Endoscopy cart cover and method of use

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an endoscopy cart cover that can be used with an endoscopy cart and associated endoscope to mitigate cross-contamination between the endoscope and a surrounding environment. A method of use of the endoscopy cart cover is also disclosed herein.

Description

ENDOSCOPY CART COVER AND METHOD OF USE

[0001] All patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art as known to those skilled therein as of the date of the invention described and claimed herein.

[0002] This patent disclosure contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights.GOVERNMENT INTERESTS

[0003] Not applicable.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 671,505, entitled “Endoscopy Cart Cover and Method of Use,” filed July 15, 2024, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure includes to an endoscopy cart cover and methods for use thereof. Specifically, the endoscopy cart cover disclosed herein is configured to be used in association with an endoscopy cart and endoscope to mitigate cross-contamination between the endoscope and a surrounding environment.BACKGROUND

[0006] This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

[0007] An endoscope is a medical device used to examine and visualize internal portions of a patient’s body during an endoscopy. In one exemplary endoscopy, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), the endoscope is inserted through a patient’s mouth. An EGD can be a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum. An EGD can also be a therapeutic procedure used to, among other things, remove a foreign body or control internal bleeding. In another exemplary endoscopy, a colonoscopy, the endoscope is inserted through a patient’s anus.

[0008] Endoscopes can include a control handle configured to be grasped by the hand of a medical team performing the procedure. A semi-flexible tube portion can be coupled to or otherwise associated with the control handle and configured to enter into the patient’s body. The endoscope can include one or more accessories at a terminal end of the tube portion, such as a camera, light, and / or forceps to name a few examples. A user interface associated with the control handle may be manipulated by the medical team to control the tube portion and / or the one or more accessories.

[0009] Endoscopes, both pre- and post-operation can be associated with an endoscopy cart or endoscopy trolley. Endoscopy carts can be configured to support an endoscope, the equipment associated with the endoscope, and any other equipment that may be needed during an endoscopy. Specifically, endoscopy carts can include a tower extending up from a chassis of the endoscopy cart. The tower can include an upper portion configured to interface with and / or support a portion of the endoscope, namely the control handle of the endoscope.

[0010] While the control handle of the endoscope is supported by the tower, the tube portion of the endoscope may be allowed to hang freely under the influence of gravity. Pre-operatively, the tube portion is not protected from the surrounding environment and thus may be contaminated. Post-operatively, body fluids remaining on the endoscope may fall from the endoscope and thus contaminate the environment. Presently, teams performing an endoscopy must place towels or other floor coverings on the ground surface under the endoscopy cart to catch and absorb these body fluids. However, these floor coverings prove ineffective when the endoscopy cart is transported to an alternative location where the endoscope and other equipment is sanitized.

[0011] Accordingly, one disadvantage associated with prior art endoscopy devices and equipment can be that the endoscope is left susceptible to cross-contamination with the surrounding environment.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Disclosed herein is an endoscopy cart cover configured to be used in association with an endoscopy cart and an endoscope to mitigate cross-contamination between the endoscope and a surrounding environment.

[0013] In various aspects the endoscopy cart cover may comprise a substantially flat sheet, a first pocket, and a second pocket. The substantially flat sheet may have a first end, a second end located opposite the first end, a first face extending from the first end to the second end, and a second face located opposite the first face and extending from the first end to the second end. The first pocket may be located at the first end of the sheet and adjacent to the first face. The first pocket may have an open end located distally from the first end of the sheet. The second pocket may be located at the second end of the sheet and adjacent to the second face. The second pocket may have an open end located distally from the second end of the sheet.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the first pocket may be configured to receive at least a portion of a tower of the endoscopy cart when the endoscopy cart is associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the second pocket may be configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope associated with the endoscopy cart when the endoscopy cart cover is associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the open end of the first pocket may face opposite the open end of the second pocket.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the first pocket and second pocket may differ in size.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the first pocket and second pocket may be substantially similar in size.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the sheet may be substantially rectangular in shape.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the sheet may be semi-flexible.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the sheet may include a length defined between the first and second ends. The length may be in a range of from 50 to 90 inches.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the sheet may include a first side located between the first and second ends, a second side located opposite the first side and between the first and second ends, and a width defined between the first and second sides. The width may be in a range of from 14 to 34 inches.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the first pocket may include a pocket length defined from the open end of the first pocket to the first end of the sheet. The first pocket length may be in a range of from 2 to 22 inches.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the second pocket may include a pocket length defined from the open end of the second pocket to the second end of the sheet. The second pocket length may be in a range of from 8 to 28 inches.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the sheet may include a thickness defined between the first and second faces. The thickness may be in a range of from .01 to .05 inches.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the sheet, first pocket, and second pocket may be formed from a single piece of material.

