Automated endoscope reprocessor connection integrity testing

• US 6,986,736 B2
• Filed: 12/23/2002
• Issued: 01/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Sterilization Products
• Inventors: Williams, Hal, Nguyen, Nick Ngoc, Ellis, Cindy L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Flanagan, Beverly M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KASZTEJNA, MATTHEW JOHN
• Application Number:
  US10/328,233
• Publication Number:
  US 20040118413A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,121 Days
• Field of Search: 600/101, 422/3, 422/28
• US Class Current: 600/101
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00057 provided with means for testing or calibration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/123 using washing machines
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/125 using fluid circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0809 Indication of cracks or breakages
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/18 Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/28 Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour apparatus involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M1/34; methods involving enzymes or microorganisms C12Q1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/123 Connecting means

Abstract

A method detects proper connection of fixtures to one or more channels in an endoscope during a cleaning or disinfection procedure. The endoscope has a first opening into one of its channels. The method includes the steps of placing the endoscope at the first opening in a liquid while leaving a gas within the channel, drawing a vacuum on the gas through a second opening into the channel and thereby drawing some of the liquid into the channel, and detecting for air leaking into the channel.

Claims

1. A method of detecting proper connection of fixtures to one or more channels in an endoscope, the endoscope having a first opening into at least one of the channels, the method comprising the steps of:

placing the endoscope at the first opening into a liquid;

having a gas within the at least one channel;

drawing a vacuum on the gas through a second opening into the at least one channel and thereby drawing some of the liquid into the at least one channel;

detecting for air leaking into the at least one channel.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of detecting for air leaking into the at least one channel comprises monitoring the pressure within the at least one channel.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the pressure is monitored and if it falls below a given amount in a given time period an indication is given that the at least one channel is leaking.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the endoscope has at least two channels and where one of the fixtures separates two of the channels from each other and further comprising the step of individually testing each of the two channels whereby to detect gas leaking past the fixture which separates the two channels from each other.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein if leakage is detected in testing each of the two channels an indication is given that the fixture separating the two channels is leaking.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein a first one of the fixtures connects to the second opening and this fixture is exposed to atmosphere, and if leakage of air into the at least one channel is detected an indication is given that first one of the fixtures is leaking.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein if leakage of air into the at least one channel is detected an indication is given to a user that the at least one channel failed the leakage test.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the indication is provided visually on a screen.

9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the first opening is at a distal end of an endoscope.

10. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of detecting for air leaking into the at least one channel comprises monitoring for air bubbles within the at least one channel.

11. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of detecting for air leaking into the at least one channel comprises monitoring a flow of the liquid through the at least one channels.