How Is The Bending Rubber Of The Endoscope Damaged?

The bending rubber in an endoscope is the one responsible for its flexibility. Damage in the bending rubber can lead to fluid invasion and create an environment for pathogens. Here are ways the bending rubber is damaged:

• Passing the scope through an opening that is too tight, such as a mouth guard for a gastroscopy or the through the adaptor for the patient air exchange used in bronchoscopic procedures.
• A patient bites the bending rubber
• Accidental cutting or puncturing the bending rubber
• Stretching the bending rubber by over-pressurizing the flexible endoscope during leak testing
• Normal wear and tear
• Cleaner and lubricants not formulated for use on a bending rubber

Back ↵