Systems and methods for irrigating tubular lumen

Abstract

The method includes introducing a flow of cleaning fluid into the endoscope in the intermediate section of the endoscope lumen, and directing the flow of cleaning fluid from the intermediate section toward either the proximal or distal end of the lumen to clean the lumen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 580,504, filed September 5, 2023, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING LUMENS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for cleaning internal lumens of medical devices, such as endoscopes, for example. Background Art

[0003] Any discussion of prior art throughout this specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] There are different types of medical devices (medical instruments) that can be used to perform diagnostic and / or surgical procedures. For example, an endoscope is a medical device that can be used to visually examine a hollow organ or body cavity. Specially designed endoscopes are used for different examinations, such as bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastroscopy, and proctoscopy. Endoscopes, as well as other available diagnostic and / or surgical medical devices, are reusable across multiple patients and include one or more internal lumens that are cleaned between uses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes inserting a connector into an air / water cylinder of an endoscope, the connector being configured to split the air / water cylinder into a first portion and a second portion fluidly separated from the first portion, the first proximal lumen and first distal lumen being fluidly connected to the first portion, the second proximal lumen and second distal lumen being fluidly connected to the second portion, delivering a lavage fluid to the first portion of the air / water cylinder to lavage at least one of the first proximal lumen or the first distal lumen, and delivering a lavage fluid to the second portion of the air / water cylinder to lavage at least one of the second proximal lumen or the second distal lumen.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for cleaning an endoscope is provided. The method includes introducing a cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder of the endoscope through a first upstream channel of a first lumen of the endoscope, and directing the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder to a second upstream channel of a second lumen of the endoscope.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method is provided, which includes establishing one or more homogeneous channels through an endoscope having a plurality of luminal channel sections of different sizes, and directing one or more wash fluid flows through the one or more homogeneous channels.

[0008] In another embodiment, a connector for an endoscope is provided. The connector comprises a body extending into the air / water cylinder of an endoscope and configured to provide a plurality of fluidically separated volumes within the air / water cylinder, wherein a first volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes is fluidly coupled to a first channel section of the endoscope, and a second volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes is fluidly coupled to a second channel section of the endoscope; and a plurality of ports, each of which is configured to receive a flow of a respective cleaning fluid, wherein a first port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to a first volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes, and a second port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to a second volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes.

[0009] Unless the context clearly requires a different interpretation, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as “constitute” and “constitute” shall be interpreted in a comprehensive sense, i.e., “including, but not limited to,” as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope having an internal lumen that can be cleaned using embodiments of the technology presented herein. [Figure 2] This schematic diagram illustrates air and water channels of an exemplary endoscope that can be cleaned using a cleaning fluid, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein, which is cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed to the fluid chamber of the endoscope. [Figure 4]This schematic diagram illustrates an exemplary endoscope coupled to a connector used to direct a cleaning fluid into the channel of the endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary connector used to direct cleaning fluid into an endoscope channel, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a top view illustrating the connector. [Figure 7] This is a perspective side view illustrating another exemplary connector used to direct cleaning fluid into an endoscope channel, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8A] This is a front perspective view illustrating the connector shown in Figure 7, which is coupled to a portion of an endoscope according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 8B] This is a front perspective view illustrating the connector shown in Figure 7, which is coupled to a portion of an endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein, which is cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed through the channel of the endoscope. [Figure 10A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein, which is cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed through the channel of the endoscope. [Figure 10B] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein, which is cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed through the channel of the endoscope. [Figure 10C] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein, which is cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed through the channel of the endoscope. [Figure 11] This schematic diagram illustrates another exemplary endoscope coupled to a connector used to direct cleaning fluid into the channel of the endoscope, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 12] This flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for cleaning the lumen of an endoscope using a cleaning fluid, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 13] This flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for cleaning the lumen of an endoscope using a cleaning fluid, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 14] This flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for cleaning the lumen of an endoscope using a cleaning fluid, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for cleaning the lumen of an endoscope using a cleaning fluid, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Techniques for establishing homogeneous flow paths for cleaning internal lumens / internal lumens (e.g., channels, cylinders, valve sockets, and / or connectors, etc.) of devices such as medical devices (medical instruments) using a flow of cleaning fluid are presented herein. According to certain embodiments presented herein, at least one flow of cleaning fluid is directed through a homogeneous flow path established within the medical device. As used herein, a homogeneous flow path is a continuous fluid path formed by one or more lumens having substantially similar properties such that a substantially constant cleaning fluid flow (e.g., a cleaning fluid flow having substantially uniform / consistent fluid properties throughout the fluid path) provides relatively similar interactions with the walls of one or more lumens throughout the continuous fluid path. In the case of a homogeneous flow path formed by two or more lumens, the two or more lumens are referred to as "corresponding" lumens, meaning that the lumens are capable of receiving and cleaning a substantially constant cleaning fluid flow (a fluid flow having substantially uniform fluid properties as the cleaning flow moves through the flow path). In certain embodiments, the corresponding lumen is a lumen having a substantially similar cross-sectional profile (e.g., substantially similar cross-sectional area, substantially similar cross-sectional size, and / or substantially similar cross-sectional shape). In certain examples, substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profiles include cross-sectional profiles with variation of less than about 1 millimeter (mm). In certain examples, substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profiles include cross-sectional profiles with variation of less than about 0.5 mm. In certain examples, substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profiles include cross-sectional profiles with diameter variation of less than 25%. In certain examples, substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profiles include cross-sectional profiles with diameter variation of less than 10%. Further details and variations of such embodiments are described below.

[0013] Additionally, in certain aspects, the present specification provides techniques for cleaning an internal lumen of a device by delivering (e.g., injecting) a cleaning fluid to a middle section of the internal lumen, and then draining the fluid out of the lumen through a proximal end and / or a distal end of the lumen. This approach is referred to herein as a "central input" or "central input approach" for cleaning a lumen. Further details and variations of such embodiments are further described below.

[0014] In certain aspects, the technology presented herein is directed to a connector for an air / water cylinder of an endoscope, the connector being configured to fluidly isolate lumens of different sizes from one another. In operation, the connector enables delivery of cleaning fluid having properties appropriate for a particular lumen (e.g., volume, density, particle size, flow rate, fluid-solid composition, etc.). For example, certain configurations can include four lumens that may need to be cleaned separately. Accordingly, in certain examples, the connector presented herein can be configured to be inserted into the air / water cylinder of an endoscope and form two, four, or another number of separate fluid passages (e.g., homogeneous flow passages). Further details and variations of such embodiments are further described below.

[0015] In certain specific embodiments, the cleaning fluid is a "contaminant stripping fluid composition" comprising a mixture of the fluid with solid particles. One particular type of contaminant stripping fluid composition is a liquid-powder mixture. In operation, a contaminant stripping fluid composition such as a liquid-powder mixture is dispensed into an amount referred to herein as a "cleaning slug" or "slug", and may then be delivered (e.g., propelled) through the lumen. As used herein, it is to be understood that reference to "cleaning" a lumen refers to cleaning a portion of the inside / interior of the lumen, including the inner surface or "wall" that forms / defines the lumen. Because the liquid-powder mixtures particularly relate to creating slugs and sequentially delivering the slugs through the lumen to clean the lumen, the composition may be delivered from an endoscope cleaning system, such as the lumen cleaning system described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 567,202, owned by the same assignee as the present application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference (see, e.g., paragraphs

[0058] to

[0081] of corresponding Patent Publication No. 2024 / 0261061A1). While liquid-powder mixtures are often considered as suitable cleaning fluids, references to the use of liquid-powder mixtures herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the technology presented herein can be implemented with any of a number of different types of cleaning fluids (e.g., liquid-powder mixtures, detergents, water, ozonated water, etc.) and / or any of a number of different types of lumen cleaning devices (e.g., endoscope cleaning systems, automatic endoscope reprocessors (AERs), comprehensive endoscope cleaning systems, or other types of devices / systems).

[0016] Merely for illustrative simplicity, the technology presented herein is described primarily with reference to cleaning a particular type of lumen, namely, the channels of an endoscope. However, it will be understood that the present technology is not limited to use only in endoscopes, or more generally, in medical devices. Therefore, it should be understood that the technology presented herein can be used to clean lumens in a number of different devices / instruments used in any of a number of different applications.

[0017] An endoscope is a slender, tubular medical device that can be rigid or flexible and incorporates an optical or video system and a light source. Typically, an endoscope is configured so that one end can be inserted into the patient's body through a surgical incision or through one of the body's natural openings. Thus, the internal structures near the inserted end of the endoscope can be seen by an external observer. Endoscopes are used not only for examinations but also for diagnosis and performing surgical procedures. Endoscopic procedures are becoming increasingly popular because they are inherently relatively minimally invasive, offer better patient outcomes (through reduced healing time and exposure to infection), and allow hospitals and clinics to achieve higher patient turnover rates.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary endoscope 100 capable of implementing embodiments of the technology presented herein. As shown in the figure, the endoscope 100, like most endoscopes, has a long tubular structure with a distal end / tip 102 at one end for insertion into a patient and a proximal end or connector end 104 at the opposite end, and a control handle 106 positioned between the two ends (for example, generally at the center of the length between the connector end 104 and the distal end 102). The connector end 104 includes a plurality of connectors that allow the endoscope to be attached to, for example, a light source 108, a water source 110 (e.g., a water bottle), a suction source (not shown in Figure 1), and a pressurized air source 112 (e.g., an air pump). For example, shown in Figure 1 are a suction port / connector 137, a water jet (auxiliary) port / connector 139, a water port / connector 141, and an air port / connector 143. The control handle 106 is held by the operator during the procedure and controls the endoscope 100 via the control wheel 120, in addition to valves including the suction valve 114, the air / water valve 116, and the biopsy valve 118 in this example.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the endoscope 100 includes internal channels used to deliver air and / or water, provide suction, and / or allow access to forceps and other medical devices required during the procedure. Thus, the distal end 102 includes a camera lens (not shown in Figure 1), and outlets for illumination, air, and water, as well as outlets for suction and forceps. Some of the internal channels run from one end of the endoscope 100 (e.g., the connector end 104) to the other end (e.g., the distal end 102), while other internal channels run through a valve socket in the control handle 106. Some channels branch, while others merge from two to one.

[0020] More specifically, Figure 1 shows the biopsy / suction channel or lumen 122, the air channel or lumen 124, the water channel or lumen 126, and the water jet channel or lumen 128. The biopsy / suction channel 122 includes two sections, which are called the proximal section / region 122A (e.g., the proximal end) and the distal region / section 122B (e.g., the distal end), and are connected via a suction valve 114. The air channel 124 also includes two sections, which are called the proximal section / region 124A (e.g., the proximal end) and the distal region / section 124B (e.g., the distal end), and are connected via an air / water valve 116. Similarly, the water channel 126 also includes two sections, which are called the proximal section / region 126A (e.g., the proximal end) and the distal region / section 126B (e.g., the distal end), and are connected via an air / water valve 116. Therefore, the suction valve 114 functions as an intermediate section or region for the biopsy / suction channel 122, while the air / water valve 116 functions as an intermediate section or region for the air channel 124 and the water channel 126. The distal section 126B of the water channel 126 joins the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 at position 130 (e.g., the joint) within the distal end 102. The water jet channel 128 extends directly from the connector end 104 to the distal end 102 (via the control handle 106), but is similarly referred to as having a proximal section / region 128A and a distal section / region 128B. For example, the intermediate section or region of the water jet channel 128 is located on the control handle 106 but is fluidically separated from the suction valve 114 and the air / water valve 116.

