An endoscope includes an insertion portion, an operation portion, a moving member, a detent, a rod, a wire and a bearing. The insertion portion is configured for insertion into a subject, the insertion portion including an actuating mechanism. The operation portion, the moving member, the rod and the wire are translatable in conjunction with each other. The detent located distally relative to the moving member, and the detent is configured to prevent a distally forward translation of the moving member past the detent. The bearing is located distally relative to the moving member, the bearing including an opening having a contact surface. The rod extends through the opening and is in slidable contact with the contact surface, and the contact surface is made of resin.

A user assistance system for reusable medical devices and a method for monitoring processing. The user assistance system includes data glasses and a data memory in which a plurality of type datasets are saved that each include information relating to an identifying feature of a specific medical device type, and information relating to instructions for reprocessing these medical device types. The user assistance system records a user identifying feature and activates an associated user profile, to record a location identifying feature and to activate an associated location profile, and to display, as visual information, instructions assigned to the active user profile and the active location profile for reprocessing the medical device.

Described are a system, method, and computer program product for tracking endoscopes in a forced-air drying cabinet including a compressor, a plurality of support arrangements, and an inner area accessible by a door. The method may include receiving a signal from a signal emitting member attached to and associated with an endoscope. The method may also include determining an identifier and a drying protocol of the endoscope. The method may further include identifying a support arrangement to support the endoscope and determining a connection status of the endoscope to a first airflow output and a second airflow output. The method may further include initiating a drying process, when the endoscope is connected, according to the drying protocol by causing the compressor to create at least one airflow through the endoscope from the first airflow output, the second airflow output, or a combination thereof.

A test instrument and a method for producing a test instrument used to evaluate a cleaning, disinfection and/or drying processes of internal flexible channels includes obtaining a medical instrument having a flexible probe section configured for insertion into a body, the flexible probe section including at least one internal flexible channel and at least one external device port, and attaching an access device between the at least one external device port and the at least one internal flexible channel to enable selective access into the internal flexible channel.

An endoscope hanger which frees a doctor's hands without causing pain to a patient, and a cart, washing sink, washing and sterilization apparatus, stand, and endoscope storage cabinet having said endoscope hanger are provided. This endoscope hanger is characterized by having a polygonal shape and/or an ellipsoid shape (including a perfect circular shape) or a shape that is a combination of these, and is characterized by having at least one hole that can hold an endoscope at an oblique angle; this cart, washing sink, washing and sterilization apparatus, stand, and endoscope storage cabinet comprise said endoscope hanger.

A scope (1) for examining or surgically treating ears comprising a probe (2); at least one visualiser (3) on the probe having an optical configuration (7), and a light source (42) wherein the visualiser (3) is articulatable about a visualiser articulation axis (3a) by an orienting mechanism (4) for optimal viewing of the ear.

A process to clean medical devices, such as endoscopes, with a turbulent cleaning solution is described. The process includes providing cleaning solution in a first delivery system and providing a gas in a second delivery system, wherein the first and second delivery system are connected to a third delivery system that allows the cleaning solution and gas to combine to provide a turbulent cleaning solution that can be passed through a lumen of a medical device. The process is generally accomplished by use of a peristaltic pump with two heads; one head for each of the delivery system. The resultant turbulent cleaning solution provides enough force to dislodge most body fluids, debris, bacteria and/or virus(es) from the surface of the medical device without the requirement for physical scrubbing or brushing of the surface.

An endoscope reprocessor having a tube and nozzles may be used to increase the effectiveness of an endoscope reprocessor. Fluid may be delivered into the tube through the nozzle, which may be oriented in various orientations. Energy of the flow within the tube may be increased by introduction of fluid through the nozzles, which may additionally move the endoscope within the tube.

A detection apparatus includes: an electrode formation unit that is brought into contact with an object to form an electrode; a detection unit that constitutes an electrode pair with the electrode; a measurement unit that measures a current flowing between the electrode and the detection unit; and a determination unit that determines presence or absence of an abnormality related to bacteria attached to the object according to the current measured by the measurement unit.

An apparatus (100) having: a flexible tube (104) with a proximal end (106), a distal end (108), a lateral aperture (110) in the flexible tube at the distal end, and a guide channel (112) connecting the proximal end to the lateral aperture; an elevator (102) in the distal end having a redirecting surface (130) configured to bend and guide an instrument through the lateral aperture, where movement of the redirecting surface changes a magnitude of a bend in the instrument; and an elevator joint (132) between the elevator and the distal end that permits the movement of the redirecting surface. The elevator joint is configured to release the elevator through the lateral aperture.