Device and method for detecting residual liquid in endoscope lumens

Abstract

Various embodiments relate to devices and methods of detecting residual liquid in an endoscope and related devices. A device may include a chamber. A device may include an inlet fluidly connectable to one or more lumens of the endoscope (e.g., at a distal tip of an insertion tube of an endoscope, or at connection ports of the endoscope), to receive flow through of fluid (e.g., pressurized or suctioned air) from one or more lumens into the chamber. A device may include an outlet to allow exit of the fluid from the chamber. A device may include a humidity sensor to capture a measurement of humidity in the chamber, provided from the flow through of fluid from the one or more lumens. A device may include an indicator to output an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the endoscope, based on the measurement of humidity in the chamber.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING RESIDUAL LIQUIDIN ENDOSCOPE LUMENSPRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 749,413, filed January 24, 2025, and titled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING RESIDUAL LIQUID IN ENDOSCOPE LUMENS”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Endoscopes, after use in a medical procedure, are cleaned and dried. Manual cleaning and automated endoscope reprocessing (AER) procedures are often used to clean and decontaminate or sterilize endoscopes after use in medical procedures. Once reprocessed, additional moisture may be present on external surfaces of endoscopes, and inside lumens of endoscopes. To dry this moisture and to keep the endoscope in a clean condition, endoscope drying cabinets can be used. However, residual moisture may be present.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device for detecting residual liquid in a medical instrument, the device including: a chamber; an inlet fluidly connectable to an endoscope, the inlet configured to allow flow through of fluid from one or more lumens of the endoscope into the chamber; an outlet configured to allow exit of the fluid from the chamber; a humidity sensor configured to capture a measurement of humidity (e.g., the relative humidity percent (RH%) or water vapor concentration) in the chamber; and an indicator integrated in or disposed on the device, the indicator configured to output an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope, based on the measurement of humidity in the chamber.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system including: a residual liquid detection device including: a chamber; an inlet fluidly connectable to a plurality of connectors of an endoscope, the inlet configured to allow flow through of fluid from a plurality of lumens of the endoscope into the chamber; an outlet configured to allow exclusion of fluid from the chamber; a humidity sensor configured to measure values in thechamber; and an indicator integrated in the residual liquid detection device, the indicator configured to output an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope, based on the humidity measurement values in the chamber; and an airflow system including: a pump to provide air flow through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope; and at least one valve to control the air flow through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of detecting residual liquid in one or more lumens of an endoscope, the method including: flowing air through the endoscope, via the one or more endoscope lumens, and out one or more outlets into a chamber of a residual fluid detection device having a sensor; sensing one or more parameters of the air with the sensor, the one or more parameters including a measurement of humidity; determining, based on the one or more parameters, whether residual liquid is detected in the one or more lumens of the endoscope; and outputting an indication from an indicator of the residual fluid detection device of whether residual liquid is detected in the one or more lumens of the endoscope, based on the determination.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates the internal lumens and connection points of an endoscope with a liquid detector device attached, according to an example.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an endoscope fluidly connected to an attached liquid detector device, with arrows depicting the direction of fluid flow, according to an example.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an endoscope fluidly connected to an external liquid detector device, with arrows depicting the direction of fluid flow, according to an example.

[0010] FIG. 4A illustrates an endoscope liquid detector device coupled to an endoscope insertion tube, according to an example.

[0011] FIG. 4B illustrates an endoscope liquid detector device coupled to an endoscope insertion tube, with arrows depicting the direction of fluid flow, according to an example.

[0012] FIG. 5 A illustrates an endoscope liquid detector device with connection ports to be fluidly connected to endoscope lumens, according to an example.

[0013] FIG. 5B illustrates an endoscope liquid detector device with connection ports to be fluidly connected to endoscope lumens, with arrows depicting the direction of fluid flow, according to an example.

[0014] FIG. 6A to 6E illustrate schematics of fluid channels connected with an endoscope liquid detector device, according to respective examples.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of verifying endoscope drying according to an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Discussed herein are a method and device for detecting residual liquid in endoscope internal lumens using a sensor. Here, a sensor (e.g., a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or both) can be positioned inside a chamber with minimal dead air space. The chamber can receive and direct fluid-flow from one or more endoscope lumens across the sensor to maximize liquid detection sensitivity. Relative humidity, temperature, and water vapor concentration can be measured from the fluid flow. Water vapor concentration measurement can be used to determine the presence of residual liquid in lumens, using techniques such as reading peak relative humidity, peak water vapor concentration, area under the curve for relative humidity or water vapor concentration, analyzing rate of change of relative humidity and / or water vapor concentration, and additional calculations as needed.

[0017] Prior methods of fluid detection in endoscope lumens include borescope examination and water indicator paper. These methods both have disadvantages.

[0018] For example, where borescope examination is used, a borescope is inserted into the instrument lumen opening of an endoscope to visualize residual liquid. However, this method is limited to use in endoscopes with large openings and few bends. When an endoscope contains narrower orifices or lumens, has narrow diameter lumens, or includes curving lumens, such a borescope cannot be used or can be difficult to use. For example, many gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopes can contain lumens too narrow for borescope examination, but such GI endoscopes are often processed with a liquid system and are at risk for wet lumens. Additionally, borescope examination does not provide a pass / fail response and relies on operator interpretation. Not all borescopes themselves can be easily disinfected or sterilized between uses, increasing risk of cross-contamination.

[0019] In another approach, water indicator paper has been used. Such water indicator paper can contain copper sulfate or cobalt chloride to allow for detection of residual liquid, as contact with water or alcohol droplets changes the color of the paper. This indirect method also does not detect water vapors. To use water indicator paper to detect residual liquid, directed air has to be supplied to an opening on the endoscope, and a piece of water indicator paper is then used to “catch” and detect expelled liquid at the directed air exit location.Because of these limitations, residual liquid can be missed, such as up to 250 pL of liquid in some endoscope lumens. This liquid can be missed because the residual liquid is resistant to moving, or directed air can evaporate residual liquid.

