Abstract:
A surgical scope for viewing a surgical site of a patient including an elongated tube, a viewing lens having an outer surface positioned at the distal portion of the scope, and a lens cleaner positioned at the distal portion and translatable between a first position and a second position. The lens cleaner includes an arcuate wiper having a complementary shape to the shape of the lens. An actuator is spaced proximally of the wiper and actuable to translate the wiper along the outer surface of the lens.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61/394,810, filed Oct. 20, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus configured to remove debris from the lens of a minimally invasive viewing instrument. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    Minimally invasive surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years. Minimally invasive surgery eliminates the need to cut a large incision in a patient, thereby reducing discomfort, recovery time, and many of the deleterious side effects associated with traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive viewing instruments, e.g., laparoscopes and endoscopes, facilitate the viewing of internal tissues and/or organs. 
         [0006]    Laparoscopic surgery involves the placement of a laparoscope in a small incision in the abdominal wall of a patient to view the surgical site. Endoscopic surgery involves the placement of an endoscope in a naturally occurring orifice, e.g., mouth, nose, anus, urethra, and vagina to view the surgical site. Other minimally invasive surgical procedures include video assisted thoracic surgery and cardiovascular surgery conducted through small incisions between the ribs. These procedures also utilize scopes to view the surgical site. 
         [0007]    A typical minimally invasive viewing instrument, e.g., a laparoscope or an endoscope, includes a housing, an elongated lens shaft extending from one end of the housing, and a lens that is provided in the distal end of the lens shaft. A camera viewfinder extends from the other end of the housing. A camera is connected to the housing and transmits images of the surgical field viewed through the lens to a monitor on which the images are displayed. During a surgical procedure, the distal end portion of the lens shaft is extended into the patient, while the proximal end portion of the lens shaft, the housing and the camera viewfinder remain outside the patient. In this manner, the laparoscope/endoscope is positioned and adjusted to view particular anatomical structures in the surgical field on the monitor. 
         [0008]    During insertion of an endoscope or a laparoscope into the body and during the surgical procedure, debris, e.g., organic matter and moisture, may be deposited on the lens of the endoscope. The buildup of debris on the lens impairs visualization of the surgical site, and often necessitates cleaning of the lens. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Disclosed herein is a surgical instrument for use in a minimally invasive surgery. 
         [0010]    The surgical instrument includes a surgical scope for viewing a surgical site of a patient comprising an elongated tube having proximal and distal portions, a viewing lens having an outer surface positioned at the distal portion of the scope, and a lens cleaner positioned at the distal portion and translatable between a first position and a second position. The lens cleaner includes an arcuate wiper having a complementary shape to the shape of the lens. An actuator is spaced proximally of the wiper and is actuable to translate the wiper along the outer surface of the lens. 
         [0011]    The lens cleaner in some embodiments includes a band and a wiping structure extending from the band. 
         [0012]    The instrument can include an elongated actuating mechanism operatively connecting the wiper to the actuator. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a bar including a rack, and the bar is translatable along the longitudinal axis of the scope to effect pivoting of the arcuate wiper. 
         [0013]    In preferred embodiments, the arcuate wiper includes a surface that is in operative contact with the outer surface of the endoscope lens. Such surface in one embodiment is absorbent. Such surface can include bristles, a fabric and/or a cloth. In some embodiments, the surface of the arcuate wiper has a texture. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, a plurality of elongated members are positioned inside the scope and connected at distal ends to the wiper to pivot the wiper mechanism over the lens. 
         [0015]    The instrument can include an attachment member that is operatively connectable to the wiper to facilitate cleaning of a substantially flat lens. The attachment member may be formed from a material having compressible properties, e.g., a sponge-like material. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the wiper includes an elastic strip that conforms to the shape of the lens. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, a lens cleaner for use with a surgical scope is provided comprising an arcuate band and an arcuate wiper extending inwardly from the band, the wiper including a material for contacting and moving along the lens of the scope to remove debris as the wiper is moved from a first to a second position. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the wiper includes a surface that is absorbent. The wiper can include bristles, a fabric and/or a cloth. In some embodiments, the wiper includes an elastic strip that conforms to a rounded shape of the lens. An attachment member can be provided that is operatively connectable to the wiper to facilitate cleaning of a substantially flat lens. 
