GB2530474A

GB2530474A - A drying apparatus for a medical device

Info

Publication number: GB2530474A
Application number: GB1410706.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christian Burton
Original assignee: PARTNERS FOR ENDOSCOPY Ltd
Current assignee: PARTNERS FOR ENDOSCOPY Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-16
Filing date: 2014-06-16
Publication date: 2016-03-30
Also published as: GB201410706D0

Abstract

A drying apparatus for a medical device such as an endoscope valve comprises an enclosure 1 configured to house and retain at least one such device. The enclosure includes an air inlet 14 and at least one air outlet. A connection port 16 is arranged to connect the inlet to an air supply source, which may be pressurised, such that air that is supplied to the connection port flows through the air inlet into the housing. The at least one air outlet is arranged to allow air to flow out of the housing. There may be air entrainment means between the port and inlet to create a Venturi effect in order to draw in atmospheric air and increase the flow mass. The housing may be able to be opened and closed to insert devices, and locked permanently, with a frangible portion allowing re-opening only when broken.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1410706.4 RTM Date:12 January 2016 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Air Multiplier (Dyson Research Limited, No, EL100868939l) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

A DRYING APPARATUS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE

The present invention relates to a drying apparatus for a medical device, and in particular a drying basket for endoscope valves.

A flexible endoscope is a medical device for internal examination procedures, and generally comprises a flexible insertion tube that is inserted inside a body cavity, and a hand held part that is held by an operator to enable them to control the device. An imaging device is mounted at the distal tip of the insertion part to capture an image of an object to be inspected, and a light delivery system is provided to illuminate the object of interest.

The endoscope is connected to a source of pressurised air and water that are directed to the hand held part via an umbilicus within which a water channel and air channel extend.

The hand held part contains a number of user operated valves, which typically control suction, and air/water supply to the tip of the insertion tube, as well as biopsy and cleaning functions. These valves are removable from the hand piece.

During an endoscopy procedure the endoscope becomes contaminated with bodily fluid or other matter that may deposit on the device. The device must therefore be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised after each use. In order to ensure proper cleaning of the valves, and to prevent the valves from blocking fluid flow through the endoscope channels during cleaning, the valves are required to be removed as part of the cleaning process. The National Endoscopy Programme Guidelines and Department of Health Choice Framework for local policy and Procedures relating to decontamination of endoscopes (CFPP 01-06) set out standards for the decontamination of endoscopes. In accordance with these standards, removable valves should be detached from the endoscope for cleaning following use, and decontaminated and processed together with the corresponding endoscope. Specifically the control valves should be removed during pre-cleaning at the point of use and should then accompany the endoscope to the decontamination room for special attention. The valves must be retained with the endoscope from which they were removed to form a unique set of parts. This pairing of the components allows full traceability of both the endoscope and its associated detachable parts.

In the course of the decontamination process, endoscope valves are therefore removed S from the endoscope and placed in a basket which is connected to the endoscope to ensure the parts remain together. The basket typically comprises a series of spaced bars that when closed contain the valves while allowing water and air to contact the valves during processing.

Following the washing and disinfecting stage, the endoscope and valves are placed in a drying cabinet where dry air is circulated to dry the apparatus. The dry air environment has a bacteriostatic effect with the absence of moisture preventing growth of microorganisms. The channels of the endoscopes are connected to air supply tubes within the chamber to ensure drying of liquid resident within the channels. However, it has is been observed that the valve baskets inhibit air flow to the valves, thereby preventing the valves from being dried to a satisfactory level.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved endoscope valve enclosure which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally.

According to the present invention there is provided a drying apparatus for a medical device as described in the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a drying apparatus for a medical device such as an endoscope valve. The apparatus comprises an enclosure configured to house and retain at least one medical device, the enclosure having an air inlet and at least one air outlet. A connection port is provided in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet of the housing arranged to connect the housing to an air supply source. The connection port and the air inlet are arranged such that air supplied to the connection port flows through the air inlet into the housing, and the at least one air outlet being arranged to allow air to flow out of the housing. Providing the enclosure with an air connection port allows an air supply to be directly connected to the enclosure, with the air inlet channelling the air supply to flow directly over the valves. Providing a directed airflow over the valves in this manner significantly improves drying of the components as compared to relying on the indirect circulation of dry air within the drying cabinet.

