Surgical Scope Cleaning via Absorbent Swab Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges with lens smudging and fogging in surgical scopes, which obstruct the surgeon's view, and existing cleaning devices require removal of the scope from the operating cavity for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A scope cleaner with a detachable or integral absorbent apparatus is attached to the surgical instrument, providing a cleaning solution within the operating cavity, allowing the scope to be cleaned without removal, using a base portion with a fluid retention portion that can absorb fluids and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scope is removed from the operating cavity for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the surgical procedure is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaning swab is introduced as an intermediary tool that can be accessed through the portal apparatus without removing the scope. The swab is delivered via a delivery catheter that passes through the portal, allowing the scope to remain in place while the lens is cleaned by the swab
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning swab is nested within a delivery catheter that is inserted through the existing portal apparatus. The catheter contains the swab in a compressed state during insertion, then allows the swab to expand and contact the scope lens for cleaning without requiring scope removal
2Ease of operation
If a cleaning device is introduced into the operating cavity, then the scope can be cleaned without removal, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portal apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains the sealed operating cavity, allows insertion of surgical instruments, and accommodates the cleaning swab delivery system. The same portal structure is used for both surgical intervention and lens cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery catheter is constructed with flexible materials that allow it to navigate through the portal apparatus and position the cleaning swab against the scope lens. The flexibility enables the catheter to conform to the curved path required for proper swab placement without adding rigid structural complexity
3Productivity
If the scope remains in the operating cavity during cleaning, then procedural continuity is maintained, but cleaning accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is extracted from the main scope body and implemented as a separate, independently deliverable swab through the portal. This allows the scope to remain in its operational position while the cleaning action is performed by a separate element that is introduced through the existing portal infrastructure
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
Enables effective cleaning of surgical scopes and instruments during procedures, maintaining clear visibility without disrupting the minimally invasive setup, and can be used with various surgical tools beyond scopes.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning arrangement, e.g., a cleaning solution, within the operating cavity so that the scope need not be removed therefrom
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent apparatus which may be fastened to, or which is integrally formed with, an external surface of a scope cleaner upon which a scope may be contacted and cleaned, e.g., by the absorbent material absorbing any fluids, fog, etc.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The instrument cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure facilitates the cleaning of a scope (60) inserted through a sealed portal (30) during a surgical procedure by providing a cleaning solution within the operating cavity so that the surgical instrument doesn't have to be removed therefrom. In an embodiment, a surgical access device (10) is provided with a housing (38), a sleeve (32) extending distally from the housing, and a conduit (20) disposed in mechanical cooperation with the sleeve. The sleeve defines a longitudinal axis ("t") and is dimensioned for passage through a tissue tract. The sleeve also defines a longitudinal bore or passage for reception and passage of a surgical instrument. The conduit has a first portion configured to receive a fluid and a second portion configured to discharge the fluid. In another embodiment, an instrument cleaning apparatus includes a base portion and a fluid retention portion. The base portion includes a substantially tubular wall having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough. The fluid retention portion is in mechanical cooperation with the base portion and is adapted to retain a cleaning fluid therein.