Patent Description:
Surgical endoscopic camera devices, or endoscopes, are utilized in minimally invasive surgery to visualize the operative field. The endoscope is inserted into a body cavity through a trocar that is employed as a portal for surgical instruments. Carbon dioxide insufflation is often delivered through these trocars into the body cavity to facilitate expansion of the body cavity, thereby providing working room for the operation. Endoscopes typically contain a means of illumination such as a fiber optic light source and a means of imaging such as video camera.

During minimally invasive surgical procedures utilizing endoscopes, the lens of the endoscope will often encounter blood, cautery smoke, or debris, decreasing visualization of the operative field. Typically, in order to remove the visual obstruction the lens of the endoscope must be cleaned. Cleaning of the endoscope typically requires the operator to remove the scope from the patient and manually clean the endoscopic camera lens. This exercise, which is often performed countless times during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, results in repeated loss of visualization of the operative field, significantly increased operative time, increased surgeon frustration, and increased possibility of untoward surgical outcomes.

One aspect of the invention provides a trocar including: a central cylinder defining a central channel and having a distal end adapted and configured for insertion within a subject; one or more gas outlets located within the central cylinder proximate to the distal end of the trocar; and one or more liquid outlets located within the central cylinder on a proximal side of the one or more gas outlets. The one or more liquid outlets are adapted and configured to dispense a liquid when an endoscope is withdrawn from a fully extended position within the central channel of the trocar to a position proximate to the one or more liquid outlets. Distal advancement of the endoscope to a position adjacent to the one or more gas outlets removes liquid from a distal end of the endoscope.

This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The one or more liquid outlets can be positioned between about <NUM> and about <NUM> proximal of the one or more gas outlets. The one or more liquid outlets can be positioned within about <NUM> of the distal end of the trocar.

The trocar can further include a first coaxial cylinder surrounding at least a portion of the central cylinder. The first coaxial cylinder can define a substantially cylindrical channel extending to the one or more liquid outlets.

The trocar can further include a gasket positioned between the central cylinder and the first coaxial cylinder. The gasket can define a confined liquid passage to the one or more liquid outlets. The gasket can further define a confined gas passage to the one or more gas outlets. The trocar can further include a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the first coaxial cylinder.

The trocar can further include a second coaxial cylinder surrounding at least a portion of the first coaxial cylinder. The second coaxial cylinder can define a substantially cylindrical channel extending to the one or more gas outlets.

The trocar can further include a valve adapted and configured to control flow of the liquid to the one or more liquid outlets. The valve can be an electromechanically actuated valve. The valve can be a pneumatically actuated valve.

The trocar further includes a sensor adapted and configured to detect when a distal end of the endoscope is proximate to the one or liquid outlets. The sensor can be adapted and configured to communicate directly or indirectly to control flow of the liquid to the one or more liquid outlets. The sensor can be selected from the group consisting of: a mechanical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a magnetic reed switch, an optical sensor, and a Hall sensor. The sensor can be located proximate to the distal end of the central cylinder. The sensor can be located proximate to the one or more liquid outlets. The sensor can be located proximate to the proximal end of the central cylinder.

The trocar further includes a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller can be adapted and configured to control flow to the liquid outlets so that a liquid is expelled from the liquid ports when the distal end of the endoscope is proximate to the liquid outlets.

The trocar can further include an override switch. The override switch can be coupled to an endoscope. The controller can be in communication with the override switch and further adapted and configured to control flow to the liquid outlets so that a liquid is expelled from the liquid ports when the override switch is actuated.

The trocar can further include a manual switch adapted and configured to communicate directly or indirectly to control flow of the liquid to the one or more liquid outlets. The manual switch can be disposed on a handle of said endoscope. The manual sensor can include a foot pedal.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a trocar including: a central cylinder defining a central channel and having a distal end adapted and configured for insertion within a subject; one or more gas outlets located within the central cylinder proximate to the distal end of the trocar; one or more liquid outlets located within the central cylinder on a proximal side of the one or more gas outlets, wherein the one or more liquid outlets are adapted and configured to dispense a liquid when an endoscope is withdrawn from a fully extended position within the central channel of the trocar to a position proximate to the one or more liquid outlets; an outer cylinder surrounding at least a portion of the central cylinder; a gas inlet located at a proximal end of the outer cylinder; a liquid inlet located at the proximal end of the outer cylinder; a gasket positioned between the central cylinder and the outer cylinder, the gasket defining: a confined gas passage between gas inlet and the one or more gas outlets; and a confined liquid passage between liquid inlet and the one or more liquid outlets; and one or more sensors adapted and configured to detect when a distal end of the endoscope is proximate to the one or liquid outlets. The one or more sensors are adapted and configured to communicate directly or indirectly with a valve to control flow of the liquid to the one or more liquid outlets.

