Systems and methods for cleaning lumens

Abstract

A method includes introducing a flow of a cleaning fluid into an endoscope at a medial section of a lumen of the endoscope and directing the flow of the cleaning fluid from the medial section toward one of a proximal end or a distal end of the lumen to clean the lumen.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING LUMENSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[oooi] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 580,504, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING LUMENS,” filed September 5, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

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

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

[0004] There are different types of medical devices (medical instruments) that can be used to perform diagnostic and / or surgical procedures. For example, an endoscope is a medical device that can be used to visually inspect hollow organs or body cavities. Specially designed endoscopes are used for different examinations, such as bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastroscopy, and proctoscopy. Endoscopes, as well as other available diagnostic and / or surgical medical devices, are re-useable across multiple patients and include one or more interior lumens to be cleaned between uses.SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises: inserting a connector into an air / water cylinder of an endoscope, wherein the connector is configured to bifurcate the air / water cylinder into a first portion and a second portion that is fluidically separate from the first portion, wherein a first proximal lumen and first distal lumen are fluidically connected to the first portion and wherein a second proximal lumen and second distal lumen are fluidically connected to the second portion; delivering a cleaning fluid to the first portion of the air / water cylinder to clean at least one of the first proximal lumen or the first distal lumen; and delivering a cleaning fluid to the second portion of the air / water cylinder to clean at least one of the second proximal lumen or the second distal lumen.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for cleaning an endoscope is provided. The method comprises: introducing a cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder of the endoscope via a first upstream channel of a first lumen of the endoscope; and directing the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder into a second upstream channel of a second lumen of the endoscope.

[0007] In another aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises: establishing one or more homogeneous flow paths through an endoscope having a plurality of differently sized lumen channel sections; and directing one or more cleaning fluid flows through the one or more homogeneous flow paths.

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

[0009] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope with interior lumens that can be cleaned using aspects of the techniques presented herein;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating air and water channels of an example endoscope that can be cleaned using a cleaning fluid, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example endoscope cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed into a fluidic chamber of the endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example endoscope coupled to a connector used to direct a cleaning fluid into channels of the endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an example connector used to direct a cleaning fluid into channels of an endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the connector of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective side view illustrating another example connector used to direct a cleaning fluid into channels of an endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0018] FIG. 8A is a front perspective view illustrating the connector of FIG. 7 to be coupled to a portion of an endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0019] FIG. 8B is a front perspective view illustrating the connector of FIG. 7 coupled to a portion of an endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example endoscope cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed through channels of the endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0021] FIGs. 10A, 10B, and 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example endoscope cleaned using a cleaning fluid directed through channels of the endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example endoscope coupled to a connector used to direct a cleaning fluid into channels of an endoscope, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein; and

[0023] FIGs. 12, 13, 14, and 15 are flowcharts illustrating example methods for cleaning lumens of an endoscope using a cleaning fluid, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Presented herein are techniques for establishing homogeneous flow paths for cleaning interior lumens (e.g., channels, cylinders, valve sockets and / or connectors, etc.) of an apparatus, such as a medical device (medical instrument), using a flow of cleaning fluid. In accordance with certain embodiments presented herein, at least one flow of cleaning fluid is directed through a homogeneous flow path established within the medical device. As used herein, a homogeneous flow path is a continuous fluidic path formed by one or more lumens having substantially sufficiently similar properties such that a substantially invariable cleaning fluid flow (e.g., a cleaning fluid flow having substantially uniform / consistent fluidic properties throughout the fluidic path) provides relatively similar interaction with the walls of the one or more lumens throughout the continuous fluidic path. In the case of a homogeneous flow path that is formed by two or more lumens, the two or more lumens are referred to as being “corresponding” lumens, meaning the lumens are able to accept, and to be cleaned by, a substantially invariable cleaning fluid flow (fluid flow having substantially uniform fluidic properties as the cleaning flow travels through the flow path). In certain embodiments, corresponding lumens are lumens having substantially similar cross-sectional profiles (e.g., a substantially similar cross-sectional areas, substantially similar cross-sectional sizes, and / or substantially similar cross-sectional shapes). In certain examples, a substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profile includes a cross-sectional profile with a variation below approximately 1 millimeter (mm). In certain examples, a substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profile includes a cross-sectional profile with a variation below approximately .5 mm. In certain examples, a substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profile includes a cross-sectional profile with a diameter change of less than 25%. In certain examples, a substantially or relatively similar cross-sectional profile includes a cross-sectional profile with a diameter change of less than 10%. Further details and variations for such embodiments are described further below.

[0025] Additionally, in certain aspects, presented herein are techniques for cleaning interior lumens of an apparatus by delivering (e.g., injecting) cleaning fluid into a medial section of an interior lumen and then having the flow egress the lumens via a proximal end and / or distal end of the lumen. This approach is sometimes referred to herein as “centralized dosing” or a “centralized dosing approach” for cleaning a lumen. Further details and variations for such embodiments are described further below.

[0026] In certain aspects, the techniques presented herein are directed to a connector for an air / water cylinder of an endoscope that is configured to fluidically isolate different sized lumens from another. In operation, the connector enables the delivery of cleaning fluids having attributes (e.g., amount, density, particle size, velocity, fluid-solid composition, etc.) that are appropriate for the specific lumen. For example, certain arrangements can include four (4) lumens that may need to be separately cleaned. As such, in certain examples, a connector presented herein could be configured to be inserted into the air / water cylinder of an endoscope and form two (2), four (4), or other numbers of separate fluidic paths (e.g., homogeneous flow paths). Further details and variations for such embodiments are described further below.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the cleaning fluid is a “contaminant-detaching fluidic composition,” which comprises a mixture of a fluid with solid particles. One specific type of contaminant-detaching fluidic composition is a liquid-powder mixture. In operation, a contaminant-detaching fluidic composition, such as a liquid-powder mixture, can be apportioned into an amount, referred herein to as a ‘cleaning slug’ or ‘slug’ that is then delivered (e.g., propelled) through a lumen. It is to be appreciated that, as used herein, reference to ‘cleaning’ of a lumen refers to cleaning of the intemal / interior portion of the lumen, including the inner surface or ‘walls’ forming / defming the lumen. A liquid-powder mixture can be delivered from an endoscope cleaning system, such as a lumen cleaning system described in commonly-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application No. 18 / 567,202, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, especially as it pertains to creating slugs and serially delivering them through lumens to clean them (see e.g. paragraphs

[0058] -

[0081] of corresponding patent publication US20240261061A1). Although liquid-powder mixtures are discussed as suitable cleaning fluids in many instances, it should be appreciated that reference herein to the use of liquid-powder mixtures is merely illustrative and that the techniques presented herein could be implemented with any of a number of different types of cleaning fluids (e.g., liquid-powder mixtures, detergents, water, ozonated water, etc.) and / or with any of a number of different types of lumen cleaning devices (e.g., an endoscope cleaning system, an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), a comprehensive endoscope cleaning systems, or other type of device / system).

[0028] Merely for ease of illustration, the techniques presented herein are primarily described with reference to cleaning a specific type of lumen, namely the channels of an endoscope. However, it will be appreciated that the techniques are not limited to use with endoscopes or, more generally, to only use with medical devices. As such, it is to be appreciated that thetechniques presented herein can be used to clean lumens of a number of different devices / instruments used in any of a number of different applications.

[0029] An endoscope is an elongate tubular medical device that may be rigid or flexible and which incorporates an optical or video system and light source. Typically, an endoscope is configured so that one end can be inserted into the body of a patient via a surgical incision or via one of the natural openings of the body. Internal structures near the inserted end of the endoscope can thus be viewed by an external observer. As well as being used for investigation, endoscopes are also used to carry out diagnostic and surgical procedures. Endoscopic procedures are increasingly popular as they are relatively less invasive in nature and provide a better patient outcome (through reduced healing time and exposure to infection), enabling hospitals and clinics to achieve higher patient turnover.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example endoscope 100 with which aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented. As shown, the endoscope 100, similar to most endoscopes, has a long tube-like structure with a distal end / tip 102 at one end for insertion into a patient and an opposing proximal or connector end 104, with a control handle 106 located between the two ends (e.g., generally at the center of the length between the connector end 104 and the distal end 102). The connector end 104 includes a plurality of connectors that enable the endoscope to be attached to, for example, a light source 108, a water source 110 (e.g., a water bottle), a suction source (not shown in FIG. 1), and a pressurized air source 112 (e.g., an air pump) . For example, shown in FIG. l is a suction port / connector 137, a water-j et (auxiliary) port / connector 139, a water port / connector 141, and an air-port / connector 143. The control handle 106 is held by the operator during the procedure to control the endoscope 100 via valves, which include in this example a suction valve 114, an air / water valve 116, and a biopsy valve 118, along with control wheels 120.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 100 includes internal channels used either for delivering air and / or water, providing suction, and / or allowing access for forceps and other medical equipment required during the procedure. As such, the distal end 102 contains the camera lens (not shown in FIG. 1) and the exits for the lighting, air, and water, as well as exits for suction and forceps. Some of the internal channels run from one end (e.g., the connector end 104) of the endoscope 100 to the other end (e.g., the distal end 102), while other internal channels run via valve sockets at the control handle 106. Some channels bifurcate while and others join from two into one.

[0032] More specifically, shown in FIG. 1 is a biopsy / suction channel or lumen 122, an air channel or lumen 124, a water channel or lumen 126, and a water-jet channel or lumen 128. The biopsy / suction channel 122 includes two sections, referred to as a proximal section / region 122A (e.g., a proximal end) and a distal region / section 122B (e.g., a distal end) that are connected via the suction valve 114. The air channel 124 also includes two sections, referred to as a proximal section / region 124 A (e.g., a proximal end) and a distal region / section 124B (e.g., a distal end) that are connected via the air / water valve 116. Similarly, the water channel 126 includes two sections, referred to as a proximal section / region 126A (e.g., a proximal end) and a distal region / section 126B (e.g., a distal end) that are connected via the air / water valve 116. As such, the suction valve 114 serves as a medial section or region for the biopsy / suction channel 122, whereas the air / water valve 116 serves as the medial section or region for the air channel 124 and for the water channel 126. The distal section 126B of the water channel 126 joins the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 at a location 130 (e.g., a juncture) within the distal end 102. The water-jet channel 128 extends directly from the connector end 104 to the distal end 102 (via the control handle 106), but is similarly referred to as having a proximal section / region 128A and distal section / region 128B. For example, a medial section or region of the water-jet channel 128 is disposed in the control handle 106, but is fluidly separate from the suction valve 114 and from the air / water valve 116.

