DE102017111628A1 - Optical inspection of the adapter connection of a treatment device for a surgical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a computer program and a processing device (1) for processing at least one channel (4) of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope (3). The processing device (1) in this case comprises a flushing space, at least one adapter (6) for connection to an inlet (5) of the at least one channel (4), at least one flushing agent flow regulating device, in particular a valve (7) which is provided for introducing a flushing agent through the flushing device at least one adapter (6) is arranged in the at least one channel (4) and at least one camera (8), wherein the at least one camera (8) is arranged to receive at least one image of a connection region (17). The invention is characterized characterized in that the processing device (1) for evaluating image information of at least

Description

The invention relates to a method for processing at least one channel of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope.

The invention also relates to a computer program with program code means.

Finally, the invention relates to a processing device for processing at least one channel of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope.

Surgical instruments must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use before they can be reused. One speaks in this case of the preparation of the surgical instrument.

In surgical instruments with channels, such as endoscopes, the preparation of the channels is of great importance in addition to the preparation of the outer surface. For this purpose, hoses are usually connected to the inputs of the channels and introduced a detergent. Adapters are usually used to connect the hoses to the channels.

Unlike the treatment of the outer surface, however, it is not possible to directly visually check whether the treatment of the channels has been carried out successfully, the treatment thus provides a hygienic result or whether residual contamination remains in the channels. A faulty treatment can result, for example, from the fact that there is a blockage in a channel to be cleaned or the adapters are incorrectly connected.

A correct connection of an adapter to the entrance of a channel, in the context of the present description, means that the adapter is connected to the entrance of the channel in such a way that there is a leak-free connection between the tube and the entrance of the channel. In particular, with correct connection of the adapter, rinsing agent can be introduced from the hose without loss of pressure and / or detergent into the channel.

A faulty connection of an adapter to the input of a channel is understood in the context of the present description to mean that there is no correct connection. This is the case, for example, when the adapter is connected to the inlet such that some of the flushing agent is not directed into the duct, or even if it is forgotten to connect the adapter to the entrance of the duct.

To check whether the preparation of a channel is successful, is in DE 2008 026 445 A1 discloses a method with which the patency of an endoscope channel is tested in an endoscope washing machine, wherein rinsing agent is introduced via a hose into the channel. By opening and closing a valve, the channel is subjected to a series of pressure pulses. An evaluation of the pressure curve over time makes it possible to check whether there is a blockage in the duct or the hose has not been correctly connected to the duct.

By means of in DE 2008 026 445 A1 However, the correct connection of the hose is only verifiable when already rinsing agent is passed into the channel. As a result, the processing is delayed if the hose is connected incorrectly, since in this case the flushing agent feed already in progress must be stopped in order to correctly connect the hose to the duct. In addition, in the case of faulty connection of the hose, flushing agent frequently occurs in the washing compartment of the endoscope washing machine, as a result of which dishwashing agent is wasted.

It thus makes sense to already check the correct connection of a hose or an adapter arranged on the hose to the inlet of a channel before flushing agent is conducted into the channel.

In DE 10 2008 011 743 A1 discloses an emergency vehicle for a dishwasher, which can also be used for cleaning endoscopes and endoscope channels. The cleaning performance is checked by means of a series of sensors that measure, for example, the pH, the rinsing pressure and the conductivity of the cleaning solution. Also a camera for monitoring the cleaning is provided.

DE 10 2008 011 743 thus checks the cleaning solution and the process of cleaning, but not whether the endoscope channels are connected correctly.

The object of the invention is to improve the processing of a channel of a surgical instrument by a hygienic result of the treatment with the least possible time and detergent consumption is achieved.

• - Positionieren des chirurgischen Instruments in einem Spülraum einer Aufbereitungsvorrichtung,
• - Anschließen wenigstens eines Adapters an einen Eingang des wenigstens einen Kanals des chirurgischen Instruments, wobei insbesondere jeder Kanal des chirurgischen Instrumentes an genau einen Adapter angeschlossen wird,
• - Aufnehmen von wenigstens einem Bild der Anschlussbereiche der Eingänge,
• - Auswerten von Bildinformationen des wenigstens einen Bildes zum Überprüfen des korrekten Anschlusses des wenigstens einen Adapters an den wenigstens einen Kanal, wobei für jeden Kanal des chirurgischen Instrumentes entweder ein korrekter oder ein fehlerhafter Anschluss ermittelt wird, und
• - Ansteuern wenigstens einer Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung, insbesondere eines Ventils, zum Einleiten eines Spülmittels in den wenigstens einen Kanal, nachdem für alle Kanäle des chirurgischen Instrumentes durch das Auswerten der Bildinformationen ein korrekter Anschluss aller Adapter festgestellt wurde.

