Method for confirming reprocessing of endoscope by processor, reuse prevention device and endoscope

Abstract

In the present invention, an endoscope reprocessing method that uses a processor is such that: a recording unit records a mounting state of reuse prevention tools 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 with respect to a to-be-shipped endoscope 1 on which the reuse prevention tools have been mounted; after the endoscope has been returned and before the reuse prevention tools have been removed for reprocessing, a comparison unit compares the mounting state of the reuse prevention tools with a record, and further outputs a comparison result; and after reprocessing, the recording unit records the mounting state of the reuse prevention tools with respect to the to-be-shipped endoscope on which the reuse prevention tools have been newly mounted.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for reprocessing endoscopes in an endoscope rental service. confirmation The present invention relates to a method, a reuse prevention device and an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, rental services have become known that rent endoscopes to hospitals, etc. In such endoscope rental services, it is necessary to prevent unauthorized use of the endoscope by the rental recipient, such as a hospital.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-160312 discloses a technique for blocking the signal path of the endoscopic image pickup through a network when the number of connections between an endoscope and a processor, the connection time, etc. exceed a prescribed value. In this way, a method for restricting the use of an endoscope that uses information and communication technology to render the endoscope unusable is well known.

[0004] Incidentally, in endoscope rental services, rental companies rent out reprocessed endoscopes to hospitals, etc. The rental companies then collect the endoscopes after use and reprocess them.

[0005] In particular, reprocessing is important for medical endoscopes to prevent medical accidents such as secondary infections. For this reason, lending companies reprocess used endoscopes when they are returned to a reprocessing center or other such facility.

[0006] However, if the lender reprocesses the endoscope independently in order to reuse it, there is a problem that the mechanism for clarifying the responsibility for quality control between the lender and the lender becomes complicated.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a method for reprocessing an endoscope by a processor that makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the endoscope has been reprocessed by the lender, and clarifies who is responsible for quality control between the lender and the lender. confirmation It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, a re-use prevention device and an endoscope. DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Reprocessing an endoscope by a processor according to an aspect of the present invention confirmation The method includes a recording unit recording the state of attachment of the reuse prevention device to an endoscope before shipping that has the reuse prevention device attached, a comparison unit comparing the state of attachment of the reuse prevention device with the record after the endoscope is returned and before the reuse prevention device is removed for reprocessing, and outputting the comparison result, and the recording unit recording the state of attachment of the reuse prevention device to the endoscope before shipping that has the reuse prevention device newly attached after reprocessing.

[0009] The reuse prevention device according to one aspect of the present invention is A reuse prevention device that prevents reprocessing by an endoscope reprocessor by being attached to an endoscope and prevents the endoscope from being reused. The endoscope includes a covering portion that covers at least a portion of the endoscope accessories or the endoscope main body portion on the surface of the endoscope while leaving the light guide exposed so that it can be connected to an external device, and a fixing portion that fixes the covering portion to the surface of the endoscope.

