Hand-Flushing Apparatus for Microsurgical Injector Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microsurgical instruments, such as cartridge injectors and microforceps, pose challenges in cleaning and sterilization due to their small size and moving parts, which can trap debris, leading to potential infection and friction issues during surgery, and existing flushing technologies are not specifically designed for these instruments.
Innovation Solution
A hand-flushing apparatus with a cap and sleeve system that directs flushing liquid towards the operative end of the instrument, using a high-density thermoplastic cap and sleeve with O-rings for a liquid-tight seal, allowing observation of the liquid exit and protection of the distal ends, accommodating various geometries and dimensions of screw-type injectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microsurgical instruments are sterilized without prior cleaning, then sterilization process is simpler and faster, but debris remains trapped in moving parts causing infection risk and friction issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing cleaning before sterilization. The flushing apparatus is used to remove debris from moving parts and channels of microsurgical instruments before they undergo sterilization, ensuring that no debris remains to cause infection or friction during subsequent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary flushing apparatus as a mediator between the instrument and sterilization process. This apparatus includes a flushing catheter that delivers cleaning solution through the instrument's channels and moving parts, acting as an intermediate step to prepare the instrument for sterilization.
2Reliability
If microsurgical instruments are disassembled for cleaning, then debris removal is more effective, but the instruments are expensive and difficult to manufacture as disposable items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from the instrument itself by using a separate flushing apparatus. The flushing catheter is inserted through the instrument's existing channels to deliver cleaning solution, removing the need to disassemble the instrument while still achieving effective debris removal from moving parts and internal channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the flushing apparatus universal by designing it to accommodate various geometries and dimensions of different screw-type injectors. The apparatus can be used with multiple instrument types without requiring instrument-specific modifications, maintaining instrument integrity while achieving thorough cleaning.
3Reliability
If automated flushing systems are used, then cleaning consistency is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a manual flushing system that allows the operator to control the flushing process directly. The operator can manipulate the flushing catheter and control solution flow to adapt to different instrument configurations, achieving consistent cleaning results without requiring complex automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple intermediary flushing catheter that can be manually operated to deliver cleaning solution. This intermediate device provides sufficient cleaning capability for microsurgical instruments without requiring the complexity of automated flushing systems, maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
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
Effectively removes debris from microsurgical instruments, reducing the risk of infection and friction, while being simple, economical, and safe for the instruments, ensuring thorough cleaning before sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
An instrument cleaner embodying the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4-7 wherein like reference numerals designate like parts. The cleaner includes a cap 28 having a spout 82 adapted to receive a syringe, a sleeve 52 having an inlet end 54 and an outlet end 56, and an O-ring seal 70 positioned at the inlet end of the sleeve.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments of the type having screw-type mechanisms used to advance or retract a plunger has a hollow sleeve into which the injector is liquid-tightly inserted, the sleeve being configured to hold the plunger in a fixed position when the plunger is disengaged from the injector body. A cap having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the sleeve and cleaning liquid is forced from a syringe into and through the inlet port, flushing detritus from the injector. Various sizes and shapes of sleeves are used to accommodate different injectors.