Endoscope Reuse Prevention Tool Attachment State Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In endoscope rental services, there is a need to prevent misuse of endoscopes after they are returned from hospitals, ensuring proper reprocessing to avoid secondary infections, but existing methods lack effective tracking and restriction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A reprocessing confirmation method and reuse prevention tool with a cover and fixing portion are used to attach to the endoscope, which records and compares attachment states before and after reprocessing, ensuring the endoscope is not reused until properly reprocessed, and includes various reuse prevention tools to restrict usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rental service company rents out endoscopes to hospitals, then the endoscope can be used for medical examinations, but the endoscope may be wrongly used or mismanaged after return
Solution Approach 1:
A reuse prevention tool is attached to the endoscope before shipping to the hospital. This tool includes a cover that covers the light guide connector and a fixing portion that secures the cover to the endoscope surface. The tool is prepared in advance to prevent misuse before the endoscope leaves the rental company's control.
Solution Approach 2:
A processor records the attachment state of the reuse prevention tool before shipping, compares it with the state after return, and outputs a comparison result. This feedback mechanism allows the rental company to verify whether the endoscope was properly managed and the reuse prevention tool remained intact throughout the rental period.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the endoscope is reprocessed after use, then secondary infections can be prevented, but the responsibility for proper reprocessing may be unclear between rental parties
Solution Approach 1:
The reuse prevention tool with cover and fixing portion is attached before shipping to establish a baseline state. This preliminary action creates a reference point for later verification of whether the endoscope was properly handled and returned for reprocessing.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor compares the attachment state before shipping with the state after return and outputs verification information. This feedback clearly indicates whether the endoscope was returned in the expected state, establishing clear responsibility tracking between the rental destination and rental source company regarding reprocessing obligations.
3Reliability
If the reuse prevention tool is attached to the endoscope, then misuse can be prevented, but the tool itself may be removed or damaged during the rental period
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to cover at least one part of the endoscope accessory or main body portion on the endoscope surface, with the light guide exposed so as to be connectable to an endoscope processor. The fixing portion is specifically designed to secure this configuration to the endoscope surface, establishing a secure baseline attachment before the rental period begins.
Data Source
AI summary
A reprocessing confirmation method for an endoscope by a processor includes: recording an attachment state of a reuse prevention tool of the endoscope before shipping to which the reuse prevention tool is attached; after the endoscope is returned, comparing the attachment state of the reuse prevention tool with the attachment state recorded, before removing the reuse prevention tool for reprocessing and further outputting a comparison result; and recording the attachment state of the reuse prevention tool of the endoscope before shipping to which the reuse prevention tool is newly attached after reprocessing.