Endoscope Storage Cart With Timer and Locked Tray Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes require frequent reprocessing due to the inability of Automated Endoscope Reprocessors to completely dry internal channels, leading to rapid microbial growth, and existing storage solutions lack effective time tracking and security features, increasing operational costs and reducing availability.
Innovation Solution
A cart with a housing and slots for endoscope trays, equipped with a timer and locking mechanism, displays storage time and prevents unauthorized use, ensuring High Level Disinfection Status (HLDS) through visual indicators and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endoscopes are stored in conventional cabinets or carts without time tracking, then storage simplicity is maintained, but the risk of using contaminated endoscopes increases and operational costs rise due to frequent reprocessing
Solution Approach 1:
The storage cart automatically tracks storage time using an integrated timer that starts when the endoscope is placed in the tray and continuously displays the elapsed time, eliminating the need for manual time tracking by staff while ensuring compliance with storage time limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through colored indicators (green, yellow, red) that show the current storage time status and remaining safe storage time, allowing users to immediately understand the endoscope's contamination risk level without complex interfaces
2Measurement precision
If manual time tracking is used for reprocessed endoscopes, then system simplicity is maintained, but time tracking accuracy deteriorates and endoscopes may be used beyond safe storage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The automated timer system continuously and accurately tracks storage time without human intervention, eliminating errors associated with manual time recording and ensuring precise monitoring of the 3-hour storage limit to maximize endoscope availability within safe parameters
3Reliability
If no locking mechanism is provided in storage carts, then ease of access is improved, but unauthorized removal of contaminated endoscopes increases and security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the tray, requiring authentication (such as a code or key) to access or remove trays, thereby preventing unauthorized removal of contaminated endoscopes while allowing authorized personnel to access them when needed
4Reliability
If frequent reprocessing is performed to ensure endoscope safety, then contamination risk is reduced, but operational costs increase and endoscope lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking of storage time immediately when the endoscope is placed in the cart, continuously monitoring the elapsed time and providing advance warning as the storage limit approaches, allowing staff to reprocess the endoscope before the 3-hour limit is reached and maintain safety without unnecessary reprocessing
Data Source
AI summary
A cart for storage of an endoscope is provided. The cart comprises a housing having a slot configured to slidably receive a tray. The tray is configured to store an endoscope, and a timer is coupled to the housing, slot and/or tray. The timer is configured to display increments of time that the endoscope is stored in the tray. Systems and methods are also provided.