Video Endoscope Vacuum Pump Sterile Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video endoscope systems face complex hygiene challenges due to numerous components requiring different cleaning methods, leading to high costs and labor expenses.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a vacuum pump within the video endoscope to create a sterile barrier by aspirating air from its environment, allowing for a closed sterile envelope to be suctioned against the device, simplifying preparation and operation while eliminating the need for separate cleaning of the camera head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable sterile cover with open pouch is used, then the camera head is protected from contamination, but the camera head must be cleaned separately and the cover is obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sterile barrier function with the camera head housing by integrating the vacuum pump directly into the housing. This allows the housing itself to serve as both the structural enclosure and the sterile barrier when combined with the adhesive film, eliminating the need for separate disposable covers and simplifying the hygiene concept.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump integrated in the housing enables the system to maintain its own sterile barrier by actively pumping out air and moisture between the housing and the adhesive film. This self-maintaining sterile environment eliminates the need for external cleaning of the camera head and removes the requirement for obtrusive disposable covers.
2Reliability
If multiple components are separated for different cleaning methods, then hygiene is maintained, but costs for materials and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the vacuum pump, and when combined with the adhesive film, creates a sterile barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate disposable covers and reduces both material costs and labor requirements for cleaning multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated vacuum pump enables the housing to autonomously maintain its sterile barrier by actively removing air and moisture. This self-maintaining capability reduces the need for external intervention and separate cleaning procedures, thereby lowering labor costs and material consumption.
3Reliability
If an envelope is aspirated against the video endoscope, then a closed sterile barrier is created, but the camera head operation must remain accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive film is nested within the housing structure, creating a sterile barrier that conforms to the housing contours. The vacuum pump, integrated into the housing, pumps air from the space between the housing and the film, causing the film to adhere tightly to the housing surface. This nested arrangement creates a closed sterile barrier while leaving the camera head controls accessible through the flexible pouch portion.
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
This solution reduces hygiene complexities, lowers costs, and enhances operational efficiency by creating a secure, closed sterile environment for the video endoscope, improving patient safety and reducing the need for additional support during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump for aspiration of air from the environment of the video endoscope is arranged in the video endoscope... air can be suctioned from the environment of the video endoscope by means of the vacuum pump and thus from the intermediate space between the envelope and the video endoscope
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to suction an envelope, in particular if it is closed air-tight, against the surface of the video endoscope, since air can be suctioned from the environment of the video endoscope by means of the vacuum pump and thus from the intermediate space between the envelope and the video endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a video endoscope (10) with an endoscope (20) comprising endoscope optics (22) and a camera head (30) comprising camera electronics (35) and a display and control unit (36), wherein a vacuum pump (40) is arranged in the video endoscope (10) for aspiration of air from the environment of the video endoscope (10).Further, the invention relates to an envelope (70) suitable to receive a video endoscope (10) comprising a hollow tube (71) having a distal end (71a) and a proximal end (71b), wherein the distal end (71a) is closed by means of an optically transparent window (72), wherein a flexible pouch (73) having an inlet opening (74) is arranged at the proximal end (71b), wherein the inlet opening (74) of the pouch (73) is implemented to be closable by means of a closure (75).