Fluorescent Soil Detection in Endoscope Lumens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting residual soil within lumened or cannulated devices, such as endoscopes, are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to human error due to reliance on visual inspection, which is qualitative and not quantitative, and prior optical detection methods are limited by the need for specific lighting conditions and are not effective for ambient light environments.
Innovation Solution
A soil detection system that uses a luminescent or fluorescent agent bound to soil during the wash cycle, followed by exposure to laser light and filtering to detect the presence of soil through light emitted by the agent, allowing for precise optical detection within lumened structures, including medical instruments and industrial pipes, even in ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human visual inspection is used to detect residual soil, then the inspection process is simple and requires no special equipment, but the detection precision is low and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent agents that bind to organic residues and emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This color/light change transformation converts invisible soil contamination into visible fluorescent signals, enabling precise detection of residual soil that cannot be detected by human visual inspection alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluorescent agent as an intermediary substance between the soil and the detection system. This agent binds to organic residues and transforms them into detectable fluorescent signals, serving as a mediator that enhances the detection capability without requiring complex imaging equipment
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent detection methods are used, then the detection precision improves, but the operation becomes more complex and requires specific lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of lighting conditions by providing controllable ultraviolet light sources that can be activated only during the inspection phase. The system dynamically adjusts between normal ambient lighting during washing operations and ultraviolet illumination during detection, optimizing both operational ease and detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system operates in periodic cycles: during washing operations, normal lighting is used; during inspection phases, ultraviolet light is activated to detect fluorescent signals. This periodic switching between different lighting modes allows the system to maintain high detection precision while preserving ease of operation during different process stages
3Productivity
If conventional washing processes are used, then the process is simple and fast, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient for complex lumened structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fluorescent detection provides immediate information about the effectiveness of washing operations. The system detects residual soil presence and provides feedback that indicates whether additional washing is required, enabling continuous improvement of cleaning effectiveness while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fluorescent agents to articles during the washing process itself, allowing detection capabilities to be prepared in advance. This preliminary application of the fluorescent marker enables subsequent rapid inspection without adding separate preparation steps, thus maintaining productivity while enhancing reliability
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 system provides a cost-effective and precise method for detecting residual soil within lumened devices, reducing human error and enabling efficient reprocessing by generating light data that determines soil presence based on filtered light, thus ensuring thorough cleanliness validation.
Implementation Method 1
Absorbance of this ultraviolet (UV) light causes the fluorescent agent to emit visible light (i.e., to be fluorescent), thereby identifying the presence of soil to a human inspector
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for optical detection of residual soil in lumens of lumened or cannulated devices such as surgical endoscopes, after undergoing a decontamination process (e.g., a washing or rinsing operation). A soil detection system provides an indication of the presence of residual soil within a lumen by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil on the interior of the lumen in response to excitation light.