U.S. patent application number 16/514390 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for trocar assembly with a cleaning element for use during a laparoscopic procedure.
This patent application is currently assigned to CareFusion 2200, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is CareFusion 2200, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeanny Chung, Jesse Charles Darley, Christopher Alan Harris, Patrick Hubbard, Curtis B. Irwin, Stephen A. Latham, Daniel J. Lee, Joseph Prybell, Douglas Rodenkirch, Joanna L. Rosenbaum, Jeffrey R. Staszak, Corrie Threlkeld, Sara Tillman, Brandon Toth, Andrew P. VanDeWeghe, Thomas Wilschke.
Application Number | 20200008663 16/514390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61764144 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200008663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenbaum; Joanna L. ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
TROCAR ASSEMBLY WITH A CLEANING ELEMENT FOR USE DURING A
LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a trocar assembly with an
integrated scope-cleaning structure. The trocar assembly may
include a housing defining boundaries of a chamber with (a) a
proximal opening configured to receive a distal end of a scope, and
(b) a distal opening in fluid and mechanical communication with a
trocar cannula. The trocar assembly may further include a cleaning
element located at least partially between the proximal opening and
the distal opening, where the cleaning element is movable with
respect to the housing from at least a first setting where a first
portion of the cleaning element may be in a first location and may
form a first cleaning surface within the chamber, the first
cleaning surface configured to remove debris from a distal end of
the scope when the distal end of the scope contacts the first
portion of the cleaning element.
Inventors: |
Rosenbaum; Joanna L.;
(Evanston, IL) ; Chung; Jeanny; (Deerfield,
IL) ; Hubbard; Patrick; (Vernon Hills, IL) ;
Prybell; Joseph; (Mundelein, IL) ; Threlkeld;
Corrie; (Vernon Hills, IL) ; Tillman; Sara;
(Vernon Hills, IL) ; Toth; Brandon; (Vernon Hills,
IL) ; VanDeWeghe; Andrew P.; (Grayslake, IL) ;
Wilschke; Thomas; (Chicago, IL) ; Darley; Jesse
Charles; (Madison, WI) ; Harris; Christopher
Alan; (Madison, WI) ; Irwin; Curtis B.;
(Madison, WI) ; Latham; Stephen A.; (Sun Prairie,
WI) ; Lee; Daniel J.; (Princeton Junction, NJ)
; Rodenkirch; Douglas; (Sun Prairie, WI) ;
Staszak; Jeffrey R.; (Deerfield, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CareFusion 2200, Inc. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CareFusion 2200, Inc.
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
61764144 |
Appl. No.: |
16/514390 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15452246 |
Mar 7, 2017 |
10398296 |
|
|
16514390 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/3462 20130101;
A61B 2017/3437 20130101; A61B 1/126 20130101; A61B 17/3498
20130101; A61B 17/3421 20130101; A61B 2017/3454 20130101; A61B
1/3132 20130101; A61B 17/3474 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/12 20060101
A61B001/12; A61B 17/34 20060101 A61B017/34; A61B 1/313 20060101
A61B001/313 |
Claims
1. A method for cleaning a scope, the method comprising:
maneuvering a distal end of the scope to a position within a
housing, which housing includes a distal opening in fluid
communication with a trocar cannula, wherein the housing is coupled
to a rotatable wheel having a first cleaning surface and a wheel
opening, said first cleaning surface and said wheel opening
longitudinally alignable with a longitudinal axis through the
trocar cannula and the distal opening; contacting a cleaning
surface of the rotatable wheel with a distal end surface of the
scope while the rotatable wheel is in a first setting, wherein in
the first setting, the first cleaning surface is longitudinally
aligned with the distal opening of the housing; rotating the
rotatable wheel to a second setting; and passing a distal end of a
scope distally through and the distal opening of the housing.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the second setting, an opening
of the rotatable wheel is longitudinally aligned with the distal
opening of the housing such that the distal end of the scope
readily passes longitudinally distally through the wheel opening of
the rotatable wheel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotatable wheel further
includes a second cleaning surface, and the method further
comprising contacting the second cleaning surface with the distal
end of the scope.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein in the second setting, the second
cleaning surface is longitudinally aligned with the distal opening
of the housing.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the second cleaning surface is
concave.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a chamber,
and wherein a cleaning element forms another cleaning surface at
least partially within the chamber, where the cleaning element
includes an opening longitudinally aligned between the proximal
opening and the distal opening of the housing.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cleaning element is further
moveable with respect to the housing to a third setting.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein in the third setting, a second
portion of the cleaning element forms a second cleaning surface
within the housing, the second cleaning surface configured to
remove debris from the distal end of the scope.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising a divider separating
the housing into a proximal portion of a chamber and a distal
portion of the chamber, the divider including an opening aligned
with the proximal opening of the housing and the distal opening of
the housing, and aligned with an opening of the cleaning element in
the second setting.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the divider comprises a second
cleaning element located in the proximal portion of the chamber and
configured for cleaning contact with a distal-facing surface of the
scope.
11. A method for cleaning a scope, the method comprising:
maneuvering a distal end of the scope to a position within a
housing defining a chamber, which housing includes a distal opening
in fluid communication with a trocar cannula, wherein the housing
is coupled to a cleaning element located at least partially between
a proximal opening configured to receive the distal end of the
scope and the distal opening, where the cleaning element is
moveable with respect to the housing from at least a first setting
to at least a second setting; moving the cleaning element to the
first setting where a first portion of the cleaning element is in a
first location and provides a first cleaning surface within the
chamber, the first cleaning surface configured to remove debris
from the distal end of the scope when the distal end of the scope
contacts the first portion of the cleaning element; and moving the
cleaning element to the second setting where the first potion is
displaced to a second location and the scope can extend
longitudinally through the distal opening of the housing.