[0027] In various aspects a method of mitigating cross-contamination between endoscopy equipment and an environment may include obtaining the endoscopy cart cover as defined above; inserting a tower associated with an endoscopy cart into a first pocket of the endoscopy cart cover such that the endoscopy cart cover is at least partially supported by the tower; and supporting at least a portion of an endoscope via the tower. At least a portion of the endoscopy cart cover may be positioned between the endoscope and the tower.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the method may further comprise, via a second pocket of the endoscopy cart cover, receiving body fluid discarded from the endoscope.

[0029] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Certain illustrations, charts, or flow charts are provided to allow for a better understanding for the present invention. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope. Additional and equally effective embodiments and applications of the present invention exist.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of an endoscopy cart cover under one embodiment associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the endoscopy cart cover of Fig. 1 associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of the endoscopy cart cover of Fig. 1 associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a rear elevation view of the endoscopy cart cover of Fig. 1 associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0035] Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of the endoscopy cart cover of Fig. 1 associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a top view of the endoscopy cart cover of Fig. 1 associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0037] Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the endoscopy cart cover of Fig. 1 associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0038] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the endoscopy cart cover under one embodiment associated with an endoscopy cart.

[0039] Figure 9 shows a rear elevation view of the endoscopy cart cover of Fig. 8 associated with an endoscopy cart.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAbbreviations and Definitions

[0040] Detailed descriptions of one or more embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate manner.

[0041] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification can mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

[0042] Wherever any of the phrases “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be nonlimiting.

[0043] The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited. Therefore, for example, the phrase “wherein the lever extends vertically” means “wherein the lever extends substantially vertically” so long as a precise vertical arrangement is not necessary for the lever to perform its function.

[0044] The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. Thus, for example, “a process involving steps a, b, and c” means that the process includes at least steps a, b, and c. Wherever the terms “a” or “an” are used, “one or more” is understood, unless such interpretation is nonsensical in context.

[0045] As used herein the term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

[0046] For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.Description of Selected Embodiments

[0047] Disclosed herein is an endoscopy cart cover configured to be used in association with an endoscopy cart and endoscope to mitigate cross-contamination between the endoscope and a surrounding environment. In various embodiments, the endoscopy cart cover disclosed herein can be repeatedly used with multiple patients. The endoscopy cart cover can be readily cleaned and sanitized, before being reused with other patients. In alternative embodiments, the endoscopy cart cover can be configured for use by single patient and disposable thereafter.

[0048] Figures 1-9 show a photographic view of an endoscopy cart cover 100 under exemplary embodiments. The endoscopy cart cover 100 may be used in association withendoscopy equipment, such as an endoscopy cart 10 and / or an endoscope for example. The endoscopy cart 10 may include a chassis 12 and a tower 14 extending up from the chassis 12. The tower 14 may include an upper portion 16 configured to support at least a portion of the endoscope. The endoscope may include a handle portion and a tube portion extending from the handle portion. The tube portion may be semi-flexible and include a terminal end wherein one or more endoscope accessories may be coupled. The tower 14 may be configured to removably couple, interface with, or otherwise support the handle portion. When the handle portion is supported by the tower 14, the tube portion may fall freely under the influence of gravity.

