NL2026768B1 - Cleaning system and method for cleaning an endoscope - Google Patents
Cleaning system and method for cleaning an endoscope Download PDFInfo
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- NL2026768B1 NL2026768B1 NL2026768A NL2026768A NL2026768B1 NL 2026768 B1 NL2026768 B1 NL 2026768B1 NL 2026768 A NL2026768 A NL 2026768A NL 2026768 A NL2026768 A NL 2026768A NL 2026768 B1 NL2026768 B1 NL 2026768B1
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- endoscope
- fluid
- container device
- distal end
- inlet
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- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 187
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 26
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 185
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 13
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000012958 reprocessing Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 6
- DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium laurylsulphate Chemical compound [Na+].CCCCCCCCCCCCOS([O-])(=O)=O DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000010065 bacterial adhesion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001839 endoscopy Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogen Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000002572 peristaltic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004088 foaming agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004936 stimulating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/12—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements
- A61B1/121—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements provided with means for cleaning post-use
- A61B1/125—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements provided with means for cleaning post-use using fluid circuits
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Endoscopes (AREA)
- Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
Cleaning system for circulating cleaning fluid through an endoscope, comprising: — a container receptacle for receiving a container device containing cleaning fluid, the container device comprising at least one outlet for supplying fluid to an endoscope and an inlet for receiving fluid from said endoscope; and — a fluid circulating system configured to circulate fluid from the outlet through said endoscope to the inlet, Wherein the fluid circulating system comprises at least one pump arranged downstream of the container receptacle for inducing a flow of fluid from the container device, received by the container receptacle, to the outlet.
Description
CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING AN ENDOSCOPE The present invention relates to a cleaning system for circulating cleaning fluid through an endoscope. The present invention further relates to a method for circulating cleaning fluid through an endoscope.
An endoscope is used to look inside the body of a patient by having a distal end inserted into the body. Endoscopes are expensive and are therefore reused after being reprocessed. The reprocessing of an endoscope consists of cleaning the endoscope, for instance by flushing the lumen of the endoscope using a cleaning solution. Between use of the endoscope and the reprocessing, the endoscope is transported to a dedicated cleaning facility. During this transport, bacteria may tightly adhere to the inner walls of the endoscope. This bacterial build-up may prevent the effective removal and killing of bacteria during the reprocessing of the endoscope at the cleaning facility. As a result, the endoscope may get contaminated by bacteria. Contaminated endoscopes have been reported to transmit multi-resistant bacteria from one patient to another, causing severe infections in patients and some of those patients to die.
There has since been a need for a method to prevent the bacterial build-up in an endoscope during transport of the endoscope after use. A device comprising a portable pump to circulate a cleaning solution through the endoscope can be connected to the endoscope during transport. The continuous flow of cleaning solution through the endoscope aims to prevent the rapid adhesion of bacteria. Nonetheless, the complex design of endoscopes, in particular flexible endoscopes, causes difficulties in cleaning, as the cleaning solution may not properly flow along the entire inner surface of the endoscope, for instance when the lumen of the endoscope are particularly narrow. As such, contamination of the endoscope may not be effectively removed by the reprocessing after all. It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least alleviate the aforementioned problem regarding the contamination of endoscopes.
To that end, the present invention provides a cleaning system for circulating cleaning fluid through an endoscope. The cleaning system comprises a container receptacle for receiving a container device containing cleaning fluid. The container device comprises at least one outlet for supplying fluid to an endoscope and an inlet for receiving fluid from said endoscope. The cleaning system further comprises a fluid circulating system configured to circulate fluid from the outlet through said endoscope to the inlet. Providing a cleaning system having a container receptacle for removably coupling to a container device provides an efficient system which can be reused efficiently by replacing the container device, which is preferably arranged as a disposable device. For circulating the fluid in the fluid circulating system, a pump is provided. Preferably, the fluid circulating system comprises at least one pump arranged downstream of the container receptacle. The pump is then preferably arranged for inducing a flow of fluid from the container device, received by the container receptacle, to the outlet. Thus, in connected state of the container device in the respective receptacle, the pump is arranged at the outlet side of the container device. This allows efficient pumping of the fluid, in particular when a cleaning fluid having a foaming agent, as will be explained in greater detail below, is used. The pump may be any fluid inducing mechanism. Accordingly, a portable device is obtained to prevent the attachment of bacteria to the (inner walls of the) endoscope by continuously flushing the internal channels of the endoscope with a detergent during transport of the endoscope after use. The pump can be powered by a battery such that the need for a connection to an electricity grid or extensive electrical cabling can be avoided. This is particularly advantageous during transport of the endoscope. Furthermore, since an endoscope is often transported in a tray or a bag, the cleaning system and the container device can be included with the endoscope into the tray, bag or any other container for transporting an endoscope.
