Cleaning method
The described cleaning method uses reduced-pressure boiling with controlled fluid flows to address the inadequacies of manual and mechanical cleaning, ensuring complete removal of proteins from endoscopic treatment instruments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MIURA CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing cleaning methods, such as manual and mechanical cleaning, are inadequate for thoroughly removing heat-denatured proteins from the tip of endoscopic treatment instruments like the da Vinci endolist.
A cleaning method involving a reduced-pressure boiling process using a first and second cleaning solution, where the tip is covered with a container containing the first solution and immersed in a second solution within a cleaning tank, with controlled boiling and depressurization to create vigorous fluid flows for effective cleaning.
The method effectively removes both heat-denatured and non-denatured proteins from the endoscopic treatment instrument, ensuring thorough cleaning that manual and mechanical methods cannot achieve.
Smart Images
Figure 0007885661000001
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning method.
Background Art
[0002] In the technical field related to cleaning methods, a cleaning method as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] For example, when cleaning an endoscopic treatment instrument called a Davinci endolist, the treatment instrument provided at the tip of the endoscopic treatment instrument cannot be sufficiently cleaned by manual cleaning or mechanical cleaning, and there is a possibility that protein remains on the treatment instrument. In particular, heat-denatured protein may adhere to the treatment instrument during surgery, and it is difficult to sufficiently remove the heat-denatured protein from the treatment instrument by manual cleaning or mechanical cleaning.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to clean a cleaning target that is difficult to be sufficiently cleaned by manual cleaning or mechanical cleaning.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning method for a cleaning target having a tip and a support portion connected to the tip, the method including covering the tip with a container containing a first cleaning liquid, immersing the container and the cleaning target in a second cleaning liquid contained in a cleaning tank, and subjecting the second cleaning liquid to reduced-pressure boiling.
Effects of the Invention
[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to clean objects that are difficult to clean sufficiently by manual or mechanical cleaning. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cleaning apparatus used in the cleaning method according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.
[0010] [Washing equipment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cleaning apparatus 1 used in the cleaning method according to the embodiment. The cleaning apparatus 1 cleans the object to be cleaned using a first cleaning solution 100 and a second cleaning solution 200. In this embodiment, the cleaning apparatus 1 is a reduced-pressure boiling type cleaning apparatus.
[0011] The object to be cleaned is a medical device. In one embodiment, the object to be cleaned is an endoscopic treatment instrument 60 used in the da Vinci® Surgical System, called the da Vinci Endlist. The endoscopic treatment instrument 60 has a treatment instrument 63 and a shaft portion 62 connected to the treatment instrument 63. The tip of the endoscopic treatment instrument 60 includes the treatment instrument 63. The treatment instrument 63 is supported by the shaft portion 62, which is a support portion.
[0012] The cleaning device 1 comprises a cleaning tank 2, a mesh screen 3, a water supply device 4, a chemical supply device 5, a drainage device 6, a heating device 7, a pressure reducing device 8, a liquid phase air supply device 9, a gas phase air supply device 10, a pressure sensor 11, a temperature sensor 12, and a control device 13.
[0013] The cleaning tank 2 has an internal space in which the second cleaning fluid 200 is stored. An opening is provided at the upper end of the cleaning tank 2. The endoscopic instrument 60 is brought into the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 through the opening of the cleaning tank 2. The endoscopic instrument 60 is removed from the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 through the opening of the cleaning tank 2. The opening of the cleaning tank 2 is closed with a lid 14. By closing the opening of the cleaning tank 2 with the lid 14, the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is sealed.
[0014] The mesh 3 supports the endoscopic instrument 60 in the internal space of the washing tank 2. If the endoscopic instrument 60 is supported by a mesh-like support member such as a basket, the mesh 3 supports the endoscopic instrument 60 in the internal space of the washing tank 2 via the support member. The endoscopic instrument 60 is positioned above the mesh 3 in the internal space of the washing tank 2. The second washing fluid 200 can pass through the mesh 3.
[0015] The water supply device 4 supplies fresh water to the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The water supply device 4 has a water supply line 15 connected to the cleaning tank 2 and a solenoid valve 16 located in the water supply line 15. When the solenoid valve 16 is operated, fresh water from a water source (not shown) is supplied to the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 via the water supply line 15.
[0016] The chemical supply device 5 supplies cleaning chemicals to the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The chemical supply device 5 has a chemical supply line 17 connected to the cleaning tank 2. The chemicals are supplied to the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 via the chemical supply line 17. When the chemicals are supplied to the fresh water supplied to the internal space of the cleaning tank 2, a second cleaning solution 200 is generated in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2.
