Method and apparatus for cleaning the interior cannula of laparoscopic and endoscopic access devices
A trocar cleaning device includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end. A first sponge is coupled to the first end of the connecting rod, and a second sponge is coupled to the second end of the connecting rod. An X-ray detectable element is coupled to at least one of the connecting rod, the first sponge, and the second sponge.
1. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device comprising:
a connecting rod having a first end and a second end;
a first sponge coupled to the first end of the connecting rod;
a second sponge coupled to the second end of the connecting rod, the first and second sponges being generally cylindrically-shaped and having different diameters; and
an X-ray detectable element coupled to or imbedded in at least one of the connecting rod, the first sponge, and the second sponge;
wherein one of the first and second sponges has a diameter greater than about 10 mm, and the other of the first and second sponges has a diameter in the range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm; and
wherein a length from outwardly facing ends of the first sponge and the second sponge is greater than about 6 inches (152.4 mm).
2. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein:
the first sponge defines a first channel extending into a central portion thereof, the first channel receiving the first end of the connecting rod; and
the second sponge defines a second channel extending into a central portion thereof, the second channel receiving the second end of the connecting rod.
3. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 2 , wherein the first sponge and the second sponge abut one another in end-to-end relationship along the connecting rod.
4. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 2 , wherein the first sponge and the second sponge are spaced from one another in end-to-end relationship along the connecting rod so as to expose a portion of the connecting rod therebetween.
5. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein a length from outwardly facing ends of the first sponge and the second sponge is about 12 inches (304.8 mm) or longer.
6. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 wherein the first sponge and the second sponge each include an absorptive material.
7. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 6 , wherein the absorptive material includes one of foam and fabric.
8. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 6 , wherein the absorptive material includes a microfiber material.
9. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 8 , wherein the microfiber material has one of a folded, pressed, and rolled-onto-itself configuration.
10. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 8 , wherein the microfiber material has a D.P.F. from about 0.05 to about 1.5.
11. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the connecting rod, the first sponge and the second sponge are in a sterilized state.
12. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the connecting rod, the first sponge and the second sponge are in a gamma radiation sterilized state.
13. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first sponge and the second sponge each include a projection extending circumaxially about the connecting rod for pressing against an inner surface of a trocar.
14. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 13 , wherein the projection has a fin-like shape.
15. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 13 , wherein the projection has a raised rounded ridge shape.
16. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the connecting rod includes a generally rigid material.
17. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 16 , wherein the generally rigid material includes one of plastic and metal.
18. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a disk slidably coupled to the connecting rod and disposed thereon between the first sponge and the second sponge, the disk being fabricated of a generally rigid material to prevent the disk from entering a trocar and thereby preventing the first sponge, the second sponge and the connecting rod all from accidentally passing through a trocar and into a body cavity.
19. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 18 , wherein the generally rigid material includes plastic.
20. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 18 , wherein the disk has a diameter greater than about 12 mm.
21. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the X-ray detectable element includes a radiopaque tape.
22. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 21 , wherein the radiopaque tape is coupled to the connecting rod in a longitudinal direction along the connecting rod.
23. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 21 , wherein the radiopaque tape is coupled to the connecting rod in a circumferential direction along the connecting rod.
24. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 21 , wherein the radiopaque tape itself is an X-ray detectable material.
25. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 21 , wherein the radiopaque tape includes an X-ray detectable thread embedded in the radiopaque tape.
26. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the X-ray detectable element includes an X-ray detectable thread coupled to the connecting rod.
27. A laproscopic trocar cleaning device as defined in claim 26 , wherein the X-ray detectable thread extends substantially along the length of the connecting rod.