Endoscope Cleaning Spring with Sponge Tip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic surgery is hindered by frequent fogging of the endoscope tip due to body fluids or blood, requiring frequent withdrawal and reinsertion for cleaning, which prolongs operative time and disrupts visualization of the surgical field.

Innovation Solution

An in vivo endoscope cleaning device with a deformable spring structure and attached sponge, allowing for direct cleaning of the endoscope tip without removing it from the patient, eliminating the need for additional tubing or connections and maintaining visualization of the operative field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ex vivo cleaning methods are used to clean the endoscope tip, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the operative time is prolonged and visualization is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidoperative time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A cleaning device is introduced as an intermediary tool that can be inserted through a second trocar to reach and clean the endoscope tip in vivo. The cleaning device includes a cleaning element (such as a sponge or cloth) attached to a manipulator that can be controlled from outside the patient's body, allowing the endoscope to remain in place while its tip is cleaned by this intermediate cleaning tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope system is enhanced with an integrated cleaning capability where the cleaning device can be attached to or integrated with the endoscope itself, allowing the endoscope to clean its own tip without removal. The cleaning element can be positioned against the endoscope tip and activated to clean the lens surface while the endoscope remains in the patient's body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If existing in vivo cleaning solutions are implemented, then continuous visualization is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional tubing and connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous visualizationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is extracted as a separate, independent device that can be inserted through a second trocar rather than integrating complex tubing and connection systems with the endoscope. This standalone cleaning device simplifies the overall system by removing the need for additional tubing, connectors, and complex integration mechanisms while maintaining the ability to clean the endoscope tip in vivo.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element is designed as a flexible, thin structure (such as a flexible sponge, cloth, or film) that can be easily manipulated and positioned against the endoscope tip. This flexible cleaning surface can conform to the curved tip of the endoscope and is simple in structure, avoiding complex mechanical components while effective at removing condensation and fluids from the lens surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the endoscope is withdrawn for cleaning, then the tip can be cleaned effectively, but the visualization of the surgical field is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetip cleaning qualityVSAvoidvisualization continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning operation is designed to be performed continuously during the surgical procedure without interrupting the endoscope's visualization function. The cleaning element can be applied to the endoscope tip and moved across the lens surface while the endoscope remains in position, maintaining continuous visualization of the surgical field throughout the cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 device effectively cleans the endoscope tip in vivo, reducing operative time and improving patient safety by maintaining continuous visualization without the need for endoscope withdrawal, and is cost-effective and simple to implement.

Implementation Method 1

The spring is configured to deform in a preferred direction during the insertion of the device through a trocar channel. After insertion through the trocar channel the spring will return to its original curvature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11154187B2Apparatus and method for in vivo cleaning of an optical lens of a surgical visualization device

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 KWON PETER H

AI summary

A surgical device comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a spring extending from the distal end of the shaft and curving away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft, the spring having a predetermined width and a thickness substantially smaller than the predetermined width to provide preferential bending in a direction of the curvature of the spring, and a tip extending from a distal end of the spring, said tip including an attachment surface for attaching an absorbent material thereto.