[0010] An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention is A reuse prevention device that prevents reprocessing by an endoscope reprocessor by being attached to an endoscope and prevents the endoscope from being reused. With the light guide exposed so as to be connectable to an external device, a reuse prevention device including a covering portion that covers at least a portion of the endoscope accessory or the endoscope main body portion on the surface of the endoscope, and a fixing portion that fixes the covering portion to the surface of the endoscope, is placed on the endoscope main body, the endoscope accessory, and the surface of the endoscope accessory or the endoscope main body portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Diagram showing hospitals and reprocessing centers in the endoscope rental business [Diagram 2] Diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the state when the air / water supply button and suction button are removed from the control section of the endoscope. [Figure 4]A diagram showing the endoscope before the cleaning tube is attached [Diagram 5] A diagram showing the endoscope with the cleaning tube attached. [Figure 6] Diagram showing the scope connector before the cleaning tube and air supply tube are attached [Figure 7] Diagram showing the scope connector with the cleaning tube and air supply tube attached [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows an endoscope placed in a processing tank of an endoscope reprocessor. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state before the cleaning tube and the air supply tube are attached to a different type of scope connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which an endoscope having a scope connector is placed in a processing tank of an endoscope reprocessor. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope to which a first reuse prevention device is attached. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a top view showing an endoscope to which a first reuse prevention device is attached. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a scope connector with a second reuse prevention device attached thereto. [Figure 14] A side view showing a scope connector with a third reuse prevention device attached. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a scope connector and a universal cord to which a fourth reuse prevention device is attached. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the universal cord and the operating unit to which the fifth reuse prevention device is attached. [Figure 17] Flowchart illustrating a method for reprocessing an endoscope [Figure 18] A flowchart illustrating a modified example of a method for reprocessing an endoscope. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0012] The following description will be given taking a medical endoscope as an example of an insertion device. Note that in the following description, the drawings based on each embodiment are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the thickness ratio of each part, etc. differ from the actual ones, and there may be cases where the drawings include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0013] First, as shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment is a technology applied to an endoscope rental business in which a leasing company lends out reprocessed endoscopes 1 to a rental destination such as a hospital 101, and collects used endoscopes 1 at a reprocessing center 102, where the endoscopes are reprocessed and purified so that they can be reused.

[0014] First, there will be described a schematic configuration of the endoscope 1. The endoscope 1 has an endoscope main body portion including an insertion section 2, an operation section 3, and a universal cord 4, as shown in FIG.

[0015] The insertion portion 2 is a long member that can be inserted into the inside of a subject. The operation portion 3 is connected to the base end of the insertion portion 2. The universal cord 4 is a composite cable that extends from the side of the operation portion 3.

[0016] The insertion section 2 has a tip section 5, a bending section 6, and a flexible tube section 7 which is a soft tube. The tip section 5 is disposed at the tip of the insertion section 2. The bending section 6 is actively bendable. This bending section 6 is connected to the base end side of the tip section 5. The flexible tube section 7 is connected to the base end side of the bending section 6. This flexible tube section 7 is connected so as to extend from the tip of the operation section 3.

[0017] The operation section 3 has a treatment tool insertion port 8 , an angle knob 9 , a UD angle fixing lever 10 , a remote switch 11 , an air / water supply button 21 , and a suction button 22 .

[0018] The treatment tool insertion port 8 is an opening communicating with a treatment tool insertion channel (not shown) which is an endoscope conduit. The treatment tool insertion port 8 is provided with a forceps plug 8a which is a forceps mouthpiece.

[0019] The angle knob 9 is an operating handle for operating the bending of the bending portion 6. The angle knob 9 has a UD angle knob 9a and a RL angle knob 9b.

[0020] The UD angle knob 9a is an operating handle for controlling the up-down bending of the bending portion 6. The RL angle knob 9b is an operating handle for controlling the left-right bending of the bending portion 6. An RL angle fixed knob 9c is provided so as to overlap the RL angle knob 9b.

[0021] Here, four remote switches 11 are provided. These four remote switches 11 are video system operation switches each assigned to freeze an image, record an image, switch between photometry, enlarge an image, and so on.

[0022] The air / water supply button 21 is an operation button that controls the operation of supplying fluid from a fluid supply unit (not shown) provided at the tip portion 5. For example, a structure may be adopted in which air supply is performed by covering a small hole in the center of the air / water supply button 21 with a finger. Also, a structure may be adopted in which water supply is performed by pressing the air / water supply button 21.

[0023] The suction button 22 is an operation button that controls the inside of the treatment tool insertion channel (not shown) to a negative pressure. By pressing the suction button 22, for example, mucus adhering to the tip portion 5 can be sucked and removed from the opening (not shown) of the treatment tool insertion channel.

[0024] A break prevention portion 4a is provided at the connection portion between the universal cord 4 and the operation portion 3. A scope connector 12 of the endoscope main body is provided on the base end side of the universal cord 4. The scope connector 12 has a break prevention portion 12a at the connection portion with the universal cord 4.

[0025] The scope connector 12 is connected to a video processor (not shown) of an external device equipped with a light source device. The scope connector 12 has a light guide connector 13 extending therefrom in addition to electrical contacts.

