Methods for reprocessing medical devices

Abstract

To provide a method of reprocessing a medical device.SOLUTION: A method of reprocessing a medical device comprises: opening a reprocessing case to form an open configuration; placing the medical device in the reprocessing case; closing the reprocessing case to form a closed configuration; placing the reprocessing case in a reprocessor; mating a fluid delivery assembly to a port of the reprocessing case; configuring the reprocessing case to be in a disinfection configuration; disinfecting the medical device; and returning the reprocessing case to the closed configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Disclosed Content

[0001] 〔Field〕 The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system for the reprocessing of medical devices, particularly for the automated reprocessing of endoscopes.

[0002] 〔Background〕 Endoscopes are reusable medical devices. Endoscopes should be reprocessed, i.e., decontaminated, between medical procedures in which they are used in order to avoid causing infection or disease to the subject. Endoscopes are difficult to decontaminate, as described in various news articles. For example, see Chad Terhune, “Superbug outbreak: UCLA will test new scope-cleaning machine,” Los Angeles Times, July 22, 2015, http: / / www.latimes.com / business / la-fi-ucla-superbug-scope-testing-20l50722-story.html (last accessed October 30, 2017). Typically, the reprocessing of an endoscope includes at least the steps of removing foreign matter from the endoscope, cleaning the endoscope, and disinfecting the endoscope by immersing the endoscope in a disinfectant that can substantially kill microorganisms on the endoscope, such as bacteria that cause infection. One exemplary disinfectant is CIDEX® OPA Solution, manufactured and supplied by the applicant's Advanced Sterilization Products (“ASP”), a division of Ethicon US, LLC of Johnson & Johnson company.

[0003] Endoscope reprocessing may be performed by healthcare professionals or using automated endoscope reprocessing equipment ("AER"), such as ASP's EVOTECH® endoscope cleaning and reprocessing equipment. The initial steps of reprocessing should be performed in the treatment setting, immediately after or shortly after the endoscope has been used in a procedure, to remove bioburden from the endoscope before it can dry on the endoscope. The initial steps are typically performed by a nurse and include, among other things, thoroughly wiping the endoscope, immersing it in a detergent solution, aspirating detergent through the endoscope, aspirating air through the endoscope, and rinsing the channels. After the initial steps have been performed, the endoscope may be transported to a reprocessing area for further reprocessing, such as disinfection within the AER. After disinfection, the endoscope may be stored until its next use.

[0004] [Summary of Disclosure] Disclosed herein are reprocessing cases for medical devices, particularly instruments such as endoscopes, which may be used to assist in the reprocessing of instruments within an automated reprocessing device, such as an automated endoscopic reprocessing device. The reprocessing case may include a first segment having a first shell having a first barrel and a first faceplate connected to a first piston at least partially located within the first barrel. The first faceplate may include a first port located through the first faceplate and a first valve located within the first port. A first tube may be connected to the first valve.

[0005] The reprocessing case may also include a second segment having a second shell and a second faceplate. A hinge can connect the first shell to the second shell. The second shell may also include a second barrel. Thus, the second faceplate may include a connection to a second piston at least partially located within the second barrel. The second faceplate may also include a second port located through the second faceplate and a second valve located within the second port. A second tube can be connected to the second valve.

[0006] In a closed configuration, the first faceplate can contact the first shell, and the first shell can contact the second shell. In a further closed configuration, the second faceplate can contact the second shell. In a disinfection configuration, the first faceplate may be transposed away from the first shell so that the first faceplate does not contact the first shell. In a further disinfection configuration, the second faceplate may be transposed away from the second shell so that the second faceplate does not contact the second shell. In at least one disinfection configuration, the first faceplate may be inclined outward from the first shell. In further or alternative disinfection configurations, the second faceplate may be inclined outward from the second shell.

[0007] Furthermore, the reprocessing case may include a manifold. The manifold may be at least partially positioned on the first faceplate. Alternatively or additionally, the manifold may be integrated into the first or second segment of the case. The manifold may include at least one inlet port and at least four outlet ports, for example, eight outlet ports.