This object is achieved by a method for processing at least one channel of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope, with the following method steps:

• - Positioning the surgical instrument in a washing compartment of a treatment device,
• Connecting at least one adapter to an input of the at least one channel of the surgical instrument, wherein in particular each channel of the surgical instrument is connected to exactly one adapter,
• Picking up at least one image of the terminal areas of the inputs,
• Evaluating image information of the at least one image for checking the correct connection of the at least one adapter to the at least one channel, wherein for each channel of the surgical instrument either a correct or a faulty connection is determined, and
• - Controlling at least one Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung, in particular a valve, for introducing a rinsing agent in the at least one channel, after all channels of the surgical instrument by the evaluation of the image information, a correct connection of all adapters has been determined.

In the context of this description, the connection area is understood as the entrance of a channel as well as the immediate surroundings of the entrance. The connection area also includes an adapter connected to the input. If a surgical instrument comprises a plurality of channels, then this instrument also has a plurality of connection regions, with at least one image being taken of all connection regions during the execution of this method.

This method can be carried out with a treatment device which, in addition to the washing compartment, the at least one adapter and the at least one flushing agent flow regulating device, essentially comprises at least one camera adapted to receive the at least one image and a computer system with a main controller which is used to control the Flushing agent flow regulating device is arranged comprises. The main controller is also set up to evaluate the image information or the computer system includes a separate evaluation module, which has a data connection to the main controller and is set up to evaluate the image information.

By this method it is possible to check the correct connection of the at least one adapter to the input of the at least one channel and to remedy a faulty connection before flushing agent is introduced into the channel. In contrast to a method in which a faulty connection is detected only with the introduction of a detergent, thus saving time.

In the event that the user has forgotten to correctly connect an adapter to the input of a channel, also a waste of detergent is avoided.

In one embodiment, the recording of the at least one image and the evaluation of the image information takes place directly after connection of an adapter to a channel. In another embodiment, the recording and the evaluation takes place only when all channels are connected and in particular a door of the washing compartment is closed.

The control of the Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung takes place in particular only after all channels are connected correctly and the door of the washing compartment is closed.

Preferably, after the evaluation of the image information, an error message is output when at least one channel has detected a faulty connection.

Thus, it is immediately apparent to the user whether at least one channel is connected incorrectly. In particular, it is also displayed which channels are connected incorrectly. In particular, also the type of error is displayed, for example, whether an adapter is not leaking seated or whether a channel was not connected at all.

The error message is preferably displayed on a display device, for example a display, which is part of the processing device.

Preferably, an evaluation algorithm or a combination of evaluation algorithms is used for evaluating the image information, the evaluation algorithms in particular comprising template matching and / or stereo triangulation and / or Hough transformation.

In template matching, essentially the at least one image is compared with a sample image and checked for differences.

Stereo triangulation essentially captures the position of an object in space, requiring at least two images to perform the stereo triangulation.

With the Hough Transformation essentially simply parameterized shapes are recognized in the at least one image.

For the use of such evaluation algorithms, it is particularly necessary that the algorithms have access to image information of comparison images, wherein the comparison images show a connection area with a correctly connected adapter.

In particular, the surgical instrument is placed in the flushing chamber so that the position and orientation of the connected adapters correspond substantially to the position and orientation in the comparative images.

Preferably, the at least one image is recorded in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range. Furthermore, during the recording of the at least one image, the washing space is preferably illuminated in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range.

The illumination is preferably carried out in the wavelength range in which the recording of the images takes place. This achieves high image quality with high contrasts.

Preferably, the evaluation of the image information takes place in a period of a maximum of 5 seconds, in particular a maximum of 2 seconds, in particular a maximum of 0.5 seconds.