[0017] The drainage device 6 discharges the second cleaning fluid 200 from the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The drainage device 6 has a drainage line 18 connected to the cleaning tank 2 and a solenoid valve 19 located in the drainage line 18. When the solenoid valve 19 is activated, the second cleaning fluid 200 is discharged from the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 via the drainage line 18.
[0018] The heating device 7 heats the second cleaning liquid 200 stored in the cleaning tank 2. The heating device 7 includes a heater 20 positioned in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The heater 20 is immersed in the second cleaning liquid 200 in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The heater 20 is positioned below the base net 3.
[0019] The pressure reducing device 8 reduces the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The pressure reducing device 8 reduces the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 by discharging gas from the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The pressure reducing device 8 has an exhaust line 21 connected to the cleaning tank 2 and a vacuum pump 22 located in the exhaust line 21. When the vacuum pump 22 is operated, gas is discharged from the internal space of the cleaning tank 2, and the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is reduced in pressure.
[0020] The liquid-phase air supply device 9 supplies air to the second cleaning liquid 200 stored in the cleaning tank 2. The liquid-phase air supply device 9 includes an air supply nozzle 23 positioned in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2, a liquid-phase air supply line 24 connected to the air supply nozzle 23, a filter 25 positioned in the liquid-phase air supply line 24, and a liquid-phase air supply valve 26 positioned in the liquid-phase air supply line 24 between the filter 25 and the cleaning tank 2. The air supply nozzle 23 is immersed in the second cleaning liquid 200 in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The air supply nozzle 23 is positioned below the base net 3. When the liquid-phase air supply valve 26 is opened while the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is depressurized, the differential pressure between the internal and external spaces of the cleaning tank 2 supplies air from the external space of the cleaning tank 2 to the air supply nozzle 23 via the filter 25 and the liquid-phase air supply line 24. The filter 25 collects foreign matter from the air. The air supply nozzle 23 has a plurality of air inlets 27. The air supplied to the air supply nozzle 23 via the liquid phase air supply line 24 is then supplied to the second cleaning liquid 200 from the air inlet 27.
[0021] The gas-phase air supply device 10 supplies air to the gas space in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The gas-phase air supply device 10 includes a gas-phase air supply line 28 connected to the cleaning tank 2, a filter 29 disposed in the gas-phase air supply line 28, and a gas-phase air supply valve 30 disposed in the gas-phase air supply line 28 between the filter 29 and the cleaning tank 2. When the gas-phase air supply valve 30 opens in a state where the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is depressurized, due to the differential pressure between the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 and the external space, the air in the external space of the cleaning tank 2 is supplied to the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 through the filter 29 and the gas-phase air supply line 28.
[0022] The pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. The temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the second cleaning liquid 200 stored in the cleaning tank 2.
[0023] The control device 13 includes a computer system. The control device 13 controls the cleaning device 1. The control device 13 can clean the endoscope treatment instrument 60 by a liquid-phase air supply pulse cleaning method in which air is supplied to the second cleaning liquid 200 to generate a flow in the second cleaning liquid 200 in a state where the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is depressurized. The control device 13 can clean the endoscope treatment instrument 60 by a gas-phase air supply pulse cleaning method in which air is supplied after the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is depressurized to generate a flow in the second cleaning liquid 200.
[0024] The liquid-phase air supply pulse cleaning method refers to a cleaning method in which, in a state where the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 where the endoscope treatment instrument 60 is disposed and the second cleaning liquid 200 is stored is depressurized, air is supplied to the second cleaning liquid 200 to explosively boil (flash boil) the second cleaning liquid 200, and the endoscope treatment instrument 60 is cleaned by the violent flow of the second cleaning liquid 200 generated by the flash boil. The gas-phase air supply pulse cleaning method refers to a cleaning method in which, after the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 where the endoscope treatment instrument 60 is disposed and the second cleaning liquid 200 is stored is depressurized, air is supplied to the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 to change the pressure in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2, and the endoscope treatment instrument 60 is cleaned by the violent flow of the second cleaning liquid 200 generated by the change in the pressure in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2.
