Title:
Reusable instruments and related systems and methods
Document Type and Number:
Kind Code:
A1

Abstract:
Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Representative Image:
Reusable instruments and related systems and methods
Inventors:
Root, Thomas V. (Beverly, MA, US)
Krupa, Robert J. (Leominster, MA, US)
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Application Number:
10/391536
Publication Date:
03/11/2004
Filing Date:
03/18/2003
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Export Citation:
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Primary Class:
606/1
International Classes:
(IPC1-7): A61B017/00
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FISH & RICHARDSON PC (225 FRANKLIN ST, BOSTON, MA, 02110, US)
Claims:

Other embodiments are in the claims:



1. A method of charging a client for use of a reusable instrument, the method comprising: charging the client for use of the reusable instrument, the charge to the client being at least partially based on a number of times the client has used the reusable instrument since last being charged for use of the reusable instrument.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a total number of reusable instrument uses associated with the client.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a total number of treatment system uses associated with the client, the treatment system being designed to treat a reusable instrument.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a frequency of uses of the reusable instrument.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a frequency of uses of a total number of reusable instruments associated with the client.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a time of day when the reusable instrument is used.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on an average time of day that the client uses a reusable instrument.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on an amount of time that the client has had the reusable instrument.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the client is charged after each use of the reusable instrument.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the client is charged before each use of the reusable instrument.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the client is charged after a predetemined number of uses of the reusable instrument.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the client is charged before a predetermined number of uses of the reusable instrument.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the client based on an identity of the reusable instrument.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the client includes communicating data associated with the identity of the reusable instrument to a data processor.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the data processor is remote from the reusable instrument.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the client further includes communicating data associated with the client from a data storage instrument to the data processor.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising determining a payment status of the client.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure based on the payment status of the client.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a payment status of the client.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure based on the payment status of the client.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an identity of the reusable instrument.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein determining the identity of the reusable instrument includes reading recognition data from the reusable instrument.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising communicating the recognition data to a data processor.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising communicating between the data processor and a data storage device to determine a client associated with the reusable instrument.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the data processor is remote from the reusable instrument.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein determining the client further includes communicating data associated with the client from a data storage instrument to the data processor.

27. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the reusable instrument and a treatment system to the client, the treatment system being designed to treat a reusable instrument.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the treatment system is a sterilization system or a disinfection system.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein the client includes a person that used the reusable instrument, a company affiliated with a person that used the reusable instrument, a subject on whom the reusable instrument was used, a person associated with a subject on whom the reusable instrument was used, an insurance company, or a government agency.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein the reusable instrument is an endoscope.

31. A method of charging a client for use of a reusable instrument, the reusable instrument having an identity, the method comprising: reading recognition data from the reusable instrument to determine the identity of the reusable instrument; determining the client based on the identity of the reusable instrument; and charging the client based on data associated with the client.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the data associated with the client includes a number of times the reusable instrument has been used by the client.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the data associated with the client includes a total number of reusable instrument uses associated with the client.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the data associated with the client includes a total number of treatment system uses associated with the client.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein determining the client includes communicating the recognition data to a data processor.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the data processor is remote from the reusable instrument.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein determining the client further includes communicating data associated with the client from a data storage instrument to the data processor.

38. The method of claim 31, wherein the recognition data is read from the reusable instrument using a instrument selected from the group consisting of magnetic instruments, inductance instruments, electrical instruments, optical instruments, and mechanical instruments.

39. The method of claim 31, further comprising determining a payment status of the client.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure based on the payment status of the client.

41. The method of claim 31, further comprising providing the reusable instrument and a treatment system to the client, the treatment system being designed to treat a reusable instrument.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the treatment system is a sterilization system or a disinfection system.

43. The method of claim 31, wherein the client is selected from the group consisting of a person that used the reusable instrument; a company affiliated with a person that used the reusable instrument, a subject on whom the reusable instrument was used, a person associated with a subject on whom the reusable instrument was used, an insurance company, and a government agency.

44. The method of claim 31, wherein the reusable instrument is an endoscope.

45. A method of managing a condition of a reusable instrument, the reusable instrument having an identity, the method comprising: determining the identity of the reusable instrument; and determining, based on the identity of the reusable instrument, a number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein determining the identity of the reusable instrument includes reading recognition data from the reusable instrument.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein determining the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure includes communicating the recognition data to a data processor.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the data processor is remote from the reusable instrument.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein determining the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure further includes communicating data associated with the reusable instrument from a data storage instrument to the data processor.

50. The method of claim 45, further comprising preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure based on the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure.

51. The method of claim 45, further comprising performing a maintenance procedure on the reusable instrument based on the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising charging a client associated with the reusable instrument for performance of the maintenance procedure.

53. The method of claim 45, wherein the reusable instrument is an endoscope.

54. A method of maintaining a supply material associated with uses of a reusable instrument, the reusable instrument having an identity, the method comprising: determining the identity of the reusable instrument; and determining, based on the identity of the reusable instrument, a number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last acquired by a client associated with the reusable instrument.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein determining the identity of the reusable instrument includes reading recognition data from the reusable instrument.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein determining the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last acquired by the client includes communicating the recognition data for the reusable instrument to a data processor.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the data processor is remote from the reusable instrument.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein determining the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last acquired by the client further includes communicating data associated with the reusable instrument from a data storage instrument to the data processor.

59. The method of claim 54, further comprising preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure based on the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last provided to the client.

60. The method of claim 54, further comprising providing the supply material to the client based on the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last provided to the client.

61. The method of claim 60, further comprising charging the client for providing the supply material.

62. The method of claim 54, wherein the reusable instrument is an endoscope.

63. A method of preventing use of a reusable instrument, the reusable instrument having an identity, the method comprising: determining a client associated with the reusable instrument based on the identity of the reusable instrument; and preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure based on data associated with the client.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the data associated with the client is a payment status of an account associated with the client.

65. The method of claim 63, wherein preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure includes disabling the reusable instrument from being capable of being used in a procedure.

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising informing the client that the reusable instrument has been disabled.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising, after disabling the reusable instrument, allowing the reusable instrument to be used in a procedure based on data from an account associated with the client.

68. The method of claim 63, further comprising informing the client that the reusable instrument is being prevented from being used in a procedure.