The enclosure preferably comprises an open framework structure configured to retain said medical device. The open framework comprises a plurality of bars or filaments, with the gaps between the bars defining air outlets for the enclosure. This open framework structure contains the valves while maximising air flow through the enclosure, and hence maximising drying of the valves.

An airflow pathway preferably extends between the connection port and the air inlet, and a secondary inlet is located along the airflow pathway arranged to permit the flow of atmospheric air into the airflow pathway such that the air flowrate into the enclosure is is greater than the supply flowrate to the connection port. The airflow pathway may be a continuous channel, or a series of aligned channels having one or more spacings therebetween. The airflow pathway is preferably configured to function as an air multiplier arranged to draw air into the airflow pathway from the secondary inlet when a high pressure air flow is directed along the pathway via the inlet.

Preferably the airflow pathway include an air multiplier arrangement configured to draw additional atmospheric air into the airflow pathway via the secondary inlet.

Preferably the airflow pathway includes at least two airflow channel sections having varying diameters configured to generate an air multiplier effect as air is passed along the channel under pressure.

In one embodiment an airflow channel may extend between the connection port and the air inlet defining the airflow pathway. Preferably the airflow channel includes a radial constriction located along its length configured to create a low pressure region. The secondary inlet is in open communication with the low pressure region to allow atmospheric air to be drawn into the channel under the action of the low pressure. The radial constriction is preferably tapered with the channel tapering inwardly towards the constriction and outwardly away from the construction. Preferably the secondary inlet connects to the channel at the point of minimum diameter.

A body portion is preferably connected to the enclosure, and the airflow channel extends through the body section. The body section provides a point of connection for the framework of the enclosure at one end, and for the air supply at the opposing end.

The enclosure may comprise a plurality of elongate elements connected to and extending from the body portion and defining in an open frame structure.

The housing is preferably reconfigurable between an open configuration in which it is arranged to permit the medical device to be placed within the housing, and a closed configuration in which the device is housed and retained within the housing. The storage device is preferably formed from two hinged sections. The two sections pivot relative to each other about the hinge to move between the open and closed configurations. The hinge conveniently retains the two parts together.

The body section is preferably located at a first end of the storage device, and the hinge is located at the opposing end of the storage device, and wherein the body section includes locking means for locking the storage device in the closed configuration.

The housing is preferably reconfigurable between an open configuration to permit the medical device to be placed within the housing and a closed configuration, and comprises locking means configured to permanently lock the housing in the closed configuration.

Permanently locking means that the device cannot be reopened without the use of a tool.

The drying apparatus preferably further comprising a frangible portion configured to allow the housing to be opened from the closed and locked configuration when broken.

This destructive opening means, in which the device may not be opened without breaking

S

the frangible portion, ensures that the device cannot be reused. It also immediately evident that the housing has been opened.

The enclosure preferably comprises a body section and a housing section, and the locking S means is located on the body section and the frangible portion connects the housing section to the body section such that the housing section is detachable from the body section when the frangible section is broken. Once the housing is detached from the body section, it is no longer held closed by the locking means and may be opened to remove the valves. As some effort is required to open the housing, this ensures that the valves are not accidentally released and are only removed when intended. At least one lever element may be located on the body section and/or the body section to provide addition torque to assist the user in breaking the frangible portion to open the housing. The lever element comprises a projection extending radially outwardly of the body and or housing configured to be engaged by a user to assist in rotating one part relative to the other.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which: Figure lisa drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal section view of a drying apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the body section of the drying apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating air flow through the drying apparatus of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a view of one half of the drying apparatus of Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 1, an endoscope valve basket 1 comprises a plurality of elongate bars 2 forming a caged enclosure. A plurality of longitudinal bars 4 extend along in a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal bars 4 secure at their proximal end to a cylindrical base section 6, with the proximal ends of the bars being arranged in a substantially annular form around the end of the base section 6. The longitudinal bars 4 curve and flare outwardly away from the base section 6 expanding in diameter and then curve inwardly and are connected at their distal ends to a disc shaped connector element 8. As the bars 4 flare outwardly the spacing between each bar4 in the circumferential direction increases.

As such, the bars define a substantially bulbous, balloon shaped enclosure that is circular in cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis. The enclosure defined by the bars 4 is configured that the internal volume is able to contain the valves of a single endoscope.