[0008] The case may further include a drainage channel. It may also include a spray nozzle attached to at least one of the output ports. The spray nozzle may include a rotary spray nozzle.

[0009] The case may be used to assist in the reprocessing of medical devices according to the following methods and variations: Firstly, the reprocessing case can be opened to an open configuration. Secondly, medical devices such as endoscopes can be placed in the reprocessing case. Thirdly, the reprocessing case can be closed to a closed configuration. Fourthly, the reprocessing case can be placed in a reprocessing device. Fifthly, the reprocessing case can be configured to a disinfection configuration. Sixthly, the medical device can be disinfected, for example, by spraying a disinfectant onto the endoscope. Furthermore, detergent may be sprayed onto the endoscope before spraying the disinfectant onto the endoscope. Seventhly, the reprocessing case can be returned to a closed configuration.

[0010] In certain modifications of this method, a fluid delivery assembly can be fitted to a port in the reprocessing case. The port may include an inlet port of a manifold. The port may also be located through the surface of the reprocessing case, either additionally or alternatively. The lumen of a medical device may also be connected to a port. Therefore, the disinfection step may include disinfecting the lumen of the medical device.

[0011] This specification concludes with claims that specifically identify and assert the subject matter described herein, which is considered to be better understood by reading the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals identify the same elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This depicts a reprocessing case in a closed-loop configuration. [Figure 2] The reprocessing case shown in Figure 1, which is part of the first disinfection configuration, is illustrated. [Figure 3] The reprocessing case shown in Figure 1, which is in an open configuration, is illustrated. [Figure 4] A first fluid delivery assembly is depicted, configured to fit with the reprocessing case in Figure 1. [Figure 5] The reprocessing case shown in Figure 1, which is part of the second disinfection configuration, is illustrated. [Figure 6] A second fluid delivery assembly, which can be used in conjunction with the reprocessing case in Figure 1, is depicted. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates a reprocessing case that includes a manifold in a closed configuration. [Figure 8] Figure 7 illustrates the reprocessing case in an open configuration. [Figure 9] Draw a cross-sectional view of the reprocessing case, including the integrated manifold.

[0013] [Modes for carrying out the invention] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, where similar elements in different drawings are numbered identically. Drawings that are not necessarily to scale depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates the principles of the invention as examples, not as limitations. This description describes several embodiments, adaptations, modifications, substitutions, and uses of the invention, including those currently considered to be the best modes for carrying out the invention, which will clearly enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the invention.

[0014] Where used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” for any number or range indicate appropriate dimensional tolerances that enable a set of parts or components to function for its intended purpose, as described herein. More specifically, “about” or “approximately” can refer to a range of values ​​within ±10% of the enumerated values; for example, “about 90%” can refer to a range of values ​​between 81% and 99%. Furthermore, where used herein, the terms “patient,” “host,” “user,” and “subject” refer to any human or animal subject and are not intended to limit the system or method to human use, although use of the present invention in a human patient represents a preferred embodiment.

[0015] This specification describes a reprocessing case that can be used to facilitate the disinfection of medical devices by AER and the subsequent storage of medical devices. The reprocessing case 100 is shown in a closed configuration in Figure 1, a disinfection configuration in Figure 2, and an open configuration in Figure 3. The case 100 includes a first segment 102 and a second segment 104. The first segment 102 includes a first shell 106 having a first faceplate 108. The second segment 104 includes a second shell 110 having a second faceplate 112. The first shell 106 and the second shell 110 may be connected by hinges, and the first segment 102 and the second segment 104 can be rotated relative to each other to change the configuration of the case from the closed configuration in Figure 1 to the open configuration in Figure 3. The segments 102 and 104 may be made from any robust material, including metal and plastic, or a combination thereof. For example, the entire case 100 may be made from one material, the other material, or a combination thereof. Stainless steel is an exemplary metal, and polycarbonate is an exemplary plastic. Thus, at least a portion of the case may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

[0016] At least one clasp, for example two clasps 114, can be attached to either shell 106 or shell 110 and secured to the other shell, and these two shells can be secured to each other in the same way as a briefcase. A handle may also be positioned close to a clasp on one of the two shell components. Thus, certain features of case 100 can be described as being similar to a conventional briefcase.