In this case, the period is chosen in particular such that the processing method is not delayed by the evaluation of the image information. The evaluation of the image information essentially takes place in the period between the taking of an image and the time at which an introduction of the rinsing agent is provided in normal operation of the treatment device.

If, in normal operation, other process steps are carried out before the flushing liquid is introduced into the channels after the door has been closed, more time remains for the evaluation of the image information than if the introduction of the flushing liquid is the first process step after the door has been closed.

In addition to the processing of the channels, in particular other treatment methods are also carried out by the treatment device, for example a conditioning of the outer surface of the surgical instrument. In this case, the period is chosen so that the preparation of the entire surgical instrument is not delayed by the evaluation.

The object is also achieved by a computer program with program code means which are adapted to cause a processing device, an evaluation of image information of at least one image for checking a correct connection of at least one adapter to at least one channel of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope, and a control of at least one flushing agent flow regulating device, in particular a valve, for introducing a flushing agent into the at least one channel, after a correct connection of an adapter has been determined for all channels of the surgical instrument by the evaluation of the image information, when the computer program is running.

The treatment device essentially comprises, in addition to the at least one adapter and the at least one flushing agent flow regulating device, a flushing space, at least one camera adapted to receive the at least one image, and a main control arranged to drive the flushing agent flow regulating device.

The surgical instrument is thereby arranged in the washing compartment and the at least one adapter is connected to the at least one channel before the computer program is started.

The computer program according to the invention controls the reprocessing device, so that only when flushing agent is introduced into the channels of the surgical instrument, if a correct connection has been established for all channels.

If, however, at least one faulty connection is present, then no rinsing agent is introduced and, in particular, an error message is output.

The computer program according to the invention thus prevents dishwashing liquid from being introduced into a channel which is connected incorrectly. Instead, a faulty connection can be remedied immediately after evaluation of the image information, so that time and detergent are saved.

In particular, the computer program also controls the recording of the at least one image by the at least one camera.

The computer program is preferably stored on a computer readable medium or a computer readable database.

The processing program is preferably caused by the computer program with program code means to carry out the evaluation of the image information with an evaluation algorithm or a combination of evaluation algorithms, wherein the evaluation algorithms In particular template matching and / or stereo triangulation and / or Hough transformation include.

Preferably, the processing program is caused by the computer program with program code means that the evaluation of the image information in a period of a maximum of 5 seconds, in particular a maximum of 2 seconds, in particular a maximum of 0.5 seconds.

Finally, the object is achieved by a processing device for processing at least one channel of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope, comprising a flushing space, at least one adapter for connection to an inlet of the at least one channel, at least one flushing agent flow regulating device, in particular a valve, for introduction a rinsing agent is set up by the at least one adapter in the at least one channel, at least one camera, wherein the at least one camera is adapted to receive at least one image of a connection area, characterized in that the processing device for evaluating image information of the at least one image for review the correct connection of the at least one adapter to the at least one channel and to control the Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung, in particular of the valve, with correct connection of the adapter to all Kanä le is set up.

By using a treatment device according to the invention, the correct connection of the adapter to all channels is optically controllable. The optical control is carried out in particular before the introduction of detergent in the channels.

In contrast to a device which is set up to check the correct connection of the channels only with introduction of the rinsing agent, a check in the device according to the invention is already possible after the connection of the adapter to the inputs of the channels. By checking before the introduction of the detergent, time and detergent are saved.

In particular, the processing device comprises at least as many adapters that at least one adapter is available for each channel of the surgical instrument.

In particular, the surgical instrument is placed in a basket which is arranged or arrangeable in the washing compartment. The basket is designed in particular so that the surgical instrument can be placed in the basket to save space. By using a basket, the position of the surgical instrument in the washroom is set more accurately than when the surgical instrument has any position in the washroom. This more precise positioning simplifies the evaluation of the image information.

In particular, the adapter is connected via a hose with a detergent supply, wherein the Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung is arranged on the hose between the adapter and detergent supply. In the closed state of Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung the inflow of detergent is blocked to the adapter, while in the open state detergent is freely conducted from the detergent supply to the adapter.

If multiple adapters with multiple hoses are provided, either one purge flow control device is used for each hose, or a single purge flow control device is arranged to block or release the inflow of the purge from the purge supply into all channels.

