Medical Scope Defogging and Debris Filtration Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

During surgical procedures, the rapid temperature change causes lens fogging in laparoscopes or endoscopes, and the introduction of electrosurgical devices leads to the creation of smoke and cellular debris, which attach to the lens, impairing the surgical site visibility.

Innovation Solution

A device with a housing containing cleaning elements, filters, and a liquid trap, along with a conduit for filtration and a heating system to defog and clean medical instruments, including a microfiber wipe and white balance reference for improved visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a scope is introduced from ambient room temperature into a cavity at body temperature, then the scope can be used for surgical procedures, but the lens fogs due to rapid temperature change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescope usabilityVSAvoidlens fogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-warming the scope and lens before insertion into the body cavity. The scope is placed in a warming chamber that heats it to body temperature in advance, preventing lens fogging when the scope enters the warm cavity. This preparatory heating action eliminates the temperature differential that causes condensation on the lens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If electrosurgical devices are introduced to deliver energy, then surgical procedures can be performed, but smoke and cellular debris are created that attach to the lens and impair visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure capabilityVSAvoidlens contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful smoke and cellular debris into a beneficial cleaning opportunity. A suction system draws the smoke and debris away from the surgical site, and simultaneously a cleaning solution is applied to the lens through the same or adjacent pathways. The suction removes contaminants while the cleaning solution prevents residue attachment, transforming the harmful byproduct of electrosurgery into a controlled environment that maintains lens clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cleaning agents and materials are applied to remove debris, then lens visibility is improved, but device complexity increases with multiple cleaning elements and conduits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens debris removalVSAvoidcleaning system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated device. The housing contains both cleaning agents (chemical) and cleaning materials (physical) in separate chambers, with conduits that deliver both to the lens simultaneously. The suction system, cleaning solution delivery, and cleaning material application are combined in one apparatus, eliminating the need for separate cleaning devices and simplifying the overall cleaning process despite the multiple functions performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The device effectively removes debris and smoke, defogs the lenses, and provides improved video quality by filtering and cleaning medical instruments, ensuring clear visibility during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the conduit comprising at least one filter and at least one liquid trap, the conduit operable to allow a flow from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and to remove debris from the flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the conduit comprising at least one filter and at least one liquid trap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity separation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the first cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning agent operable to remove extraneous debris from an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical cleaning:

Implementation Method 4

the second cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning material and at least one white reference material, the at least one cleaning material operable to remove debris from an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cleaning: Abrasion

Implementation Method 5

a device with a housing containing cleaning elements, filters, and a liquid trap, along with a conduit for filtration and a heating system to defog and clean medical instruments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11627872B2Fluid filtration, cleaning, and defogging device

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 BUFFALO FILTER LLC

AI summary

Presented is a method and apparatus for aiding medical procedures. An apparatus includes a housing defining a first opening, a second opening, and a interior, and a first cleaning element maintained within the interior relative to the first opening, the first cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning agent operable to remove extraneous debris from an object. The apparatus further includes a second cleaning element maintained with the interior relative to the second opening, the second cleaning element comprising at least one cleaning material and at least one white reference material, the at least one cleaning material operable to remove debris from an object. The apparatus also includes a conduit defining a passage from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing.