Surgical Accessory Cleaning Scope Lens In Situ
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgery, the scope lens often becomes obstructed due to smudging, condensation, or contact with bodily fluids, requiring frequent removal and cleaning of the scope and trocar, which prolongs procedures and increases complications.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive device featuring a rod with sponge assemblies that can be attached to both ends, allowing for simultaneous cleaning of the trocar and scope lens without removing the scope from the body cavity, using a sponge that conforms to the inner cannula of the trocar to remove debris and fluid, and can be easily exchanged during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scope is frequently removed and cleaned during the procedure, then the lens obstruction problem is resolved, but the procedure duration increases and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaning device is introduced as an intermediary tool that can be inserted through the trocar to reach and clean the scope lens while the scope remains in place. The device includes a rod with a sponge or cloth at its distal end that can be maneuvered to wipe the lens surface, eliminating the need to remove the scope for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to be nested within the existing surgical system - the rod passes through the trocar, and the cleaning element is positioned within reach of the scope lens. This nested configuration allows cleaning action without disrupting the primary surgical arrangement.
2Productivity
If the scope remains inserted in the body cavity, then procedure continuity is maintained, but the lens becomes obstructed by smudging, condensation, or bodily fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables continuous cleaning action during the surgical procedure. The sponge or cloth on the rod can be repeatedly applied to the lens to remove obstructions, maintaining continuous useful action (clear vision) without interrupting the overall surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning rod acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the surgical field and the scope lens, allowing removal of harmful substances (smudge, condensation, fluids) without removing the scope itself.
3Loss of time
If a cleaning device is introduced to clean the lens in situ, then scope removal is avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into simple functional components: a rod for insertion and manipulation, and a separate cleaning element (sponge or cloth) attached to the distal end. This segmentation allows for simple construction and easy replacement of the cleaning element when soiled.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element (sponge or cloth) is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced. Once soiled, the entire rod assembly can be discarded or the cleaning element replaced, avoiding the need for complex cleaning mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the trocar is cleaned concurrently with the scope, then tissue and fluid collection on the lens is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed with multi-functionality - the same rod with sponge/cloth can be used to clean both the scope lens and the trocar interior. The operator can manipulate the rod to wipe the lens surface, then use the same distal end to clean the trocar canal, providing universal cleaning capability without requiring separate devices.
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
This device ensures a clear field of vision during surgery by effectively cleaning the scope lens and trocar in situ, reducing procedure duration and minimizing complications by allowing continuous use without frequent scope removal.
Implementation Method 1
A sponge assembly can be fitted about the first end of the rod distally from the shoulder
Implementation Method 2
using a sponge that conforms to the inner cannula of the trocar to remove debris and fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive device for cleaning surgical instruments includes a rod having first and second ends. The rod includes a primary section with a primary outer diameter, and an adjacent, reduced section having a reduced outer diameter, the reduced outer diameter being smaller than the primary outer diameter. A shoulder is defined where the primary section and the reduced section abut one another. A sponge assembly is fitted about the first end of the rod distally from the shoulder. A sheath extends over at least a portion of the sponge assembly and at least a portion of the reduced section and terminates at the shoulder, the sheath having an installed outer diameter substantially the same as the primary outer diameter.