Bronchoscope cleaning device and method

Abstract

A device and method for cleaning and sterilizing a bronchoscope. A caddy is provided for containing the bronchoscope prior to, during, and subsequent to cleaning and disinfection of the bronchoscope. The caddy may be used to transport the sterilized bronchoscope from the cleaning area to an operating suite, while maintaining the bronchoscope in a cleaned and disinfected state.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope, comprising:
 A. a caddy constructed and arranged to receive a bronchoscope that is oriented generally vertically, the caddy constructed and arranged to receive the bronchoscope entirely within an interior or the caddy, the caddy comprising an enlarged top opening and a substantially smaller lower opening, the caddy decreasing in dimension from the large top opening to the substantially smaller lower opening;   B. a cabinet, wherein the cabinet is constructed and arranged to receive and hold the caddy in an interior of the cabinet with the bronchoscope in a generally vertical orientation; and   C. a conduit having a lumen therein through which a cleaning material is transported into the interior of the cabinet, wherein the conduit is constructed and arranged to connect to and communicate with a lumen of the bronchoscope;   D. wherein the cabinet comprises a drain in a lower portion of the cabinet that communicates with the substantially smaller lower opening.   
     
     
         2 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , the cabinet further comprising a valve, wherein the valve communicates with a plurality of fluids and with the conduit. 
     
     
         3 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , the cabinet further comprising a rotary valve, wherein the valve communicates with a plurality of fluids and with the conduit. 
     
     
         4 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , the conduit comprising a plurality of outlets, with each outlet of the plurality of outlets constructed and arranged to connect to and communicate with one of a plurality of lumens of the bronchoscope. 
     
     
         5 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , the cabinet further comprising a valve, wherein the valve communicates with a plurality of fluids and with the conduit, the conduit comprising a plurality of outlets, with each outlet of the plurality of outlets constructed and arranged to connect to and communicate with one of a plurality of lumens of the bronchoscope. 
     
     
         6 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , wherein the caddy comprises a generally cylindrical upper region, and a frusto-conical mid-region. 
     
     
         7 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , wherein the caddy comprises a generally cylindrical upper region constructed and arranged to receive and hold an upper portion of the bronchoscope, a frusto-conical mid-region constructed and arranged to receive and hold a lower portion of the bronchoscope. 
     
     
         8 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , wherein the caddy comprises a generally cylindrical upper region constructed and arranged to receive and hold an upper portion of the bronchoscope, a frusto-conical mid-region constructed and arranged to receive and hold a lower portion of the bronchoscope, and a cylindrical lower region having a substantially smaller diameter than the upper portion, the cylindrical lower region comprising a lumen therein that communicates with the lower opening of the caddy. 
     
     
         9 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , wherein the caddy comprises a removable top cover, the removable top cover constructed and arranged to cover the top opening of the caddy and maintain the bronchoscope in a clinically sterile condition after sterilization of the bronchoscope. 
     
     
         10 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , wherein the caddy comprises a removable top cover, the removable top cover constructed and arranged to cover the top opening of the caddy, and wherein the caddy comprises a removable lower cover, the removable lower cover constructed and arranged to cover the lower opening of the caddy, wherein the removable top cover and removable lower cover are constructed and arranged to maintain the bronchoscope in a clinically sterile condition after sterilization of the bronchoscope. 
     
     
         11 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a seal that is positioned in the cabinet, wherein the seal is constructed and arranged to seal the lower opening of the caddy. 
     
     
         12 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a seal that is positioned in the cabinet and the seal is constructed and arranged to alternately seal the lower opening of the caddy and unseal the lower opening of the caddy. 
     
     
         13 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a seal that is positioned in the cabinet and the seal is constructed and arranged to alternately seal the lower opening of the caddy and unseal the lower opening of the caddy and the seal is actuated by a switch that is external to the interior of the cabinet. 
     
     
         14 . A cleaning device for a bronchoscope as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a seal that is positioned in the cabinet, wherein the seal is constructed and arranged to seal the lower opening of the caddy, and wherein the seal is an inflatable bladder.