69. The method of claim 63, wherein the reusable instrument is an endoscope.

70. A method of maintaining a database for a reusable instrument, the method comprising: determining, each time the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, that the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure; and updating, each time the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, the database to indicate that the reusable instrument has been used in another procedure.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein determining that the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure includes determining an identity of the reusable instrument.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein determining the identity of the reusable instrument includes reading recognition data from the reusable instrument.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein updating the database includes communicating the recognition data to a data processor.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the data processor identifies the database associated with the reusable instrument, and communicates the procedure use data to the database.

75. The method of claim 70, wherein the reusable instrument is an endoscope.

76. A method of charging a client, the method comprising: charging the client, the charge to the client being at least partially based on a number of times the client has treated a reusable instrument since last being charged.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein the treatment is sterilization, disinfection or cleaning.

78. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a total number of treatment systems associated with the client.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a frequency of treatments.

80. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a total number of uses of a treatment system.

81. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a total number of treatment systems associated with the client.

82. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a frequency of uses of a total number of treatment systems associated with the client.

83. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on a time of day when treatment is performed.

84. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on an average time of day that the client treats a reusable instrument.

85. The method of claim 76, wherein the charge to the client is at least partially based on an amount of time that the client has had a treatment system for treating the reusable instrument.

86. The method of claim 76, wherein the client is charged after each treatment of the reusable instrument.

87. The method of claim 76, wherein the client is charged before each treatment of the reusable instrument.

88. The method of claim 76, wherein the client is charged after a predetermined number of treatments of the reusable instrument.

89. The method of claim 76, wherein the client is charged before a predetermined number of treatments of the reusable instrument.

90. The method of claim 76, wherein the reusable instrument is an endoscope.

91. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause a process to occur, the process including: charging a client for use of the reusable instrument, the charge to the client being at least partially based on a number of times the client has used a reusable instrument since last being charged for use of the reusable instrument.

92. The computer program product of claim 91, wherein the computer readable medium is selected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.

93. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause the occurrence of a process, the process including: reading recognition data from a reusable instrument to determine an identity of the reusable instrument; determining a client associated with the reusable instrument based on the identity of the reusable instrument; and charging the client based on data associated with the client.

94. The computer program product of claim 93, wherein the computer readable medium is selected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.

95. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause the occurrence of a process, the process including: determining an identity of the reusable instrument; and determining, based on the identity of the reusable instrument, a number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure.

96. The computer program product of claim 95, wherein the computer readable medium is selected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.

97. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause the occurrence of a process, the process including: determining an identity of the reusable instrument; and determining, based on the identity of the reusable instrument, a number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last acquired by a client associated with the reusable instrument.

98. The computer program product of claim 97, wherein the computer readable medium is selected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.

99. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause the occurrence of a process, the process including: determining an account for a client based on an identity of a reusable instrument; and preventing the client from using the reusable instrument in a procedure based on data associated with the client.

100. The computer program product of claim 99, wherein the computer readable medium is selected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.

101. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause the occurrence of a process, the process including: determining, each time a reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, that the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure; and updating, each time the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, the database to indicate that the reusable instrument has been used in another procedure.

102. The computer program product of claim 101, wherein the computer readable medium is selected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.

103. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause the occurrence of a process, the process including: charging a client, the charge to the client being at least partially based on a number of times the client has treated a reusable instrument since last being charged.

104. The computer program product of claim 103, wherein the computer readable medium is selected from the group consisting of a hard disk drive, a random access memory, and a read-only memory.

105. The method of claim 1, wherein the reusable instrument is a reusable medical instrument.

106. The method of claim 31, wherein the reusable instrument is a reusable medical instrument.

107. The method of claim 45, wherein the reusable instrument is a reusable medical instrument.

108. The method of claim 54, wherein the reusable instrument is a reusable medical instrument.

109. The method of claim 63, wherein the reusable instrument is a reusable medical instrument.

110. The method of claim 70, wherein the reusable instrument is a reusable medical instrument.

111. The method of claim 76, wherein the reusable instrument is a reusable medical instrument.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/365,310, filed on Mar. 18, 2002, and entitled “Endoscope and Autoclave System for Endoscope Sterilization,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to reusable instruments, such as endoscopes, and related systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Endoscopes are commonly used to view a region inside a subject (e.g., a human, an animal), such as, for example, when performing a therapeutic or interventional medical procedure to remove a polyp within the intestine, when performing a diagnostic medical procedure to view the bronchii searching for tumors, or when performing a diagnostic medical procedure to ultrasonically image an organ (e.g., in transesophageal ultrasonic imaging). Typically, an endoscope has a manipulation portion coupled to an elongated portion (e.g., a flexible elongated portion, a rigid elongated portion, a semi-rigid elongated portion) so that, during use of the endoscope, the manipulation portion remains outside the subject while the elongated portion is at least partially disposed inside the subject. Generally, the elongated portion has one or more optical components (e.g., one or more lenses, imaging fiber optics, video imager) to illuminate and view the region inside the subject, and the manipulation portion has one or more devices designed to control the optical components and the position of the elongated portion in the subject. Optionally, the elongated portion can include one or more medical tools configured to perform a medical procedure on the subject. In general, after each use in a medical procedure, the endoscope is cleaned to remove detritus, and subsequently disinfected and/or sterilized.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the invention features a method of charging a client for use of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes charging the client for use of the reusable instrument, where the charge to the client is at least partially based on the number of times the client has used the reusable instrument since last being charged for use of the reusable instrument.

[0005] In another aspect, the invention features a method of charging a client for use of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes reading recognition data from the reusable instrument to determine the identity of the reusable instrument, and determining the client based on the identity of the reusable instrument. The method also includes charging the client based on data associated with the client.

[0006] In a further aspect, the invention features a method of managing a condition of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes determining the identity of the reusable instrument, and determining, based on the identity of the reusable instrument, the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure.

[0007] In one aspect, the invention features a method of maintaining a supply material associated with uses of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes determining the identity of the reusable instrument, and determining, based on the identity of the reusable instrument, the number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last acquired by a client associated with the reusable instrument.

[0008] In another aspect, the invention features a method of preventing use of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes determining a client associated with the reusable instrument based on the identity of the reusable instrument, and preventing the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure based on data associated with the client.