This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The confined liquid passage can have a cross-sectional area at least <NUM> times a combined cross-section area of the one or more liquid outlets. The confined gas passage can have a cross-sectional area at least <NUM> times a combined cross-section area of the one or more gas outlets.

Document <CIT> is considered the most relevant prior art and discloses the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to the following definitions.

As used herein, the singular form "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term "about" is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the art, for example within <NUM> standard deviations of the mean. "About" can be understood as within <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term about.

As used in the specification and claims, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "containing," "having," and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U. patent law and can mean "includes," "including," and the like.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, the term "or," as used herein, is understood to be inclusive.

Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of <NUM> to <NUM> is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> (as well as fractions thereof unless the context clearly dictates otherwise).

One embodiment of the invention provides an access trocar that automatically cleans the endoscopic camera used in minimally invasive surgery including but not limited to laparoscopy and thoracoscopy. Further embodiments of the invention provide a system for and method of cleaning a surgical endoscopic camera lens to optimize the viewing experience during operation.

Embodiments of the invention provide an access device for minimally invasive surgery through which an endoscopic camera can be introduced into a body cavity and which has a mechanism for automatic cleaning of the camera within the device. The device can be a trocar that contains two separate channel systems for separate delivery of: (<NUM>) saline for cleaning of the lens of the camera and (<NUM>) carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>) that is routinely used for insufflation of body cavities in minimally invasive surgery, and which here can also be used to clear the lens of the residual saline with which it has been rinsed. Each of the channels can run along the length of the trocar and have an exit site (for either the saline or the CO<NUM>) located at the distal end of the trocar, which is the end located within the body cavity. Each of these channels can be connected separately to both an ex vivo source of saline and of CO<NUM>, which can be delivered through tubing attached to the lumens of the trocar device.

A variety of mechanisms are described for activation of the saline rinse. One mechanism utilizes a sensor that is located within the trocar that can sense when the endoscopic camera is withdrawn into the trocar and which will signal delivery of pressurized saline to the lens of the camera. Another mechanism is a surgeon-activated mechanism by which the surgeon can engage a button that activates delivery of the saline rinse to the lens of the camera when the endoscopic camera is drawn into the trocar. The button mechanism can be a button that is situated with the saline tubing, between the ex vivo reservoir of saline and the trocar, and which can be attached to the camera itself so that it is easily pressed by the camera operator's finger. Following delivery of saline by either of these two mechanisms, as the endoscopic camera is reinserted into the body cavity, it can meet the constant stream of carbon dioxide at the most distal end of the trocar, which rids the camera lens of any residual saline.

Referring now to <FIG>, one embodiment of the invention provides a trocar <NUM> including a central cylinder <NUM> defining a central channel <NUM>, one or more (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like) gas outlets <NUM>, and one or more (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like) liquid outlets <NUM>. The gas outlets <NUM> and liquid outlets <NUM> can be arranged at various radial positions and in a single distal depth or at varying distal depths. For example, gas outlets <NUM> and liquid outlets <NUM> can be arranged along a ring perpendicular to a central axis of the central channel <NUM>, for example, <NUM> outlets spaced about <NUM>° apart, <NUM> outlets spaced about <NUM>° apart, <NUM> outlets spaced about <NUM>° apart, and the like.

Trocar <NUM> can have a distal end <NUM> adapted and configured for insertion within a subject and a proximal end <NUM> adapted and configured to remain outside of a subject. For example, distal end <NUM> can be sharpened and/or beveled to pierce a subject and to access a body cavity. Trocar <NUM> can be fabricated from a variety of materials such as metals (e.g., stainless steel), polymers, plastics, and the like using a variety of techniques including casting, molding, machining, thermomolding, thermosetting, injection molding, vacuum forming, additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing), and the like.