[0025] When cleaning the endoscopic instrument 60 based on the liquid-phase air supply pulse cleaning method, the endoscopic instrument 60 is introduced into the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 through the opening of the cleaning tank 2, and then the opening of the cleaning tank 2 is closed by the lid 14. The endoscopic instrument 60 is positioned above the mesh 3 in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2. After the endoscopic instrument 60 is positioned in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 so that it is immersed in the second cleaning solution 200, the control device 13 controls the heating device 7 so that the second cleaning solution 200 is heated to a set temperature, and controls the depressurization device 8 so that the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is reduced to a set pressure. When the second cleaning solution 200 is heated to a set temperature and the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is reduced to a set pressure, the second cleaning solution 200 boils under reduced pressure. For example, when the second cleaning solution 200 is heated to 50°C, the pressure in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is reduced to approximately 89 kPa, causing the second cleaning solution 200 to boil under reduced pressure. The endoscopic instrument 60 is cleaned by the agitation caused by the boiling of the second cleaning solution 200. The control device 13 supplies a small amount of air to the second cleaning solution 200 from the liquid-phase air supply device 9 while the second cleaning solution 200 is boiling. When air is supplied to the second cleaning solution 200 from the air inlet 27 while the second cleaning solution 200 is boiling under reduced pressure, the supplied air acts as a boiling nucleus, causing the second cleaning solution 200 to boil explosively (superheat). The surface of the endoscopic instrument 60 is effectively cleaned by the violent flow of the second cleaning solution 200 generated by the superheat.
[0026] When cleaning the endoscopic instrument 60 based on the gas-phase pulsed cleaning method, similar to liquid-phase pulsed cleaning, the endoscopic instrument 60 is placed in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 so that it is immersed in the second cleaning solution 200. Then, the control device 13 controls the heating device 7 so that the second cleaning solution 200 is heated to a set temperature, and controls the depressurization device 8 so that the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is reduced to a set pressure. As the second cleaning solution 200 is heated to the set temperature and the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is reduced to a set pressure, the second cleaning solution 200 boils under reduced pressure. While the second cleaning solution 200 is boiling under reduced pressure, the control device 13 supplies air from the gas-phase air supply device 10 to the gas space inside the cleaning tank 2. As air is supplied to the cleaning tank 2, the pressure inside the cleaning tank 2 increases. As the pressure inside the cleaning tank 2 increases, the vapor inside the endoscopic instrument 60 condenses, and as a result, the second cleaning solution 200 flows forcefully into the inside of the endoscopic instrument 60. The vigorous flow of the second cleaning fluid 200, generated by the pressure change in the internal space of the cleaning tank 2, effectively cleans the inside of the endoscopic instrument 60.
[0027] [Items to be washed] The endoscopic instrument 60 to be cleaned comprises a housing 61, a shaft portion 62, and a treatment instrument 63. The housing 61 houses several components that constitute a part of the endoscopic instrument 60. The housing 61 is connected to the base end of the shaft portion 62. The external shape of the housing 61 is substantially that of a rectangular parallelepiped. An inlet 64 is provided in a part of the housing 61. The treatment instrument 63 includes scissors or forceps. The treatment instrument 63 is connected to the tip of the shaft portion 62. The shaft portion 62 is pipe-shaped. An internal flow path 65 is provided in the shaft portion 62. The internal flow path 65 is provided so as to connect the inside of the housing 61 and the treatment instrument 63. A tube (not shown) is placed in the internal flow path 65. The housing 61 and the shaft portion 62 are each made of synthetic resin. The treatment instrument 63 is made of metal such as stainless steel.
[0028] [container] The treatment instrument 63 is covered by a container 50 containing the first cleaning solution 100. The treatment instrument 63 is immersed in the first cleaning solution 100 inside the container 50. With the treatment instrument 63 immersed in the first cleaning solution 100 contained in the container 50, the container 50 and the endoscopic treatment instrument 60 are immersed in the second cleaning solution 200 contained in the cleaning tank 2.
[0029] The container 50 has a container body 51 and a sealing member 52. The container body 51 is positioned to surround the treatment instrument 63. The container body 51 is bag-shaped. The sealing member 52 seals the boundary between the opening of the container body 51 and the tip of the outer surface of the shaft portion 62. The sealing member 52 seals the inside of the container 50 in which the treatment instrument 63 is contained. The sealing member 52 prevents the second cleaning fluid 200 contained in the cleaning tank 2 from flowing into the inside of the container 50 through the boundary between the container 50 and the endoscopic treatment instrument 60. The sealing member 52 prevents the first cleaning fluid 100 contained in the container 50 from flowing out into the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 through the boundary between the container 50 and the endoscopic treatment instrument 60.
[0030] [Cleaning solution] The endoscopic instrument 60 is cleaned with a first cleaning solution 100 and a second cleaning solution 200. The components of the first cleaning solution 100 and the second cleaning solution 200 are different.
