Method for cleaning endoscope

A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:

• providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel;
• providing an elongate member having a heat conductor extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member;
• inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel;
• and
• upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, transferring heat energy between said biopsy channel and said heat conductor to provide said biopsy channel with a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.

A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:

• providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel;
• providing an elongate member having an electrical conductor extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member;
• inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel;
• upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, conducting electrical current through said conductor;
• and
• additionally conducting said electrical current from said conductor and outwardly of said elongate member to a least partially sterilize said biopsy channel along said distal end portion of said elongate member.

A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:

• providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel;
• providing an elongate member having an electrical conductor extending longitudinally through at least a distal end portion of said elongate member;
• inserting said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel;
• upon insertion of said distal end portion of said elongate member into said biopsy channel, conducting electrical current through said conductor;
• and
• converting said electrical current into heat energy and transferring said heat energy to said biopsy channel from said conductor to elevate the temperature of said biopsy channel for a predetermined period of time sufficient to eliminate undesirable microorganisms in said biopsy channel.

A method for use in cleaning a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:

• providing an endoscope having a flexible insertion member formed with a biopsy channel;
• providing an elongate tubular member having a friction element and an aperture at a distal end;
• inserting a distal end portion of said elongate tubular member into said biopsy channel;
• ejecting a sterilizing fluid from said tubular member through said opening into said biopsy channel;
• using said friction element to scrub said biopsy channel with said sterilizing fluid;
• and
• ultrasonically vibrating said friction member to enhance the scrubbing of said biopsy channel.