[0020] In other approaches, humidity loggers have been used. Such humidity loggers use a sensor to detect data on relative humidity, temperature, dew point, and water vapor concentration. For detection of residual liquid, directed air is used at an opening of the endoscope and the humidity logger probe is placed at the air exit location. However, there is a detection limit with such a method, and ambient humidity and other factors affect these readings, and sensitivity of detection can be a problem, in addition to similar issues from those seen with water indicator paper.

[0021] By comparison, the use of the present device configuration with an isolated compartment for residual fluid detection avoids many of these pitfalls. The method of use of this device offers several advantages over prior methods, including a sensitivity down to <0.5 pL of liquid, direct reading without the potential for user interpretation error, an ability to detect liquid in any and all endoscope lumens or ports, a lesser risk of contaminating inner endoscope lumens, and no use of hazardous materials. Specifically, the methods and devices discussed herein, leveraging a humidity and / or temperature sensor positioned in such an isolated compartment with minimal dead air space and direct flow from endoscope lumen(s), can maximize liquid detection sensitivity.

[0022] In an example, several parameters are used to sense and calculate the residual fluid. Water vapor measurements can be used to determine the presence of liquid by one or more of the following readings: reading a peak relative humidity percent (RH%); reading a peak water vapor concentration; analyzing rate of change in RH%; analyzing the rate of water vapor concentration; integrating the area under the curve for time vs. RH%; and / or integrating the area under the curve for time vs. water vapor concentration to maximize detection of evaporated liquid compared to baseline signal.

[0023] Moreover, input air flow rate, velocity, and pressure can be optimized for delivery of the evaporated liquid to the sensor in the compartment, to maximize sensitivity to lower the limit of detection. Endoscope lumen connectors can also be used to balance the flow rate and / or velocity. The device and methods discussed herein can enable an appropriate sensitivity for detecting residual liquid, such as down to <0.5 pL. These methods can provide a direct reading with reduced potential for interpretation error and can be used to detect liquid in one or more endoscope lumens. This can be done without risk of contamination to the inner endoscope lumens and does not require use of hazardous materials.

[0024] The present device and methods can be used to verify the dryness of many medical instruments and related components that would benefit from detection of residual liquid, and specifically, endoscopes. However, the device and methods can be used to detect liquid in other sight-occluded areas of medical devices that are required to be dry. For example, the present methods and devices could be used as a performance verification tool for various drying product design developments (e.g., in a drying cabinet, automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), standalone endoscope dryer, etc.). The present methods and devices could also be integrated into the design of these products for automated dryness verification during use. For example, aspects of the methods and devices may be added as a verification element in a drying cabinet design to confirm drying efficacy of a drying cycle. Other aspects could be integrated into the design of a drying cabinet for an automated verification of the endoscope lumen dryness to confirm that an endoscope is ready or is not ready for use.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an endoscope 100 (e.g., a colonoscope) with a device 200 for detection of residual fluid attached according to an example. The endoscope 100 can include a flexible body that extends from a distal end 102 to a proximal end 104. Many functional features of the endoscope 100 are not illustrated or shown, as it will be understood that the present methods and devices are applicable to a variety of form factors of endoscopes (including those with rigid bodies and different imaging components).

[0026] The endoscope 100 shown in FIG. 1 has the endoscope sheath and light wiring removed to illustrate the lumens 118, 128 therein. Thus, certain parts of the endoscope 100, such as outer casing or shell (i.e. sheath), are not depicted in FIG. 1. The endoscope 100 can include a light guide connection unit 110 with ports 111, 112, 113, and 114, leading to lumens 118, control handle 120 with valve ports 122, 124, and biopsy port 126. Control handle 120 valve ports connect to lumens 128 and 118. The lumens 128 can extend from thecontrol handle 120 to the distal tip 130 (at the distal end 102) and connect to the device 200. In this document, the terms “lumen” and “channel” are generally used interchangeably with one another, as each refers to the various internal pathways within an endoscope that are cleaned, flushed, dried, and verified for residual liquid.

[0027] A sensor 270 can be provided within or operably coupled to the device 200. In some examples, the sensor 270 is integrated into the housing of the device 200, such as when the sensor 270 is an integrated sensor that is positioned within an internal chamber of the device 200 to be exposed to air flow from the endoscope lumens. In other examples, the sensor 270 is provided from an external device that is operably connected to the device 200. For example, the sensor 270 can be placed into the device 200 via a sensor probe, as measurement values of the sensor probe provided are read and evaluated by an external sensing unit (not shown). In some examples, the sensor 270 includes only a humidity sensor. In other examples, the sensor 270 may include additional sensors such as a temperature sensor.

[0028] The light guide connection unit 110 can provide connection from the endoscope 100 to other parts of a system, such as an endoscopy system, another medical system, or an endoscope cleaning system. The light guide connection unit 110 can include various ports and connectors, such as for fluid connection, electrical connection, air connection, or connection to one or more other devices. The ports 111, 112, 113, and 114, for example, can be various types of ports connectable to lumens and / or other components for circulation of fluid within the endoscope 100.

[0029] The lumens 118 can include, for example, a biopsy / suction lumen, an air lumen, a water lumen, a balloon lumen, and combinations thereof, and optionally multiples thereof. The lumens 118 run through the control handle 120, continue as the corresponding lumens 128 and extend to the distal tip 130. As will be understood, the lumens 118 and lumens 128 will be exposed to one or more cleaning fluids, disinfection and / or sterilization fluids, and flushing fluids (e.g., water) during an endoscope cleaning procedure, which may remain as residual liquid after the cleaning is complete.

[0030] The suction lumen of lumens 118 can connect from a suction connection, such as at the port 113, through the endoscope 100, to a suction valve, such as the valve port 122, and the biopsy port 126, and extend into the insertion section of the endoscope 100 (also called an “insertion tube”). The exterior sheath of the insertion section is not shown in FIG. 1, but surrounds the lumens 128 to the distal tip 130.