[0021] The proximal sections 122A, 124A, 126A, and 128A of the channel may be referred to as those located within the universal code section (code) 132 of the endoscope 100, while the distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B, and 128B of the channel may be referred to as those located within the insertion tube 134 of the endoscope 100. More generally, as used herein, the proximal sections 122A, 124A, 126A, and 128A are, where applicable, portions of the channel located between the connector end 104 and the valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116) at the midpoint of the control handle 106 and / or the control handle 106. The distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B, and 128B are portions of the channel located between the valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116) in the control handle 106 and / or the midpoint of the control handle 106 and the distal end 102 of the endoscope 100.

[0022] The purchase and / or manufacture of endoscopes can be expensive or otherwise difficult to carry out. For this reason, reusing endoscopes is desirable and beneficial; that is, a single endoscope can be used to perform different medical procedures, such as on different patients. To avoid cross-infection from one patient to the next, each endoscope should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or sterilized after each use. This involves cleaning and disinfecting not only the outside of the endoscope 100 but also the internal channels / lumens (e.g., lumens 122, 124, 126, and 128 in Figure 1). In fact, if an endoscope is not properly cleaned and dried, a biofilm can accumulate on the lumen wall. Biofilms begin to form when free-floating microorganisms themselves adhere to the surface and are surrounded by a protective polysaccharide layer. The microorganisms then begin to grow with other microorganisms or form aggregates, increasing the extent of the polysaccharide layer. Multiple attachment sites may eventually merge, forming large deposits of biofilm. Once bacteria or other microorganisms are incorporated into a biofilm, they become significantly more resistant to cleaning than they were in a free-floating state. The organisms themselves are not inherently more resistant. Rather, the polysaccharide film provides resistance, and in fact, the microorganisms can become deeply embedded in the film and isolated from any chemical interactions. Any residual biofilm remaining after attempting to wash quickly returns to equilibrium, and further growth of microorganisms within the film continues.

[0023] Endoscopic lumen channels are particularly susceptible to biofilm formation. Lumen channels are exposed to a considerable amount of biological contamination, and subsequent cleaning of long, narrow lumen channels is extremely difficult due to their inaccessibility and the inability to monitor the cleaning process. Indeed, ensuring that such long, narrow channels are properly cleaned and disinfected between patients presents a significant challenge. As an example, endoscopes used in colonoscopy procedures are typically 2.5–4 meters long and have one or more lumen channels with a diameter of a few millimeters or less. The relatively small opening size of the lumen channel, and its relatively long extension, can limit access to and exposure of certain portions of the lumen channel for cleaning. The cleaning challenge is also exacerbated by the fact that there is more than one configuration / type of endoscope. For example, there are various endoscopic devices, each suited to a specific insertion application, such as colonoscopes inserted into the colon, bronchoscopes inserted into the airway, and gastroscopes for examining the stomach, each potentially having lumen sizes different. For example, a gastroscopy includes a luminal channel smaller in diameter than that of a colonoscopy, a bronchoscope includes an even smaller and shorter luminal channel, while a duodenoscope includes a luminal channel with a different tip design for accessing the bile duct. Due to the different dimensions of the luminal channels for different endoscopes, applying common cleaning techniques may not yield the same cleaning effect or efficiency.

[0024] Further complicating the cleaning process is the fact that channels within a single endoscope may have openings of different sizes / different internal dimensions, sometimes referred to herein as “composite lumens.” For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of a composite fluid path resulting from the variable internal dimensions of a lumen channel, referring to endoscope 100 of Figure 1, and more specifically, to the air channel 124 and water channel 126 of endoscope 100. The air channel 124 and water channel 126 are sometimes referred to collectively as the “air / water channel” of endoscope 100. However, for the sake of ease of description, the air channel 124 and water channel 126 are described and referred to separately herein. International Patent Application PCT / AU2022 / 05056 (published as International Patent Publication 2022 / 256871A1) describes a technique for cleaning composite lumens. The contents of International Patent Application PCT / AU2022 / 05056 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, but in particular relate to paragraphs

[0026] ,

[0027] ,

[0142] -

[0163] of International Patent Publication 2022 / 256871A1, as well as to disclosures of cleaning problems caused by different lumen diameters, including Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13.

[0025] Specific references to air and water channels in endoscopes in other embodiments presented herein (e.g., air channel 124 and water channel 126 in Figure 2) are illustrative only, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to use in these specific lumens or to use in endoscopes in general. Therefore, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can be used to clean different composite lumen channels in different devices / instruments used in any of a number of different applications.

[0026] Figure 2 shows schematic diagrams of the air channel 124 and the water channel 126. As described above, the air channel 124 includes two sections, referred to as the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B, connected via the air / water valve 116, while the water channel 126 similarly includes two sections, referred to as the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B, also connected via the air / water valve 116. For example, the endoscope 100 includes an air / water cylinder 200 configured to receive the air / water valve 116, and the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 extend to the air / water cylinder 200. Specifically, the proximal sections 124A and 126A extend upstream of the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., from the connector end 104), while the distal sections 124B and 126B extend downstream of the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., to the distal end 102). The air / water cylinder 200 defines a fluid chamber 202 that fluidly couples the proximal sections 124A and 124B with each other, and the proximal sections 126A and 126B with each other. Thus, the air / water cylinder 200 is positioned between the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B, and between the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B, and is therefore an intermediate section for the air channel 124 and the water channel 126.

[0027] The distal section 126B of the water channel 126 is joined to the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 at position 130 within the distal end 102 of the endoscope 100. Position 130 is the location / point where the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 and the distal section 126B of the water channel merge to form a confluence outlet channel 150. As previously mentioned, the proximal sections 124A and 126A of channels 124 and 126 may be referred to as being located within the universal code section (code) 132 of the endoscope 100, while the distal sections 124B and 126B of channels 124 and 126 may be referred to as being located within the insertion tube 134 of the endoscope 100. For simplicity of illustration, the biopsy / aspiration channel 122 and the water jet channel 128 are omitted from Figure 2.

[0028] Each of the proximal sections 124A of the air channel 124 and 126A of the water channel 126 has a relatively larger internal dimension (ID) (e.g., inner diameter), while each of the distal sections 124B of the air channel 124 and 126B of the water channel 126 has a relatively smaller ID. In other words, each of the air channel 124 and water channel 126 is larger upstream of the air / water cylinder 200 and relatively smaller downstream of the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., the lumen after the air / water cylinder 200 is narrower). For example, the ID of the proximal section 124A is approximately 2.0 mm, the ID of the proximal section 126A is approximately 2.4 mm, and the IDs of the distal sections 124B and 126B are approximately 1.4 mm. Additionally, the ID of the confluence outlet channel 150 is, for example, 1.0 mm. Each of the proximal section 124A, distal section 124B, proximal section 126A, and distal section 126B extends to approximately the same length, such as about 1.5 meters (m), while the confluence outlet channel 150 extends to a length of about 0.185 m.

[0029] The variable internal dimensions of the air channel 124 and water channel 126 can create problems for cleaning these lumens with a cleaning fluid delivered from the connector end 104 of the endoscope 100. For example, the cleaning fluid is directed through channels 124 and 126 to remove dirt / microbial loads (e.g., biofilm). In certain examples, the cleaning fluid may contain a liquid-powder mixture with solid particles that can physically interact with (e.g., flow while touching or hitting) the walls of the lumens, thereby detaching the dirt / biological deposits from the walls of channels 124 and 126 (e.g., the liquid-powder mixture facilitates the cleaning interaction with the channel walls). However, the size of channels 124 and 126 can affect how the cleaning fluid flows through them and the cleaning effect provided by the cleaning fluid. For example, a cleaning slag having attributes (e.g., size, velocity, fluid-solid composition, etc.) suitable for cleaning the larger proximal sections 124A and 126A of the air channel 124 and water channel 126, respectively, may clog the corresponding narrower distal sections 124B and 126B. However, a cleaning slag configured not to clog the distal sections 124B and 126B of the air channel 124 and water channel 126, respectively, may not be able to effectively clean the proximal sections 124A and 126A of the air channel 124 and water channel 126, respectively (e.g., the cleaning slag may pass through without sufficiently interacting with the wall and providing sufficient cleaning action). For this reason, it can be difficult to use a cleaning fluid that provides desirable cleaning for lumen channels of different sizes, including the lumen channels of the same endoscope.

[0030] The object of the technologies presented herein is to overcome or improve upon such difficulties associated with cleaning endoscopic lumens, or to provide useful alternatives. In particular, as will be described in more detail below, the technologies presented herein include systems and methods for cleaning medical devices such as endoscopes having internal lumens (e.g., channels, ports / cylinders, etc.). For example, certain embodiments presented herein relate to establishing one or more homogeneous channels within an endoscope for directing a cleaning fluid delivered from a cleaning system through homogeneous channels. As described above, a homogeneous channel is a continuous fluid path formed by one or more lumens having substantially similar properties such that a substantially constant cleaning fluid flow (e.g., a cleaning fluid flow having substantially uniform / consistent fluid properties throughout the fluid path) provides relatively similar interactions with the walls of one or more lumens throughout the continuous fluid path. That is, a cleaning fluid flow having a particular set of fluid properties can effectively clean the entire homogeneous channel.

[0031] In some embodiments, a homogeneous flow path is established by directing a cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder and then directly into one or more lumens. The flow of the cleaning fluid into each of the one or more lumens can be configured to be more suitable for cleaning the lumen to which the flow of the cleaning fluid is directed (e.g., size, velocity, fluid solid composition, etc.). Thus, the techniques described herein can improve the cleaning of lumens via the cleaning fluid compared, for example, to directing the flow of the cleaning fluid into a channel that is not suitable for the configuration of the cleaning fluid flow.

[0032] According to certain embodiments, a method is provided for cleaning the internal lumen of a medical device. This method includes introducing a flow of cleaning fluid into the medical device (e.g., an endoscope) in an intermediate section of the internal lumen, and discharging the flow through the proximal and / or distal ends of the lumen. This may also be referred to as a “central injection” or “central injection approach” for cleaning the lumen. In particular, while conventional practice suggests flushing the lumen from the relatively clean end to the relatively dirtier end, it has now been found that implementing the cleaning flow via a central injection approach can overcome any perceived harmfulness of (partially) flushing the lumen in the opposite direction to the conventional approach. For example, the delivery of a “slug” of cleaning agent, the reduction of pressure drop caused by central injection, and the regulated cleaning fluid can all provide improved cleaning effectiveness that outweighs concerns regarding flashing in the opposite direction to the conventional approach. In some embodiments, a subsequent decontamination cycle may also be implemented (e.g., a disinfection cycle implemented by an endoscope reprocessing device may be performed following a gross channel cleaning implementing a central injection approach).

