Trocar endoscope cleaner with locking mechanism
The trocar-mounted endoscope cleaning device with a pivotable jaw and locking mechanism addresses the need for in-situ cleaning, reducing downtime and maintaining surgical flow by allowing camera cleaning without removal.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024574574
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-15
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing endoscope cleaning devices require the camera to be removed from the trocar tube during cleaning, causing surgical downtime and disrupting the surgical flow.
A trocar-mounted endoscope cleaning device with a pivotable jaw and locking mechanism that allows for in-situ cleaning without removing the camera, featuring a wiper blade for fluid and foreign matter removal and a biasing member to prevent tissue entanglement.
Reduces surgical downtime by enabling in-situ cleaning, maintaining surgical continuity, and preventing tissue entanglement, thus improving operational efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure 2025520572000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an endoscope lens cleaner. As at least one example, the present disclosure relates to an assembly that is coupled to a trocar and is capable of cleaning an endoscope.
Summary of the Invention
[0002] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be exemplarily described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0003]
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
Figure 4
Figure 5A
Figure 5B
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] For simplicity and clarity of the figures, reference numerals indicating corresponding or similar elements are repeated between different drawings as necessary. Also, the specific details described herein are shown to facilitate understanding of the examples described herein, but those skilled in the art will understand that the examples described herein can be implemented without these specific details. In other embodiments, detailed descriptions of methods, procedures, and components are omitted so as not to obscure the related features being described. Further, the description herein is not intended to limit the scope of the described embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the ratios of certain parts may be exaggerated to more clearly show the details and features of the present disclosure.
[0005] The following are some definitions that apply throughout the present disclosure. The term "coupled" refers to being connected, either directly or indirectly, through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. The term "communicatively coupled" refers to being connected, either directly or indirectly, through intervening components, and the connection is not necessarily limited to a physical connection and includes a connection in a form capable of transmitting and receiving data. This connection can be either permanent or removable. The term "outside" refers to the region beyond the outermost boundary of a physical object. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are synonymous in the present disclosure and mean including what is described, but are not necessarily limited thereto. The term "substantially" means essentially conforming to a particular dimension, shape, or other element modifying it, and the component does not have to be completely exact.
[0006] In the field of laparoscopic surgery or other minimally invasive surgeries, the surgeon relies on clearly visualizing the surgical site within the patient's abdomen. This view is provided by a special cylindrical endoscope or laparoscope camera that passes through a tubular trocar. The trocar is placed within the patient's abdominal wall and provides a path from outside the patient into the abdominal cavity. Also, the trocar provides a path through which a cylindrical camera can be inserted, rotated, and manipulated as needed to observe the surgical site.
[0007] The present disclosure can be used in both manual and robotic operations. In either case of robotic or manual operation, the improved camera cleaning function provided by the present disclosure can reduce downtime and reduce chaos in the operating room. Also, since there is no need to remove the camera from the trocar tube, the surgeon can maintain the flow of the surgery and perform a rapid operation.
[0008] The present disclosure provides an improved type of camera cleaning device. The present disclosure has a plurality of features improved compared to existing devices. One of the improvements is to make the joe lockable with respect to the sheath. By locking the joe to the sheath, it is possible to prevent the joe from separating from the sheath when the device is inserted into a patient. Further, the device can be easily operated by inserting the camera through the trocar tube and passing the device therethrough. The camera can release the lock of the device and operate the wiper blade to remove liquid, film, or foreign matter on the camera. Also, the device has a structure that hides the biasing member, thereby preventing tissue from catching on the biasing member or the mounting structure.
[0009] The device includes a substantially cylindrical mounting tube that can be press-fitted onto the distal end of the trocar tube. The device can be manufactured in various different sizes and diameters depending on the desired trocar tube. The substantially cylindrical mounting tube can be configured to fit the desired trocar tube. Also, the device can include a hinge that connects the substantially cylindrical mounting tube to the joe. The joe is pivotable laterally to provide a path for the camera to pass through. In the present disclosure, a device that can be attached to an existing trocar tube is described, but the technology can also be formed as part of the trocar rather than a separate member. In at least one example, the device and / or the trocar can be formed from a substantially transparent or translucent material so that the camera can acquire an image therethrough.