It is noted that although the cleaning system as disclosed is particularly suitable for cleaning endoscopes, the cleaning may also be used for cleaning other devices, in particular medical devices. These devices may for instance comprise at least one internal channel which can be coupled to the fluid circulating system for cleaning of said channel. The cleaning system can for instance also be used for flushing other medical devices such as catheters. The inlet of the container device allows the fluid circulating system to be a closed system and the circulation of cleaning fluid to be a closed loop circulation. The closed system enables the use of a foamy fluid that is known to effectively prevent bacterial adhesion, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution. In an open system, such a detergent would increasingly foam and escape from the fluid circulating system, whereas the closed system limits the foaming. A disadvantage of foaming is that the cleaning fluid, as a result, does not properly treat every part of the inner surface of the endoscope. Some foaming may however occur inside the endoscope when the cleaning fluid flows through the lumen of the endoscope. After the foamy fluid enters the container device, foam reduction may occur, whereby the foam of the cleaning solution is converted into liquid. Arranging the pump downstream of a container device received by the receptacle allows the pump to suction the cleaning fluid in a liquid state from the container device for an effective flow induction. Contrariwise, a pump arranged upstream of the container receptacle and thereby upstream of a container device received by the receptacle would pump foam instead of liquid into the container device. By arranging the pump downstream of the container device, a continuous flow of cleaning fluid through the endoscope can be ensured and backflow can be prevented. The cleaning system being separate from the container device with cleaning fluid enables the cleaning system to be reused without (thoroughly) cleaning the cleaning system. The combination of the reusable cleaning system and the separate container device allows the container device to be disposed after a single use, thereby preventing that bacteria could (indirectly) contaminate an endoscope via a reused container device. Since the container device is relatively low-cost in comparison with the cleaning system and the fluid circulating system including the pump, the cleaning system and container device according to the present disclosure enable a cost-efficient cleaning of endoscopes during transport while limiting the risk of contamination of the endoscopes. In addition to a distal end, endoscopes often have one or more connection points at more proximal regions. Since the distal end of the endoscope is inserted into a body, the accumulation of bacteria largely occurs at the distal end. For that reason, it may benefit the prevention of bacterial adhesion in the endoscope if the flushing of the endoscope during transport is implemented by circulating the cleaning fluid from the container device, for instance using the fluid circulating system, via the proximal end through the endoscope via the distal end back into the container device, such that the majority of bacteria are flushed out of the endoscope via the nearest exit, i.e. the distal end, instead of being moved through the entire lumen of the endoscope, thereby increasing the risk of bacterial adhesion throughout the endoscope. In case bacteria at the distal end are flushed out via the distal end, the inlet of the container device is connected to the distal end of the endoscope and the at least one outlet of the container device is connected correspondingly to the one or more connections at the proximal region.
According to an embodiment of the cleaning system, the container receptacle is arranged for receiving a container device comprising a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets enables the cleaning system when receiving the container device to supply cleaning fluid to a plurality of openings of an endoscope. In particular, endoscopes may comprise a plurality of proximal ends. In that case, circulating the cleaning fluid from the proximal ends through the endoscope to the distal end of the endoscope improves the flushing of the endoscope, since bacteria at particularly the distal end are flushed out of the endoscope via the nearest opening. An advantage of arranging the pump downstream of the container receptacle is that a flow of cleaning fluid through each of a plurality of container outlets can be ensured, such that the cleaning fluid is able to flush the entire endoscope. Blockage of any of the channels in the endoscope can then quickly be detected, a continuous pressure in every channel can be maintained and backflow in any of the channels can be prevented.
The fluid circulating system is preferably configured for inducing a flow of fluid through each of the plurality of outlets independently. This allows the fluid circulating system to circulate fluid through each channel inside the endoscope when the plurality of outlets is connected to a plurality of endoscope openings, to ensure the endoscope is properly flushed in its entirety. Inducing said flow of fluid through each of the plurality of outlets independently further allows the independent flows to mutually vary based on varying properties of the endoscope openings or channels, such as channel thickness and length. The fluid circulating system thereby improves the circulation of cleaning fluid through the endoscope, as a continuous flow and pressure throughout the endoscope can be maintained and an obstruction in any one of the flow channels can be further detected. The fluid circulating system preferably comprises a plurality of pumps corresponding with the plurality of outlets. It its then further preferred if each of the plurality of pumps is controlled independently. According to a further embodiment of the cleaning system, the container device further comprises at least one tube connected to the at least one outlet or inlet for connecting the outlet or inlet to the endoscope, wherein the container receptacle is arranged to receive and align the tube(s). The alignment of the receptacle to receive the tube allows the container device to be fittingly placed in the receptacle. For instance, a container device received by the receptacle may comprise an outlet tube connecting an outlet of the container device to an opening of the endoscope. In this case, the pump preferably comprises a pump inlet arranged to receive the outlet tube. The pump inlet may be arranged aligned with the outlet of the container device. The tube can thereby be received by the pump inlet in the vicinity of the outlet from which it extends. A compact cleaning system can thus be obtained that is efficient in use. In addition, the pump inlet aligned with the container outlet prevents the received outlet tube from bending or curving which may cause an obstruction in the tube at a location between the outlet and the pump. lt is then further preferred if the pump is configured to induce a flow of fluid through the outlet tube received by the pump inlet.
Advantageously, the pump can induce the flow close to and downstream of the outlet of the container device for an effective circulation of cleaning fluid, particularly in the form of liquid, through the endoscope.