         [0019]    These and other features of the present disclosure will be more fully described with reference to the appended figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    By way of description only, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a scope with a lens cleaner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of one embodiment of an actuator for actuating the lens cleaner; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  illustrating the actuator in an actuated position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the lens cleaner of  FIG. 1  in a first position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  is an enlarged perspective view similar to  FIG. 3  illustrating the lens cleaner moved to a second position across the lens of the scope; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the lens cleaner; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the lens cleaner; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the lens cleaner; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a scope with a lens cleaner in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of an actuator mechanism for moving the lens cleaner; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an attachment member for use with a wiper; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the attachment member of  FIG. 12A  coupled to a wiper; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12C  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an attachment member for use with a wiper; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 12D  is a perspective view of the attachment member of  FIG. 12C  coupled to a wiper. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    Particular embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures and in the description that follows, in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements, the term “proximal” will refer to the end of the apparatus that is closer to the operator during use, while the term “distal” will refer to the end that is further from the operator during use. 
         [0039]    An endoscope typically includes an endoscope housing or body which can be rigid or flexible, depending on its surgical application. A camera viewfinder, e.g. an eyepiece, is located at a proximal (imaging) end of the scope housing. A lens is provided at the distal end of the scope body. 
         [0040]    In typical use of the endoscope, the viewfinder is adapted to sight images of a surgical field in the patient, e.g. an abdominal cavity, thoracic cavity, etc., as the position of the scope is adjusted to view a particular anatomical structure or structures in the surgical field. The camera is adapted to receive images of the surgical field sighted through the lens and transmit the images to an external monitor that is connected to the camera and on which the images of the surgical field are displayed. That is, a visual display device is operatively connected to the eyepiece to convert the optical signal into a video signal to produce a video image on the monitor (or for storage on select media). Accordingly, the monitor enables a surgical team to view the anatomical structure or structures in the surgical field inside the patient as the surgical procedure is carried out using minimally invasive or endoscopic surgical instruments. Throughout the surgical procedure, biological tissue or matter has a tendency to contact and build up on the lens of the scope. This tends to obscure the images of the surgical field as they are displayed on the monitor. 
         [0041]    The endoscope of the present disclosure includes a wiper movable to clean the lens of the scope during the surgical procedure to maintain a clear image without having to remove the scope from the patient&#39;s body. 
         [0042]    Note the endoscope can be an optical scope or an electronic scope which contains video signal wires that can be connected to a video monitor. 
         [0043]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a minimally invasive viewing instrument, e.g. an endoscope, is designated generally by reference numeral  10 . The instrument  10  generally includes a handle portion  12  and an elongated tube  14  extending therefrom and having a generally annular cross-sectional configuration. The tube  14  may be formed from a substantially rigid, semi-rigid, or a flexible material.  FIG. 1  illustrates a rigid scope having a rigid tube  14 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a flexible scope  200  having a flexible tube  205 . The lens cleaners of the present disclosure can be utilized with flexible, semi-rigid or rigid scopes. 
         [0044]    A first embodiment of the lens cleaner  20  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 3A . Lens cleaner  20  includes an arch shaped wiper  21  which is configured to pass across the lens  15  of the endoscope  10 . The wiper  21  is attached to an actuating mechanism, such as a rod or wire, at its ends  22 ,  23  as described below. A pin  25  at each end  22 ,  23  can be utilized to attach the wiper  21  to the actuating mechanism. Thus, wiper  21  preferably has two anchor points, spaced about 180° degrees apart in the illustrated embodiment. Other spacings are also contemplated. As shown, the wiper  21  has a curve or arch shape to complement the curved shape of the endoscope lens  15 . This arcuate shape of the wiper  21  also enables it to be kept out of the field of view of the lens during the surgical procedure. 