[0010] Figure 1A shows an example of a jaw lock assembly that can lock a jaw to be operable to pass an endoscope. As shown, an apparatus 100 configured to fit into the open end 20 of a trocar tube 10 is shown. The apparatus 100 can include a substantially cylindrical mounting tube 110 that can be coupled to the open end of the trocar tube 10. The apparatus 100 can also include a jaw 120 that extends away from the mounting tube 110 and has a substantially conical distal end 122 at a position away from the mounting tube 110. The jaw 120 has a side wall 124 corresponding to a portion of the circumference of the mounting tube 110. The apparatus 100 can further include a sheath 130 that extends away from the mounting tube 110 and has a distal end 132 that extends toward the substantially conical distal end 122 of the jaw 120. The sheath 130 has a side wall 134 corresponding to another portion of the circumference of the mounting tube 110, and the side wall 134 of the sheath 130 and the side wall 124 of the jaw 120 are biased toward each other. The apparatus 100 can further include at least one locking mechanism 140 that can lock the jaw 120 in a closed configuration 150. The at least one locking mechanism 140 can include a jaw locking tab 136 and a jaw engagement lock portion 126. As shown, the jaw locking tab 136 includes a substantially flat portion that is slidable beyond a substantially flat portion of the jaw engagement lock portion 126. These two substantially flat portions prevent the jaw 120 from rotating relative to the sheath 130. When the camera contacts the wiper blade and the jaw 120 is extended relative to the sheath 130, the substantially flat portion of the jaw locking tab 136 extends beyond the substantially flat portion of the jaw engagement lock portion 126, and as a result, the jaw 120 becomes rotatable relative to the sheath 130.
[0011] Figure 1B is a view showing the jaw lock assembly in an open configuration. As shown, the jaw 120 rotates relative to the sheath 130, and an angle 123 is formed between the sheath 130 and the jaw 120.
[0012] Figure 2 shows another example of the jog locking assembly 140. The lock assembly is movable in the lock direction 141 or the unlock direction 143. The operation of the jog locking assembly 140 is controlled by the insertion of a camera passing through the device 100. The device can be configured to have a movement range 142. The movement range 142 enables the engagement mechanism 144 to move and release the jog 120.
[0013] Figure 3 shows an example of the device 100 in which the jog 120 and the slider spring 183 are shown. The slider 180 can move across the center line 302 of the lens of the camera 300. The slider 180 is provided with a wiper blade 182 that can be swept in a single continuous operation across the center line 302 of the lens of the camera.
[0014] The slider spring 183 biases the slider 180 towards the camera 300, whereby the wiper 182 resists the movement of the camera 300 in the axial direction, such as the center line 302 of the camera, as shown. The lower edge 181 of the wiper 182 first contacts the camera 300. The wiper 182 can be made of a material different from that of the slider 180. Thereby, the wiper 182 can be made of a material designed to remove fluid and / or foreign matter from the camera 300. The wiper 182 can be engaged by the camera 300 passing through the mounting tube 110, thereby enabling the wiper blade 182 to cross the center line 302 and the camera 300 to pass over the wiper 182. The wiper blade 182 is biased towards the camera 300 by the elastic slider spring 183. The wiper blade 182 extends away from the jog 120 and has a lower edge 181 that extends beyond the center line 302 with respect to the mounting tube 110.
[0015] Slider 180 moves axially with wiper 182 until the camera contacts cam 200. Cam 200 operates to open the jaw. Cam 200 can be integrally formed with jaw 120. Cam 200 can face the open end of trocar tube 10. Cam 200 as shown is in a linear configuration. This allows for a smooth opening of jaw 120. The jaw is movable to a release configuration when camera 300 contacts cam 200. When cam 200 contacts, jaw 120 slides in the distal direction, thereby releasing jaw locking tab 136 from jaw engagement lock 126. When jaw locking tab 136 is released, jaw 120 is pivotable upward away from sheath 130. In other examples, jaw 120 is pivotable radially such that the distal end moves away from the centerline of the sheath. In the example of FIG. 3, attachment tube 110 is not shown connected to the trocar tube for clarity of illustration.