[0026] The video processor to which the scope connector 12 is connected transmits light emitted from an internal light source to a light guide bundle (not shown) inserted through the universal cord 4, the operation unit 3, and the insertion unit 2. The light transmitted to the light guide bundle is then emitted as illumination light from an illumination window (not shown) provided at the tip 5.

[0027] The tip portion 5 has an observation window (not shown). The tip portion 5 has a built-in image sensor (not shown) that photoelectrically converts the imaging light entering through the observation window. An imaging cable extending from the image sensor is inserted through the insertion portion 2, the operation portion 3, and the universal cord 4, and is arranged up to the scope connector 12.

[0028] An RFID 14 such as an IC tag in which endoscope information, etc. is embedded is built into the scope connector 12. By using an RFID reader capable of reading over long distances, various pieces of information about the packed endoscope 1 can be read from outside the endoscope case.

[0029] The endoscope 1 described above is a reusable product that is reprocessed and reused. Therefore, the used endoscope 1 is transported to a reprocessing center 102 after being collected from a hospital 101.

[0030] Then, the used endoscope 1 is reprocessed by an endoscope reprocessor 110 (see FIG. 8) in the reprocessing center 102 so that the endoscope 1 can be reused. Note that the configuration of the endoscope reprocessor 110 is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] First, when reprocessing the endoscope 1, the air / water supply button 21 and the suction button 22 of the operation unit 3 are removed as shown in Fig. 3. The air / water supply button 21 and the suction button 22 may be reusable or disposable (single-use).

[0032] 4 and 5, in the operation unit 3, the cleaning tube 105 is connected to the air / water supply cylinder 21a and the suction cylinder 22a from which the air / water supply button 21 and the suction button 22 have been removed.

[0033] 6 and 7, the scope connector 12 has a cleaning tube 106 connected to the nozzle 23 for suction, auxiliary water supply, etc. Furthermore, the scope connector 12 has an air supply tube 107 connected to the air vent nozzle 24 for a water leak test.

[0034] 8, the endoscope 1 is placed in a processing tank 111 of a cleaning tank of an endoscope reprocessor 110. At this time, the endoscope 1 is set on a holding net 112 made of, for example, metal or resin and attached to the bottom of the processing tank 111. In the processing tank 111, the cleaning tubes 105, 106 and the air supply tube 107 are connected so that the endoscope 1 and the endoscope reprocessor 110 communicate with each other.

[0035] In this manner, the endoscope 1 is placed in the processing tank 111 of the endoscope reprocessor 110, and a predetermined reprocessing process is carried out.

[0036] Depending on the model, the endoscope 1 may have a different type of scope connector 12 as shown in Fig. 9. In this type of scope connector 12 as well, a cleaning tube 106 is connected to a nozzle 23 for suction, auxiliary water supply, etc., and an air supply tube 107 is connected to an air vent nozzle 24 for a water leakage test. Then, the endoscope 1 is set in a holding net 112 and placed in a treatment tank 111 as shown in Fig. 10.

[0037] In this way, when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed by the endoscope reprocessor 110, the cleaning tubes 105, 106 and the air supply tube 107 are connected so that the endoscope 1 and the endoscope reprocessor 110 communicate with each other.

[0038] In this embodiment, a reuse prevention device that prevents reuse of a used endoscope 1 is attached to the endoscope 1 by the hospital 101. In the following description, a plurality of reuse prevention devices will be exemplified.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the first reuse prevention device 31 has a configuration of, for example, a removal prevention device that prevents the suction button 22 provided on the operation unit 3 from being removed from the suction cylinder 22a.

[0040] Specifically, the first reuse prevention device 31 has a covering part 32 and a fixing part 33 that fixes the covering part 32 to the surface of the endoscope 1. The covering part 32 is provided so as to cover the suction button 22. Covered part 3 2 only needs to be able to prevent the suction button 22 from coming off, and may cover the entire surface of the suction button 22 or may expose the suction button 22 to the extent that it cannot be removed.

