Ice Slurry Lumen Cleaning for Endoscope Biofilm Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning the lumens of medical instruments, particularly endoscopes, are inadequate in removing biofilm and residual microorganisms, leading to potential patient infections and staff exposure to hazardous aerosols, and are labor-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a suspension of ice particles in water, known as an ice slurry, is used to mechanically clean the lumens by flowing the suspension through the channels to remove contaminants, including biofilm, by abrasion and mechanical action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional brushing methods are used to clean lumens, then mechanical cleaning action is provided, but cleaning effectiveness against biofilm is insufficient and labor-intensive operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual brushing operations with an automated fluid jet system that propels cleaning particles through the lumen using fluid pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor while providing more effective cleaning action through the combined mechanical impact of particles and fluid dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the cleaning medium by using a suspension of solid particles in fluid instead of clear fluid or manual brushes. The particle concentration, size distribution, and fluid velocity are optimized to maximize biofilm removal effectiveness while maintaining automated operation.
2Productivity
If manual brushing is used for lumen cleaning, then some contaminant removal is achieved, but residual microorganisms and biofilm remain leading to infection risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the cleaning mechanism by introducing solid particles with specific physical properties (size, density, hardness) into the fluid stream. These particles provide enhanced mechanical abrasion action that effectively removes adherent biofilm and microorganisms, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and reducing residual contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses a composite cleaning medium consisting of solid particles suspended in fluid. This combination provides both the chemical/cleaning properties of the fluid and the mechanical cleaning power of the particles, creating a synergistic effect that thoroughly removes contaminants including stubborn biofilm.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning process is completed, but hazardous aerosols are generated exposing staff to risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual brushing that generates aerosols through mechanical agitation with a controlled fluid jet system. The directed fluid stream propels particles through the lumen and exits in a controlled manner, significantly reducing aerosol generation while maintaining effective cleaning action.
4Reliability
If endoscopes are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses, then patient safety is improved, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated fluid jet system with particles provides rapid and effective cleaning action that reduces reprocessing time. The high-velocity fluid stream carrying cleaning particles quickly removes contaminants throughout the lumen, eliminating the need for prolonged manual brushing and subsequent disinfection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes cleaning parameters including fluid pressure, particle concentration, and flow velocity to achieve thorough cleaning in minimal time. These parameter optimizations ensure effective removal of all contaminants including biofilm, maintaining patient safety while significantly reducing reprocessing time.
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 ice slurry effectively removes biofilm and residual microorganisms, reducing the risk of infections and improving safety for staff, while being less labor-intensive and more effective than traditional brushing methods.
Implementation Method 1
flowing the suspension along the surface thereby to remove contaminant from the surface
Implementation Method 2
mechanically clean the lumens by flowing the suspension through the channels to remove contaminants, including biofilm, by abrasion and mechanical action
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning a contaminated surface, such as cleaning the elongate interior lumen of an endoscope contaminated with flesh, bone, blood, mucous, faeces or biofilm, said method comprising the steps of: providing a suspension of solid particles in a liquid to said contaminated surface, and flowing said suspension along said surface thereby to remove contaminant from the surface. The suspension is preferably an ice slurry, where the solid material is ice crystals. The slurry preferably has a solid fraction between 50-85% by volume. A freezing point depressant may be present.