[0031] The air lumen of lumens 118 can be connectable to a fluid or air source, such as at ports 111 and 112, through the endoscope 100 across the control handle 120 to the distal tip 130. The water lumen of lumens 118 can be connectable to a fluid or air source, such as at port 112 and run through the body of the endoscope 100, towards the air / water valve ports 122, 124 and out the distal tip 130 of the endoscope 100.

[0032] The control handle 120 can, for example, include a housing through which the lumens extend, and can allow for fluid connection of the lumens 128 and 118. The control handle 120 can allow for a user to manipulate the endoscope 100. The control handle 120 can include valve ports 122, 124, for influx of air to the endoscope 100, such as into one or more endoscope lumens. The biopsy port 126 can be fluidly connectable to tubing, such as for outlet of air therefrom the valve ports 122 and 124.

[0033] The distal tip 130 can extend from the lumens 128. The distal tip 130 can expose the outlets of one or more lumens, which are positioned within an interior chamber of the device 200 as discussed in more detail below. In one example, the lumens 128 can be connectable to the device 200 at the distal tip 130 with the use of an air-tight connection at the device 200 inlet, discussed in more detail below. The distal tip 130 exposes outlets from the biopsy lumen(s), balloon lumen(s) and air / water lumen(s) for fluid connection into a chamber of the device 200. Other configurations of the device 200 are discussed below, e.g., in FIG. 3, in which the device 200 is provided with a fluid connection to the individual lumens of the endoscope, without connection via the distal tip 130.

[0034] To use the device 200 with the endoscope 100, air can be received in the endoscope (e.g., received via valve ports 122, 124, via biopsy port 126, or via ports 111, 112, 113, 114) to travel through the respective lumens and into the chamber of the device 200 containing the sensor 270. In some examples, the air is provided from pressurized (e.g., compressed) air that is introduced into the respective lumens of the endoscope 100 to exit at the terminal of these lumens at the distal tip 130. In other examples, this air can include suctioned air that is drawn into the respective lumens of the endoscope 100.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a first scenario where the suctioned air is drawn into the respective lumens from various connection ports and openings, to exit at the distal tip 130 for measurement by the device 200. FIG. 3 illustrates a second scenario where the suctioned air is drawn into the respective lumens from the distal tip 130 and exits at the various connection ports and openings, to be captured for measurement by the device 200. These two scenarios are contrasted in the following paragraphs.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates the endoscope 100 fluidly connected to the device 200, where the device 200 is attached to the distal tip 130 of the insertion tube. Here, arrows depict the direction of fluid flow into and through the endoscope. Many components of the endoscope 100 from FIG. 1 are depicted as discussed above.

[0037] In FIG. 2, a suction device 300 is fluidly coupled to the device 200 via a suction air line 302 and an outlet port on the device 200 (not shown). The suction device 300 is used to draw air through the lumens 118 and 118, and through the device 200, to cause air to be passed over the sensor 270 and measured by the sensor 270 in the chamber. The relative humidity of the air from the endoscope lumens is then measured by the sensor 270 in the chamber, and the device 200 determines an indication of residual liquid in the endoscope 100 based on the sensed humidity measurement.

[0038] In one example, the source of air may be provided from ambient air of the environment surrounding the endoscope 100. Ambient drying does not cause a spike in the humidity detected when attached to the device 200, because ambient air is pulled through the endoscope 100, which may not be the case when attached to an air source. In another example, the source of air may be provided by an air drying or circulation system, such as pressurized air provided within a drying cabinet or storage cabinet, a source of which is fluidly connected to each of the connection ports.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the device 200 is fluidly coupled to the endoscope 100 at the distal tip 130 of the insertion tube, such as with a gasket in an inlet of the device 200 that provides a fluid tight connection. The device 200 receives air flowed through each of the lumens that terminate at the distal tip 130. As shown throughout FIG. 2, air is drawn into the ports of the endoscope, including at port 111, port 112, port 113, port 114. Additionally, plug 123, plug 125, and plug 127 are introduced at valve port 122, valve port 124, and biopsy port 126, respectively, to enable air flow to traverse the entire length of the respective lumens from the light guide connection unit 110 to the distal tip 130. Other arrangements may involve the use of other types of stoppers or plugs, and / or the use of channel separators.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates the endoscope 100 fluidly connected to the device 200, where the device 200 is externally located to the endoscope 100, and is not coupled to the distal tip 130. This has the advantage that the device 200 does not interact with the distal tip 130, which reduces the potential for contamination. Here, arrows also depict the direction of fluid flow through the endoscope lumens, but in the opposite direction as shown in FIG. 2.Many components of the endoscope 100 from FIG. 1 are depicted as discussed in detail above.

[0041] In FIG. 3, the device 200 is fluidly coupled to the endoscope 100 via a plurality of different fluid lines (e.g., connected tubing), not shown but represented by respective arrows originating from different lumen connection ports into inlet connection port 221 A and inlet connection port 221B. The fluid connections can include, but are not limited to, connections to port 111, port 112, port 113, port 114, valve port 122, valve port 124, and biopsy port 126. These fluid connections may include connections already provided by and used in a drying cabinet. Although two inlet connection ports 221A, 221B of the device 200 are depicted for air flow from the lumens 128 and the lumens 118, a different number (e.g., one connection port, more than two connection ports) of inlets may be provided by the device 200.

[0042] In FIG. 3, the suction device 300 is fluidly coupled to the device 200 via the suction air line 302 and an outlet port on the device 200 (not shown). When the suction device 300 is operated, air is drawn into the device 200 via the inlet connection port 221 A and the inlet connection port 22 IB, from the fluid lines connected to the respective endoscope lumens. The relative humidity of the air from the endoscope lumens is then measured by the sensor 270 in the chamber, and the device 200 determines an indication of residual liquid in the endoscope 100 based on the sensed humidity measurement.