[0033] .

[0034] In some embodiments, homogeneous flow channels are established, and the cleaning fluid is delivered to them via intermediate sections. For example, in a particular implementation of the central input approach, the cleaning fluid flow is introduced in an intermediate section, and the cleaning fluid is discharged from either the proximal or distal end of the lumen, with no change in lumen dimensions within the flow channel. As a result, in such examples, the cleaning fluid can be specifically configured based on the attributes of the homogeneous flow channel (e.g., based on the internal dimensions, length, etc., of the proximal portion of the lumen, or based on the internal dimensions, length, etc., of the distal section of the lumen) to provide effective cleaning. However, as mentioned above and further described below, the central input approach can be used without a homogeneous flow channel in certain cases.

[0035] Another method for cleaning the internal lumen of an endoscope is also provided. The method includes introducing a cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder of the endoscope through a first upstream channel of a first lumen of the endoscope, and directing the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder to a second upstream channel of a second lumen of the endoscope (for example, a homogeneous flow path is formed by the first upstream channel of the first lumen of the endoscope and the second upstream channel of the second lumen of the endoscope). For example, the upstream channels of the lumen may have similar dimensions to each other (e.g., opening size), while the upstream channels of the lumen may have different dimensions to the downstream channels of the lumen (e.g., relatively larger opening size). Thus, a constant cleaning fluid flow may be preferred to be directed through each of the upstream channels (e.g., based on the cross-sectional size of the flow path) rather than through any of the downstream channels. Thus, sequentially directing the cleaning fluid flow through the upstream channels allows each of the upstream channels to be effectively cleaned and the cleaning fluid to be utilized efficiently (e.g., compared to controlling and directing multiple separate flows of cleaning fluid through each channel).

[0036] As described above with respect to a particular embodiment, each flow of the cleaning fluid is directed through a homogeneous flow path. For example, in the first embodiment, the flow is directed through a single channel section (e.g., one of proximal section 124A, distal section 124B, proximal section 126A, or distal section 126B), each having substantially variable internal dimensions over the whole. In the second embodiment, the flow is directed through different but corresponding channel sections (e.g., proximal section 124A and proximal section 126A). In this way, each flow can have attributes suitable for effectively cleaning the entire channel section(s) through which the flow is directed, without having to adjust the flow attributes during its movement within the endoscope 100, for example, to accommodate unchanging internal dimensions.

[0037] As described above, certain aspects of the technology presented herein relate to connector devices (connectors) for fluidly coupling a fluid source, such as a fluid cleaning system, to the air / water cylinder of an endoscope. In certain examples, as described below, the connectors presented herein are configured to separate different lumens of an endoscope from one another (e.g., fluidically isolating lumens of different sizes from one another). In certain examples, the connectors presented herein can form two or more fluidly isolated chambers within the air / water cylinder of an endoscope. 1. In one embodiment, the connectors presented herein may be referred to as a two-way connector that forms two separate fluid chambers within the air / water cylinder of an endoscope. In another embodiment, the connectors presented herein may be referred to as a four-way connector that forms four separate fluid chambers within the air / water cylinder of an endoscope.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an endoscope 100 being cleaned via a cleaning fluid (e.g., a liquid-powder mixture) introduced through an exemplary connector (e.g., a four-way connector) for an air / water cylinder, according to a particular embodiment presented herein. The illustrated embodiment depicts separate flows of cleaning fluid directed to different channel sections of the endoscope 100. For example, a fluid source 250 (representing one or more fluid sources, such as a lumen cleaning system) outputs the cleaning fluid. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid is output in the form of a "cleaning slag". Each flow of cleaning fluid is directed to an air / water cylinder 200, and then, through one of the channel sections, each forms a separate homogeneous flow path. A first flow 252 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 124A of the air channel 124 via a first channel port 254 (e.g., an inlet port for the air channel); a second flow 256 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A of the water channel 126 via a second channel port 258 (e.g., an inlet port for the water channel); a third flow 260 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the distal section 126B of the water channel 126 via a third channel port 262 (e.g., an outlet port for the air channel); and a fourth flow 264 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 via a fourth channel port 266 (e.g., an outlet port for the water channel). The flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 are fluidically separated from each other within the air / water cylinder 200 and the channel sections. In this way, separate flows of cleaning fluid are directed through the channel sections, cleaning each channel section separately.

[0039] For this reason, the cleaning fluid can be more effective and / or preferred to clean each channel section to which the flow of the cleaning fluid is directed. That is, each of flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 is configured in a different way to provide cleaning to its particular / related channel. As an example of how slag is implemented, the IDs of the proximal sections 124A and 126A are relatively larger than the IDs of the distal sections 124B and 126B. Therefore, the first flow 252 directed through the proximal section 124A and the second flow 256 directed through the second channel port 258 can utilize the larger slag to increase slag (e.g., through physical interaction with the lumen wall) and provide a sufficient flow velocity appropriate for the ID size of the proximal sections 124A and 126A. On the other hand, the flow of the first flow 252 and / or the second flow 256 with larger slag may clog when directed through the distal sections 124B and / or 126B, which have smaller IDs. Additionally, since the IDs of distal section 124B and / or distal section 126B are relatively smaller than those of proximal section 124A and proximal section 126A, the third flow 260 and fourth flow 264 may have smaller slugs, allowing the third flow 260 and fourth flow 264 to be directed through and provide sufficient cleaning to distal section 124B and / or distal section 126B, respectively. Otherwise, the smaller slugs in the third flow 260 and fourth flow 264 may not provide effective cleaning to proximal section 124A and proximal section 126A, which have larger IDs (for example, the smaller slugs may not interact sufficiently with the relatively larger inner surfaces of proximal sections 124A and 126A). Individual washing of channel sections provided by flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 can increase biofilm removal compared to sequentially directing a flow of washing fluid having the same solid composition and other attributes from proximal sections 124A and 126A to distal sections 124B and 126B, for example.Furthermore, flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 can easily flow into and through each channel section of the endoscope 100 without the need to change (e.g., dilute) the composition of any of the flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 within the endoscope 100 (e.g., while flowing through the channels).

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 is introduced into the fluid chamber 202 of the air / water cylinder 200 via an air / water cylinder port 268 (e.g., a valve port) fluid-coupled to the air / water cylinder 200. The air / water cylinder port 268 is configured to receive an air / water valve 116 during medical operations. However, during cleaning operations of the endoscope 100, the air / water valve 116 is removed from the air / water cylinder port 268 to allow access to the air / water cylinder 200 for directing a cleaning solution into it. Directing each of the flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 into the air / water cylinder 200 via the air / water cylinder port 268 increases the ease of cleaning the endoscope 100. For example, existing features of the endoscope 100 are utilized to avoid the use and formation of separate and additional openings for directing the flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 into the air / water cylinder 200. Therefore, the ease of implementing the cleaning operation for the endoscope 100 is improved so that the endoscope 100 can be easily cleaned.

[0041] Furthermore, by directing each flow 252, 256, 260, and 264 to one of the channel sections, the travel distance for each flow 252, 256, 260, and 264 can be reduced (compared to, for example, sequentially directing the flow through multiple channel sections). For this reason, flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 can be directed more efficiently. As an example, pressure losses (e.g., friction losses) associated with the flow through the channel sections are reduced. Thus, each flow 252, 256, 260, and 264 can be directed to the air / water cylinder 200 at reduced speed and / or reduced pressure, allowing it to flow and clean sufficiently through each of the channel sections. As a result, the power consumption associated with directing (e.g., pumping) the flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 is reduced, thereby reducing the costs associated with cleaning the endoscope 100. Furthermore, each flow 252, 256, 260, and 264 can be directed to its respective channel section simultaneously or in parallel. Thus, each channel section of the endoscope 100 can be cleaned simultaneously with the cleaning fluid, allowing the endoscope 100 to be cleaned more quickly (compared to sequentially directing the flow of cleaning fluid through multiple channel sections, for example).

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the endoscope 100 coupled to a connector 300 (e.g., a port connector) configured to direct flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 to each channel section of the endoscope 100. In the example in Figure 4, the connector 300 operates to establish four separate homogeneous flow channels, one for each channel section of the endoscope 100. More specifically, the connector 300 includes a body 302 that extends into the fluid chamber 202 and is configured to provide a plurality of fluidly separated volumes or auxiliary chambers within the fluid chamber 202 to direct flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 to each channel section.

[0043] For example, the extension of the main body 302 into the fluid chamber 202 provides a first volume or auxiliary chamber 304 fluid-coupled to the proximal section 124A (e.g., via a first channel port 254) to direct a first flow 252, a second volume or auxiliary chamber 306 fluid-coupled to the proximal section 126A (e.g., via a second channel port 258) to direct a second flow 256, a third volume or auxiliary chamber 308 fluid-coupled to the distal section 126B (e.g., via a third channel port 262) to direct a third flow 260, and a fourth volume or auxiliary chamber 310 fluid-coupled to the distal section 124B (e.g., via a fourth channel port 266) to direct a fourth flow 264. Therefore, the first volume 304 and proximal section 124A provide a flow path for the first flow 252, the second volume 306 and proximal section 126A provide a flow path for the second flow 256, the third volume 308 and distal section 126B provide a flow path for the third flow 260, and the fourth volume 310 and distal section 124B provide a flow path for the fourth flow 264. In this example, each of the homogeneous flow paths established through the connector 300 includes a relatively uniform cross-sectional profile (for example, the flow path for the first flow 252 includes the cross-sectional profile of proximal section 124A, the flow path for the second flow 256 includes the cross-sectional profile of proximal section 126A, the flow path for the third flow 260 includes the cross-sectional profile of distal section 126B, and the flow path for the fourth flow 264 includes the cross-sectional profile of distal section 124B). Therefore, the connector 300 defines and isolates a flow path having a relatively uniform cross-sectional profile for passing and directing flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 through its interior.

[0044] The connector 300 also includes a head 312 extending outside the fluid chamber 202. For example, the head 312 includes a base 314 configured to abut against the air / water cylinder 200 in order to secure the connector 300 to the air / water cylinder 200. The head 312 also includes connector ports 316 configured to receive flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 respectively, to direct them into the air / water cylinder 200. For example, each connector port 316 is fluid-coupled to one of the volumes 304, 306, 308, and 310 to direct flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 into the corresponding channel section. The connector ports 316 are fluid-coupled to a fluid source 250 to allow the connector 300 to receive a cleaning fluid.