12. The method of claim 11 comprising aligning an opening of the
cleaning element with the distal opening of the housing in the
second setting.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the cleaning element includes a
rotatable wheel comprising the first cleaning surface and an
opening through the cleaning element.
14. The method of claim 11 further comprising moving the cleaning
element with respect to the housing to a third setting, wherein in
the third setting, a second portion of the cleaning element forms a
second cleaning surface within the housing, the second cleaning
surface configured to remove debris from a distal end of the
scope.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising a divider separating
the housing into a proximal portion of a chamber and a distal
portion of the chamber, the divider including an opening aligned
with the proximal opening of the housing and the distal opening of
the housing, and aligned with an opening of the cleaning element in
the second setting.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the divider comprises a second
cleaning element located in the proximal portion of the chamber and
configured for cleaning contact with a distal-facing surface of the
scope.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second cleaning element
includes a curved and concave proximal-facing surface.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the cleaning element includes a
stepped portion with an edge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. application
Ser. No. 15/452,246, filed Mar. 7, 2017, entitled "TROCAR ASSEMBLY
WITH A CLEANING ELEMENT FOR USE DURING A LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURE,"
the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to trocar
assemblies and related devices, and more specifically, to trocar
assemblies which can be utilized in laparoscopic medical
procedures.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive surgical
technique typically performed with the assistance of one or more
medical instruments inserted through a small incision in a
patient's body. Laparoscopic surgery is often preferred to
traditional and more invasive surgical procedures because of the
reduced frequency and degree of certain postoperative side effects,
such as postoperative pain, swelling, internal bleeding, and
infection risk. The minimally-invasive nature of laparoscopic
procedures may also result in decreased recovery times and shorter
hospital stays.
[0004] Typical medical devices utilized during laparoscopic
procedures have instruments mounted on an elongated metal or
plastic body that are inserted into the patient's body and
maneuvered to a target area within a body cavity (e.g., the
abdominal, pelvic, thoracic, or chest cavity, where insufflation
may be used to provide additional space in which to maneuver, which
requires a fluid-patent barrier to maintain insufflation pressure
in the cavity). One or more trocar assemblies are typically first
inserted into the patient body at an incision site (for each), and
the instruments access the patient body through the trocar
assembly(ies).
[0005] Often, a medical device including a camera or other
image-transmitting device is inserted through a trocar to transmit
one or more images or a live video feed from within the body cavity
to a medical professional (such as the surgeon). The device may be
referred to as a scope or a laparoscope, and its transmission may
guide the medical professional's actions during the laparoscopic
procedure.
[0006] A problem typically experienced during laparoscopic procures
involves a compromised image or video feed due to an obstructed
lens of the laparoscope. This obstruction may be caused by
condensation (e.g., fog) and/or debris such as bodily fluids or
displaced tissue encountered by the lens during the procedure. Such
obstruction is problematic because the lens of the laparoscope
preferably remains contained in a pressurized and sterile
environment (e.g., insufflated body cavity), and removing the lens
from that environment for cleaning purposes may cause lengthy
interruptions prolonging patient anesthesia and increasing a risk
of compromised sterility.
DESCRIPTION
[0007] The present disclosure relates to a trocar assembly with an
integrated scope-cleaning structure. The trocar assembly may
include a housing defining boundaries of a chamber with (a) a
proximal opening configured to receive a distal end of a scope, and
(b) a distal opening in fluid and mechanical communication with a
trocar cannula. The trocar assembly may further include a cleaning
element located at least partially between the proximal opening and
the distal opening, where the cleaning element is movable with
respect to the housing from at least a first setting where a first
portion of the cleaning element may be in a first location and may
form a first cleaning surface within the chamber, the first
cleaning surface configured to remove debris from a distal end of
the scope when the distal end of the scope contacts the first
portion of the cleaning element. In a second setting, the first
portion of the cleaning element may be displaced to a second
location, and the scope may extend longitudinally through the
distal opening of the housing.
[0008] In the second setting, an opening of the cleaning element
may be aligned with the distal opening of the housing.
[0009] The cleaning element may include a rotatable wheel with the
first cleaning surface and an opening through the cleaning
element.
[0010] The cleaning element may be further movable with respect to
the housing to a third setting, where in the third setting, a
second portion of the cleaning element forms a second cleaning
surface within the housing, and where the second cleaning surface
is configured to remove debris from a distal end of the scope.
[0011] The trocar assembly may include a divider separating the
housing into a proximal portion of a chamber and a distal portion
of the chamber, the divider including an opening aligned with the
proximal opening of the housing and the distal opening of the
housing, and aligned with an opening of the cleaning element in the
second setting. The divider may have a second cleaning element
located in the proximal portion of the chamber and configured for
cleaning contact with a distal-facing surface of the scope. The
second cleaning element may include a curved and concave
proximal-facing surface.
[0012] The cleaning element may include a stepped portion with an
edge.
