Hydrochromic Absorbent Unit for Endoscope Lumen Drying Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes with long, narrow channels pose challenges in reprocessing, particularly in determining if lumens are properly dried after disinfection, as residual moisture can lead to microbial contamination and functional issues.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a hydrochromic, sponge-like material on a catheter that changes color upon contact with moisture, allowing for both drying and verification of endoscope channels, ensuring complete removal of residual fluids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional drying methods are used for endoscope channels, then the drying process is time-consuming and requires manual inspection, but residual moisture may remain undetected causing microbial contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying verification accuracyVSAvoiddrying verification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color-changing materials (hydrochromic or fluorogenic compounds) that change optical properties when exposed to moisture. These materials are applied to the endoscope channel walls or on test swabs, providing immediate visual indication of residual moisture through color or fluorescence changes, eliminating time-consuming manual inspection while ensuring reliable drying verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with optical detection systems. Instead of physically examining each channel for moisture, the system uses optical signals (color changes or fluorescence) that can be detected visually or with simple devices, substituting complex mechanical inspection with simpler optical detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated endoscope reprocessors are used for disinfection, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but determining proper drying of lumens becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidlumen drying detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the endoscope channels to self-indicate their drying status through moisture-sensitive color-changing or fluorescent materials applied to the channel walls. The channels essentially report their own moisture content without requiring external active probing, allowing automated reprocessors to efficiently verify drying status

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism where moisture-sensitive materials provide immediate information about residual moisture in lumens. This feedback allows operators to quickly determine whether additional drying is needed, enabling efficient process control in automated reprocessing workflows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Facilitates immediate and accurate drying verification, reducing delays and increasing productivity by providing a visual indication of moisture presence, thus ensuring endoscopes are thoroughly dry before storage or reuse.

Implementation Method 1

a hydrochromic absorbent unit extending from the distal portion, the hydrochromic absorbent unit configured to visually indicate when fluid is present

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrochromism: Thermochromism

Implementation Method 2

the hydrochromic absorbent unit sized and shaped for insertion into an endoscope channel, wherein when inserted into the endoscope channel, the hydrochromic absorbent unit expands to fill the endoscope channel and absorb any moisture therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240247869A1Endoscope drying and drying verification device

Publication Date: 2024.07.25 AMERICAN STERILIZER CO

AI summary

Various embodiments disclosed relate to an endoscope drying device that also provides an indication of lumen drying verification. The present disclosure includes a device having an elongated and flexible base having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a hydrochromic absorbent unit extending from the distal portion. The hydrochromic absorbent unit can be configured to visually indicate when fluid is present. The hydrochromic absorbent unit can be sized and shaped for insertion into an endoscope channel. When inserted into the endoscope channel, the hydrochromic absorbent unit can expand to fill the endoscope channel and absorb any moisture therein.