[0043] In other variations, the arrangement of FIG. 3 may be adapted to capture air flow from different flow strategies. In a first example, air flow may be provided from connections made only to the connection ports on the control handle 120 (e.g., such that air flow enters at the distal tip 130 and from the light guide connection unit 110). In a second example, air flow may be provided from connections made only to the connection ports at the light guide connection unit 110, where channel separators or plugs are used on the control handle 120 (e.g., such that air flow enters on distal tip 130 only).

[0044] FIGS. 4 A and 4B illustrate a cross-section schematic of a detector device 201 when coupled to a distal tip 130 of an endoscope insertion tube (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), with arrows depicting a direction of fluid flow in FIG. 4B. The detector device 201 is one implementation of device 200 for coupling with a distal tip of an endoscope, and may include many or all of the various features of the device 200 discussed herein.

[0045] As shown, the device 201 defines a chamber 220 as a closed compartment in which the sensor 270 is exposed. The sensor 270, as noted above, may include a humiditysensor, temperature sensor, and other sensor components. A temperature data measurement in combination with an absolute humidity measurement enables the calculation of a relative humidity measurement.

[0046] The chamber 220 can include a compartment device body 222, an outlet valve 226, a humidity sensor 270, and a tip gasket 223. An external housing of the device 201 (e.g., a rigid shell or container for the device) may be provided but is not shown in this crosssection schematic for simplicity.

[0047] Flow 250 from the distal tip 130, and flow 260 through the outlet valve 226 can be seen in FIG. 4B. As discussed above, the relative humidity of the air from the endoscope lumens is measured by the sensor 270 in the chamber 220, and the device 201 determines an indication of residual liquid in the endoscope 100 based on the sensed humidity measurement.

[0048] The compartment device body 222 can define the chamber 220 for flow-through of fluid and humidity testing, with minimal dead space therein. The chamber 220 can house or expose the sensor 270. The chamber 220 can be configured or collect fluid downstream of one or more endoscope lumens, such as including all endoscope lumens. The compartment device body 222 can be, for example, made of non-ab sorptive material, e.g., have a metal or non-hygroscopic plastic body. The compartment device body 222 can minimize internal volume to reduce measurement latency.

[0049] As an example, the sensor 270 can reside inside the compartment device body 222 such that air flow from the endoscope 100 lumens must flow across the sensor 270 for maximum measurement sensitivity. The sensor 270 can be powered by a battery or electric outlet connected to an analog or digital data interface. In an example, the sensor 270 can be a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a thermal conductive sensor. The sensor 270 may be operably coupled to a programmable logic device or circuitry used to capture, measure, and calculate the relative humidity values and related humidity measurements, including but not limited to: a measurement of peak relative humidity, a measurement of peak water vapor concentration, a measurement of a rate of change of water vapor concentration, a measurement based on integrating an area under a curve for time versus relative humidity, or a measurement based on integrating an area under a curve for time versus water vapor.

[0050] The outlet valve 226 can be configured to allow for one-way flow in the compartment device body 222. The outlet valve 226 can, for example, allow only exclusionof fluid from the compartment device body 222. In some cases, a duck bill or other check valve that allows one-way flow of fluid can be used.

[0051] The outlet valve 226 can be a low or zero cracking pressure check valve to exhaust pressured air flow and reduce pressure build-up inside of the compartment device body 222, to improve flow across the humidity sensor 270. In an example, a duck bill, crossslit, swing valve, diaphragm, or other form can be used. The outlet valve 226 can prevent backflow of air from the room into the compartment device body 222, helping with measurement sensitivity.

[0052] The sensor 270 can be in line or integrated with the compartment device body 222. In some cases, the sensor 270 can be housed within the compartment device body 222 such as by being disposed directly within the chamber 220. In some cases, the sensor 270 can be downstream of the compartment device body 222. In some cases, a temperature sensor can be integrated with a humidity sensor to provide the sensor 270. In some cases, multiple sensors can be integrated into the device 201. The sensor 270 can be held, for example, in the middle of the fluid flow stream from the connector ports and the distal tip of the endoscope 100. The sensor 270 can be attached through the wall of the compartment device body 222, such as by an air-tight connection, like a compression fitting, O-ring, or gasket.

[0053] In some cases, an indication, such as an audio (e.g., human or machine-audible) or visual (e.g., human or machine-visible) signal can be output from an indicator that is integrated in, within, disposed on, or near the compartment device body 222 to provide an indication of sensed humidity in the chamber 220. In some cases, the indicator can include a light, buzzer, text, or a screen or user interface, to inform the user that the endoscope lumens are dry and / or have residual liquid. In some examples, the controller circuitry used to determine the humidity measurements and provide the indication output can be located outside the chamber of the device 201. In other examples, communication circuitry can be used to wirelessly communicate sensor readings to an external device (e.g., via a Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi® (IEEE 802.11), or another radio frequency communication) that includes the indicator.

[0054] The tip gasket 223 can serve as an inlet of the compartment device body 222. The tip gasket 223 can be connectable to the distal tip 130 of the endoscope 100, such as by an insertion tube. The tip gasket 223 can fluidly seal the distal tip 130 and allow for fluid flow from one or more lumens of the endoscope 100 into the device 201. The tip gasket 223 can be shaped for receipt of one or more types of endoscope distal tips.

[0055] The tip gasket 223 can be made of a non-adsorptive elastomer that stretches around the outer diameter of the distal tip 130 of the endoscope 100, forming an air-tight barrier. The tip gasket 223 can hold the distal tip 130 of the endoscope 100 and direct flow from the lumens of the endoscope 100 towards the sensor 270. A combination of gasket elasticity and replaceable gaskets with different size openings can allow for any size of distal tip to be accommodated in the fixture. The fixture can also contain an expandable opening (e.g., an iris mechanism) that could accommodate a variety of distal tip sizes.