According to a preferred embodiment, at least two neighbouring tubes of a plurality of tubes of a 5 connection device are connected along part of the length of the tubes via a bridging part or are otherwise formed integrally.
This allows efficient coupling of the plurality of tubes to the pump.
The pump then preferably comprises a suitable receiving section for receiving the integrally formed tubes.
More preferably, a plurality of pump inlets is in correspondence with the plurality of tubes, wherein the pump is configured to receive the tubes by inserting the connected tubes into the plurality of pump inlets via one of the pump inlets.
The pump may for instance comprise a peristaltic pump or a roller pump, or a plurality thereof for preferably inducing a flow of fluid through each of the plurality of outlets independently.
For easy connection of the integrally formed tubes, the size and/or shape of the tubes may vary, as will be explained in greater detail below.
Preferably, also the pump, or the receiving section thereof, is then configured accordingly such that the combination of the tubes can only be received in one way.
As described, the fluid circulating system, or preferably the container device, preferably comprises a plurality of tubes to connect to the proximal region of the endoscope.
Also the distal end of the endoscope may be connected to the system using a suitable connection tube and connection element.
According to a further embodiment however, the cleaning system further comprises an end receiving portion for receiving a distal end of an endoscope.
During transport of the cleaning system, the distal end can be steadily held in the end receiving portion.
This has the advantage that movement of the distal end, which is particularly susceptible to damage, can be prevented.
Furthermore, it is found that especially the distal end becomes contaminated after an endoscopy procedure, thus creating the need for limiting the possibility of the distal end contaminating its environment.
The end receiving portion is preferably arranged aligned with the container receptacle, such that the inlet of a container device received by the container receptacle is aligned with said distal end for the container device to receive fluid from said endoscope.
A compact and efficient cleaning system can thus be obtained, since the distal end does not have to be additionally connected to the container inlet via flexible tubes.
Preferably, the cleaning system comprises a main body wherein the container receptacle and/or the end receiving portion are formed.
The receptacle and/or the receiving portion may thus have suitable walls defining the receptacle and/or the receiving portion.
The cleaning system preferably comprises a distal end connector comprising a tubular sleeve configured for connecting a distal end of an endoscope to the inlet. The distal end connector may at least partly be composed of an elastic material. The distal end connector preferably comprises an inner diameter for receiving and securely enclosing said distal end, particularly the tip thereof. The distal end connector therewith additionally functions to protect the tip of the distal end that is particularly fragile. The distal end connector, or distal tip protector, preferably further comprises an end configured to be connected to the inlet of the container device. The distal end connector preferably comprises an outer diameter varying along a length of the distal end connector. The connector can thereby be shaped to prevent movement of the distal end when received by the end receiving portion. For instance, the distal end connector may be hourglass-shaped or comprise an outer diameter that decreases toward the container inlet or the tip of the distal end. Alternatively, the distal end connector may comprise one or more O-rings along its length. It is then preferred if said end receiving portion is shaped correspondingly for receiving and securing the distal end {5 connector. Said connector end configured to be connected to the inlet of the container device may also comprise an O-ring for securing the connector end in the inlet. In that case, the container inlet preferably comprises an O-ring receptacle such as an inner groove arranged around the inlet for securely receiving the O-ring. Alternatively, the container inlet comprises a flexible sheeting, for instance a foil, to seal the inlet receiving the distal end.
According to a further embodiment of the cleaning system, the fluid circulating system is arranged to couple with the inlet and the at least one outlet. A closed loop system can then be obtained for a continuous circulation of cleaning fluid through the endoscope. Such a closed system allows a foamy cleaning fluid, such as SDS solution, to be effectively used for flushing the endoscope. According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet is arranged lower than the inlet. As described above, foam reduction may occur inside the container device after the foamy fluid enters the container device, whereby part of the foam of the cleaning solution may be converted into liquid.
By arranging the outlet lower than the inlet when coupled to the fluid circulating system, the fluid circulating system further allows suction of the cleaning fluid in a liquid state from the container device for a more effective flow induction, since the liquid formed from foam in the container device settles under the influence of gravity and thus moves downward.
As described above, it is preferred if the pump is arranged downstream of the container device. The pump inlet is then preferably arranged lower than the end receiving portion. With the container outlet being arranged lower than the container inlet, the pump inlet is preferably also lower than the container inlet such that the container outlet and the pump inlet can be at similar heights. Alignment of the pump inlet and the container outlet is thereby further contributed to. It is however noticed that the arrangement of the outlet and inlet can also be applied in configuration having a different placement of the pump. The inlet of the container device is as described preferably coupled to the distal end of the endoscope, to which end an end receiving portion may be provided. The end receiving portion is then arranged to receive the distal end of the endoscope, and to couple this end to the container device, at a location higher than the outlet of the container device. The receptacle is preferably arranged to this end.
