Medical Scope Warming System with Removable Basin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical scopes often experience lens fogging when inserted into warm, moist intracorporeal cavities during surgical procedures, leading to reduced patient safety and increased procedure time due to the need for equilibration, which existing warming devices inadequately address, especially when multiple scopes require simultaneous warming and cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A scope holder system that uses a liquid warming device with a removable basin, where the scope holder base is made of high thermal conductivity material, transferring heat to scope tubes through a sleeve, allowing multiple scopes to be warmed and cleaned efficiently, with features like reversible seals and non-abrasive fittings for secure grip and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-laparoscope warming device is used, then one scope can be warmed sufficiently to clear fogging, but it can only warm one scope at a time and maintains warm fluid for limited time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefogging prevention effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of scopes warmed simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The warming device is divided into multiple independent scope holders, each capable of holding and warming a separate laparoscope. This segmentation allows multiple scopes to be warmed simultaneously while maintaining the effectiveness of fogging prevention for each individual scope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The warming device is designed to accommodate multiple different types and sizes of medical scopes through universal scope holders that can be configured for various scope dimensions. This multi-functionality enables the single device to serve multiple scopes simultaneously, increasing productivity without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If scopes are kept in warm fluid for extended periods, then multiple scopes can be warmed simultaneously, but fluid temperature control becomes critical to prevent hypothermia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of scopes warmed simultaneouslyVSAvoidperioperative hypothermia risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The warming device incorporates temperature monitoring and control systems that continuously monitor the fluid temperature in each scope holder and adjust heating accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures scopes are warmed to the required temperature while preventing overheating that could cause hypothermia when scopes are reintroduced to the patient's body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows independent temperature parameter control for each scope holder, enabling customization of warming parameters based on the specific scope type, size, and procedural requirements. This parameter control optimizes warming efficiency while maintaining safety margins to prevent hypothermia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If heating elements are added to scope holders, then scopes can be warmed more effectively, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescope warming effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of heating elements and controls

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heating elements are integrated into a unified control system that manages all scope holders from a central interface. This merging approach distributes the complexity across a coordinated system rather than requiring independent controls for each heater, maintaining reliability while managing device complexity through systematic integration.

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 system effectively prevents lens fogging by maintaining scopes at body temperature, reducing anesthesia time, and facilitating efficient cleaning and reuse of scopes, while ensuring sterile fluid temperature control to prevent adverse perioperative hypothermia effects.

Implementation Method 1

the scope holder base is made of high thermal conductivity material, transferring heat to scope tubes through a sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Devices for heating of sterile surgical liquids are known in the art

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9326667B2Anti-fogging and cleaning apparatus for medical scopes

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for warming a medical scope to a temperature at or near body temperature in order to prevent fogging and remove debris. A system for warming medical scopes and a variety of other medical items is to be used in conjunction with a liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids. The anti-fogging apparatus is described with emphasis on the properties of said apparatus and its interaction with a liquid warming device with a removable basin. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for an apparatus used to warm and clean medical scopes and other medical items before, during and after medical procedures.