Trocar Lens Cleaning System for Laparoscopic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laparoscopic surgery, the time-consuming process of cleaning the scope lens during procedures disrupts the surgeon's view and requires frequent removal and reinsertion of the scope, leading to longer operation times and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A trocar with integrated cleaning components, including a brush for removing solid debris, a sponge for wiping fluid, and grooves for wicking away debris and fluid, allowing for lens cleaning without fully removing the scope, along with a saline spigot for injection to enhance cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the scope is removed for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned, but the surgeon loses orientation and vision during the cleaning process
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning components are pre-positioned within the trocar shaft before the scope is inserted. When the scope lens becomes stained, the surgeon can immediately access the pre-positioned brush, sponge, and grooves to clean the lens without removing the scope, thus maintaining continuous vision and orientation throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar shaft serves as an intermediary structure that houses the cleaning components. This allows the cleaning function to be mediated through the trocar system rather than requiring direct removal of the scope, enabling lens cleaning while the scope remains in place and the surgeon maintains visual contact with the surgical field.
2Ease of operation
If the scope is removed for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned, but the surgeon must reorient to the patient's anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning components are pre-positioned within the trocar shaft before the scope is inserted. When the scope lens becomes stained, the surgeon can immediately access the pre-positioned brush, sponge, and grooves to clean the lens without removing the scope, thus maintaining continuous vision and orientation throughout the procedure.
3Reliability
If the trocar is disassembled for cleaning, then the trocar can be thoroughly cleaned, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple functional components: a brush for solid debris, a sponge for fluid, and grooves for wicking. These segmented components work together to provide comprehensive cleaning of the trocar shaft interior surface without requiring disassembly of the trocar assembly, enabling thorough cleaning while maintaining procedure efficiency.
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 quick and efficient cleaning of the scope lens within the trocar, minimizing distraction and maintaining the surgeon's orientation, thereby reducing procedure time and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a brush configured to remove solid debris from the lens of the scope and positioned on an inside wall of the trocar
Implementation Method 2
a sponge configured to wipe fluid from the lens of the scope and positioned on an inside wall of the trocar
Implementation Method 3
grooves configured towick the solid debris and fluid away from the lens of the scope and positioned at a distal end of the trocar shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a scope lens cleaning system disposed within a trocar shaft to allow the surgeon to clean the scope lens without losing orientation of the operative field. The lens cleaning system is configured to remove solid debris, liquid, and condensation from the scope lens. The cleaning system includes a first cleaning component configured to remove the solid debris from the scope lens. A second cleaning component is configured to remove the liquid and condensation from the scope lens. A third cleaning component wicks the solid debris and liquid away from the cleaning components and the scope lens and allows it to fall out the end of the trocar shaft. The cleaning system minimizes distraction during the surgical procedure to improve efficiency and safety.