The circumferential spacing of the bars 4 is configured such that the maximum spacing is less than the minimum width of the valves, such that the valves are not able to pass between the bars 4. At least one annular bar lOis provided that extends circumferentially transverse to the longitudinal axis that secures to and interconnects the bars 4 and holds them in a fixed spaced relationship relative to each other.

The base section 6 includes an airflow channel 12 extending axially through the base 6 having a first end that opens into the inner volume of the valve enclosure 1, defining an air inlet to the enclosure 1. An inlet nozzle 14 is axially spaced from the base 6, and comprises an inlet end 16 for connection to an air hose, and an outlet end 18 that is axially aligned with and spaced from airflow channel of the base 6. A plurality of connector rods 20 link the nozzle 14 to the base 6. A series of gaps 22 are defined between the rods 20 allow the free flow of air into the space between the inlet nozzle 14 and the base 6. The inner end 26 of the nozzle 14 is axially spaced from the base 6. A jet of air flows from the tip 26 into the annular channel of the base 6, and this high velocity air flow entrains external atmospheric air which is drawn in through the gaps 22 thereby increasing the mass flow of air into the enclosure 1. As this air is entrained, a region of low pressure is generated behind this region of air which draws more air into the flow. In this way, the outlet of the airflow channel 12 of the base 6 is configured to direct the airflow from the nozzle 14 into the enclosure land onto and over the valves contained therein to promote and accelerate drying. The open frame structure of the enclosure 1 is S such that the gaps defined between the bars 4 and 10 function as air flow outlets allowing partially of fully saturated air to exit the enclosure 1 while fresh dry air is directed into the enclosure via the inlet In a second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the inlet nozzle 114 for connection to the high pressure air source is connected to, and integrally formed with the base section 106.

The air channel through the inlet nozzle 114 is contiguous with the air channel through base 106. A channel 120 extends through the base 106 having a substantially cylindrical channel wall 121. The channel 120 includes a tapered radial constriction 125 along its length, between the inlet 116 and the outlet 119. The reduced diameter section 125 generates a Venturi effect due to the reduction in static pressure at this point resulting from the increased velocity and decreased cross sectional area.

As shown in Figure 3, an aperture 128 in the body 106 forms a channel 129 connecting the supply flow channel 120 to the dry air atmosphere surrounding the body 106. A pressurised air supply connects to the end of the nozzle 114 and air is directed along the channel 120. As illustrated in the schematic of Figure 4, dry air is pumped into the nozzle inlet 114 as indicated by arrow A and flows along the supply channel 120. At the point of construction 125 the static pressure of the air is reduced to below atmospheric pressure.

This low pressure draws air in atmospheric air via the secondary inlet flow aperture 128 through suction. This induced air flow from the surrounding air, which is drawn from the dry air environment of the drying cabinet, is entrained with the air supply from the supply nozzle 114 flowing through the channel 120. As a result, the mass of air flowing into the enclosure 1 is greater than the mass of air supplied to the nozzle 114. The Venturi restriction within the airflow channel 120 of the base 106 therefore functions as an air multiplier providing significantly increased air mass flow to the valves within the

S

enclosure 1, thereby significantly improving drying without requiring a costly, high pressure air supply.

The airflow channel 120 defines a central longitudinal axis X-X of the enclosure, as shown S in Figure 5. The enclosure 101 is split along the central longitudinal axis defining two substantially symmetrical halves. Figure 5 shows one of the two halves. The split plane preferably extends through the entire enclosure 101, including the base 106, separating the airflow channel into two half channels. The two halves of the enclosure 101 are hinged together to maintain the enclosure 101 as a single unitary component. Preferably, the hinge 130 is formed at the opposing end of the enclosure 101 to the base 106 and is formed as a living hinge across the centre of the connection disc 108. The hinge 130 is located in the plane of the split, transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X such that the enclosure 101 opens in a substantially clam shell arrangement.

Each half of the body section 140a and 140b includes a substantially planar inner surface 146a and 146b, each having a half of the airflow channel formed therein. A pair of locking arms 148 extends from the inner surface 146a of one half of the body section 140a perpendicular to the inner surface 146a. The locking arms 148 each include a tapered locking head tapering outwardly away from the tip and then stepping inwardly to define a rear locking surface. The other half of the body section 140b includes a pair of corresponding recesses configured to fully receive the locking arms 148 when the enclosure is closed.