[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a trocar
assembly with an integrated scope-cleaning structure. A housing of
the trocar assembly may include a proximal opening longitudinally
aligned with a distal opening, which distal opening is in fluid and
mechanical communication with a trocar cannula. The trocar assembly
may include a rotatable wheel including a first cleaning surface
and a wheel opening, each alignable between the proximal opening
and distal opening. In a first setting, the first cleaning surface
may be in a first location such that it is longitudinally aligned
with the proximal and distal openings of the housing, and in a
second setting, the first cleaning surface may be displaced with
respect to the first location.
[0014] In the second setting, the wheel opening of the rotatable
wheel may be longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal
openings of the housing such that a distal end of a scope can pass
distally longitudinally through the opening of the rotatable wheel
and the distal opening of the housing.
[0015] The rotatable wheel may include a second cleaning surface,
also alignable between the proximal opening and distal opening. In
a third setting, the second cleaning surface may be longitudinally
aligned with the proximal and distal openings of the housing.
[0016] The wheel opening of the rotatable wheel may include a
diameter and a second wheel opening of the rotatable wheel may
include a different second diameter.
[0017] The housing may include a chamber, where a cleaning element
forms another cleaning surface at least partially within the
chamber, and where the cleaning element includes an opening
longitudinally aligned between the proximal and distal openings of
the housing. The another cleaning surface may include a curved
proximal-facing surface and may have at least one cleaning property
different from the first cleaning surface.
[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method
for cleaning a scope. The method may include maneuvering a distal
end of the scope to a position within a housing, which housing
includes a distal opening in fluid communication with a trocar
cannula, where the housing is coupled to a rotatable wheel having a
first cleaning surface and a wheel opening, said first cleaning
surface and said wheel opening longitudinally alignable with a
longitudinal axis through the trocar cannula and the distal
opening, contacting a cleaning surface of the rotatable wheel with
a distal end surface of the scope while the rotatable wheel is in a
first setting, where in the first setting, the first cleaning
surface is longitudinally aligned with the distal opening of the
housing, rotating the rotatable wheel to a second setting, where in
the second setting, and passing a distal end of a scope distally
through and the distal opening of the housing.
[0019] In the second setting, an opening of the rotatable wheel may
be longitudinally aligned with the distal opening of the housing
such that the distal end of the scope readily passes longitudinally
distally through the wheel opening of the rotatable wheel.
[0020] The rotatable wheel may further include a second cleaning
surface, and the method may include contacting the second cleaning
surface with the distal end of the scope.
[0021] The housing may have a chamber, where a cleaning element
forms another cleaning surface at least partially within the
chamber, and where the cleaning element includes an opening
longitudinally aligned between the proximal opening and the distal
opening of the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a trocar assembly for use during a laparoscopic
procedure in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a section view of the trocar assembly of FIG.
1.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a trocar assembly with a
curved convex cleaning surface and lined cannula in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 3A shows the trocar assembly of FIG. 3 during a
cleaning procedure in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a trocar assembly with movable buttons for
displacing a cleaning element in response to an input force in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows the trocar assembly of FIG. 4 with a second
cleaning element in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a trocar assembly having
a cleaning element with portions extending to a location outside of
a housing in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a trocar assembly with a
housing having flexible wall portions in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a trocar assembly with
flexible wall portions formed by an inner shell including a
cleaning element in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 8A shows a second illustration of the trocar assembly
of FIG. 8.
[0032] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a trocar assembly with an
adjustable cleaning element in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a trocar assembly with
disclosure cleaning element having two disk portions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Various embodiments are described below with reference to
the drawings in which like elements generally are referred to by
like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various
elements of the embodiments may better be understood by reference
to the following detailed description. However, embodiments are not
limited to those illustrated in the drawings. It should be
understood that the drawings may or may not be to scale, and in
certain instances details may have been omitted that are not
necessary for an understanding of embodiments disclosed herein,
such as--for example--conventional fabrication and assembly.
[0035] The invention is defined by the claims, may be embodied in
many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey enabling disclosure to those skilled in the art.
As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms
"a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Reference herein to any industry and/or
governmental standards (e.g., ASTM, ANSI, IEEE, HIPAA, FDA
standards) is defined as complying with the currently published
standards as of the original filing date of this disclosure
concerning the units, measurements, and testing criteria
communicated by those standards unless expressly otherwise defined
herein.
[0036] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein in the
common usage sense where they refer respectively to a
handle/doctor-end of a device or related object and a
tool/patient-end of a device or related object. The terms "about,"
"substantially," "generally," and other terms of degree, when used
with reference to any volume, dimension, proportion, or other
quantitative or qualitative value, are intended to communicate a
definite and identifiable value within the standard parameters that
would be understood by one of skill in the art (equivalent to a
medical device engineer with experience in this field), and should
be interpreted to include at least any legal equivalents, minor but
functionally-insignificant variants, standard manufacturing
tolerances, and including at least mathematically significant
figures (although not required to be as broad as the largest range
thereof).
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a trocar assembly 102 for use during a
laparoscopic procedure. The trocar assembly 102 may include a
housing 104 with a cannula 106 extending distally from the housing
104. The cannula 106 may include a distal end 108 for placement
into a patient body during the laparoscopic procedure. The distal
end 108 of the cannula 106 may include a beveled or sharpened end
110 to facilitate entry of the cannula 106 into the patient body.
