The invention refers to an endoscope including at least one channel which may be contaminated in use, wherein the channel wall of the at least one channel is formed of a material having properties capable of photocatalysis. The invention further refers to a method for cleaning such an endoscope including the steps of: connecting the endoscope to a reprocessing device, performing a photocatalytic treatment at least in the at least one channel for the purpose of the decomposition of organic residues on the surface of the channel, and rinsing the endoscope. The invention further refers to a cleaning device for cleaning such an endoscope.

A lumen inspection device includes an elongate member and a sealing member at a distal end of the elongate member. The elongate member is inserted into a lumen of a medical instrument. The lumen inspection device is translated along the lumen. The sealing member resiliently bears against a sidewall of the lumen as the lumen inspection device is translated along the lumen of the medical instrument. A pressure source is activated to pressurize a region of the lumen adjacent to the sealing member. A fluid property of the lumen is monitored to detect whether the sealing member deforms in response to an obstruction in the lumen.

A medical valve may comprise a valve stem and an operation portion. The operation portion may include a stationary portion, a movable portion which is movable relative to the stationary portion and fixed relative to the valve stem, a seal disposed between the stationary portion and the movable portion, and a biasing member. Movement of the movable portion in a first direction may cause deformation of the biasing member, such that a restorative force of the biasing member urges movement of the movable portion in a second direction opposite the first direction. A frictional force between the seal and one of the stationary portion and the movable portion resists the movement of the movable portion in the second direction.

A multifunctional enclosure is described having an elongated sleeve configured with an enlarged opening for the insertion of an elongated member of a medical probe. The multifunctional enclosure is configured to prevent the elongated member of the medical probe from swinging and becoming damaged during transport. The multifunctional enclosure may further comprise an attachment component for securing the medical probe to the multifunctional enclosure. Furthermore, at least one vent may be configured onto the multifunctional enclosure, such as on a first end closure portion. The vent may allow for adequate flow for sterilization and/or drying.

The present disclosure relates to a light guiding assembly for light exposure of the interior of medical tubes, e.g. for disinfecting said tubes using ultraviolet-C (UVC) light. The light guiding assembly preferably comprises a coupling element, which in the proximal end is connectable to a light source assembly and in the distal end is connectable to a light guiding element. Said light guiding element preferably comprises a liquid filled polymer tube, a distal closure at the distal end of said tube, and a proximal closure comprising a gasket with overflow functionality at the proximal end of said tube. The present disclosure further relates to a method for filling said light guiding assembly.

Presented is a method and apparatus for aiding medical procedures. An apparatus includes a housing defining a first opening, a second opening, and a interior, and a first cleaning element maintained within the interior relative to the first opening, the first cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning agent operable to remove extraneous debris from an object. The apparatus further includes a second cleaning element maintained with the interior relative to the second opening, the second cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning material and at least one white reference material, the at least one cleaning material operable to remove debris from an object. The apparatus also includes a conduit defining a passage from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing.

A medical valve may comprise a valve stem and an operation portion. The operation portion may include a stationary portion, a movable portion which is movable relative to the stationary portion and fixed relative to the valve stem, a seal disposed between the stationary portion and the movable portion, and a biasing member. Movement of the movable portion in a first direction may cause deformation of the biasing member, such that a restorative force of the biasing member urges movement of the movable portion in a second direction opposite the first direction. A frictional force between the seal and one of the stationary portion and the movable portion resists the movement of the movable portion in the second direction.

A method of using a vacuum chamber to assist in detecting and removing moisture from an instrument having a lumen, e.g., an endoscope is disclosed. Second derivatives of pressure with respect to time are calculated and differences therebetween summed. These summations may be compared to a threshold value to determine whether residual moisture remains on the instrument in the chamber. The vacuum chamber may include a rack for hanging instruments having lumens, such as endoscopes.

The present invention is directed to a device for testing the dryness of a cleaned medical instrument such as an endoscope. The preferred embodiment tests the air drawn through the medical instrument by measuring the differential pressure, humidity and temperature of the air.

A minimally invasive device for cleaning surgical instruments includes a rod having first and second ends. The rod includes a primary section with a primary outer diameter, and an adjacent, reduced section having a reduced outer diameter, the reduced outer diameter being smaller than the primary outer diameter. A shoulder is defined where the primary section and the reduced section abut one another. A sponge assembly is fitted about the first end of the rod distally from the shoulder. A sheath extends over at least a portion of the sponge assembly and at least a portion of the reduced section and terminates at the shoulder, the sheath having an installed outer diameter substantially the same as the primary outer diameter.