Surgical Access Device Fluid Remover Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
During laparoscopic surgery, scoping devices frequently encounter fluid that adheres to their lenses, impeding visibility and requiring time-consuming cleaning procedures, which can lead to complications and contamination due to repeated insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with a fluid remover assembly that includes a scraper and sorbent elements positioned within the trocar to remove fluid from surgical instruments, preventing fluid from redepositing on the lens during reinsertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scope is repeatedly inserted and removed for lens cleaning, then the lens visibility is restored, but the risk of complications and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid remover assembly is positioned within the trocar to proactively remove fluid from the scope lens before the scope is reinserted into the patient's body. This preliminary fluid removal action prevents fluid from adhering to the lens in the first place, eliminating the need for repeated scope removals for cleaning and thereby reducing contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid remover assembly acts as an intermediary component between the trocar and the scope lens. It includes a fluid collection chamber and removal mechanism that intercepts fluid before it can contaminate the lens, providing a buffer zone that protects the lens without requiring scope removal
2Reliability
If the scope is removed and reinserted multiple times for lens cleaning, then the lens is cleaned of fluid, but the surgical procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid remover assembly performs fluid removal proactively during normal scope insertion, before fluid accumulation impairs lens visibility. This eliminates the need for time-consuming repeated scope removals and cleaning procedures, maintaining continuous surgical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid remover assembly provides automatic, continuous fluid removal functionality that operates without interrupting the surgical procedure. The assembly self-regulates fluid collection and removal, eliminating the need for manual intervention or repeated scope manipulations for lens maintenance
3Power
If fluid is allowed to accumulate in the trocar, then the insufflation gas can be delivered effectively, but fluid adheres to the scope lens upon reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid remover assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: an insufflation port for gas delivery, a fluid collection chamber for fluid accumulation, and a fluid removal mechanism. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both insufflation gas flow and fluid management without compromising lens visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collection chamber and removal mechanism serve as intermediary structures between the insufflation port and the scope lens. They manage fluid that accumulates during insufflation, preventing it from reaching and adhering to the lens while maintaining effective gas delivery through the working channel
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
Maintains clear visibility by effectively removing fluid from scoping devices during surgical procedures, reducing the need for frequent lens cleaning and minimizing complications associated with repeated instrument insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
an insufflation port formed in the housing and configured to deliver an insufflation gas to the working channel
Implementation Method 2
a seal disposed within the housing and positioned proximal to the insufflation port, the seal being configured to receive a surgical instrument passed through the working channel
Implementation Method 3
A fluid remover is disposed within the housing, the fluid remover having an outer perimeter mounted within the housing and a central opening configured to receive surgical instruments therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.