According to a further embodiment of the cleaning system, the fluid circulating system further comprises at least one sensor configured to provide a signal to a processing unit in correspondence with a flow through or pressure in the fluid circulating system sensed by the sensor. The processing unit is preferably configured to control the pump, preferably based on the signal provided by the sensor. A continuous flow and/or pressure throughout the endoscope during circulation of the cleaning fluid can then be maintained. In addition, the sensor would be able to detect an obstruction in the fluid circulation by detecting a variation in the flow and/or pressure. Based on a signal corresponding to this variation, the pump may be controlled to increase the flow rate in order to flush out the obstruction or, in case the normal operation of the cleaning system is at risk, limit the flow in the specific channel or shut down completely. The sensor may be a flow sensor. The sensor may also be a pressure sensor. The fluid circulating system may comprise a combination of sensors, for instance a combination of a flow sensor and a pressure sensor or any other sensor. The at least one sensor is preferably arranged at the at least one outlet, preferably downstream of the pump. By arranging the sensor near the outlet of the container device, the sensor can be arranged close to the pump, such that the pump can be controlled based on a signal retrieved from the circulating flow at the location of the pump.
The cleaning system preferably comprises an energy storage unit configured to provide energy to the at least one pump. The energy storage unit may comprise a battery for providing electric energy to the pump. The energy storage unit may also be configured to provide energy to the processing unit, the sensor and/or a display.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a container device, preferably for use in a cleaning system as described above, is provided. The container device comprises a housing for containing cleaning fluid, wherein the housing comprises at least one outlet for supplying fluid to an endoscope and an inlet for receiving fluid from said endoscope. The housing is preferably rigid. A rigid housing enables the container device to securely contain cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the container device comprising a rigid housing can be easily placed in the container receptacle of the cleaning system and coupled to an endoscope. The rigid housing prevents the container device from moving within or out of the cleaning system, for instance during transport of the endoscope. The housing may comprise a bottom and at least one sidewall. The outlet is preferably arranged lower than the inlet, particularly with respect to the bottom or any fluid surface of the fluid (to be) 19 contained in the container device. Alternatively, the outlet is arranged lower than the inlet with respect to a horizontal (cross-sectional) plane of the container device, such as a fluid surface of fluid contained in the container device. Preferably, the outlet is arranged lower than the inlet in a position of the container device in which the container device is received by the container receptacle of the cleaning system.
As described above, the inlet is preferably arranged to receive a distal end of an endoscope. The container device, for instance the housing thereof, may be provided with a suitable connection with the endoscope. The container may for instance comprise an opening for coupling with an endoscope. Preferably, said opening is sealed prior to use to prevent leakage of the fluid, if the fluid is already contained in the container device prior to use. The housing preferably comprises a first and a second fluid chamber. The first and second fluid chamber may comprise differing cross sections. The differing cross sections may contribute to stimulating the foam reduction of a foamy cleaning fluid received by the container device from the endoscope. The fluid chamber connected to the inlet may comprise a smaller cross section than the fluid chamber connected to the at least one outlet. According to an embodiment of the container device, the container device, preferably the housing thereof, comprises a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets allows the container device to supply fluid to a plurality of openings in the endoscope when connecting the plurality of outlets to the plurality of openings, such that a plurality of channels in the endoscope can be flushed by the fluid. According to a further embodiment, the container device comprises a filter, preferably arranged in the housing. Cleaning fluid circulating through the endoscope and the container device can be filtered by the filter when flowing through the container device. The filter is preferably configured to filter out bacteria from and flushed out of the endoscope by the cleaning fluid to prevent the bacteria from reentering the endoscope. In case the housing comprises fluid chambers with differing cross sections, the filter is preferably provided in the fluid chamber with the smaller cross section area. The filter surface can thereby be kept small, such that an efficient filtering of the cleaning fluid can be achieved. The filter being arranged in the housing allows the filter to be configured to separate the first fluid chamber from the second fluid chamber. Before use of the container device in the cleaning system, the cleaning fluid is preferably contained in the fluid chamber with the larger volume, preferably the fluid chamber that is downstream of the filter as defined during use, i.e. during circulation of fluid through the endoscope. The filter can then prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing into the other of the first and second fluid chamber, thereby preventing the container device from leaking fluid via the inlet and/or outlet connected to said other fluid chamber.
According to a further embodiment, the container device further comprises at least one tube connected to the at least one outlet for connecting the outlet to an endoscope. The tube allows the outlet to be connected to an opening of the endoscope regardless of the position and/or orientation of said opening. The container device preferably comprises a plurality of tubes connected to the plurality of outlets for connecting the plurality of outlets to an endoscope, wherein each of the plurality of tubes is connected to a corresponding outlet of the plurality of outlets. The plurality of tubes allows the plurality of outlets to be connected to a plurality of openings in the endoscope regardless of the position and/or orientation of the openings relative to one another. For example, the plurality of outlets may be positioned along a line with a shared orientation while the openings of the endoscope may be positioned and orientated differently. The tubes can be used to independently connect the outlets to the openings. Moreover, the plurality of tubes may differ in shape and size, e.g. length and diameter.
