Systems and methods for peristaltic endoscope cleaning - Patents.com

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to an endoscope cleaning system and method. The endoscope cleaning system may include a pump housing containing a peristaltic pump, an endoscope sheath fluidly connected to the pump housing, and a pump control communicatively coupled to the peristaltic pump. When the pump control is activated, the peristaltic pump may supply fluid to the endoscope sheath for cleaning the endoscope. When the pump control is deactivated, the peristaltic pump may remove residual fluid from the endoscope.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 926,823, filed October 28, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to endoscope cleaning systems and methods, and more particularly to self-contained endoscope cleaning systems and methods. [Background technology]

[0003] A typical ear, nose and throat (ENT) endoscope cleaning system consists of multiple components that require significant setup time to connect and configure the system, are often expensive, and require access to an external power source to function.

[0004] For example, a typical endoscope cleaning system may include one or two reusable capital consoles that require an external power source for the pump unit. A tube is then also separately connected to the pump unit. A disposable or reusable endoscope sheath can then be connected to the tube to complete the system. In this way, the pump unit can pump fluid up to the endoscope cleaning sheath. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, endoscope cleaning can be accomplished by an all-in-one pump, tubing, sheath, and pump control system, which may optionally be single-use. The endoscope cleaning system is a self-powered (e.g., battery-powered) all-in-one pump, tubing, sheath, and pump control that can simply be connected to a fluid supply (e.g., a sterile irrigation bag) and with an endoscope inserted into the sheath in preparation for use, simplifying the setup process for ENT procedures. Thus, other than coupling a fluid supply and an endoscope to the system, the endoscope cleaning system may not require any additional connections or external power sources in order for it to function.

[0006] According to one aspect, an endoscope cleaning system can include a self-contained pump housing, tubing, endoscope sheath, and activation solution for intraoperative cleaning of an endoscope during minimally invasive surgery. The pump housing can include a hollow spike that can be directly connected to a sterile fluid bag that supports the weight of the pump housing as well as provides an inlet for the fluid. The pump housing can include flexible tubing, a plurality of peristaltic rollers that displace the fluid, a motor that drives the rollers, and an electric battery assembly that drives the motor. Additionally, the device can include a pump control that automatically adjusts the speed and direction of the motor. The tubing can extend from the pump housing toward the endoscope cleaning sheath. Additionally, wiring can extend from the pump housing to a hand-operated switch that can be connected to the endoscope cleaning sheath. Alternatively, the wiring can be separate from the tubing and terminate in a foot-operated switch rather than a hand-operated switch. Activation of the switch can supply fluid for cleaning purposes through the endoscope sheath to the distal end of the endoscope. Deactivation of the switch can cause the pump to draw fluid back toward the pump for a set period of time to remove fluid from the end of the endoscope.

[0007] According to one aspect, an endoscope cleaning system includes a pump housing including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a peristaltic pump configured to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, an endoscope sheath fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the pump housing, the endoscope sheath configured to receive an endoscope, and a pump control communicatively coupled to the peristaltic pump, the pump control configured to activate the peristaltic pump.

[0008] Optionally, the peristaltic pump within the pump housing includes a plurality of peristaltic rollers, a motor that drives the plurality of peristaltic rollers, and a power source that powers the motor.

[0009] Optionally, the pump control is configured to adjust the speed and direction of the motor.

[0010] Optionally, the power source is a battery assembly.

[0011] Optionally, a tube fluidly connects the endoscope sheath and the fluid outlet of the pump housing.

[0012] Optionally, the tube is fluidly connected to a proximal end of the endoscope sheath.

[0013] Optionally, the pump control is attached to a distal end of the tube.

[0014] Optionally, the pump control is attached to the tube by the proximal end of the endoscope sheath.

[0015] Optionally, the endoscope sheath is configured to supply fluid to a distal end of the endoscope.

[0016] Optionally, the fluid inlet comprises a spike on a top surface of the pump housing.

[0017] Optionally, said spike is a hollow tapered spike.

[0018] Optionally, the hollow tapered spike is configured to be inserted into a fluid source.

[0019] Optionally, the fluid source is a sterile irrigation bag.

