Keeping Your Bending Rubber Endoscope in Top Condition
Bending rubber endoscopes are an essential surgical tool that allows doctors to examine the interior of a patient’s body. However, bending rubber is also susceptible to damage from small leaks, sharp objects and improper sterilization.
In order to prevent these damages, it is important to take care of a bending rubber endoscope. The following tips will help you keep your flexible endoscope in good working condition:
Bending
A bending rubber endoscope, also called a flexible endoscope, is used for various medical procedures, including diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as stomach pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, ulcers, difficulties swallowing, bleeding of the digestive tract, polyps and intestinal inflammation. These are usually inserted into a body cavity through a narrow passage and then connected to non-illustrated external apparatuses such as a video processor and a light source via a connector.
In order to minimize the risk of damage, it is recommended that a bending rubber endoscope be stored separate from accessories such as forceps and spray nozzles. In addition, bite blocks should be used when possible to prevent contact between the bending section and sharp surfaces or instruments.
Furthermore, if the bending rubber is not properly maintained or if it is not treated in time to protect against aging and fraying, it can easily become damaged. This can result in the need for repair or replacement of parts such as a bending section and/or mesh.
One of the most common types of damage to the bending rubber section of an endoscope is springback, which occurs when the material expands on the outside while compressing on the inside. This type of bend can cause the bending rubber to break when the endoscope is pulled.
The most effective way to avoid this problem is to practice bending. This can help you improve your bending skills and increase the life of your bending rubber endoscope.
This can be done by practicing a bending motion in a safe environment before attempting the maneuver on a real patient. You may need to do several repetitions of the motion before you can master it.
However, if you are not sure whether or not you can perform a certain movement on your own, it is best to consult with a professional before trying it. A professional can guide you on how to do it correctly and ensure that you are performing the move safely.
In addition to preventing the bending rubber from breaking, these practices can also help reduce the costs of repairs and maintenance. Moreover, they can improve the effectiveness of endoscopes.
Damage
Bending rubber endoscopes are a common type of flexible endoscope used in medical facilities. These endoscopes are made of soft rubber that is lined with a woven wire mesh. They are also lightweight, making them easy to transport and manipulate.
However, these endoscopes are prone to damage and should be repaired regularly. This is particularly true if they are used frequently or are exposed to harsh chemicals and environments.
Some of the most common damages that may be caused by bending rubber include creases, small tears, and dents. These can affect the insertion tube and the biopsy channel, and can lead to problems such as leaks and kinks in the channels.
One of the most important steps to prevent bending rubber damage is to properly handle the endoscope. Careful handling and bending rubber endoscope staff training can help reduce repair costs and avoid costly repairs down the road.
For example, you should never store an insertion tube on top of other equipment or use the same endoscope for a long period of time. You should also make sure that the insertion tube does not come into contact with sharp objects such as forceps or spray nozzles.
Another way to protect bending rubber is to separate the insertion tube and the light guide connector from each other. This will allow you to visually inspect the bending section and the light guide connector for rips, cracks or other signs of damage.
Using bite blocks to prevent contact between the bending section and other equipment is also a good idea. This will keep the bending section safe from trauma and prevent it from being damaged by other instruments or equipment during transport or cleaning.
Even if the bending rubber material is not punctured, it can become deformed and weak over time, especially if it is left pressurized for too long. This can make the material less puncture resistant and lead to further problems with the endoscope.
It is also important to ensure that the endoscope is disinfected before using it for any procedure. This can minimize bacterial growth and prevent infections. It is also recommended to use high-level disinfectants and rinses between each use. This will help to decrease the bacterial growth in the bending rubber.
Repair
A bending rubber endoscope is an important tool used in surgical procedures. It helps doctors examine the body and identify infection. It also allows them to visualize different parts of the body, such as the trachea and bronchi.
Bending rubber endoscopes are made from a variety of materials, including polyurethane and polyester elastomers. They are also coated with fluoropolymer paint or coating materials, which provide high flexibility and chemical resistance.
These materials have excellent resistance to disinfectants, such as peracetic acid and glutaraldehyde. They can also withstand hydrogen peroxide gas.
There are several reasons that a bending rubber endoscope may need to be repaired. One reason is that the material can be damaged by aging. It is also susceptible to fraying and damage from rough surfaces. Another reason is that it can be punctured by sharp objects.
To ensure that a bending rubber endoscope stays safe, it is recommended that you take the proper precautions when using it. This includes storing it properly, performing an external inspection of the distal end under magnification before use, and cleaning it manually if necessary.
Keep a bending rubber endoscope separate from other accessories, such as forceps or spray nozzles. This will prevent it from getting tangled up or causing a hole in the insertion tube. Additionally, always keep the bending section and light guide connector separated from each other during transport and cleaning.
If the bending rubber is exposed to pressure for a long time, it can become brittle and susceptible to puncture. This makes it more likely to damage the insertion tube and light guide tube, which could cause fluid invasion or stains on the videoscope’s image bundle.
It is a good idea to take the bending rubber endoscope to a repair facility for any repairs that need to be done. This will help to ensure that the repair is completed correctly.
If you notice any signs of damage to your bending rubber endoscope, such as dents in the insertion tube or creases in the sheath material, it is important that you contact a medical repair service for assistance. This will help to ensure that the endoscope is repaired as quickly as possible and that it is returned safely.
Maintenance
Keeping your bending rubber endoscope in tip-top condition is crucial. Not only does proper maintenance extend the lifespan of your scope, it also saves you money in repair costs.
According to Brian Newton, president of the Scope Exchange in Greensboro, N.C., bending rubber endoscopes have a life expectancy of about 7 years. They can be a major investment for your clinic, so you should make every effort to take care of them.
The first step in preventing damage is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and inspection. Using a neutral-pH enzymatic cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge is recommended. Avoid the use of a scrub brush, which can cause scratches and grooves on the channels.
Next, use the appropriate sized channel cleaning brush to remove any debris or residue that may have collected on the scope’s insertion tube or biopsy/suction/air/water channels. Rinse the channel thoroughly with a clean stream of water.
Be especially careful when using a channel cleaning brush, since some brushes can have sharp tips. Rough brushing can scratch the insertion tube or cause grooves or cracks in the channels, which will lead to premature wear.
In addition, rough brushing can cause the insertion tube or the bending rubber endoscope biopsy channel to bend or buckle. Be sure to check these parts frequently and replace them when necessary, as they are very fragile components that need to be handled with care.
Another common source of damage to a bending rubber endoscope is over inflation. Pressurizing a scope for ETO gas sterilization can cause the bending rubber sheath to stretch and become less puncture resistant, leaving it vulnerable to fluid invasion.
After leak testing, be sure to release the pressure completely so that no residual air is accumulating in the bending section and sheath. This could cause the bending sheath to rupture during decontamination.
When reprocessing the insertion tube or the biopsy/suction/air/water channel, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and reprocessing. A thorough reprocessing is essential to prevent future damage, which will result in costly repairs later on.