[0049] In accordance with the present disclosure, the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be used in association with various embodiments of endoscopy carts and / or endoscopes. The endoscopy cart 10 and endoscope shown in the figures are exemplary embodiments and thus the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] In the embodiment of Figures 1-7, the endoscopy cart cover 100 may comprise a substantially flat sheet 110. The substantially flat sheet 110 may also be referred to herein as sheet 110. The substantially flat sheet 110 may include a first end 112, a second end 114 located opposite the first end 112, a first side 116 located between the first and second ends 112, 114, and a second side 118 located opposite the first side 116 and between the first and second ends 112, 114. The first end 112, second end 114, first side 116, and second side 118 may form a perimeter of the sheet 110. The sheet 110 may be substantially rectangular in shape. “Substantially rectangular” as used herein may include a rectangular shape having rounded or chamfered corners. The sheet 110 may include a first face 120 defined between the first end 112, second end 114, first side 116, and second side 118, and a second face 122 located opposite the first face 120 and defined between the first end 112, second end 114, first side 116, and second side 118.

[0051] In embodiments, the sheet 110 may be semi-flexible. Thus, the sheet 110 may be substantially flat in certain instances, but may also be folded, rolled, or otherwise manipulated. The sheet 110 may also be substantially transparent such that a medical team can at least partially see-through the sheet 110. One exemplary advantage of the sheet 110 being substantially transparent may be that the endoscopy cart 10, including the tower 16, may be readily observed through the endoscopy cart cover 100 without manipulation.

[0052] The sheet 110 may include a length 124 defined between the first and second ends 112, 114. In embodiments, the length 124 of the sheet 110 may be in a range of from 50 to 90 inches, preferably from 60 to 80 inches, and most preferably from 65 to 75 inches. The sheet 110 may include a width 126 defined between the first and second sides 116, 118. Inembodiments, the width 126 of the sheet 110 may be in a range of from 14 to 34 inches, preferably from 18 to 30 inches, and most preferably from 22 to 26 inches. The sheet 110 may include a thickness defined between the first and second faces 120, 122. In embodiments, the thickness of the sheet may be in a range of from .01 to .05 inches, preferably .015 to .045 inches, and most preferably .02 to .04 inches.

[0053] As shown in the figures, the endoscopy cart cover 100 may further comprise a first pocket 140. The first pocket 140 may also be referred to herein as a downward facing pocket 140. The downward facing pocket 140 may be located at the first end 112 of the sheet 110 and adjacent to the first face 120. The downward facing pocket 140 may have an open end 142, a closed end 144, and first and second sides 146, 148. The closed end 144 may be located closer to the first end 112 of the sheet 110 than the open end 142 of the downward facing pocket 140. Thus, the open end 142 may be located distally from the first end 112 of the sheet 110.

[0054] In embodiments, a continuous piece of material may form the sheet 110 and the downward facing pocket 140. Thus, the downward facing pocket 140 may be formed by folding the single piece of material back upon itself and coupling the edges together at the first and second sides 146, 148. In certain embodiments, the sheet 110 and the downward facing pocket 140 may be formed from separate pieces of material. Thus, the downward facing pocket 140 may be formed by overlaying a piece of material over the sheet 110 and coupling the edges together at the first side 146, second side 148, and closed end 144.

[0055] In other embodiments, an extra piece of material may be added between the sheet 110 and the first and second sides 146, 148 of the downward facing pocket 140 to increase the overall volume of the downward facing pocket 140.

[0056] The downward facing pocket 140 may be coupled to the sheet 110 at the first and second sides 146, 148 and / or the closed end 144 via a thermal weld, sonic weld, adhesive, one or more fasteners, or the like.

[0057] As shown in the figures, the endoscopy cart cover 100 may further comprise a second pocket 160. The second pocket 160 may also be referred to herein as an upward facing pocket 160. The upward facing pocket 140 may be located at the second end 114 of the sheet 110 and adjacent to the second face 122. The upward facing pocket 160 may have an open end 162, a closed end 164, and first and second sides 166, 168. The closed end 164 may be located closer to the second end 114 of the sheet 110 than the open end 162 of the upward facing pocket 160. Thus, the open end 162 may be located distally from the second end 114 of the sheet 110.