[0041] It is preferable that at least a portion of the side surface of the suction button 22 be flexible or compressible so as not to impede the pressing operation of the button top of the suction button 22 .

[0042] When the top surface of the covering portion 32 and a part of the side surface connected to the top surface are formed from a hard material, there is an advantage that lateral displacement can be prevented. The material of the covering portion 32 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include resin, elastomer, and paper.

[0043] When providing a hard portion in covering portion 32, a resin, cardboard, metal or ceramic having a predetermined hardness may be adhered or welded to the aforementioned material, or when using resin, the hardness may be increased by cross-linking only the top surface and its surrounding area with heat or ultraviolet light.

[0044] The fixing portion 33 is attached so as to cover at least the outer periphery of a part of the surface of the operation portion 3. This prevents the covering portion 32 from shifting from the suction button 22 and fixes it so that it does not come off.

[0045] The fixing part 33 is provided so as to cover the surface of the operation part 3 so that the angle knob 9, which is the endoscope handle, is exposed and operable. The fixing part 33 is a functional film such as a heat shrinkable film, a polypropylene band, or the like.

[0046] The fixing part 33 is a suction button. N22 It is preferable that the configuration includes a pressure band that tightens the surface of the operation unit 3 to prevent it from shifting from the predetermined area it covers.

[0047] In addition, the fixing portion 33 is provided with a fragile area 33a formed by perforations, slits, etc. so that the covering portion 32 can be easily removed from the suction button 22 when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed at the reprocessing center 102.

[0048] That is, the first reuse prevention device 31 is peeled off from the operation unit 3 by cutting off the fixing part 33 along the weakened region 33a. This allows the covering part 32 to be removed from the suction button 22. Therefore, the suction button 22 becomes in a state where it can be removed from the suction cylinder 22a of the operation unit 3.

[0049] In this way, the endoscope 1 is designed so that the suction button 22 cannot be removed unless the first re-use prevention device 31 is removed. In other words, the first re-use prevention device 31 prevents the suction button 22 from being removed from the endoscope 1.

[0050] Therefore, when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed by the endoscope reprocessor 110, the cleaning tube 105 cannot be attached to the suction cylinder 22a unless the first reuse prevention device 31 is removed from the endoscope 1.

[0051] Furthermore, when washing hands at a sink, the cleaning brush cannot be inserted through the suction cylinder 22a unless the first reuse prevention device 31 is removed.

[0052] The first reuse prevention device 31 may be configured so that the covering part 32 covers the air / water supply button 21. Furthermore, the first reuse prevention device 31 may be configured so that the covering part 32 covers both the suction button 22 and the air / water supply button 21.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 13, the second reuse prevention device 35 is, for example, a device that covers the vent cap 24 for a water leakage test provided on the scope connector 12. Reuse It is composed of protective equipment for use.

[0054] Specifically, the second reuse prevention device 35 also has a covering part 36 and a fixing part 37 that fixes the covering part 36. 36 is , covering the entire vent nozzle 24.

[0055] The fixing part 37 is attached so as to cover the outer periphery of at least a part of the surface of the scope connector 12. This prevents the covering part 36 from slipping off and coming off from the vent cap 24. The materials of the covering part 36 and the fixing part 37 are the same as those of the first reuse prevention device described above.

[0056] In addition, it is preferable that the fixing portion 37 also includes a pressure cuff that tightens the surface of the scope connector 12 to prevent the covering portion 36 from shifting from the predetermined position covering the ventilation mouthpiece 24.

[0057] The fixing part 37 here is also provided with a weakened area 37a formed by perforations, slits, or the like so that the covering part 36 can be removed from the vent metal fitting 24 when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed at the reprocessing center 102. That is, the second reuse prevention device 35 is peeled off from the scope connector 12 by cutting the fixing part 37 along the weakened area 37a.

[0058] This allows the covering portion 36 of the second reuse prevention device 35 to be detached from the ventilation cap 24. Therefore, the ventilation cap 24 is exposed at the scope connector 12.