Trocar <NUM> can have a variety of dimensions to accommodate various surgical needs. For example, the inner diameter of central channel <NUM> can be about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, and the like. Trocar <NUM> can have a variety of lengths such as about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

Gas outlets <NUM> can be located within the central cylinder <NUM> proximate the distal end <NUM>. For example, gas outlets <NUM> can have a distance from the distal end <NUM> (e.g., measured from the furthest point parallel to the central axis of the trocar <NUM>) between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and the like.

Liquid outlets <NUM> can be located within the central cylinder <NUM> on a proximal side of the one or more gas outlets <NUM>. For example, liquid outlets <NUM> can have a distance from the gas outlets <NUM> (e.g., measured parallel to the central axis of the trocar <NUM>) between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and the like.

Gas outlet(s) <NUM> and/or liquid outlet(s) <NUM> can have a shape and/or size sufficient to generate sufficient liquid flow to reach the center of the central cylinder <NUM> and clean a lens of an endoscope. For example, gas outlet(s) <NUM> and/or liquid outlet(s) <NUM> can have a diameter or largest-cross-sectional dimension selected between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In one embodiment, the liquid outlets <NUM> are angled retrograde within the trocar <NUM> such that the exiting liquid is directed back toward the lens of the endoscope.

Gas outlet(s) <NUM> and/or liquid outlet(s) <NUM> can have smaller cross-sectional dimensions than the channels supplying gas and liquid in order to produce increased gas and/or liquid velocity. For example, the combined cross-sectional area of the outlet(s) <NUM> and/or liquid outlet(s) <NUM> can be less than the cross-sectional area of a supplying gas or liquid channel by a factor of at least about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, and the like.

Operation of the one or more liquid outlets <NUM> can be adapted, configured, and/or programmed to dispense a liquid when an endoscope is withdrawn from a fully extended position within the central channel <NUM> of the trocar <NUM> to a position proximate to the one or more liquid outlets <NUM> as further described herein.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary mode of operation.

In <FIG>, an endoscope <NUM> is distally advanced within the trocar <NUM> and obstructed by debris <NUM> on lens <NUM>. Gas <NUM> flows out of gas outlet(s) and past endoscope <NUM> for insufflation of the body cavity.

In <FIG>, the endoscope <NUM> is partially withdrawn proximally. Liquid <NUM> is dispensed from liquid outlet(s).

In <FIG>, the endoscope <NUM> is advanced again. Fluid flow ceases, but the lens <NUM> is now wet, e.g., with liquid droplets.

In <FIG>, the endoscope <NUM> is further advanced so that the endoscope lens <NUM> is adjacent to the gas outlets, which blow any liquid off of the lens <NUM>.

Gas and liquid can be provided to gas outlets <NUM> and liquid outlets <NUM> through a variety of structures. In one embodiment, one or more conduits are arrayed inside or outside of the central channel <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>.

Referring again to <FIG>, in one embodiment, trocar <NUM> includes a plurality of coaxial cylinders <NUM>, <NUM> surrounding central cylinder <NUM>. Coaxial cylinders <NUM>, <NUM> can define substantially cylindrical channels <NUM>, <NUM> between adjacent cylinders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Expanding the cross-sectional surface area of fluid channels <NUM>, <NUM> (particularly water channel <NUM>) lowers the friction applied to the fluid within channels <NUM>, <NUM>. As a result, liquids and gases can be provided from gas inlet(s) <NUM> and liquid inlet(s) <NUM> to gas ports <NUM> and liquid ports <NUM>, respectively, without the need for significantly elevated pressures. For example, CO<NUM> can be provided at or below the typical pressures available in operating rooms (e.g., between about <NUM> atmospheres and about <NUM> atmospheres). Likewise, liquids (e.g., saline) can be provided to the distal end <NUM> of the trocar <NUM> with minimal pressure such as those that can be generated with an hand-operated intravenous bag pressure cuff. Gas and/or liquid can be provided either to the trocar at gas inlet(s) <NUM> and liquid inlet(s) <NUM> or at gas outlet(s) <NUM> and/or liquid outlet(s) <NUM> at pressures such as between about <NUM> mmHg and about <NUM> mmHg, between about <NUM> mmHg and about <NUM> mmHg, between about <NUM> mmHg and about <NUM> mmHg, between about <NUM> mmHg and about <NUM>,<NUM> mmHg, and the like.

