Removable Microscope Shield for Surgical Splatter Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endodontists are at risk of infection during procedures due to exposure to splatter and splashes from the operating site, despite using surgical gowns and masks, as current eye protection often interferes with the use of surgical microscopes, and there is a need for enhanced protection against infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
Innovation Solution
A protective shield designed for surgical microscopes, made of a flexible transparent sheet material with a central opening and a frame that forms a concave arc around the user, removably attaching to the microscope to provide a barrier against splatter and bodily fluids without obstructing the view, featuring a slot for easy mounting and a seal to prevent fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional eye protection (goggles) is used, then eye protection is provided, but the view through the surgical microscope binoculars is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is segmented into multiple functional zones: a transparent shield portion for eye protection, a frame structure for mounting, and a curved configuration for optimal positioning. This segmentation allows the protective function to be separated from the viewing function, enabling both eye protection and unobstructed microscope viewing simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield transitions from a flat 2D surface to a curved 3D structure that wraps around the user's face. This dimensional change allows the shield to provide comprehensive eye and face protection while maintaining transparency and not interfering with the line of sight to the microscope binoculars.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical gowns and masks are used, then some protection is provided, but complete protection against splatter and splashes is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield merges multiple protection functions into a single integrated device: it combines eye protection, face protection, and microscope compatibility into one unit. This integration works synergistically with existing surgical gowns and masks to provide comprehensive protection that none of the individual items can achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the surgical field and the user's face and eyes. It provides an additional layer of protection that mediates the exposure to splatter and splashes, working in conjunction with other PPE to create a multi-layer defense system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective shield is added to the surgical microscope, then protection against splatter is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is designed as a separable component that can be easily attached to and removed from the surgical microscope. This extraction approach allows the protection function to be added without permanently modifying the microscope, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protective capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shield is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing it to be sterilized or replaced after use. This disposable or easily replaceable design reduces the complexity of maintaining permanent protective structures on the microscope while ensuring continuous protection availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shield for a surgical microscope provides a barrier between a doctor and a patient that is undergoing a surgical procedure. The protective shield is designed to removably mount to the surgical microscope so that the shield can be replaced or removed for sterilization. The protective shield provides protection to the doctor who is placing his/her eyes directly against the binoculars of the microscope without impeding the view through the binoculars. The shield blocks splatter and other bodily fluids coming from in front of or below the lens or operating area.