[0045] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a cleaning fluid being introduced into the endoscope 100 via an air / water cylinder 200 for cleaning channels 124 and 126, respectively. In additional or alternative embodiments, the cleaning fluid may be introduced into the endoscope 100 from different points for cleaning channels 124 and 126, and then discharged from the endoscope 100 via the air / water cylinder 200. For example, a first flow 252 may be introduced into the endoscope 100 at the end of the proximal section 124A and directed to the air / water cylinder 200, and / or a second flow 256 may be introduced into the endoscope 100 at the end of the proximal section 126A and directed to the air / water cylinder 200. That is, the cleaning fluid may be directed to the ends of the air channel 124 and / or the water channel 126, and discharged in the middle sections of the air channel 124 and / or the water channel 126. Therefore, the air / water cylinder 200 can be used as either an inlet or an outlet for cleaning the endoscope 100.

[0046] Figure 5 is a side perspective view illustrating connector 300. The body 302 of connector 300 includes features that, when the body 302 is inserted into the fluid chamber 202, provide volumes 304, 306, 308, and 310. For example, the body 302 includes a first groove 350. The extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 positions the first groove 350 within the fluid chamber 202 and causes the body 302 to abut against the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 so that the first groove 350 and the body 302 cooperate to establish a second volume 306 and fluidly isolate it. The body 302 also includes a first opening 352 fluid-coupled to the first groove 350, which directs a second flow 256 through the second volume 306 established through the first groove 350.

[0047] As shown in the figure, the body 302 further includes a second groove 354, and the extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the second groove 354 with the distal section 124B, causing the body 302 to abut against the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the second groove 354 and the body 302 cooperate to establish a fourth volume 310 and fluidly isolate it. The body 302 includes a second opening 356 fluidly coupled to the second groove 354, directing a fourth flow 264 through the fourth volume 310 established via the second groove 354. Furthermore, the body 302 includes a third groove 358, and the extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the third groove 358 with the distal section 126B, causing the body 302 to abut against the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 so that the third groove 358 and the body 302 cooperate to establish a third volume 308 and fluidly isolate it. The body 302 includes a third opening (not shown) fluidly coupled to the third groove 358, which directs the third flow 260 through the third volume 308 established via the third groove 358. Similarly, the body 302 includes a fourth groove (not shown), and the extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the fourth groove with the proximal section 124A, and the body 302 abuts against the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the fourth groove and the body 302 cooperate to establish a first volume 304 and fluidly isolate it, and the body 302 includes a fourth opening (not shown) fluidly coupled to the fourth groove, and directs the first flow 252 through the first volume 304 established through the fourth groove.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 are offset from each other along the axis 360 (e.g., the longitudinal axis, the central axis). Such positioning of the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 relative to each other aligns the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 with the distal sections 124B and 126B, respectively, which are offset in a similar manner in the endoscope 100. The offset of the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 along the axis 360 can additionally help to fluidly isolate the second groove 354 and the third groove 358, so that the third volume 308 and the fourth volume 310 are established from each other by the second groove 354 and the third groove 358, respectively. Furthermore, the first groove 350 is angularly offset from each of the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 around the axis 360. For example, the first groove 350 is circumferentially offset from the second groove 354 and the third groove 358. Such positioning of the first groove 350 relative to the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 fluidly isolates the first groove 350 from the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 and positions the first groove 350 to fluidly communicate with the proximal section 126A, which is similarly angularly offset from the distal sections 124B and 126B within the endoscope 100. However, it should be noted that in additional or alternative embodiments, the first groove 350, the second groove 354, and / or the third groove 358 (and a fourth groove configured to establish the first volume 304) can be positioned in any preferred manner, such as being offset in different ways (e.g., along the axis 360, around the axis 360). The profile and arrangement of the body 302 can establish fluidly separated volumes 304, 306, 308, 310 (e.g., by aligning different grooves with the channel sections) to direct the flows 252, 256, 260, 264, based on the positioning of the channel sections of the endoscope 100 relative to each other.

[0049] The base 314 of the head 312 of the illustrated connector 300 includes a proximal portion 362 on which the connector port 316 extends (for example, along the axis 360, in the opposite direction to where the body 302 extends). Additionally, the base 314 includes a distal portion 364 that extends at least partially over the body 302. Thus, the distal portion 364 and the body 302 collaboratively define the receptacle 366 extending between them. Such arrangement of the base 314 and the body 302 facilitates the attachment of the connector 300 to the air / water cylinder 200. For example, the receptacle 366 is configured to receive a portion of the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., the edge), and the body 302 and the base 314 collaboratively capture the portion of the air / water cylinder 200. As a result, the movement of the connector 300 relative to the air / water cylinder 200 is restricted to fix the connector 300 to the air / water cylinder 200 in order to facilitate cleaning of the endoscope 100 (for example, by maintaining the flow path for flows 252, 256, 260, 264).

[0050] Figure 6 is a top view of a connector 300 illustrating the positioning of the connector ports 316 in the head 312. Each of the connector ports 316 is configured to receive one of each of the flows 252, 256, 260, and 264. For example, the first connector port 316A is configured to receive the first flow 252, the second connector port 316B is configured to receive the second flow 256, the third connector port 316C is configured to receive the third flow 260, and the fourth connector port 316D is configured to receive the fourth flow 264. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector ports 316 are angularly (e.g., circumferentially) offset from each other and are evenly distributed around the axis 360. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the connector ports 316 can be positioned in any preferred manner (e.g., unevenly distributed around the axis 360, linearly distributed along a common axis). In either case, the connector port 316 is fluidly coupled to the channel section of the endoscope 100 via grooves 350, 354, 358 and openings 352, 356 to direct the flows 252, 256, 260, 264.

[0051] The illustrated connector 300 is configured to direct four separate flows 252, 256, 260, and 264 into the channel section of the endoscope 100, but additional or alternative connectors can be configured to direct flows of different amounts of cleaning fluid into the channel section of the endoscope 100. For example, a connector can provide two fluidically separated volumes or auxiliary chambers within the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., with a bidirectional connector). In one such example, the connector forms a first volume fluidly coupled to both proximal sections 124A and 126A, and a second volume fluidly coupled to both distal sections 124B and 126B. In another example, the connector forms a first volume fluidly coupled to proximal section 124A and distal section 124B, and a second volume fluidly coupled to proximal section 126A and distal section 126B. In each embodiment, the first and second volumes are fluidly separated from each other. As used herein, “fluidically separated” or “fluidically separated” means that two or more elements, such as a first volume and a second volume, are not directly fluidically connected so that a fluid can pass between them. These terms do not preclude the possibility that two or more elements are indirectly connected, such as through one or more lumens.

[0052] In an embodiment where a first volume is fluid-coupled to both proximal sections 124A and 126A and a second volume is fluid-coupled to both distal sections 124B and 126B, the connector fluidly separates the proximal sections 124A and 126A, which have a relatively larger ID, from the distal sections 124B and 126B, which have a relatively smaller ID. The connector can then direct a first flow to at least one of the proximal sections 124A and 126A via the first volume (e.g., using the first connector port) and a second flow to at least one of the distal sections 124B and 126B via the second volume (e.g., using the second connector port). Since the proximal sections 124A and 126A have approximately the same ID (e.g., a relatively larger ID), the first flow can be configured to provide effective cleaning to each of the proximal sections 124A and 126A. Similarly, since the distal sections 124B and 126B have nearly the same ID (e.g., a relatively smaller ID), the second flow can be configured to provide effective cleaning to each of the distal sections 124B and 126B. Thus, such a connector can effectively clean the channel sections of the endoscope 100 using two separate flows of cleaning fluid.

[0053] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another connector 400 configured to connect a fluid source (e.g., a lumen irrigation system) to the endoscope 100 (e.g., as an alternative to connector 300). For example, insertion of connector 400 into an air / water cylinder 200 provides multiple fluidically isolated chambers to direct the respective flows into the channel section of the endoscope 100. For this purpose, connector 400 includes a body 402 with a first groove 404, a second groove 406, and a third groove 408. Extending body 402 into the air / water cylinder 200 positions the first groove 404 within the fluid chamber 202 and brings body 402 into contact with the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the first groove 404 and body 402 cooperatively establish a second volume 306, which is fluidically isolated. The extension of the body 402 into the air / water cylinder 200 also aligns the second groove 406 with the distal section 124B, and brings the body 402 into contact with the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 so that the second groove 406 and the body 402 cooperate to establish a fourth volume 310 and fluidly isolate it. Furthermore, the extension of the body 402 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the third groove 408 with the distal section 126B, and brings the body 402 into contact with the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 so that the third groove 408 and the body 402 cooperate to establish a third volume 308 and fluidly isolate it. Furthermore, the extension of the body 402 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the fourth groove (not shown) with the proximal section 124A, and the body 302 abuts against the inner surface of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the fourth groove and the body 302 cooperate to establish the first volume 304 and fluidly isolate it.

[0054] The main body 402 also includes openings fluid-coupled to grooves 404, 406, and 408 to direct the respective flows of cleaning fluid into the channel section of the endoscope 100. For example, the first opening 410 is fluid-coupled to the first groove 404 to direct a first flow through a second volume 306 established via the first groove 404, and the second opening 412 is fluid-coupled to the second groove 406 to direct a second flow through a fourth volume 310 established via the second groove 406.

[0055] The connector 400 also includes a head 414 having a base 416 and a connector port 418 extending from the base 416. The connector port 418 is fluid-coupled to a fluid source 250 to receive each flow of cleaning fluid. The connector port 418 is also fluid-coupled to the channel sections of the endoscope 100 via grooves 404, 406, 408 and openings 410, 412 to direct each flow of cleaning fluid to the corresponding channel sections.

[0056] The base 416 includes a primary section 420 and a secondary section 422 for coupling the connector 400 to the endoscope 100 (e.g., control handle 106). The primary section 420 and the body 402 collaboratively define a primary receptacle 424 that helps to secure the connector 400 to the air / water cylinder 200. For example, the primary receptacle 424 is configured to receive a portion of the air / water cylinder 200, and the primary section 420 and the body 402 collaboratively capture the portion of the air / water cylinder 200 to restrict the movement of the connector 400 relative to the air / water cylinder 200. Furthermore, the secondary section 422 defines a secondary receptacle 426 that helps to orient the connector 400 in a desired manner. As an example, the secondary receptacle 426 is configured to receive a suction valve 114 and / or a portion of the endoscope 100 (e.g., a suction port, suction cylinder) to which the suction valve 114 is positioned. Positioning the connector 400 so that the base 416 captures the suction valve 114 and / or a portion of the endoscope 100 in which the suction valve 114 is positioned via the secondary receptacle 426, orients the body 402 relative to the air / water cylinder 200, establishing fluidly separated volumes 304, 306, 308, and 310.

[0057] For example, such positioning of the connector 400 involves rotating the main body 402 to align the second groove 406 with the distal section 124B, aligning the third groove 408 with the distal section 126B, and so on. Thus, in addition to facilitating the fixation of the connector 400 to the air / water cylinder 200, the secondary section 422 also maintains the desired orientation (e.g., rotational alignment) of the connector 400 relative to the air / water cylinder 200, thereby directing the respective flows into the channel sections of the endoscope 100.