[0009] In a further aspect, the invention features a method of maintaining a database for a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes determining, each time the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, that the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, and updating, each time the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, the database to indicate that the reusable instrument has been used in another procedure.

[0010] In one aspect, the invention features a method of charging a client. The method includes charging the client, where the charge to the client is at least partially based on a number of times the client has treated a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) since last being charged.

[0011] In another aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause a process to occur. The process includes charging a client for use of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), where the charge to the client is at least partially based on a number of times the client has used the reusable instrument since last being charged for use of the reusable instrument.

[0012] In a further aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes reading recognition data from a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) to determine an identity of the reusable instrument, and determining a client associated with the reusable instrument based on the identity of the reusable instrument. The process also includes charging the client based on data associated with the client.

[0013] In one aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes determining an identity of the reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), and determining, based on the identity of the reusable instrument, a number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the reusable instrument last underwent a maintenance procedure.

[0014] In another aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes determining an identity of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), and determining based on the identity of the reusable instrument, a number of times the reusable instrument has been used since the supply material was last acquired by a client associated with the reusable instrument.

[0015] In a further aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes determining an account for a client based on an identity of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), and preventing the client from using the reusable instrument in a procedure based on data associated with the client.

[0016] In one aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes determining, each time a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) has been used in a procedure, that the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, and updating, each time the reusable instrument has been used in a procedure, the database to indicate that the reusable instrument has been used in another procedure.

[0017] In another aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes charging a client, where the charge to the client is at least partially based on a number of times the client has treated a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) since last being charged.

[0018] In a further aspect, the invention features a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The instrument includes an instrument body, and an indicator configured to provide the identity of the instrument. The indicator is integral with the instrument body, disposed on the exterior of the instrument body, or disposed in the interior of the instrument body.

[0019] In one aspect, the invention features a system that includes a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) and a data recognition device. The instrument includes an instrument body and an indicator. The indicator is integral with the instrument body, disposed on the exterior of the instrument body, or disposed in the interior of the instrument body. The data recognition device is configured to read data from the indicator to determine the identity of the reusable instrument.

[0020] In another aspect, the invention features a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) that includes an instrument body and an indicator. The indicator is integral with the instrument body, disposed on the exterior of the instrument body, or disposed in the interior of the instrument body. The indicator is configured to provide a serial number of the reusable instrument device, a product number of the reusable instrument, a treatment status of the reusable instrument, a procedure enablement status (e.g., a medical procedure enablement status) of the reusable instrument, or a supply status of the reusable instrument.

[0021] In a further aspect, the invention features a system that includes a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) and a data recognition device. The instrument includes an instrument body and an indicator. The indicator is integral with the instrument body, disposed on the exterior of the instrument body, or disposed in the interior of the instrument body. The data recognition device is configured to read data from the indicator, where the data is a serial number of the reusable instrument, a product number of the endoscopic device, a treatment status of the reusable instrument, or a procedure enablement status of the reusable instrument.

[0022] In one aspect, the invention features a system that includes an article and a data recognition device. The article is a component of a treatment system (e.g., a sterilization system, a disinfection system) for the reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), a holder for a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) that is configured to be removably housed in a treatment chamber (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) for the reusable instrument, or a docking station for a holder for a reusable instrument that is configured to be removably housed within a treatment chamber for the reusable instrument. The data recognition is integral with the article, disposed on an exterior of the article, or disposed in an interior of the article. The data recognition device is configured to read data from the reusable instrument to recognize a serial number of the reusable instrument, a product number of the reusable instrument, a treatment status of the endoscope, or a procedure enablement status of the reusable instrument.

[0023] In another aspect, the invention features a system that includes an article and a disabling device coupled to the article. The article is a component for a treatment system (e.g., a sterilization system, a disinfection system) for the reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), a holder for a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) that is configured to be removably housed in a treatment chamber for the reusable instrument, or a docking station for a holder for a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) that is configured to be removably housed within a treatment chamber for the reusable instrument. The disabling device is configured to change a procedure enablement status of a reusable instrument to prevent the reusable instrument from being used in a procedure.

[0024] In a further aspect, the invention features a system that includes an article and a treatment status device coupled to the article. The article is a component for a treatment system (e.g., a sterilization system, a disinfection system) for the reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), a holder for a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) that is configured to be removably housed in a treatment chamber for the reusable instrument, or a docking station for a holder for a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) that is configured to be removably housed within a treatment chamber for the reusable instrument. The treatment status device is configured to change a treatment status of a reusable instrument to indicate that the reusable instrument has been treated since it was last used in a procedure.

[0025] In one aspect, the invention features a method that includes reading data from a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) to determine the identity of the reusable instrument.

[0026] In another aspect, the invention features a method that includes reading recognition data from a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), where the recognition data is a serial number of the reusable instrument, a product number of the reusable instrument, a treatment status of the reusable instrument, a supply status of the reusable instrument, or a procedure enablement status of the reusable instrument (e.g., a medical procedure enablement status of the reusable instrument).

[0027] In a further aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes reading data from a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) to determine the identity of the reusable instrument.

[0028] In one aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes reading recognition data from a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope), where the recognition data is a serial number of the reusable instrument, a product number of the reusable instrument, a treatment status of the reusable instrument, a supply status of the reusable instrument, or a procedure enablement status of the reusable instrument.

[0029] In another aspect, the invention features an endoscopic device that includes an endoscope body and a communication device. The communication device is integral with the endoscope body, disposed on the exterior of the endoscope body, or disposed in the interior of the endoscope body. The communication device is a wireless transmitter and/or a wireless receiver.

[0030] In a further aspect, the invention features a system that includes an endoscope body and a first communication device that is integral with the endoscope body, disposed on the exterior of the endoscope body, or disposed in the interior of the endoscope body. The system also includes a second communication device. The first communication device is a wireless transmitter and/or a wireless receiver, and the first and second communication devices are configured to wirelessly transmit data therebetween.

[0031] In one aspect, the invention features a method of communicating that includes wirelessly communicating data between an endoscope and an article.

[0032] In another aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes wirelessly communicating data between an endoscope and an article.

[0033] In a further aspect, the invention features a system that includes a treatment chamber (e.g., a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber) for treating a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) and a cleaning device coupled to the treatment chamber so that, when the reusable instrument is disposed in the treatment chamber, the cleaning device is capable of interacting with an interior channel of the reusable instrument to at least partially clean the interior channel.