An obturator may additionally or alternatively be included. The
cannula 106 may include certain surface characteristics, such as
threads or ridges 112, to enhance the stability of the trocar
assembly 102 when inserted into a body incision. In some
embodiments, a removable bayonet fitting 114 or other suitable
securement mechanism may be placed on a proximal side 116 of the
housing 104 during deployment of the trocar assembly 102. The
bayonet fitting 114 may be configured to secure an obturator to the
housing 104 and may provide a surface 118 for receiving an input
force from a medical professional intended to direct the cannula
106 into the patient body, for example. The bayonet fitting 114 may
be removed once the trocar assembly 102 is deployed.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a section view of the trocar assembly 102 of
FIG. 1. As shown, the cannula 106 may be in fluid communication
with a chamber 120 formed by the housing 104. The chamber 120 may
be defined by a proximal or top wall 123, a distal or bottom wall
125, and a generally cylindrical side wall 327 extending from the
top wall 123 to the bottom wall 125 and defining inner and outer
chamber perimeters (i.e., circumferences, when the chamber is
rounded but otherwise applicable to any geometry). The chamber 120
may have a proximal opening 122 configured to receive medical
devices used during laparoscopic surgery, including but not limited
to graspers, dissectors, needles, scissors, clamps, electrodes,
forceps, a camera or laparoscope (a "scope"), etc. The proximal
opening 122 may be located in a top wall 123 of the housing 104. A
valve 126 may be located in the proximal opening 122 and may form a
seal or fluid barrier between the chamber 120 and an external
environment (e.g., the ambient room environment). Alternatively or
in addition, the valve 126 may be located in another location (such
as at the opening 124). It may be advantageous for at least one
valve 126 to be located at a the proximal opening 122 such that a
lens of a scope does not have to pass through the valve 126 prior
to cleaning, thereby reducing or eliminating the chance of
materials from the valve 126 dirtying the scope's lens. The inner
and outer chamber perimeters each is greater than an outer
perimeter of the cannula 106.
[0039] The chamber 120 may be subjected to a continuous sterile and
pressurized environment that extends through the cannula 106 and to
the body cavity (herein referred to as the "internal environment"
even though the continuous region may extend external of the
patient body wall, e.g., within trocar assembly 102). This may be
advantageous if maintaining insufflation of the body cavity is
desired during all operation--including cleaning--of a
trans-trocar-located scope or other device. Further, the controlled
environment of the chamber 120 may reduce fogging of a scope by
eliminating or reducing temperature changes and/or changes in
humidity.
[0040] The valve 126 (which may include more than one valve) may
include a particular structure that allows certain medical devices
to pass through the proximal opening 122 and into the chamber while
maintaining the seal or fluid barrier. For example, the valve 126
may include the depicted duckbill seal, an annular seal structure,
or both, but other suitable structures may additionally or
alternatively be included. The valve 126 may be formed with a
compliant material such that it expands or contracts as necessary
for compatibility with scopes of differentsizes. For example, on
the Shore Hardness Scale, the valve 126 may be formed of a material
with a hardness between about Shore A 20 to about Shore A 80, such
as from about Shore A 30 to about Shore A 60.
[0041] An insufflation inlet 128 may communicate with the chamber
and may be configured to control the pressure and other
characteristics (e.g., temperature, composition of the atmosphere),
which may be advantageous for providing precise control of
insufflation of a body cavity during the laparoscopic procedure.
The insufflation inlet 128 may include an insufflation valve 130,
and may be in fluid communication with a pump or other suitable
pressure source. As shown, the insufflation inlet 128 may
communicate with a distal chamber portion 121 (which is a portion
of the chamber 120) that is separated from the remainder of the
chamber 120 by a divider 150, and the cleaning element 136 may be
located on a proximal face of the divider 150, as shown.
Advantageously, the flow of gasses or other contents received into
the chamber 120 through the insufflation inlet 128 may be
introduced in a manner such that the effect of the flow across
cleaning element 136 is reduced or eliminated. For example, when
the cleaning element 136 (which is described in detail below) is
wetted with a cleaning fluid, concerns of increased evaporation due
to fluid flow over the cleaning element 136 may be alleviated.
[0042] The trocar assembly 102 may provide an entry or point of
access into the body for a scope 132. In non-limiting embodiments,
the scope 132 may include a commercially-available rigid
laparoscope with a 5 mm or a 10 mm diameter (or any other suitable
diameter) with either a non-angled lens or an angled lens, which
may be angled at 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, etc. with
respect to the longitudinal axis of the scope 132. At least a
distal end 134 of the scope 132 may include one or more elements
designed to magnify, reflect, illuminate, and/or capture images of
internal body areas under treatment, and then transmit those images
back to the medical professional controlling the procedure (herein
referred to as a "viewing element"). The scope 132 may be inserted
into proximal opening 122 of the chamber 120, may extend through
the chamber 120, and may extend through into the cannula 106
through a distal opening 124 in the bottom wall 125 of the chamber
120, where the distal opening 124 is in fluid and mechanical
communication with the cannula 106. The scope 132 may further
extend distally to the cannula's distal end 108 (shown in FIG. 1)
and into the body cavity. In some embodiments, a sleeve (not shown,
but readily understood as a lining layer) may be located within the
cannula 106, and the scope 132 may pass through the sleeve. Once
deployed, the scope 132 may be manipulated by the medical
professional moving it distally/proximally, angling it, and/or by
rotating it into a particular orientation. Typically, during
laparoscopic procedures, scopes can become obstructed when debris
(e.g., condensation, displaced tissue, bodily fluids) are
encountered and accumulate on a lens of the scope, which may
compromise the image or video feed provided to the medical
professional.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the trocar assembly 102 may include the
cleaning element 136 forming a surface 138 at a location within the
internal environment. The housing 104 may include a cleaning
element receiving surface 135 configured (e.g., sized and shaped)
to receive, and attach to, the cleaning element 136. The cleaning
element may have a surface (such as the bottom surface 129)
configured to secure to the cleaning element receiving surface 135.