[0056] The fluid flow within the endoscope 100 can be unidirectional across the device 201 and the sensor 270, and can exit, for example, through a one-way valve as depicted with reference to FIGS. 4B and 5B. This can help minimize environmental humidity impact and pressure build-up. One or more gaskets can be used on the device 201 to help accommodate a connection of any size endoscope 100 to the device 201, such as to create an airtight seal.

[0057] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate a cross-section schematic of a detector device 202 configured to be fluidly coupled to individual endoscope lumens (e.g., shown in FIG. 3), with arrows depicting a direction of fluid flow in FIG. 5B. The detector device 201 is one implementation of device 200 for coupling with fluid lines to the respective endoscope lumen. The device 202 may include many of the components of the device 200 and the device 201 explained above, including the chamber 220 in which the sensor 270 is exposed, and related sensor and indicator functionality.

[0058] In the arrangement of FIGS. 5 A and 5B, the chamber 220 includes connector ports 224 (depicted as four connector ports 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d) that extend through the compartment device body 222. The connector ports 224 provide multiple inlets for connection to the respective endoscope lumens via tubing or other types of fluid lines.

[0059] The connector ports 224 thus fluidly connect the chamber to one or more lumens in the endoscope. The connector ports 224 can be used for the receipt of air or drying fluid. For example, air can be fluidly run from the endoscope lumen(s) through the connector ports 224 into the compartment device body 222 and across the sensor 270. As many connectors as desired can be used and attached to the air outlets on the endoscope 100. The connector ports can have fittings on them to facilitate easy connection to the endoscope, such as a Luer-Lok, push-to-connect, latch-lock, or other quick-disconnect style fittings. Unused ports can be capped or checked to prevent air exchange with the environment. The connector ports 224 can be made of a non-ab sorptive metal or plastic.

[0060] Flow 240 from the connector ports 224 and flow 260 through the outlet valve 226 can be seen in FIG. 5B. As discussed above, the relative humidity of the air from the endoscope lumens is measured by the sensor 270 in the chamber 220, and the device 202 determines an indication of residual liquid in the endoscope 100 based on the sensed humidity measurement.

[0061] One or more non-hygroscopic design elements can help maximize detection of evaporated liquid therein. For example, the device 200 (or device 201, device 202) can be made of non-hygroscopic materials, e.g., materials that do not absorb or retain water, to more efficiently allow flow of fluid and residual moisture through the device.

[0062] The endoscope 100 can have its lumen connection ports (e.g., the ports 111, 112, 113, 114, and the valve ports 122, 124) adapted to optimize air flow across the humidity sensor 270 integrated with the device 200 (or device 201, device 202). As fluid is pushed or suctioned through the various ports and lumens of the endoscope 100, the device 200 can collect fluid from each of these sources to detect any residual liquid therein. In some examples, unused lumen connection ports can be capped to prevent environmental air from entering the device 200.

[0063] In further examples, a variety of configurations of suctioned or pressurized air can be controlled to provide the air flow through the device 200. These configurations can be used in a system such as a drying cabinet, storage cabinet, etc., which can be adapted to monitor different fluid channels for residual liquid or dryness of endoscope lumens using the device 200. For instance, a system can receive and use an indication from the device 200 to notify a user when an endoscope is dry and ready to use, or conversely to alert a user that the endoscope has residual liquid and is not ready for use.

[0064] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E each illustrates schematics of fluid channels connected with an endoscope liquid detector device, such as the device 200 (or variations of the device 200 such as the device 201 or the device 202) discussed above. In the examples of FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E, a probe sensor 271 is inserted thereto to capture a humidity measurement. In some examples, this probe sensor 271 may obtain a humidity measurement (e.g., of ambient air humidity) before the probe sensor 271 is inserted into the chamber of the device 200, or at different times from respective air flow sources (e.g., from ambient environmental air, versus from endoscope air flow). However, it will be understood that other configurations of the device 200 may include an internal sensor, such as the sensor 270 integrated or disposed within a chamber as discussed above.

[0065] First, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B each illustrates an arrangement of an isolation valve to switch between positive pressure for drying of the lumens by a dry air source, and negative pressure (suction) for moisture measurement of the lumens by the device 200. This isolation valve can be added before or after the measurement chamber of the device 200.

[0066] In FIG. 6A, an isolation valve 601 A is added between the suction source and the device 200. In FIG. 6B, the isolation valve 60 IB is added between the device 200 and the endoscope. Either configuration may be used in connection with the air flow drawn by a suction source (such as the suction air flow configurations shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The isolation valves 601 A, 601B can also be actuated to control a flow rate, such as varying fluid flow rates between a high flow state (e.g., for drying) and a low flow state (e.g., for measurement).

[0067] The configuration of FIG. 6 A and FIG. 6B enables integration of the device 200 in a drying or storage cabinet. The control of the isolation valves 601A, 601B enables a switch between positive air pressure for drying, and negative (suction) air pressure for measurement. Thus, in this configuration, only one connection needs to be made and maintained with the endoscope lumens to provide drying functions and also to measure humidity.

[0068] FIG. 6C illustrates a related use of an isolation valve 601C, where the isolation valve 601C is placed between the device 200 and the fluid flow from the endoscope channels. This arrangement enables the device 200 to obtain baseline measurements of the environmental humidity, before taking drying measurements from the endoscope. The device 200 may obtain the baseline measurements in an automated fashion.

[0069] Although only one isolation valve 601C is shown in FIG. 6C, this arrangement could be provided by one valve or two individual valves. The arrangement of FIG. 6C may also be used to support other aspects of a fully automated setup in a drying or storage cabinet, to enable monitoring of endoscope conditions without user intervention.

