The “Invisible Killer” of Veterinary Endoscope Insertion Tube: A Professional Protection Guide Behind Creases and Deformation

At an animal medical center, after completing a canine gastroscopy, assistant Jack, in a hurry, casually coiled the endoscope insertion tube and placed it into the cleaning sink. A few days later, this precision instrument developed insertion tube blockage and blurred imaging—issues that are not uncommon in veterinary medicine. What appears to be only a surface problem can actually trigger a chain of internal component damage, severely affecting diagnostic accuracy and even shortening the device’s lifespan.

Why are veterinary endoscopes more prone to such damage?

Compared with human medicine, veterinary procedures involve more uncertainties: sudden animal movements, unconscious biting under anesthesia, and operator negligence during busy schedules—all of which can lead to irreversible mechanical damage of the insertion section.

Part 1
Crease Damage: The “Invisible Threat Chain” in Veterinary Diagnosis

The insertion section of a veterinary endoscope serves as the core channel connecting the diagnostic end to the imaging system. It integrates the instrument channel, air-water channel, and mechanical transmission wires, jointly supporting imaging, sampling, flushing, and control functions. Once creasing occurs in the insertion section, the potential damage goes far beyond what appears on the surface.

01

Optical fiber bundle fracture leads to black spots and sudden brightness loss, directly affecting observation of subtle lesions such as gastric ulcers and intestinal polyps.

02

When cracks appear in the instrument channel wall, animal fluids and secretions may infiltrate, causing internal corrosion of the endoscope, increasing the difficulty of subsequent disinfection, and even leading to cross-infection.

03

When creasing causes channel rupture, contaminants may remain trapped in the fissures, making it impossible for conventional enzymatic cleaning to completely remove them, thus becoming a potential source of cross-infection.

Part 2
Five Operational Mistakes: You Might Be “Destroying” the Device Yourself

1. Improper operation techniques

During procedures, incorrect posture by the operator can cause excessive bending of the proximal insertion tube. In key regions such as the glottis and epiglottis, repeated acute bending often results in permanent plastic deformation of the insertion section.

2. Damage from animal struggle

If the oral speculum for dogs and cats does not fit properly or is loosely fixed, the animal may instinctively bite the insertion section; in cattle and sheep examinations, unsecured hooves may step on the extended insertion tube; in avian diagnosis, sharp beaks may even peck through the sheath. These external forces directly cause dents or creases, damaging internal structures.

3. Overly small cleaning loops

During endoscope cleaning, to save space, the insertion tube is coiled into circles far smaller than the minimum bending diameter specified by the manufacturer. Prolonged over-bending leads to plastic deformation of the material.

4. Storage and transport damage

When stored, the endoscope may be pressed by other equipment, or during cart transfer it may be pinched between cages or doors, resulting in localized dents and structural damage.

5. Environmental interference

Animal hospital environments are complex. With frequent equipment movement, accidental clamping or pulling of the insertion tube is not uncommon, making mechanical damage highly likely.

Part 3
Scientific Protection: Five Strategies to Extend Equipment Lifespan

1. Standardize operating techniques

Insertion should follow the principle of “going with the flow,” advancing slowly along the natural lumen path. When encountering resistance, the scope should be withdrawn and the angle adjusted, rather than forcing entry. When rotating the bending section, gently push the control knob with fingers, sensing resistance changes to avoid exceeding the maximum bending angle. When using instruments, ensure they are fully extended before operation to prevent friction with the channel wall.

2. Optimize bite protection

Use anti-slip oral speculums with bandage assistance to secure the head, ensuring the speculum is firmly fixed. During the procedure, real-time monitoring is essential to prevent displacement or loosening.

3. Standardize cleaning procedures

Follow the manufacturer’s specified coil diameter during cleaning; sharp folds are strictly prohibited. Establish clear operation protocols, accompanied by regular training and inspections.

4. Proper storage and transport

Use upright hanging or flat storage cabinets; the insertion tube should be suspended vertically or laid flat, avoiding contact with other instruments. For field visits, use JeetVet’s dedicated portable bags or instrument cases, which feature independent slots to ensure the insertion section remains suspended without pressure.

5. Implement daily inspection mechanisms

Perform leakage tests and imaging checks before each use. Immediately stop usage and report for repair if abnormalities are found. It is recommended to establish an electronic maintenance log for each device, recording animal species, procedure duration, and equipment condition during each use, facilitating traceability of damage causes.

Maintaining an endoscope is not only about protecting expensive equipment but also about ensuring the quality of animal diagnosis and treatment. Every standardized operation, proper storage, and timely inspection extends the device’s service life and improves diagnostic reliability.

Let us start with the details. Through professional and standardized operation, we can jointly safeguard the safety and precision of veterinary medicine!