[0034] In one aspect, the invention features a system that includes a treatment chamber (e.g. a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber) for treating a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) and a cleaning device coupled to the treatment chamber so that, when the reusable instrument is disposed in the treatment chamber, the cleaning device interacts with an exterior surface of the reusable instrument to at least partially clean the exterior surface of the reusable instrument.

[0035] In another aspect, the invention features a system that includes a treatment chamber (e.g., a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber) for treating a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) and a fluid source coupled to the treatment chamber so that, when the reusable instrument is disposed in the treatment chamber, the fluid source is adjacent an opening in an interior channel of the reusable instrument so that the fluid source can dispose a fluid into an interior channel of the reusable instrument.

[0036] In a further aspect, the invention features a system that includes a sterilization chamber and a first cleaning device coupled to the sterilization chamber so that, when an endoscope is disposed in the sterilization chamber, the first cleaning device is capable of interacting with an interior channel of the endoscope to at least partially clean the interior channel. The first cleaning device is, for example, a brush, a fluid emission device, a radiation emission device, a pipe cleaner, a thread, or a rope. The system also includes a controller configured to control a position of the first cleaning device within the sterilization chamber so that the first cleaning device can be moved from a first position in the sterilization chamber to a second position in the sterilization chamber that is different from the first position, where the first cleaning device is at least partially disposed within the interior channel of the endoscope when in the second position. The system further includes a second cleaning device coupled to the sterilization chamber so that, when the endoscope is disposed in the sterilization chamber, the second cleaning device interacts with an exterior surface of the endoscope to at least partially clean the exterior surface of the endoscope. The cleaning device is, for example, a brush, a fluid emission device, a radiation emission device, a pipe cleaner, a thread, or a rope. The system also includes a controller configured to control a position of the second cleaning device within the sterilization chamber so that the second cleaning device can be moved from a first position in the sterilization chamber to a second position in the sterilization chamber that is different from the first position, where the second cleaning device is adjacent the exterior surface of the endoscope when in the second position. The system further includes a fluid source coupled to the sterilization chamber so that, when the endoscope is disposed in the sterilization chamber, the fluid source can dispose a fluid into the interior channel of the endoscope. The fluid source is, for example, a fluid emission device. The system also includes a controller configured to control a position of the fluid source within the sterilization chamber so that the fluid source can be moved from a first position in the sterilization chamber to a second position in the sterilization chamber that is different from the first position, where the fluid source is adjacent an opening in the interior channel of the endoscope when in the second position.

[0037] In one aspect, the invention features a method of cleaning an interior channel of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes disposing the reusable instrument in a treatment chamber, and at least partially disposing a cleaning device within the interior channel of the reusable instrument to clean the interior channel of the reusable instrument.

[0038] In another aspect, the invention features a method of cleaning an exterior surface of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument). The method includes disposing the reusable instrument in a treatment chamber (e.g., a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber), and disposing a cleaning device adjacent an exterior surface of the reusable instrument to remove contaminants from the exterior surface of the reusable instrument.

[0039] In a further aspect, the invention features a method of cleaning an interior channel of a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The method includes disposing the reusable instrument in a treatment chamber (e.g., a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber), and disposing a fluid in an interior channel of the reusable instrument to clean the interior channel.

[0040] In one aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes disposing a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) in a treatment chamber (e.g., a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber), and at least partially disposing a cleaning device within the interior channel of the reusable instrument to clean the interior channel of the reusable instrument.

[0041] In another aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes disposing a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) in a treatment chamber (e.g., a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber), and disposing a cleaning device adjacent an exterior surface of the reusable instrument to remove contaminants from the exterior surface of the reusable instrument.

[0042] In a further aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes disposing a reusable instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) in a treatment chamber (e.g., a sterilization chamber, a disinfection chamber), and disposing a fluid into an interior channel of the reusable instrument to clean the interior channel.

[0043] In one aspect, the invention features an endoscopic device that includes an endoscope body and a light source. The endoscope body includes an elongated portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end, where the longitudinal channel is sealed at the distal end. The endoscope body also includes a manipulation portion having an interior, where the manipulation portion is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated portion. The light source is disposed in the interior of the manipulation portion. The light source is in optical communication with the distal end of the elongated portion through the longitudinal channel.

[0044] In another aspect, the invention features an endoscopic device that includes an endoscope body and a pressure regulator. The endoscope body has an interior, an exterior, and an opening capable of allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior. The pressure regulator is coupled to the opening in the endoscope body so that the pressure regulator is capable of regulating fluid communication between the interior of the endoscope and the exterior of the endoscope.

[0045] In a further aspect, the invention features a system that includes an endoscope body and a pressure regulator. The endoscope body has an interior, an exterior, and an opening capable of allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior. The pressure regulator is coupled to the opening in the endoscope. The system also includes a gas source coupled to the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator and the gas source are configured so that the pressure gas source is capable of regulating fluid communication between the gas source and the interior of the endoscope body. The gas source is capable of removing gas from the interior of the endoscope body or adding gas to the interior of the endoscope body.

[0046] In one aspect, the invention features a method of operating an endoscope. The endoscope has a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal channel extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The method includes generating light in the proximal end of the endoscope, and transmitting the light generated in the proximal end of the endoscope to the distal end of the endoscope through the longitudinal channel.

[0047] In another aspect, the invention features a method of sterilizing an endoscope. The endoscope has an interior, an exterior, and a distal end. The method includes sterilizing a portion of the interior of the endoscope while maintaining a pressure differential between the interior of the endoscope and the exterior of the endoscope of at most about five psi. The portion of the interior of the endoscope is sealed at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0048] In a further aspect, the invention features a method that includes determining a pressure differential between the interior of the endoscope and the exterior of the endoscope while the endoscope is disposed in a treatment chamber, and regulating a pressure in the interior of the endoscope based on the pressure differential while the endoscope is disposed in the treatment chamber.

[0049] In one aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes transmitting light from a proximal end of an endoscope to a distal end of the endoscope through a longitudinal channel.

[0050] In another aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes sterilizing at least a portion of an interior of an endoscope while maintaining a pressure differential between the interior of the endoscope and an exterior of the endoscope of at most about five psi.