[0058] In embodiments, a continuous piece of material may form the sheet 110 and the upward facing pocket 160. Thus, the upward facing pocket 160 may be formed by folding thesingle piece of material back upon itself and coupling the edges together at the first and second sides 166, 168. In certain embodiments, the sheet 110 and the upward facing pocket 160 may be formed from separate pieces of material. Thus, the upward facing pocket 160 may be formed by overlaying a piece of material over the sheet 110 and coupling the edges together at the first side 166, second side 168, and closed end 164.

[0059] In other embodiments, an extra piece of material may be added between the sheet 110 and the first and second sides 166, 168 of the upward facing pocket 160 to increase the overall volume of the upward facing pocket 160.

[0060] The upward facing pocket 160 may be coupled to the sheet 110 at the first and second sides 166, 168 and / or the closed end 164 via a thermal weld, sonic weld, adhesive, one or more fasteners, or the like.

[0061] In embodiments, the downward facing pocket 140 and upward facing pocket 160 can be located on opposite faces 120, 122 of the sheet 110. The open end 142 of the downward facing pocket 140 may face substantially opposite the open end 162 of the upward facing pocket 160. In other words, the open end 142 of the downward facing packet 140 may face downward and the open end 162 of the upward facing pocket 160 may face upward.

[0062] In embodiments, the downward facing pocket 140 and upward facing pocket 160 can differ in size. In other embodiments, the downward facing pocket 140 and upward facing pocket 160 can be substantially similar in size.

[0063] The downward facing pocket 140 may include a pocket length 150 defined from the open end 142 of the downward facing pocket 140 to the first end 112 of the sheet 110. The pocket length 150 of the downward facing pocket 140 may be in a range of from 2 to 22 inches, preferably 6 to 18 inches, and most preferably 10 to 14 inches. The downward facing pocket 140 may include a pocket width 152 defined from the first side 146 to the second side 148 of the downward facing pocket 140. The pocket width 152 of the downward facing pocket 140 may be in a range of from 14 to 34 inches, preferably from 18 to 30 inches, and most preferably from 22 to 26 inches. In embodiments, the pocket width 152 of the downward facing pocket 140 may be substantially similar to the width 126 of the sheet 110.

[0064] The upward facing pocket 160 may include a pocket length 170 defined from the open end 162 of the upward facing pocket 160 to the second end 114 of the sheet 110. The pocket length 170 of the upward facing pocket 160 may be in a range of from 8 to 28 inches, preferably 12 to 24 inches, and most preferably 16 to 20 inches. The upward facing pocket 160 may include a pocket width 172 defined from the first side 166 to the second side 168 of the upward facing pocket 160. The pocket width 172 of the upward facing pocket 160 may be in arange of from 14 to 34 inches, preferably from 18 to 30 inches, and most preferably from 22 to 26 inches. In embodiments, the pocket width 172 of the upward facing pocket 160 may be substantially similar to the width 126 of the sheet 110.

[0065] In embodiments, the pocket length 150 of the downward facing pocket 140 and the pocket length 170 of the upward facing pocket 160 may be substantially similar. In other embodiments, the pocket length 150 of the downward facing pocket 140 may be substantially greater than the pocket length 170 of the upward facing pocket 160. In other embodiments, the pocket length 150 of the downward facing pocket 140 may be substantially less than the pocket length 170 of the upward facing pocket 160.

[0066] The endoscopy cart cover 100 may be used or otherwise associated with an endoscopy cart 10 and / or an endoscope. The downward facing pocket 140 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the tower 14 of the endoscopy cart when the endoscopy cart cover 100 is associated with an endoscopy cart 10. Specifically, at least a portion of the upper portion 16 of the tower 14 may be received within the downward facing pocket 140. The endoscopy cart cover 100 may then be supported by the endoscopy cart 10, and more specifically by the tower 14 of the endoscopy cart 10.