[0020] Optionally, the fluid outlet is perpendicular to the fluid inlet.

[0021] Optionally, the pump control is wirelessly communicatively coupled to the peristaltic pump.

[0022] Optionally, the pump control is a hand operated switch.

[0023] Optionally, the pump control is a foot operated switch.

[0024] Optionally, the peristaltic pump is configured to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the pump control is activated.

[0025] Optionally, the peristaltic pump is configured to move fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet when the pump control is deactivated.

[0026] According to one aspect, a method of cleaning an endoscope includes activating a pump control, and when the pump control is activated, moving fluid via a peristaltic pump from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet of a pump housing, where an endoscope sheath configured to receive an endoscope is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the pump housing, deactivating a pump control, and when the pump control is deactivated, moving fluid via the peristaltic pump from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet of the pump housing.

[0027] Optionally, when the pump control is activated, the peristaltic pump moves fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet at a first rate for a first period of time.

[0028] Optionally, while the pump control is activated and upon expiration of the first time period, the peristaltic pump moves fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet at a second rate, the second rate being less than the first rate.

[0029] Optionally, when the pump control is deactivated, the peristaltic pump moves fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a third rate during a second period of time.

[0030] Optionally, while the pump control is deactivated and when the second time period expires, the peristaltic pump moves fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a fourth rate, the fourth rate being less than the third rate.

[0031] Optionally, the peristaltic pump moves fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at the fourth rate during a third period of time.

[0032] Optionally, upon expiration of said third period of time, said peristaltic pump is shut off.

[0033] Optionally, inserting an endoscope into the endoscope sheath.

[0034] Optionally, including inserting the fluid inlet of the pump housing into a fluid source.

[0035] Optionally, the fluid inlet is a hollow tapered spike.

[0036] Optionally, the fluid source is a sterile irrigation bag.

[0037] Optionally, the pump control is communicatively coupled to the peristaltic pump.

[0038] Optionally, the pump control is wirelessly communicatively coupled to the peristaltic pump.

[0039] Optionally, while the pump control is activated, fluid is delivered through the endoscope sheath to the distal end of an endoscope.

[0040] Optionally, while the pump control is deactivated, fluid is removed from the distal end of an endoscope into the endoscope sheath.

[0041] It will be understood that any of the variations, aspects, features and options described in terms of the system apply equally to the method and vice versa. It will also be apparent that any one or more of the variations, aspects, features and options described above may be combined.

[0042] Additional advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The embodiments and descriptions herein are considered to be illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0043] All publications, including patent documents, scientific articles and databases, referred to in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication was individually incorporated by reference. In the event that a definition set forth herein conflicts with a definition set forth in a patent, application, published application, or other publication incorporated herein by reference, the definition set forth herein shall take precedence over the definition incorporated herein by reference. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an all-in-one peristaltic endoscope cleaning system according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0046] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an exploded view of a pump housing according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0047] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a top portion of a pump housing having a transparent housing element for viewing the internal components, according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0048] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a top view of a pump housing with an upper housing member removed according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0049] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the pump housing with the upper housing member, the peristaltic housing, and the roller holder removed according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0050] [Figure 4C]FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the pump housing with the top housing member removed according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0051] [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the pump housing with the upper housing member and the peristaltic housing removed according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0052] [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of the pump housing with the upper housing member, peristaltic housing, and roller holder removed according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0053] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a cross section of a pump housing according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0054] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a cross section of a pump housing according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0055] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an expanded view of the pump controls of a peristaltic endoscope cleaning system according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0056] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a planetary diagram of a peristaltic pump used in a pump housing according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0057] [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows a pump control attached to a luer connector according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0058] [Figure 8B]FIG. 8B illustrates a pump control mounted on the eyepiece according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0059] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a five-phase cleaning cycle for a peristaltic pump according to certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0060] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a computer according to some embodiments.

[0061] In the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like elements unless otherwise noted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Reference will now be made in detail to implementations and embodiments of the various aspects and variations of the systems and methods described herein. Although several exemplary variations of the systems and methods are described herein, other variations of the systems and methods may include aspects of the systems and methods described herein combined in any suitable manner having a combination of all or a portion of the described aspects.

