Systems and methods for optimizing and maintaining visualization of a surgical field during the use of surgical scopes

US8888689B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Minimally Invasive Devices, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Wayne L. Poll · New Albany, US
• Matthew J. Huddleston · Galena, US
• Caroline M. Crisafulli · Columbus, US
• Adam Landis · Reynoldsburg, US
• Gregory P. Drach · Monroe, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 9, 2009
• Grant date: Nov 18, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 2, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/3344
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods make use of a view optimizing assembly having a deflector assembly with critical physical, pneumatic, and optical characteristics that make possible intra-operative defogging, surgical debris deflection, and cleaning of a laparoscope lens during minimally invasive surgery, while also maintaining visualization of the surgical site. The view optimizing assembly can incorporate a quick exchange feature, which makes possible a surgical method for maintaining clear visualization that includes the ability to make a quick exchange of laparoscopes having different operating characteristics (e.g., laparoscopes with different tip angles, lengths, or diameters) entirely on the sterile operating field and without interference with the preexisting surgical set-up on the sterile operating field. The view optimizing assembly integrates with the existing suite of minimally invasive instrumentation. It does not interfere with the surgical set-up, and it requires minimal change in the process or practice of a surgical operating room (OR) team.