[0016] FIG. 3B shows an example of a configuration in which jaw 120 and slider spring 183 are partially open or released, according to at least one example of the present disclosure. The position shown in FIG. 3B is not a fully open configuration because slider spring 183 is not fully compressed and camera 300 does not extend completely beyond jaw 120. As shown, centerline 305 of jaw 120 forms an angle α with centerline 302 of the camera. Further, cam 200 is in contact with camera 300. Wiper 182 slides beyond centerline 302 of camera 300, thereby wiping the front lens of camera 300. As camera 300 passes through jaw 120 and further advances, the wiper is lifted higher and slider spring 183 is further compressed.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows, for clarity, an example of the slider 180 and the jog locking assembly 140 in a partial view. FIG. 4 shows that the sheath 130 can include at least one jog locking tab 136 configured as a pair of jog locking tabs having a first jog locking tab 135 and a second jog locking tab 137. The slider 180 is also shown. Further, a post 188 and an opening 187 formed in the bar 186 are shown. The post 188 can include a cap 189 designed to be inserted through the opening 187.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the device 100 can include a joe 120 that includes at least one jog locking tab 136 extending from the sheath 130 at the distal end 132. The joe 120 can include at least one joe engagement lock portion 126 capable of accommodating at least one jog locking tab 136, whereby the joe 120 in the closed configuration is prevented from opening with respect to the sheath 130. The at least one jog locking tab 136 includes a first jog locking tab 135 located on the upper side 131 of the sheath 130 and a second jog locking tab 137 located on the upper side 133 opposite the sheath 130. The camera 300 is operable to axially move the joe away from the sheath 130 and the mounting tube 110 such that the joe 120 is in the released configuration (shown by the dotted line 99) when the joe engagement lock portion 126 extends beyond the at least one jog locking tab 136. Thereafter, when the camera 300 moves further axially, the joe 120 moves away from the sheath 130 and rotates the distal end 122 of the joe 120 back towards the substantially cylindrical mounting tube 110. The joe 120 can be released from the closed configuration by sliding axially.
[0019] Figures 5A and 5B show an example of a camera clamp that can hold a camera (not shown and further illustrated in Figure 6) in a predetermined position relative to a trocar during insertion of the trocar into a patient. The camera clamp 500 can include a pair of handles 502. The handle 502 is movable from a closed position 501 to an open position 599. The camera clamp 500 includes a camera engaging portion 508 that forms a through hole 506 in a closed configuration. The camera engaging portion 508 can be flexible while having appropriate rigidity. Further, the camera clamp can include a locking portion 504 that can lock the clamp to the camera. The locking portion 504 can be formed as a ratchet lock. The handle 502 can rotate about a pivot connection portion 510. The pivot connection portion 510 can be formed as a rod or a shaft.
[0020] Figure 6 shows an example of a trocar 30, a camera 300, and a camera clamp 500 during insertion into a patient, according to at least one example of the present disclosure. As shown, the device 100 is disposed at an end of the trocar 30 and is insertable into the patient. The device 100 is connected to the trocar tube 10. The camera clamp 500 prevents the camera 300 from opening the device 100, as described above. In at least one example, the device 100 can be made of a fluoroscopic structure so that an operator can confirm the position of the device 100 inside the patient during the insertion process.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows an example of a biasing member 410 coupled to the joystick 120 at a first end 412 and coupled to a substantially cylindrical mounting tube 110 at a second end 414 opposite the first end 412. The biasing member 410 is operable to push the joystick 120 toward the sheath 130. The biasing member 410 has a mounting portion 420 through which a mounting member 424 passes and which enables the biasing member 410 to be secured to the joystick 120 and the substantially cylindrical mounting tube 110. The joystick 120 forms a first biasing member receiving portion 430 that forms a first recess 432 configured to receive a portion 416 of the biasing member 410. The substantially cylindrical mounting tube 110 forms a second biasing member receiving portion 440 that forms a second recess 442 for receiving another portion 418 of the biasing member 410. Further, a set of the mounting portions 420 closest to the mounting tube 110 can be formed as slots 450. The slots 450 enable the biasing member 410 to slide relative to a proximal mounting member 452. The proximal mounting members 452 can be further coupled to each other via wires 462. The wires 462 improve the strength of the proximal mounting members 452 and hold the biasing member 410 in place. The slots 450 enable axial movement in both the distal and proximal directions. The joystick 120 moves distally as the camera passes through. Proximal movement occurs when the distal end 122 penetrates the patient.
