Endoscope Processor Sealed Enclosure Sterility Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope reprocessing methods break sterility upon removal from washing and decontamination devices, and cassettes designed for maintaining sterility are not suitable for long-term storage due to the delicate nature of endoscope internal structures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope processor with a sealed enclosure that attaches to an operational housing, featuring a circulating system with a pump for sterilizing fluid, a control system for programmed procedures, and a vacuum pump for vaporizing sterilants, allowing for sterilization and storage in a sterile condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the endoscope is removed from the basin for cleaning and sterilization, then the cleaning and sterilization process can be completed, but the sterility of the endoscope is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two main segments: an operational housing for processing operations and a detachable enclosed storage space for sterility maintenance. This segmentation allows the endoscope to be processed in the operational housing while maintaining sterility in the enclosed storage space, resolving the contradiction between processing accessibility and sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable enclosed storage space acts as an intermediary between the operational housing and the external environment. It provides a sterile barrier that protects the endoscope during storage while allowing controlled access during processing, thus maintaining sterility without compromising operational accessibility.
2Reliability
If the endoscope is coiled into a cassette for sterility maintenance, then sterility is maintained during storage, but the delicate internal structure may be harmed by extended coiling
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static coiled cassette configuration to a dynamic enclosed storage space where the endoscope can be positioned in a relaxed state. This dynamic approach eliminates the harmful continuous coiling while maintaining sterility through the enclosed, controlled environment of the storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is extracted from the coiled cassette configuration and placed into a dedicated enclosed storage space. This extraction removes the harmful coiling stress from the delicate internal structure while the enclosed space provides the necessary sterility maintenance, effectively separating the harmful coiling function from the sterility maintenance function.
3Reliability
If a sealed enclosure is used to maintain sterility, then sterility is maintained during storage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed storage space serves multiple functions: it maintains sterility during storage, provides a protected environment for the endoscope, and integrates with the circulating system for fluid circulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliable sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed storage space is merged with the operational housing and circulating system into an integrated unit. This combining of functions reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies the system architecture, making the added sterility maintenance features more manageable and less complex.
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
Maintains endoscope sterility during and after processing, enabling safe storage and reducing the risk of contamination, while being gentle on the delicate internal structures.
Implementation Method 1
circulating system comprising at least one liquid pump having a pump outlet connected to the liquid inlet of the enclosure when the enclosure is attached to the operational housing, and a pump inlet connected to the liquid outlet of the enclosure when the enclosure is attached to the operational housing, whereby to circulate liquid through the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum pump which is connectable to the receiving space and capable of vaporizing a sterilant therein
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope processor, according to the present invention, provides for cleaning and sterilizing an endoscope having a body, and a first flexible tube attached to the body. It includes an operational housing and an enclosure which is attachable to and detachable from the operational housing, the enclosure being sealed from ingress of potentially contaminating microorganisms when detached from the operational housing. The enclosure is shaped, sized and oriented to receive the endoscope in an orientation with the first flexible tube depending vertically downwardly from the endoscope body. The enclosure includes a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The operational housing includes a circulating system comprising at least one liquid pump having a pump outlet connected to the liquid inlet of the enclosure when the enclosure is attached to the operational housing, and a pump inlet connected to the liquid outlet of the enclosure when the enclosure is attached to the operational housing, whereby to circulate liquid through the enclosure. A source of sterilizing fluid is associated with the pump and a control system is programmed to control a sterilization procedure whereby the pump circulates a liquid comprising the sterilizing fluid through the enclosure.