Spectroscopic Fluid Measurement in Endoscope Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for decontaminating medical devices like endoscopes, particularly those with channels or lumens, face challenges in ensuring the effective and efficient measurement of solution properties during the decontamination process, which is crucial for ensuring proper concentration and effectiveness of cleaning and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A decontamination apparatus equipped with a solution property measuring system that includes a spectroscopic fluid measuring subsystem, allowing for precise monitoring of disinfectant concentration and flow rates through the endoscope channels, ensuring adequate decontamination and minimizing blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated endoscope reprocessor is used for decontamination, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but measurement precision of solution properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A sampling valve is introduced as an intermediary device to extract a small sample of disinfectant solution from the main circulation system. This allows the solution properties to be measured without interfering with the primary decontamination process, resolving the contradiction between maintaining effective decontamination and achieving accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods with spectroscopic analysis. By using optical sensors to detect the concentration of disinfectant agents through spectroscopy, the system achieves non-invasive, precise measurement of solution properties without mechanical interference with the decontamination process.
2Measurement precision
If spectroscopic fluid measuring subsystem is added, then measurement precision of disinfectant concentration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectroscopic measurement system is merged with the existing endoscope reprocessor architecture. The sampling valve integrates into the fluid circulation system, and the optical sensor assembly combines with the pump system, allowing concentration measurement without requiring entirely separate measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling valve serves multiple functions: it extracts disinfectant solution for measurement, maintains proper flow rates through the endoscope channels, and enables monitoring of solution concentration throughout the decontamination cycle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
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 ensures thorough and efficient decontamination by accurately measuring disinfectant concentrations and flow rates, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the cleaning and sterilization cycles, reducing the risk of residual contamination and improving the integrity of the decontamination process.
Implementation Method 1
a spectroscopic fluid measuring subsystem, allowing for precise monitoring of disinfectant concentration
Data Source
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AI summary
A method measures a property of a solution spectroscopically by placing a quantity of the solution into a cuvette and passing a light therethrough. A reservoir receives a quantity of the solution and bubbles are driven off prior to putting a sample therefrom into the cuvette for measuring.