Endoscope pressure equalization system and method

摘要

A pressure equalization device connects to a port (16) on an endoscope (10) and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope (10) to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve (58) allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter (74) may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter (74) preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve (56) may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port (16) and allow flow into the port (16) in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.