In another embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the trocar <NUM> includes a central cylinder <NUM> and an outer cylinder <NUM> separated by one or more gaskets <NUM> that define a gas passage <NUM> connecting gas port <NUM> and gas outlets <NUM> and a liquid passage <NUM> connecting liquid port <NUM> and liquid outlets <NUM>. Gasket <NUM> can be fabricated from a variety of materials such as elastomers. In one embodiment, gasket <NUM> is applied (e.g., with adhesive) to either the central cylinder <NUM> or the outer cylinder <NUM>. The two cylinders <NUM>, <NUM> can then be assembled, e.g., through an interference fit that can be facilitated by thermal expansion of outer cylinder <NUM> and/or thermal contraction of central cylinder <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the invention, gas (e.g., CO<NUM>) flows continuously from gas inlet <NUM> to gas ports <NUM> in order to support body cavity insufflation.

Switching of liquid flow can be provided in order to avoid flooding of the body cavity, obstruction of a downstream endoscope <NUM>, and the like. A variety of control mechanisms can be utilized. Exemplary approaches are describe herein.

Switches, sensors, and/or other control architecture can be placed at any point along, internal to, and/or external to the trocar <NUM>. In one embodiment, one or more switches, sensors, and/or other control architecture are located at or toward distal end <NUM> of trocar <NUM>. In another embodiment, one or more switches, sensors, and/or other control architecture are located at or toward proximal end <NUM> of trocar <NUM>. In still other embodiments, one or more switches, sensors, and/or other control architecture are external to the trocar <NUM> and, for example, mounted on or integral to an endoscope <NUM>.

For example and referring to <FIG>, a single switch/sensor (or array of switches/sensors) <NUM> can be located distal to the gas ports <NUM>. Such an embodiment could include a control device configured to control fluid flow such that flow occurs for a defined period of time (e.g., between about <NUM> seconds and about <NUM> seconds, and the like) after the switch/sensor <NUM> detects withdrawal of the endoscope <NUM> past the switch (e.g., a change from detection of the endoscope <NUM> to absence of the endoscope <NUM>). Such an event would suggest that either the surgeon is partially withdrawing the endoscope <NUM> for cleaning or completely withdrawing the endoscope <NUM> (in which case, cleaning is still desirable to avoid fouling of proximal portions of the trocar <NUM>).

Still referring to <FIG>, in another example, two switches/sensors (or array of switches/sensors) <NUM>, <NUM> can be arranged such that a first switch/sensor <NUM> is located distal to liquid port(s) <NUM> and a second switch/sensor <NUM> is located proximal to liquid port(s) <NUM>. A control device can be configured to actuate fluid flow when the second switch/sensor <NUM> detects the endoscope <NUM> and the first switch/sensor <NUM> does not detect the endoscope, indicating that the lens of the endoscope <NUM> is between the second switch/sensor <NUM> and the first switch/sensor <NUM>.

In another embodiment, a sensor <NUM> detects the presence of a distal end of an endoscope in proximity to the liquid outlet(s) <NUM> and triggers liquid flow.

In still another embodiment, a sensor can be placed either on a proximal end <NUM> of the trocar <NUM> or the endoscope to detect when the endoscope is withdrawn from a distally advanced position. For example, the sensor can be placed on a flange or other axially facing surface such that full advancement of the endoscope <NUM> will engage the switch.

Various switches and sensors can be utilized.