[0070] FIG. 6D and FIG. 6E each illustrates individual valves provided between the device 200 and the endoscope channels to allow humidity measurements from individual channels. In FIG. 6D, a first valve 602A is connected to a first endoscope channel, a second valve 602B is connected to a second endoscope channel, and a third valve 602C is connected to a third endoscope channel. The use of individual valves, connected to different endoscope lumens, can be used to help identify which lumen(s) are dry or still contain residual liquid. This configuration enables the use and design of more efficient drying flow strategies,including supporting alternative designs of different endoscopes while enabling more efficient drying procedures.

[0071] In FIG. 6E, an additional fourth valve 602D is provided to allow for automated measurement of baseline humidity from environmental air. In other examples, the device 200 may monitor the humidity of the surrounding environment through either a second humidity sensor (e.g., placed exterior to the scope and measurement chamber) or through existing environmental monitoring systems (e.g., provided by a drying cabinet or storage cabinet). The device 200 can then compare the humidity measurements between the environmental air and the air drawn through the scope. This comparison enables the device 200 to achieve greater sensitivity between environmental moisture and residual scope moisture, including the detection of small water volumes as residual liquid.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 of validating endoscope drying in an example. The method can include blocks 710 to 730. The method 700 can be a method for detecting residual liquid in one or more lumens of an endoscope. Here, a chamber of the residual fluid detection device can be fluidly coupled to the respective lumens of an endoscope, such as by the device 201 coupling to the distal tip 130 of the endoscope, as discussed above. In other examples, the chamber of the residual fluid detection device can be coupled to the respective endoscope lumens, such as by the device 202 coupling to individual connection ports of the endoscope 100, as discussed above.

[0073] At block 710, air can be flowed through the endoscope. For example, air can be flowed through any lumen of an endoscope, and optionally through all lumens of an endoscope. The air can be flowed out (e.g., pushed out with compressed air, pulled out with suctioned air) from one or more outlets through corresponding connectors exiting the endoscope. From those outlets, the air can be flowed (block 720) through a residual liquid detection device (e.g., device 200, device 201, device 202) having a sensor.

[0074] In some cases, flow dynamics within the system can be adjusted as desired to articulate the flow of fluid and residual liquid vapor across the sensor. For example, the flow rate can be adjusted throughout the system, to increase or decrease the flow rate at which the fluid flows through the chamber. In some cases, the flow can be diverted into the chamber as desired. In some cases, particular air outlets on the endoscope can be capped to manipulate the flow through the endoscope lumens and to the chamber in a particular way. Because lumens may have different pressure drops, the flow and velocity can be balanced between them to ensure that each lumen gets the proper fluid flow necessary to evaporate and carryresidual fluid vapor to the humidity detector, thus ensuring residual liquid detection in every endoscope lumen.

[0075] At block 730, one or more parameters can be detected and determined with the sensor and related sensor circuitry. Sensing one or more parameters can include sensing a change in the one or more parameters over a predetermined period. The one or more parameters can be, for example, relative humidity, water vapor concentration, or both.

[0076] The sensed parameters can be analyzed to determine residual liquid in the endoscope. Several parameters are used to sense and calculate the residual liquid. Water vapor can be used to determine the presence of liquid by reading a peak relative humidity percent (RH%) or by reading a peak water vapor concentration. In some cases, the rate of change in RH% can be analyzed, or the rate of change of water vapor concentration can be analyzed. Various other data analysis methods and calculations can be used, such as including integrating the area under the curve for time versus relative humidity to maximize sensitivity over a baseline signal or integrating the area under the curve for time versus water vapor concentration to maximize detection of evaporated liquid compared to baseline signal. The data can be compared to a measured reference state, that is the same measurement under dry endoscope conditions, with or without an endoscope. For example, this can include reading the peak water vapor concentration over a specific period, reading the water vapor concentration at a specified time, reading the rate of change of water vapor concentration, or integrating of water vapor concentration over a specified period of time. These also could also be done with relative humidity.

[0077] Based on the method 700, various actions may be performed by the device 200 or by related systems. For example, an action may include outputting an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the one or more lumens of the endoscope, based on the determination performed at block 730. This output may include an audible or visual output, or an electronically communicated signal output.

[0078] The methods and devices herein can allow for use of balanced flow dynamics to promote adequate fluid flow in all the internal volume, and consequently capture residual liquid from an endoscope’s lumens, including all additional volume connected to the lumens (e.g. connectors and ports). The fluid flowing in the endoscope can be directed to the air-tight chamber with minimum dead volume and unidirectional fluid flow across the humidity probe for sensitive humidity readings, followed by evacuation through a unidirectional valve to prevent interference from ambient air humidity. Use of data analysis, such as integrating thearea under the curve for time versus relative humidity, can be used to maximize sensitivity over baseline signal. Use of non-hygroscopic materials can minimize humidity capture within the liquid detection device structure.Various Notes & Examples

[0079] Example l is a device for detecting residual liquid in a medical instrument, the device configured for attachment to an endoscope, the device comprising: a chamber; an inlet fluidly connectable to an endoscope, the inlet configured to allow flow through of fluid from one or more lumens of the endoscope into the chamber; an outlet configured to allow exit of the fluid from the chamber; a humidity sensor configured to capture a measurement of humidity in the chamber; and an indicator integrated in the device, the indicator configured to output an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope based on the measurement of humidity in the chamber.

[0080] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes a further example wherein the inlet is fluidly connectable to a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope, to provide air pulled from respective connection ports of the endoscope, through the one or more lumens, and into the chamber of the device.

[0081] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includes a further example wherein the inlet includes a gasket to provide a fluid tight connection with the distal tip of the insertion tube.

[0082] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally include a further example wherein the inlet is fluidly connectable to a plurality of connection ports of the endoscope, to provide air pulled from the one or more lumens terminating at a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope, through the one or more lumens, and into the chamber of the device.

[0083] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include a further example wherein the indicator is configured to provide an audible or visual output, based on whether the residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope.

[0084] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 optionally includes a further example wherein the indicator is configured to provide the audible or visual output in response to the measurement of humidity being higher than a second measurement of humidity from an ambient air source.

