Method for cleaning endoscope
First Claim
1. A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:
- providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel;
providing an elongate member having an optical fiber extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member;
inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel;
upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, transmitting sterilization radiation of a predetermined wavelength along said optical fiber from a proximal end of said distal end portion towards a distal end of said elongate member; and
dispersing transmitted sterilizing radiation at least partially radially outwardly from said optical fiber and said elongate member to at least partially sterilize said biopsy channel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, an elongate cleaning member having an embedded optical fiber, an electrical conductor, and/or a heat conductor is inserted into a biopsy channel of the endoscope. Sterilizing radiation of a predetermined wavelength is transmitted along the optical fiber from a proximal end of the elongate cleaning member towards a distal end thereof. The radiation is dispersed to at least partially sterilize the biopsy channel. Heat energy is conducted along the heat conductor to raise or lower the temperature of the biopsy channel for a predetermined period to effectuate a sterilizing action. Electrical current may also be transmitted along the biopsy channel wall by virtue of the electrical conductor. The method also comprises the step of ejecting a sterilizing fluid from the elongate cleaning member into the biopsy channel. Where a brush or friction element is provided at the distal end of the elongate cleaning member, the brush or friction element is used to scrub the biopsy channel with the sterilizing fluid. The scrubbing may be implemented by vibrating the elongate cleaning member, e.g., by transmitting an ultrasonic wave through the elongate cleaning member.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:
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providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel; providing an elongate member having an optical fiber extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member; inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel; upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, transmitting sterilization radiation of a predetermined wavelength along said optical fiber from a proximal end of said distal end portion towards a distal end of said elongate member; and dispersing transmitted sterilizing radiation at least partially radially outwardly from said optical fiber and said elongate member to at least partially sterilize said biopsy channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:
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providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel; providing an elongate member having a heat conductor extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member; inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel; and upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, transferring heat energy between said biopsy channel and said heat conductor to provide said biopsy channel with a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:
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providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel; providing an elongate member having an electrical conductor extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member; inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel; upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, conducting electrical current through said conductor; and additionally conducting said electrical current from said conductor and outwardly of said elongate member to a least partially sterilize said biopsy channel along said distal end portion of said elongate member. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 24)
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23. A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:
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providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel; providing an elongate member having an electrical conductor extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member; inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel; upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, conducting electrical current through said conductor; and converting said electrical current into heat energy and transferring said heat energy to said biopsy channel from said conductor to elevate the temperature of said biopsy channel for a predetermined period of time sufficient to eliminate undesirable microorganisms in said biopsy channel.
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25. A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:
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providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel; providing an elongate tubular member having a friction element and an aperture at a distal end; inserting a distal end portion of said elongate tubular member into said biopsy channel; ejecting a sterilizing fluid from said tubular member through said opening into said biopsy channel; using said friction element to scrub said biopsy channel with said sterilizing fluid; and ultrasonically vibrating said friction member to enhance the scrubbing of said biopsy channel. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
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Specification