[0033] The proximal sections 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A of the channels are sometimes referred to as being located within a universal cord section (cord) 132 of the endoscope 100, while the distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B of the channels are sometimes referred to as being located within an insertion tube 134 of the endoscope 100. More generally, as used herein, the proximal sections 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A are the portions of the channels located between the connector end 104 and a valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116) at the control handle 106 and / or a mid-point of the control handle 106, as applicable. The distal sections 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B are the portions of the channels located between the valve (e.g., valve 114 or 116) at the control handle 106, and / or a mid-point of the control handle 106, and the distal end 102 of the endoscope 100.

[0034] Purchasing and / or manufacture of endoscopes can be costly or otherwise difficult to perform. For this reason, it is desirable and beneficial to re-use endoscopes. That is, a single endoscope can be used to perform different medical operations, such as for different patients. To avoid cross infection from one patient to the next, each endoscope is to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or sterilized after each use. This involves the cleaning and disinfectingof not only the exterior of the endoscope 100, but also of the internal channels / lumens (e.g., the channels 122, 124, 126, and 128 of FIG. 1). Indeed, if endoscopes are not properly cleaned and dried, biofdm can build up on the lumen wall. Biofdms start to form when a free-floating microorganism attaches itself to a surface and surrounds itself with a protective polysaccharide layer. The microorganism then multiplies, or begins to form aggregates with other microorganisms, increasing the extent of the polysaccharide layer. Multiple sites of attachment can, in time, join up, forming significant deposits of biofdm. Once bacteria or other microorganisms are incorporated in a biofdm, they become significantly more resistant to cleaning than they would be in their free-floating state. The organisms themselves are not inherently more resistant. Rather, resistance is conferred by the polysaccharide film and the fact that microorganisms can be deeply embedded in the film and isolated from any chemical interaction. Any residual biofdm remaining after an attempt at cleaning quickly returns to an equilibrium state, and further growth of microorganisms within the film continues.

[0035] Endoscope lumen channels can be particularly prone to biofdm formation. The lumen channels are exposed to significant amounts of bioburden, and subsequent cleaning of the long narrow lumen channels is quite difficult due to inaccessibility and the inability to monitor the cleaning process. Indeed, ensuring that such long narrow channels are properly cleaned and disinfected between patients presents a considerable challenge. As an example, endoscopes used for colonoscopic procedures are typically between 2.5 and 4 meters long and have one or more lumen channels of diameter of no more than a few millimeters. The relatively small opening size of the lumen channels, as well as the relatively long extension of the lumen channels, can limit access and exposure to certain portions of the lumen channels for cleaning. The challenge of cleaning is also made more difficult by the fact that there is not just one configuration / type of endoscope. For example, there are a variety of endoscopic devices, each suited for a particular insertion application, such as colonoscopes inserted into the colon, bronchoscopes inserted into the airways, gastroscopes for investigation of the stomach, etc., each potentially having differently sized lumens. Gastroscopes, for instance, include lumen channels that are smaller in diameter than that of the lumen channels in colonoscopes, bronchoscopes include lumen channels that are smaller again and shorter in length, while duodenoscopes include lumen channels that have a different tip design to access the bile duct. Because of the different dimensions of lumen channels for different endoscopes, applying a common technique of cleaning may not result in the same cleaning effect or efficiency.

[0036] Further complicating the cleaning process is that a channel within a single endoscope can have different sized openings / different internal dimensions, sometimes referred to herein as “complex lumens.” For example, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating specific examples of complex fluidic paths resulting from variable internal dimensions of lumen channels with reference to the endoscope 100 of FIG. 1 and, more specifically, with reference to the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 of the endoscope 100. The air channel 124 and the water channel 126 are sometimes collectively referred to as the “air / water channel” of the endoscope 100. However, for ease of description, the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 will be separately described and referred to herein. International Patent Application No. PCT / AU2022 / 05056, published as International Patent Publication WO2022256871A1, describes techniques for cleaning complex lumens. The content of International Patent Application No. PCT / AU2022 / 05056 is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, but especially as it pertains to disclosing cleaning issues caused by differing lumen diameters, such as paragraphs

[0026] ,

[0027] ,

[0142] -

[0163] , and FIGs. 10, 11, 12, and 13 of International Patent Publication WO2022256871A1.

[0037] It is to be appreciated that specific reference to the air and water channels of an endoscope (e.g., the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 in FIG. 2), as well as other embodiments presented herein, is merely illustrative and the disclosure is not limited to use with these specific lumens or to only use with endoscopes in general. As such, it is to be appreciated that the techniques presented herein can be used to clean different complex lumen channels of different devices / instruments used in any of a number of different applications.

[0038] Shown in FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the air channel 124 and of the water channel 126. As noted above, the air channel 124 includes two sections, referred to as the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B that are connected via an air / water valve 116, while the water channel 126 similarly includes two sections, referred to as the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B that are also connected via the air / water valve 116. For example, the endoscope 100 includes an air / water cylinder 200 configured to receive the air / water valve 116, and the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 extend to the air / water cylinder 200. That is, the proximal section 124A and the proximal section 126A extend upstream to the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., from the connector end 104), and the distal section 124B and the distal section 126B extend downstream from the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., to the distal end 102). The air / water cylinder 200 defines a fluidic chamber 202 that fluidly couples the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B to one another and that fluidlycouples the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B to one another. Thus, the air / water cylinder 200 is positioned between the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B, as well as between the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B, and therefore is a medial section for the air channel 124 and for the water channel 126.

[0039] The distal section 126B of the water channel 126 joins the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 at a location 130 within the distal end 102 of the endoscope 100. The location 130 is the location / point at which the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 and the distal section 126B of the water channel merge to form a merged exit channel 150. As noted, the proximal sections 124A, 126A of the channels 124, 126 are sometimes referred to as being located within a universal cord section (cord) 132 of the endoscope 100, while the distal sections 124B, 126B of the channels 124, 126 are sometimes referred to as being located within an insertion tube 134 of the endoscope 100. For ease of illustration, the biopsy / suction channel 122 and the water-jet channel 128 have been omitted from FIG. 2.

[0040] Each of the proximal section 124A of the air channel 124 and the proximal section 126A of the water channel 126 has a relatively larger internal dimension (ID) (e.g., internal diameter), whereas each of the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 and the distal section 126B of the water channel 126 has a relatively smaller ID. In other words, each of the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 is larger upstream of the air / water cylinder 200 and relatively smaller downstream of the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., the lumens narrow after the air / water cylinder 200). For example, the ID of the proximal section 124A is about 2.0 mm, the ID of the proximal section 126A is about 2.4 mm, and the ID of each of the distal section 124B and the distal section 126B is about 1.4 mm. Additionally, the ID of the merged exit channel 150 has an ID of 1.0 mm, for instance. Each of the proximal section 124A, the distal section 124B, the proximal section 126A, and the distal section 126B extends approximately the same length, such as about 1.5 meters (m), whereas the merged exit channel 150 extends a length of approximately 0.185 m.

[0041] The variable internal dimensions of each of the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 can create problems for cleaning these lumens with a cleaning fluid delivered from the connector end 104 of the endoscope 100. For example, the cleaning fluid is directed through the channels 124, 126 to remove soil / bio burden (e.g., biofilm). In certain examples, the cleaning fluid includes a liquid-powder mixture with solid particles that can physically interact with (e.g., contact or run against) the walls of the lumen to thereby detach the soil / bio from the walls of the channels 124, 126 (e.g., the liquid-powder mixture facilities a cleaning interactionwith the walls of the channels). However, the size of the channels 124, 126 can affect how the cleaning fluid flows through the channels 124, 126, as well as the cleaning effect provided by the cleaning fluid. As an example, a cleaning slug having attributes (e.g., size, velocity, fluidsolid composition, etc.) suitable for cleaning the larger proximal sections 124A, 126A of the air channel 124 and water channel 126, respectively, can clog the narrower corresponding distal sections 124B, 126B. However, a cleaning slug that is configured such that the cleaning slug will not clog the distal sections 124B, 126B of the air channel 124 and water channel 126, respectively, may not be able to effectively clean the proximal sections 124A, 126A of the air channel 124 and water channel 126, respectively (e.g., the cleaning slugs may pass through without sufficiently interacting with the walls to provide sufficient cleaning action). For this reason, it can be difficult to use a cleaning fluid that provides desirable cleaning for lumen channels of different sizes, including lumen channels of the same endoscope.

[0042] It is an object of the techniques presented herein to overcome or ameliorate such difficulties associated with cleaning endoscope lumen channels, or to provide a useful alternative. In particular, and as described in greater detail below, the techniques presented herein include systems and methods for cleaning a medical device, such as an endoscope, having interior lumens (e.g., channels, ports / cylinders, etc.). For example, certain embodiments presented herein relate to establishing one or more homogeneous flow paths within an endoscope for directing a cleaning fluid, delivered from a cleaning system, therethrough. As noted above, a homogeneous flow path is a continuous fluidic path formed by one or more lumens having substantially sufficiently similar properties such that a substantially invariable cleaning fluid flow (e.g., a cleaning fluid flow having substantially uniform / consistent fluidic properties throughout the fluidic path) provides relatively similar interaction with the walls of the one or more lumens is throughout the continuous fluidic path. That is, a cleaning fluid flow having a particular set of fluidic properties can effectively clean an entirety of the homogeneous flow path.

[0043] In some embodiments, homogeneous flow paths are established by directing a cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder and then directly into one or more lumens. The flow of the cleaning fluid into each of the one or more lumens can be configured (e.g., size, velocity, fluidsolid composition, etc.) to be more suitable for cleaning the lumen through which the flow of the cleaning fluid is to be directed. Thus, the techniques described herein can improve cleaning of the lumen via the cleaning fluid, such as in comparison with directing a flow of the cleaning fluid into a channel that is not suitable for the configuration of the flow of the cleaning fluid.

[0044] In accordance with certain embodiments, a method of cleaning an interior lumen of a medical device is provided. This method includes introducing a flow of a cleaning fluid into a medical device (e.g., endoscope) at a medial section of the interior lumen and having the flow egress the lumens via a proximal and / or distal end of the lumen. This can also be referred to as “centralized dosing” or a “centralized dosing approach” for cleaning a lumen. In particular, whereas conventional practices would suggest to flush lumens from a relatively clean end towards a relatively dirtier end, it has now been discovered that cleaning flows can be implemented via a centralized dosing approach can overcome any perceived detriment of flushing a lumen (in part) in a counter-conventional direction. For example, delivering ‘slugs’ of cleaning agent, the reduction in pressure drop caused by centralized dosing, and the tailored cleaning fluid can all provide improved cleaning efficacy that would outweigh concerns about a counter-conventional flush. In some embodiments, a subsequent decontamination cycle may also be instituted (e.g. a gross channel-cleaning implementing a centralized dosing approach may be followed by a disinfection cycle implemented by an Endoscope Reprocessor).”