[0085] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 5-6 optionally include a further example wherein the indicator is configured to provide the audible or visual output in response to one or more of: a measurement of peak relative humidity, a measurement of peak water vapor concentration, a measurement of a rate of change of water vapor concentration, a measurement based on integrating an area under a curve for time versus relative humidity, or a measurement based on integrating an area under a curve for time versus water vapor.

[0086] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally include a temperature sensor integrated with the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor configured to capture a temperature measurement of temperature in the chamber, wherein the indicator is configured to output the indication of whether residual liquid is detected based on the temperature measurement in the chamber.

[0087] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally include a further example wherein the outlet is a one-way outlet valve or a duckbill valve.

[0088] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally include a further example wherein the fluid from the endoscope is provided from pressurized air flow pushed through the one or more lumens of the endoscope, and wherein the outlet is configured to exhaust the pressurized air flow.

[0089] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally include a further example wherein the fluid from the endoscope is provided from suctioned air flow pulled through the one or more lumens of the endoscope, and wherein the outlet is connectable to a suction source that draws the suctioned air flow.

[0090] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 optionally includes a further example wherein when the suction source is operational, the suction source draws ambient air from an environment around the endoscope, through the one or more lumens of the endoscope, into the chamber to be measured, and through the outlet towards the suction source.

[0091] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-12 optionally include a further example wherein the device and the endoscope are fluidly connected to an isolation valve, and wherein the isolation valve is used to switch between (i) the suction source for the measurement of humidity by the device, and (ii) a pressurized air source for drying of the one or more lumens of the endoscope.

[0092] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-13 optionally include a housing that includes the chamber therein, wherein the humidity sensor is disposed in the chamber, and wherein the indicator is disposed within the housing.

[0093] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally include a further example wherein the humidity sensor is provided by a sensor probe inserted into the chamber, wherein the sensor probe is connected to an external unit separate from a unit housing the chamber, and wherein the indicator is provided on the external unit.

[0094] Example 16 is a method of detecting residual liquid in one or more lumens of an endoscope, the method comprising: flowing air through the endoscope, via the one or more lumens, out one or more outlets into a chamber of a residual fluid detection device, the residual fluid detection device having a sensor; sensing one or more parameters of the air with the sensor, the one or more parameters including a measurement of humidity; determining, based on the one or more parameters, whether residual liquid is in the one or more lumens of the endoscope; and outputting an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the one or more lumens of the endoscope, based on the determination.

[0095] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes a further example wherein sensing the one or more parameters comprises sensing a change in the one or more parameters over a predetermined time period, and wherein sensing the one or more parameters comprises sensing relative humidity, water vapor concentration, or both.

[0096] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-17 optionally include fluidly coupling the chamber of the residual fluid detection device to (i) a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope or (ii) respective connection ports of the one or more lumens of the endoscope.

[0097] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-18 optionally include adjusting a flow rate of the air through the endoscope to detect the residual liquid therein, based on air flow provided by (i) a source of pressurized air or (ii) a source of suctioned air.

[0098] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-19 optionally include a further example wherein measuring, based on the one or more parameters, whether residual fluid is in the one or more lumens is performed by one or more of: reading peak relative humidity, reading peak water vapor concentration, analyzing a rate of change in relative humidity, analyzing a rate of change of water vapor concentration,integrating an area under a curve for time versus relative humidity, or integrating an area under a curve for time versus water vapor.

[0099] Example 21 is a system comprising: a residual liquid detection device comprising: a chamber; an inlet fluidly connectable to a plurality of connectors of an endoscope, the inlet configured to allow flow through of fluid from a plurality of lumens of the endoscope into the chamber; an outlet configured to allow exclusion of fluid from the chamber; a humidity sensor configured to capture humidity measurement values in the chamber; and an indicator integrated in the residual liquid detection device, the indicator configured to output an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope, based on the humidity measurement values in the chamber; and an air flow system, comprising: a pump to provide air flow through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope; and at least one valve to control the air flow through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

[0100] In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 optionally includes a further example wherein the humidity sensor is disposed in the chamber.

[0101] In Example 23, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-22 optionally include a further example wherein the inlet of the residual liquid detection device comprises a plurality of connection ports configurable to fluidly connect to a plurality of connection ports of the endoscope, to obtain air pulled from the plurality of lumens terminating at a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope, through the plurality of lumens, and into the chamber of the residual liquid detection device.

[0102] In Example 24, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-23 optionally include a further example wherein residual liquid detection device further comprises an inlet port to fluidly connect to a distal end of an insertion tube of the endoscope, to obtain air pulled from a plurality of connection ports of the endoscope, through the plurality of lumens, and into the chamber of the residual liquid detection device.

[0103] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-24 optionally include a further example wherein the residual liquid detection device is fluidly coupled to one or more valves, and wherein the one or more valves are actuatable to selectively direct air flow from individual lumens of the plurality of lumens across the humidity sensor.

[0104] In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-25 optionally include a further example wherein the at least one valve of the air flow systemincludes an isolation valve, and wherein the isolation valve is used to switch between (i) a suction source providing suctioned air for the measurement of humidity by the residual liquid detection device, and (ii) a pressurized air source providing pressurized air for drying of the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

[0105] In Example 27, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-26 optionally include a further example wherein the air flow includes pressurized air flow pushed through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

[0106] In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-27 optionally include a further example wherein the air flow includes suctioned air flow pulled through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

[0107] In Example 29, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 21-28 optionally include a further example wherein the system is a drying cabinet or a storage cabinet.

[0108] In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 optionally includes a further example wherein the indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid is communicated from the residual liquid detection device to the drying cabinet or the storage cabinet.

