing set.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a sealing member disposed within the cavity of the cap.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cap further comprises a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the cap to an endoscope end of a tubing set.

9. 1. A system for preventing leakage from an endoscope end of a tubing set for use with an endoscope, comprising: a clamp having a fixation region and an actuation region configured to be actuated to selectively expand the fixation region; a cap secured to a portion of the clamp, the cap having a housing extending from a first end to a second end and configured to be releasably secured to an endoscope end of a tubing set; a coupling mechanism disposed on a portion of the cap; A system comprising:

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to engage a mating feature on the endoscope end of the tubing set.

11. 11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the fixation region comprises a first arm and a second arm.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein in the absence of an applied force, the first arm and the second arm of the fixation region are biased toward a central axis of the clamp.

13. 13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the actuation area comprises a first arm and a second arm.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first and second arms of the actuation region are configured to be biased toward the central axis of the clamp under an applied force to move the first and second arms of the fixation region away from the central axis of the clamp.

15. The system of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the clamp is configured to be releasably secured to a post of an endoscope tower.

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