         [0045]    In the initial position of the wiper  21  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , it is spaced from the scope lens  15  so as not to obstruct visualization of the surgical site. To clean debris or other particles form the lens  15  during a surgical procedure, the wiper  21  is rotated across the outer surface of the lens  15  as shown by the arrow of  FIG. 3A . Note the arch shape of the wiper  21  enhances cleaning as it conforms to the dome shape of the lens  15 . In the illustrated embodiment, the arch extends about 180 degrees, although arches of other degrees are also contemplated. 
         [0046]    The wiper mechanism  21  includes an arcuate band  24  and a wiping structure on at least a portion of the internal surface thereof for directly contacting the outer surface of the lens  15 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the wiping structure is integral with the band  24 , i.e. the band is composed of a material suitable for wiping the lens  15 . That is, in this embodiment, band  24  is formed from a material or may have a surface that facilitates cleaning of the lens. For example, the band  24  may have a texture that is abrasive to facilitate removal of debris from the lens surface as it passes over the outer surface. 
         [0047]    A torsion spring can be utilized to bias the wiper  21  toward a retracted state, i.e. removed from the viewing field of the lens  15  of the endoscope  10  so as not to obstruct the view (see  FIG. 3 ). The torsion spring can be associated with the actuating mechanism or the actuator (discussed below) to bias the actuating mechanism to maintain the wiper  21  in the retracted state. 
         [0048]    Actuation of the band  24  of wiper  21  may be achieved by an actuation mechanism in the form of a drawstring, rod, wire, or other mechanism which can be actuated at a proximal end of the device. That is, the actuation mechanism would be positioned within the scope tube  14  and attached at a distal end to the band  24  and at a proximal end to an actuator. The actuator can be in the form of a trigger, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A . In the initial position of  FIG. 2 , trigger  40  is at an at rest position and the wiper  21  is in the position of  FIG. 3 . To move the wiper  21  across the lens  15 , trigger  40  is pulled in the direction of the arrow of  FIG. 2A , thereby pulling the actuating rod  42 , operatively connected thereto, rearwardly to pivot the wiper  21  across the lens  15 . The actuating rod  42  is preferably split in order to connect to both pivot ends  22 ,  23  of the wiper  21 . Alternatively, two separate rods can be operatively connected to trigger  40 , one connected to first end  22  and the second rod connected to second end  23  of wiper  21 . Wires or other elongated actuating mechanisms operatively connecting the wiper blade  21  to the actuator can also be utilized. 
         [0049]    The trigger mechanism  40  is preferably biased to the non-actuated position of  FIG. 2  such that upon release of the trigger, it returns to the position of  FIG. 2 , thereby moving the wiper  21  back to its initial position of  FIG. 3 . In this manner, trigger  40  can be repeatedly actuated during the surgical procedure to actuate the wiper  21  to clean the lens when desired by the user. 
         [0050]    Other actuators are also contemplated such as a rotating knob or a sliding knob  16  as shown in  FIG. 1  which is movable in the direction of the arrow to retract the actuating mechanism to pivot the wiper  21 . Also contemplated is a motor for moving the actuating mechanism. The motor can provide for select actuation of the wiper  21  when desired by the user or alternatively provide for automatic intermittent movement of the wiper  21  across the lens  15  thereby creating a “blink camera.” 
         [0051]    As an alternative to the rod  42 , a wire, drawstring(s) or other actuating mechanism can be operatively connected at a proximal end to an actuator and at the opposite end to the band of the wiper. Preferably, two wires, two drawstrings, etc. would be provided so the band is operatively connected to the actuator at two anchor points. 