Preferably, the processing device has at least one window, wherein the at least one camera is arranged outside the washing compartment so that all connection regions of the at least one camera can be received by the at least one window.

Due to the arrangement outside the washing compartment, the at least one camera is protected from rinsing agent. This is particularly important when the treatment device is set up in addition to the preparation of the outer surface of the surgical instrument and thus detergent is passed directly into the washroom.

As a result of the at least one window, the at least one camera thus has a field of view which essentially comprises the connection areas.

When using multiple cameras, a particular window is provided for each camera in particular. The cameras are in particular arranged so that each adapter connected to a channel is in the field of vision of at least one camera, in particular in the field of vision of several cameras.

In one embodiment, the at least one camera is preferably set up to record images in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range.

In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of cameras is preferably provided, wherein at least one camera for taking pictures in the wavelength range of visible light and at least one camera for recording of images in the infrared wavelength range is set up.

In both embodiments, the processing device preferably comprises a number of lighting devices for illuminating the washing compartment, wherein the lighting devices are set up for illumination in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range.

Preferably, the conditioning device comprises a computer system including a main controller for controlling the rinse medium flow regulating device, in particular the valve, wherein in one embodiment the main controller is arranged to execute the computer program described above.

In an alternative embodiment, the computer system includes, in addition to the main controller, a separate evaluation module from the main controller, wherein the evaluation module is set up for executing the computer program described above and for data communication with the main controller.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

By using a separate evaluation module, a preparation according to the invention of a surgical instrument can also be carried out if the main control of the processing device used therefor is not suitable for evaluating the image information.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht der Aufbereitungsvorrichtung und eines im Spülraum angeordneten Endoskops mit einem einzelnen Kanal,
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht der Aufbereitungsvorrichtung mit separatem Auswertemodul und eines im Spülraum angeordneten Endoskops mit mehreren Kanälen und
• 3 ein Flussdiagramm der Verfahrensschritte des Computerprogramms.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

• 1 a schematic view of the treatment device and a arranged in the washing compartment endoscope with a single channel,
• 2 a schematic view of the treatment device with a separate evaluation module and arranged in the washing compartment endoscope with multiple channels and
• 3 a flowchart of the method steps of the computer program.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

In 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the treatment device according to the invention 1 shown. The processing device 1 includes the washroom 2 for receiving a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope 3 , The endoscope 3 is in the basket 14 preferably centrally in the washing room 2 is arranged. This in 1 shown endoscope 3 has only a single channel 4 on.

At the entrance 5 of the canal 4 is an adapter 6 connected. entrance 5 and connected adapter 6 are in the connection area 17 (dotted line). adapter 6 is by means of hose 15 with the detergent supply 13 connected.

For deriving the detergent is in this embodiment, a hose 16 provided on one side with an exit of the endoscope 3 and on the other side with an in 1 not shown container is connected. This container takes that through the channel 4 directed detergent on.

By opening the valve 7 that between adapter 6 and detergent supply 13 is placed, detergent is in the channel 4 introduced. The valve 7 is through the main controller 11 controllable.

Outside the washroom are the cameras 8th arranged. These are preferably positioned so that they pass through the windows 9 (thick dashed lines) a clear field of view on the connection area 17 to have. The thin dashed lines show schematically the fields of view of the cameras 8th ,

The cameras are preferred 8th so arranged that by the cameras 8th taken pictures to the channel 4 connected adapter 6 show from different angles.

The cameras 8th are either each for receiving individual images or for recording a sequence of images, in particular a film, set up and have a data connection to the main controller 11 , via which the image information of the recorded images can be transmitted to the main control.

In addition, the cameras 8th arranged to record images in the wavelength range of visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range. In the in 1 shown embodiment, for example, two cameras 8th for recording in the wavelength range of visible light and two cameras 8th for inclusion in the infrared wavelength range to be set up. Alternatively, all four cameras can also be set up for recording in one or both wavelength ranges.

The processing device is also not on a number of four cameras 8th limited, the number may also be greater or less than four (but at least one).

For illumination are a number of lighting devices 10 arranged in the dishwasher. These illuminate the washing compartment in the wavelength range of visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range, depending on the area for which the cameras 8th are designed.

