Trocar with Automated Endoscope Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
During minimally invasive surgical procedures, the lens of endoscopic camera devices often becomes obstructed by blood, cautery smoke, or debris, requiring frequent manual cleaning, which increases operative time and the risk of surgical complications due to repeated loss of visualization.
Innovation Solution
A trocar with integrated gas and liquid outlets that automatically cleans the endoscope lens by dispensing a liquid when the endoscope is withdrawn and then clearing it with carbon dioxide, using sensors and valves to control the fluid flow for efficient and continuous cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If manual cleaning of the endoscope lens is performed frequently, then visualization quality is improved, but operative time increases and surgical complications risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-cleaning of the endoscope lens through automated liquid dispensing and gas flow mechanisms. Sensors detect when the endoscope is in the trocar and automatically activate cleaning cycles without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to maintain itself during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid is dispensed onto the lens before it becomes heavily contaminated, and the gas flow is activated in advance to clear the lens. This preliminary cleaning action prevents severe obstruction before it occurs, maintaining continuous visualization without waiting for manual intervention.
2Illumination intensity
If manual cleaning of the endoscope lens is performed frequently, then visualization quality is improved, but the risk of surgical complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning system reduces the need for manual handling and removal of the endoscope from the patient. By maintaining continuous automated cleaning, the system minimizes interruptions and reduces the risk of contamination or complications associated with repeated manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates continuously during the surgical procedure, maintaining constant liquid dispensing and gas flow to the lens. This continuous action ensures uninterrupted visualization and eliminates periods where the lens might become obstructed between manual cleaning cycles.
3Productivity
If automated liquid dispensing system is added to the trocar, then lens cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the access port for the endoscope, delivers insufflation gas, and simultaneously provides automated liquid cleaning. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system improves cleaning efficiency without requiring separate standalone cleaning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid dispensing system, gas flow system, and sensor detection are merged into the existing trocar structure. The outlets are positioned within the trocar body, and the control mechanisms are integrated with the insufflation system, combining multiple cleaning and delivery functions into a unified device architecture.
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 trocar system significantly reduces the need for manual lens cleaning, minimizing operative time and the risk of surgical complications by maintaining clear visualization during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more liquid outlets are adapted and configured to dispense a liquid when an endoscope is withdrawn from a fully extended position within the central channel of the trocar to a position proximate to the one or more liquid outlets
Implementation Method 2
Distal advancement of the endoscope to a position adjacent to the one or more gas outlets removes liquid from a distal end of the endoscope
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a trocar, comprising: a central cylinder defining a central channel and having a distal end configured for insertion within a body cavity of a subject; one or more outlets located within the central cylinder, wherein the one or more outlets are configured to dispense a liquid when an endoscope is withdrawn from a distally extended position within the central channel of the trocar to a position proximate to the one or more outlets, the one or more outlets having a shape or size sufficient to generate sufficient flow to reach a center of the central cylinder and clean a lens of the endoscope; a sensor configured to detect when a distal end of the endoscope has been withdrawn to the position proximate to the one or more outlets; and a controller in communication with the sensor, the controller configured to control the flow to the one or more outlets to expel the liquid from the one or more outlets when the distal end of the endoscope is proximate to the one or more outlets.