Methods and systems for realtime monitoring and cleaning of a laparoscopic lens
A system for monitoring and cleaning a lens of a laparoscope interoperative includes a monitoring system having a laparoscope and software for monitoring clarity of an image provided by the laparoscope. The software being configured to provide a feedback signal when the image clarity falls below a predetermined threshold. The system further includes a cleaning system in operative connection with the monitoring system and configured to activate upon receipt of the feedback signal from the monitoring system. The cleaning system includes a source of pressurized liquid, a source of compressed air, and a source of suction. The sources of pressurized liquid and compressed air are configured to be activated simultaneously with the source of suction.
1 . A system for interoperative monitoring and cleaning a lens of a laparoscope, the system comprising:
a monitoring system including a laparoscope and software for monitoring clarity of an image provided by the laparoscope, the software being configured to determine whether the image clarity is below a predetermined threshold, and provide a feedback signal upon determining that the image clarity is below the predetermined threshold; and
a cleaning system in operative connection with the monitoring system and being configured to activate upon receipt of the feedback signal from the monitoring system, the cleaning system, being in operative connection to an access assembly, comprising:
a cannula having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a first lumen; and
a trocar configured for reception into the first lumen of the cannula, the trocar having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface having at least a first channel and a second channel, the inner surface defining a second lumen configured to receive the laparoscope, the trocar comprising an inlet tube being formed by the first channel and the inner surface of the cannula and an outlet tube being formed by the second channel and the inner surface of the cannula; and
wherein the cleaning system is configured, in response to receipt of the feedback signal, to activate a source of pressurized liquid and a source of compressed air through the inlet tube, and a source of suction through the outlet tube, and wherein the source of pressurized liquid and the source of compressed air are configured to be activated simultaneously with the source of suction.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the access assembly is in operable engagement with the monitoring system.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the laparoscope is retractable or advanceable for positioning the laparoscope relative to the trocar.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the trocar includes a distal portion and a vacuum seal disposed on the distal portion of the trocar.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the source of pressurized liquid is configured to provide a water jet.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the temperature of the water in the water jet is 37° C.
7 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the salinity of the water in the water jet is 9,000 ppm.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the source of compressed air is configured to provide CO 2 .
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the laparoscope is movable relative to the trocar to a position in which the lens of the laparoscope is proximal to a vacuum seal on a distal portion of the trocar.
10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the trocar is movable relative to the laparoscope to a position in which the lens of the laparoscope is proximal to a vacuum seal on a distal portion of the trocar.
11 . A system for interoperative monitoring and cleaning a lens of a laparoscope, the system comprising:
a monitoring system including a laparoscope and software for monitoring clarity of an image provided by the laparoscope, the software being configured to determine whether the image clarity is below a predetermined threshold, and provide a feedback signal upon determining that the image clarity is below the predetermined threshold; and
a cleaning system in operative connection with the monitoring system and being configured to activate upon receipt of the feedback signal from the monitoring system, the cleaning system being in operative connection to an access assembly, comprising:
a cannula having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a first lumen; and
a trocar configured for reception through the first lumen of the cannula, the trocar having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface having at least a first channel and a second channel, the inner surface defining a second lumen configured to receive the laparoscope, the trocar comprising:
an inlet tube being formed by the first channel and the inner surface of the cannula, the inlet tube having a first portion extending substantially longitudinally with respect to the trocar, and a second portion extending substantially circumferentially with respect to the trocar; and
an outlet tube being formed by the second channel and the inner surface of the cannula; and
wherein the cleaning system is configured, in response to receipt of the feedback signal, to activate a source of pressurized liquid and a source of compressed air through the inlet tube simultaneously with a source of suction through the outlet tube.
12 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the cleaning system is configured to activate automatically in response to the feedback signal from the monitoring system.
13 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the source of pressurized liquid is configured to provide a jet of water.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the temperature of the water is 37° C.
15 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the salinity of the water is 9,000 ppm.
16 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the source of compressed air is configured to provide CO 2 .
17 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the laparoscope is movable relative to the trocar to a position in which the lens of the laparoscope is proximal to a vacuum seal at a distal portion of the trocar.
18 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the trocar is movable relative to the laparoscope to a position where a vacuum seal at a distal portion of the trocar is distal to the lens of the laparoscope.
19 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the inlet tube includes a first portion extending substantially longitudinally with respect to the trocar, and a second portion extending substantially circumferentially with respect to the trocar.
20 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the second portion of the inlet tube tapers to terminate at an entry opening into the second lumen.