For example, the bottom surface 129 may have an adhesive or other
tacky/sticky substance to adhere to the cleaning element receiving
surface 135, but additional and/or alternative securement devices
are contemplated. The surface 138 of the cleaning element 136 may
facilitate removal of obstructions from the scope 132 without
necessitating removal of the scope 132 from the internal
environment. Advantageously, lengthy interruptions (and therefore
increased surgical and anesthesia time) due to removing and/or
replacing an obstructed scope may be reduced or eliminated.
Further, the distal end of the scope 132 may remain in the sterile
internal environment during cleaning, which may advantageously
alleviate concerns related to loss of sterility within the internal
environment due to the removal and re-entry of the scope 132 one or
more times for cleaning purposes. Keeping the scope 132 within the
internal environment may also reduce or eliminate debris in the
form of fogging or condensation caused by exposure to pressure
and/or temperature changes when switching between environments. It
should also be understood that certain advantages of the present
embodiments are generally described as relating to a scope for
explanation purposes and may also extend to other types of
instruments used during surgical procedures, and therefore "scope"
should be understood as including any suitable medical device used
during laparoscopic surgery when described in the context of the
present embodiments, unless clearly excluded.
[0044] The cleaning element 136 may incorporate any suitable
structures, materials, and/or cleaning solutions for moving
obstructions from the scope 132. The cleaning element may have a
unitary construction, or alternatively may have multiple surfaces
or layers with different cleaning characteristics or properties for
facilitating multiple treatments. For example, it is contemplated
that the cleaning element 136 may have a first region with an
abrasive surface for breaking up potential obstructions, a second
region including a liquid, a gel, or other material for dissolving
or washing away the obstructions, and a third region with an
absorbent or adsorbent surface for removing any remaining
residue.
[0045] The cleaning element 136 may include any suitable cleaning
structures or materials, such as sponges, foams (e.g., reticulated
or non-reticulated foamed plastic polymers forming open-cell,
semi-open cell, or closed-cell foam structures), fibrous materials
(e.g., materials with natural (e.g., cellulosic) and/or synthetic
fibers), microfiber or wipe materials (e.g., polyethers,
polyamides, polyesters, and/or blends of each in a woven or
non-woven construction with split or non-split fibers), hydrophilic
or hydrophobic materials, fluids, gases, bristles, films, etc. The
structures and/or materials of the cleaning element 136 may include
and hydrophobic properties to assist in absorbing and wicking of
various bodily fluids and/or lipophilic characteristics for
increased absorption of oils or fats. The cleaning element 136 may
be capable of absorbing at least 5 times its original weight of
fluids, such as about 15 times its original weight (or more). When
the cleaning element 136 includes pores, consistent or variable
pore sizes may be consistently or randomly dispersed (or layered)
in certain configurations for suitable absorption properties (for
example, a the cleaning element 136 may include a micro-porous foam
with about 4 pores per inch to about 100 pores per inch). The
cleaning element 136 may have a firmness/compliance of about 2
lbs/50 in.sup.2 to about 80 lbs/50 in.sup.2, and preferably about 6
lbs/50 in.sup.2 to about 45 lbs/50 in.sup.2 (when tested at 25%
deflection on a 20 inch by 20 inch by 4 inch specimen). The
material(s) of the cleaning element 136 may be formed of a material
suitable for use in a medical device (e.g., with suitable
biocompatibility, non-linting/no particulate, tear resistance,
sterilization or other chemical/solvent compatibility, and
radiation stability).
[0046] The cleaning element 136 may be multi-layered in some
embodiments. For example, a first layer may be configured to absorb
a fluid obstruction located on the scope 132, and a second layer
may be configured to retain or discard that fluid. In some
embodiments, the first layer may include an open-cell foam with
relatively low density (such as polyurethane or silicone foam) that
may be used to effectively and quickly absorb (or wick, etc.) the
obstructing fluid, and the second layer may include higher-density
foam for effectively retaining the fluid. The second layer may be
located beneath (e.g., covered by) the first layer, for example.
Fibrous materials such as terrycloth and microfiber cloths may
additionally or alternatively be used and may be advantageous for
providing a streak-free lens surface when wiped against the scope
132. The solid materials of the cleaning element 136 may be
combined or "wetted" with a cleaning fluid, such as an anti-fog
fluid, sterile water, saline, a detergent, etc, which may
facilitate the removal of fatty smudges and dried-on debris.
[0047] Referring to the trocar assembly 102 of FIG. 2, in the event
the medical professional's visibility becomes compromised due to
obstruction of the scope 132 during surgery, the scope 132 may be
retracted proximally such that the distal end of the scope 132 is
located within the chamber 120. The distal end 134 (or other
location) may then be wiped or swept by pressing and/or rubbing the
distal end 134 of the scope 132 on the cleaning element 136 to
remove obstructions. As explained above, this cleaning procedure
may advantageously be completed without removing the scope 132 from
the internal environment in the trocar assembly 102. In some
embodiment, the housing 104 may be formed of a transparent or
translucent material such that a user has a visual perspective of
the cleaning element 136, the scope 132, and other objects in the
chamber 120 during the cleaning procedure. Similarly, the cannula
106 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. When
the scope 132 is located in the trocar assembly 102, the scope 132
(which often includes a light) may illuminate the chamber 120 to
increase visibility, even if the housing 104 is not fully
transparent. While the housing 104 may be fully formed of a
transparent or translucent material, the housing 104 may
alternatively include an opaque material and also include at least
one viewport formed of transparent or translucent material.