[0051] In a further aspect, the invention features a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to cause the occurrence of a process. The process includes determining a pressure differential between the interior of an endoscope and the exterior of the endoscope while the endoscope is disposed in a treatment chamber, and regulating a pressure in the interior of the endoscope based on the pressure differential while the endoscope is disposed in the treatment chamber.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the methods allow data (e.g., data corresponding to the current status, historical status, and/or historical use for one or more reusable instruments, such as an endoscope) to be efficiently and accurately maintained, updated and accessed. Such data can include, for example, the sterilization status of the reusable instrument (e.g., the reusable medical instrument), the payment status of a client account associated with the reusable medical instrument (e.g., fully paid, delinquent, etc.), the maintenance status of the reusable instrument (e.g., whether the instrument has been used more than a predetermined number of times since it last underwent a maintenance procedure), and the supply status of the reusable instrument (e.g., whether the instrument has been used more than a predetermined number of times since the user was last provided appropriate supplies for the instrument).

[0053] Efficient, accurate and practical methods of charging a client for use of a medical instrument (e.g., a reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) are provided. The methods can allow, for example, for the client to be charged on a pay-per-use basis, or a pay-per-batch basis (per predetermined number of uses). The client can pay before or after use of the reusable instrument. In some embodiments, the charge to the client can be based on a number of factors, such as, for example, the identity of the client (e.g., whether the client is a private individual, a member of a professional organization, a private insurance agency, a private health maintenance organization, or a government agency), the number of times the client has used the medical instrument, the total number of times the client has used the reusable instrument, the number of times the client has used the treatment chamber (e.g., sterilization chamber, disinfection chamber), the total number of times the client has used any reusable instrument (e.g., as tracked by the system), the total number of times the client has used any treatment chamber (e.g., as tracked by the system), the time of day that the client used the instrument, and the frequency (e.g., on a per year basis, on a per month basis, on a per week basis) that the client has used the instrument.

[0054] Endoscopes are provided that have an indicator that provides the identity of the endoscope (as unique from all endoscopes). The identity can be based, for example, on the serial number of the endoscope or the product number of the endoscope.

[0055] Sensing devices are provided that can read information (e.g., identity, sterilization status, procedure enablement status) for a reusable instrument (e.g., reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope). The sensing devices can be included in a system (e.g., a treatment chamber, such as a sterilization chamber), or the devices can be, for example, hand held. This can reduce the complexity associated with maintaining and tracking reusable instruments (e.g., reusable medical instruments, such as endoscopes), as well as reduce the complexity associated with billing for their use.

[0056] Endoscopes are provided that are untethered (can be used without external light sources, power sources, communication cables, etc.). This can reduce the cost and/or complexity associated with using, assembling and/or maintaining an endoscope.

[0057] Endoscopes are provided that can wirelessly transmit information (e.g., video data, endoscope position data) for display, for example, on an external monitor. This can reduce the complexity associated with using an endoscope in a medical procedure.

[0058] Reusable instrument treatment chambers (e.g., sterilization chambers, disinfection chambers) are provided that can be used to clean a reusable instrument (e.g., reusable medical instrument, such as an endoscope) to remove detritus with reduced cost and/or complexity.

[0059] Reusable instruments (e.g., reusable medical instruments) are provided that can be coupled to a pressure regulator to reduce pressure differentials during treatment (e.g., sterilization) of the instruments. This can result in a longer useful lifetime for the instruments. This can also reduce the presence of moisture (e.g., steam, water droplets) in undesirable portions of the interior of the reusable medical instrument (e.g., on optics in the elongated portion of an endoscope).

[0060] Features, objects and advantages of the invention are in the description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of using, cleaning, sterilizing and tracking an endoscope;

[0062] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an endoscope;

[0063] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the manipulation portion of the endoscope of FIG. 2 ;

[0064] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the elongated portion of the endoscope of FIG. 2 ;

[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for reading an identity indicator;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the elongated portion of the endoscope of FIG. 2 ;

[0067] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for wirelessly transmitting data from the endoscope of FIG. 2 ;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sterilization chamber;

[0069] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for reading an identity indicator;

[0070] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization chamber of FIG. 8 ;

[0071] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization chamber of FIG. 8 ;

[0072] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization chamber of FIG. 8 ;

[0073] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization chamber of FIG. 8 containing the endoscope of FIG. 2 ;

[0074] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for reading an identity indicator;

[0075] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an endoscope holder;

[0076] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a docking station for the endoscope holder of FIG. 15 ; and

[0077] FIG. 17 is a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of charging a client for use of an endoscope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method 100 of using an endoscope in a medical procedure, and subsequently cleaning and sterilizing the endoscope. First, the sterilization status (whether the endoscope has been sterilized since last used in a medical procedure) and the medical procedure enablement status (the status of one or more medical procedure enablement status factors, such as, for example, payment status, maintenance status, supply status) are determined ( 110 ). If the sterilization status and medical procedure enablement status are appropriate, the endoscope is used in a medical procedure ( 120 ), and the sterilization status and medical procedure enablement status of the endoscope are then updated ( 130 ). The endoscope is subsequently matched with an appropriate sterilization chamber ( 140 ), cleaned to at least partially remove detritus from the endoscope ( 150 ), and sterilized ( 160 ). Finally, the sterilization status and medical procedure enablement status of the endoscope are again updated ( 170 ).

[0079] Method 100 also allows certain information associated with the endoscope to be tracked during the process. As an example, the sterilization status of the endoscope can be tracked. This information can be used, for example, to reduce the risk of using the endoscope in multiple medical procedures without sterilizing the endoscope between uses. As another example, the medical procedure enablement status of the endoscope can be tracked. This information can be used, for example, to determine whether a client associated with the endoscope has been making appropriate payments for use of the endoscope (e.g., to disable the endoscope if the client account is delinquent), to reduce the risk of using the endoscope if it has not been properly maintained (e.g., to disable the endoscope if the endoscope has been used more than a predetermined number of times since it last underwent a maintenance procedure), and/or to reduce the risk that an operator will run out of supplies for the endoscope (e.g., to disable the endoscope if the endoscope has been used more than a predetermined number of times since the client was last provided supplies for the endoscope).