[0067] In embodiments, the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be flexible or semi-flexible. When at least a portion of the upper portion 16 of the tower 14 is received within the downward facing pocket 140, the upper portion 16 may still interface with or otherwise support an endoscope. At least a portion of the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be positioned between the supported endoscope and the upper portion 16 of the tower 14. One exemplary advantage of this configuration may be that cross-contamination is prevented or otherwise mitigated between at least the endoscope and the tower 14.

[0068] The upward facing pocket 160 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the endoscope associated with the endoscopy cart 10 when the endoscopy cart cover 100 is associated with the endoscopy cart 10. Specifically, the upward facing pocket 160 may be configured to receive the tube portion of the endoscope when the handle portion of the endoscope is supported by the upper portion 16 of the tower 14. The upward facing pocket 160 may be further configured to catch, trap, store, or otherwise receive body fluid discarded from the endoscope. In embodiments, the tube portion and handle portion may be placed in the upward facing pocket 160 rather than being supported by the tower 14. Thus, one exemplary advantage of this configuration may be that cross-contamination is prevented or otherwise mitigated between at least the endoscope and / or the body fluid present thereon, and the surrounding environment.

[0069] Another exemplary advantage of the sheet 110 being semi-flexible may be that the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be altered for use with various sizes and embodiments of endoscopy carts 10. For example, in embodiments where the length 124 of the sheet 110 is too long for the associated endoscopy cart 10, the sheet 110 may be folded at or near a central portion and fastened such that the length 124 of the sheet 110 is shortened.

[0070] In embodiments, at least portions of the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be transparent or semi-transparent. Thus, a medical team can still see necessary portions of the endoscopy cart 10 through the endoscopy cart cover 100.

[0071] In embodiments, the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be composed of medical grade materials. The medical grade materials may have the following characteristics: low toxicity, low chemical reactivity, thermal stability, resistance to oxygen, resistance to ultraviolet light, resistance to ozone, electrical insulation properties, high gas permeability, and / or liquid impermeability. The medical grade materials may comport with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 10993. The materials may have antimicrobial properties configured to kill microorganisms or prevent their growth.

[0072] In embodiments, at least portions of the endoscopy cart cover 100 can be substantially impermeable. Thus, one advantage of the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be that body fluids that contact the endoscopy cart cover 100, and specifically the upward facing pocket 160, do not leak or otherwise escape the endoscopy cart cover 100 and contaminate the surrounding environment.

[0073] In embodiments, the endoscopy cart cover 100 can include a semi-rigid support. The support may be coupled to the upward facing pocket 160 at or adjacent to the open end 162. The support can be configured to provide shape and support to the upward facing pocket 160. The support can be configured to removably couple to the tube portion of the endoscope such that at least the terminal end of the tube portion is positioned within the upward facing pocket 160.

[0074] A method of reducing cross-contamination between endoscopy equipment and an environment is also disclosed herein. The method may comprise obtaining the endoscopy cart cover 100 as described above; inserting the tower 14 associated with the endoscopy cart 10 into the downward facing pocket 140 of the endoscopy cart cover 100 such that the endoscopy cart cover 100 is at least partially supported by the tower 14; and supporting at least a portion of the endoscope via the tower 14, wherein at least a portion of the endoscopy cart cover 100 is positioned between the endoscope and the tower 14. The method can further comprise, via theupward facing pocket 160 of the endoscopy cart cover 100, receiving body fluid discarded from the endoscope.EXAMPLES

[0075] Examples are provided below to facilitate a more complete understanding of the invention. The following examples illustrate the exemplary modes of practicing the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to specific embodiments disclosed in these Examples, which are for purposes of illustration only, since alternative methods can be utilized to obtain similar results.EXAMPLE 1

[0076] A medical team may preoperatively prepare endoscopy equipment for a procedure. The medical team may obtain the endoscopy cart 10 having a tower 14 with an upper portion 16, the endoscope, and the endoscopy cart cover 100. The medical team may clean and sterilize the endoscope and / or the endoscopy cart cover 100. The medical team may hang the endoscopy cart cover 100 from the tower 16 of the endoscopy cart 10 such that the tower 16 is received by the downward facing pocket 140. Thus, the endoscopy cart 10, and specifically the tower 14, may support the endoscopy cart cover 100.