[0048] In some embodiments, the cleaning element 136 may be
selectable, removable, and/or replaceable. Thus, the trocar
assembly 102 may be capable of allowing access into the chamber 120
(e.g., in an operating room prior to a surgery) such that a medical
professional can select an appropriate version of the cleaning
element 136 and then use that cleaning element 136 with the trocar
assembly 102 during the procedure. The access may be provided by
separating an upper portion 190 of the housing from a lower portion
192 of the housing, for example. The cleaning element 136 may
additionally or alternatively be replaced during a medical
procedure (e.g., if it becomes soiled), and/or may be replaced
between medical procedures during reprocessing of the trocar
assembly 102 if the trocar assembly 102 is reusable.
[0049] After completion of the cleaning procedure, the distal end
134 of the scope 132 may be again advanced through the cannula 106
and out beyond the cannula distal end to restore the image or video
feed provided by the scope. Those of skill in the art will
appreciate that existing scopes and potential scope designs include
at least one non-longitudinal, distal-end-facing surface of the
distal end 134 that may be generally or exactly perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the scope 132, or which distal-facing
surface may be configured at a non-perpendicular angle relative to
the longitudinal axis (e.g., 30 degrees off-perpendicular, 45
degrees off-perpendicular). It is further contemplated that the
distal-facing surface of the scope 132 may be flat/planar, concave,
or convex relative to the major plane of that face. The term
"non-longitudinal, distal-end-facing surface" is meant to include
the operative end face(s) of a scope in distinction from the
longitudinal lateral sides of the scope, which will generally be
columnar cylindrical. Thus, as described in more detail below, the
surface characteristics of the cleaning element 136 may be shaped
or otherwise configured for compatibility with a variety of
distal-facing surfaces of the scope 132.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a trocar assembly 202 with a housing 204, a
chamber 220, and a cannula 206. The trocar assembly 202 includes a
cleaning element 236 with a concave surface 238 (or other curved
surface) within the chamber 220. The concave surface 238 may be
advantageous for providing a cleaning profile that matches a
profile of a scope with a distal non-perpendicular face, such as a
curved (e.g., convex) or angled lens, or other curved instrument,
for example. The concave surface 238 may advantageously increase
the total surface area of the cleaning element 236 when compared to
a flat cleaning element, which may be advantageous when more than
one cleaning procedure will take place without replacing or
reprocessing the trocar assembly 202, particularly if
previously-used areas of the cleaning element 236 cannot be reused
without reprocessing (e.g., due to buildup of debris).
[0051] The cleaning element 236 may also line the cannula 206 or
otherwise extend through the cannula 206, as depicted by FIG. 3.
Advantageously, this embodiment may provide the ability to clean a
scope while retracting it through the cannula 206 and/or without
necessitating retraction of the distal end 234 of the scope the
entire way to the chamber 220, particularly when the obstructed
instrumentation is located on an outer-diameter surface along the
elongated body of the scope. The cleaning element 236 may extend
all the way to the distal end of the cannula 206, or not. While not
shown, it is contemplated that the entirety of the inner surface
area of the trocar assembly 202 within the internal environment may
include one or more cleaning element(s) 236.
[0052] FIG. 3A shows the embodiment of the trocar assembly 202 of
FIG. 3 during a cleaning procedure in accordance with the present
disclosure. As shown, the scope 232 may be received into the
chamber 220 of the housing 204 through the top opening 222. While
not shown, a valve may be located at the top opening 222 to form a
fluid barrier at the top opening 222, thereby sealing the
environment inside the chamber 220 from an external environment.
The cleaning element 236 may include the curved concave surface
238, which is particularly advantageous when the scope 232 has
angled distal end 234 as depicted, a curved distal end, or another
non-planar distal end. To clean the distal end 234 of the scope
232, the user may wipe the distal end 234 of the scope 232 against
the concave surface 238 of the cleaning element 236 to remove
debris. At least a portion of the cleaning element 236 may be
relatively compliant such that when the user presses the distal end
of the scope 232 against the cleaning element 236 with sufficient
force, the contact portion of the cleaning element 236 yields and
at least partially assumes the shape of the distal end 234 of the
scope 232 to thereby provide a larger surface area of contact.
[0053] Another embodiment of a trocar assembly 302 is depicted in
FIG. 4. Like other embodiments described herein, the trocar
assembly 302 includes a housing 304 with a chamber 320 and a
cannula 306 extending from the chamber 320. A proximal or top wall
323 of the housing 304 may include an opening 322, which may be
configured to receive a scope and which may be associated with a
valve (not shown) for sealing the chamber 320 from an external
environment. The chamber 320 may be defined by the top wall 323, a
distal or bottom wall 325, and a generally cylindrical side wall
327 extending from the top wall 323 to the bottom wall 325. The
housing 304 includes a first button 340 and a second button 342.