[0017] Case 100 may further include various ports positioned through the shells 106 and 110. For example, as shown in the drawing, ports 116, 118, 120, and 122 are positioned through the faceplate 108. Each port can accommodate valves 124, 126, 128, and 130, which may be check valves, duckbill valves, umbrella valves, or X-fragm valves such as those manufactured by Minivalve, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio. Although four ports and valves are shown, there may be any number of valves and ports that may be appropriate, for example, one port to ten ports and one valve to ten valves. These ports and valves provide access to the AER fluid delivery assembly 132 (Figure 4) to the inside of Case 100 during disinfection procedures, but can restrict contaminants from entering the case during post-treatment storage.

[0018] The fluid delivery assembly 132 may be included as a sub-assembly of the AER, positioned within the reprocessing chamber. In addition to delivering liquid into case 100, assembly 132 can also function to change the configuration of the case from the closed configuration in Figure 1 to the disinfection configuration in Figure 2. For example, assembly 132 may be connected to the wall of the reprocessing chamber via a linear actuator, and the linear action of assembly 132 causes assembly 132 to move away from the wall toward case 100 and eventually come into contact with case 100.

[0019] Once extended onto the case from its home position, assembly 132 employs the use of a capture feature to engage with a connecting feature of case 100 for mechanical operation purposes, for example, to move the faceplate 108 away from the shell 106. The capture feature may be a spring-loaded cam or a mechanical finger that engages with the connecting feature by press-fit, friction-fit, or snap-fit. The connecting feature may include slots 134 and 136. A cover 140, a flexible sheet of material such as silicone, can cover the slits 134 and 136 and be fixed to the inner surface of faceplate 108 to enable the engagement of assembly 132 and provide a barrier to the outside of faceplate 108 to limit contaminants from entering the case through slots 134 and 136 during post-treatment storage. Alternatively, a second cover 142 may be included, with cover 140 covering slot 134 and cover 142 covering slot 136.

[0020] When the capture feature of assembly 132 engages with the connection feature of case 100, assembly 132 translates back toward the wall, i.e., toward its home position which pulls face 108 away from shell 106, transitioning case 100 from closed configuration to disinfection configuration. After the cycle is complete, the case wall is returned to closed configuration, and the capture feature is relaxed, detaching assembly 132 from the connection feature of case 100. The relaxation of the capture feature may be associated with another movement of assembly 132, such as negative travel from the home position.

[0021] Figure 2 depicts case 100 in a disinfection configuration where faceplate 108 is displaced from shell 106 and faceplate 112 is displaced from shell 110. As described above, slots 134 and 136 can mate with features on assembly 132, which can pull faceplate 108 away from shell 106 or push faceplate 108 back into contact with shell 106. A cylinder or piston (e.g., 170, 174, 178) can be disposed within a barrel (e.g., 172, 176, 180 (hidden)) of shell 106 and can assist in guiding faceplate 108 between its two positions corresponding to the closed and disinfection configurations. Alternatively or additionally, faceplate 106 can move between its two positions without assistance from assembly 132. For example, a motor such as a stepper motor can be included in at least one of the barrels to translate its corresponding piston in and out of the barrel. The motor can be powered by battery power. Alternatively or additionally, a spring (e.g., spring 144) can be included inside any of the barrels or around any of the pistons to assist in returning case 100 to its closed configuration. A gasket or gasket material can be adhered around shell 106, faceplate 108, or both, such that shell 106 and faceplate 108 form a seal when case 100 is in its closed configuration. Similarly, a gasket or gasket material can be adhered around shell 110, faceplate 112, or both, such that shell 110 and faceplate 112 form a seal when case 100 is in its closed configuration.