[0080] Endoscope Design

[0081] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endoscope 1000 having a manipulation portion 1100 coupled to an elongated portion 1200 . Manipulation portion 1100 is generally configured to remain outside a subject during use of endoscope 1000 , and elongated portion 1200 is generally configured to be at least partially disposed within a subject during use of endoscope 1000 . As explained below, endoscope 1000 is untethered (can be operated as an individual unit without being physically connected to external devices, such as light sources, power sources, communication cables or the like). Typically, endoscope 1000 is formed of one or more materials that can withstand sterilization conditions. Exemplary materials include Sil-Kore (W. L. Gore & Associates, Incorporated), Radel R-5000 (A. L. Hyde Company), stainless steel, autoclavable polytetrafluoroethylenes and autoclavable polypropylenes.

[0082] In general, endoscope 1000 is configured to be disposed within a body cavity (e.g., colon, stomach, esophagus, bronchi, larynx, urethra, kidneys, bladder, ear, nose) of a subject (e.g., a human, an animal) during use in a medical procedure. Examples of endoscopes include colonoscopes, gastroscopes, cystoscopes, laparoscopes, arthroscopes, and transesophageal ultrasonic instruments.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , manipulation portion 1100 includes an opening 1105 , a seal 1110 in opening 1105 , a control device 1120 (e.g., a switch, a hand wheel, a joystick), a control device 1130 (e.g., a switch, a valve, a hand wheel, a joystick), and a wireless transmitter 1125 (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 standard compatible wireless transmitter, a SIG Bluetooth standard compatible wireless transmitter), an image processor 1155 coupled to transmitter 1125 , an identity indicator 1140 , a sterilization status indicator 1150 , a medical procedure enablement status indicator 1160 , a sterilization chamber match indicator 1165 , a light source 1170 (e.g., an incandescent light source, a florescent light source, a solid-state light source, an arc light source, a gas discharge light source) and corresponding power source 1175 (e.g., a battery, such as a rechargeable battery) housed inside wall 1180 of manipulation region 1100 .

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2 , elongated portion 1200 includes a proximal end 1210 coupled to manipulation portion 1100 , a flexible portion 1215 , and a distal end 1220 . Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , elongated portion 1200 has a wall 1230 that houses steering cables 1240 , 1250 , 1260 and 1270 that extend to distal end 1220 , and are sealed at distal end 1220 . Cables 1240 , 1250 , 1260 and 1270 are coupled (e.g., mechanically coupled, electrically coupled) to control devices 1120 and/or 1130 so that elongated portion 1200 can be positioned using the control device(s). Wall 1230 also houses an optical guide 1280 (e.g., a fiber optic conductor, a light transmissive cylinder, or a liquid-filled tube) that extends to distal end 1220 , and is sealed at distal end 1220 . Optical guide 1280 is optically coupled to light source 1270 (e.g., by contacting a flat surface of light source 1170 with a flat surface of optical guide 1280 ) so that light emitted by light source 1170 can travel along optical guide 1280 to distal end 1220 . Wall 1230 further houses a working channel 1275 that extends to distal end 1220 , and is open at distal end 1220 . Working channel 1275 can be used, for example, to couple a medical tool at distal end 1220 with a control device on manipulation portion 1100 , thereby allowing manipulation of the medical instrument using the control device. Wall 1230 also houses an optical image cable 1290 (e.g., a fiber optic conductor, wires conducting a video signal) adjacent distal end 1220 , and is sealed at distal end 1220 .

[0085] Use of Endoscope in a Medical Procedure

[0086] Generally, before using endoscope 1000 in a medical procedure, the sterilization status of endoscope 1000 (whether endoscope 1000 has been sterilized since last used in a medical procedure) and the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 (the status of one or more medical procedure enablement status factors, such as, for example, payment status, maintenance status, supply status) are determined. The sterilization status of endoscope 1000 can generally be determined by inspecting sterilization indicator 1150 , and/or by using identity indicator 1140 (see discussion below). Similarly, the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 can generally be determined by inspecting medical procedure enablement status indicator 1160 , and/or by using identity indicator 1140 (see discussion below). After verifying that both the sterilization status and the enablement status of endoscope 1000 are appropriate (e.g., encloscope 1000 has been sterilized since last used in a medical procedure, the account for the client associated with endoscope 1000 is not delinquent, endoscope 1000 has not been used more than a predetermined number of times since last undergoing a maintenance procedure, endoscope 1000 has not been used more than a predetermined number of times since the client was last provided supplies for endoscope 1000 ), endoscope 1000 can be used in a medical procedure.

[0087] Sterilization Status Indicator

[0088] In general, sterilization status indicator 1150 can be disposed in the interior of endoscope 1000 (e.g., in the interior of manipulation portion 1100 , in the interior of elongated portion 1200 ), disposed on an exterior surface of endoscope 1000 (on an exterior surface of manipulation portion 1100 , on the exterior surface of manipulation portion 1100 ), or integrally formed with endoscope 1000 (integrally formed with manipulation portion 1100 , integrally formed with elongated portion 1200 ).

[0089] In some embodiments, sterilization status indicator 1150 can be visually inspected to determine the sterilization status of endoscope 1000 . As an example, indicator 1150 can be formed of a material that changes color when exposed to sterilization conditions (e.g., from red to green), and again changes color (e.g., from green to red) when more than a predetermined period of time lapses after sterilization (e.g., more than about one day, more than about one week) or when endoscope 1000 is exposed to conditions similar to those experienced during a medical procedure (e.g., when endoscope 1000 is held at a temperature of about 37° C., when endoscope 1000 is exposed to body fluids). As another example, indicator 1150 can be formed of a material that forms an image whose visibility changes (e.g., from nonvisible to visible, or from visible to nonvisible) when exposed to a sterilization cycle (e.g., so that a word, such as STERILIZED, appears on endoscope 1000 when exposed to sterilization, or so that a word, such as NONSTERILIZED, becomes nonvisible on endoscope 1000 when exposed to sterilization), and whose image reverts back to its prior state (visible to nonvisible, or nonvisible to visible) when more than a predetermined period of time lapses after sterilization (e.g., more than about one day, more than about one week) or when endoscope 1000 is exposed to conditions similar those experienced during a medical procedure (e.g., when endoscope 1000 is held at a temperature of about 37° C., when endoscope 1000 is exposed to body fluids). As a further example, indicator 1150 can be a marker (e.g., a colored marker) used in conjunction with a sleeve that moves to a certain position with respect to indicator 1150 when exposed to sterilization (e.g., sleeve moves to cover indicator 1150 , or sleeve moves to expose indicator 1150 ), and that moves to a different position (e.g., sleeve moves to expose indicator 1150 , or sleeve moves to cover indicator 1150 ) when more than a predetermined period of time lapses after sterilization (e.g., more than about one day, more than about one week) or when endoscope 1000 is exposed to conditions similar to those experienced during a medical procedure (e.g., when endoscope 1000 is held at a temperature of about 37° C., when endoscope 1000 is exposed to body fluids).

