Endoscope Channel Cleaning Kit with Sealing Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pre-cleaning procedures for endoscopes do not reliably remove biofilm from internal channels, leading to failures in subsequent decontamination processes.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method involving a sealing plug, detergent delivery assembly, and cleaning apparatus are used to flush the air/water and suction/biopsy channels of an endoscope with a detergent solution, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing biofilm formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routine pre-cleaning procedures are used to clean endoscope channels, then the cleaning process is simple and quick, but biofilm is not reliably removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules: a sealing plug module for blocking air/water channels, a detergent delivery module for introducing cleaning solution, and a suction module for removing debris. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability for biofilm removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plug is inserted into the air/water channel before detergent is delivered,预先 blocking the channel to ensure that detergent flows only through the suction/biopsy channel where biofilm needs to be removed. This preliminary action prevents detergent leakage and ensures concentrated cleaning action where needed.
2Reliability
If detergent solution is flushed through channels to remove biofilm, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but the cleaning process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic pressure from a fluid source to deliver detergent solution through the suction/biopsy channel while simultaneously using suction pressure to remove the detergent and loosened biofilm. This dual-pressure system enables rapid and thorough cleaning without requiring extended soaking or manual manipulation times.
3Reliability
If the air/water channel is sealed to force detergent through the suction channel, then biofilm removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing plug is designed as a disposable component that is inserted into the air/water channel, inflated to create a seal, used for the cleaning procedure, and then discarded. This eliminates the need for complex reusable sealing mechanisms with multiple parts, actuators, and maintenance requirements, while still achieving reliable biofilm removal through the suction channel.
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
The solution effectively removes biofilm and ensures that the endoscope channels are thoroughly cleaned, enhancing the efficacy of subsequent sterilization and disinfection processes.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing plug for engagement with an air/water cylinder of an endoscope, and the sealing plug being configured, in use, to form a seal at an air inlet of the air/water cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid conduit extending between a first end disposed within the bag and a second end external to the bag for connection to an air port of the water bottle connector, and a second fluid conduit extending between a first end disposed within the bag and a second end external to the bag for connection to a water port of the water bottle connector
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning apparatus comprising a bag holding a volume of detergent solution, the bag having a neck portion for insertion of a distal tip of the endoscope into the bag
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A kit for flushing internal channels of an endoscope comprises a sealing plug for engagement with an air/water cylinder of an endoscope, a detergent delivery assembly for connection to a water bottle connector of the endoscope, and a cleaning apparatus comprising a bag holding a volume of liquid. The sealing plug is configured to form a seal at an air inlet of the air/water cylinder and to permit fluid flow between a water inlet of the air/water cylinder and both an air outlet and a water outlet of the air/water cylinder simultaneously. The detergent delivery assembly comprises a bag holding a volume of liquid, a first fluid conduit extending between a first end disposed within the bag and a second end external to the bag for connection to an air port of the water bottle connector, and a second fluid conduit extending between a first end disposed within the bag and a second end external to the bag for connection to a water port of the water bottle connector. The bag of the cleaning apparatus has a neck portion for insertion of a distal tip of the endoscope into the bag.