[0045]

[0046] In some embodiments, homogenous flow paths are established, and cleaning fluid is delivered to them via the medial section. For example, in certain implementations of the centralized dosing approach, the cleaning fluid flow is introduced at the medial section and the cleaning fluid egresses from one of the proximal end or the distal end of the lumen and there is no lumen dimension change within the flow path. As a result, in such examples, the cleaning fluid can be specifically configured based on the attributes of the homogeneous flow path (e.g., based on an internal dimension, length, etc. of the proximal portion of the lumen or based on an internal dimension, length, etc. of the distal section of the lumen) to provide effective cleaning). However, as alluded to above and described further below, the centralized dosing approach can, in certain cases, be used without homogeneous flow paths.

[0047] Another method of cleaning interior lumens of an endoscope is also provided. The method includes introducing a cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder of the endoscope via a first upstream channel of a first lumen of the endoscope and directing the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder into a second upstream channel of a second lumen of the endoscope (e.g., the homogeneous flow path is formed by the first upstream channel of a first lumen of the endoscope and the second upstream channel of a second lumen of the endoscope) . For example, the upstream channels of the lumens may have similar dimensions (e.g., opening sizes) to one another, whereas the upstream channels of the lumens have different dimensions (e.g.,relatively larger opening sizes) than that of downstream channels of the lumens. Thus, an invariable cleaning fluid flow can be suitable (e.g., based on the cross-sectional size of its flow path) for directing through each of the upstream channels, rather than through any of the downstream channels. As such, directing a flow of the cleaning fluid sequentially through the upstream channels can effectively clean each of the upstream channels and can efficiently utilize the cleaning fluid (e.g., as compared to controlling and directing multiple, separate flows of the cleaning fluid through respective channels).

[0048] As noted above with respect to certain embodiments, each flow of the cleaning fluid is directed through a homogeneous flow path. By way of example, in a first embodiment, the flows are directed through single channel sections (e.g., one of the proximal section 124A, distal section 124B, proximal section 126A, or distal section 126B), each having substantially non-variable internal dimensions throughout. In a second embodiment, a flow is directed through different, but corresponding channel sections (e.g., the proximal section 124A and the proximal section 126A). In this manner, each of the flows can have attributes suitable for effectively cleaning the entirety of the channel section(s) through which the flow is directed, such as without having to adjust the attributes of the flow during its travel within the endoscope 100, such as to accommodate a variable internal dimension.

[0049] As noted above, certain aspects of the techniques presented herein are directed to a connector device (connector) for fluidically coupling a fluid source, such as a fluid cleaning system, to an air / water cylinder of an endoscope. As described below, in certain examples, connectors presented herein are configured to isolate different lumens of an endoscope from one another (e.g., fluidically isolate different sized lumens from another). In certain examples, the connectors presented herein can form two or more fluidically-separate chambers in an air / water cylinder of an endoscope. 1. In one form, a connector presented herein can be referred to as a two-way connector that forms two separate fluidic chambers in an air / water cylinder of an endoscope. In another form, a connector presented herein can be referred to as a four-way connector that forms four separate fluidic chambers in an air / water cylinder of an endoscope.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the endoscope 100 being cleaned via a cleaning fluid (e.g., a liquid-powder mixture) introduced via an example connector (e.g., four-way connector) for an air / water cylinder, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. The illustrated embodiment portrays separate flows of the cleaning fluid directed into different channel sections of the endoscope 100. For example, a fluid source 250 (e.g., representative of one or more fluid sources, such as a lumen cleaning system) outputs the cleaning fluid. In someembodiments, the cleaning fluid is output in the form of ‘cleaning slugs.’ Each flow of the cleaning fluid is directed into the air / water cylinder 200 and then through one of the channel sections, each forming a separate homogeneous flow path. A first flow 252 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 124A of the air channel 124 via a first channel port 254 (e.g., an intake air channel port), a second flow 256 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A of the water channel 126 via a second channel port 258 (e.g., an intake water channel port), a third flow 260 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the distal section 126B of the water channel 126 via a third channel port 262 (e.g., a discharge air channel port), and a fourth flow 264 is directed from the air / water cylinder 200 to the distal section 124B of the air channel 124 via a fourth channel port 266 (e.g., a discharge water channel port). The flows 252, 256, 260, 264 are fluidly separate from one another within the air / water cylinder 200 and the channel sections. In this manner, separate flows of the cleaning fluid are directed through the channel sections to separately clean the channel sections.

[0051] For this reason, the cleaning fluid can be able to clean more effectively and / or suitably for the respective channel sections through which the flows of the cleaning fluid are directed. That is, each of the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 are configured in different manners to provide cleaning for its particular / associated channel. As an example where cleaning slugs are implemented, because the ID of the proximal section 124A and of the proximal section 126A are relatively larger than the ID of the distal section 124B and of the distal section 126B, the first flow 252 directed through the proximal section 124A and the second flow 256 directed through the second channel port 258 can utilize larger slugs to provide increased cleaning (e.g., via physically interaction with the walls of the lumen) and sufficient flow speed appropriate for the ID size of the proximal section 124A and of the proximal section 126A, whereas the first flow 252 and / or the second flow 256 of larger slugs may clog if directed through the distal section 124B and / or the distal section 126B having a smaller ID. Additionally, because the ID of the distal section 124B and / or of the distal section 126B is relatively smaller than the ID of the proximal section 124A and of the proximal section 126A, the third flow 260 and the fourth flow 264 can have smaller slugs to enable the third flow 260 and the fourth flow 264 to be directed through and provide sufficient cleaning for the distal section 124B and / or for the distal section 126B, respectively. The smaller slugs of the third flow 260 and of the fourth flow 264 otherwise might not provide effective cleaning for the proximal section 124A and for the proximal section 126A having the larger ID (e.g., the smaller slugs may not sufficiently interact with the inner surfaces of the relatively larger proximal sections 124A, 126A). The individualcleaning of the channel sections provided by the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 can increase removal of biofdm as compared to, for example, directing a flow of cleaning fluid having the same solid composition and other attributes sequentially from the proximal sections 124A, 126A to the distal sections 124B, 126B. Moreover, the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 readily flow into and through the respective channel sections of the endoscope 100, such as without having to change (e.g., dilute) a composition of any of the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 within the endoscope 100 (e.g., during flow through the channels).

[0052] In some embodiments, each of the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 are introduced into the fluidic chamber 202 of the air / water cylinder 200 via an air / water cylinder port 268 (e.g., a valve port) fluidly coupled to the air / water cylinder 200. The air / water cylinder port 268 is configured to receive the air / water valve 116 during a medical operation. However, during a cleaning operation of the endoscope 100, the air / water valve 116 is removed from the air / water cylinder port 268 to enable access to the air / water cylinder 200 for directing the cleaning solution therein. Directing each of the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 into the air / water cylinder 200 via the air / water cylinder port 268 increases an ease of cleaning of the endoscope 100. For example, an existing feature of the endoscope 100 is utilized to avoid usage and formation of separate, additional openings for directing the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 into the air / water cylinder 200. As such, an ease of implementing the cleaning operation of the endoscope 100 is improved such that the endoscope 100 can be readily cleaned.

[0053] Moreover, by directing each flow 252, 256, 260, 264 through a respective one of the channel sections, a travel distance for each flow 252, 256, 260, 264 can be reduced (e.g., as compared to directing a flow sequentially through multiple channel sections). For this reason, the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 can be directed more efficiently. As an example, pressure losses (e.g., frictional losses) associated with flow through the channel sections are reduced. Thus, each flow 252, 256, 260, 264 can be directed into the air / water cylinder 200 at a reduced speed and / or at a reduced pressure and sufficiently flow through and clean each of the channel sections. As a result, a power consumption associated with directing (e.g., pumping) the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs associated with cleaning the endoscope 100. Moreover, each flow 252, 256, 260, 264 can be simultaneously or concurrently directed into the respective channel sections. Therefore, each channel section of the endoscope 100 can be simultaneously cleaned with the cleaning fluid to clean the endoscope 100 more quickly (e.g., in comparison to directing a flow of the cleaning fluid sequentially through multiple channel sections).

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the endoscope 100 coupled to a connector 300 (e.g., a port connector) configured to direct the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 into the respective channel sections of the endoscope 100. In the example of FIG. 4, the connector 300 operates to establish four (4) separate homogeneous flow paths, one for each channel section of the endoscope 100. More specifically, the connector 300 includes a body 302 configured to extend into the fluidic chamber 202 and provide a plurality of fluidically-separate volumes or subsidiary chambers within the fluidic chamber 202 for directing the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 into the respective channel sections.

[0055] For example, extension of the body 302 into the fluidic chamber 202 provides a first volume or subsidiary chamber 304 fluidly coupled to the proximal section 124A (e.g., via the first channel port 254) for directing the first flow 252, a second volume or subsidiary chamber 306 fluidly coupled to the proximal section 126A (e.g., via the second channel port 258) for directing the second flow 256, a third volume or subsidiary chamber 308 fluidly coupled to the distal section 126B (e.g., via the third channel port 262) for directing the third flow 260, and a fourth volume or subsidiary chamber 310 fluidly coupled to the distal section 124B (e.g., via the fourth channel port 266) for directing the fourth flow 264. Thus, the first volume 304 and the proximal section 124A provide a flow path for the first flow 252, the second volume 306 and the proximal section 126A provide a flow path for the second flow 256, the third volume 308 and the distal section 126B provide a flow path for the third flow 260, and the fourth volume 310 and the distal section 124B provide a flow path for the fourth flow 264. In this example, each of the respective homogeneous flow paths established via the connector 300 includes a relatively uniform cross-sectional profile (e.g., the flow path for the first flow 252 includes a cross-sectional profile of the proximal section 124A, the flow path for the second flow 256 includes a cross-sectional profile of the proximal section 126A, the flow path for the third flow 260 includes a cross-sectional profile of the distal section 126B, and the flow path for the fourth flow 264 includes a cross-sectional profile of the distal section 124B). As such, the connector 300 defines and isolates flow paths having relatively uniform cross-sectional profiles for directing of the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 therethrough.

[0056] The connector 300 also includes a head 312 that extends external to the fluidic chamber 202. For example, the head 312 includes a base 314 configured to abut the air / water cylinder 200 for securement of the connector 300 to the air / water cylinder 200. The head 312 also includes connector ports 316 configured to receive the respective flows 252, 256, 260, 264 for directing into the air / water cylinder 200. For instance, each connector port 316 is fluidlycoupled to one of the volumes 304, 306, 308, 310 to direct the flows 252, 256, 260, 264 to a corresponding channel section. The connector ports 316 are fluidly coupled to the fluid source 250 to enable receipt of the cleaning fluid at the connector 300.