[0063] Described herein are endoscope cleaning systems and methods. According to some embodiments, the endoscope cleaning system may include a self-contained pump housing, tubing, sheath, and pump control for intraoperative cleaning of an endoscope during an endoscopic procedure, which may be a single-use system. According to some embodiments, the system may be self-powered via a battery assembly and ready to use (requiring only to be connected to a fluid supply (e.g., a sterile irrigation bag)) to provide forward and reverse flow of fluid through the endoscope cleaning sheath. Tubes and wiring extend from the pump housing and terminate at the endoscope cleaning sheath and a hand or foot operated switch. When switched on, the pump can deliver fluid through the endoscope cleaning sheath to the lens of the endoscope to clean debris. When the switch is released, the pump can automatically draw a small amount of fluid to remove any remaining fluid on the lens of the endoscope.

[0064] 1-6 are diagrams illustrating examples of various aspects of an all-in-one peristaltic endoscope cleaning system 1 according to some embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the peristaltic system can be used for sinus scope cleaning for ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures to maintain clear visualization through the sinus scope during the procedure. The peristaltic system 1 can include a pump housing 2. The pump housing can house a peristaltic pump that moves fluid throughout the system.

[0065] The pump housing may be a single piece or may be comprised of multiple pieces. For example, the pump housing may include an upper housing member 3, a middle housing member 13, and a lower housing member 4. The upper housing member may be coupled to the middle housing member, which may be coupled to the lower housing member. As such, these various housing members may be coupled or connected together to form the shell of the pump housing. In some embodiments, a portion of the upper housing member may overlap a portion of the middle housing member, and / or a portion of the middle housing member may overlap a portion of the lower housing member.

[0066] In some embodiments, the pump housing may include a bottom surface 17 that may be coupled to the bottom housing member. In some embodiments, the bottom housing member and the bottom surface are integral as a single piece. The top housing member may be the top component of the pump housing. The top housing member may include an inlet 5 on its top or top surface. The inlet may function as a fluid inlet to the pump housing. In some embodiments, the inlet may be fluidly connected to a fluid source. In some embodiments, the inlet is a spike. For example, the fluid source may be a sterile irrigation bag and the inlet of the pump housing may be spiked directly to the sterile irrigation bag. The fluid source is not limited to an irrigation bag and may be a variety of fluid sources such as a sterile saline bag or a sterile water bag. In some embodiments, the inlet may be a hollow tapered spike. The spike may support the pump housing as well as provide a fluid inlet for the pump housing. For example, if the spike is inserted directly into a sterile irrigation bag connector, the spike may support the pump housing hanging below the bag due to the retention force from the spike in the connector. The connector usually has an elastomeric seal through which the spike can penetrate. Once penetrated, the spike can be inserted further. In some embodiments, the force required to insert the spike can be higher during the insertion process due to the external taper of the spike. Once inserted, the pump can be held in the connector by frictional forces. With tapered spikes, the outer diameter increases the further the spike is inserted, which can lead to higher normal forces and therefore higher frictional forces. If this frictional force is greater than the force of gravity on the pump, the pump can hang on the bag and not fall out. It is also possible that instead of inserting through an elastomeric seal, the connector can be a short flexible tube. The user can remove some kind of seal and then insert the inlet / spike into the end of the tube. The same concept can be applied to this type of connector.

[0067] The pump housing also includes a peristaltic pump. As shown in FIG. 2, the peristaltic pump can include various components such as a peristaltic housing 9, roller holder 10, rollers 11, a peristaltic base 12, a power source housing 13, a motor 14, a power source 15, and a microcontroller 16. The roller holder can hold the rollers at a set distance from each other and from the central axis. The roller holder can prevent all degrees of freedom except two of the individual rollers. For example, the rollers can be free to rotate individually about their axes, and translational motion in the Z direction is possible, but is ultimately controlled in a final assembly with the peristaltic base and the peristaltic housing. The peristaltic base can have three main purposes: (1) it can be locked with the peristaltic housing to prevent translational motion of the rollers in the Z direction; (2) it can be connected to an intermediate motor / battery housing so that the complete peristaltic assembly is locked in a corrective direction with the remaining assembly; (3) it can act as a guard to prevent the roller holder and rollers from misaligning.