[0031] The first cleaning solution 100 contains a surfactant. The second cleaning solution 200 does not contain a surfactant. However, the second cleaning solution 200 may contain a smaller amount of surfactant than the first cleaning solution 100. That is, the concentration of the surfactant in the second cleaning solution 200 may be lower than the concentration of the surfactant in the first cleaning solution 100. Sodium dodecyl sulfate is an example of a surfactant contained in the first cleaning solution 100.
[0032] The first washing solution 100 contains a reducing agent. The second washing solution 200 does not contain a reducing agent. However, the second washing solution 200 may contain a smaller amount of reducing agent than the first washing solution 100. That is, the concentration of the reducing agent in the second washing solution 200 may be lower than the concentration of the reducing agent in the first washing solution 100. Examples of reducing agents included in the first washing solution 100 are dithiothreitol (DTT), tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP), and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES).
[0033] The second washing solution 200 contains an enzyme. The first washing solution 100 does not contain an enzyme. However, the first washing solution 100 may contain a smaller amount of enzyme than the second washing solution 200. That is, the enzyme concentration in the first washing solution 100 may be lower than the enzyme concentration in the second washing solution 200. Proteases are an example of enzymes contained in the second washing solution 200.
[0034] The first washing solution 100 may be alkaline. The second washing solution 200 may be alkaline. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the first washing solution 100 may be higher than the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the second washing solution 200. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the first washing solution 100 may be between 10.5 and 11.0. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the second washing solution 200 may be 9.
[0035] [Washing method] Next, a method for cleaning the endoscopic instrument 60 according to the embodiment will be described. The treatment instrument 63, which is the tip of the endoscopic instrument 60, is covered with a container 50 containing the first cleaning solution 100. The treatment instrument 63 is immersed in the first cleaning solution 100 contained in the container 50. If heat-denatured proteins are attached to the treatment instrument 63, the heat-denatured proteins are removed from the treatment instrument 63 by the first cleaning solution 100. Even if heat-denatured proteins are attached to the treatment instrument 63, the treatment instrument 63 is cleaned by the first cleaning solution 100.
[0036] As shown in Figure 1, with the treatment instrument 63 immersed in the first cleaning solution 100 contained in the container 50, the container 50 and the endoscopic treatment instrument 60 are immersed in the second cleaning solution 200 contained in the cleaning tank 2. After the container 50 and the endoscopic treatment instrument 60 are immersed in the second cleaning solution 200 contained in the cleaning tank 2, the control device 13 causes the second cleaning solution 200 to boil under reduced pressure. The boiling of the second cleaning solution 200 under reduced pressure causes the first cleaning solution 100 contained in the container 50 to agitate. The agitation of the first cleaning solution 100 effectively cleans the treatment instrument 63.
[0037] As described above, the internal flow path 65 of the shaft portion 62 is provided to connect the inside of the housing 61 and the treatment instrument 63. In the state shown in Figure 1, the inside of the container 50 and the inside of the cleaning tank 2 are connected via the internal flow path 65 of the shaft portion 62. The second cleaning liquid 200 flows into the inside of the housing 61 from the inlet 64 and then flows through the tube located in the internal flow path 65 of the shaft portion 62 toward the tip of the shaft portion 62. A portion of the second cleaning liquid 200 that reaches the tip of the shaft portion 62 is supplied from the tip of the shaft portion 62 into the inside of the container 50. A portion of the second cleaning liquid 200 that reaches the tip of the shaft portion 62 returns to the inside of the housing 61 through the gap between the tube and the inner wall surface of the shaft portion 62 and flows out to the outside through the gap in the housing 61.
[0038] In this embodiment, with the treatment instrument 63 covered by a container 50 containing the first cleaning solution 100, the container 50 and the endoscopic treatment instrument 60 are immersed in the second cleaning solution 200, thereby supplying the second cleaning solution 200 into the container 50 via an internal channel 65, and mixing the first cleaning solution 100 and the second cleaning solution 200 inside the container 50. If non-denatured proteins are attached to the treatment instrument 63, the non-denatured proteins are removed from the treatment instrument 63 by the second cleaning solution 200 supplied into the container 50. Even if non-denatured proteins are attached to the treatment instrument 63, the treatment instrument 63 is cleaned by the second cleaning solution 200 supplied into the container 50.
