Endoscope Channel Pre-cleaning via Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope pre-cleaning methods are time-consuming, prone to errors, and require multiple user interfaces and equipment, leading to incomplete cleaning due to manual fluid flow control and potential drying of channels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving fluidly connecting all channels of an endoscope at the distal end, using a suction device to draw liquid through the channels, and maintaining channel humidity to prevent drying, reducing the need for multiple user interfaces and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pre-cleaning procedures are used with multiple user interfaces and equipment, then cleaning can be performed on endoscope channels, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cleaning operations into a single integrated flushing procedure. By connecting all endoscope channels to a common fluid source and using one suction device to simultaneously aspirate fluid from multiple channels, the system eliminates the need for separate manual cleaning steps for each channel, thereby reducing time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be connected to different channels sequentially or simultaneously, and can aspirate both irrigation fluid and suction material. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing procedure time while ensuring thorough cleaning of all channels
2Reliability
If manual fluid flow control is used during pre-cleaning, then fluid can be directed through channels, but the contact time is difficult to control and channels may dry before complete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through the suction device that monitors and responds to fluid flow conditions in real-time. The suction mechanism automatically adjusts to maintain continuous fluid presence in channels, ensuring adequate contact time for complete cleaning while preventing channel drying, thereby improving reliability without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing procedure maintains continuous fluid flow through all channels simultaneously using the common fluid source and suction device. This continuous action ensures that cleaning fluid remains in contact with channel surfaces throughout the procedure, preventing drying and ensuring complete cleaning without requiring precise manual timing or interruption
3Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for flushing different channels, then each channel can be cleaned individually, but the equipment complexity and user interaction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel-specific cleaning devices into a single unified system. All endoscope channels are connected to a common fluid source, and a single suction device with multiple connection ports replaces the need for separate flushing pumps or syringes for each channel, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is designed as a universal tool that can interface with multiple different channels through its connection ports. This single multi-functional device performs the work of multiple specialized devices, simplifying the equipment setup while ensuring each channel receives appropriate cleaning attention
4Productivity
If channels are not fluidly connected to each other, then independent channel control is maintained, but it becomes impossible to flush all channels with a single source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common fluid source that merges into a single fluid pathway serving all channels. This unified fluid distribution system allows one source to simultaneously flush all channels, dramatically improving productivity while the merging connection structure manages fluid distribution efficiently without excessive complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for efficient, error-reduced pre-cleaning of endoscopes by ensuring all channels are flushed with one source, maintaining humidity to prevent drying, and reducing the necessary equipment and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
activating the suction device so that liquid is drawn from the at least one vessel through the at least one channel towards the suction device
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope. Further, the invention relates to an arrangement for pre-cleaning an endoscope. It is provided a method for pre-cleaning an endoscope, preferably immediately or shortly after use of the endoscope, the method comprising: providing an endoscope that comprises channels for transporting fluids, connection ports, in particular for connection of fluid hoses, and a distal end of the endoscope, wherein each of the channels extends from one of the connection ports to the distal end of the endoscope; fluidly connecting the channels to each other at the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device, preferably a suction pump, to at least one of the connection ports or to the distal end of the endoscope; connecting at least one vessel that holds liquid to at least one of the connection ports; flushing at least one of the channels with liquid by activating the suction device so that liquid is drawn from the at least one vessel through the at least one channel towards the suction device.