[0059] In this way, the endoscope 1 is configured so that the air vent fitting 24 will not be exposed unless the second reuse prevention device 35 is removed. In other words, when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed by the endoscope reprocessor 110, the air supply tube 107 cannot be attached to the air vent fitting 24 unless the second reuse prevention device 35 is removed.

[0060] Furthermore, when using an endoscope reprocessor 110 that is not equipped with an automatic leak tester, unless the second reuse prevention device 35 is removed, manual leak testing of the endoscope 1 cannot be performed before carrying out the reprocessing process.

[0061] The third reuse prevention device 41, as shown in FIG. 14, has the configuration of, for example, a containment prevention device for a treatment tank 111 that makes the scope connector 12 oversized.

[0062] Specifically, the third reuse prevention device 41 has a plurality of bulks 42 which are covering parts, and a fixing part 43 which fixes the plurality of bulks 42. The bulks 42 are pieces of rubber, sponges, air packs, etc. that thicken the scope connector 12. The plurality of bulks 42 are attached to the fixing part 43.

[0063] The fixing part 43 is attached so as to cover the outer periphery of at least a part of the surface of the scope connector 12. The fixing part 43 is provided by being wound around the scope connector 12 so as to sandwich the ventilation mouthpiece 24. This fixing part 43 is also a functional film such as a heat shrinkable film, a polypropylene band, or the like.

[0064] The fixing part 43 also has a weakened area 43a formed by perforations, slits, or the like so that the multiple bulks 42 can be removed when reprocessing the endoscope 1. That is, the third re-use prevention device 41 is peeled off from the scope connector 12 by cutting the fixing part 43 along the weakened area 43a. This makes it possible to remove the multiple bulks 42 of the third re-use prevention device 41 from the scope connector 12.

[0065] In this way, unless the third reuse prevention device 41 is removed from the endoscope 1, the scope connector 12 will be oversized relative to the processing tank 111. That is, when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed by the endoscope reprocessor 110, Ingredients 41 If it is not removed, the scope connector 12 cannot be set in the fixed position on the retaining net 112 of the treatment tank 111.

[0066] The fourth reuse prevention device 51 is configured as a bending prevention device provided from the break prevention portion 12a of the scope connector 12 to the middle of the universal cord 4, as shown in FIG.

[0067] Specifically, the fourth reuse prevention device 51 also has a covering part 52 and a fixing part 53 that fixes the covering part 52. The covering part 52 is a framework made up of multiple bones with an arc-shaped cross section that covers at least a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the universal cord 4. The multiple frameworks of the covering part 52 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the universal cord 4.

[0068] The covering portion 52 is provided on a fixing portion 53 on the universal cord 4. This covering portion 52 is also formed of a hard synthetic resin or the like that is tougher than the universal cord 4. Note that the covering portion 52 preferably has a cushioning material on the inner surface side to prevent damage to the universal cord 4.

[0069] The fixing portion 53 covers a predetermined length range of the universal cord 4 from the fold prevention portion 12a. The fixing portion 53 is a functional film such as a heat shrinkable film.

[0070] The fixing part 53 is also provided with a weakened area 53a formed by perforations, slits, or the like so that the covering part 52 can be removed when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed. Ingredients 51 is peeled off from the breakage prevention portion 12a and the universal cord 4 by cutting off the fixing portion 53 along the weakened region 53a. This makes it possible to remove the covering portion 52 of the fourth reuse prevention device 51 from the universal cord 4.

[0071] In this way, unless the fourth reuse prevention device 51 is removed, the universal cord 4 of the endoscope 1 cannot be bent within the predetermined length range in which the covering portion 52 is provided.

[0072] In other words, when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed by the endoscope reprocessor 110, unless the fourth reuse prevention device 51 is removed, the universal cord 4 cannot be bent to a specified length, and the scope connector 12 or the universal cord 4 cannot be set in a fixed position on the retaining mesh 112 of the processing tank 111.

[0073] 16, the fifth reuse prevention device 55 is configured as a bending prevention device provided from the break prevention portion 4a of the universal cord 4 to the middle of the universal cord 4. This fifth reuse prevention device 55 has a similar configuration to the fourth reuse prevention device 51, so it will be briefly described.

