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Automated flexible endoscope cleaning system (fully replaces manual cleaning)

Khamsin

In the demanding environment of a healthcare facility, where precision and efficiency are vital, endoscope cleaning plays a crucial role in infection prevention. Traditional cleaning methods can be time-consuming and often fail to achieve consistent results, potentially compromising both patient safety and operational efficiency.

The Khamsin addresses these challenges by providing an automated, fast, and reliable solution for cleaning flexible endoscopes. By combining ultrasonic and nanotechnology, it ensures 100% cleaning efficiency, effectively removing biofilms and contaminants that manual methods struggle to eliminate. This thorough cleaning process reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections and enhances patient safety.

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Product code: KH01

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Discover the Khamsin through our video series

Peer-reviewed studies have consistently shown that manual cleaning of endoscopes remains a significant challenge. Research indicates that one in six duodenoscopes deemed ready for patient use may still be contaminated. Over the past five years, we have dedicated ourselves to developing a reliable solution to this critical issue in flexible endoscope reprocessing.

We are proud to introduce Khamsin, an advanced, fully automated system that replaces manual cleaning prior to disinfection. By combining ultrasonic technology with nanoparticles, Khamsin ensures consistent and thorough cleaning, raising the standard for pre-disinfection endoscope reprocessing.

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Risks in flexible endoscope cleaning

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First-hand experience with the Khamsin

In this video, Alan Cocksedge (Decontamination Supervisor) and Annette Giles (Head of CSSD and Trust Decontamination Officer) from Bristol Royal Infirmary share their experience with the Khamsin.

They discuss how the Khamsin was integrated into their newly refurbished decontamination area, how it helped reduce manual processes, and the impact it had on staff workload, including a reduction in back strain and repetitive motion-related injuries. 

This feedback provides a real-world example of how the Khamsin can be implemented in the daily operations of a busy healthcare facility.

Khamsin: Reducing the risk of injury

Manual cleaning of endoscopes demands a high level of precision and continuous attention. However, physical strain, such as bending over cleaning stations, can lead to long-term discomfort and health issues for staff. Even with height-adjustable sinks, operators often find themselves in a permanently stooped position, placing significant strain on the neck and back.

Several users of our system have reported that manual cleaning frequently caused severe back pain. Since the installation of the Khamsin automated cleaning system, this issue has been resolved, as the device helps reduce both RSIs and back pain.

"The benefits of using the Khamsin as opposed to the sink is there's less repetitive strain injuries and back injuries, which takes a lot of staff out of the work environment for considerable time. (...) Our staff come in many different heights. If they're working at a static sink, a lot of them were struggling with back pain. By having the Khamsin, because we've removed the manual process, then the back issues have gone away for staff."

- Alan Cocksedge

Decontamination Supervisor in Bristol Royal Infirmary

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The operator places the endoscope into the unit, positioning the distal tip inside a dedicated chamber, and connecting the channels. Once the cycle starts, the system fills with warm water and enzymatic detergent. Ultrasonic waves then generate millions of microscopic bubbles, which collapse with force to clean the external surfaces of the endoscope. In the next phase, hydrogen peroxide and nanoparticles are introduced and flow continuously through the internal channels. The bubbles created in this process help remove protein residues and biofilm from all internal surfaces. At the end of the cycle, the entire endoscope is fully cleaned and ready for disinfection.

Ultrasonic & nanotechnology

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Khamsin replaces the manual cleaning process

Khamsin is not an AER,  it is an automated endoscope cleaning system developed to replace the manual cleaning of flexible endoscopes.

 

We developed Khamsin because the effectiveness of high-level disinfection largely depends on the quality of manual cleaning. Inadequate cleaning can leave behind organic residues and biofilm, which compromise the performance of AERs and increase the risk of cross-contamination.

 

By standardising and automating this critical phase, Khamsin ensures consistent, high-quality results while reducing the possibility of human error.

“Although flexible endoscopes have undergone significant advancements in the past 40 years, their cleaning, which is the most critical part of the disinfection process, has not actually changed since these devices were introduced. It is astonishing to think that such a complex medical instrument is still cleaned by hand, standing at a sink, using brushes and sponges.

Our goal was to create a machine that removes the risks of manual cleaning, improving the safety and quality of all following reprocessing steps."

- Rob Hartley

The director of PFE Medical

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In medical environments, the prevention of hospital-acquired infections is a continuous priority. Biofilms, structured communities of microorganisms, are particularly concerning due to their resistance to standard disinfectants. Their presence on reusable medical devices, such as flexible endoscopes, can pose a significant risk to patient safety if not adequately removed.

 

The Khamsin endoscope reprocessor has been evaluated in several independent studies for its ability to reduce biofilm and protein contamination. Research conducted at TU Dublin demonstrated a 9-log reduction in drug-resistant biofilms, indicating a high level of cleaning efficacy. These findings were further supported by assessments carried out by the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory, providing additional evidence of the system's effectiveness under controlled testing conditions.

Effective biofilm removal 

Time-efficient solution for endoscope cleaning

Efficient instrument turnaround is essential in busy healthcare environments. The Khamsin is designed to process two flexible endoscopes simultaneously within a 20-minute cleaning cycle, offering a time-effective alternative to traditional manual or semi-automated cleaning methods.