[0058] In a particular embodiment, a secondary section 422 can be used to help provide additional cleaning of the endoscope 100. For example, the secondary section 422 (e.g., the opening of the secondary section 422) is fluid-coupled to an intermediate section of a control handle 106 where a fluid source 250 and a suction valve 114 are positioned. Thus, the secondary section 422 can direct cleaning fluid from the fluid source 250 to suction channels 122, such as a proximal section 122A and a distal section 122B, which are fluid-coupled to such an intermediate section. In an example, the secondary section 422 is configured to direct separate flows of cleaning fluid to the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B. For example, the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B may have different cross-sectional profiles (e.g., different size IDs), and the separate flows may have specific attributes for effectively cleaning one of the proximal section 122A or the distal section 122B. In such an example, the connector 400 may include additional bodies (e.g., having grooves) that establish fluidically separated volumes associated with the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B, as well as ports that direct fluid to such fluidically separated volumes.

[0059] Figure 8A is a front perspective view illustrating a connector 400 coupled to the control handle 106 of an endoscope 100. Certain features of the control handle 106, such as the control wheel 120, are not shown for visibility. The body 402 of the connector 400 is configured to extend into the fluid chamber 202 via an air / water cylinder port 268. Additionally, the connector 400 is oriented (e.g., rotated) to extend a secondary section 422 over a suction cylinder 450, which is configured to receive a suction valve 114 (e.g., via a suction port 452 fluid-coupled to the suction cylinder 450). Such orientation facilitates coupling the connector 400 to the control handle 106 (e.g., capture of the air / water cylinder 200 via a primary receptacle 424, capture of the suction cylinder 450 via a secondary receptacle 426).

[0060] Figure 8B is a front perspective view illustrating a connector 400 coupled to a control handle 106. For example, the body 402 is inserted into the fluid chamber 202, and the base 416 is positioned relative to the outer surface 500 of the control handle 106. Positioning the base 416 relative to the outer surface 500, the primary section 420 of the base 416 captures the air / water cylinder 200, and the secondary section 422 of the base 416 captures the suction cylinder 450, thereby securing the connector 400 to the control handle 106. Such securing of the connector 400 to the control handle 106 also maintains the orientation of the body 402 relative to the air / water cylinder 200, providing volumes 304, 306, 308, 310 for directing the flow of cleaning fluid into the respective channel sections.

[0061] In embodiments where the connector 400 is configured to direct cleaning fluid to the suction cylinder 450, the connector 400 may include an additional body configured to extend into the suction port 452. For example, the additional body establishes a fluidly separated volume within the suction port 452 (e.g., through the proximal section 122A and through the distal section 122B) to introduce a separate cleaning flow into the suction port 452.

[0062] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope 100 being cleaned via a cleaning fluid (e.g., a liquid-powder mixture) using a different fluid flow technique. As an example, the cleaning fluid is directed through the proximal section 126A of a water channel 126 and introduced into an air / water cylinder 200 via the proximal section 126A (e.g., via a second channel port 258), delivering the cleaning fluid to a fluid chamber 202. The cleaning fluid is then directed from the fluid chamber 202 (e.g., via a first channel port 254) to the proximal section 124A. Since the proximal sections 124A and 126A can have nearly the same ID (e.g., relatively similar cross-sectional profiles), such as having a relatively larger ID than those of the distal sections 124B and 126B, a homogeneous flow path is established in which the cleaning fluid is sequentially directed from the proximal section 126A to the air / water cylinder 200 and then to the proximal section 124A. In fact, the same flow of cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning slag having nearly the same solid composition) can effectively clean (e.g., physically interact with the walls) and flow through both proximal sections 124A and 126A. In certain examples, as the cleaning solution moves along a homogeneous channel, such as the homogeneous channel formed by proximal sections 126A and 124A in this example, some of the cleaning solution may leak into the auxiliary channel. Such leakage does not affect the operation of the cleaning solution for cleaning the lumen of the homogeneous channel.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the cleaning fluid flow can be selectively directed from the fluid chamber 202 to the proximal section 124A. For example, a valve 550 (e.g., a pinch valve) is mounted in the proximal section 124A, such as near the connector end 104. The valve 550 is configured to close the proximal section 124A, thereby reducing the flow of cleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A. As a result, the cleaning fluid in the fluid chamber 202 can flow through one or both of the distal sections 124B, 126B. For example, closing the valve 550 (e.g., completely closing it) increases the fluid resistance in the proximal section 124A more than the fluid resistance in the distal sections 124B, 126B (e.g., the fluid resistance established by the relatively smaller ID of the distal sections 124B, 126B). Therefore, the relatively lower fluid resistance associated with distal sections 124B and 126B pushes the cleaning fluid away, causing it to flow from the fluid chamber 202 to distal sections 124B and 126B instead of proximal section 124A. As a result, the distal sections 124B and 126B can be cleaned using the cleaning fluid by closing valve 550, establishing one or more auxiliary channels through which the cleaning fluid flows from proximal section 126A through distal sections 124B and 126B. On the other hand, opening valve 550 (e.g., fully opening) reduces the fluid resistance of proximal section 124A to below the fluid resistance of distal sections 124B and 126B. Then, the relatively lower fluid resistance associated with proximal section 124A pushes the cleaning fluid away, causing it to flow from the fluid chamber 202 to distal sections 124B and 126B instead of proximal section 124A. In other words, the operation of valve 550 can establish different flow paths and distribute cleaning fluid between the proximal section 124A and the distal sections 124B and 126B.

[0064] The illustrated proximal section 124A includes two flow sections (e.g., conduit ends). For example, the first flow section 552 is configured to be fluid-coupled to a pressurized air source 112 by connecting to an air port / connector 143 (e.g., an air pipe connector), and the second flow section 554 is configured to be fluid-coupled to a water source 110 (e.g., via an air / water bottle connector). The flow sections 552 and 554 are also fluid-coupled to a common flow section 556, and a valve 550 is used to regulate the flow of cleaning fluid through the common flow section 556. For example, opening the valve 550 to allow fluid flow through the proximal section 124A allows cleaning fluid to flow through each of the flow sections 552 and 554, while closing the valve 550 to block fluid flow through the proximal section 124A blocks the flow of cleaning fluid through the flow sections 552 and 554. As a result, the operation of valve 550 regulates the flow of cleaning fluid through each of the flow sections 552 and 554, which are fluid-coupled to a common flow section 556, and thus the operation of valve 550 regulates the overall flow of cleaning fluid from the fluid chamber 202 to the proximal section 124A.

[0065] In additional or alternative embodiments, the flow of cleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A is regulated using different techniques, such as positioning one or more valves at different locations along the proximal section 124A. For example, separate valves are attached to the respective flow sections 552, 554 to control separate flows of cleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A. In another example, the cleaning fluid can be directed from the proximal section 124A to the fluid chamber 202 and then to the proximal section 126A. In such embodiments, a valve is implemented in the proximal section 126A to distribute the cleaning fluid between the proximal section 126A and the distal sections 124B, 126B.

[0066] Furthermore, the cleaning fluid can be directed in different ways through the channel section via the fluid chamber 202 to clean the channel section. In one example, separate valves are installed in each of the proximal sections 124A and 126A to control the fluid flow through each of the proximal sections 124A and 126A. For example, each valve can be closed to block the flow of cleaning fluid to the proximal sections 124A and 126A (e.g., from the air / water cylinder 200) and instead allow the cleaning fluid to be directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to either of the distal sections 124B and 126B (e.g., introduced into the air / water cylinder 200 via the air / water cylinder port 268). In another example, a connector is inserted into the fluid chamber 202 and used to adjust the flow path of the cleaning fluid directed into the fluid chamber 202.

[0067] For example, the connector can be adjusted between different configurations to allow the flow of cleaning fluid from the proximal section 126A to the fluid chamber 202 and then to the proximal section 124A in a first configuration, and to allow the flow of cleaning fluid from the proximal section 126A to the fluid chamber 202 and then to the distal sections 124B and 126B in a second configuration. Thus, the flow of cleaning fluid can be distributed through the connector without the use of separate valves.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the valve 550 is automatically controlled as part of a lumen flushing system. For this purpose, the lumen flushing system includes a control system 558 communicatively coupled to the valve 550. The control system 558 is configured to operate the valve 550 to open and close the valve 550. The control system includes a memory 560 and a processor 562 (e.g., processing circuitry). The memory 560 (e.g., magnetic hard disk drive, solid-state hard drive, semiconductor memory device, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) includes any suitable memory, such as volatile or non-volatile memory, configured to store data / information such as software or logic. For example, the memory 560 includes a temporary or non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by the processor 562. The processor 562 (e.g., microprocessor, digital signal processor, baseband signal processor) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 560 to perform various operations, such as operating the valve 550. As an example, valve 550 is a pinch valve configured to act (e.g., close) upon receiving a hydraulic fluid flow. Therefore, the control system 558 is configured to control the hydraulic fluid flow to valve 550 to regulate the opening and closing of valve 550. As another example, valve 550 is a solenoid valve configured to act (e.g., close) upon receiving a control signal. Therefore, the control system 558 is configured to output a control signal to actuate valve 550 and regulate the flow of cleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the control fluid 558 is configured to adjust the valve 550 at a specific frequency. For example, the control system 558 is configured to repeatedly close the valve 550 at a specific speed and / or for a specific time of operation in order to pulse-drive the valve 550 to open and close. As a result, the cleaning fluid can alternately switch between flowing from the fluid chamber 202 to the proximal section 124A and flowing from the fluid chamber 202 to the distal sections 124B, 126B. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 558 is configured to adjust the valve 550 based on user input. For example, a user (e.g., technician, operator) is configured to provide user input, and the control system 558 is configured to close the valve 550 in response to receiving the user input. In further embodiments, the control system 558 is configured to adjust the valve 550 in a different way, for example, based on a sensed parameter (e.g., the flow rate of cleaning fluid through any of the channel sections of the endoscope 100). In any of these embodiments, the control system 558 is configured to regulate the flow of cleaning fluid through the endoscope 100. In additional or alternative embodiments, the valve 550 can be adjusted manually, for example, by force applied by the user.

[0070] Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating alternative embodiments for using multiple valves to control fluid flow through the endoscope 100. As described below, the multiple valves can be used in conjunction with a central injection approach for flushing different channel sections / lumens of the endoscope 100.

[0071] More specifically, Figure 10A shows an embodiment in which individual (homogeneous) flow paths are created from the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., the fluid chamber 202 of the air / water cylinder 200) through different channel sections, and Figures 10B and 10C illustrate alternative embodiments for cleaning the endoscope 100 without individual (homogeneous) flow paths. However, generally speaking, in the various embodiments of Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C, the cleaning fluid is introduced into the endoscope 100 in the air / water cylinder 200 via a connector (e.g., a central input approach), and one or more valves are controlled (e.g., opened and closed) to selectively direct the flow of the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder 200 to one or more channel sections.

[0072] Referring first to Figure 10A, a connector 1086 is shown, which is located within the fluid chamber 202 of the endoscope 100 and separates the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 from each other within the fluid chamber 202. In other words, the connector 1086 divides the fluid chamber 202 into a first portion (upper) 1098 and a second portion 1099 (lower). The first portion 1098 of the fluid chamber 202 defines a first flow path through the fluid chamber 202 between the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B, and the second portion 1099 defines a second flow path through the fluid chamber 202 between the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B. The connector 1086 is configured to isolate the first and second flow paths from each other within the fluid chamber 202 (i.e., the first portion 1098 of the fluid chamber 202 is fluidically separated from the second portion 1099).