[0068] In some embodiments, the motor can be a high rotation DC motor, such as a DC 12V motor. The motor can include a motor shaft that drives a roller. In some embodiments, the rollers can be cylindrical peristaltic rollers. In some embodiments, the rollers can include three rollers. The motor can drive the rollers and the power source can power / drive the motor. In some embodiments, the power source housing can be a middle housing member. In some embodiments, the power source can be a battery assembly. In some embodiments, the battery assembly can include AA batteries. In some embodiments, the power source housing can include a conical battery connector 13A for the battery assembly.

[0069] The peristaltic pump may also include a flexible tube 6. The peristaltic pump may function by using rollers to move fluid in the flexible tube in a positive direction. This may be cost effective enough for a disposable system by utilizing a low cost, high RPM DC motor for the motor. A typical peristaltic pump directly rotates a plate with rollers attached, requiring a high torque motor. However, by utilizing the rollers as planetary gears, the same function may be achieved with a high RPM, low torque motor.

[0070] For example, FIG. 7 shows a planetary diagram of a peristaltic pump used in the pump housing disclosed herein according to some embodiments. FIG. 7 shows that the rollers can be compressed against the motor shaft and flexible tubing, thereby pinching the flexible tubing. When the motor rotates, the rollers pressed against the motor shaft can rotate individually as well as rotate in the opposite direction of the motor shaft. Friction and forces pressing the rollers against the peristaltic housing that contains the rollers and flexible tubing can cause the rollers to rotate out of position about the motor shaft as they rotate individually. The size ratio between the motor shaft, the rollers, and the peristaltic housing allows the rollers to move at a reduced speed from the motor speed, but the motor does not stall from this load. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump can allow bidirectional movement of fluid by controlling the direction of the motor. Additionally, the peristaltic pump can have a constant flow rate regardless of the system pressure.

[0071] The flexible tubing of the peristaltic pump can be fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the upper housing member. The flexible tubing of the peristaltic pump can also be fluidly connected to the fluid outlet 6A. The fluid outlet can also be disposed on the upper housing member. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet is perpendicular to the fluid inlet, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet is on a side of the upper housing member. In some embodiments, the flexible tubing of the peristaltic pump can include a connector at the fluid outlet. The connector can be a tube-tube connector such that the flexible tubing of the peristaltic pump can be fluidly connected to a tube outside the pump housing.

[0072] The upper housing member can cover or house the peristaltic housing, roller holder, rollers, flexible tubing, and peristaltic base assembly. The middle housing member / power supply housing can connect to a power source for the peristaltic pump. Additionally, the lower housing member can cover the power supply, motor, and microcontroller.

[0073] The fluid outlet of the pump housing can be fluidly connected to tubing 6, as shown in FIG. 1. The inner diameter of the tubing external to the pump housing can be about 0.1-5 mm, about 0.2-4 mm, about 0.5-2 mm, about 0.75-2 mm, about 1-1.5 mm, or about 1.3 mm. The outer diameter of the tubing external to the pump housing can be about 0.5-10 mm, about 1-5 mm, about 2-4 mm, about 2.5-3.5 mm, or about 3 mm. The wall thickness of the tubing external to the pump housing can be about 0.1-2 mm, about 0.3-1.5 mm, about 0.5-1 mm, about 0.75-0.95 mm, or about 0.85 mm.

[0074] The stiffness of the tube can prevent back pressure from building up within the tube. In some embodiments, the hardness of the PVC tube used is 85 Shore A, and materials of this hardness or higher are effective, other dimensions held constant. A key challenge with the tube is to prevent and / or substantially reduce the stretching of the tube under high internal pressure. The more it stretches, the more liquid will be released when the pump is turned off. This depends not only on the material properties, but also on the wall thickness and diameter (and internal pressure) of the tube. This combination of material and internal diameter / wall thickness can prevent and / or significantly reduce the volumetric stretching seen in other similar product tubes.