This results in an average of less than 10 minutes per endoscope, which may support more efficient workflow management and reduce delays in endoscopy units. The combination of consistent performance and time savings makes it a practical option for facilities aiming to balance safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

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Supporting sustainable endoscope cleaning practices

The Khamsin machine is a groundbreaking solution in endoscope cleaning that contributes significantly to sustainability in healthcare. By automating the cleaning process of flexible endoscopes, it reduces clinical waste, which is a major concern in healthcare environments, particularly in the NHS. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, which rely on single-use plastics and other disposable materials, Khamsin eliminates the need for such items, thus cutting down on non-biodegradable waste.

The machine's cleaning process is highly effective, removing biofilms and pathogens that pose serious health risks. It promotes reusable endoscopes without the environmental burden of single-use alternatives, reducing waste while ensuring patient safety. With over 1.5 million endoscopic procedures in the UK annually, Khamsin’s role in minimizing waste and environmental impact is crucial for the future of sustainable healthcare practices.

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PFE Medical won at Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards for Innovation

PFE Medical is proud to announce that it has received the Science, Technology, and Innovation Award at the distinguished Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2023. This recognition honours the pioneering work behind the Khamsin, the world’s first automated endoscope cleaner, which holds the potential to significantly enhance healthcare practices worldwide.

The Khamsin was developed through a three-year knowledge transfer partnership with Aston University and has undergone extensive testing to verify its effectiveness in reducing the risks of hospital-acquired infections. The patented cleaning process, which leverages nano-particles and ultrasonics to generate oxygen bubbles, ensures the complete decontamination of every endoscope, safeguarding millions of patients each year. By eliminating human error, the automated system sets a new benchmark for safety and efficiency in endoscope cleaning and disinfection.

As noted on the award’s website, this achievement underscores PFE Medical’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of medical technology. The award was granted in recognition of the Khamsin’s unparalleled cleaning efficacy and its potential to significantly reduce infections caused by inadequate reprocessing.

The Innovation Award not only celebrates the technical success of the Khamsin but also highlights the collaboration between PFE Medical and academic institutions such as Aston University. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing the research and development of the Khamsin, ensuring its readiness for global deployment in healthcare settings.

This prestigious recognition further strengthens PFE Medical’s position as a leader in medical innovation, with an unwavering focus on improving patient safety and advancing healthcare practices.

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1. 100% Cleaning Efficiency

The Khamsin removes biofilms entirely during its cleaning cycle, addressing one of the most common sources of hospital-acquired infections. By achieving the highest standards of cleanliness, it significantly enhances patient safety.

2. Time-Saving Operation

Khamsin can clean two flexible endoscopes simultaneously in just 20 minutes, equating to less than 10 minutes per endoscope. This is significantly faster than traditional cleaning practices.

3. Cost Efficiency

The cost of cleaning one endoscope with Khamsin is the same as that of manual cleaning, but with Khamsin, there is no longer a need to spend on disposable items like brushes, sponges, and protective equipment. This makes it both cost-effective and sustainable.

4. Easy to Use

Khamsin is user-friendly. Staff can be fully trained to operate the system within a day. Once the cleaning program is initiated via the control panel, no further manual intervention is needed, allowing personnel to focus on other important tasks.

 

5. Enhanced Workforce Efficiency

One operator can oversee up to three machines simultaneously, enabling the cleaning of up to six endoscopes at the same time. This significantly reduces the strain on human resources.

6. Sustainability

Khamsin does not require single-use cleaning consumables, making it an environmentally friendly solution that reduces waste and provides long-term cost savings.


7. Compatibility with Devices

Khamsin has undergone extensive testing to ensure compatibility with a wide range of endoscope types and manufacturers. Over 60,000 endoscopes have been processed with Khamsin without any damage.

8. Reducing Physical Strain for Staff

Manual cleaning requires high precision and continuous attention, and tasks like bending over cleaning stations can cause physical strain and fatigue for staff. Khamsin eliminates this issue, providing an efficient solution that reduces discomfort and prevents back pain.

9. Easy Mobility with Lockable Wheels

Khamsin is designed for effortless movement, featuring lockable wheels that provide stability when stationary and allow for easy manoeuvrability when needed. This enhances workflow efficiency and ensures the system can be positioned conveniently within any space.

The advantages of the Khamsin

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Interested in distribution the 
Khamsin system?

Become a distributor and help expand our trusted medical technologies worldwide.

Why Partner with Us?

High-Quality & Competitive Products
For over 20 years, we have been developing and manufacturing products that are successfully used in multiple markets. Their high-quality quality and innovative design provide our partners with a stable competitive edge.

Unique Technology
We offer exclusive solutions such as the Khamsin and Scirocco systems, technologies you won’t find anywhere else. Through continuous research and product development, we ensure that our partners always represent the most cutting-edge innovations in endoscope reprocessing.

Reliable and On-Time Delivery
We fulfill every order as agreed, ensuring our partners receive products on time and with predictable lead times.

Competitive Pricing 
We offer attractive pricing to our partners, enabling strong market positioning and long-term growth.

Marketing Support
We provide ready-to-use marketing materials, including brochures, product sheets, and visuals, to support your local market entry and promotion.

Excellent Customer Service

As a family-owned business, we offer highly personalized customer service. You’ll always work with the same dedicated team, without unnecessary layers of middle management, ensuring fast and efficient communication.

Product Support
We supply all the necessary technical information and product documentation to help you confidently represent our solutions in your market.

Get in touch with us and become part of our growing distributor network!

Click to the button and explore our Video Hub to learn more about our company, methods, and products through detailed demonstrations and useful insights tailored for distributors.

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