Herein, a "button" may be a structure that moves in response to an
input force applied by a user. The buttons 340, 342 may form a
portion of the side wall 327 such that the chamber 320 is
deformable (e.g., inwardly). The first button 340 and the second
button 342 are secured to a cleaning element 336 such that movement
of the first button 340 and/or the second button 342 effects
displacement of the cleaning element 336. The buttons 340, 342 may
be configured to move in response to an input force applied to one
or more of the buttons 340, 342. So, the cleaning element 336 may
displace from a default state (shown in FIG. 4) to a displaced
state (not shown) when one of the buttons 340, 342 is moved in
response to the applied input force. The input force may result
from a medical professional intentionally applying pressure on one
of the buttons 340, 342, for example. While two buttons are
depicted, more or fewer than two buttons may be included. The
buttons may be coupled to a spring or other biasing element such
that the cleaning element 336 returns to the default state when the
input force is removed from the buttons 340, 342. It is
contemplated that the resiliency of the cleaning element 336 may
provide the biasing/spring force, particularly when the cleaning
element 336 includes a resilient material, such as a particular
foam, rubber, or plastic. Therefore, the cleaning element 336 may
include a tendency to assume the default state in the absence of an
input force (shown, in the non-limiting illustration of FIG. 4 as a
flat circular disc with a center-hole, but able to be embodied
differently within the scope of the present disclosure).
[0054] The cleaning element 336 may have an opening 344 to provide
access from a proximal portion 346 of the chamber 320 to a distal
portion 348 of the chamber, and/or from the proximal portion 346 of
the chamber 320 to the cannula 306. The opening 344 may be aligned
with a longitudinal axis of the cannula 306 such that substantially
straight elongated instruments extending through the cannula 306
also may extend proximally through the opening 344. The diameter
(or other cross-sectional dimension) of the opening 344 may be
approximately equal to, or slightly larger than, the inner diameter
of the cannula 306 and/or an outer diameter of a scope, which may
be advantageous for allowing the scope to pass through the opening
344 without catching or creating friction when being manipulated
during the laparoscopic procedure. Alternatively, it may be
advantageous for the diameter of the opening 344 to be less than
the diameter of certain instruments (and therefore less than the
inner diameter of the cannula 306) such that the cleaning element
336 contacts the outer diameter of those instruments, thereby
cleaning the outer diameter surface of those instruments and/or
providing a friction to give a medical professional precise
control, including a braking-like control, of the distal/proximal
movement and rotation of that instrument.
[0055] In some embodiments, the opening 344 allows certain
instruments, such as a scope, access to the cannula 306 when the
cleaning element 336 is in the default state, and then restricts
access to the cannula 306 when the cleaning element is in the
displaced state. Advantageously, when the scope becomes obstructed
by debris, the scope may be withdrawn proximally through the
opening 344 such that a distal end of the scope is within the
proximal portion 346 of the chamber 320. Then, the cleaning element
336 may be displaced as a result of an input force applied to one
or more buttons, as described above. The displacement of the
cleaning element 336 may change the location and/or the dimensions
of the opening 344 such that when the scope is advanced distally
towards the cannula 306, it does not proceed through the opening
344 but instead contacts the cleaning element 336. Accordingly, the
scope may contact the cleaning element 336 for cleaning purposes.
After cleaning, the input force may be removed from the buttons,
the cleaning element 336 may then return to the default state
providing access to the cannula 306 through the opening 344, and
the scope may then be advanced distally through the cannula 306 to
again resume its function inside the body cavity.
[0056] While not required, the housing 304 may include a divider
350 separating the proximal portion 346 of the chamber 320 from the
distal portion 348 of the chamber 320. The divider 350 may provide
suitable support and guidance for the buttons 340, 342, for
example. The divider 350 may include a guide opening 352, which may
retain the distal end of the scope such that it remains
approximately aligned with the cannula 306 during the cleaning
process. This may facilitate efficient re-entry into the cannula
306 after cleaning. While not required, the opening 352 of the
divider 350 may include a valve or other suitable device for
creating a seal between the distal portion 348 of the chamber 320
and the proximal portion 346 of the chamber 320. In other
embodiments, the distal portion 348 of the chamber 320 may be in
fluid communication with the proximal portion 346 of the chamber
320, which may be advantageous for eliminating or reducing pressure
and/or temperature change when a distal end of a scope is moved
between chamber portions. The divider 350 is not required in all
embodiments.
[0057] As shown an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the divider
350 may include cleaning element receiving surface 335 configured
(e.g., sized and shaped) to receive and attach to a second cleaning
element 354. The second cleaning element 354 may include one or
more of the features of at least one of the cleaning elements
described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The two cleaning
elements 336, 354 may be intended for different degrees of debris
removal, or may otherwise have at least one different cleaning
property. For example, it is contemplated that more efficient, but
potentially less effective cleaning may be performed with the
cleaning element 336, while more extensive cleaning may be carried
out by the second cleaning element 354 (e.g., "rough cleaning" and
"fine cleaning," respectively, analogous in such an example to a
coarse filter for removing larger elements, and fine filter for
polishing and removing smaller elements). Further, the first
cleaning element 336 may be better suited for debris removal on
side surfaces of a scope, while the second cleaning element 354 may
be better suited for removing debris on a distal-face surface.
[0058] It is also contemplated that a single cleaning element may
have two surface-area portions that are configured differently
(i.e., have at least one different cleaning property). For example,
a first surface area portion 394 of the second cleaning element 354
may be configured for cleaning without a cleaning fluid, and a
second surface area portion 396 may be wetted or may otherwise be
configured for a different cleaning function than the first surface
area portion 394. The two surface area portions may have different
colors or other visual characteristics such that a user can readily
distinguish between the surface area portions visually
(particularly when the housing 304 is transparent or translucent).