In carrying out the method for processing a surgical instrument, the endoscope is first of all 3 into the basket 14 placed before or after the basket 14 in the dishwasher 2 is placed. Subsequently, the adapter 6 to the entrance 5 of the canal 4 connected. After connecting, there will be a door of the flushing room 2 closed in 1 not shown.

Meanwhile, the cameras take 8th one image or one image sequence of the connection area in each case 17 on. This can be done directly after connecting the adapter 6 on channel 4 but also during or after closing the door.

Preferably, the images are taken directly after closing the door, since in this case constant lighting conditions are present and the user will close the door only when he is connected to the connection of all channels 4 is satisfied.

Immediately after the pictures are taken, the picture information of these pictures becomes the main control 11 over ends.

The main controller 11 is set up for the evaluation of the image information, for example by a computer program on a memory of the main controller 11 is stored. The computer program is started when the main controller 11 receives the image information. A flow chart of such a computer program is in 3 shown.

After receiving the image information (process step 20 ) the computer program evaluates the image information (process step 21 ) to determine if the adapter 6 correctly to the channel 4 connected. This is done by means of evaluation algorithms, for example template matching and / or stereo triangulation and / or Hough transformation. In order to use the method of stereo triangulation, there are at least two images of the connection area taken from different angles of blinking 17 necessary.

Is the adapter 6 correctly connected and the door closed, the computer program sends a signal to the valve 7 (Process step 22 ), so that this opens and detergent in the channel 4 is initiated.

On the other hand, if there is a faulty connection, the valve opens 7 not and it will instead an error message on a display of the treatment device 1 displayed (process step 23 ). The user now has the opportunity to open the door to the washing compartment to correct the faulty connection. Afterwards the program will be started again.

Of course, the method can also be combined with other methods for preparing a surgical instrument. For example, in addition to the optical control of the channel connection, a check of the channel 4 take place with pressure pulses, as in DE 10 2008 026 445 A1 is described. This will be the channel 4 also examined for possible blockages.

Preferably takes place in parallel to the preparation of the channel 4 a preparation of the outer surface of the endoscope 3 instead of.

In 2 a further embodiment of the treatment device 1 is shown, wherein the in 2 shown endoscope 3 several channels 4 includes. At the entrance of each of these channels is an adapter 6 connected, with each adapter 6 separately via a hose 15 with the detergent supply 13 connected is. However, it can only be a single hose 15 be provided. The valve 7 regulates the inflow of detergent into all channels 4 at the same time, if necessary, but also a separate control of the inflow into individual channels 4 by means of several valves 7 be provided.

In this embodiment, the cameras take 8th Pictures of all connection areas 17 on, which are subsequently evaluated. Are all adapters 6 correctly connected and the door closed, the computer program sends a signal to the valve 7 so that it opens and flushes into the channels 4 is initiated.

On the other hand, if there is a faulty connection in at least one channel 4 before, the valve opens 7 not and it will instead an error message on a display of the treatment device 1 which in particular indicates which channel 4 was incorrectly connected.

In the 2 shown processing device 1 also includes a separate evaluation module 12 on which the computer program is stored. In this embodiment, the image information of the cameras 8th to the evaluation module 12 Posted. Is the evaluation of the image information a correct connection of all channels 4 determined, then sends the evaluation module 12 a corresponding signal to the main controller 11 , whereupon this the valve 7 controls and initiates the flushing process.

Finally, the invention is not limited to the preparation of a single surgical instrument. The dishwasher 2 is preferably arranged to be a plurality of baskets 14 offers space in it with surgical instruments, the treatment device 1 in this case, to check the correct connection of adapters 6 to all channels 4 is set up by all surgical instruments.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features which are identified by "particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

treatment device

2

Wash cabinet

3

endoscope

4

channel

5

entrance

6

adapter

7

Valve

8th

camera

9

window

10

lighting device

11

main control

12

evaluation module

13

detergent stock

14

basket

15

tube

16

tube

17

terminal area

20

process step

21

process step

22

process step

23

process step

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 2008026445 A1 [0009, 0010]
• DE 102008011743 A1 [0012]
• DE 102008011743 [0013]
• DE 102008026445 A1 [0085]

Claims (17)