In case the container device comprises a plurality of tubes, it is further preferred if the plurality of tubes is connected along part of the length of each tube. Along said part of the length, two neighbouring tubes may be formed integrally and/or may be connected via a bridging part to form a bridge connection. This has the advantage that the plurality of tubes can be received by the pump, for instance in the pump inlets, with a single effort such that each tube is received by the respective pump inlet for the pump to specifically engage the tube. Furthermore, the tubes being connected by the bridging part ensures each tube is correctly received in the pump, which is especially advantageous in case the plurality of tubes vary in shape or size as described above. Preferably, the combination of tubes only fits the pump in a predetermined and preferably unique way. The bridging part is preferably integral with the tubes, such that a plurality of tubes and one or more bridging parts between tubes are integrally made, for instance by extrusion. The bridge connection may be composed of an elastomer, e.g. silicone.
The at least one tube preferably comprises a connecting element configured for connecting the tube to said endoscope, preferably at a proximal location. The connecting element can be adapted to be (universally) compatible with any opening of an endoscope. Alternatively, a connecting element can be detachable from the tube such that an appropriate adaptor can be coupled to the tube for the tube to mate with a specific opening of an endoscope. The connecting element is preferably composed of an elastic material. According to a further embodiment of the container device, the inlet is arranged to allow fluid to enter the container device in a first direction, wherein the at least one outlet is arranged to allow fluid to leave the container device in a second direction parallel to the first direction. The second direction is preferably opposite to the first direction, such that the inlet and the outlet can be coupled to the endoscope in a similar orientation. It is noticed that although the container device is described above to have a rigid housing, the above mentioned features of the container device, in particular the plurality of outlets, preferably in the form of tubes and the position of the outlet with respect to the inlet can also be applied in container devices not having the rigid housing. The container device preferably comprises cleaning fluid. By comprising the cleaning fluid, the container device does not have to be provided with cleaning fluid but can be easily received by the cleaning system while already containing the cleaning fluid. This enables the endoscope to be flushed more directly after use of the endoscope and simplifies the reprocessing of the endoscope. The cleaning fluid preferably comprises a foamy fluid, such as SDS solution. In an embodiment of the cleaning system, the cleaning system comprises a container device according to the description above. The container device may be fixed in the cleaning system or detachably configured. According to another aspect, a distal end connector, preferably for use in a cleaning system according as described above, is provided. The distal end connector comprises a tubular sleeve configured for connecting a distal end of an endoscope to the inlet of the container device. The distal end connector may at least partly be composed of an elastic material. The distal end connector preferably comprises an inner diameter for receiving and securely enclosing said distal end, particularly the tip thereof. The distal end connector therewith additionally functions to protect the tip of the distal end that is particularly fragile. The distal end connector, or distal tip protector, preferably further comprises an end configured to be connected to the inlet of the container device. The distal end connector preferably comprises an outer diameter varying along a length of the distal end connector. The connector can thereby be shaped to prevent movement of the distal end when received by the end receiving portion. For instance, the distal end connector may be hourglass-shaped or comprise an outer diameter that decreases toward the container inlet or the tip of the distal end. Alternatively, the distal end connector may comprise one or more O-rings along its length. It is then preferred if said end receiving portion is shaped correspondingly for receiving and securing the distal end connector. Said connector end configured to be connected to the inlet of the container device may also comprise an O-ring for securing the connector end in the inlet. In that case, the container inlet preferably comprises an O-ring receptacle such as an inner groove arranged around the inlet for securely receiving the O-ring. Alternatively, the container inlet comprises a flexible sheeting, for instance a foil, to seal the inlet receiving the distal end. According to yet another aspect, a carrying device for transporting an endoscope is provided. The carrying device comprises a cleaning system as described above for circulating cleaning fluid through the endoscope. The carrying device may comprise a tray for carrying the endoscope. The cleaning system may be placed in the tray together with the endoscope. The cleaning system preferably comprises an outer corner portion configured to snugly fit an inner corner portion of the tray. According to an embodiment of the carrying device, the carrying device and/or the cleaning system comprise fastening means for fastening the cleaning system to the carrying device. The fastening means may comprise e.g. a belt, a clamp or a hook. According to another aspect, a kit of parts is provided containing at least two of the cleaning system, the container device, the distal end connector, a tray and an endoscope.
According to yet another aspect, a method for circulating cleaning fluid through an endoscope is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing cleaning fluid, providing a fluid circulating system, and circulating fluid through at least one proximal end of said endoscope, through said endoscope and through a distal end of said endoscope back to the proximal end using the fluid circulating system. The cleaning fluid preferably comprises a foamy fluid.
The step of providing cleaning fluid preferably comprises providing a container as described above. The step of providing a fluid circulating system preferably comprises providing a cleaning system according as described above. The method preferably further comprises the step of the container receptacle receiving the container device. IO The method preferably further comprises the step of connecting a distal end of an endoscope to the inlet. The method preferably further comprises the step of connecting the at east one outlet to a proximal end of an endoscope.