[0022] An alternative disinfection configuration is shown in FIG. 5. In this disinfection configuration, face plates 108 and 112 slope outwardly from corresponding shells 106 and 110. This can be achieved by some pistons having a longer stroke than some of the other pistons. For example, in FIG. 5, piston 170 extends further outside barrel 172 than piston 174 extends outside barrel 176.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows case 100 in an open configuration in which segments 102 and 104 are disposed at 90° or about 90° relative to each other, in a configuration similar to the open configuration of a conventional briefcase. In the open configuration, a medical device such as endoscope 10 can be placed in the case before a disinfection procedure or removed from the case after a disinfection procedure. Additionally or alternatively, case 100 can include one or more tubes, for example, four tubes 151, 153, 155, and 157 as shown in FIG. 3. One end of each tube can be connected to a valve 124, 126, 128 or 130, for example valve 128. The other ends of these tubes can be connected to the lumen of the endoscope, respectively, via, for example, ports on control body 12, ports on light connector 13, or via the distal end of insertion tube 16. Such connections serve to supply disinfectant, detergent, water, or air through the lumen of the endoscope.

[0024] Case 100 can further include a drain slot 149, which can be covered by a door or cover 147 hinged about at least one hinge 161. Thus, the drain slot can be open during a disinfection procedure so that liquid (e.g., disinfectant, detergent, water) can be drained from case 100, but can be closed during storage to avoid post-treatment contamination.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the fluid delivery assembly 132 of the AER. The assembly 132 may be thought of as a manifold and includes at least one tube for delivering a fluid, such as disinfectant, detergent, or water, from a corresponding supply unit to case 100. For example, as seen in Figure 4, the assembly 132 includes tubes 152, 154, 156, and 158. The proximal portions of each of these tubes may be connected to the fluid supply unit in the AER via a larger tube 160 that keeps each of the tubes 152, 154, 156, and 158 contained within, for organization and to avoid stressing the tube connections during operation of the assembly 132 during disinfection procedures. The distal ends of each tube 152, 154, 156, and 158 may be supported by support fixtures and fitted into corresponding nipples 162, 164 (hidden in Figure 4), 166, and 168. These nipples are inserted into ports 116, 118, 120, and 122 and are configured to open valves 124, 126, 128, and 130. Thus, fluids (e.g., disinfectant, detergent, water, or air) can be delivered into case 100 via the tubes, nipples, and valves.

[0026] Figure 6 shows a second fluid delivery assembly 146, which may be used in addition to or as an alternative to assembly 132. Assembly 146 is supported by two support bars 148 and 150 and includes a manifold 184 connected to a supply tube 186 connected to the AER supply section for, for example, air, water, disinfectant, and detergent. The manifold 184 also includes nipples 188, 190, and 192 from which fluid can be discharged. The manifold 184 may be inserted into case 100 through the space between the faceplate 108 and shell 106 or the faceplate 112 and shell 110 when case 100 is in a disinfection configuration. Thus, in embodiments including both assemblies 132 and 146, assembly 132 may be used, or at least primarily used, to deliver fluid through the endoscope lumen, while assembly 146 may be used, or at least primarily used, to spray fluid outside the endoscope.

[0027] Figures 7 and 8 represent alternative embodiments of the reprocessing case 200 in a closed and open configuration, respectively. The case 200 includes a first segment 202 having a first faceplate 208 and a second segment 204 having a second faceplate 212. A first manifold 260 can be positioned on segment 202, including the faceplate 208. A second manifold 261 can be positioned on segment 204, including the faceplate 212. Manifold 260 may include an inlet port 262, and manifold 261 may include an inlet port 263. Manifolds 260 and 261 may also include various outlet ports. For example, as can be seen in Figure 8, manifold 261 includes eight outlet ports 265. At least one tube 251 may be included to connect one of the outlet ports 265 to the lumen of the endoscope 10. Therefore, a fluid (e.g., air, disinfectant, water, or detergent) introduced into one or both of the inlets 262 and 263 can be introduced into the case 200 and the endoscope lumen to disinfect the endoscope. In a further embodiment, one or more of the outlet ports 265 may be equipped with a spray nozzle 266, such as a rotating spray nozzle.