[0074] The fifth reuse prevention device 55 also has a covering part 56 and a fixing part 57 that fixes the covering part 56. The fixing part 57 here is also provided with a fragile region 57a ​​such as a perforation or a slit so that the covering part 56 can be removed when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed.

[0075] In this endoscope 1 as well, unless the fifth reuse prevention device 55 is removed, the universal cord 4 cannot be bent within the predetermined length range where the covering portion 56 is provided.

[0076] In other words, when the endoscope 1 is reprocessed by the endoscope reprocessor 110, unless the fifth reuse prevention device 55 is removed, the universal cord 4 cannot be bent into a specified shape, and the operating unit 3 or the universal cord 4 cannot be set in a fixed position on the retaining mesh 112 of the processing tank 111.

[0077] The fourth reuse prevention device 51 and the fifth reuse prevention device 55 may be provided midway along the universal cord 4.

[0078] As described above, the endoscope 1 is configured such that reprocessing cannot be performed unless the first to fifth reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 are removed after use. Therefore, reprocessing of the endoscope 1 cannot be performed unless the hospital 101 removes the first to fifth reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 from the used endoscope 1. Thus, by attaching the first to fifth reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 to the endoscope 1, reuse by the hospital 101 can be inhibited.

[0079] The first to fifth reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 are attached to the operation unit 3 or the scope connector 12, but the light guide connector 13 of the scope connector 12 connectable to a video processor of an external device is exposed. That is, the endoscope 1 to which the first to fifth reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 are attached is in a state in which the scope connector 12 is connectable to a video processor.

[0080] Furthermore, the endoscope 1 does not need to be fitted with all of the first to fifth reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55; as long as at least one of the first to fifth reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 is fitted, reuse by the hospital 101 can be prevented.

[0081] Here, a reprocessing method by a lending company in a rental service of the endoscope 1 will be briefly described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0082] First, the company that rents out the endoscope 1 collects the used endoscope 1 from the hospital 101 (S1). Then, the company transports the used endoscope 1 to a reprocessing center 102 (S2).

[0083] In the reprocessing center 102, the company removes the reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 from the endoscope 1 (S3). Then, the company reprocesses the endoscope 1 from which the reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, and 55 have been removed (S4).

[0084] Next, the company attaches the clean reuse prevention device 31, 35, 41, 51, 55 to the reprocessed endoscope 1 (S5).Then, the company delivers the endoscope 1 with the reuse prevention device 31, 35, 41, 51, 55 attached to the lender (S6).

[0085] In this way, the company that rents out the endoscope 1 reprocesses the used endoscope 1 rented to the hospital 101, and rents the reprocessed endoscope 1 back to the hospital 101.

[0086] Furthermore, before the reprocessing of the used endoscope 1 at the reprocessing center 102, the company checks whether the reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, 55 are properly attached, and if the reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, 55 have been removed, the company can recognize that the endoscope 1 may have been reused by the hospital 101.

[0087] Therefore, the hospital 101 can easily determine the possibility that the endoscope 1 has been reused, and it is possible to clarify where the responsibility for quality control lies between the lender and the lending destination.

[0088] As a modified example of the reprocessing method by the lending company in the rental service of the endoscope 1, a step of comparing the attachment state of the reuse prevention device before shipping and after return may be added as shown in Fig. 18. This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the reuse prevention device has been displaced or returned to its original position after being displaced or removed.

[0089] To implement this modified example, the reuse prevention device can be photographed or videotaped before shipment, and after the endoscope is returned, a person can compare this with the state of the reuse prevention device on the endoscope in hand, or the comparison can be made using a device.

[0090] When the device is used, a processor including a recording unit having a recording function and a comparison unit having a comparison function is used, and the recording unit records the state of attachment of the reuse prevention device for an endoscope equipped with the reuse prevention device before shipment (S5-1).

[0091] Next, after the endoscope is returned and before the reuse prevention device is removed for reprocessing, the comparison unit compares the attachment state of the reuse prevention device with the record (S2-1), and further outputs the comparison result (S2-2).

