Endoscope Reprocessing System with Automated Type Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes with working channels are difficult to clean and disinfect using primitive techniques, posing a challenge in ensuring their safety for subsequent medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A reprocessing system with dual stations, microcontroller-controlled decontamination basins, peristaltic pumps, and a detection system to accurately flush and disinfect endoscopes, including a method to automatically identify the type of endoscope for tailored cleaning cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If primitive cleaning and disinfecting techniques are used on endoscopes, then the process is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and safety cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of endoscope for subsequent useVSAvoidcomplexity of reprocessing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reprocessing system is divided into multiple functional stations including a pre-rinse station, a wash station, a rinse station, and a drying station. Each station performs a specific function in the cleaning process, allowing complex reprocessing tasks to be broken down into manageable segments that can be executed sequentially through the endoscope's channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reprocessing system is designed to handle multiple endoscope types and configurations through a single integrated platform. The system can process different endoscope models with varying channel configurations by automatically detecting the endoscope type and adjusting processing parameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cleaning devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a dedicated reprocessing system with multiple stations is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethoroughness of cleaning and disinfectionVSAvoidnumber of stations and components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates an automatic endoscope type detection mechanism that identifies the specific endoscope model and configures the processing parameters without requiring manual intervention. The control system automatically adjusts flow rates, processing times, and station sequences based on the detected endoscope characteristics, reducing the operational complexity despite the multi-station design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions such as pre-rinsing and pre-flushing of channels before the main cleaning cycles. This preliminary preparation ensures that subsequent cleaning steps are more effective and reduces the overall processing time needed for thorough disinfection, making the complex multi-station system more efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual identification of endoscope type is required, then the system is simpler, but the productivity and accuracy of tailored reprocessing decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of reprocessingVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical identification methods with an automated detection system that uses fluid dynamics measurements to identify endoscope types. By measuring flow rates and pressure characteristics through the endoscope channels, the system automatically determines the endoscope model and configures appropriate processing parameters without requiring manual input or complex mechanical identification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system uses cleaning fluids as an intermediary medium to probe and characterize the endoscope's internal channel structure. By analyzing how the fluid flows through the channels, the system can infer endoscope type and configuration, providing accurate identification without direct contact or complex sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures thorough cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes, identifying blockages and maintaining the integrity of the sheath, thereby ensuring the endoscope's safety for subsequent use.

Implementation Method 1

peristaltic pumps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentEP3245938B1Apparatus and method to identify endoscope type and provide tailored reprocessing

Publication Date: 2019.05.01 ETHICON INC

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AI summary

An apparatus is operable to process a medical instrument by passing a detergent and a disinfectant through a plurality of channels defined by the medical instrument. The apparatus includes a detection system, a set of instrument profiles, and a control system. The detection system is configured to collect information regarding the channels of the medical instrument. The control system is configured to pass a detergent and a disinfectant through the channels of the medical instrument based at least in part on a selected instrument profile selected from the set of instrument profiles. The selected instrument profile is selected based at least in part on the information collected by the detection system.