FR2706127A1 - Automated disinfection apparatus for immersible endoscopes, fibrescopes and their accessories - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated disinfection apparatus for immersible endoscopes, fibrescopes and their accessories. It consists of an upper chamber (2), a sheath (3), which are connected by a sleeve (1) which, in alternate operation, seals the sheath, allowing alternate flow of products through the channels of the endoscope or outside the latter. The apparatus is equipped with a piston junction box (4) for connection without dead branches onto the product circulation networks.

Description

- A- 2706127

  The present invention relates to an automated disinfection apparatus for submersible endoscopes, fibroscopes and their accessories, comprising a

  system for receiving a disinfection liquid and a cleaning liquid.

  Flexible endoscopes, in which a bundle of image-transmitting glass fibers is used, have an outer casing provided with longitudinal channels used for blowing air and water, aspiration and passage

  of excision probes or pliers or samples.

  Such flexible endoscopes require disinfection after use, but in particular in the case of fibroscopes, conventional thermal T0 sterilization cannot be used, so that in general these instruments must be disinfected by soaking them in tanks containing a disinfectant product . Such containers are heavy to handle and require a very large space because the length of the flexible endoscope can reach 2 m. In addition, such containers require a large amount of disinfectant, and

  I5 must ensure that the endoscope is submerged over its entire length.

  The object of the invention is to save space and disinfection liquid compared to existing devices for disinfecting flexible endoscopes, to ensure that the endoscope is safely immersed over its entire length in the disinfection, that the disinfection operation can be carried out in a simple manner, that one is sure of a

  effective disinfection of various channels.

  In the case of the aforementioned device, a molded upper container (2) supports the technical parts of the endoscope while the "endo" hose enters a sheath (3) through a flexible flexible sleeve (1) allowing seal off this passage. This sleeve made up of a flexible part mobilized by a jack, makes it possible to seal the sheath alternately. Liquids flow alternately through the channels or around the endoscope. This assembly saves space and consumable liquid. The device is delivered or mounted

  in a closed frame, or in a version built into a benchtop.

  The device is controlled by a programmable controller with four pre-programmed programs: 1- Cleaning only 2- Normal cycle 3- Long cycle 4- Auto disinfection

  During a normal cycle, the endoscope is introduced into the device, the door closed.

  The chosen program (2) is started with the following algorithm: water flushing b- filling of the cleaning product - -draining circulation e- rinsing f- filling of the disinfectant (cold sterilizing) g- circulation h- drain i- rinse j- drying

  The disinfected endoscope can then be removed.

  In program 1, only phases a-b-c-d-e will take place.

  In program 3, the durations of each phase will be extended.

  In program 4, triggered voluntarily or automatically once every

  24 hours, only the f-g-h phases will take place.

  During the various phases the sealing sleeve works alternately; the circulation pump works in suction and the entire top of the endoscope soaks in the solution (water, cleaner or disinfectant): consequently, the solution circulates alternately in the channels or outside the endoscope allowing

  complete and safe disinfection.

  I0 On the liquid circuit, there are no solenoid valves because they can store contaminants and re-pollute the endoscope at the end of the cycle. The device has been fitted with a specially created piston junction box that does not include

  dead arm on the traffic network.

  Next to the endoscope sheath is a very small diameter sheath

  I5 for simultaneous disinfection of accessories such as biopsy forceps.

  The endoscope is placed in the tank (2), the endo part in the sheath (3), through the sleeve (1). The pump (9) sucks the liquids through the barrel,

  in and / or around the endoscope. The pump (8) injects and doses the cleaner

  disinfectant stored in the tank (5) fitted with a low level alarm. The pump (7) injects the disinfectant stored in the tank (6) equipped with levels

up and down.

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Claims (4)

  1- Automated disinfection process for submersible endoscopes, fibroscopes and their accessories by circulation of cleaning product and disinfectant product characterized in that the circulation of liquids is performed by aspiration.   2- A method according to claim 1 characterized in that the circulation of liquids is done alternately inside or outside of the treated instruments   3- apparatus for carrying out the method according to claims 1 and 2,   comprising an upper tank (2) in which the instrument to be disinfected is placed, supplied with cleaning (5) by a metering pump (8), supplied with disinfectant (6) by a pump (7), all liquids circulated by the pump (9) connected to the tank (2) by a sleeve (1), a sheath (3) and a housing   (4), characterized in that the pump (9) works in suction.   4- Apparatus according to claim 3 characterized in that the sleeve (1) is alternatively supplied with air, alternately sealing the sheath; when the sheath is sealed, the liquid circulates through the instrument, when the   sheath is not sealed, the liquid circulates outside the instrument.   - Apparatus according to claims 3 and 4 characterized in that all   circuits are connected by a piston junction box (4) eliminating the causes   contamination which are the low points, the solenoid valves and the dead arms.