[0077] The medical team may place the sterilized endoscope, and specifically the handle portion, on the upper portion 16 of the tower 14 such that the tower 14 supports and interfaces with the endoscope. At least a portion of the endoscopy cart cover 100 may be positioned between the upper portion 16 of the tower 14 and the endoscope. The tube portion of the endoscope may be allowed to fall under the influence of gravity adjacent the endoscopy cart cover 100. Alternatively, the medical team may place the sterilized endoscope, including the tube portion and handle portion, into the upward facing pocket 160. The endoscopy cart 10 may be transported to a room or station wherein the procedure is to be carried out.

[0078] Contemporaneous with or following completion of the procedure, the endoscopy cart may be transported away from the room or station wherein the procedure was carried out. The endoscope, and specifically the handle portion, may be placed upon the upper portion 16of the tower 14. The tube portion may be allowed to fall under the influence of gravity. The support may be manipulated such that it couples to the tube portion and contains at least the terminal end of the tube portion within the upward facing pocket 160. Alternatively, the endoscope, including the handle portion and tube portion, may be placed in the upward facing pocket 160. The upward facing pocket 160 may contain, trap, and / or catch any body fluids that may be discarded from the endoscope. Further, the sheet 110 may direct any body fluids discarded from the endoscope into the upward facing pocket 160.EQUIVALENTS

[0079] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific substances and procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. An endoscopy cart cover comprising: a substantially flat sheet having a first end, a second end located opposite the first end, a first face extending from the first end to the second end, and a second face located opposite the first face and extending from the first end to the second end; a first pocket located at the first end of the sheet and adjacent to the first face, the first pocket having an open end located distally from the first end of the sheet; and a second pocket located at the second end of the sheet and adjacent to the second face, the second pocket having an open end located distally from the second end of the sheet.

2. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein the first pocket is configured to receive at least a portion of a tower of the endoscopy cart when the endoscopy cart cover is associated with an endoscopy cart.

3. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein the second pocket is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope associated with the endoscopy cart when the endoscopy cart cover is associated with an endoscopy cart.

4. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the open end of the first pocket faces opposite the open end of the second pocket.

5. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein:the first pocket and second pocket differ in size.

6. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the first pocket and second pocket are substantially similar in size.

7. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the sheet is substantially rectangular in shape.

8. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the sheet is semi-flexible.

9. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the sheet includes a length defined between the first and second ends, the length being in a range of from 50 to 90 inches.

10. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the sheet includes a first side located between the first and second ends, a second side located opposite the first side and between the first and second ends, and a width defined between the first and second sides, the width being in a range of from 14 to 34 inches.

11. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the first pocket includes a pocket length defined from the open end of the first pocket to the first end of the sheet, the first pocket length being in a range of from 2 to 22 inches.

12. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the second pocket includes a pocket length defined from the open end of the second pocket to the second end of the sheet, the second pocket length being in a range of from 8 to 28 inches.

13. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the sheet includes a thickness defined between the first and second faces, the thickness being in a range of from .01 to .05 inches.

14. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the sheet, first pocket, and second pocket are formed from a single piece of material.

15. The endoscopy cart cover of claim 1, wherein: the sheet, first pocket, and second pocket are formed from multiple pieces of material.

16. A method of mitigating cross-contamination between endoscopy equipment and an environment, the method comprising: obtaining the endoscopy cart cover from any one of claims 1-15; inserting a tower associated with an endoscopy cart into a first pocket of the endoscopy cart cover such that the endoscopy cart cover is at least partially supported by the tower; andsupporting at least a portion of an endoscope via the tower, wherein at least a portion of the endoscopy cart cover is positioned between the endoscope and the tower.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: via a second pocket of the endoscopy cart cover, receiving body fluid discarded from the endoscope.

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