In one embodiment, the switches are mechanical switches that control fluid flow based on compression and/or other physical forces. Such switches could be engaged/disengaged as the endoscope <NUM> is advanced or retracted through the central channel <NUM> of the trocar <NUM>. For example, a ball valve (e.g., including spring-loaded ball bearings protruding into the central channel <NUM>) or a lever protruding into central channel <NUM> can be depressed as the endoscope <NUM> is inserted.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a trocar having a mechanical switch/sensor (switch <NUM>) for controlling fluid flow. In the illustrated embodiment, when endoscope <NUM> is withdrawn proximally past switch <NUM>, the switch activates fluid flow. Further, when endoscope <NUM> is inserted distally past switch <NUM>, the switch deactivates fluid flow. Switch <NUM> can include a lever that protrudes into a central channel such that it can be contacted and deactivated by endoscope <NUM>. Switch <NUM> can be located near distal end <NUM> as is illustrated in <FIG>, or switch <NUM> can be located near proximal end <NUM>. In various embodiments, more than one mechanical switch/sensor can be included. Additionally, in other embodiments, other types of mechanical switches can be implemented. For example, a ball valve can be used instead of a lever switch.

In another embodiment, the switch(es)/sensor(s) are optical switch(es)/sensor(s). For example, the switch can include an optical (e.g., laser) sensor.

Other exemplary switches/sensors include magnetic switches/sensors that can be engaged or disengaged based on ferromagnetic forces between magnets in the switches/sensors and/or the endoscope <NUM>. One example of a magnetic switch is a magnetic reed switch such as described in <CIT>.

Other exemplary sensors include a Hall effect sensor that detects a voltage difference across an electrical circuit as a magnet in an endoscope <NUM> is moved with respect to a sensor mounted in the trocar <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment having electronic switch/sensor <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, when endoscope <NUM> is withdrawn proximally past switch <NUM>, the switch <NUM> activates fluid flow. Further, when endoscope <NUM> is inserted distally past switch <NUM>, the switch <NUM> deactivates fluid flow. Electronic switch <NUM> can be any one of a magnetic switch/sensor or optical switch/sensor such that it is able to control fluid flow based on the positioning of endoscope <NUM>. In various embodiments, more than one electronic switch/sensor can be included.

Referring now <FIG>, the second mechanism of saline injection can be controlled by a button that is placed in line with saline tubing <NUM>, between the pressurized saline bag and the saline input channel <NUM> on the trocar <NUM>. This button <NUM> can be coupled to the hand held portion of the endoscopic camera <NUM> facilitating access of this button <NUM> to the camera operator. Once this button <NUM> is depressed, flow of saline through the tubing <NUM> and trocar <NUM> is initiated. Following either mechanism of saline injection, when the scope <NUM> is reinserted into the operative field, it is met with the stream of carbon dioxide at the most distal end of the trocar <NUM> which rids the lens <NUM> of any residual saline.

The embodiments of <FIG> include a remote switch/sensor, where the switch/sensor <NUM>, <NUM> is outside of the trocar. For example, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the switch/sensor <NUM> is located on handle <NUM> of the endoscope camera. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the switch/sensor <NUM> is adapted and configured for foot actuation.

Turning now to <FIG>, a manual switch/sensor <NUM> is located on handle <NUM> and communicatively coupled to the trocar to control fluid flow. In one embodiment, switch <NUM> can be adapted and configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the trocar to control the flow of liquid to the liquid outlet or outlets. Switch <NUM> can be a rocker switch, pressure switch, push button switch, or the like. In one embodiment, activation of switch <NUM> activates fluid flow and deactivation of switch <NUM> deactivates fluid flow. Switch <NUM> can be located at any position on handle <NUM> such that it can be activated and deactivated by a user. In one embodiment, switch <NUM> is activated when in a depressed state and deactivated when in a released state. However, in another embodiment, switch <NUM> may be activated when in a released state and deactivated when in a depressed state.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment where the manual switch/sensor <NUM> is a footactivated switch. Switch <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to the trocar and adapted and configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the trocar to control the flow of liquid out of the liquid outlet or outlets. In one embodiment, switch <NUM> includes a foot pedal that interacts with one of a rocker switch, pressure switch, push button switch, or the like. However, in other embodiments, switch <NUM> can include a switch and no foot pedal. Switch <NUM> can be positioned at ground level, proximate a user's foot for activation. In other embodiments, switch <NUM> can be position above ground level, in or on a housing, such that a user first lifts her foot before activating. In one embodiment, switch <NUM> is activated when in a depressed state and deactivated when in a released state. In another embodiment, switch <NUM> can be activated when in a released state and activated when in a depressed state.

In some embodiments, switches and/or sensors act as relays that are directly coupled to an electromechanically actuated valve such that activation of a switch or sensor based on the presence or absence of the endoscope at a particular location within the trocar directly actuates the valve to open or close.

