Laparoscope Lens Cleaning System for In Vivo Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning laparoscope lenses during surgical procedures require removal of the lens from the body, leading to procedural delays and increased risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, battery-powered cleaning device system that includes a shaft with irrigation and drying channels, a module for holding saline and CO2, and a control pad for activating cleaning and drying cycles, allowing for in vivo lens cleaning without lens removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens is removed from the body for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the procedure time increases and infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the lens to clean itself while remaining in the body through automated irrigation and drying cycles. The cleaning device delivers saline solution through irrigation channels and removes fluids through drying channels, eliminating the need for manual lens removal and external cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device acts as an intermediary system that facilitates lens cleaning without direct contact with the lens itself. It uses controlled fluid delivery through channels in the sheath to achieve cleaning objectives while maintaining the lens in its original position within the body.
2Reliability
If the lens is removed from the body for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated self-cleaning mechanism performs cleaning operations without exposing the lens to external environments or requiring removal from the body, thereby eliminating the infection risk associated with lens removal while maintaining effective cleaning through controlled saline irrigation and drying cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device serves as a controlled intermediary system that delivers cleaning solutions through sealed channels, preventing contamination of the lens while maintaining the sterile field. The sheath and channel structure acts as a barrier that protects the lens during the cleaning process.
3Ease of operation
If a cleaning device is added to the surgical tool, then in vivo lens cleaning is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is nested within the existing laparoscope structure, with the sheath fitting over the laparoscope shaft and containing integrated irrigation and drying channels. This nested configuration enables in vivo lens cleaning while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing tool's structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device integrates multiple functions into a single system, combining irrigation for cleaning, drying for fluid removal, and heating for fat dissolution. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive lens maintenance capabilities while consolidating components to reduce overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If heating channel is added to the cleaning device, then fat removal efficiency improves, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically rather than continuously, delivering thermal energy in controlled cycles to facilitate fat dissolution. This periodic heating action improves productivity by targeting specific cleaning needs while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating channel is positioned specifically adjacent to the irrigation channel where fat accumulation occurs, delivering thermal energy locally rather than throughout the entire system. This localized heating approach improves fat removal efficiency at the point of need while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption in other system components.
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 system enables efficient and safe cleaning of laparoscope lenses during procedures, reducing delays and infection risks by allowing for continuous use without lens removal.
Implementation Method 1
The heating channel is disposed proximate the irrigation channel and may be used to warm a first fluid
Implementation Method 2
A first fluid is dispensed from the irrigation fluid reservoir in the module through the irrigation channel in the sheath and out the irrigation port in the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
A second fluid is dispensed from the gas canister in the module through the drying channel in the shaft and out the drying port in the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device system for a surgical tool. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a novel and advantageous cleaning device system for a laparoscope. The cleaning device system includes a cleaning device, a module, and a control pad. The cleaning device includes a shaft and a nozzle for directing irrigation fluid and drying fluid towards an end of the surgical tool. The module may be a self-contained unit holding saline for cleaning, CO2 for drying, and a battery for powering the system. The cleaning device may be a retrofit device for an existing laparoscope or may be incorporated into a new laparoscope.