The method preferably further comprises the step of providing a carrying device as described above. The method preferably further comprises the step of sealing the carrying device for transport of the endoscope. The method preferably further comprises the step of disposing the container device. The present invention is hereafter elucidated with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an endoscope connected to a container device received by a cleaning system in a carrying device comprising a tray according to a first embodiment; - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an endoscope connected to a container device received by a cleaning system in a carrying device according to a second embodiment; - Figure 3 shows the carrying device containing the cleaning system holding the container device of Figure 2; - Figure 4 shows the cleaning system of Figures 2 and 3; - Figure 5 shows the container device of Figures 2 — 4; - Figure 6 shows the distal end connector connecting to the endoscope of Figure 2; - Figures 7 — 9 schematically show varying embodiments of the distal end connector connecting a distal end of an endoscope to the inlet of the container device; and - Figure 10 schematically shows a plurality of connected tubes received by a peristaltic pump.
In Figures 1 and 2 two respective embodiments of the cleaning system 1 for circulating cleaning fluid through a flexible endoscope 90 are each shown placed in a tray 100 together with the endoscope 90. The endoscope 90 comprises proximal ends 91 and a distal end 92. The cleaning system 1 is arranged to hold and couple to a container device 10 containing the cleaning fluid which is to be circulated within the endoscope 90 using a fluid circulating system generally indicated with 20. As will be explained in greater detail below, the cleaning system 1 is thereto provided with a container receptacle 1a which is adapted to closely fit the container device 10.
IO With further reference to for instance figure 5, the container device 10 comprises a plurality of outlets 11 for supplying cleaning fluid to the endoscope 90 and an inlet 12 for receiving cleaning fluid, circulated through the endoscope 90, from said endoscope 90. The container device 10 is connected to the endoscope 90 via flexible tubes 13 connecting the outlets 11 of the container device 10 to the proximal region 91 of the endoscope 90. The flexible tubes 13 comprise connecting elements 14 at ends thereof connecting to the proximal region 91. The connecting elements 14 can be adapted to be (universally) compatible with any opening of an endoscope or a connecting element 14 can be detachable such that an appropriate adaptor can be coupled to a tube 13 for the tube 13 to specifically mate with an opening of an endoscope. The distal end 92 of the endoscope 90 is coupled to the inlet 12 of the container device 10 via an intermediate distal end connecting piece 80 that also functions to protect the tip of the distal end 92. This is discussed in more detail hereafter and shown in Figures 8 — 10.
The container device 10 comprises a substantially rigid housing 19 for containing the cleaning fluid. Preferably, the housing 19 is manufactured from a plastic, preferably a transparent or translucent material. Coupled to the rigid housing 19 are the plurality of outlets 11 and the inlet 12. The container device 10 further comprises a bottom surface 15, or lower horizontal (cross- sectional) plane corresponding therewith, and a number of side surfaces 16 enclosing the cleaning fluid. The outlets 11 are arranged lower than the inlet 12 with respect to the bottom surface 15 or the horizontal plane.
The container device 10 further comprises a filter 30 arranged in the housing 19 for filtering the cleaning fluid circulating from the container device 10 to an endoscope 90 back to the container device 10 {see Figures 1 and 2). The filter 30 is configured to filter out germs or pathogens from the cleaning fluid to prevent the germs or pathogens from reentering said endoscope 90. The housing 19 of the container device 10 comprises a first fluid chamber 17, connected to the inlet 12, and a second fluid chamber 18, connected to the plurality of outlets 11. In use, the cleaning fluid flows through the housing 19 of the container device 10 from the inlet 12 via the first chamber 17 through the filter 30 and via the second chamber 18 to the outlets 11. The first fluid chamber 17 comprises a cross section seen along a direction of fluid flow through the container device 10 with an area smaller than a cross section of the second chamber 18. The filter 30 is provided in the first fluid chamber 17, separating the first fluid chamber 17 from the second chamber 18. Before use, the cleaning fluid is stored in the second chamber 18. The filter 30 is further configured to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing from the second chamber 18 to the first chamber 17. As such, leakage of cleaning fluid from the container device 10 before, during or after use can be limited. In addition, degradation or impairment of the cleaning fluid before use can be prevented, as the IO cleaning fluid remains sealed inside the container device 10. For circulating the cleaning fluid held in the container device 10 through the endoscope 90, the cleaning system 1 comprises a pump 2 (see figures 1 and 2). The pump 2 is arranged to induce a flow of fluid from the outlets 11 of the container device 10 to the flexible tubes 13. Similarly, the pump 2 is preferably arranged to induce a fluid flow from the endoscope 90, in particular the distal end 92 thereof, towards the inlet 12 and thus the container device 10. Preferably, the pump 2 is arranged downstream of the (outlets 11 of the) container device 10. A flexible tube 13 is inserted via a slit 21 into a pump inlet 22 configured for the pump 2 to induce a flow of fluid through the flexible tube 13. The tube 13 is then securely held by the pump inlet 22. The pump 2 is controlled by a processing unit 3. An interface 4 with a display 5 enabling setup and directing of the cleaning system 1 can be seen in Figure 1. In Figure 3, the tray 100 is shown without the endoscope 90 of Figure 2. The cleaning system 1 is shown to properly fit an inner corner portion of the tray 100 such that movement of the cleaning system 1 during transport can be limited by the positioning of the cleaning system 1 in the tray
100. The detachable container device 10 is held by the cleaning system 1. The cleaning system 1 comprises an outer corner portion Ic configured to snugly fit an inner corner portion of a tray 100 as shown in for example Figure 3. Alternatively, the cleaning system 1 may comprise connecting means or fastenings means for securely holding the cleaning system 1 in the tray 100 during transport. The outlet tubes 13 extending from the outlets 11 of the container device 10 are disposed in the inlets 22 of the pump 2. The processing unit 3 is configured to control the pump 2 for inducing a fluid flow through each of the tubes 13 independently, wherein each flow is controlled in dependence of the properties of the tubes 13 and channels in an endoscope 90 connected thereto,
such that a continuous flow and pressure distribution in the tubes 13 and said channels can be ensured. The adaptors 14 at free ends of the tubes 13 are shown in Figure 3 in an unconnected state, The distal end protector 80 is disposed aligned with the inlet 12 of the container device 10. The container device 10 and the connector 80 can each be casily removed from the cleaning system
1.