In some embodiments, the valve lies within the same housing as button <NUM> and is configured such that the valve will open based on input from either the switch(es)/sensor(s) within the trocar or actuation of the button <NUM>.

Valves, switches, and/or sensors (e.g., a switch/sensor on a trocar, endoscope handle, foot pedal, and the like) can be coupled using various mechanical linkages and/or wired or wireless interfaces.

Exemplary wired protocols include: Universal Serial Bus (USB), USB <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and the like. The USB and USB <NUM> standards are described in publications such as <NPL>); and<NPL>). The IEEE <NUM> standard is described in <NPL>). The PCI standard is described in <NPL>); <NPL>). The Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet standards are discussed in <NPL>).

Exemplary wireless protocols include: BLUETOOTH®, IEEE <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>. <NUM>, and the like. The BLUETOOTH® standard is discussed in <NPL>). The IEEE <NUM> standard is discussed in <NPL>). The IEEE <NUM>. <NUM> standard is described in <NPL>).

In one embodiment, switches/sensor are communicatively coupled (e.g., through wired or wireless communication equipment and/or protocols) with a control unit. The control unit can be an electronic device programmed to control the operation of one or more switches regulating the flow of liquid (e.g., by regulating flow to liquid inlet <NUM>). The control unit can be programmed to autonomously control fluid flow without the need for input from a medical professionals or can incorporate such inputs.

Control unit can be a computing device such as a microcontroller (e.g., available under the ARDUINO® or IOIO™ trademarks), general purpose computer (e.g., a personal computer or PC), workstation, mainframe computer system, and so forth. Control unit can include a processor device (e.g., a central processing unit or "CPU"), a memory device, a storage device, a user interface, a system bus, and a communication interface.

Processor can be any type of processing device for carrying out instructions, processing data, and so forth.

Memory device can be any type of memory device including any one or more of random access memory ("RAM"), read-only memory ("ROM"), Flash memory, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory ("EEPROM"), and so forth.

Storage device can be any data storage device for reading/writing from/to any removable and/or integrated optical, magnetic, and/or optical-magneto storage medium, and the like (e.g., a hard disk, a compact disc-read-only memory "CD-ROM", CD-Re Writable "CDRW", Digital Versatile Disc-ROM "DVD-ROM", DVD-RW, and so forth). Storage device can also include a controller/interface for connecting to system bus. Thus, memory device and storage device are suitable for storing data as well as instructions for programmed processes for execution on processor.

User interface can include a touch screen, control panel, keyboard, keypad, display or any other type of interface, which can be connected to system bus through a corresponding input/output device interface/adapter.

Communication interface can be adapted and configured to communicate with any type of external device, including switches/sensors. Communication interface can further be adapted and configured to communicate with any system or network, such as one or more computing devices on a local area network ("LAN"), wide area network ("WAN"), the Internet, and so forth. Communication interface can be connected directly to system bus or can be connected through a suitable interface.

Control unit can, thus, provide for executing processes, by itself and/or in cooperation with one or more additional devices, that can include algorithms for controlling valves in accordance with the present invention. Control unit can be programmed or instructed to perform these processes according to any communication protocol and/or programming language on any platform. Thus, the processes can be embodied in data as well as instructions stored in memory device and/or storage device or received at user interface and/or communication interface for execution on processor.

Claim 1:
A trocar (<NUM> ,<NUM>) comprising:
a central cylinder (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a central channel (<NUM>) and having a distal end configured for insertion within a body cavity of a subject;
one or more outlets (<NUM>, <NUM>) located within the central cylinder, wherein the one or more outlets are configured to dispense a liquid when an endoscope (<NUM>) is withdrawn from a distally extended position within the central channel of the trocar to a position proximate to the one or more outlets, the one or more outlets having a shape or size sufficient to generate sufficient flow to reach a center of the central cylinder and clean a lens of the endoscope;
characterized in
a sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect when a distal end of the endoscope has been withdrawn to the position proximate to the one or more outlets; and
a controller in communication with the sensor, the controller configured to control the flow to the one or more outlets to expel the liquid from the one or more outlets when the distal end of the endoscope is proximate to the one or more outlets.