Laparoscope View Optimizer Deflects Fogging and Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures using laparoscopes face challenges with fogging and debris accumulation on the lens, requiring frequent removal of the scope for defogging and cleaning, which disrupts surgical processes and prolongs procedures.
Innovation Solution
A view optimizer device that shields and defogs the laparoscope lens by delivering a stream of fluid or gas to prevent moisture and debris from adhering, using a lens guard and flow controller to maintain continuous gas flow and intermittent bursts for cleaning, without needing to remove the scope from the patient's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scope is removed from the body cavity for defogging and cleaning, then the lens clarity is improved, but the surgical procedure is interrupted and prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies defogging agent to the lens continuously or periodically during the surgical procedure, preventing fog accumulation before it significantly degrades visualization. This preliminary maintenance of lens clarity eliminates the need to stop surgery for lens cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous or frequent defogging action throughout the surgical procedure, ensuring the lens remains clear without interruption. The system continuously delivers defogging agent to counteract moisture and debris accumulation in real-time.
2Productivity
If the scope remains in the body cavity during surgery, then surgical efficiency is improved, but the lens becomes fogged and covered with debris
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a defogging agent as an intermediary substance between the lens and the humid surgical environment. This agent forms a protective barrier that prevents moisture and debris from adhering to the lens while allowing the scope to remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses pneumatic or hydraulic delivery mechanisms to propel defogging agent through tubing and onto the lens surface. Gas or liquid pressure systems enable continuous delivery of the defogging substance without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If a defogging device is added to the surgical system, then lens clarity is maintained continuously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The defogging device is designed to work with standard laparoscopic scopes and existing surgical infrastructure. It uses common surgical gases (CO2) or liquids (saline) that are already present in the surgical environment, eliminating the need for specialized proprietary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be easily integrated into the existing surgical setup, where the surgical team can operate the defogging function using familiar equipment and procedures. The device leverages existing surgical gases and fluids, requiring minimal additional training or complex operation.
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 view optimizer effectively maintains clear visualization during surgeries by preventing fogging and debris accumulation, reducing the need for scope removal and minimizing procedural interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a stream of fluid or gas across the objective lens of the scope to deflect away from the objective lens moisture, blood, and other material that would otherwise contact the objective lens and diminish visualization through the scope
Implementation Method 2
The view optimizer is adapted to deliver a stream of gas or liquid to the objective lens of the scope so as to remove fog or debris from the objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
A view optimizing assembly for use with a laparoscope includes an elongate cylindrical body configured to hold a laparoscope therein and a deflector assembly attached to the elongate cylindrical body. The elongate cylindrical body includes a plurality of channels in a wall thereof, and the plurality of channels are configured to allow a flow of fluid or gas therethrough. The deflector assembly is configured to circumferentially enclose a distal end of the laparoscope and extend beyond the distal end of the laparoscope. The deflector assembly includes a plurality of passageways within a wall thereof, and each passageway is aligned with a different channel of the elongate cylindrical body so as to direct the flow of gas or fluid exiting the channels across a lens of the laparoscope in a plurality of different flow paths.