[0090] In certain embodiments, sterilization status indicator 1150 contains information indicating the sterilization status of endoscope 1000 (e.g., sterilized since last used in a medical procedure, or not sterilized since last used in a medical procedure) that is designed to be read by a sensor (e.g., a hand held sensor) to determine the sterilization status of endoscope 1000 without knowing the identity of endoscope 1000 . Such indicator/sensor systems include, for example, magnetic systems, inductance systems, electrical systems, optical systems, and/or mechanical systems. As an example, indicator 1150 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a mating key and socket mechanism. As another example, indicator 1150 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a passive electrical system (e.g., indicator 1150 is a passive electrical device, and the sensor is a sensor for such passive electrical devices). As a further example, indicator 1150 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a magnetic system (e.g., indicator 1150 is a magnetic binary code and the sensor has Hall effect sensors). As another example, indicator 1150 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a bar code system (e.g., indicator 1150 can be a bar code, and the sensor can be a bar code reader). As a further example, indicator 1150 and the sensor can be complimentary components to a dot code system (e.g., indicator 1150 can be a dot code, and the sensor can be a dot code reader). As a further example, indicator 1150 and the sensor can be complimentary components of an induction system (e.g., a passive induction system, such as a TIRIS system from Texas Instruments).

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that the sterilization status of endoscope 1000 can be determined by turning on power source 1175 and determining whether light is emitted by light source 1170 (e.g., by visually inspecting the distal end of optical guide 1280 ). As an example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, during sterilization, a thermal switch (e.g., a bimetallic switch) positions a flag outside the optical path between light source 1170 and optical guide 1280 , and so that, when more than a predetermined period of time lapses after sterilization (e.g., more than about one day, more than about one week) or when endoscope 1000 is exposed to conditions similar to those experienced during a medical procedure (e.g., when endoscope 1000 is held at a temperature of about 37° C., when endoscope 1000 is exposed to body fluids), the flag is positioned between light source 1170 and optical guide 2180 so that the flag blocks optical communication between light source 1170 and guide 1280 . As another example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, during a sterilization cycle, a thermal switch (e.g., bimetallic spring) causes the focus to shift when the sterilization chamber begins to heat up, and resets the focus after the sterilization cycle. As an additional example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, during sterilization, an electrical connection between power source 1175 and light source 1170 is connected, and so that, when more than a predetermined period of time lapses after sterilization (e.g., more than about one day, more than about one week) or when endoscope 1000 is exposed to conditions similar to those experienced during a medical procedure (e.g., when endoscope 1000 is held at a temperature of about 37° C., when endoscope 1000 is exposed to body fluids), the electrical connection between power source 1175 and light source 1170 is disconnected. As a further example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, during sterilization of endoscope 1000 , power source 1175 is recharged (by removing power source 1175 from endoscope 1000 and charging power supply 1175 in a separate compartment while endoscope 1000 is being sterilized, or by charging power source 1175 during sterilization without removal from endoscope 1000 ), and so that when more than a predetermined period of time lapses after sterilization (e.g., more than about one day, more than about one week) or when endoscope 1000 is exposed to conditions similar to those experienced during a medical procedure (e.g., when endoscope 1000 is held at a temperature of about 37° C., when endoscope 1000 is exposed to body fluids), power source 1175 is discharged.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that the sterilization status of endoscope 1000 can be determined by turning on power source 1175 and determining whether light transmitted from distal end 1220 along optical image cable 1290 to manipulation portion 1100 (e.g., by determining whether processor 1155 receives a signal from cable 1290 ). As an example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, during sterilization, a thermal switch (e.g., a bimetallic switch) positions a flag outside the optical path between the distal end of cable 1290 and processor 1155 , and so that, when more than a predetermined period of time lapses after sterilization (e.g., more than about one day, more than about one week) or when endoscope 1000 is exposed to conditions similar to those experienced during a medical procedure (e.g., when endoscope 1000 is held at a temperature of about 37° C., when endoscope 1000 is exposed to body fluids), the flag is positioned between the distal end of cable 1290 and processor 1155 so that the flag blocks optical communication between the distal end of cable 190 and processor 1155 .

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that the sterilization status of endoscope 1000 can be determined by determining whether an articulation mechanism of endoscope 1000 works. For example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, during a sterilization cycle, a thermal switch (e.g., bimetallic spring) applies a brake to an articulation mechanism when the autoclave heats up, and the sterilization system releases the brake upon completion of the sterilization cycle.

[0094] Medical Procedure Enablement Status Indicator

[0095] In general, medical procedure enablement status indicator 1160 can be disposed in the interior of endoscope 1000 (e.g., in the interior of manipulation portion 1100 , in the interior of elongated portion 1200 ), disposed on an exterior surface of endoscope 1000 (on an exterior surface of manipulation portion 1100 , on the exterior surface of manipulation portion 1100 ), or integrally formed with endoscope 1000 (integrally formed with manipulation portion 1100 , integrally formed with elongated portion 1200 ).

[0096] In some embodiments, medical procedure enablement status indicator 1160 can be visually inspected to determined the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 . As an example, indicator 1160 can be formed of a material that has one color if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), and a different color if the factor has a different status (account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired). As another example, indicator 1160 can be formed of a material that forms an image that has one visibility status (e.g., nonvisible, visible) if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), and a different visibility status (e.g., visible or nonvisible) if the factor has a different status (account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired). As a further example, indicator 1160 can be a marker (e.g., a colored marker) used in conjunction with a sleeve that moves to a certain position with respect to indicator 1160 (e.g., sleeve moves to cover indicator 1160 , or sleeve moves to expose indicator 1160 ) if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), and that moves to a different position (e.g., sleeve moves to expose indicator 1160 , or sleeve moves to cover indicator 1160 ) if the factor has a different status (account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired).