In Figure 4 the cleaning system 1 is shown in isolation without the container device 10 held therein. The cleaning system 1 comprises a container receptacle 1a for receiving a container device such as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The cleaning system 1 further comprises an end receiving 10 portion 1b for receiving the distal end 92 of an endoscope 90 (see Figures 1 — 3). The end receiving portion 1b is arranged aligned with the container receptacle la, such that the inlet 12 of a container device 10, received by the container receptacle 1a, is aligned with said distal end 92 for the container device 1 to receive fluid from said endoscope 90. The inlets 22 of the pump 2 are similarly aligned with the container receptacle 1a, such that the outlets 11 of said container device 10 are substantially aligned with the pump inlets 22. This alignment simplifies the disposal of the container outlet tubes 13 through the pump inlets 22. User-friendliness of the cleaning system 1 is thereby enhanced and furthermore a more compact system 1 is obtained, since the length of a tube 13 from the outlet 11 of a container device 10, received by the receptacle 1a, to the pump 2 can be kept small. Moreover, this configuration of the pump inlets 22 and the receptacle 1a contributes to preventing part of an outlet tube 13 arranged in between from bending and ultimately getting squeezed by folding of the tube 13, thereby blocking the flow of fluid through the tube 13. As mentioned above, the outlets 11 of the container device 10 are arranged lower than the inlet 12, for instance seen with respect to any fluid surface of the fluid held in the container 10. The cleaning system 1 is thus arranged to couple and cooperate with the lower outlet 11 and the higher inlet 12. Thus, the pump inlets 22 are arranged lower than the end receiving portion Ib. Figures 7 — 9 show schematically respective examples of connecting the distal end 92 of an endoscope 90 to an inlet 12 of a container device 10. Figure 7A shows the distal end 92 to be placed in the end receiving portion 1b of a cleaning system 1, indicated by arrow A, to be aligned with the inlet 12 of the container device 10. The inlet 12 comprises a foil 121 with a relatively narrow opening 122. In Figure 7B, the distal end 92 is moved into the opening 122 as indicated by arrow B. In Figure 7C, the distal end 92 is received by the inlet 12 such that the foil 121 seals a gap between the distal end 92 and the inlet 12, resulting from the outer diameter of the distal end 92 being smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 12.
Figure 8A shows the distal end 92 of an endoscope 90 to be inserted into a distal end connector 80, indicated by arrow C. The distal end connector 80 comprises a tubular sleeve 81 for receiving the distal end 92 and a connecting end 82 configured to be connected to an inlet 12 of a container device 10. Figure 8B shows the distal end connector 80 holding the distal end 92 to be placed in the end receiving portion 1b of a cleaning system 1, indicated by arrow D, to be aligned with the inlet 12 of the container device 10. Although not shown in Figure 8B, said end receiving portion 1b is preferably shaped in correspondence with the tubular distal end connector 80 for receiving and locking the tubular connector 80. The inlet 12 comprises a foil 121 with a relatively narrow opening 122. In Figure 8C, the distal end connector 80 holding the distal end 92 is moved toward IO the inlet 12 as indicated by arrow E. The connecting end 82 of the connector 80 comprises a compressible part to be able to insert the distal end 92 into the opening 122 when the connector 80 abuts the inlet 12, thereby compressing the compressible part 82. In Figure 8D, the distal end 92 is received by the opening 122 such that the foil 121 seals a gap between the distal end 92 and the inlet 12.
Figure 9A shows the distal end 92 of an endoscope 90 to be inserted into a distal end connector 80, indicated by arrow F. The distal end connector 80 comprises a tubular sleeve 81 for receiving the distal end 92 and a connecting end 82 configured to be connected to an inlet 12 of a container device 10. Figure 9B shows the distal end connector 80 holding the distal end 92 to be placed in the end receiving portion 1b of a cleaning system 1, indicated by arrow G, to be aligned with the inlet 12 of the container device 10. In Figure 9C, the distal end connector 80 holding the distal end 92 is moved toward the inlet 12 as indicated by arrow H. The inlet 12 comprises an inner groove 123 arranged around the inlet 12 and along an inner surface of the inlet 12. The connecting end 82 of the connector 80 comprises an O-ring 83, to be able to lock the connector 80 onto the inlet 12 of the container device 10. In Figure 9D, the distal end 92 is received by the inlet 12 such that the O- ring 83 fastens the connector 80 to the inlet 12. In Figure 10, a cross section of a plurality of connected tubes 13 is shown. Each two neighbouring tubes 13 are connected by a bridging part 131 to form a bridge connection. The bridging part 131 is integral with the tubes 13, such that the plurality of tubes 13 and the bridging parts 131 between tubes 13 are integrally made. In the two perpendicular cross sections of the pump 2, also shown in Figure 10, it can be seen that the tubes 13 can be received by a roller pump 2 in respective pump inlets 22, such that each tube 13 is configured around a respective pump head 25 comprising a plurality of rollers 24. Rotation of the pump head 25 in a direction indicated by arrow R results in a flow of fluid through the respective tube 13 in a direction indicated by arrow P, due to the pump rollers 24 peristaltically pushing the fluid through the tube 13 upon rotation of the pump head 25.
