Methods and Systems for the Sterilization of Endoscopes

Abstract

A method and device for high-pressure, high-temperature steam sterilization of endoscopes includes pressure resistant fittings to attach a steam generator to the ports of an endoscope. The method and device allows for high-pressure, high-temperature steam to circulate throughout the endoscope, exposing various surfaces to steam for sterilization. The method and device also allows for high-pressure, high-temperature steam to circulate selectively through the channels of the endoscope, selectively sterilizing the channels and allowing for use of this method with current high-level disinfection methods. The method and device also allows for movement of the scope elevator channel during the sterilization process, allowing for steam to reach the crevices around the elevator and other moving parts of an endoscope.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for disinfecting or sterilizing an endoscope, comprising:
 at least one pressure resistant compression fitting designed to be operably attached to one opening of an endoscope;   a steam generator capable of generating super-heated steam and attached to said at least one pressure resistant compression fitting via a length of tubing;   at least one pressure resistant vacuum suction fitting designed to be operably attached to another opening of an endoscope at one end and attached to a vacuum suction at the other end; and   a microprocessor operably attached to the steam generator and vacuum pump to control the rate of delivery of steam and rate of suction.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising additional steam delivery ports for delivery of steam into one of the other openings of the endoscope. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising additional suction ports for suction of steam from one of the other openings of the endoscope. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising sensors to measure at least one of a plurality of parameters of the steam and input measured data into the microprocessor to control the delivery of steam or rate of suction or both. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said microprocessor further comprises a user interface to input operational data or to monitor the progress of disinfection or sterilization. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for disinfecting or sterilizing an endoscope, comprising:
 a thermally insulating casing with at least one pressure resistant compression fitting designed to be operably attached to one opening of an endoscope;   a steam generator capable of generating and delivering super-heated steam and attached to said pressure resistant compressing fitting;   at least one vacuum suction port operably attached to the casing at one end and attached to a vacuum suction at the other end to provide suction; and   a microprocessor operably attached to the steam generator and vacuum pump to control the rate of delivery of steam and rate of suction.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising additional steam delivery ports for delivery of steam into one of the other openings of the endoscope and additional suction ports for the suction of steam from one of the other openings of the endoscope. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one sensor to measure any one of a plurality of parameters of the steam and input measured data into the microprocessor to control the delivery of steam or rate of suction or both. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said microprocessor includes a user interface to input operational data or to monitor the progress of disinfection or sterilization. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for disinfecting or sterilizing an endoscope, comprising:
 at least two chambers separated by a removable separating component;   a space for placing an endoscope wherein a first portion of said endoscope comprising at least one first endoscope port is positioned in a first chamber of said at least two chambers and a second portion of said endoscope comprising at least one second endoscope port is positioned in a second chamber of said at least two chambers;   at least one first opening providing fluid communication between said first chamber and an outside area of said apparatus; and   at least one second opening providing fluid communication between said second chamber and an outside area of said apparatus;   wherein a disinfecting or sterilizing agent is introduced under pressure through said first or second opening and into said first or second chamber and wherein a pressure difference between said first chamber and said second chamber causes said disinfecting or sterilizing agent to enter said endoscope through said first endoscope port or said second endoscope port, pass through one or more endoscope channels of said endoscope, exit said endoscope through said first endoscope port or said second endoscope port not comprising the endoscope port through which said disinfecting or sterilizing agent entered said endoscope, and exit said apparatus through said first or second opening not comprising the opening through which the disinfecting or sterilizing agent entered said apparatus.