[0075] The fluid outlet of the pump housing may also be fluidly connected to the endoscope sheath 7. The endoscope sheath and the fluid outlet of the pump housing may be fluidly connected by a tube 6. The distal end of the tube may be fluidly connected to the proximal end of the endoscope sheath while the proximal end of the tube may be connected to the fluid outlet of the pump housing as shown in FIG. 1. The endoscope sheath may be configured to receive an endoscope for use during an endoscopic procedure. In addition, the endoscope sheath may be configured to supply fluid to the distal end of the endoscope to clean the distal end of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the endoscope sheath is configured to eject fluid to the distal tip of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the endoscope sheath may also be configured to remove fluid from the distal tip of the endoscope. In some embodiments, fluid may flow from the sheath tube connection through a gap formed between the outer diameter of the scope and the inner diameter of the sheath. The distal end of the sheath may be designed to deflect fluid onto the lens of the scope and also to help remove fluid remaining on the lens of the scope after a cleaning cycle.

[0076] In some embodiments, the pump control can be a foot operated switch. In some embodiments, the pump control can be a hand operated switch. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the pump control can be integrated into a mechanical clip that is designed to be attached (e.g., snapped, screwed, hook and loop, adhesive) to a specific area on a device such as the shaft of an endoscope sheath or the tubing connecting the pump housing and the endoscope sheath. In some embodiments, the pump control is attached to the distal end of the tubing proximal to the proximal end of the endoscope sheath. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the pump control 8 can be attached to the tubing 6. Figure 8A shows the pump control 8 connected to a luer connector 6B. The luer connector can fluidly connect the tubing 6 and the endoscope sheath 7.

[0077] In some embodiments, the pump control may be attached to the endoscope sheath. For example, the pump control may be attached to the shaft of the endoscope sheath or the hub of the endoscope sheath. In some embodiments, the pump control may be attached to the proximal end of the endoscope sheath. In some embodiments, the pump control may be attached to the neck of the eyepiece 18 on the endoscope, as shown in FIG. 8B. The eyepiece may be the most proximal component of the endoscope. The neck of the eyepiece may be the thinner, cylindrical section before the eyepiece unfolds. In some embodiments, the eyepiece is what connects to the camera coupler. It may be possible to place the hand control at this location, since surgeons tend to hold the device in a way that allows easy access to the switch at this location. In some embodiments, the user may determine the location of the pump control in the peristaltic irrigation system.

[0078] The pump control may control the peristaltic pump. In some embodiments, the pump control may be configured to activate the peristaltic pump. In some embodiments, the pump control may be configured to control / adjust the direction of the peristaltic pump. In some embodiments, the pump control may be configured to control / adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump. In this manner, the pump control may be configured to control / adjust the speed and direction of the peristaltic pump motor, thereby controlling / adjusting the speed and direction of the fluid through the peristaltic endoscope cleaning system.

[0079] The peristaltic pump can be communicatively coupled to the pump control 8. Thus, the microcontroller of the peristaltic pump can be communicatively coupled to the pump control 8. The microcontroller can include a processor, memory, and input / output peripheral circuitry that can be used to control the peristaltic pump. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump and the pump control are communicatively coupled to each other wirelessly. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump and the pump control are communicatively coupled to each other by a wire(s). If the peristaltic pump and the pump control are communicatively coupled to each other by a wire, the wire can be connected to the tube 6 for the entire length of the tube between the pump housing and the endoscope sheath. In some embodiments, the wire and the tube can branch near the distal end of the tube such that the tube connects to the endoscope sheath (e.g., the tube connects to a luer connector that connects to the endoscope sheath) and the wire can connect to a pump control that is attached to another nearby component, such as the endoscope sheath itself. In some embodiments, the wire and the tube can be separate. For example, if the pump control is a foot-operated control switch, the foot-operated control switch would not be near the tube connecting the pump housing and the endoscope sheath.

[0080] To keep fluid from adhering to the endoscope, fluid can be pumped into the distal end of the endoscope and removed at the end of the cleaning cycle. This bidirectional movement of fluid is possible with a peristaltic pump that allows the current through the motor to be reversed. In some embodiments, the cleaning cycle of the systems and pumps disclosed herein can have five stages. First, when a user activates the pump control (e.g., when a user activates a switch / button on the pump control), the pump microcontroller activates the motor to drive fluid into the distal end of the sheath where it can be moved onto the lens of the endoscope. In some embodiments, when a user activates the pump control, the peristaltic pump can be configured such that the motor is temporarily driven at maximum speed in order for the fluid to reach the end of the tube and sheath as quickly as possible.