[0073] As shown in the figure, the endoscope 100 is connected to a cleaning system 1091 which includes a control system 558 (described above) and an outlet system 1080. The outlet system 1080 may comprise, for example, a discharge / discharge system, a recirculation port / system, or other elements configured to receive the flow of cleaning fluid exiting the endoscope 100. In this example, the various channels of the endoscope 100 connected to the air / water cylinder 200, including the proximal section 124A of the air channel, the distal section 124B of the air channel, the proximal section 126A of the water channel, and the distal section 126B of the water channel, are each connected to the discharge system 1080 via one or more of a plurality of valves. The multiple valves include a first valve 1070 (connected between the proximal section 124A of the air channel and the outlet system 1080), a second valve 1072 (connected between the proximal section 124A of the air channel and the outlet system 1080), a valve 1070 (similarly connected between the proximal section 124A of the air channel and the outlet system 1080), a third valve 1074 (connected between the proximal section 126A of the water channel and the outlet system 1080), and a fourth valve 1076 (connected between the outlet system 1080 and both the distal section 126B and the distal section 124B).

[0074] As described below, in certain examples, multiple valves can be controlled to adjust the flow of cleaning fluid through the endoscope 100 (for example, a control system 558 is communicatively coupled to the valves and is therefore configured to adjust the valves (e.g., using pulsed techniques) to achieve cleaning of a subset of the channel sections of the endoscope 100. As an example, valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 are configured to adjust fluid resistance, which changes how the fluid flow is pushed through the endoscope 100, by physically closing (e.g., pinching, compressing) the relevant channel sections or otherwise adjusting the opening size within the channel sections. In certain embodiments, valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 are located outside the endoscope 100, such as in an outlet system 1080 or a single connection line between the endoscope 100 and the outlet system 1080.

[0075] According to embodiments presented herein, valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 can be selectively opened and closed to adjust how the cleaning fluid flows through various channel sections after the delivery of one or more cleaning fluid flows to the air / water cylinder 200 via connector 1086. That is, through appropriate control of the multiple valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076, the cleaning fluid can be made to flow through various channel sections in a number of different ways and / or directions. Below are some exemplary flow patterns / sequences for cleaning the endoscope 100 using the cleaning fluid flow delivered to the air / water cylinder 200 of the endoscope 100 using the multiple valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076. It should be understood that these particular flow sequences are merely illustrative, and other flow sequences are also possible, as described above.

[0076] For example, in a particular configuration, valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 can be adjusted to direct the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder 200 through multiple channel sections in a sequential manner. For example, valves 1074 and 1076 are closed to block the fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A and through the confluence outlet channel 150 of the endoscope 100, respectively. However, the first valve 1070 and / or the second valve 1072 remain open to allow fluid flow through the proximal section 124A. While valves 1074 and 1076 are closed, directing the cleaning fluid through the second portion 1099 of the connector 1086 forces the cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the distal section 126B in a fourth flow direction 1088 (instead of through the proximal section 126A in a third direction 1084). After flowing through distal section 126B, the cleaning fluid is deprived of flow to the confluence outlet channel 150 and is therefore forced to transition from distal section 126B to distal section 124B at position 130. The cleaning fluid then flows through distal section 124B in a fifth flow direction 1090 opposite to the second flow direction 1082 and flows to proximal section 124A via the first portion 1098 of connector 1086 in fluid chamber 202. Thus, using connector 1086 and valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076, distal sections 124B, 126B, and proximal section 124A can be cleaned in a sequential manner using the same cleaning fluid flow to force fluid flow through each of distal sections 124B, 126B (for example, even if one of distal sections 124B, 126B is initially blocked by debris).

[0077] As another example, valves 1070, 1072, and 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the proximal section 124A and the confluence outlet channel 150, respectively. However, a third valve 1074 remains open to allow fluid flow through the proximal section 126A. While valves 1070, 1072, and 1076 are closed, directing the cleaning fluid through the first portion 1098 of connector 1086 forces the cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the distal section 124B in a second flow direction 1082 (instead of through the proximal section 124A in the first direction 1078). After flowing through the distal section 124B, the cleaning fluid is blocked from flow to the confluence outlet channel 150 and is therefore forced to transition from the distal section 124B to the distal section 126B at position 130. Next, the cleaning fluid flows through the distal section 126B in a sixth flow direction 1092 opposite to the fourth flow direction 1088, and through the second portion 1099 of the connector 1086 in the fluid chamber 202 to the proximal section 126A. In this way, the connector 1086 and valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 can be used to clean the distal sections 124B, 126B, and the proximal section 126A in a sequential manner using the same cleaning fluid flow to force a fluid flow through each of the distal sections 124B, 126B (for example, even if one of the distal sections 124B, 126B is initially blocked by debris).

[0078] Valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 can also be adjusted to change the way the cleaning fluid flows through the channel sections, even if the connector 1086 is not positioned within the air / water cylinder 200 (for example, to separate the air channel 124 from the water channel 126 within the air / water cylinder 200). As an example, while valves 1070, 1072, and 1074 are closed to block the fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal sections 124A and 126A, respectively, the fourth valve 1076 is open to allow the fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the confluence outlet channel 150, directing the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200, forcing the cleaning fluid to flow through the distal sections 124B and 126B in flow directions 1082 and 1088, respectively. As another example, while valves 1072, 1074, and 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A, the second fluid portion of the proximal section 124A, and the distal sections 124B and 126B, respectively, the first valve 1070 is open to allow fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the first fluid portion 1052 of the proximal section 124A, and directing the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 forces the cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the proximal section 124A in a first flow direction 1078 and through the first fluid portion 1052 of the proximal section 124A. As a further example, valves 1070, 1074, and 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the first portion 1098 of the proximal section 126A and the distal sections 124B and 126B, respectively, while a second valve 1072 is open to allow fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the second fluid portion 1054 of the proximal section 124A. Directing the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 forces the cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the proximal section 124A in the first flow direction 1078 and through the second fluid portion 1054 of the proximal section 124A.In yet another example, valves 1070, 1072, and 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 124A and distal sections 124B and 126B, while a third valve 1074 is open to allow fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A. Directing the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 forces the cleaning fluid to flow through the proximal section 126A in a third flow direction 1084 from the air / water cylinder 200.

[0079] As described above, the central injection approach in Figure 10A generally describes the delivery of fluid to the air / water cylinder 200 of the endoscope 100. It should be understood that similar techniques can be implemented, for example, with respect to the suction valve 114 of the endoscope 100. In such an example, a suitable connector can be provided to allow the chamber defined by the suction valve 114 to be branched into two hydrophilically separated chambers. When the lavage fluid is delivered to the first of these hydrophilically separated chambers, the lavage fluid flows to the proximal end of the biopsy / suction channel 122. When the lavage fluid is delivered to the second of these hydrophilically separated chambers, the lavage fluid flows to the distal end of the biopsy / suction channel 122.

[0080] In a particular example in Figure 10A, the upstream and downstream channel sections can have the same or different internal dimensions. For example, even if the internal dimensions are the same upstream and downstream, it may still be beneficial to establish two separate flow paths so that the system can be more careful about directing the flow upstream and downstream (for example, to ensure that each segment is properly cleaned).

[0081]

[0082] As described above, Figure 10A illustrates a general “continuous” method of lumen irrigation using different homogeneous flow paths. According to certain embodiments presented herein, valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 can be operated to irrigate the endoscope 100 in a less continuous (e.g., semi-parallel) manner (e.g., multiple lumens are irrigated in parallel / using a single irrigation fluid flow) without using homogeneous flow paths. Figures 10B and 10C illustrate such embodiments in which the relative fluid resistance of the channels, combined with a central injection approach, results in a substantially self-regulating irrigation process.

[0083] In the configuration shown in Figure 10B, all valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 are open, and the cleaning fluid is introduced into the second section 1099 of the fluid chamber 202. With all valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 open, the relative fluid resistance of the channels results in a substantially self-regulated flow (e.g., in terms of relative volume and relative velocity). As a result, larger channels are better suited to cleaning with larger and / or faster flows, while narrower and more sensitive channels are better suited to cleaning with smaller and / or slower flows. More specifically, in this example, the fluid resistance of the proximal section 126A is relatively lower than that of the distal section 126B. Therefore, a larger portion of the cleaning fluid is pushed into the proximal section 126A, and a relatively smaller portion of the cleaning fluid enters the distal section 126B (which has a relatively higher fluid resistance). The cleaning fluid pushed into the proximal section 126A exits through valve 1074, while the cleaning fluid entering the distal section 126B can be further divided at the joint 130, with one portion exiting through valve 1076 and the other through valves 1070 and / or 1072. Figure 10B shows arrows illustrating the flow of the cleaning fluid in this configuration. The size of the arrows generally represents the magnitude of the flow through a given lumen (for example, relatively large arrows illustrate relatively large flows, and relatively small arrows illustrate relatively small flows).

[0084] In the configuration shown in Figure 10C, all valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 are open, and the cleaning fluid is introduced into the first section 1099 of the fluid chamber 202. With all valves 1070, 1072, 1074, and 1076 open, the relative fluid resistance of the channels results in a substantially self-regulated flow (e.g., in terms of relative volume and relative velocity). As a result, larger channels are better suited to cleaning with larger and / or faster flows, while narrower and more sensitive channels are better suited to cleaning with smaller and / or slower flows. More specifically, in this example, the fluid resistance of the proximal section 124A is relatively lower than that of the distal section 124B. Therefore, a larger portion of the cleaning fluid is pushed into the proximal section 124A, and a relatively smaller portion of the cleaning fluid enters the distal section 124B (which has a relatively higher fluid resistance). The cleaning fluid pushed into the proximal section 124A exits through valves 1070 and / or 1072, while the cleaning fluid entering the distal section 124B can be further divided at the joint 130, with one portion exiting through valve 1076 and the other through valve 1074. Figure 10C shows arrows illustrating the flow of the cleaning fluid in this configuration. The size of the arrows generally represents the magnitude of the flow through a given lumen (for example, relatively large arrows illustrate relatively large flows, and relatively small arrows illustrate relatively small flows).

[0085] As can be understood, the flow regimes shown in Figures 10B and 10C can be implemented sequentially to ensure that each segment of the lumen system receives appropriate flushing. For example, the control system 558 can be programmed to implement the flow regimes in Figures 10B and 10C sequentially. Additionally, the techniques described with respect to Figure 10A can be additionally implemented wherever it is desired that a particular lumen segment requires further flushing.

[0086] The self-regulating central input approach described with reference to Figures 10B and 10C may have several different advantages over other techniques. For example, the technique may reduce the resistance of a particular lumen and / or increase the interaction between the flushing fluid flow and one or more lumens. Additionally, in a particular example, the resistance of a particular lumen was partially reduced due to the presence of multiple outputs.

