Endoscope Cap with Purging Fluid Nozzles for Lens Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face visibility issues due to condensation, debris, and bodily fluids, which existing anti-fog solutions and heating methods require removal from the patient to apply, disrupting procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cap and shroud assembly with lens clearing flow field adjustment mechanisms, such as nozzles, that distribute warm purging fluid to prevent condensation and deflect debris, allowing continuous use without removing the endoscope from the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If surfactant anti-fog solutions are applied to the lens cover, then condensation is reduced by breaking surface tension, but the solution provides no protection against lens spatter and must be reapplied regularly requiring endoscope removal
Solution Approach 1:
A cap is introduced as an intermediary component between the endoscope lens and the harmful environment. The cap includes a spatter shield that deflects spatter away from the lens and a wiper mechanism that actively removes condensation and debris, providing continuous protection without requiring endoscope removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap incorporates a wiper mechanism that automatically or periodically removes condensation and debris from the lens surface during the procedure. This self-service function maintains clear vision without requiring manual intervention or endoscope removal, addressing both condensation and spatter protection needs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the endoscope is removed from the patient to apply heating or surfactant treatments, then condensation and debris are cleared, but procedural continuity is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cap provides continuous protection and cleaning functionality throughout the entire procedure. The spatter shield continuously deflects incoming spatter, and the wiper mechanism can operate periodically or continuously to maintain clear lens visibility, eliminating the need for procedural interruptions to remove or reapply treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is applied to the endoscope before the procedure begins, establishing protective barriers (spatter shield) and cleaning capability (wiper) in advance. This preliminary action ensures that condensation and spatter are managed throughout the procedure without requiring mid-procedure removals for treatment application.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If caps are applied to endoscopic imaging systems to protect the lens, then some protection is provided, but existing caps do not incorporate flow field adjustment mechanisms to actively clear the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates pneumatic or hydraulic flow field adjustment mechanisms that use fluid flow to actively clear the lens. Gas or liquid flow can be directed across the lens surface to remove condensation and debris, providing active clearing capability beyond passive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap includes adjustable flow field mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to different procedural conditions. The flow rate, direction, and intensity can be modified to optimize lens clearing performance based on the severity of condensation or spatter, transforming a static cap into a dynamic, adaptive system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains clear visibility by preventing condensation and debris accumulation on the lens, ensuring uninterrupted endoscopic procedures by continuously purging moisture and deflecting contaminants without requiring the endoscope to be removed.
Implementation Method 1
The heat of the purging fluid may prevent condensation by keeping the lens above the ambient dew point temperature
Implementation Method 2
Fluid directed across and toward the lens purges moisture to avoid condensation on the lens and shears debris and bodily fluids away from the field of view
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to vision preservation systems for medical devices, such as cryospray devices for use with endoscopes. Exemplary embodiments provide a distal attachment in the form of a shroud or cap that mounts to the end of a flexible endoscope. A purging fluid supply mechanism is provided along the length of the endoscope, providing a channel for purging fluid, such as gas, to communicate between the endoscope tip and an external gas supply. The cap or shroud assembly incorporates a lens clearing flow field adjustment mechanism, such as nozzles, designed to direct warm (room temperature or higher) purging fluid across a lens at the scope tip. Another flow deflection mechanism, such as a guide or nozzle, may be included with the cap to direct purging fluid at an angle away from the lens. Gas, as an example, directed across and toward the lens purges moisture to avoid condensation on the lens and shears debris and bodily fluids away from the field of view. Gas directed or deflected by a guide away from the lens serves the purpose of keeping incoming particles and fluid droplets (e.g. spatter) from impacting on the lens cover. The cap and shroud are designed to avoid entraining moist air from the body cavity or lumen being treated.