Surgical Scope Cleaning Assembly with Buffer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures are hindered by the frequent need to remove and clean scope lenses due to obstructions from smudging, condensation, and body fluids, which prolongs the procedure and may lead to complications.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning assembly that can be secured to a second surgical instrument, allowing for the cleaning of a scope lens within the body cavity without removing either instrument, featuring a first and second cleaning segment with differing material properties and a buffer layer for enhanced cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scope is removed from the body cavity for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the procedure time is substantially lengthened and complications may arise
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaning assembly is introduced as an intermediary device that attaches to the scope and enables cleaning operations within the body cavity. The assembly includes a cleaning segment with buffer layers that can be positioned against the lens without removing the scope from the patient's body, thus maintaining continuous visualization while enabling effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly allows the scope to be cleaned in-situ without requiring removal from the body cavity. The assembly is designed to be attached to and operated with the scope already in position, enabling the system to service itself (clean the lens) while remaining in its operational location, thereby avoiding procedure interruption.
2Productivity
If the scope remains in the body cavity continuously, then procedure time is reduced, but the lens becomes obstructed by smudging, condensation, and body fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly enables continuous cleaning action to be performed on the lens while the scope remains in the body cavity. The assembly can be positioned and adjusted to maintain contact with the lens throughout the procedure, providing ongoing removal of obstructions rather than periodic cleaning that requires scope removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly serves as a mediator between the scope lens and the harmful environmental factors (smudging, condensation, body fluids). By positioning the cleaning segment with its buffer layers between the lens and these contaminants, the assembly prevents direct contact and obstruction while allowing the scope to remain continuously in place.
3Reliability
If a cleaning assembly is introduced to enable in-situ cleaning, then continuous visualization is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a cleaning segment with buffer layers for lens contact, a mounting mechanism for attachment to the scope, and a tab for external manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly is designed to be compatible with multiple scope types and configurations. The mounting mechanism can accommodate different scope diameters and shapes, and the cleaning segment can be positioned to clean various portions of the lens, making the device universally applicable across different surgical scope systems without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning assembly for cleaning a surgical instrument includes at least a first cleaning segment present a first cleaning interface configured to be contacted by a first surgical instrument. The first cleaning segment defines an instrument receiving channel sized and shaped to receive therein a second surgical instrument to thereby secure the first cleaning segment to the second surgical instrument. At least one buffer layer is disposed on an inside surface of the first cleaning segment, the buffer layer positioned so as to contact the second surgical instrument when the second surgical instrument is positioned within the instrument receiving channel. At least one tab extends from the cleaning assembly, the tab providing an interface for a user to grasp the cleaning assembly.