[0057] Although each of FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrates the cleaning fluid as being introduced into the endoscope 100 via the air / water cylinder 200 for cleaning of the channels 124, 126, in additional or alternative embodiments, the cleaning fluid can be introduced into the endoscope 100 from a different part for cleaning of the channels 124, 126 and then discharged from the endoscope 100 via the air / water cylinder 200. For example, the first flow 252 is introduced into the endoscope 100 at an end of the proximal section 124A and directed to the air / water cylinder 200 and / or the second flow 256 is introduced into the endoscope 100 at an end of the proximal section 126A and directed to the air / water cylinder 200. That is, cleaning fluid is directed into an end of the air channel 124 and / or of the water channel 126 and discharged at a medial section of the air channel 124 and / or of the water channel 126. As such, the air / water cylinder 200 can be used as either the inlet or the outlet for cleaning of the endoscope 100.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view illustrating the connector 300. The body 302 of the connector 300 includes features that provides the volumes 304, 306, 308, 310 upon insertion of the body 302 into the fluidic chamber 202. For example, the body 302 includes a first groove 350. Extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 positions the first groove 350 within the fluidic chamber 202 and abuts the body 302 against interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the first groove 350 and the body 302 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the second volume 306. The body 302 also includes a first opening 352 fluidly coupled to the first groove 350 to direct the second flow 256 through the second volume 306 established via the first groove 350.

[0059] As shown, the body 302 further includes a second groove 354, and extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the second groove 354 with the distal section 124B and abuts the body 302 against the interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the second groove 354 and the body 302 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the fourth volume 310. The body 302 includes a second opening 356 fluidly coupled to the second groove 354 to direct the fourth flow 264 through the fourth volume 310 established via the second groove 354. Further still, the body 302 includes a third groove 358, and extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the third groove 358 with the distal section 126B and abuts the body 302 against the interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the third groove 358 and the body 302 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the thirdvolume 308. The body 302 includes a third opening (not shown) fluidly coupled to the third groove 358 to direct the third flow 260 through the third volume 308 established via the third groove 358. Similarly, the body 302 includes a fourth groove (not shown), extension of the body 302 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns the fourth groove with the proximal section 124A and abuts the body 302 against the interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the fourth groove and the body 302 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the first volume 304, and the body 302 includes a fourth opening (not shown) fluidly coupled to the fourth groove to direct the first flow 252 through the first volume 304 established via the fourth groove.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 are offset from one another along an axis 360 (e.g., a longitudinal axis, a center axis). Such positioning of the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 relative to one another aligns the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 with the distal sections 124B, 126B, respectively, which are correspondingly offset in a similar manner within the endoscope 100. The offset of the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 along the axis 360 can additionally help fluidly isolate the second groove 354 and the third groove 358, and therefore the third volume 308 and the fourth volume 310 respectively established by the second groove 354 and by the third groove 358, from one another. Furthermore, the first groove 350 is rotationally offset from each of the second groove 354 and the third groove 358 about the axis 360. For example, the first groove 350 is circumferentially offset from the second groove 354 and from the third groove 358. Such positioning of the first groove 350 relative to the second groove 354 and relative to the third groove 358 fluidly isolates the first groove 350 from the second groove 354 and from the third groove 358, as well as positions the first groove 350 in fluid communication with the proximal section 126A, which is similarly rotationally offset from the distal sections 124B, 126B within the endoscope 100. However, it should be noted that in additional or alternative embodiments, the first groove 350, the second groove 354, and / or the third groove 358 (as well as the fourth groove configured to establish the first volume 304) can be positioned in any suitable manner, such as offset (e.g., along the axis 360, about the axis 360) in different manners. The profile and arrangement of the body 302 can be based on the positioning of the channel sections of the endoscope 100 relative to one another to establish the fluidically- separate volumes 304, 306, 308, 310 (e.g., by aligning different grooves with the channel sections) for directing the flows 252, 256, 260, 264.

[0061] The base 314 of the head 312 of the illustrated connector 300 includes a proximal portion 362 from which the connector ports 316 extend (e.g., along the axis 360, in a direction opposite from which the body 302 extends). Additionally, the base 314 includes a distal portion 364 that extends at least partially over the body 302. Thus, the distal portion 364 and the body 302 cooperatively define a receptacle 366 extending therebetween. Such arrangement of the base 314 and the body 302 facilitates securement of the connector 300 to the air / water cylinder 200. By way of example, the receptacle 366 is configured to receive a portion (e.g., an edge) of the air / water cylinder 200, and the body 302 and the base 314 cooperatively capture the portion of the air / water cylinder 200. Consequently, movement of the connector 300 relative to the air / water cylinder 200 is restricted to secure the connector 300 to the air / water cylinder 200 to facilitate cleaning of the endoscope 100 (e.g., by maintaining the flow paths for the flows 252, 256, 260, 264).

[0062] FIG. 6 is a top view of the connector 300 illustrating the positioning of the connector ports 316 at the head 312. Each of the connector ports 316 is configured to receive a respective one of the flows 252, 256, 260, 264. For instance, a first connector port 316A is configured to receive the first flow 252, a second connector port 316B is configured to receive the second flow 256, a third connector port 316C is configured to receive the third flow 260, and a fourth connector port 316D is configured to receive the fourth flow 264. The connector ports 316 are rotationally (e.g., circumferentially) offset from one another and are evenly distributed around the axis 360 in the illustrated embodiment. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the connector ports 316 can be positioned in any suitable manner (e.g., unevenly distributed around the axis 360, linearly along a common axis). In any case, the connector ports 316 are fluidly coupled to the channel sections of the endoscope 100 by way of the grooves 350, 354, 358 and openings 352, 356 for directing the flows 252, 256, 260, 264.

[0063] Although the illustrated connector 300 is configured to direct four separate flows 252, 256, 260, 264 into the channel sections of the endoscope 100, an additional or alternative connector can be configured to direct a different quantity of flows of the cleaning fluid into the channel sections of the endoscope 100. For instance, a connector can provide two fluidically- separate volumes or subsidiary chambers within the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., comprise a two-way connector). In one such example, the connector forms a first volume fluidly coupled to both of the proximal sections 124A, 126A and a second volume fluidly coupled to both of the distal sections 124B, 126B. In another example, the connector forms a first volume fluidly coupled to proximal section 124A and distal section 124B, and a second volume fluidly coupledto proximal section 126A and distal section 126B. In each embodiment, the first and second volumes are fluidically separated from one another. As used herein, “fluidically separated” or “fluidically separate” means that the two or more elements, such as first and second volumes, are not directly fluidically connected such that fluid can pass back and forth therebetween. These terms do not exclude the possibility that the two or more elements are indirectly connected, such as via one or more lumens.

[0064] In the embodiment in which the first volume is fluidly coupled to both of the proximal sections 124A, 126A and the second volume fluidly coupled to both of the distal sections 124B, 126B, the connector fluidically separates the proximal sections 124A, 126A having the relatively larger ID from the distal sections 124B, 126B having the relatively smaller ID. The connector can then direct a first flow into at least one of the proximal sections 124A, 126A via the first volume (e.g., using a first connector port) and a second flow into at least one of the distal sections 124B, 126B via the second volume (e.g., using a second connector port). Because the proximal sections 124A, 126A have approximately the same ID (e.g., the relatively larger ID), the first flow can be configured to provide effective cleaning for each of the proximal sections 124A, 126A. Similarly, because the distal sections 124B, 126B have approximately the same ID (e.g., the relatively smaller ID), the second flow can be configured to provide effective cleaning for each of the distal sections 124B, 126B. Thus, such a connector can effectively clean channel sections of the endoscope 100 using two separate flows of the cleaning fluid.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another connector 400 configured to couple a fluid source (e.g., lumen cleaning system) to the endoscope 100 (e.g., as an alternative to the connector 300). For example, insertion of the connector 400 into the air / water cylinder 200 provides the plurality of fluidically-separate chambers for directing respective flows to the channel sections of the endoscope 100. To this end, the connector 400 includes a body 402, which includes a first groove 404, a second groove 406, and a third groove 408. Extension of the body 402 into the air / water cylinder 200 positions the first groove 404 within the fluidic chamber 202 and abuts the body 402 against interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the first groove 404 and the body 402 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the second volume 306. Extension of the body 402 into the air / water cylinder 200 also aligns the second groove 406 with the distal section 124B and abuts the body 402 against the interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the second groove 406 and the body 402 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the fourth volume 310. In addition, extension of the body 402 intothe air / water cylinder 200 aligns the third groove 408 with the distal section 126B and abuts the body 402 against the interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the third groove 408 and the body 402 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the third volume 308. Further still, extension of the body 402 into the air / water cylinder 200 aligns a fourth groove (not shown) with the proximal section 124 A and abuts the body 302 against the interior surfaces of the air / water cylinder 200 such that the fourth groove and the body 302 cooperatively establish and fluidly isolate the first volume 304.

[0066] The body 402 also includes respective openings fluidly coupled to the grooves 404, 406, 408 to direct respective flows of a cleaning fluid to the channel sections of the endoscope 100. For example, a first opening 410 is fluidly coupled to the first groove 404 to direct a first flow through the second volume 306 established via the first groove 404, and a second opening 412 is fluidly coupled to the second groove 406 to direct a second flow through the fourth volume 310 established via the second groove 406.

[0067] The connector 400 also includes a head 414 with a base 416 and connector ports 418 extending from the base 416. The connector ports 418 are fluidly coupled to the fluid source 250 for receiving respective flows of the cleaning fluid. The connector ports 418 are also fluidly coupled to the channel sections of the endoscope 100 by way of the grooves 404, 406, 408 and the openings 410, 412 for directing the respective flows of the cleaning fluid to the corresponding channel sections.

[0068] The base 416 includes a primary section 420 and a secondary section 422 for coupling the connector 400 to the endoscope 100 (e.g., the control handle 106). The primary section 420 and the body 402 cooperatively define a primary receptacle 424 that helps secure the connector 400 to the air / water cylinder 200. For example, the primary receptacle 424 is configured to receive a portion of the air / water cylinder 200, and the primary section 420 and the body 402 cooperatively capture the portion of the air / water cylinder 200 to restrict movement of the connector 400 relative to the air / water cylinder 200. Moreover, the secondary section 422 defines a secondary receptacle 426 that helps orient the connector 400 in a desirable manner. As an example, the secondary receptacle 426 is configured to receive the suction valve 114 and / or a portion (e.g., a suction port, a suction cylinder) of the endoscope 100 in which the suction valve 114 is positioned. Positioning the connector 400 such that the base 416 captures the suction valve 114 and / or the portion of the endoscope 100 in which the suction valve 114 is positioned via the secondary receptacle 426 orients the body 402 relative to the air / water cylinder 200 to establish the fluidically-separate volumes 304, 306, 308, 310.