[0092] Next, the recording unit records the state of the reuse prevention device attached to the endoscope before shipping to which the reuse prevention device has been newly attached after reprocessing (S5-1). As a comparison method, a known image processing method or the like can be appropriately used. The processor may be mounted in the endoscope reprocessor, or may be a device separate from the endoscope reprocessor.

[0093] As explained above, the reprocessing method for endoscope 1, reuse prevention devices 31, 35, 41, 51, 55, and endoscope 1 of this embodiment enable the lending company to easily determine whether or not the endoscope 1 has been reprocessed by a hospital 101 or the like, and makes it possible to clarify the responsibility for quality control between the lender and the recipient.

[0094] The invention described in the above embodiment and modification is not limited to those embodiment and modification, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiment and modification include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed constituent elements.

[0095] For example, if some of the constituent elements shown in the embodiments and variant examples can be deleted and the stated problem can be solved and the stated effect can be obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements have been deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Claims

1. A recording unit records the state of attachment of the reuse prevention device to an endoscope before shipment to which the reuse prevention device is attached, a comparison unit, after the endoscope is returned and before the reuse prevention device is removed for reprocessing, compares the wearing state of the reuse prevention device with the record, and further outputs the comparison result; A method for confirming the reprocessing of an endoscope by a processor, characterized in that the recording unit records the attachment state of the reuse prevention device for the endoscope before shipment to which the reuse prevention device has been newly attached after reprocessing.

2. A reuse prevention device that, when attached to an endoscope, prevents reprocessing by an endoscope reprocessor and prevents the endoscope from being reused, a covering portion that covers at least a portion of the endoscope accessories or the endoscope main body portion on the surface of the endoscope in a state in which the light guide is exposed so as to be connectable to an external device; a fixing part for fixing the covering part to a surface of the endoscope; A reuse prevention device comprising:

3. The covering portion is inhibiting removal of the endoscope accessory from the endoscope; or The reuse prevention device according to claim 2, characterized in that the endoscope is made oversized for a processing tank of an endoscope reprocessor, thereby preventing the endoscope from being reprocessed.

4. The re-use prevention device according to claim 2 , wherein the covering portion exposes the endoscope handle so that the endoscope handle can be operated.

5. 3. The reuse prevention device according to claim 2, wherein when the covering portion covers the endoscope accessory, the endoscope accessory is a suction button, an air / water supply button, or an air vent cap.

6. When the covering portion covers at least a portion of the endoscope body, the at least a portion is a universal cord, The re-use prevention device according to claim 2, characterized in that the covering portion includes a bone having a higher toughness than the universal cord and a predetermined length along the universal cord.

7. When the covering portion covers at least a portion of the endoscope body portion, the at least a portion is a scope connector, The reuse prevention device according to claim 2, wherein the covering portion includes a bulk that increases the outer circumference of the scope connector when attached thereto.

8. 3. The re-use prevention device according to claim 2, wherein the fixing portion includes a pressure cuff that prevents the covering portion from shifting from a predetermined position.

9. The re-use prevention device according to claim 8, characterized in that the pressure cuff is made of a heat shrinkable film.

10. The re-use prevention device according to claim 2, wherein the fixing portion includes a weakened area that is weaker than adjacent areas.

11. The reuse prevention device according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes an RF-ID.

12. An endoscope body, The endoscope accessory, and An endoscope comprising the re-use prevention device according to claim 2 disposed on a surface of the endoscope accessory or on the endoscope body.

13. The covering portion is inhibiting removal of the endoscope accessory from the endoscope; or 13. The endoscope of claim 12, wherein the endoscope is not reprocessed by oversizing the endoscope for a processing tank of an endoscope reprocessor.

14. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein the covering portion exposes the endoscope handle so that the endoscope handle can be operated.

15. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein, when the covering portion covers the endoscope accessory, the endoscope accessory is a suction button, an air / water supply button, or an air vent cap.

16. The endoscope according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes an RF-ID.

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