         [0052]    Another actuating mechanism is shown in  FIG. 11  in the form of a rack and pinion. The band  424  of wiper  421  has two connection ends forming two pivot points  429  (only one is shown in  FIG. 11 ), each with a gear  427 . The actuating mechanism has a plurality of longitudinally extending teeth on rack  432  formed on the distal end of actuating bar  431 . Two actuating bars  431  are provided, each including a rack  432 . The rack teeth intermesh with the teeth of gears  427 . As actuating bar  431  is pulled rearwardly by an actuator such as an actuator of the type described herein with respect to the other embodiments (e.g. a trigger or sliding knob), the actuating mechanism is retracted causing the band  424  to pivot across scope lens  425 . The actuator can be coupled to the proximal end of the bar  432  to facilitate translation of the bar. The various wiping structures described herein, as well as other structures, can be provided on wiper  421 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 4-9  illustrate alternate embodiments of the wiping structure of the lens cleaners of the present disclosure to clean the lens. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , wiper  121  includes a band  124  with a wiping structure in the form of a soft flexible projection  125  for contact with the lens  15 . As shown, projection  125  extends inwardly from an inner surface  123  of wiper  121  to engage the lens  15  of the endoscope. Projection  125  extends in an arch and as shown preferably occupies a small transverse area of the internal surface  123  of band  121 . Although the projection  125  is shown substantially triangular in cross-section, other shapes are also contemplated. Openings  131 ,  133  connect the band  124  to an actuating mechanism such as the actuating mechanisms discussed above, to provide two pivot points to rotate the wiper  21  across the outer surface of the lens  15 . 
         [0054]    The wiper  221  of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  is identical to wiper  121  of  FIG. 4  except for the wiping structure. Thus, wiper  221  has a band  224  with an internal surface  223  and two anchor points forming two pivot connections  231 ,  233  as in the other embodiments described herein. Wiper  221  however has a set of bristles  227  extending inwardly from band  223 . Bristles  227  extend in an arc and preferably occupy a substantial portion of the internal surface  223  of band  224 , although different size bristle areas are also contemplated. When the wiper  221  is moved across the lens  15  in the manner described above, the bristles  227  move across the lens  15  of the endoscope in a brush-like manner to clear particles from the lens  15 . 
         [0055]    Wiper  321  of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  is identical to wiper  121  of  FIG. 4  except for the wiping structure. Thus, wiper  321  has a band  324  with an internal surface  323  and two anchor points forming two pivot connections  331 ,  333 . Wiper  321  however has a cloth material  327  extending inwardly from band  323 . The cloth material can occupy a substantial portion of the internal surface of band  324  as shown, although different size cloths are also contemplated. When the wiper  321  is moved across the lens  15  in the manner described above, the cloth  327  wipes across the lens  15  of the endoscope to clear particles from the lens. The cloth can optionally include a textured surface. The cloth may have drying properties to remove moisture from the outer surface of the endoscope lens. 
         [0056]    Different materials and/or devices may be coupled to the inner surface of the wipers described herein. The wiper may be formed from different materials. The wiper is adapted to compress against the outer surface of the endoscope lens as the wiper surface contacts and passes over the lens surface. 
         [0057]    Although shown for use with a dome or curved endoscope lens, the lens cleaner of this disclosure can also be used with a flat lens, with the wiper shaped accordingly to contact and clean the scope lens as it is pivoted or moved thereover. The wiper can include a flexible strip having elastic properties. As the wiper is retracted and drawn across the surface of the lens, the flexible strip stretches and rubs against the surface of the lens to remove moisture and/or debris from the surface of the lens of the endoscope. 
         [0058]    For use with differently shaped lenses e.g., a flat scope lens, an attachment member  600 ,  602  may be operatively coupled with wiper  610 . As shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12C , the attachment members  600 ,  602  differ in shape. In particular, the attachment member  600  may be wedge shaped with an edge  601 . The attachment member  602  may have a thicker end  604  which has a substantially planar surface. The attachment members  600 ,  602  are preferably formed from a compressible material having sponge-like properties. As the wiper  610  is translated across the lens of the scope, the wiper  610  compresses to conform to the flat shape of the surface of the lens. 
         [0059]    Actuation of the wiper mechanisms disclosed herein may be achieved through mechanical or electro-mechanical means. In addition, the actuation may occur automatically, intermittently, and/or in response to certain conditions. 
         [0060]    While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings and/or discussed herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Moreover, it is to be understood that the lens cleaners disclosed herein may be used with any instrument including a lens that is used during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.