[0069] By way of example, such positioning of the connector 400 rotates the body 402 to align the second groove 406 with the distal section 124B, to align the third groove 408 with the distal section 126B, and so forth. Thus, in addition to facilitating securement of the connector 400 to the air / water cylinder 200, the secondary section 422 also maintains desirable orientation (e.g., rotational alignment) of the connector 400 relative to the air / water cylinder 200 to direct the respective flows to the channel sections of the endoscope 100.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the secondary section 422 can be used to help provide additional cleaning of the endoscope 100. As an example, the secondary section 422 (e.g., an opening of the secondary section 422) is fluidly coupled to the fluid source 250 and to the medial section of the control handle 106 in which the suction valve 114 is to be positioned. Thus, the secondary section 422 can direct cleaning fluid from the fluid source 250 to the suction channel 122, such as the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B, fluidly coupled to such a medial section. In one example, the secondary section 422 is configured to direct separate flows of the cleaning fluid to the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B. For instance, the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B could have different cross-sectional profiles (e.g., differently sized IDs), and the separate flows can have specific attributes to effectively clean a particular one of the proximal section 122A or the distal section 122B. In such examples, the connector 400 can include an additional body (e.g., with grooves) that establishes fluidically-separate volumes associated with the proximal section 122A and the distal section 122B, as well as ports that direct fluid into such fluidically-separate volumes.

[0071] FIG. 8A is a front perspective view illustrating the connector 400 to be coupled to the control handle 106 of the endoscope 100. Certain features of the control handle 106, such as the control wheels 120, are not shown for visualization purposes. The body 402 of the connector 400 is configured to extend into the fluidic chamber 202 via the air / water cylinder port 268. Additionally, the connector 400 is oriented (e.g., rotated) to extend the secondary section 422 over a suction cylinder 450 configured to receive the suction valve 114 (e.g., via a suction port 452 fluidly coupled to the suction cylinder 450). Such an orientation facilitates coupling of the connector 400 to the control handle 106 (e.g., capture of the air / water cylinder 200 via the primary receptacle 424, capture of the suction cylinder 450 via the secondary receptacle 426).

[0072] FIG. 8B is a front perspective view illustrating the connector 400 coupled to the control handle 106. For example, the body 402 is inserted into the fluidic chamber 202, and the base 416 is positioned against an exterior surface 500 of the control handle 106. Positioning the base416 against the exterior surface 500 causes the primary section 420 of the base 416 to capture the air / water cylinder 200 and the secondary section 422 of the base 416 to capture the suction cylinder 450, thereby securing the connector 400 to the control handle 106. Such securement of the connector 400 to the control handle 106 also maintains an orientation of the body 402 relative to the air / water cylinder 200 to provide the volumes 304, 306, 308, 310 to direct respective flows of the cleaning fluid to the channel sections.

[0073] In embodiments in which the connector 400 is configured to direct cleaning fluid into the suction cylinder 450, the connector 400 can include an additional body configured to extend into the suction port 452. By way of example, the additional body establishes fluidically- separate volumes within the suction port 452 for introducing separate cleaning flows into the suction port 452 (e.g., through the proximal section 122A, through the distal section 122B).

[0074] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the endoscope 100 being cleaned via a cleaning fluid (e.g., a liquid-powder mixture) using another fluid flow technique. As an example, the cleaning fluid is directed through the proximal section 126A of the water channel 126 and introduced into the air / water cylinder 200 via the proximal section 126A (e.g., by way of the second channel port 258) to deliver the cleaning fluid into the fluidic chamber 202. The cleaning fluid is then directed from the fluidic chamber 202 into the proximal section 124A (e.g., by way of the first channel port 254). Because the proximal sections 124A, 126A can have approximately the same ID (e.g., a relatively similar cross-sectional profiles), such as a relatively larger ID than that of the distal sections 124B, 126B, a homogeneous flow path is established in which the cleaning fluid is directed sequentially from the proximal section 126A, to the air / water cylinder 200, and then into the proximal section 124A. Indeed, the same flow of the cleaning fluid (e.g., the cleaning slug having about the same solid composition) can effectively clean (e.g., physically interact with walls) and flow through both proximal sections 124A, 126A. In certain examples, as the cleaning solution travels along a homogeneous flow path, such as the homogeneous flow path formed by proximal section 126A and proximal section 124A in this example, some of the cleaning solution may leak into ancillary paths. Such leakage does not affect operation of the cleaning solution for cleaning the lumens of the homogeneous flow path.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the cleaning fluid flow can be selectively directed from the fluidic chamber 202 to the proximal section 124A. For example, a valve 550 (e.g., a pinch valve) is implemented on the proximal section 124A, such as near the connector end 104. The valve 550 is configured to close the proximal section 124A, thereby reducing flow of thecleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A. Consequently, the cleaning fluid within the fluidic chamber 202 can flow through one or both of the distal sections 124B, 126B. For instance, closing (e.g., fully closing) the valve 550 increases the fluidic resistance of the proximal section 124A above the fluidic resistance of the distal sections 124B, 126B (e.g., the fluidic resistance established by the relatively smaller ID of the distal sections 124B, 126B). The relatively lower fluidic resistance associated with the distal sections 124B, 126B therefore urges the cleaning fluid to flow from the fluidic chamber 202 into the distal sections 124B, 126B instead of into the proximal section 124A. As a result, the cleaning fluid can be used to clean the distal sections 124B, 126B by closing the valve 550 to establish one or more subsidiary flow paths in which the cleaning fluid flows from the proximal section 126A through the distal sections 124B, 126B. Meanwhile, opening (e.g., fully opening) the valve 550 reduces the fluidic resistance of the proximal section 124A below the fluidic resistance of the distal sections 124B, 126B. The relatively lower fluidic resistance associated with the proximal section 124A then urges the cleaning fluid to flow from the fluidic chamber 202 into the distal sections 124B, 126B instead of into the proximal section 124A. That is, operation of the valve 550 can establish different flow paths to apportion the cleaning fluid between the proximal section 124A and the distal sections 124B, 126B.

[0076] The illustrated proximal section 124A includes two flow portions (e.g., conduit ends). For instance, a first flow portion 552 is configured to connect to the air-port / connector 143 (e.g., an air pipe connector) and fluidly couple to the pressurized air source 112, and a second flow portion 554 is configured to fluidly couple to the water source 110 (e.g., via an air / water bottle connector). The flow portions 552, 554 are also fluidly coupled to a common flow portion 556, and the valve 550 is used to adjust flow of the cleaning fluid through the common flow portion 556. By way of example, opening the valve 550 to enable fluid flow through the proximal section 124A also enables the cleaning fluid to flow through each of the flow portions 552, 554, whereas closing the valve 550 to block fluid flow through the proximal section 124A blocks cleaning fluid from flowing through the flow portions 552, 554. Consequently, operation of the valve 550 adjusts flow of the cleaning fluid through each of the flow portions 552, 554 fluidly coupled to the common flow portion 556, and operation of the valve 550 therefore adjusts the overall flow of the cleaning fluid from the fluidic chamber 202 into the proximal section 124A.

[0077] In additional or alternative embodiments, flow of the cleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A is adjusted using a different technique, such as by positioning one ormore valves at a different location along the proximal section 124A. As an example, a separate valve is attached to the respective flow portions 552, 554 to control separate flows of the cleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A. As another example, the cleaning fluid can be directed from the proximal section 124A, to the fluidic chamber 202, and then into the proximal section 126A. In such embodiments, a valve can be implemented at the proximal section 126A to apportion the cleaning fluid between the proximal section 126A and the distal sections 124B, 126B.

[0078] Further still, the cleaning fluid can be directed in a different manner through the channel sections via the fluidic chamber 202 to clean the channel sections. In one example, a separate valve is attached to each of the proximal sections 124A, 126A to control fluid flow through each of the proximal sections 124A, 126A. For instance, each valve can be closed to block flow of the cleaning fluid (e.g., from the air / water cylinder 200) into the proximal sections 124A, 126A and, instead, enable the cleaning fluid to be directed from the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., introduced into the air / water cylinder 200 via the air / water cylinder port 268) to any of the distal sections 124B, 126B. In another example, a connector is inserted into the fluidic chamber 202 and is used to adjust the flow path for the cleaning fluid directed into the fluidic chamber 202.

[0079] For instance, the connector can be adjusted between different configurations to enable flow of the cleaning fluid from the proximal section 126A, to the fluidic chamber 202, and then into the proximal section 124A in a first configuration and to enable flow of the cleaning fluid from the proximal section 126A, to the fluidic chamber 202, and into the distal section 124B, 126B in a second configuration. Thus, the flow of the cleaning fluid can be apportioned via the connector without usage of a separate valve.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the valve 550 is automatically controlled as part of a lumen cleaning system. To this end, the lumen cleaning system includes a control system 558 is communicatively coupled to the valve 550. The control system 558 is configured to operate the valve 550, such as to open and close the valve 550. The control system includes a memory 560 and a processor 562 (e.g., processing circuitry). The memory 560 (e.g., magnetic hard disk drive, solid state hard drive, semiconductor storage device, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) includes any suitable memory, such as volatile or nonvolatile memory, configured to store data / information, such as software or logic. For example, the memory 560 includes transitory or non-transitory computer-readable media that storesinstructions executable by the processor 562. The processor 562 (e.g., a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a baseband signal processor) is configured to execute the instructions stored on the memory 560 to perform various operations, such as to operate the valve 550. As an example, the valve 550 is a pinch valve configured to actuate (e.g., close) upon receiving a hydraulic fluid flow. Thus, the control system 558 is configured to control hydraulic fluid flow to the valve 550 to adjust the opening and closing of the valve 550. As another example, the valve 550 is a solenoid valve configured to actuate (e.g., close) upon receiving a control signal. Thus, the control system 558 is configured to output the control signal to actuate the valve 550 to adjust flow of the cleaning fluid through the proximal section 124A.

[0081] In an example embodiment, the control liquid 558 is configured to adjust the valve 550 at a particular frequency. For example, the control system 558 is configured to repeatedly close the valve 550 at a certain rate and / or at certain times of operation to pulse the valve 550 between opening and closing. As a result, the cleaning fluid can alternate between flowing from the fluidic chamber 202 into the proximal section 124A and flowing from the fluidic chamber 202 into the distal sections 124B, 126B. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 558 is configured to adjust the valve 550 based on a user input. For instance, a user (e.g., a technician, an operator) is configured to provide the user input, and the control system 558 is configured to close the valve 550 in response to receipt of the user input. In a further embodiment, the control system 558 is configured to adjust the valve 550 in a different manner, such as based on a sensed parameter (e.g., a flow rate of cleaning fluid through any of the channel sections of the endoscope 100). In any of these embodiments, the control system 558 is configured to effectuate adjustment of the cleaning fluid flow through the endoscope 100. In additional or alternative embodiments, the valve 550 can be manually adjusted, such as via a force applied by a user.

[0082] FIGs. 10A, 10B, and 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating alternative embodiments for using a plurality of valves to control fluid flow through the endoscope 100. As described below, the plurality of valves can be used with a centralized dosing approach to clean different channel sections / lumens of the endoscope 100.

[0083] More specifically, FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment in which individual (homogeneous) flow paths are created from the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., the fluidic chamber 202 of the air / water cylinder 200) through different channel sections, while FIGs. 10B and 10C illustrate an alternative embodiment that cleans the endoscope 100 without individual (homogeneous) flow paths. However, in general, in the various embodiments of FIGs. 10A,10B, and IOC, cleaning fluid is introduced into the endoscope 100 at the air / water cylinder 200 via a connector (e.g., a centralized dozing approach) and one or more valves are controlled (e.g., opened or closed) to selectively direct respective flows of cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder 200 to one or more channel sections.

[0084] Referring first to FIG. 10A, shown is a connector 1086 disposed within the fluidic chamber 202 of endoscope 100 to separate the air channel 124 and the water channel 126 from one another within the fluidic chamber 202. In other words, the connector 1086 bifurcates the fluidic chamber 202 into a first portion (top portion) 1098 and a second portion 1099 (bottom portion. The first portion 1098 of the fluidic chamber 202 defines a first flow path through the fluidic chamber 202 between the proximal section 124A and the distal section 124B, while the second portion 1099 defines a second flow path through the fluidic chamber 202 between the proximal section 126A and the distal section 126B. The connector 1086 is configured to isolate the first flow path and the second flow path from one another within the fluidic chamber 202 (i.e., the first portion 1098 of the fluidic chamber 202 is fluidically separate from the second portion 1099.

[0085] As shown, the endoscope 100 is connected to a cleaning system 1091, which includes the control system 558 (described above) and an outlet system 1080. The outlet system 1080 can comprise, for example, a drain / drain system, a re-circulation port / system, or other element that is configured to receive cleaning fluid flows exiting from the endoscope 100. In this example, the various channels of the endoscope 100 that are connected to the air / water cylinder 200, including proximal section 124A of the air channel, distal section 124B of the air channel, proximal section 126A of the water channel, distal section 126B of the water channel, are each connected to the drain system 1080 via one or more of a plurality of valves. The plurality of valves include: a first valve 1070 connected between proximal section 124A of the air channel and the outlet system 1080); a second valve 1072 (connected between proximal section 124A of the air channel and the outlet system 1080); valve 1070 (also connected between proximal section 124A of the air channel and the outlet system 1080); a third valve 1074 (connected between proximal section 126A of the water channel and the outlet system 1080); and fourth valve 1076 (connected between outlet system 1080 and both of distal section 126B and distal section 124B).

[0086] As described below, in certain examples, the plurality of valves can be controlled to adjust cleaning fluid flow through the endoscope 100 (e.g., the control system 558 is communicatively coupled to the valves and is therefore configured to adjust the valves (e.g.,using a pulsing technique), such as to effectuate cleaning of a subset of the channel sections of the endoscope 100. As an example, the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 are configured to physically close (e.g., pinch, compress) the associated channel sections or otherwise adjust an opening size within the channel sections to adjust a fluid resistance that changes the manner in which fluid flow is urged through the endoscope 100. In certain embodiments, the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 are positioned external to the endoscope 100, such as at an outlet system 1080 or one connecting lines between the endoscope 100 and the outlet system 1080.

[0087] In accordance with embodiments presented herein, the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 can be selectively opened and / or closed to adjust how the cleaning fluid flows through the various channel sections following delivery of one or more cleaning fluid flows to the air / water cylinder 200 via the connector 1086. That is, through appropriate control of the plurality of valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076, the cleaning fluid could be enabled to flow through the various channel sections in a number of different manners and / or directions. Provided below are several exemplary flow pattems / sequences for cleaning the endoscope 100 using a cleaning fluid flow delivered to the air / water cylinder 200 of the endoscope 100 with the use of the plurality of valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076. It is to be appreciated that these specific flow sequences are merely illustrative and, as noted, other flow sequences are possible.

[0088] For example, in certain arrangements, the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 can be adjusted to direct cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder 200 through multiple channel sections in a sequential manner. By way of example, valves 1074, 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A and through the merged exit channel 150 of the endoscope 100, respectively. However, the first valve 1070 and / or the second valve 1072 remain open to enable fluid flow through the proximal section 124A. While the valves 1074, 1076 are closed, directing cleaning fluid through the second portion 1099 of the connector 1086 forces cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the distal section 126B in the fourth flow direction 1088 (e.g., instead of through the proximal section 126A in the third direction 1084). After flowing through the distal section 126B, the cleaning fluid is blocked from flowing to the merged exit channel 150 and is therefore forced to transition from the distal section 126B to the distal section 124B at the location 130. The cleaning fluid then flows through the distal section 124B in a fifth flow direction 1090, opposite the second flow direction 1082, and to the proximal section 124A via the first portion 1098 of the connector 1086 within the fluidic chamber 202. Thus, the connector 1086 and the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 can be used to clean the distal sections 124B, 126B and the proximalsection 124A in a sequential manner using the same cleaning fluid flow, such as to force fluid flowthrough each ofthe distal sections 124B, 126B (e.g., eventhough one ofthe distal sections 124B, 126B is initially blocked by debris).

[0089] As another example, valves 1070, 1072, 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the proximal section 124A and the merged exit channel 150, respectively. However, the third valve 1074 remains open to enable fluid flow through the proximal section 126A. While the valves 1070, 1072, 1076 are closed, directing cleaning fluid through the first portion 1098 of the connector 1086 forces cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the distal section 124B in the second flow direction 1082 (e.g., instead of through the proximal section 124A in the first direction 1078). After flowing through the distal section 124B, the cleaning fluid is blocked from flowing to the merged exit channel 150 and is therefore forced to transition from the distal section 124B to the distal section 126B at the location 130. The cleaning fluid then flows through the distal section 126B in a sixth flow direction 1092, opposite the fourth flow direction 1088, and to the proximal section 126A via the second portion 1099 of the connector 1086 within the fluidic chamber 202. In this way, the connector 1086 and the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 can be used to clean the distal sections 124B, 126B and the proximal section 126A in a sequential manner using the same cleaning fluid flow, such as to force fluid flow through each of the distal sections 124B, 126B (e.g., even though one of the distal sections 124B, 126B is initially blocked by debris).

[0090] The valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 can also be adjusted to change how cleaning fluid flows through the channel sections even without the connector 1086 being positioned within the air / water cylinder 200 (e.g., to separate the air channel 124 from the water channel 126 within the air / water cylinder 200). As an example, while valves 1070, 1072, 1074 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal sections 124A, 126A, respectively, and the fourth valve 1076 is open to enable fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the merged exit channel 150, directing cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 forces cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the distal sections 124B, 126B in the flow directions 1082, 1088, respectively. As another example, while valves 1072, 1074, 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A, the second flow portion of the proximal section 124A, and the distal sections 124B, 126B, respectively, and the first valve 1070 is open to enable fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the first flow portion 1052 of the proximal section 124A, directing cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 forces cleaning fluid to flow from the air / watercylinder 200 through the proximal section 124A in the first flow direction 1078 and through the first flow portion 1052 of the proximal section 124A. As a further example, while valves 1070, 1074, 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the first portion 1098 of the proximal section 126A and the distal sections 124B, 126B, respectively, and the second valve 1072 is open to enable fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the second flow portion 1054 of the proximal section 124A, directing cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 forces cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the proximal section 124A in the first flow direction 1078 and through the second flow portion 1054 of the proximal section 124A. In yet another example, while valves 1070, 1072, 1076 are closed to block fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 124A and the distal sections 124B, 126B, and the third valve 1074 is open to enable fluid flow from the air / water cylinder 200 to the proximal section 126A, directing cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 forces cleaning fluid to flow from the air / water cylinder 200 through the proximal section 126A in the third flow direction 1084.

[0091] As noted, the centralized dosing approach of FIG. 10A has generally been described with respect to delivery of fluid into the air / water cylinder 200 of the endoscope 100. It is to be appreciated that similar techniques could be implemented with respect to, for example, the suction valve 114 of the endoscope 100. In such examples, a suitable connector could be provided to bifurcate the chamber defined by the suction valve 114 into two fluidically separate chambers. When a cleaning fluid is delivered to a first one of these fluidically separate chambers, the cleaning fluid flows to a proximal end of the biopsy / suction channel 122. When a cleaning fluid is delivered to a second one of these fluidically separate chambers, the cleaning fluid flows to a distal end of the biopsy / suction channel 122.

[0092] In certain examples of FIG. 10A, the upstream and downstream channel sections can be the same or different internal dimensions. For example, even if the internal dimensions are the same upstream and downstream, it may still be beneficial to be able to establish two flow paths so that system can be more deliberate about directing flows upstream and downstream (e.g., to make sure that each segment is appropriately cleaned).

[0093]

[0094] As noted, FIG. 10A illustrates a generally “serial” method to lumen cleaning using different homogenous flow paths. In accordance with certain embodiments presented herein, the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 can be operated to clean endoscope 100 without the use ofhomogenous flow paths in a less serial (e.g., semi-parallel) method (e.g., where multiple lumens are cleaned in parallel / using a single cleaning fluid flow). FIGs. 10B and IOC illustrate one such embodiment where the relative fluidic resistances of the channels, in combination with a centralized dosing approach, results in substantially self-regulated cleaning process.

[0095] In the arrangement of FIG. 10B, all of the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 are open and cleaning fluid is introduced into second portion 1099 of the fluidic chamber 202. With the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 all open, the relative fluid resistances of the channels results in substantially self-regulated flows (e.g., in terms of relative amounts and relative flow speeds). The result is that larger channels are suitable cleaning with larger and / or faster flows, while narrower and more sensitive channels are suitably cleaned with smaller and / or slower flows. More specifically, in this example, the fluidic resistance of the proximal section 126A is relatively lower than that of the distal section 126B. Therefore, a larger portion of the cleaning fluid is urged in the proximal section 126A, while a relative smaller portion of the cleaning fluid enters distal portion 126B (having the relatively higher fluidic resistance). The cleaning fluid urged in the proximal section 126A exits via valve 1074, while the cleaning fluid that enters distal portion 126B can further divide at junction 130 where a portion exits via valve 1076 and another portion can exit via valves 1070 and / or 1072. In FIG. 10B, shown are arrows that generally illustrate the flow of cleaning fluid in this configuration. The size of the arrows generally represent the magnitude of the flow through a given lumen (e.g., relatively larger arrows illustrative relatively more flow, while relatively smaller arrows illustrative relatively less flow).