[0081] Second, the peristaltic pump can be configured so that the motor continues to run in the forward direction but at a reduced speed for optimized cleaning as long as the user still has the pump control activated (e.g., continues to press the switch / button on the pump control). Thus, the peristaltic pump's microcontroller can be programmed to first run the motor at a high RPM for a short period of time to quickly drive fluid to the endoscope sheath, and then reduce the RPM to provide optimal flow for endoscope cleaning while the pump control is still activated.

[0082] Third, when the user deactivates the pump control (e.g., the user releases the switch / button on the pump control), the peristaltic pump can be configured to run the motor in reverse at full speed in order to remove residual fluid from the endoscope as quickly as possible. Thus, the microcontroller of the peristaltic pump can be programmed to reverse the current through the motor to run the pump in the reverse direction when the pump control is deactivated. When this happens, the peristaltic rollers can rotate in the opposite direction and pull fluid out of the distal end of the endoscope sheath / endoscope. This serves to remove any residual fluid at the distal end of the endoscope lens after cleaning.

[0083] Fourth, after this first ramp reverse period, the peristaltic pump can be configured to have a second transient period during which the motor runs in reverse at a slower speed (i.e., lower RPM), reducing the amount of back pressure in the tubing. This can prevent fluid from dripping onto the lens when the peristaltic pump is not running. Finally, the peristaltic pump can be configured to turn off after this second transient reverse run period.

[0084] This five-step cycle reduces the time for fluid to first reach the endoscope lens without compromising cleanability. It also allows fluid to be removed quickly and helps reduce back pressure in the tubing. FIG. 9 illustrates the five-step cleaning cycle and the direction / speed of the peristaltic pump motor described above. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump can be configured to move fluid from the inlet to the outlet of the pump housing at a first speed for a first period of time when the pump control is activated. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump can be configured to move fluid from the inlet to the outlet of the pump housing at a second speed, less than the first speed, once the first period of time has ended while the pump control is still activated. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump can be configured to automatically move fluid from the outlet to the inlet of the pump housing when the pump control is no longer activated.

[0085] In some embodiments, upon deactivation of the pump control, the peristaltic pump may be configured to displace fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a third rate for a second time period. In some embodiments, while the pump control is still deactivated and when the second time period has ended, the peristaltic pump may be configured to move fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a fourth rate that is less than the third rate. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump may be configured to move fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at the fourth rate for a third time period. When the third time period has ended, the peristaltic pump may be configured to turn off.

[0086] Thus, when the user activates the pump control (e.g., by pressing a switch / button on the pump control), the motor may be driven forward (to move fluid out of the system) at a relatively high speed to get the fluid to the end of the endoscope sheath, then the motor speed may be reduced for a cleaning cycle, and finally the motor may be driven backwards (to move fluid into the system) when the user releases the pump control (e.g., by releasing a switch / button on the pump control).In this manner, the peristaltic pump may be configured to automate the forward and reverse direction of fluid flow when the user activates / deactivates the pump control.

[0087] Thus, when the pump control is activated, the peristaltic pump can move fluid from the fluid inlet of the pump housing to the fluid outlet (i.e., the pump can operate in a forward direction). Fluid leaving the pump housing can move through a tube connecting the pump housing and the endoscope sheath. Upon reaching the endoscope sheath, the fluid moves toward the distal end of the endoscope sheath and can be deposited on the endoscope (i.e., the endoscope lens) for cleaning. When the pump control is deactivated, the peristaltic pump can operate in a reverse direction (i.e., the peristaltic pump can move fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet). Thus, fluid located on the endoscope can be sucked back into the endoscope sheath moving from the endoscope sheath toward the pump housing.

[0088] In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump can be connected to a device (e.g., a computer) separate from the peristaltic endoscope cleaning system. For example, the peristaltic pump can be communicatively coupled to another device, such as a camera control unit for the endoscope itself. This separate device can be configured to activate / deactivate the peristaltic pump, rather than control the pump as discussed above. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump can be communicatively coupled to this other device wirelessly.

