Trocar Cleaning Element for Laparoscopic Lens Debris Removal

Solution Overview

Problem

Laparoscopic procedures face interruptions due to obstructed laparoscope lenses caused by condensation and debris, which requires removing the lens from the sterile environment for cleaning, leading to prolonged anesthesia and sterility risks.

Innovation Solution

A trocar assembly with an integrated cleaning structure that includes a chamber for the laparoscope, a cannula for accessing the patient body, and a movable cleaning element with a surface for removing debris without removing the scope from the sterile environment, using a valve to maintain fluid barrier and insufflation pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the laparoscope lens is removed from the sterile environment for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the surgical procedure is interrupted and sterility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical procedure interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning element is nested within the trocar assembly's sterile environment, allowing the lens to be cleaned in-place without removal. The cleaning element resides inside the chamber or cannula structure, creating a nested configuration where cleaning functionality is integrated within the existing sterile boundary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element acts as an intermediary between the lens and the external environment, enabling cleaning contact while maintaining the sterile barrier. The cleaning element transfers the cleaning function without requiring breach of the sterile field, mediating the interaction between the lens and cleaning surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the laparoscope lens is removed from the sterile environment for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the risk of sterility compromise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsterility maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning element is nested within the trocar assembly's sterile environment, allowing the lens to be cleaned in-place without removal. The cleaning element resides inside the chamber or cannula structure, creating a nested configuration where cleaning functionality is integrated within the existing sterile boundary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element acts as an intermediary between the lens and the external environment, enabling cleaning contact while maintaining the sterile barrier. The cleaning element transfers the cleaning function without requiring breach of the sterile field, mediating the interaction between the lens and cleaning surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a cleaning element is integrated within the sterile environment, then sterility is maintained, but the cleaning accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidcleaning accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned dynamically during cleaning operations. The cleaning element can be advanced toward or retracted from the lens, providing accessibility when needed while maintaining its integrated position within the sterile environment during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manipulated within the trocar assembly. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be accessed through controlled movement of the discrete cleaning element without affecting the overall sterile barrier integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 the laparoscope lens within the sterile environment, reducing interruptions and maintaining sterility, thereby minimizing surgical and anesthesia time while ensuring clear video feeds during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A valve may be configured to form a fluid barrier at or near the proximal opening between an environment within the chamber and an external environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid barrier: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS10201396B2Trocar assembly with a cleaning element for use during a laparoscopic procedure

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 STERIS CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a trocar assembly with an integrated scope-cleaning structure. The trocar assembly may include a chamber with a proximal opening configured to receive a distal end of a scope. A cannula extend distally from the chamber and may be configured to extend distally into a patient body. The cannula may be further configured to receive the distal end of the scope such that the scope can be maneuvered through the cannula to a location within the patient body. The trocar assembly may include a cleaning element forming a surface within the chamber, where the surface of the cleaning element is configured to remove debris from at least one non-longitudinal, end-facing surface of the scope.