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an assembly that provides a mechanism for retaining a flexible spring in place according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the wall 441 of the second biasing member receiving portion 440 has a function of retaining the biasing member 410 in place and preventing its lateral movement. The first recess 432 and the second recess 442 are formed in the wall 441 that extends beyond the height 50 of the biasing member 410 and the mounting member 424. The apparatus 100 can also include an elastic member 470 that covers the first biasing member receiving portion 430. In at least one example, the elastic member 470 further covers the second biasing member receiving portion 440. The elastic member 470 is shown as being disposed at a height substantially equal to that of the wall 441 so as to provide a smooth transition. In addition, the wall 441 can include a chamfer to provide a smooth transition. In other examples, the elastic member 470 may be disposed below the wall 441. When the elastic member 470 is above the wall 441, its edge is a thin wall member and thus does not actually become very large. Rather, the ratio is exaggerated for illustrative purposes. In some examples, the height 50 of the biasing member 410 and the mounting member 424 extends beyond the wall 441, and the elastic member 470 can provide a smoothing surface to prevent the protrusions of the biasing member 410 and the mounting member 424 from catching on the tissue. Further, the elastic member 470 can be applied even in a configuration without a wall. In addition, the elastic member 470 can be configured to have a predetermined amount of compliance.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows an example of a biasing member 410 coupled to the joe 120 at the first end 412 and coupled to a substantially cylindrical mounting tube 110 at a second end 414 opposite the first end 412. The first biasing member receiving portion 430 includes a through edge 460 closest to the distal end 122 of the joe 120, and the through edge 460 has a rounded edge so that tissue can easily pass over the first biasing member receiving portion 430. In this example, other features are substantially the same as those described above with respect to FIG. 7. As shown, the apparatus 100 is clearly depicted such that the slider spring 183 is visible.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows another example of the biasing member 410 provided with the accommodating portion. As shown in the figure, the biasing member 410 and the mounting member 424 have a height 50 at a position 52 away from the upper edge of the wall 441. Thereby, the tissue can pass through the upper part of the device without being caught by the biasing member 410 and the mounting member 424.
[0025] FIG. 11 shows a mounting device 600 for transporting the device 100 and holding the camera 300 at a predetermined position with respect to the device 100. The mounting device 600 has a wide end portion 602 into which the device 100 can be inserted. The narrow end portion 606 located on the opposite side of the wide end portion 602 prevents the device from passing through and sliding, and holds the device at a predetermined position. The trocar receiving tube portion 604 enables the trocar tube to be inserted into the device and prevents the tip of the device from contacting the operator. Further, the mounting device 600 enables the device to be easily coupled to the trocar tube.
[0026] The embodiments shown and described above are merely examples. Although many features and advantages of the present technology are described in the foregoing description together with the details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is merely illustrative, and based on the broad general meaning of the terms used in the appended claims, within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure, particularly with respect to the details of the shape, size, and arrangement of the components, changes can be made. Therefore, it will be understood that the above-described embodiments can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
[0027] The exemplification of the present disclosure includes the following aspects.
[0028] (Aspect 1) An apparatus adapted to be fitted to the open end of a trocar tube, comprising a substantially cylindrical mounting tube connectable to the open end of the trocar tube, a jaw extending away from the mounting tube and having a substantially conical distal end at a position away from the mounting tube and a side wall corresponding to a part of the circumference of the tube, a sheath extending away from the mounting tube and having a distal end extending towards the substantially conical distal end of the jaw and a side wall corresponding to another part of the circumference of the tube, the side wall of which is biased towards the side wall of the jaw, and at least one locking mechanism capable of locking the jaw in a closed configuration.
[0029] (Aspect 2) The apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the jaw is releasable from the closed configuration by sliding axially.
[0030] (Aspect 3) The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the jaw comprises a cam facing the open end of the trocar tube.
[0031] (Aspect 4) The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the cam is integrally formed with the jaw, and the jaw is movable to a release configuration when the camera contacts the cam.
[0032] (Aspect 5) The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the jaw comprises at least one jaw locking tab extending from the sheath at the distal end.
[0033] (Aspect 6) The apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the at least one jaw locking tab includes a first jaw locking tab disposed on one upper side of the sheath and a second jaw locking tab disposed on the upper side of the opposite side of the sheath.
[0034] (Aspect 7) The camera is capable of axially moving the joystick away from the sheath and the attachment tube, whereby when the joystick engagement portion extends beyond the at least one joystick locking tab, the joystick is in a released configuration, the apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6.
[0035] (Aspect 8) By further axially moving the camera, the joystick is moved away from the sheath, and further the distal end of the joystick is rotated radially outward from the center line of the sheath, the apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7.
[0036] (Aspect 9) The joystick includes at least one joystick engagement lock portion capable of accommodating the at least one joystick locking tab, whereby in the closed configuration, the joystick is prevented from opening with respect to the sheath, the apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8.
[0037] (Aspect 10) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, further including a slider movable so as to cross the center line of the lens of the camera.
[0038] (Aspect 11) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the slider includes a wiper blade that can be swept in a single continuous motion across the center line of the lens of the camera.