[0089] 10 is a diagram illustrating a computer, according to some embodiments. Computer 1000 may be a component of an apparatus that may be connected to a system for peristaltic endoscope cleaning as described herein. In some embodiments, computer 1000 may be configured to perform a method for controlling a peristaltic pump of an endoscope cleaning system, as described above.

[0090] The computer 1000 may be a host computer connected to a network. The computer 1000 may be a client computer or a server. As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 300 may be any suitable type of microprocessor-based device, such as a personal computer; a workstation; a server; or a handheld computing device such as a phone or tablet. The computer may include, for example, one or more of a processor 1010, an input device 1020, an output device 1030, a storage 1040, and a communication device 1060.

[0091] The input device 1020 may be any suitable device that provides input, such as a touch screen or monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, or a voice recognition device. The output device 1030 may be any suitable device that provides output, such as a touch screen, a monitor, a printer, a disk drive, or speakers.

[0092] Storage 1040 may be any suitable device providing storage, such as RAM, cache, hard disk, electric, magnetic, or optical memory including a CD-ROM drive, tape drive, or removable storage disk. Communication device 1060 may include any suitable device capable of sending and receiving signals over a network, such as a network interface chip or card. The components of the computer may be connected in any suitable manner, such as via a physical bus or wirelessly. Storage 1040 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that includes one or more programs that, when executed by one or more processors, such as processor 1010, cause the one or more processors to perform the methods described herein, such as all or part of the methods described above with respect to controlling a peristaltic pump.

[0093] The software 1050 that may be stored in the storage 1040 and executed by the processor 1010 may include, for example, programming that embodies functions of the present disclosure (e.g., as embodied in the systems, computers, servers, and / or devices described above). In some embodiments, the software 1050 may be implemented and executed on a combination of servers, such as an application server and a database server.

[0094] The software 1050 may also be stored and / or carried in any computer-readable storage medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as those described above, that can fetch and execute instructions related to the software from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the context of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium may be any medium, such as storage 1040, that can contain or store programming for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0095] The software 1050 may also be propagated in any carrier medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as those described above, that can fetch and execute instructions associated with the software from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the context of this disclosure, a carrier medium may be any medium that can communicate, propagate, or transport programming for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Carrier-readable media may include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or infrared wired or wireless propagation media.

[0096] The computer 1000 may be connected to a network, which may be any suitable type of interconnected communication system. The network may implement any suitable communication protocol and may be secured by any suitable security protocol. The network may be comprised of any suitable arrangement of network links capable of implementing the transmission and reception of network signals, such as wireless network connections, T1 or T3 lines, cable networks, DSL, or telephone lines.

[0097] The computer 1000 may implement any operating system suitable for operating on a network. The software 1050 may be written in any suitable programming language, such as C, C++, Java, or Python. In various embodiments, application software embodying the functionality of the present disclosure may be deployed in different configurations, such as, for example, in a client / server arrangement or via a web browser as a web-based application or web service. The above description of the computer 1000 may also be applied to the microcontroller of a peristaltic pump.

[0098] Although for clarity and conciseness of description, features may be described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, it will be understood that the scope of the disclosure includes embodiments having all or any combination of the described features.

[0099] definition Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, notations, and other technical and scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter belongs. In some cases, terms having a commonly understood meaning are defined herein for clarity and / or ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed as representing a substantial difference from what is commonly understood in the art.

[0100] As used herein, a reference to "about" a value or parameter includes (describes) variations on the value or parameter itself. For example, a reference to "about X" includes the description of "X." Additionally, a reference to the phrase "less than," "greater than," "at most," "at least," "less than or equal to," "greater than or equal to," or other similar phrases followed by a string of values ​​or parameters means that the phrase applies to each value or parameter in the string of values ​​or parameters.

[0101] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term "and / or" will be understood to refer to and encompass any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising" will be understood to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or units, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, units, and / or groups thereof.

