Endoscope Flow Guide for In-Situ Lens Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning the optics of endoscopes during minimally invasive surgery are inefficient, requiring frequent removal of the laparoscope for lens cleaning, which disrupts surgical procedures, increases patient risk, and prolongs anesthesia time due to impaired visualization and workflow interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A flow guide that directs a fluid flow across the endoscope lens surface, allowing for in-situ cleaning by diverging the fluid flow to effectively dislodge contaminants without removing the laparoscope, utilizing a channel design with convex limb guide surfaces and a non-uniform velocity profile to ensure thorough cleaning without obstructing the view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laparoscope is removed for lens cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but surgical procedure is disrupted and patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide is positioned on the lens before contamination occurs, allowing cleaning action to be applied continuously or at the first sign of contamination without removing the scope. The fluid delivery system is pre-configured to direct cleaning fluid precisely where needed, enabling immediate corrective action.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow guide is introduced as an intermediary device between the cleaning fluid source and the lens surface. This flow guide directs the fluid flow in a controlled manner across the lens, preventing direct contact between the lens and potentially damaging cleaning mechanisms while maintaining effective cleaning.
2Reliability
If the laparoscope is removed for lens cleaning, then contaminants can be removed, but anesthesia time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide enables continuous cleaning action during the surgical procedure. Fluid flows continuously through the channel and across the lens surface, maintaining clear visualisation throughout the operation without interruption. This eliminates the need to stop the procedure for cleaning, thereby reducing total anesthesia time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the laparoscope to clean itself during operation. The flow guide and fluid delivery mechanism enable the lens to be cleaned in-situ without external intervention or removal of the device. The lens essentially performs its own maintenance function while remaining in position.
3Productivity
If fluid flow is directed directly at the lens, then cleaning is effective, but flow control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide divides the fluid flow into controlled streams through multiple channels with specific geometries. Each channel can be optimized for particular cleaning zones on the lens, allowing precise control over fluid distribution patterns while maintaining high cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the flow guide have different channel geometries, angles, and cross-sections tailored to the specific cleaning requirements of different lens areas. The flow guide creates locally optimized flow patterns that match the contamination distribution and cleaning needs of specific zones on the lens surface.
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
Enables continuous visualization and efficient cleaning of the endoscope lens during surgery, reducing the need for frequent instrument removal and minimizing surgical interruptions, thereby enhancing patient safety and reducing anesthesia time.
Implementation Method 1
each limb defining a limb guide surface extending generally in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions and being convex in a plane parallel to the first plane to cause fluid flow from the channel to diverge in the first direction as it flows across the surface of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A flow guide directs a fluid flow across a surface of a device, for example a lens surface of an endoscope, in a controlled manner to facilitate flow attachment to the surface. Embodiments include features that impart a non-uniform velocity profile and/or include guide surfaces for facilitating flow attachment and/or coverage.