[0087] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the endoscope 100 coupled to a connector 1186 (e.g., a port connector) configured to direct different flows of cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning slag having different compositions) to each channel section of the endoscope 100. The connector 1186 includes a body 1102 that extends into the fluid chamber 202 and is configured to provide a plurality of fluidly separated volumes or auxiliary chambers within the fluid chamber 202 for directing flow to each channel section (e.g., to establish separate homogeneous flow paths).

[0088] For example, the extension of the body 1102 into the fluid chamber 202 provides a first volume or auxiliary chamber 1104 fluidly coupled to the proximal sections 124A and 126A. Thus, the first flow 1106 can be directed through the proximal section 126A to the first volume 1104 and to the proximal section 124A, or vice versa. That is, the body 1102 allows the first flow 1106 to be sequentially directed between the proximal section 126A and the proximal section 124A via the first volume 1104. Additionally, the extension of the body 1102 into the fluid chamber 202 provides a second volume or auxiliary chamber 1108 and a third volume or auxiliary chamber 1110.

[0089] A second volume 1108 is fluid-coupled to the distal section 126B to direct a second flow 1112 through the distal section 126B, and a third volume 1110 is fluid-coupled to the distal section 124B to direct a third flow 1114 through the distal section 124B. For example, a connector 1186 includes a head 1116 that extends outside the fluid chamber 202 and includes a base 1118 and a connector port 1120, respectively, configured to direct the second flow 1112 and the third flow 1114 to the distal sections 124B and 126B. In this way, the connector 1186 achieves both directing a common first flow 1106 through each of the proximal sections 124A and 126A, and directing separate second flows 1112 and third flows 1114 through their respective distal sections 124B and 126B. Therefore, in this example, the connector 1186 defines and isolates different homogeneous flow paths having relatively uniform cross-sectional profiles for directing the flows 1106, 1112, and 1114 passing through it (for example, the flow path for the first flow 1106 includes the cross-sectional profiles of the proximal section 124A and proximal section 126A, the flow path for the second flow 1112 includes the cross-sectional profile of the distal section 126B, and the flow path for the third flow 1114 includes the cross-sectional profile of the distal section 124B).

[0090] In additional or alternative embodiments, the connector 1186 can direct the flow of the cleaning fluid in different ways. For example, the body 1102 of the connector 1186 can fluidly couple each of the distal sections 124B, 126B into a common volume, thereby directing the flow of the cleaning fluid sequentially through each of the distal sections 124B, 126B (e.g., from one of the connector ports 1120) and / or between the distal sections 124B, 126B. Furthermore, the body 1102 of the connector 1186 can be adjusted to modify the flow of the cleaning fluid in the fluid chamber 202 to coordinate the flow of cleaning fluid between the proximal sections 124A, 126A and the distal sections 124B, 126B.

[0091] Figures 12–14 and 15, discussed below, illustrate different methods for directing a cleaning fluid through a medical device (e.g., an endoscope 100) to clean different channel sections of the medical device. In some embodiments, each method can be performed by a single entity, such as a control system (e.g., control system 558). In additional or alternative embodiments, operations of different methods, or within the same method, can be performed by different entities. It should also be noted that these methods can be performed in ways different from those described. For example, additional operations can be performed on any of the methods, and / or any of the operations can be removed, and / or performed in different orders. Furthermore, the operations of different methods can be performed on each other in any preferred way, for example, sequentially, in parallel, in sequence, and / or in response to each other.

[0092] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating method 1250 for directing a cleaning fluid through an endoscope. In block 1252, one or more homogeneous channels are established through the endoscope. Each homogeneous channel may be formed by one or more lumens. For example, connectors are inserted into the endoscope (e.g., the air / water cylinder of the endoscope) to establish different volumes / chambers that define the homogeneous channels. In some embodiments, each homogeneous channel includes a single channel section. In additional or alternative embodiments, each homogeneous channel includes multiple channel sections (e.g., multiple upstream sections). In any case, each homogeneous channel includes one or more channel sections having non-variable properties (e.g., similar IDs). In block 1254, the cleaning fluid flow is directed through one or more homogeneous channels. Because the channel sections(s) in each homogeneous channel have non-variable properties, each cleaning fluid directed through each homogeneous flow may have attributes more suitable for cleaning the relevant channel section(s), without needing to accommodate another channel section with different properties, for example.

[0093] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating method 1350 for directing a cleaning fluid through an endoscope. In block 1352, multiple flows of cleaning fluid are introduced into an air / water cylinder via an air / water cylinder port. For example, during a medical procedure, the air / water cylinder port is configured to receive an air / water valve that fluid-couples different sections of the channel (e.g., upstream section, downstream section) to each other. However, in a cleaning operation, a connector is inserted into the air / water cylinder via the air / water cylinder port and used to introduce a flow of cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder.

[0094] In block 1354, each flow of cleaning fluid is directed from the air / water cylinder to a channel fluid-coupled to the air / water cylinder. For example, insertion of a connector into the air / water cylinder provides multiple fluidically separated chambers within the air / water cylinder, each of which is fluid-coupled to a corresponding channel section to establish its own homogeneous flow path for each flow of cleaning fluid. The connector includes a port that is fluid-coupled to each chamber and therefore to the corresponding channel section. A separate flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the port to flow into the air / water cylinder via the air / water cylinder port, and each flow of cleaning fluid is directed from the air / water cylinder to a specific channel section fluid-coupled to the port into which the flow is introduced. As a result, a separate flow of cleaning fluid is directed through the fluidically separated chambers to two or more channel sections, such as a proximal section / region and a distal section / region of each channel.

[0095] In this way, each flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the channel at an intermediate section between the proximal and distal sections of the channel. Therefore, rather than traveling along the entire channel (e.g., from the proximal section to the distal section), each flow of cleaning fluid travels along a section of a single channel (e.g., either the proximal or distal section). For this reason, the distance each flow of cleaning fluid travels is relatively shorter compared to when it travels along the entire channel (e.g., multiple sections of a single channel). As a result, the total amount of fluid resistance encountered by each flow of cleaning fluid (e.g., caused by frictional losses resulting from the collision and contact of the cleaning fluid with the inner surfaces of the channel sections) is relatively less compared to when it travels along the entire channel. Consequently, the flow of cleaning fluid is more efficient. For example, each flow of cleaning fluid can be introduced into the air / water cylinder at a reduced velocity and / or reduced pressure, and still flow sufficiently through each of the channel sections, providing the desired cleaning of the channel sections. Therefore, the power consumption associated with directing the flow of cleaning fluid is reduced, thereby reducing the costs associated with cleaning the endoscope. Furthermore, by using separate flows to clean each channel section (in contrast to sequential cleaning, for example), it becomes possible to clean each channel section in parallel, thus completing the flow of cleaning fluid through each channel section more quickly and cleaning the endoscope more rapidly.

[0096] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating method 1450 for directing a cleaning fluid through an endoscope. In block 1452, the cleaning fluid is introduced into an air / water cylinder via a first upstream channel of the endoscope. The air / water cylinder fluid-couples the first upstream channel to a second upstream channel of the endoscope. The air / water cylinder also fluid-couples the first upstream channel to a downstream channel of the endoscope. Thus, the cleaning fluid introduced into the air / water cylinder via the first upstream channel can flow from the air / water cylinder into either the second upstream or downstream channel.

[0097] In block 1454, a valve is operated to control the size of the second upstream channel. For example, the valve is closed to reduce the size of the second upstream channel, and the valve is opened to increase the size of the second upstream channel. Reducing the size of the second upstream channel increases the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel, and increasing the size of the second upstream channel reduces the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel. Therefore, the valve is operated to adjust the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel.

[0098] In block 1456, the cleaning fluid introduced into the air / water cylinder via the first upstream channel is distributed between the second upstream channel and the downstream channel via a valve. That is, adjusting the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel adjusts the flow of the cleaning fluid to either the second upstream channel and / or the downstream channel. For example, while the valve is open, the second upstream channel has an ID greater than that of the downstream channel and a similar ID to that of the first upstream channel. Therefore, the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel is less than that in the downstream channel. As a result, the cleaning fluid is pushed to flow from the air / water cylinder to the second upstream channel, which has relatively less fluid resistance, thereby directing the cleaning fluid through the upstream channels of different channels / lumens. The upstream channels have similar cross-sectional profiles. Therefore, when the valve is opened, a flow path with a relatively uniform cross-sectional area (e.g., between the upstream channels) is established, which is suitable for cleaning with the cleaning fluid. However, closing the valve (e.g., partially or completely) to reduce the size of the second upstream channel can make the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel greater than the fluid resistance in the downstream channel. Thus, the cleaning fluid is pushed to flow from the air / water cylinder into the downstream channel, which has relatively less fluid resistance. In other words, closing the valve establishes a flow path that forces the cleaning fluid through the downstream channel. In this way, by adjusting the position of the valve, and thereby adjusting the size of the second upstream channel and the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel relative to the fluid resistance in the downstream channel, the channel through which the cleaning fluid flows is changed, and the channel being cleaned is changed. For example, the valve can be pulse-driven and repeatedly switched between open and closed to alternately switch the cleaning fluid between flowing through the second upstream channel and flowing through the downstream channel.

[0099] In a particular embodiment, the cleaning fluid is pushed out of the air / water cylinder to flow into each of the second upstream and downstream channels. For example, a valve is moved to an intermediate position between fully open and fully closed so that the fluid resistance in the second upstream channel is approximately equal to the fluid resistance in the downstream channel. As a result, the cleaning fluid is separated within the air / water cylinder and can flow through each of the second upstream and downstream channels, thereby establishing a flow path for cleaning each channel fluid-coupled to the air / water cylinder.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first upstream channel is an upstream water channel (e.g., water channel / proximal section of the lumen), and the second upstream channel is an upstream air channel (e.g., air channel / proximal section of the lumen). In alternative embodiments, the first upstream channel is an upstream air channel, and the second upstream channel is an upstream water channel. The downstream channel may include a downstream water channel (e.g., water channel / distal section of the lumen) and / or a downstream air channel (e.g., air channel / distal section of the lumen).

[0101] Figure 15 is a flowchart of Method 1500 for directing a cleaning fluid through a device such as an endoscope using a central injection approach according to a particular embodiment presented herein. In block 1502, the flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the endoscope in the middle section of the lumen. For example, the endoscope includes an air / water cylinder that fluid-couples the proximal section of the lumen to the distal section of the lumen. Thus, by introducing the flow of cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder, for example, via an air / water cylinder port fluid-coupled to the air / water cylinder, the flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the endoscope in the middle section of the lumen. In some embodiments, a connector is inserted into the air / water cylinder port. For example, the air / water cylinder port is configured to receive an air / water valve during a medical operation, but the air / water valve can be removed to allow a connector to be inserted into the air / water cylinder port during a cleaning operation. In such embodiments, the flow of cleaning fluid is directed to the connector to introduce the flow of cleaning fluid into the middle section of the lumen.

