Endoscope Channel Pre-cleaning via Distal Container and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope pre-cleaning methods are time-consuming, prone to errors, and require multiple user interfaces and equipment, making them inefficient and difficult to perform effectively, especially since not all channels can be flushed with a single source, leading to potential drying and solidification of residual debris.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an endoscope with channels connected at the distal end via a container, allowing a suction device to flush all channels with a single liquid source, reducing the need for multiple user interfaces and equipment, and maintaining channel humidity to prevent drying and solidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate flushing operations are performed on different channels using multiple equipment sources, then each channel can be cleaned according to its specific requirements, but the pre-cleaning procedure becomes time-consuming and requires multiple user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate flushing operations into a single integrated operation by connecting all endoscope channels to a common flushing source through a manifold or splitter device. This allows simultaneous flushing of multiple channels (air/water channel, suction channel, biopsy channel, auxiliary water channel) using one equipment source, eliminating the need to sequentially operate multiple separate devices and reducing the time required for pre-cleaning while maintaining effective cleaning of each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal flushing source that can deliver cleaning fluid to multiple different channel types simultaneously. The manifold or splitter device acts as a universal distribution system that adapts a single flushing source to serve multiple channels with different requirements, eliminating the need for channel-specific equipment while ensuring each channel receives appropriate flushing.
2Reliability
If multiple separate flushing operations are performed on different channels using multiple equipment sources, then each channel can be cleaned according to its specific requirements, but the procedure becomes complex requiring interaction with several different user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple user interfaces into a single control interface by using one flushing source that serves all channels. Instead of requiring the user to operate separate controls for the video system center, suction pump, and flushing pump, the user interacts with only one device to flush all channels, significantly simplifying the operation and reducing the learning curve and potential for user error.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal flushing source with manifold or splitter device provides a single point of control that manages multiple channel flushing operations simultaneously. This multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized devices, allowing one user interface to control the flushing of air/water channels, suction channels, biopsy channels, and auxiliary water channels, thereby eliminating the complexity of interacting with several different user interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If channels are not continuously filled with fluid after pre-cleaning, then the endoscope can be transported and stored, but drying and solidification of residual debris occurs in the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by thoroughly flushing all channels with cleaning fluid during the pre-cleaning step before the endoscope is transported or stored. This initial aggressive flushing removes residual debris and organic material that would otherwise dry and solidify. Additionally, the system may include features to maintain fluid presence in channels during storage, such as sealed fluid reservoirs or continuous low-level flushing, preventing the channels from drying out and maintaining cleanliness without requiring continuous active flushing.
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 streamlines the pre-cleaning process, reducing errors and the need for extensive equipment, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing debris solidification by allowing all channels to be flushed with a single source, thus improving efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
activating the suction device so that the liquid is drawn from the liquid source through the at least one channel via the distal end towards the suction device
Data Source
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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 by arranging a container onto the distal end of the endoscope; connecting a suction device, preferably a suction pump, to one of the connection ports; connecting at least one liquid source to at least one of the connection ports; flushing at least one of the channels with a liquid by activating the suction device so that the liquid is drawn from the liquid source through the at least one channel via the distal end towards the suction device.