[0039] (Aspect 12) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, further including a wiper blade coupled to the slider, the wiper blade extending in a direction away from the joystick and having a lower edge portion extending beyond the center line of the attachment tube, the wiper blade being operable to be engaged by a camera passing through the attachment tube, whereby the camera can pass beyond the wiper as the wiper blade crosses the center line, and further, fluid and / or substances can be removed from the camera.
[0040] (Aspect 13) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, further comprising a biasing member having a first end coupled to the jaw and a second end opposite the first end coupled to the substantially cylindrical mounting tube, the biasing member being operable to press the jaw toward the sheath.
[0041] (Aspect 14) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the biasing member has a mounting portion through which the mounting member is passable and that fixes the biasing member to the jaw and the substantially cylindrical mounting tube.
[0042] (Aspect 15) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein the jaw forms a first biasing member receiving portion having a first recess configured to receive a portion of the biasing member.
[0043] (Aspect 16) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein the substantially cylindrical mounting tube forms a second biasing member receiving portion having a second recess for receiving another portion of the biasing member.
[0044] (Aspect 17) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16, wherein the first recess and the second recess are formed in a wall extending beyond a height of the biasing member and the mounting member.
[0045] (Aspect 18) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the first biasing member receiving portion has a through edge closest to the distal end of the jaw, the through edge having a rounded edge such that tissue can easily pass over the first biasing member receiving portion.
[0046] (Aspect 19) The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 18, further comprising an elastic member covering the first biasing member receiving portion.
[0047] (Aspect 20) The elastic member covers the second biasing member accommodating portion as well, and the device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19.
Claims
1. An apparatus adapted to fit onto an open end of a trocar tube, comprising: a substantially cylindrical mounting tube connectable to the open end of the trocar tube; a jaw extending away from the mounting tube, having a substantially conical distal end located away from the mounting tube, and having a side wall corresponding to a part of the circumference of the tube; a sheath extending away from the mounting tube, having a distal end extending towards the substantially conical distal end of the jaw, and having a side wall corresponding to another part of the circumference of the tube, the side wall of which is biased towards the side wall of the jaw; at least one locking mechanism capable of locking the jaw in a closed configuration.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jaw is releasable from the closed configuration by sliding axially.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jaw comprises a cam facing the open end of the trocar tube.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cam is integrally formed with the jaw, and the jaw is movable to a release configuration when the camera contacts the cam.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the jaw comprises at least one jaw locking tab extending from the sheath at the distal end.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the at least one jaw locking tab includes a first jaw locking tab disposed on one upper side of the sheath and a second jaw locking tab disposed on the opposite upper side of the sheath.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the camera is capable of moving the jaw axially away from the sheath and the mounting tube, so that when a jaw engagement portion extends beyond the at least one jaw locking tab, the jaw is in a release configuration.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein further axial movement of the camera moves the jaw away from the sheath and further rotates the distal end of the jaw radially outward from the center line of the sheath.
9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the jaw includes at least one jaw engagement locking portion capable of accommodating the at least one jaw locking tab, thereby preventing the jaw from opening with respect to the sheath in the closed configuration.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a slider movable so as to cross the center line of the camera lens.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the slider includes a wiper blade that can be swept in a single continuous motion across the center line of the camera lens.
12. Further comprising a wiper blade coupled to the slider, the wiper blade has a lower edge extending in a direction away from the joe and extending beyond the center line of the mounting tube, the wiper blade is operable to be engaged by a camera passing through the mounting tube, whereby the camera can pass over the wiper as the wiper blade crosses the center line, and further, the apparatus according to claim 10, wherein fluid and / or substances can be removed from the camera.
13. Further comprising a biasing member having a first end coupled to the joe and a second end opposite the first end coupled to the substantially cylindrical mounting tube, the biasing member is operable to press the joe toward the sheath, the apparatus according to claim 1.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the biasing member has a mounting portion through which a mounting member can pass and for fixing the biasing member to the joe and the substantially cylindrical mounting tube.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the joe forms a first biasing member receiving portion having a first recess configured to receive a portion of the biasing member.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the substantially cylindrical mounting tube forms a second biasing member receiving portion having a second recess for receiving another portion of the biasing member.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first recess and the second recess are formed in a wall extending beyond the height of the biasing member and the mounting member.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first biasing member receiving portion has a through edge closest to the distal end of the joe, and the through edge has a rounded edge such that tissue can easily pass over the first biasing member receiving portion.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising an elastic member covering the first biasing member receiving portion.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the elastic member also covers the second biasing member receiving portion.