Endoscope Distal-End Sterilization for Reusable Instrument Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopes face contamination risks from bacteria and germs when reused or taken out of sterile packaging, and treatment instruments also risk contamination before use.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a sterilizing device, such as a heater or optical fiber, to sterilize the treatment instrument channel and recess using heat or light energy, activated by the image pickup unit's power supply, ensuring sterilization before use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-use endoscope is sealed in sterile packaging, then contamination is prevented, but the endoscope cannot be reused and creates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is pre-sterilized by coating the raising base with a photocatalyst material before use. This preliminary sterilization action ensures that the endoscope maintains sterility throughout its service life, allowing repeated use without requiring sterile packaging or single-use disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The photocatalyst coating changes the surface properties of the raising base, enabling it to have antimicrobial properties. This parameter change in surface chemistry allows the endoscope to maintain sterility through repeated use, transforming it from a single-use to a reusable device.
2Reliability
If the endoscope is subjected to disinfection/cleaning after use, then bacterial contamination is prevented, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The photocatalyst coating is applied in advance to the raising base before the endoscope is used. This preliminary action provides continuous sterilization protection during use, eliminating the need for post-use disinfection procedures and saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The photocatalyst coating enables the raising base to sterilize itself continuously during use through exposure to light. This self-sterilizing capability eliminates the need for external disinfection processes, reducing time loss and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If treatment instruments are inserted through the channel, then treatment can be performed, but contamination risk increases before use
Solution Approach 1:
The raising base is coated with photocatalyst material before treatment instruments are inserted. This preliminary sterilization action creates a protective barrier that prevents contamination of the treatment instruments during insertion and use.
Solution Approach 2:
The photocatalyst coating acts as an intermediary layer between the external environment and the treatment instruments. This intermediate layer provides continuous sterilization protection, preventing harmful factors from reaching the treatment instruments during insertion and use.
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
Effectively sterilizes the treatment instrument channel and recess, preventing bacterial contamination and ensuring sterile conditions for medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit of which is filled with a transparent liquid for ultraviolet propagation, where the conduit is sterilized by radiation of ultraviolet rays from an end portion
Implementation Method 2
a component surface of a raising base (forceps elevator) of which is coated with a photocatalyst portion with a photocatalytic effect
Implementation Method 3
a sterilizing device configured to sterilize one or more of the channel and the recess and the raising base
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an insertion section, a channel, a raising base and a sterilizing device. The insertion section includes a distal end portion, and the distal end portion includes a recess. The channel is disposed in the insertion section, the channel communicating with the recess and the channel configured to receive a treatment instrument. The raising base is disposed in the recess, the raising base configured to guide the treatment instrument to protrude from the recess. The sterilizing device is disposed in the distal end portion, the sterilizing device configured to sterilize one or more of the channel and the recess and the raising base.