[0028] Further flow mechanisms can be provided to the reprocessing cases, including cases 100 and 200. One such flow mechanism is an integrated manifold, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows one segment 302 of case 300, which is analogous to segments 102 or 104 of case 100, or segments 202 or 204 of case 200. The manifold includes a tube 352 within the body of segment 302, enclosing substantially the entire contour of the body from a first inlet or inlet port 324 so that the segment contains the manifold. Additional inlets to the tube 352, e.g., a second inlet 326, can be provided. One or more output ports 362 can connect the tube 352 to the inside of segment 302, allowing fluids (e.g., disinfectant, water, detergent, or air) entered through at least the first inlet 324 to be discharged from the port 362 to the inside of the case, preferably as a strong jet. Ideally, there are more output ports than inlets. Therefore, for example, there may be one or two inlet ports and four to twelve output ports. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the manifold includes one inlet port and eight outlet ports. Finally, a drainage channel 349 may be included.

[0029] Through embodiments illustrated and described herein, the applicant has devised a method and variations thereof for disinfecting medical devices, particularly endoscopes, using an AER. For example, a reprocessing case, such as case 100, can be received in a closed configuration, as shown in Figure 1. The case can be opened to an open configuration, as shown in Figure 3. A medical device, such as an endoscope, can be placed in a portion of the case, such as segment 102. The lumen of the medical device can be connected via tubes (e.g., tubes 151, 153) to ports and valves (e.g., ports 116, 118 and valves 124, 126) through which fluid can be introduced into the case and the medical device. The case can then be returned to a closed configuration. The case can then be placed in the disinfection chamber of the AER and secured therein. Alternatively, the case can be placed in the disinfection chamber of the AER before any of the above steps.

[0030] After placing the case in the AER's disinfection chamber in a closed configuration with the endoscope housed inside the case, the disinfection procedure can be initiated. The case can then be configured for disinfection as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 5. That is, at least one faceplate (e.g., 108 or 112) of the case's components (e.g., 102 or 104) can be moved from a position in contact with the shell of that component (e.g., 106 or 110) to a position where it does not contact the shell. This can be achieved by separating the faceplate from the shell, for example, by pulling or pushing the faceplate away from the shell. The faceplate can be separated from the shell by first fitting the fluid delivery assembly (e.g., 132) into the fitting features of the faceplate (e.g., slots 134 and 136). The fluid delivery assembly can then be separated from the shell and the faceplate can be pulled together with it. Pistons (e.g., 172, 178) connected to the faceplate and located within barrels (e.g., 172, 180) connected to or integrated with the shell can help guide the faceplate. The faceplate can be returned to contact the shell by being pushed by a fluid delivery assembly or under the force generated by one or more springs (e.g., 178) positioned around one or more of the pistons that are extended by transposition. Furthermore, stepper motors, etc., can be included inside one or more of the barrels to push and pull the faceplate between the closed configuration and the disinfection configuration. While the case is in the disinfection configuration, various fluids (e.g., detergents, disinfectants, water, and air) can be introduced into the case and medical device to clean, disinfect, and dry them. Such fluids can be introduced into the case by a fluid delivery assembly 146, etc., through the space between the faceplate and the shell, or by a fluid delivery assembly 132, etc., through ports positioned through the faceplate. The case 100 can then be returned to the closed configuration. The reprocessing procedure is completed, and the case can be removed from the AER. The case can then be stored with the disinfected medical device inside.

[0031] [Implementation Method] (1) In the case of reprocessing, The first segment, A first shell having a first barrel, and A first faceplate connected to a first piston, which is at least partially located within the first barrel, The first segment includes, A second segment including a second shell and a second faceplate, A hinge connecting the first shell to the second shell, Reprocessing cases, including those mentioned above. (2) The first faceplate is A first port positioned through the first faceplate, A first valve located within the first port, The reprocessing case described in Embodiment 1, including the above. (3) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first faceplate is in contact with the first shell. (4) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first faceplate is transposed from the first shell and does not come into contact with the first shell. (5) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 4, wherein the first faceplate is inclined outward from the first shell.

