Rotating Transverse Cleaning Member for Laparoscope Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning the surface of elongated instruments, such as laparoscopes, held within a cavity are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring removal of the instrument from the body or ineffective wiping on nearby tissues, leading to increased surgical time and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a device that allows for rapid and easy cleaning of elongated instruments held within a cavity, using a longitudinal wire member with a rotatable transverse member and a retaining member, which can be actuated to clean the instrument surface without removing it from the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laparoscope is removed from the body to clean the lens with a cloth, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the surgical time is increased and visual loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaning device is introduced as an intermediary tool that can clean the laparoscope lens while it remains in the body. The device includes a cleaning member that contacts the lens surface and a delivery mechanism that positions and actuates the cleaning member, serving as a mediator between the need for effective cleaning and the requirement to maintain continuous visual access
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device enables self-service cleaning of the laparoscope lens by providing a mechanism that can be actuated to clean the lens in place. The device allows the surgical team to clean the instrument without removing it from the patient, making the cleaning process self-contained within the surgical procedure
2Loss of time
If the laparoscope is wiped on nearby organ or tissue, then the surgical time is reduced and visual is maintained, but the cleaning effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device serves as an intermediary between the laparoscope lens and the cleaning action, providing a dedicated cleaning mechanism rather than using nearby tissues. This intermediary structure ensures proper contact and effective cleaning while maintaining the speed advantage of in-situ cleaning
3Reliability
If the laparoscope is removed from the body for cleaning, then the cleaning can be performed properly, but the risk of surgical complications and infections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables the laparoscope to be cleaned in place within the body, eliminating the need for removal. This self-service capability maintains high cleaning quality while avoiding the harmful effects of instrument removal, including reduced infection risk and elimination of surgical complications associated with repeated insertions
4Reliability
If the laparoscope cleaning process is extended, then the cleaning thoroughness is improved, but the patient exposure to anesthesia increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables continuous cleaning action without interrupting the surgical procedure. The lens can be cleaned in place while the laparoscope remains positioned, maintaining continuous visual monitoring and eliminating time loss associated with removal and reinsertion, thereby reducing overall procedure time and anesthesia duration
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for cleaning a surface of as elongated instrument held within a cavity. In particular embodiments of the device, a longitudinal wire member extends along an elongated instrument (e.g. a laparoscope) and a rotatable transverse member removes matter from a surface of the instrument (e.g. a lens).