[0102] In block 1504, the flow of the lavage fluid moves from the intermediate section toward either the proximal or distal end of the lumen. For example, after delivery, the lavage fluid can move at least initially from the intermediate section toward the proximal end, thereby lavaging the proximal section, or at least initially from the intermediate section toward the distal end, thereby lavaging the distal section. Often, the flow can be directed from the intermediate section toward either the proximal or distal end of the lumen. As described elsewhere in this specification, the lavage fluid may or may not exit the endoscope when it reaches the distal end of the lumen (for example, at least a portion of the lavage fluid may flow through one or more other lumens before exiting the endoscope).

[0103] Method 1500 can be performed on multiple lumens of an endoscope using a number of different methods, for example, one or more of the techniques described above. For example, the endoscope may include an additional lumen, and an additional flow of cleaning fluid may be introduced into the endoscope in the middle section of the additional lumen, and the additional flow of cleaning fluid may be directed from the middle section of the additional lumen to either the proximal or distal end of the additional lumen. Thus, Method 1500 can be performed to clean multiple lumens of an endoscope.

[0104] While specific uses of the technology have been illustrated and discussed above, it should be understood that the disclosed technology can be used in a variety of devices, according to many examples of the technology. The discussion above does not mean that the disclosed technology is suitable only for implementation in systems similar to those illustrated in the figures. In general, the processes and systems described herein can be practiced using additional configurations, and / or some described embodiments can be excluded without departing from the processes and systems disclosed herein.

[0105] This disclosure describes several aspects of the Art with reference to the accompanying drawings, and only some of the possible aspects are shown. However, other aspects can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects described herein. On the contrary, these aspects are provided so as to ensure that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully communicates the scope of possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

[0106] It should be understood that the various embodiments (e.g., parts, components, etc.) described with respect to the drawings herein are not intended to limit the systems and processes to the specific embodiments described. Therefore, the methods and systems herein can be practiced using additional configurations, and / or some of the described embodiments can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0107] In certain embodiments, systems and non-temporary computer-readable storage media are provided. These systems consist of hardware configured to perform operations similar to those of the methods disclosed herein. One or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform operations similar to those of the methods disclosed herein.

[0108] Similarly, where process steps are disclosed, those steps are described for illustrative purposes of the Method and System and are not intended to limit this disclosure to specific steps. For example, steps may be performed in different orders, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously, additional steps may be performed, and disclosed steps may be excluded without deviation from this disclosure. Furthermore, the disclosed process may be repeated.

[0109] While certain embodiments are described herein, the scope of the Art is not limited to those specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements within the scope of the Art. Accordingly, certain structures, operations, or media are disclosed only as exemplary embodiments. The scope of the Art is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

[0110] Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive, and various embodiments can be combined with others in any of several different ways.

Claims

1. It is a method, The connector is inserted into the air / water cylinder of the endoscope, wherein the connector is configured to split the air / water cylinder into a first part and a second part that is fluidly separated from the first part. The first proximal lumen and the first distal lumen are fluidly connected to the first portion, and the second proximal lumen and the second distal lumen are fluidly connected to the second portion, for insertion. The cleaning fluid is delivered to the first portion of the air / water cylinder to clean at least one of the first proximal lumen or the first distal lumen, A method comprising delivering a cleaning fluid to the second portion of the air / water cylinder to clean at least one of the second proximal lumen or the second distal lumen.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first proximal lumen, the first distal lumen, the second proximal lumen, and the second distal lumen are each disposed between the air / water cylinder and one of a plurality of valves connected to an outlet system.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising opening all of the plurality of valves connected to the outlet system before delivering the cleaning fluid to the first portion of the air / water cylinder.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising opening all of the plurality of valves connected to the outlet system before delivering the cleaning fluid to the second portion of the air / water cylinder.

5. It is a method, In the intermediate section of the lumen, a flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the lumen, A method comprising moving the flow of the cleaning fluid from the intermediate section toward one of the proximal or distal end of the lumen.

6. The proximal and distal ends are fluidly coupled to the outlet system via a first valve and a second valve, respectively, and the flow of the cleaning fluid is directed from the intermediate section toward either the proximal or distal end of the lumen. The method according to claim 5, comprising adjusting one or more of the first valve and the second valve to direct the flow of the cleaning fluid from the intermediate section toward one of the proximal or distal ends of the lumen.

7. The method according to claim 5, comprising introducing the flow of the cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder to introduce the flow of the cleaning fluid into the intermediate section of the lumen, wherein the air / water cylinder fluidly couples the proximal end and the distal end of the lumen to each other.

8. The method according to claim 7, comprising introducing the flow of the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder via an air / water cylinder port, wherein the air / water cylinder port is fluid-coupled to the air / water cylinder and configured to receive an air / water valve.

9. Inserting a connector into the aforementioned air / water cylinder port, The method according to claim 8, comprising directing the flow of the cleaning fluid to the connector and introducing the flow of the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder.

10. The method according to claim 5, comprising directing an additional flow of the cleaning fluid from the intermediate section toward the other of the proximal or distal end of the lumen.

11. In the additional intermediate section of the additional lumen, an additional flow of the cleaning fluid is introduced, The method according to claim 5, comprising directing the additional flow of the cleaning fluid from the additional intermediate section toward one of the additional proximal or additional distal end of the additional lumen.

12. The method according to claim 11, comprising directing the flow of the cleaning fluid and the additional flow of the cleaning fluid to the intermediate section and the additional intermediate section via a connector.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the connector provides a plurality of fluidically isolated volumes, the first of the plurality of fluidically isolated volumes being fluidly coupled to the lumen, the second of the plurality of fluidically isolated volumes being fluidly coupled to the additional lumen, the flow of the cleaning fluid being directed from the intermediate section through the first volume toward one of the proximal or distal ends of the lumen, and the additional flow of the cleaning fluid being directed from the additional intermediate section through the second volume toward one of the additional proximal or distal ends of the additional lumen.

14. The method according to claim 5, wherein the flow of the cleaning fluid includes slag delivered continuously.

15. A method for cleaning an endoscope, The cleaning fluid is introduced into the air / water cylinder of the endoscope through the first upstream channel of the first lumen of the endoscope, A method comprising directing the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder to a second upstream channel of the second lumen of the endoscope.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first upstream channel comprises an upstream water channel, and the second upstream channel comprises an upstream air channel.

17. The endoscope comprises a downstream channel fluidly coupled to the air / water cylinder and a valve configured to control the second upstream channel, and the method is as follows: The method according to claim 15, comprising operating the valve to distribute the cleaning fluid between the second upstream channel and the downstream channel.

18. The method according to claim 17, comprising opening the valve to direct the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder to the second upstream channel.

19. The method according to claim 17, comprising closing the valve to direct the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder to the downstream channel.

20. It is a method, To establish one or more homogeneous pathways through an endoscope having multiple luminal channel sections of different sizes, A method comprising directing one or more cleaning fluid flows through one or more homogeneous flow channels.

21. The plurality of lumen channel sections of different sizes include proximal and distal sections fluidly coupled to each other via a fluid chamber, and the cross-sectional profile of the proximal section differs from the cross-sectional profile of the distal section, and directs the one or more wash fluid flows through the one or more homogeneous flow channels. The method according to claim 20, comprising delivering at least a cleaning fluid flow to the fluid chamber.

22. Directing the flow of one or more cleaning fluids through one or more homogeneous flow channels is Distributing cleaning fluid into multiple flows, To provide a fluid chamber by inserting a connector into the fluid chamber, thereby providing a plurality of fluidically separated volumes within the fluid chamber, wherein a first volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes is fluidly coupled to the proximal section, and a second volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes is fluidly coupled to the distal section. The method according to claim 21, comprising introducing each of the plurality of flows into each port of the connector, and delivering the plurality of flows in the fluid chamber such that the plurality of flows pass from the fluid chamber to the proximal section and the distal section through the plurality of fluidly separated volumes in the fluid chamber.

23. The proximal section is of a first lumen, and the plurality of lumen channel sections of different sizes comprises an additional proximal section of a second lumen, the proximal section of the first lumen and the additional proximal section of the second lumen have substantially the same cross-sectional profile, and the method is By directing the cleaning fluid flow through the proximal section of the first lumen, the cleaning fluid flow is delivered to the fluid chamber. The method according to claim 21, comprising directing the flow of the cleaning fluid from the fluid chamber to the additional proximal section of the second lumen.

24. The method according to claim 23, comprising operating a valve configured to control the movement of the cleaning fluid flow through the additional proximal section of the second lumen, thereby directing the cleaning fluid flow from the fluid chamber to the additional proximal section.

25. The method according to claim 24, comprising opening the valve to direct the flow of the cleaning fluid from the fluid chamber to the additional proximal section of the second lumen.

26. The distal section is of the first lumen, and the method is The method according to claim 24, comprising closing the valve to direct the flow of the cleaning fluid from the fluid chamber to the distal section of the first lumen or an additional distal section of the second lumen.

27. The method according to claim 20, wherein the one or more cleaning fluid flows include slag delivered continuously.

28. A connector for an endoscope, A main body extending within the air / water cylinder of the endoscope and configured to provide a plurality of fluidically separated volumes within the air / water cylinder, wherein a first volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes is fluidly coupled to a first channel section of the endoscope, and a second volume of the plurality of fluidically separated volumes is fluidly coupled to a second channel section of the endoscope, A connector comprising: a plurality of ports, each of which is configured to receive a flow of a cleaning fluid, a first port of the plurality of ports being fluid-coupled to the first volume of the plurality of fluid-separated volumes, and a second port of the plurality of ports being fluid-coupled to the second volume of the plurality of fluid-separated volumes.

29. The connector according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of fluidly separated volumes include at least a third volume, the third volume is fluidly coupled to a third channel section of the endoscope, and the third port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to the third volume.

30. The connector according to claim 29, wherein the plurality of fluidly separated volumes include at least a fourth volume, the fourth volume is fluidly coupled to a fourth channel section of the endoscope, and the fourth port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to the fourth volume.

31. The connector according to claim 28, comprising a first groove and a second groove formed in the body, wherein the extension of the body to the air / water cylinder provides the first volume of the plurality of fluidly separated volumes through the first groove and the second volume of the plurality of fluidly separated volumes through the second groove.

32. The connector according to claim 31, comprising a first opening fluidly coupled to a first groove and a second opening fluidly coupled to a second groove, wherein the extension of the body to the air / water cylinder fluidly couples the first port to the first volume via the first groove and the first opening, and the second port to the second volume via the second groove and the second opening.

33. The connector according to claim 31, comprising a base, wherein the body and the plurality of ports extend from the base in opposite directions.

34. The connector according to claim 33, wherein the base and the body collaboratively define a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the air / water cylinder of the endoscope and fix the connector to the endoscope.

35. The connector according to claim 34, wherein the connector comprises a first groove and a second groove formed in the body, and the base defines an additional receptacle configured to receive the additional portion of the endoscope such that the coupling of the base to the portion of the air / water cylinder and the additional portion of the endoscope aligns the first groove with the first channel section to provide the first volume of the plurality of fluidly separated volumes, and aligns the second groove with the second channel section to provide the second volume of the plurality of fluidly separated volumes.

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