[0102] Certain aspects of the present disclosure include process steps and instructions described herein in the form of algorithms. It should be noted that the process steps and instructions of the present disclosure may be embodied in software, firmware, or hardware, and when embodied in software, may be downloaded to reside on and be operated from different platforms used by various operating systems. Unless otherwise specifically stated as will be apparent from the discussion below, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," "generating," and the like throughout this specification will be understood to refer to the operation and processing of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, which manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the memory or registers of the computer system or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0103] The present disclosure in some embodiments also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. The apparatus may be specially configured for the required purposes or may consist of a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, a floppy disk, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, an optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, each of which may be connected to a computer system bus. Furthermore, the computing system referred to herein may include a single processor or may be an architecture employing multiple processor designs, such as to perform different functions or to increase computing power. Suitable processors include central processing units (CPUs), graphic processing units (GPUs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and ASICs.

[0104] The methods, apparatus, and systems described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The structure for a variety of these systems may appear from the above description. Further, the present disclosure is not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be understood that a variety of programming languages ​​may be used to implement the teachings of the invention as described herein.

[0105] This application discloses several numerical ranges in the text and figures, and the disclosed numerical ranges are intended to inherently support any range or value within the disclosed numerical ranges, including the endpoints, since the disclosure can be implemented throughout the disclosed numerical ranges, even if the specification does not expressly state an exact range limitation.

[0106] The above description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An endoscope cleaning system comprising: a pump housing including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a peristaltic pump configured to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet; an endoscope sheath fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the pump housing, the endoscope sheath configured to receive an endoscope; and a microcontroller configured to control an activation state of the peristaltic pump; Including, the peristaltic pump is configured, when activated, to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet at a first rate for a first time period; the peristaltic pump is configured to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet at a second rate upon expiration of the first period while activated, the second rate being less than the first rate; the peristaltic pump is configured, when deactivated, to move fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a third rate for a second period of time; The peristaltic pump is configured to move fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a fourth rate for a third time period upon expiration of the second time period while deactivated, the fourth rate being less than the third rate. Cleaning system.

2. The peristaltic pump in the pump housing includes a plurality of peristaltic rollers and a motor that drives the plurality of peristaltic rollers. The cleaning system of claim 1 .

3. The peristaltic pump includes a battery assembly that powers the motor. The cleaning system of claim 2 .

4. A tube fluidly connects the endoscope sheath and the fluid outlet of the pump housing. A cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The tube is fluidly connected to a proximal end of the endoscope sheath. The cleaning system of claim 4.

6. The endoscope sheath is configured to deliver fluid to a distal end of an endoscope. A cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The fluid inlet includes a spike on a top surface of the pump housing. A cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. The spike is a hollow tapered spike. The cleaning system of claim 7.

9. The hollow tapered spike is configured to be inserted into a fluid source. The cleaning system of claim 8.

10. The fluid source is a sterile irrigation bag. The cleaning system of claim 9.

11. The fluid outlet is perpendicular to the fluid inlet. A cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The microcontroller is configured to control the peristaltic pump to shut off when the third period expires while the peristaltic pump is deactivated. A cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. 1. A method of controlling an endoscope cleaning system, comprising: The endoscope cleaning system comprises: a pump housing including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a peristaltic pump configured to move fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet; an endoscope sheath fluidly connected to the fluid outlet of the pump housing, the endoscope sheath configured to receive an endoscope; and a microcontroller configured to control an activation state of the peristaltic pump; Including, The method comprises: when activated by the microcontroller, the peristaltic pump moves fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet at a first rate for a first period of time; when the first period of time expires while activated, the peristaltic pump moving fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet at a second rate, the second rate being less than the first rate; when deactivated by the microcontroller, the peristaltic pump moves fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a third rate for a second period of time; when the second time period expires while deactivated, the peristaltic pump moving fluid from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet at a fourth rate for a third time period, the fourth rate being less than the third rate; A method comprising:

14. and shutting off the peristaltic pump when the third period of time expires. The method of claim 13.

15. While the peristaltic pump is activated, the peristaltic pump delivers fluid through the endoscope sheath to the distal end of the endoscope.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14.

16. While the peristaltic pump is deactivated, the peristaltic pump removes fluid from the distal end of the endoscope to the endoscope sheath.

16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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