Variable Pressure Endoscope Cleaning for Low-Damage Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope cleaning technologies, particularly for biopsy and suction channels, are ineffective in consistently removing biomatter and debris due to the direction of cleaning brushes from proximal to distal, leading to incomplete cleaning, surface damage, and increased risk of contamination, with cleaning fluids and brushes not complementing each other's effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with an elongate member and variable pressure cleaning element that cleans from distal to proximal, creating a venturi effect to enhance fluid interaction with the lumen walls, ensuring consistent contact and effective removal of biomatter without surface damage, and optionally includes centering elements and programmable motors for complex lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning brushes are passed from proximal to distal end of the lumen, then the cleaning device can be easily operated, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced and surface damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cleaning direction by passing the cleaning device from the distal end to the proximal end of the lumen. This reversal enables the cleaning element to effectively remove biomatter and debris while preventing surface damage that occurs with proximal-to-distal brushing. The inverted approach also allows cleaning fluid to be delivered more effectively to the distal end where it is most needed.
2Productivity
If cleaning brushes are used to mechanically scrub the lumen walls, then some biomatter is removed, but the brushing action causes surface damage and incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical brushing action with a hydrodynamic cleaning mechanism. A cleaning element with variable cross-sectional shape creates fluid pressure differentials that generate strong flows of cleaning solution against the lumen walls. This substitution eliminates the abrasive mechanical scrubbing that damages surfaces while maintaining effective biomatter removal through enhanced fluid dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using fluid pressure differentials created by the variable cross-sectional cleaning element to drive cleaning solution through the lumen. The changing cross-section generates zones of high and low pressure that propel the cleaning fluid at velocities sufficient to remove biomatter without requiring direct mechanical contact that would cause surface damage.
3Area of stationary object
If cleaning fluid is delivered through the lumen, then it can reach the distal end, but the fluid alone is insufficient to remove adhered biomatter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fluid delivery and mechanical cleaning functions into a single integrated cleaning device. The cleaning element with variable cross-section both channels cleaning fluid to the distal end and generates the fluid pressure differentials needed to create effective cleaning flows. This combination ensures that biomatter removal is achieved through the synergistic effect of fluid delivery and hydrodynamic force.
4Device complexity
If a simple cylindrical cleaning element is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot create effective fluid pressure to enhance cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cleaning element design where the cross-sectional area varies along the length of the element. This dynamic geometry change creates zones of compression and expansion that generate fluid pressure differentials during device advancement. The variable cross-section transforms the simple act of pushing the device through the lumen into an active fluid pumping action that enhances cleaning effectiveness.
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 device achieves predictable and thorough cleaning of endoscope lumens, reducing contamination risk and extending instrument life by effectively removing biomatter and debris while minimizing surface damage, even in complex channel geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The central portion is shaped to create a pressure gradient along the central portion from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion
Implementation Method 2
the variable pressure region of the cleaning element is configured to generate fluid pressure against the internal wall of the lumen
Implementation Method 3
The increased velocity of the fluid increases the shear stress between the fluid and the lumen wall, thereby creating more force to clean the wall
Implementation Method 4
creating a venturi effect to enhance fluid interaction with the lumen walls
Data Source
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AI summary
Endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, and devices and methods for cleaning endoscopic instruments are provided. A cleaning device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a cleaning member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The cleaning element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force of a cleaner or detergent against the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively clean all internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument, including crevasses, scratches or other irregularities, without further damaging these surfaces.