Causes of endoscope leaks

The electronic colon endoscope has the advantages of excellent structure, excellent performance, softness, flexible operation, clear image, and easy to use. Correct operation process and good maintenance can extend its service life.

1 The endoscope leaks

The most important feature of electronic colonoscopy is a miniature camera system with an optocoupler (CCD) built-in. It is the “heart” part of electronic colonoscopy, and the examination, treatment, cleaning, and disinfection processes of colonoscopy are all carried out in a liquid environment. The sealing of the entire lens body is very important, and the common parts that cause leakage are bending rubber and biopsy channel.

1.1 bending Rubber

At the front end of the insertion part of the mirror body, there is a part about 10cm long that can be bent freely. It is wrapped in a very thin rubber and is the most fragile part of the entire mirror body. If it accidentally touches the trolley or desktop, the edge of the cleaning and disinfection tank, or sharp and hard objects and instruments, etc., will cause damage to the curved rubber or small holes and cause the mirror body to lose its tightness. Therefore, the operator should be very careful after the inspection. In the process of cleaning and disinfection, special attention should be paid to avoid cleaning and disinfecting with hard and sharp instruments.

1.2 Biopsy channel

In the process of electronic colonoscopy and treatment, the biopsy channel is the only way to inspect and treat the equipment. If the operation is improper during the delivery of the equipment, it can easily cause the clamp tube to be damaged and lose the sealing of the lens body, causing leakage and damage to the camera system. In the process of delivering equipment from the clamp tube, the following aspects should be paid attention to:

①The mirror body should be straightened first. The movement of the conveying instrument should be light and the force should be moderate to minimize the wear and tear on the inner wall of the clamp tube. Wait until the instrument protrudes from the clamp tube, and then adjust the angle.

② During electrocoagulation or laser treatment, be sure to press the switch when the probe extends out of the clamp tube and is aligned with the treatment site.

③Once you encounter resistance when conveying the equipment, do not force it to operate.

1.3 ‘O’ rings

Endoscopes contain lots of ‘O’ rings that also can be a source of leaks.