With reference to the Figures 1 — 10 discussed above, an example of the use of the cleaning system
1. in particular during the transport phase of reprocessing an endoscope, is described. The disposable container device 10 containing cleaning fluid in (preferably only) the second chamber 18 is inserted into the container receptacle 1a of the reusable cleaning system 1 and the flexible tubes 13 are slid through the slits 21 of the pump 2 to be received by the pump inlets 22. The distal end connector 80 is placed in the end reception portion 1b of the cleaning system 1. The combination of the cleaning system 1, the container device 10 and the connector 80 is placed in a tray 100 together with a flexible endoscope 90. The tray 100 containing the cleaning system 1 and IO the endoscope 90 is then sealed, for example using a plastic bag or cover, for transport to the location of the procedure, e.g. an endoscopy unit. For the endoscopy procedure, the seal is removed and the endoscope 90 is used in the procedure. After the procedure, the endoscope 90 is placed back into the tray 100. The distal end connector 80 is removed from the end receiving portion 1b and the distal end 92 of the endoscope 90 is received by the distal end connector 80 which thereby encloses the tip of the distal end 92, as shown in Figure 6. The distal end connector 80 holding the distal end 92 is then placed and locked into the end receiving portion 1b, wherein the distal end connector 80 connects the distal end 92 to the inlet 12 of the container device 10. The flexible tubes 13 are connected to the proximal ends 91 of the endoscope 90 by means of the adaptors 14. Once the container device 10 is connected to the endoscope 90, a leak test can be performed using an air pump 23. The pump 2 in the cleaning system 1 is activated to continuously circulate cleaning fluid from the container device 10 through the endoscope 90. The tray 100 containing the used endoscope 90 connected to the container device 10 and flushed by the cleaning system 1 is again sealed for transport and the endoscope 90 is transported to a dedicated reprocessing facility while being continuously flushed by the cleaning system 1. At the facility, the endoscope 90 is decoupled from the container device 10 by disconnecting the proximal ends 91 from the connecting elements 14 of the tubes 13 and by disconnecting the distal end 92 from the distal end connector 80, for the endoscope 90 to be further reprocessed at the reprocessing facility. The tray 100 and the cleaning system 1 can be prepared for reuse, while the container device 10 with the distal end connector 80 can be disposed. The above description of the attached drawings is provided merely for illustrative purposes to contribute to comprehension of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims in any way or form.
Claims (42)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2026768A NL2026768B1 (en) | 2020-10-26 | 2020-10-26 | Cleaning system and method for cleaning an endoscope |
| PCT/NL2021/050628 WO2022093012A1 (en) | 2020-10-26 | 2021-10-18 | Cleaning system and method for cleaning an endoscope |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2026768A NL2026768B1 (en) | 2020-10-26 | 2020-10-26 | Cleaning system and method for cleaning an endoscope |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2026768B1 true NL2026768B1 (en) | 2022-06-17 |
Family
ID=74592654
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2026768A NL2026768B1 (en) | 2020-10-26 | 2020-10-26 | Cleaning system and method for cleaning an endoscope |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2026768B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2022093012A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20060068360A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2006-03-30 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Single use fluid reservoir for an endoscope |
| US20170296046A1 (en) * | 2016-02-18 | 2017-10-19 | Restore Medical Solutions, Inc. | Point of Use Cleaning System for Endoscopes |
| WO2020077406A1 (en) * | 2018-10-16 | 2020-04-23 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Apparatus and method for cleaning a medical device |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001056615A2 (en) * | 2000-02-07 | 2001-08-09 | Steris Inc. | Liquid cleaning and sterilization system and method |
-
2020
- 2020-10-26 NL NL2026768A patent/NL2026768B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2021
- 2021-10-18 WO PCT/NL2021/050628 patent/WO2022093012A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20060068360A1 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2006-03-30 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Single use fluid reservoir for an endoscope |
| US20170296046A1 (en) * | 2016-02-18 | 2017-10-19 | Restore Medical Solutions, Inc. | Point of Use Cleaning System for Endoscopes |
| WO2020077406A1 (en) * | 2018-10-16 | 2020-04-23 | Saban Ventures Pty Limited | Apparatus and method for cleaning a medical device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2022093012A1 (en) | 2022-05-05 |
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| MM | Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 20231101 |