[0039] In this embodiment, the control device 13 cleans the endoscopic instrument 60 by a gas-phase pulsed cleaning method, in which the container 50 and the endoscopic instrument 60 are immersed in the second cleaning solution 200 contained in the cleaning tank 2, and air is supplied after depressurizing the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 to create a flow in the second cleaning solution 200. With the container 50 and the endoscopic instrument 60 immersed in the second cleaning solution 200 contained in the cleaning tank 2, the control device 13 controls the heating device 7 so that the second cleaning solution 200 is heated to a set temperature, and controls the depressurization device 8 so that the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is depressurized to a set pressure. As the second cleaning solution 200 is heated to the set temperature and the internal space of the cleaning tank 2 is depressurized to a set pressure, the second cleaning solution 200 boils under reduced pressure. With the second cleaning solution 200 boiling under reduced pressure, the control device 13 supplies air from the gas-phase air supply device 10 to the gaseous space inside the cleaning tank 2. When air is supplied to the cleaning tank 2, the pressure inside the cleaning tank 2 increases. As the pressure inside the cleaning tank 2 increases, the vapor inside the housing 61 and the endoscopic instrument 60, including the internal flow path 65 of the shaft portion 62, condenses, and as a result, the second cleaning fluid 200 flows vigorously into the endoscopic instrument 60. The strong flow of the second cleaning fluid 200, generated by the change in pressure inside the cleaning tank 2, effectively cleans the inside of the endoscopic instrument 60.
[0040] [effect] As described above, in this embodiment, the treatment instrument 63 is covered by the container 50 containing the first cleaning solution 100, so that the first foreign matter adhering to the treatment instrument 63, which is heat-denatured protein, is removed from the treatment instrument 63 by the first cleaning solution 100. Furthermore, while the container 50 and the endoscopic treatment instrument 60 are immersed in the second cleaning solution 200 contained in the cleaning tank 2, the second cleaning solution 200 is boiled under reduced pressure, causing the first cleaning solution 100 contained in the container 50 to agitate. By agitating the first cleaning solution 100, the treatment instrument 63 is effectively cleaned by the first cleaning solution 100. In addition, the shaft portion 62 and housing 61 located outside the container 50 are effectively cleaned by the second cleaning solution 200. Furthermore, when the second cleaning solution 200 is supplied into the inside of the container 50, the second foreign matter adhering to the treatment instrument 63, which is non-heat-denatured protein, is removed from the treatment instrument 63 by the second cleaning solution 200. Thus, the treatment instruments 63 of the endoscopic treatment instrument 60, which are difficult to clean sufficiently by manual or mechanical washing, are effectively cleaned by the first washing solution 100 and the second washing solution 200. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0041] 1...Washing device, 2...Washing tank, 3...Net, 4...Water supply device, 5...Chemical supply device, 6...Drainage device, 7...Heating device, 8...Depressurization device, 9...Liquid phase air supply device, 10...Gas phase air supply device, 11...Pressure sensor, 12...Temperature sensor, 13...Control device, 14...Lid, 15...Water supply line, 16...Solenoid valve, 17...Chemical supply line, 18...Drainage line, 19...Solenoid valve, 20...Heater, 21...Exhaust line, 22...Vacuum pump, 23...Air supply Nozzle, 24...Liquid phase air supply line, 25...Filter, 26...Liquid phase air supply valve, 27...Air inlet, 28...Gas phase air supply line, 29...Filter, 30...Gas phase air supply valve, 50...Container, 51...Container body, 52...Sealing member, 60...Endoscope treatment instrument (to be cleaned), 61...Housing, 62...Shaft part (support part), 63...Treatment instrument (tip part), 64...Inlet, 65...Internal flow path, 100...First cleaning solution, 200...Second cleaning solution.
Claims
1. A method for cleaning an object to be cleaned, having a tip and a support connected to the tip, The tip is covered with a container containing the first cleaning solution. The container and the object to be cleaned are immersed in the second cleaning solution contained in the cleaning tank. The second washing solution is brought to a boil under reduced pressure. Cleaning method.
2. The first cleaning solution contains a surfactant, The cleaning method according to claim 1.
3. The second cleaning solution does not contain a surfactant, or contains a smaller amount of surfactant than the surfactant contained in the first cleaning solution. The cleaning method according to claim 2.
4. The first washing solution contains a reducing agent, The cleaning method according to claim 2.
5. The second washing solution contains an enzyme, The cleaning method according to claim 3.
6. The container seals the inside of the container in which the tip portion is housed. The cleaning method according to claim 1.
7. An internal flow path is provided in the support portion. The inside of the container and the inside of the washing tank are connected via the internal flow path. The cleaning method according to claim 1.
8. The object to be cleaned is cleaned by a gas-phase pulsed cleaning method, in which air is supplied after depressurizing the internal space of the cleaning tank to create a flow in the second cleaning liquid. The cleaning method according to claim 7.