[0096] In the arrangement of FIG. 10C, all of the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 are open and cleaning fluid is introduced into first portion 1099 of the fluidic chamber 202. With the valves 1070, 1072, 1074, 1076 all open, the relative fluid resistances of the channels results in substantially self-regulated flows (e.g., in terms of relative amounts and relative flow speeds). The result is that larger channels are suitable cleaning with larger and / or faster flows, while narrower and more sensitive channels are suitably cleaned with smaller and / or slower flows. More specifically, in this example, the fluidic resistance of the proximal section 124A is relatively lower than that of the distal section 124B. Therefore, a larger portion of the cleaning fluid is urged in the proximal section 124A, while a relative smaller portion of the cleaning fluid enters distal portion 124B (having the relatively higher fluidic resistance). The cleaning fluid urged in the proximal section 124A exits via valve 1070 and / or 1072, while the cleaning fluid that enters distal portion 124B can further divide at junction 130 where a portion exits viavalve 1076 and another portion can exit via valve 1074. In FIG. 10C, shown are arrows that generally illustrate the flow of cleaning fluid in this configuration. The size of the arrows generally represent the magnitude of the flow through a given lumen (e.g., relatively larger arrows illustrative relatively more flow, while relatively smaller arrows illustrative relatively less flow).

[0097] As can be appreciated, the flow regimes seen in FIGs. 1 OB and 10C can be implemented serially to ensure that each segment of the lumen system receives adequate cleaning. For example, the control system 558 can be programmed to implement the flow regimes of FIGs. 10B and 10C serially. Additionally, the techniques described with respect to FIG. 10A can additionally be implemented wherever it is desired that a particular lumen segment need further cleaning.

[0098] The self-regulating centralized dosing approach described with reference to FIGs. 10B and 10C can have a number of different advantages over other techniques. For example, the techniques may reduce the resistance of certain lumens and / or increase the interaction between a cleaning fluid flow and one or more lumens. In addition, in certain examples, the resistance of certain lumens reduced in part because there are now multiple outputs.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the endoscope 100 coupled to a connector 1186 (e.g., a port connector) configured to direct different flows of cleaning fluid (e.g., cleaning slugs having different compositions) into the respective channel sections of the endoscope 100. The connector 1186 includes a body 1102 configured to extend into the fluidic chamber 202 and provide a plurality of fluidically-separate volumes or subsidiary chambers within the fluidic chamber 202 for directing the flows into the respective channel sections (e.g., for establishing separate homogeneous flow paths).[ooioo] For example, extension of the body 1102 into the fluidic chamber 202 provides a first volume or subsidiary chamber 1104 fluidly coupled to the proximal section 124A and to the proximal section 126A. Thus, a first flow 1106 can be directed through the proximal section 126A, to the first volume 1104, and into the proximal section 124A, or vice versa. That is, the body 1102 enables the first flow 1106 to be directed sequentially between the proximal section 126 A and the proximal section 124 A via the first volume 1104. Additionally, extension of the body 1102 into the fluidic chamber 202 provides a second volume or subsidiary chamber 1108 and a third volume or subsidiary chamber 1110.[ooioi] The second volume 1108 is fluidly coupled to the distal section 126B to direct a second flow 1112 through the distal section 126B, and the third volume 1110 is fluidly coupled to the distal section 124B to direct a third flow 1114 through the distal section 124B. For instance, the connector 1186 includes a head 1116 extending external to the fluidic chamber 202 and including a base 1118 and connector ports 1120 configured to direct the second flow 1112 and the third flow 1114 to the distal sections 124B, 126B, respectively. In this manner, the connector 1186 effectuates directing a common first flow 1106 through each of the proximal sections 124A, 126A and a separate second flow 1112 and third flow 1114 through the respective distal sections 124B, 126B. Thus, in this example, the connector 1186 defines and isolates different homogeneous flow paths having relatively uniform cross-sectional profiles for directing of the flows 1106, 1112, 1114 therethrough (e.g., the flow path for the first flow 1106 includes a cross-sectional profile of the proximal section 124A and of the proximal section 126A, the flow path for the second flow 1112 includes a cross-sectional profile of the distal section 126B, and the flow path for the third flow 1114 includes a cross-sectional profile of the distal section 124B).

[0102] In additional or alternative embodiments, the connector 1186 can direct flows of cleaning fluid in different manners. For example, the body 1102 of the connector 1186 can fluidly couple each of the distal sections 124B, 126B to a common volume such that a flow of cleaning fluid can be directed through each of the distal sections 124B, 126B (e.g., from one of the connector ports 1120) and / or sequentially between the distal sections 124B, 126B. Moreover, the body 1102 of the connector 1186 can be adjustable to change the flow of cleaning fluid within the fluidic chamber 202, such as to adjust the cleaning fluid flow between the proximal sections 124A, 126A and the distal sections 124B, 126B.

[0103] Each of FIGS. 12-14, and 15 discussed below illustrates a respective method for directing a cleaning fluid through a medical device (e.g., the endoscope 100) to clean different channel sections of the medical device. In some embodiments, each method can be performed by a single entity, such as a control system (e.g., the control system 558). In additional or alternative embodiments, operations of different methods or within the same method can be performed by a different entity. It should also be noted that the methods can be performed differently than depicted. For example, an additional operation can be performed for any of the methods, and / or any of the operations can be removed and / or performed in a different order. Furthermore, the operations of different methods can be performed in any suitable manner withrespect to one another, such as sequentially, concurrently, in parallel, and / or in response to one another.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1250 for directing a cleaning fluid through an endoscope. At block 1252, one or more homogeneous flow paths are established through the endoscope. Each of the homogeneous flow paths can be formed by one or multiple lumens. For example, a connector is inserted into the endoscope (e.g., an air / water cylinder of the endoscope) to establish different volume s / chambers that define the homogeneous flow paths. In some embodiments, each homogeneous flow paths includes a single channel section. In additional or alternative embodiments, each homogeneous flow path includes multiple channel sections (e.g., multiple upstream sections). In either case, each homogeneous flow path includes one or more channel sections having non-variable characteristics (e.g., similar IDs). At block 1254, cleaning fluid flows are directed through the one or more homogeneous flow paths. Because the channel section(s) within each homogeneous flow path have a non-variable characteristic, the respective cleaning fluid flows to be directed through each homogeneous flow can have an attribute that is more suitable for cleaning their associated channel section(s), such as without having to accommodate another channel section having a different characteristic.

[0105] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1350 for directing a cleaning fluid through an endoscope. At block 1352, multiple flows of cleaning fluid are introduced into an air / water cylinder via an air / water cylinder port. For example, during a medical operation, the air / water cylinder port is configured to receive an air / water valve that fluidly couples different sections (e.g., an upstream section, a downstream section) of a channel to one another. However, in a cleaning operation, a connector is inserted into the air / water cylinder via the air / water cylinder port and is used to introduce the flows of cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder.

[0106] At block 1354, each flow of the cleaning fluid is directed from the air / water cylinder into a respective channel fluidly coupled to the air / water cylinder. For instance, insertion of the connector into the air / water cylinder provides a plurality of fluidically-separate chambers within the air / water cylinder, and each of the chambers is fluidly coupled to a corresponding channel section to establish respective homogeneous flow paths for each flow of the cleaning fluid. The connector includes ports that are fluidly coupled to a respective chamber and therefore to a corresponding channel section. Separate flows of the cleaning fluid are introduced into the ports to flow into the air / water cylinder via the air / water cylinder port, and each flow of the cleaning fluid is directed from the air / water cylinder to the particular channelsection fluidly coupled to the port in which the flow is introduced. As a result, the separate flows of the cleaning fluid are directed into two or more of the channel sections, such as a proximal section / region and a distal section / region of each channel, via the fluidically-separate chambers.

[0107] In this manner, each flow of the cleaning fluid is introduced into the channels at the medial section between a proximal section and a distal section of the channels. Thus, rather than traveling along an entirety of a channel (e.g., from the proximal section to the distal section), each flow of the cleaning fluid travels along a section of a single channel (e.g., either the proximal section or the distal section). For this reason, a distance along which each flow of the cleaning fluid travels is relatively shorter as compared to that when traveling along an entirety of the channel (e.g., multiple sections of a single channel). Consequently, a total amount of fluidic resistance (e.g., caused by frictional losses resulting from impingement and contact of the cleaning fluid against an interior surface of the channel section) encountered by each flow of the cleaning fluid is relatively less as compared to that when traveling along an entirety of the channel. As a result, the flow of the cleaning fluid is more efficient. For example, each flow of the cleaning fluid can be introduced into the air / water cylinder at a reduced speed and / or at a reduced pressure and still be able to sufficiently flow through each of the channel sections to provide desirable cleaning of the channel sections. Thus, a power consumption associated with directing the flows of the cleaning fluid can be reduced, thereby reducing costs associated with cleaning the endoscope. Moreover, because using separate flows to clean the respective channel sections can enable each channel section to be concurrently cleaned (e.g., as opposed to sequentially cleaned), flow of cleaning fluid through each channel section can be completed more quickly to clean the endoscope more quickly.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1450 for directing a cleaning fluid through an endoscope. At block 1452, a cleaning fluid is introduced into an air / water cylinder via a first upstream channel of the endoscope. The air / water cylinder fluidly couples the first upstream channel to a second upstream channel of the endoscope. The air / water cylinder also fluidly couples the first upstream channel to a downstream channel of the endoscope. Thus, the cleaning fluid introduced into the air / water cylinder via the first upstream channel is able to flow from the air / water cylinder to any of the second upstream channel or the downstream channel.

[0109] At block 1454, a valve is operated to control a size of the second upstream channel. For instance, the valve is closed to reduce the size of the second upstream channel, and the valveis opened to increase the size of the second upstream channel. Reducing the size of the second upstream channel increases a fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel, and increasing the size of the second upstream channel reduces the fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel. Thus, the valve is operated to adjust the fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel.

