Integrated Endoscope Cleaning With Leak Testing and Lumen Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope cleaning and inspection processes are inadequate in detecting residual biological material and damage, leading to increased contamination risks due to incomplete disinfection and potential damage to endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated endoscope cleaning and inspection system that combines leak testing, fluid cleaning, visualization, and inspection capabilities into a single unit, utilizing artificial intelligence for enhanced verification and tracking of cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection is performed by human technician, then operational components can be verified, but contaminants and damage within the endoscope are not readily visible or observable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated optical imaging systems including borescopes and external imaging devices. These systems use light transmission and camera capture to detect contaminants and damage that are invisible to the human eye, substituting mechanical/optical detection methods for human sensory limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces imaging devices and optical systems as intermediaries between the endoscope and the inspector. These intermediaries capture images of internal channels and external surfaces, translating invisible or hard-to-see contaminants into visible image data that can be analyzed for detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If endoscope is not inspected for damage before disinfection, then cleaning process can proceed, but endoscope may not be fully exposed to deep cleaning and contamination spreads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs inspection and leak testing before the disinfection process. By detecting damage, leaks, and contaminants prior to cleaning, the system ensures that the subsequent disinfection process will be effective. This preliminary verification prevents wasted disinfection cycles on damaged endoscopes that cannot be properly cleaned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where inspection results directly control whether disinfection proceeds. The imaging systems and leak detectors provide feedback about the endoscope's condition, and this feedback determines the next steps in the reprocessing workflow, ensuring that only suitable endoscopes undergo disinfection.
3Measurement precision
If integrated cleaning and inspection system is implemented, then cleaning accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (leak testing, internal imaging, external imaging, and control systems) into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate inspection devices and manual procedures, consolidating complexity into one coordinated system that provides comprehensive verification while simplifying the overall workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously - leak detection, internal channel imaging, external surface imaging, and automated verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and procedures, managing system complexity through consolidation while enhancing cleaning verification accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a system and method for endoscope cleaning and inspection are disclosed. In an example, an endoscope cleaning and inspection unit includes cleaning and testing capabilities operated via control equipment and a display screen, to operate leak testing equipment, flush control equipment, and optical inspection equipment for leak testing, flushing, rinsing, and inspection of an endoscope interior chamber (lumen) and exterior surfaces. In a further example, the endoscope cleaning and inspection unit may further operate and receive information from a borescope imaging device or a magnification imaging device, using an imaging sensor to capture images of an endoscope lumen or surface respectively, as captured or output on the display screen. Further embodiments provide for control, monitoring, data collection, data input, and data output with such imaging devices via the endoscope cleaning and inspection unit.