Trocar-Integrated Endoscope Cleaning for Clear Surgical Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope cleaning systems are complex, require additional components, and divert physician attention, necessitating a simpler and more efficient method to maintain a clear endoscope lens during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An intraoperative endoscope cleaning system integrated into a trocar, utilizing a control unit, wash solution reservoir, and gas supply, with sensors to automate cleaning processes, including defogging, priming, washing, and drying, minimizing user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional cleaning components and manual operations are used, then the endoscope lens can be cleaned during procedures, but the device complexity increases and physician attention is diverted
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is merged with the existing trocar structure, integrating the cleaning function into a component that is already present in the surgical setup. The trocar's shaft and distal end are utilized as the basis for the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cleaning devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar is designed to serve multiple functions: it facilitates endoscope insertion into the body cavity and simultaneously provides the cleaning function through its integrated fluid delivery system. The same structural components that enable endoscope passage are also used to deliver cleaning solution and gas to the lens.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning operations are performed, then the endoscope lens can be cleaned, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning where the cleaning solution and gas are automatically delivered to the lens without requiring manual intervention. The fluid delivery system autonomously performs the cleaning function by propelling solution through the trocar shaft to the distal end, where it contacts and cleans the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution is delivered to the lens before contamination occurs or at the onset of contamination. The system is designed to provide cleaning proactively during the procedure, maintaining lens clarity rather than requiring reactive cleaning steps after the lens becomes obscured.
3Device complexity
If a single trocar design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different endoscopes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar design incorporates universal features that allow it to work with multiple endoscope types. The shaft dimensions, lumen configuration, and distal end geometry are designed to accommodate various endoscope specifications while maintaining a single standardized trocar design that can be used across different surgical procedures and endoscope models.
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 cleans the endoscope lens during procedures with minimal user interaction, ensuring a clear field of view by automating cleaning cycles and reducing residual moisture, suitable for traditional and robotic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply configured to deliver a gas to the cleaning orifice
Implementation Method 2
a wash solution reservoir configured to deliver a wash solution to the cleaning orifice
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to methods and systems for cleaning scopes using a camera port (e.g. trocar) which has been modified to include a cleaning system. A trocar is a device designed to allow surgical instruments and tools to be quickly and easily inserted into a body cavity without contacting the surrounding tissue.