[0110] At block 1456, the cleaning fluid introduced into the air / water cylinder via the first upstream channel is apportioned between the second upstream channel and the downstream channel via the valve. That is, adjusting the fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel adjusts the flow of the cleaning fluid to either the second upstream channel and / or to the downstream channel. For instance, while the valve is open, the second upstream channel has an ID that is greater than that of the downstream channel and similar to that of the first upstream channel. Thus, fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel is less than that within the downstream channel. Consequently, the cleaning fluid is urged to flow from the air / water cylinder into the second upstream channel having the relatively less fluidic resistance, thereby directing the cleaning fluid through upstream channels of different channels / lumens. The upstream channels have similar cross-sectional profiles. As such, opening the valve establishes a flow path having a relatively uniform cross-sectional area (e.g., between the upstream channels), which is suitable for cleaning by the cleaning fluid. However, closing (e.g., partially closing, fully closing) the valve to reduce the size of the second upstream channel can increase the fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel to be greater than that within the downstream channel. As such, the cleaning fluid is urged to flow from the air / water cylinder into the downstream channel having the relatively less fluidic resistance. That is, closing the valve establishes a flow path that forces the cleaning fluid through the downstream channels. In this manner, adjusting the position of the valve, thereby adjusting the size of the second upstream channel and adjusting the fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel relative to the fluidic resistance within the downstream channel, changes the channels through which the cleaning fluid flows to change the channels being cleaned. For example, the valve can be pulsed to iteratively alternate between opening and closing to alternate the cleaning fluid between flowing through the second upstream channel and the downstream channel.[ooni] In certain embodiments, the cleaning fluid is urged to flow from the air / water cylinder into each of the second upstream channel and the downstream channel. For instance, the valve is transitioned to an intermediate position between a fully open position and a fully close position to establish the fluidic resistance within the second upstream channel to beapproximately equal to that within the downstream channel. Consequently, a flow path is established in which the cleaning fluid can split within the air / water cylinder and flow through each of the second upstream channel and the downstream channel, thereby cleaning each channel fluidly coupled to the air / water cylinder.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first upstream channel is an upstream water channel (e.g., a proximal section of a water channel / lumen) and the second upstream channel is an upstream air channel (e.g., a proximal section of an air channel / lumen). In alternative embodiments, the first upstream channel is the upstream air channel and the second upstream channel is the upstream water channel. The downstream channel can include a downstream water channel (e.g., a distal section of the water channel / lumen) and / or a downstream air channel (e.g., a distal section of the air channel / lumen).

[0113] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method 1500 for directing a cleaning fluid through a device, such as an endoscope using a centralized dosing approach in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. At block 1502, a flow of cleaning fluid is introduced into the endoscope at a medial section of a lumen. For example, the endoscope includes an air / water cylinder that fluidly couples a proximal section of the lumen to a distal section of the lumen. Thus, introducing the flow of the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder, such as via an air / water cylinder port fluidly coupled to the air / water cylinder, introduces the flow of the cleaning fluid into the endoscope at the medial section of the lumen. In some embodiments, a connector is inserted into the air / water cylinder port. For instance, the air / water cylinder port is configured to receive an air / water valve during a medical operation, but the air / water valve can be removed to enable the connector to be inserted into the air / water cylinder port during a cleaning operation. In such embodiments, the flow of the cleaning fluid is directed into the connector to introduce the flow of the cleaning fluid into the medial section of the lumen.

[0114] At block 1504, the flow of the cleaning fluid travels from the medial section toward one of a proximal end or a distal end of the lumen. For example, following delivery, the cleaning fluid can at least initially travel from the medial section toward the proximal end, thereby cleaning the proximal section, or at least initially travel from the medial section toward the distal end, thereby cleaning the distal section. In many instances, the flow can be directed from the medial section toward one of a proximal end or a distal end of the lumen. As described elsewhere herein, the cleaning fluid may or may not exit the endoscope when it reaches the distal end of the lumen (e.g., at least a part of the cleaning fluid could flow through one or more other lumens before exiting the endoscope).

[0115] The method 1500 can be performed for multiple lumens of the endoscope in a number of different manners, such as using one or more of the techniques described above. By way of example, the endoscope includes an additional lumen, an additional flow of the cleaning fluid is introduced into the endoscope at a medial section of the additional lumen, and the additional flow of the cleaning fluid is directed from the medial section of the additional lumen to one of a proximal end or a distal end of the additional lumen. Therefore, the method 1500 can be performed to clean multiple lumens of the endoscope.

[0116] As should be appreciated, while particular uses of the technology have been illustrated and discussed above, the disclosed technology can be used with a variety of devices in accordance with many examples of the technology. The above discussion is not meant to suggest that the disclosed technology is only suitable for implementation within systems akin to that illustrated in the figures. In general, additional configurations can be used to practice the processes and systems herein and / or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the processes and systems disclosed herein.

[0117] This disclosure described some aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible aspects were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

[0118] As should be appreciated, the various aspects (e.g., portions, components, etc.) described with respect to the figures herein are not intended to limit the systems and processes to the particular aspects described. Accordingly, additional configurations can be used to practice the methods and systems herein and / or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0119] According to certain aspects, systems and non-transitory computer readable storage media are provided. The systems are configured with hardware configured to execute operations analogous to the methods of the present disclosure. The one or more non-transitory computer readable storage media comprise instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute operations analogous to the methods of the present disclosure.

[0120] Similarly, where steps of a process are disclosed, those steps are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and are not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps. For example, the steps can be performed in differing order, two or more steps can be performed concurrently, additional steps can be performed, and disclosed steps can be excluded without departing from the present disclosure. Further, the disclosed processes can be repeated.

[0121] Although specific aspects were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific aspects. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

[0122] It is also to be appreciated that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive and that the various embodiments can be combined with another in any of a number of different manners.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising: inserting a connector into an air / water cylinder of an endoscope, wherein the connector is configured to bifurcate the air / water cylinder into a first portion and a second portion that is fluidically separate from the first portion, wherein a first proximal lumen and first distal lumen are fluidically connected to the first portion and wherein a second proximal lumen and second distal lumen are fluidically connected to the second portion; delivering a cleaning fluid to the first portion of the air / water cylinder to clean at least one of the first proximal lumen or the first distal lumen; and delivering a cleaning fluid to the second portion of the air / water cylinder to clean at least one of the second proximal lumen or the second distal lumen.

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

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

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

5. A method, comprising: introducing a flow of a cleaning fluid into a lumen at a medial section of the lumen; and having the flow of the cleaning fluid travel from the medial section toward one of a proximal end or a distal end of the lumen.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the proximal end and the distal end are fluidically coupled to an outlet system via a first valve and a second valve, respectively, and wherein directing the flow of the cleaning fluid from the medial section toward one of a proximal end or a distal end of the lumen comprises: adjusting one or more of the first valve and the second valve to direct the flow of the cleaning fluid from the medial section toward one of the proximal end or the distal end of the lumen.

7. The method of claim 5, comprising: introducing the flow of the cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder to introduce the flow of the cleaning fluid into the medial section of the lumen, wherein the air / water cylinder fluidly couples the proximal end and the distal end of the lumen to one another.

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

9. The method of claim 8, comprising: inserting a connector into the air / water cylinder port; and directing the flow of the cleaning fluid into the connector to introduce the flow of the cleaning fluid into the air / water cylinder.

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

11. The method of claim 5, comprising: introducing an additional flow of the cleaning fluid at an additional medial section of an additional lumen; and directing the additional flow of the cleaning fluid from the additional medial section toward one of an additional proximal end or an additional distal end of the additional lumen.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising:directing the flow of the cleaning fluid and the additional flow of the cleaning fluid into the medial section and the additional medial section via a connector.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the connector provides a plurality of fluidically- separate volumes, wherein a first volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes is fluidly coupled to the lumen, and a second volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes is fluidly coupled to the additional lumen, the flow of the cleaning fluid is directed from the medial section toward one of the proximal end or the distal end of the lumen via the first volume, and the additional flow of the cleaning fluid is directed from the additional medial section toward one of the additional proximal end or the additional distal end of the additional lumen via the second volume.

14. The method of claim 5, wherein the flow of cleaning fluid comprises serially-delivered slugs.

15. A method for cleaning an endoscope, comprising: introducing a cleaning fluid into an air / water cylinder of the endoscope via a first upstream channel of a first lumen of the endoscope; and directing the cleaning fluid from the air / water cylinder into a second upstream channel of a second lumen of the endoscope.

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

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the endoscope comprises a downstream channel fluidly coupled to the air / water cylinder and a valve configured to control the second upstream channel, and wherein the method comprises: operating the valve to apportion the cleaning fluid between the second upstream channel and the downstream channel.

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

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

20. A method, comprising: establishing one or more homogeneous flow paths through an endoscope having a plurality of differently sized lumen channel sections; and directing one or more cleaning fluid flows through the one or more homogeneous flow paths.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the plurality of differently sized lumen channel sections includes a proximal section and a distal section fluidly coupled to one another via a fluidic chamber, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the proximal section is different from a cross-sectional profile of the distal section, and wherein directing the one or more cleaning fluid flows through the one or more homogeneous flow paths comprises: delivering at least a cleaning fluid flow at the fluidic chamber.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein directing the one or more cleaning fluid flows through the one or more homogeneous flow paths comprises: apportioning a cleaning fluid into a plurality of flows; inserting a connector into the fluidic chamber to provide a plurality of fluidically- separate volumes within the fluidic chamber, wherein a first volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes is fluidly coupled to the proximal section, and wherein a second volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes is fluidly coupled to the distal section; and introducing each flow of the plurality of flows into a respective port of the connector to deliver the plurality of flows at the fluidic chamber so that the plurality of flows passes from the fluidic chamber to the proximal section and to the distal section via the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes within the fluidic chamber.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the proximal section is of a first lumen, the plurality of differently sized lumen channel sections comprises an additional proximal section of a second lumen, wherein the proximal section of the first lumen and the additional proximalsection of the second lumen have substantially the same cross-sectional profile, and wherein the method comprises: delivering the cleaning fluid flow into the fluidic chamber by directing the cleaning fluid flow through the proximal section of the first lumen; and directing the cleaning fluid flow from the fluidic chamber to the additional proximal section of the second lumen.

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

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

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

27. The method of claim 20, wherein the one or more cleaning fluid flows comprises serially-delivered slugs.

28. A connector for an endoscope, comprising: a body configured to extend into an air / water cylinder of the endoscope to provide a plurality of fluidically-separate volumes within the air / water cylinder, wherein a first volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes is fluidly coupled to a first channel section of the endoscope, and a second volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes is fluidly coupled to a second channel section of the endoscope; and a plurality of ports, wherein each port of the plurality of ports is configured to receive a respective flow of cleaning fluid, a first port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to thefirst volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes, and a second port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to the second volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes.

29. The connector of claim 28, wherein the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes comprises at least a third volume, wherein the third volume of is fluidly coupled to a third channel section of the endoscope, and wherein third port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to the third volume.

30. The connector of claim 29, wherein the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes comprises at least a fourth volume, wherein the fourth volume of is fluidly coupled to a fourth channel section of the endoscope, and wherein fourth port of the plurality of ports is fluidly coupled to the fourth volume.

31. The connector of claim 28, comprising a first groove and a second groove formed into the body, wherein extension of the body into the air / water cylinder provides the first volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes via the first groove and the second volume of the plurality of fluidically-separate volumes via the second groove.

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

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

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

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

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