[0109] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

[0110] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.[OHl] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of“at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0112] Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or nonvolatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

[0113] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A device for detecting residual liquid in a medical instrument, the device configured for attachment to an endoscope, the device comprising:a chamber;an inlet fluidly connectable to an endoscope, the inlet configured to allow flow through of fluid from one or more lumens of the endoscope into the chamber;an outlet configured to allow exit of the fluid from the chamber;a humidity sensor configured to capture a measurement of humidity in the chamber; andan indicator integrated in the device, the indicator configured to output an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope based on the measurement of humidity in the chamber.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet is fluidly connectable to a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope, to provide air pulled from respective connection ports of the endoscope, through the one or more lumens, and into the chamber of the device.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the inlet includes a gasket to provide a fluid tight connection with the distal tip of the insertion tube.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet is fluidly connectable to a plurality of connection ports of the endoscope, to provide air pulled from the one or more lumens terminating at a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope, through the one or more lumens, and into the chamber of the device.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the indicator is configured to provide an audible or visual output, based on whether the residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the indicator is configured to provide the audible or visual output in response to the measurement of humidity being higher than a second measurement of humidity from an ambient air source.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the indicator is configured to provide the audible or visual output in response to one or more of: a measurement of peak relative humidity, a measurement of peak water vapor concentration, a measurement of a rate of change of water vapor concentration, a measurement based on integrating an area under a curve for time versus relative humidity, or a measurement based on integrating an area under a curve for time versus water vapor.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor integrated with the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor configured to capture a temperature measurement of temperature in the chamber, wherein the indicator is configured to output the indication of whether residual liquid is detected based on the temperature measurement in the chamber.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the outlet is a one-way outlet valve or a duck-bill valve.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid from the endoscope is provided from pressurized air flow pushed through the one or more lumens of the endoscope, and wherein the outlet is configured to exhaust the pressurized air flow.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid from the endoscope is provided from suctioned air flow pulled through the one or more lumens of the endoscope, and wherein the outlet is connectable to a suction source that draws the suctioned air flow.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein when the suction source is operational, the suction source draws ambient air from an environment around the endoscope, through the one or more lumens of the endoscope, into the chamber to be measured, and through the outlet towards the suction source.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the device and the endoscope are fluidly connected to an isolation valve, and wherein the isolation valve is used to switch between (i) the suction source for the measurement of humidity by the device, and (ii) a pressurized air source for drying of the one or more lumens of the endoscope.

14. The device of any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a housing that includes the chamber therein, wherein the humidity sensor is disposed in the chamber, and wherein the indicator is disposed within the housing.

15. The device of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the humidity sensor is provided by a sensor probe inserted into the chamber, wherein the sensor probe is connected to an external unit separate from a unit housing the chamber, and wherein the indicator is provided on the external unit.

16. A method of detecting residual liquid in one or more lumens of an endoscope, the method comprising:flowing air through the endoscope, via the one or more lumens, out one or more outlets into a chamber of a residual fluid detection device, the residual fluid detection device having a sensor;sensing one or more parameters of the air with the sensor, the one or more parameters including a measurement of humidity;determining, based on the one or more parameters, whether residual liquid is in the one or more lumens of the endoscope; andoutputting an indication from an indicator of the residual fluid detection device of whether residual liquid is detected in the one or more lumens of the endoscope, based on the determination.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein sensing the one or more parameters comprises sensing a change in the one or more parameters over a predetermined time period, and wherein sensing the one or more parameters comprises sensing relative humidity, water vapor concentration, or both.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising fluidly coupling the chamber of the residual fluid detection device to (i) a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope or (ii) respective connection ports of the one or more lumens of the endoscope.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting a flow rate of the air through the endoscope to detect the residual liquid therein, based on air flow provided by (i) a source of pressurized air or (ii) a source of suctioned air.

20. The method of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein measuring, based on the one or more parameters, whether residual fluid is in the one or more lumens is performed by one or more of: reading peak relative humidity, reading peak water vapor concentration, analyzing a rate of change in relative humidity, analyzing a rate of change of water vapor concentration, integrating an area under a curve for time versus relative humidity, or integrating an area under a curve for time versus water vapor.

21. A system comprising:a residual liquid detection device comprising:a chamber;an inlet fluidly connectable to a plurality of connectors of an endoscope, the inlet configured to allow flow through of fluid from a plurality of lumens of the endoscope into the chamber;an outlet configured to allow exclusion of fluid from the chamber;a humidity sensor configured to capture humidity measurement values in the chamber; andan indicator integrated in the residual liquid detection device, the indicator configured to output an indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid from the endoscope, based on the humidity measurement values in the chamber; andan air flow system, comprising:a pump to provide air flow through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope; andat least one valve to control the air flow through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the humidity sensor is disposed in the chamber.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the inlet of the residual liquid detection device comprises a plurality of connection ports configurable to fluidly connect to a plurality of connection ports of the endoscope, to obtain air pulled from the plurality of lumens terminating at a distal tip of an insertion tube of the endoscope, through the plurality of lumens, and into the chamber of the residual liquid detection device.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the residual liquid detection device further comprises an inlet port to fluidly connect to a distal end of an insertion tube of the endoscope, to obtain air pulled from a plurality of connection ports of the endoscope, through the plurality of lumens, and into the chamber of the residual liquid detection device.

25. The system of claim 21, wherein the residual liquid detection device is fluidly coupled to one or more valves, and wherein the one or more valves are actuatable to selectively direct air flow from individual lumens of the plurality of lumens across the humidity sensor.

26. The system of claim 21, wherein the at least one valve of the air flow system includes an isolation valve, and wherein the isolation valve is used to switch between (i) a suction source providing suctioned air for the measurement of humidity by the residual liquid detection device, and (ii) a pressurized air source providing pressurized air for drying of the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

27. The system of claim 21, wherein the air flow includes pressurized air flow pushed through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

28. The system of claim 21, wherein the air flow includes suctioned air flow pulled through the plurality of lumens of the endoscope.

29. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is a drying cabinet or a storage cabinet.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the indication of whether residual liquid is detected in the fluid is communicated from the residual liquid detection device to the drying cabinet or the storage cabinet.

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