A flexible latch member is located within each recess that extends inwardly away from the side wall of the recess away from the opening to the recess and is biased to this inwardly extending position. The latch member is arranged to be flexed towards the side wall of the recess by the tapered leading edge of the locking head of the locking arm 148.

The length of the latch member is such that the latch member flexes back to the original inwardly extending position when then locking head has passed the end of the latch member. In this condition the latch member engages the stepped rear locking surface of the locking arm 148 to lock and retain the locking arm within the recess. As such, the locking arms 148 are permanently locked within the recesses and can only be removed with the use of a tool.

The base 106 includes a body section 140 and a collar section 142. The connection nozzle 114 is formed as part of the distal end of the body section 140 and the airflow channel is formed within and extends through the body section 140. The collar section 142 is secured to and extends from the proximal end of the body section 140. The collar section 142 is a substantially cylindrical, hollow section having a fluted form tapering outwardly away from the base section 140. The hollow bore of the collar section 142 is preferably coaxial with the airflow channel. The collar section 142 is secured to and spaced from the base section 140 by a plurality of connection tabs 144 arranged annularly and extending between the adjacent facing annular ends of the body section 140 and the collar section 142.

Referring again to Figure 2, the connection tabs 144 are integrally moulded with the body section 140 and collar section 142 and define destructive frangible opening mechanism.

The tabs 144 are configured such that they fracture during relative rotation of the body section 140 and collar section 142. When the locking arm 148 are locked in the opposing part of the body section 140, they prevent the body section end of the enclosure from opening. The user therefore rotates the housing section relative to the body section 140 to fracture the tabs, which separates the collar 142 from the body section 140. A projection 149 extends radially from the collar section 142 and provides a lever to increase torque and assist a user in rotating the housing section relative to eth body section 140. With the tabs 144 fractured, the collar section 142 and the housing section are then able to be opened to release the valves. As the tabs 144 have been fractured the enclosure may not be reused. This ensures that the enclosure 101, which is intended to be a single sue item, cannot be re-used.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. ii

Claims

CLAIMS1. A drying apparatus for a medical device, the apparatus comprising: an enclosure configured to house and retain at least one medical device, the S enclosure having an air inlet and at least one air outlet; a connection port in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet of the housing arranged to connect the housing to an air supply source, the connection port and the air inlet being arranged such that air supplied to the connection port flows through the air inlet into the housing, and the at least one air outlet being arranged to allow air to flow out of the housing.
2. A drying apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the enclosure comprises an open framework structure configured to retain said medical device.is
3. A drying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein an airflow pathway extends between the connection port and the air inlet, and a secondary inlet is located along the airflow pathway arranged to permit the flow of atmospheric air into the airflow pathway and wherein the airflow pathway is configured to entrain air draw air in via the secondary inlet such that the mass flow of air entering the enclosure is greater than the supply mass flow to the connection port.
4. A drying apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising an air multiplier arranged to entrain additional air into the airflow pathway via the secondary inlet.
5. A drying apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 wherein an airflow channel extends between the connection port and the air inlet defining the airflow pathway, and the airflow channel includes a constriction located along its length configured to create a low pressure region, and wherein the secondary inlet is in open communication with the low pressure region to allow atmospheric air to be drawn into the channel.
6. A drying apparatus according to claim S comprising a body portion connected to the enclosure, wherein the airflow channel extends through the body section.
7. A drying apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the enclosure comprises a S plurality of elongate elements connected to and extending from the body portion and defining in an open frame structure.
8. A drying apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the housing is reconfigurable between an open configuration to permit the medical device to be placed within the housing and a closed configuration.
9. A drying apparatus according to claim 8 wherein storage device is formed from two separate sections that are connected to each other by a hinge, and wherein the two sections pivot relative to each other about the hinge to move between the open is and closed configurations.
10. A drying apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the body section is located at a first end of the storage device, and the hinge is located at the opposing end of the storage device, and wherein the body section comprises locking means for locking the storage device in the closed configuration.
11. A drying apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the housing is reconfigurable between an open configuration to permit the medical device to be placed within the housing and a closed configuration, and comprises locking means configured to permanently lock the housing in the closed configuration.
12. A drying apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising a frangible portion configured to allow the housing to be opened from the closed and locked configuration when broken.
13. A drying apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the enclosure comprises a body section and a housing section, and wherein the locking means is located on the body section and the frangible portion connects the housing section to the body section such that the housing section is detachable from the body section when the frangible section is broken.