[0097] In certain embodiments, medical procedure enablement status indicator 1160 contains information regarding the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 (e.g., account payment status, endoscope 1000 maintenance status, endoscope 1000 supply status) that is designed to be read by a sensor (e.g., a hand held sensor) to determine the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 without knowing the identity of endoscope 1000 . Such indicator/sensor systems include, for example, magnetic systems, inductance systems, electrical systems, optical systems, and/or mechanical systems. As an example, indicator 1160 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a mating key and socket mechanism. As another example, indicator 1160 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a passive electrical system (e.g., indicator 1160 is a passive electrical device, and the sensor is a sensor for such passive electrical devices). As a further example, indicator 1160 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a magnetic system (e.g., indicator 1160 is a magnetic binary code and the sensor has Hall effect sensors). As another example, indicator 1160 and the sensor can be complimentary components of a bar code system (e.g., indicator 1160 can be a bar code, and the sensor can be a bar code reader). As a further example, indicator 1160 and the sensor can be complimentary components to a dot code system (e.g., indicator 1160 can be a dot code, and the sensor can be a dot code reader). As a further example, indicator 1160 and the sensor can be complimentary components of an induction system (e.g., a passive induction system, such as a TIRIS system from Texas Instruments).

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 can be determined by turning on power source 1175 and determining whether light is emitted by light source 1170 (e.g., by visually inspecting the distal end of optical guide 1280 ). As an example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), a flag is positioned outside the optical path between light source 1170 and optical guide 1280 , and so that, if the factor has a different status (account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), the flag is positioned between light source 1170 and optical guide 1280 so that the flag blocks optical communication between light source 1170 and guide 1280 . As another example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), the optics in endoscope 1000 are properly focused, and so that, if the factor has a different status (account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), the optics are not properly focused. As an additional example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), an electrical connection between power source 1175 and light source 1170 is connected, and so that, if the factor has a different status (account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), the connection is disconnected. As a further example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), power source 1175 is charged, and so that, if the factor has a different status (account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), power source 1175 is discharged.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 can be determined by turning on power source 1175 and determining whether light transmitted from distal end 1220 along optical image cable 1290 to manipulation portion 1100 (e.g., by determining whether processor 1155 receives a signal from cable 1290 ). As an example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), a flag is positioned outside the optical path between the distal end of cable 1290 and processor 1155 , and so that if the medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a different status (e.g., account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), the flag is positioned between the distal end of cable 1290 and processor 1155 so that the flag blocks optical communication between the distal end of cable 190 and processor 1155 .

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that the medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 can be determined by determining whether an articulation mechanism of endoscope 1000 works. For example, endoscope 1000 can be designed so that, if a given medical procedure enablement status factor associated with endoscope 1000 has a particular status (e.g., fully paid, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, less than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), an articulation element functions properly, and so that, if the factor has a different status (e.g., account delinquent, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since its last maintenance procedure, more than a predetermined number of uses of endoscope 1000 since supply materials were acquired), the articulation element is prevented from functioning properly (e.g., by applying a brake to the articulation mechanism).

[0101] Identity Indicator

[0102] In some embodiments, the sterilization status and/or medical procedure enablement status of endoscope 1000 is determined by reading identity indicator 1140 (e.g., without reading sterilization status indicator 1150 and/or medical procedure enablement status indicator 1160 ). Referring to FIG. 6 , an identity sensor 1142 reads data from identity indicator 1140 (data corresponding to the identity of endoscope 1000 ), and passes the data to data processor 1144 (e.g., a computer). Based on the data from indicator 1140 , data processor 1144 accesses appropriate data (e.g., sterilization status data, medical procedure enablement status data) for endoscope 1000 contained in a database stored on a data storage device 1146 (e.g., a hard disk drive, a random access memory, a read-only memory).

[0103] In certain embodiments, data processor 1144 may be in communication with one or more status adjustment devices (e.g., a sterilization status adjustment device, a medical procedure enablement status adjustment device) so that processor 1144 can instruct the device to change the status of one or more indicators for endoscope 1000 (e.g., to change the status of sterilization status indicator 1150 , to change the status of medical procedure enablement device status indicator 1160 ) based on the information that processor 1144 receives from device 1146 . Processor 1144 can also send appropriate data to device 1146 to update data contained in the database contained on device 1146 for endoscope 1000 (e.g., to update data in the database for endoscope 1000 to indicate that the sterilization status for endoscope 1000 has changed, to update data in the database for endoscope 1000 to indicate that the medical procedure enablement status for endoscope 1000 has changed). For example, referring to FIG. 6 , processor 1144 is in communication with a status adjustment device 1500 (e.g., a sterilization indicator status adjustment device, a medical procedure enablement status adjustment device) that is configured to change the status of an indicator 1502 (e.g., a sterilization status indicator, a medical procedure enablement status indicator) for endoscope 1000 , and processor 1144 is also in communication with device 1146 to appropriately update data in the database for endoscope 1000 .

[0104] In some embodiments, status adjustment device 1500 forms a complimentary component of indicator 1502 (e.g., a magnetic device, an inductance device, an electrical device, an optical device, a mechanical device). As an example, device 1500 and indicator 1502 can be complimentary components of a mating key and socket mechanism so that device 1500 can change the position of indicator 1502 , thereby changing the status of endoscope 1000 as indicated by indicator 1502 . As another example, device 1500 and indicator 1502 can be complimentary components of a passive electrical system so that device 1500 can change a passive electrical property of indicator 1502 , thereby changing the status of endoscope 1000 as indicated by indicator 1502 . As a further example, device 1500 and indicator 1502 can be complimentary components of a magnetic system so that device 1500 can change a magnetic property of indicator 1502 , thereby changing the status of endoscope 1000 as indicated by indicator 1502 . As another example, device 1500 and indicator 1502 can be complimentary components of a bar code system so that device 1500 can change the bar code of indicator 1502 , thereby changing the status of endoscope 1000 as indicated by indicator 1502 . As a further example, device 1500 and indicator 1502 can be complimentary components of a dot code system so that device 1500 can change the dot code of indicator 1502 , thereby changing the status of endoscope 1000 as indicated by indicator 1502 . As another example, device 1500 and indicator 1502 can be complimentary components of an induction system so that device 1500 can change the passive induction properties of indicator 1502 , thereby changing the status of endoscope 1000 as indicated by indicator 1502 . As an additional example, device 1500 can be capable of heating endoscope 1500 to affect a color change in indicator 1502 , thereby changing the status of endoscope 1000 as indicated by indicator 1500 . As a further example, indicator 1502 can be capable of heatin