[0032] (6) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 2, further comprising a first tube connected to the first valve. (7) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 6, wherein the second shell further includes a second barrel, and the second faceplate includes a connection to a second piston at least partially located within the second barrel. (8) The second faceplate is A second port positioned through the second faceplate, A second valve located within the second port, The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 7, including the reprocessing case described in Embodiment 7. (9) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 8, wherein the second faceplate is in contact with the second shell. (10) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 8, wherein the second faceplate is transposed from the second shell and does not come into contact with the second shell.

[0033] (11) The reprocessing case according to embodiment 10, wherein the second faceplate is inclined outward from the second shell. (12) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 8, further comprising a second tube connected to the second valve. (13) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 2, further comprising a manifold. (14) The reprocessing case according to embodiment 13, wherein the manifold is at least partially located on the first faceplate. (15) The reprocessing case according to embodiment 13, wherein the manifold is integrated with the first segment of the case.

[0034] (16) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 13, wherein the manifold includes at least one inlet port and at least four outlet ports. (17) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 16, wherein the manifold includes one inlet port and eight outlet ports. (18) The reprocessing case according to embodiment 16, further including a drainage channel. (19) The reprocessing case according to embodiment 16, further comprising a spray nozzle attached to at least one of the output ports. (20) The reprocessing case according to Embodiment 19, wherein the spray nozzle includes a rotating spray nozzle.

[0035] (21) A method for reprocessing medical devices, The steps include opening the reprocessing case to create an open configuration, The steps include placing the medical device into the reprocessing case, The steps include closing the aforementioned reprocessing case to create a closed configuration, The steps include: placing the reprocessing case into the reprocessing device, The steps include configuring the aforementioned reprocessing case into a disinfection configuration, The steps include disinfecting the aforementioned medical device, The steps include returning the aforementioned reprocessing case to a closed configuration, Methods that include... (22) The method according to embodiment 21, further comprising the step of fitting a fluid delivery assembly into a port of the reprocessing case. (23) The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the port includes an inlet port of the manifold. (24) The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the port is positioned to penetrate the surface of the reprocessing case. (25) The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the medical device includes an endoscope.

[0036] (26) The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the disinfection step includes spraying a disinfectant onto the endoscope. (27) The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the disinfection step includes spraying detergent onto the endoscope before spraying the disinfectant onto the endoscope. (28) The method according to embodiment 25, further comprising the step of connecting the lumen of the endoscope to the port. (29) The method according to embodiment 28, wherein the disinfection step includes disinfecting the lumen of the medical device.

Claims

1. A method for reprocessing medical devices, The steps include opening the reprocessing case, which does not contain the aforementioned medical device, to create an open configuration, The steps include placing the medical device into the open reprocessing case, The steps include closing the open reprocessing case containing the medical device to create a closed configuration, The steps include placing the reprocessing case with the closed configuration into the reprocessing apparatus, The steps include fitting the fluid delivery assembly into the port of the closed reprocessing case, The steps of configuring the closed reprocessing case into a disinfection configuration include: transposing the first faceplate in the first segment away from the first shell so that the first faceplate does not come into contact with the first shell, and / or transposing the second faceplate in the second segment away from the second shell so that the second faceplate does not come into contact with the second shell; The steps include: disinfecting the medical device housed in the reprocessing case by introducing a disinfectant into the reprocessing case of the disinfection configuration placed inside the reprocessing device, The steps include closing the reprocessing case of the disinfection configuration and returning it to the closed configuration, Includes, The aforementioned open configuration is, (i) The reprocessing case is open between the first segment and the second segment, (ii-1) The first faceplate is in contact with the first shell, and (ii-2) the second faceplate is in contact with the second shell. The aforementioned closing configuration is (i) The reprocessing case is closed between the first segment and the second segment, (ii-1) The first faceplate is in contact with the first shell, and (ii-2) The second faceplate is in contact with the second shell, (iii) The medical device is configured to be housed in the reprocessing case, The aforementioned disinfection configuration is, (i) The reprocessing case is closed between the first segment and the second segment, (ii) The first faceplate is not in contact with the first shell, and / or the second faceplate is not in contact with the second shell, (iii) The medical device is housed in the reprocessing case, method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the port includes an inlet port of a manifold.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the port is arranged to penetrate the surface of the reprocessing case.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the medical device includes an endoscope.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the disinfection step includes spraying the disinfectant onto the endoscope.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the disinfection step includes spraying detergent onto the endoscope before spraying the disinfectant onto the endoscope.

7. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of connecting the lumen of the endoscope to the port.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the disinfection step includes disinfecting the lumen of the endoscope.

9. A method for reprocessing medical devices placed inside the shell of a reprocessing case, The steps include opening the reprocessing case, which does not contain the medical device, to create an open configuration, The steps include placing the medical device into the open reprocessing case, The steps include closing the open reprocessing case containing the medical device to create a closed configuration, The steps include placing the reprocessing case with the closed configuration into the reprocessing apparatus, The steps include fitting the fluid delivery assembly into the port of the closed reprocessing case, The reprocessing case in the closed configuration, in which the shell and the faceplate are in direct contact, is configured for disinfection by moving the faceplate away from the shell so that the faceplate does not come into contact with the shell. The step of reprocessing is to disinfect the medical device housed in the reprocessing case of the disinfection configuration placed in the reprocessing apparatus by introducing a fluid containing a disinfectant between the faceplate and the shell of the reprocessing case, The steps include closing the reprocessing case of the disinfection configuration and returning it to the closed configuration, Includes, The aforementioned open configuration is, (i) The reprocessing case is open between the first segment and the second segment, (ii) The faceplate is in contact with the shell, The aforementioned closing configuration is (i) The reprocessing case is closed between the first segment and the second segment, (ii) The faceplate is in contact with the shell, (iii) The medical device is configured to be housed in the reprocessing case, The aforementioned disinfection configuration is, (i) The reprocessing case is closed between the first segment and the second segment, (ii) The faceplate is not in contact with the shell, (iii) The medical device is housed in the reprocessing case, method.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the returning step includes fitting the fluid delivery assembly onto the faceplate and moving the fluid delivery assembly toward the shell.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the returning step includes shortening or lengthening the piston connecting the shell to the faceplate to guide the faceplate toward the shell.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the returning step further includes shortening or lengthening a spring positioned around the piston, the spring generating a force that moves the faceplate of the reprocessing case toward the shell.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the reprocessing step includes introducing the fluid through the port which is positioned through the faceplate.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fluid further comprises at least one of detergent, water, and air.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the medical device is an endoscope.

16. A method for reprocessing medical devices, The steps include opening the reprocessing case, which does not contain the aforementioned medical device, to create an open configuration, The steps include placing the medical device into the open reprocessing case, The steps include closing the open reprocessing case containing the medical device to create a closed configuration, The steps include placing the reprocessing case with the closed configuration into the reprocessing apparatus, The steps include: attaching the fluid delivery assembly to the closed reprocessing case; Steps to transition the closed reprocessing case to a disinfection configuration, wherein in the first segment, the first faceplate is moved away from the first shell so that the first faceplate does not come into contact with the first shell, and / or in the second segment, the second faceplate is moved away from the second shell so that the second faceplate does not come into contact with the second shell. The steps include: reprocessing by introducing a disinfectant into the reprocessing case of the disinfection configuration placed inside the reprocessing device, thereby disinfecting the medical device housed in the reprocessing case; The steps include closing the reprocessing case of the disinfection configuration and returning it to the closed configuration, Includes, The aforementioned open configuration is, (i) The reprocessing case is open between the first segment and the second segment, (ii-1) The first faceplate is in contact with the first shell, and (ii-2) the second faceplate is in contact with the second shell. The aforementioned closing configuration is (i) The reprocessing case is closed between the first segment and the second segment, (ii-1) The first faceplate is in contact with the first shell, and (ii-2) The second faceplate is in contact with the second shell, (iii) The medical device is configured to be housed in the reprocessing case, The aforementioned disinfection configuration is, (i) The reprocessing case is closed between the first segment and the second segment, (ii) The first faceplate is not in contact with the first shell, and / or the second faceplate is not in contact with the second shell, (iii) A method wherein the medical device is housed in the reprocessing case.

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