Method for processing at least one channel (4) of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope (3), with the following method steps: Positioning the surgical instrument in a flushing space (2) of a treatment device (1), Connecting at least one adapter (6) to an input (5) of the at least one channel (4) of the surgical instrument, in particular each channel (4) of the surgical instrument being connected to exactly one adapter (6), Picking up at least one image of the connection regions (17) of the inputs (5), - evaluating image information of the at least one image to check the correct connection of the at least one adapter (6) to the at least one channel (4), wherein for each channel (4) of the surgical instrument either a correct or a faulty connection is determined, and - Controlling at least one Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung, in particular a valve (7), for introducing a rinsing agent in the at least one channel (4), after all the channels (4) of the surgical instrument by evaluating the image information a correct connection of all adapters (6) determined has been. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that after the evaluation of the image information, an error message is output when for at least one channel (4) a faulty connection has been detected. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that for evaluating the image information, an evaluation algorithm or a combination of evaluation algorithms is used, wherein the evaluation algorithms include in particular template matching and / or stereo triangulation and / or Hough transformation. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the recording of the at least one image takes place in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that during the recording of the at least one image of the washing compartment (2) is illuminated in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the evaluation of the image information in a period of a maximum of 5 seconds, in particular a maximum of 2 seconds, in particular a maximum of 0.5 seconds. A computer program comprising program code means adapted to cause a rendering device (1) to evaluate image information of at least one image for checking a correct connection of at least one adapter (6) to at least one channel (4) of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope (3), and a control of at least one Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung, in particular a valve (7) for introducing a rinsing agent in the at least one channel (4), after all the channels (4) of the surgical instrument by the evaluation of the image information a correct connection of a Adapter (6) has been determined to perform when the computer program is running. Computer program after Claim 7 , characterized in that the computer program is stored on a computer readable medium or a computer readable database. Computer program after Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that for evaluating the image information, an evaluation algorithm or a combination of evaluation algorithms is used, wherein the evaluation algorithms include template matching and / or stereo triangulation and / or Hough transformation. Computer program according to one of Claims 7 to 9 , characterized in that the evaluation of the image information in a period of a maximum of 5 seconds, in particular a maximum of 2 seconds, in particular a maximum of 0.5 seconds. Processing device for processing at least one channel (4) of a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope (3), comprising a flushing chamber (2), at least one adapter (6) for connection to an inlet (5) of the at least one channel (4), at least one flushing agent flow regulating device, in particular a valve (7), which is set up for introducing a flushing agent through the at least one adapter (6) into the at least one channel (4), at least one camera (8), wherein the at least one camera (8) for receiving at least one image of a connection region (17), characterized in that the processing device (1) for evaluating image information of the at least one image for checking the correct connection of the at least one adapter (6) to the at least one channel (4) and for controlling the Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung, in particular the valve (7), with correct connection of the Adap ter (6) to all channels (4) is established. Reprocessing device after Claim 11 , characterized in that the processing device (1) has at least one window (9), wherein the at least one camera (8) is arranged outside the washing compartment (2) such that all connecting regions (17) are separated from the at least one camera (8). by the at least one window (9) are receivable. Reprocessing device after Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the at least one camera (8) is arranged to receive images in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range. Reprocessing device after Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that a plurality of cameras (8) is provided, wherein at least one camera (8) for receiving images in the wavelength range of visible light and at least one camera for recording images in the infrared wavelength range is set up. Processing device according to one of the Claims 11 to 14 , characterized in that the processing device (1) comprises a number of lighting devices (10) for illuminating the washing compartment (2), wherein the lighting devices (10) are arranged for illumination in the wavelength range of the visible light and / or in the infrared wavelength range. Processing device according to one of the Claims 11 to 15 characterized in that the conditioning device (1) comprises a computer system including a main controller (11) for controlling the flushing agent flow regulating device, in particular the valve (7), the main controller (11) for executing the computer program according to any one of Claims 7 to 10 is set up. Processing device according to one of the Claims 11 to 15 , characterized in that the processing device (1) comprises a computer system, which includes a main controller (11) for controlling the Spülmittelflussregulierungsvorrichtung, in particular of the valve (7), and a separate from the main controller evaluation module (12), wherein the evaluation module (12) to execute the computer program according to one of Claims 7 to 10 and configured for data communication with the main controller (11).

Images