Alternatively (or in addition), the scope may provide visual
feedback to an external screen or other device to facilitate
distinguishing between surface area portions. It is also
contemplated that the surface area portions may have different
textures or otherwise provide a tactical indication that a user can
sense when rubbing or otherwise contacting a scope with the surface
area portions, which may be advantageous for ensuring completion of
the proper cleaning function(s).
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a trocar assembly 402 with a cleaning element
436 having a first portion 456 and a second portion 458 extending
to a location outside of a housing 404. The first portion 456 and
the second portion 458 of the cleaning element 436 may respectively
form a first button 440 and a second button 442 for receiving an
input force. The first portion 456 and the second portion 458 may
form a portion of the shell of the housing 404 that defines the
chamber 420 and retains a pressure differential between the chamber
420 and the external environment. The cleaning element 436 may
further include an opening 444 providing access to a cannula 406 at
least when the cleaning element 436 is in a default state. Similar
to as described above with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, that
access may be restricted when an input force is applied to at least
one of the first button 440 and the second button 442, thereby
moving the cleaning element 436 and the opening 444 into a
displaced state. Natural resiliency of a material forming the
cleaning element 436 may ensure the cleaning element 436 is in the
default state when no input force is provided. The portions of the
cleaning element 436 forming the first button 440 and/or the second
button 442 may include a compressible/compliant material slightly
larger (when/where not compressed) than corresponding openings 422,
424 of the housing 404, which may advantageously retain a fluid
barrier between the chamber and an external environment by
contacting the chamber in a sealing/compliant manner (when still
and when being moved/displaced) so as to prevent or at least
inhibit loss of fluid from the chamber 420 (e.g., positive
insufflation pressure, liquids from cleaning and/or medical
procedures).
[0060] Another embodiment of a trocar assembly 502 is shown in FIG.
7. The trocar assembly 502 may include a housing 504 and a cleaning
element 536 forming a cleaning surface within the housing 504, as
shown. As in certain embodiments described above, the housing 504
may form a chamber 520 that is sealed from an external environment.
A scope or other medical device may be received by the trocar
assembly 502 through a top wall 523 of the housing 504, and
specifically through an opening 522 of the top wall 523 of the
housing 504. A valve 530 may form a fluid-barrier around an outer
surface of the scope to retain the seal between the chamber 520 and
the external environment when the scope is received by the trocar
assembly 502. The housing 504 may include one or more flexible wall
portions 560, 562, which may act as (and be referred to) as buttons
for receiving an input force. The input force may cause the
flexible wall portions 560, 562 to flex, thereby forcing the
cleaning element 536 from the depicted default state to a displaced
state. The resiliency of the flexible wall portions 560, 562 and/or
the resiliency of the cleaning element 536 may cause movement back
to the default state when the input force is removed.
[0061] Similarly, a trocar assembly 602 depicted in FIG. 8 has a
first flexible wall portion 660 and a second flexible wall portion
662. Here, the first flexible wall portion 660 and the second
flexible wall portion 662 are formed by openings 664, 666 within an
outer shell 668 of the housing 604, where a cleaning element 636 at
least partially forms an inner shell 670 of the housing 604. It is
contemplated that the inner shell 670 may be formed entirely by the
cleaning element 636. The inner shell 670 may cover the openings
664, 666 such that a fluid barrier between a chamber 620 of the
housing 604 and the external environment is not compromised. As
shown, the inner shell 670 may form at least a portion of an
external surface of the housing 604, and may be substantially
surrounded by the outer shell 668.
[0062] When a scope is located in the chamber 620, an input force
may be applied to at least one of the first flexible wall portion
660 and the second flexible wall portion 662 such that the cleaning
element 636 deflects towards the center of the chamber for easier
and more comprehensive cleaning of the scope. Further, when the
inner shell 670 is relatively thin and compliant, this embodiment
may be advantageous for providing a medical professional with a
sense of feel (i.e., tactile indication) with respect to the scope
by allowing the medical professional to indirectly touch the scope
(through the inner shell 670), which may provide for efficient and
effective wiping or sweeping of debris from the scope. While not
shown in FIG. 8, a second cleaning element may be included on
another surface of the chamber 620 (e.g., a bottom or distal
surface, which may be a cleaning element receiving surface), which
may have features described in certain embodiments above with
reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, for example.
[0063] FIG. 8A shows a second illustration of the embodiment of the
trocar assembly 602 of FIG. 8 (but also with an insufflation inlet
628). As shown, the outer shell 668 may include the opening 664,
and the cleaning element 636 (and particularly the flexible wall
portion 660, shown as partially transparent in FIG. 8A) may be
aligned with the opening 664 such that it is accessible by a user
and such that a user can press the flexible wall portion 660 by
reaching/pressing through the opening 664. The cleaning element 636
may also cover the opening 664 and function as seal or fluid
barrier between the chamber 620 and the external environment. Thus,
the cleaning element 636 may include a material that is not
permeable or is substantially impermeable by air or other
gasses/fluids. It is contemplated that only an outer layer or
portion of the cleaning element 636 forms the seal, while an inner
layer or portion is configured for absorption and retention of a
liquid or other fluid (as described in more detail above).
Additionally or alternatively, a fluid-impermeable cover or other
element may be placed on the cleaning element 636 and over the
opening 664 for forming the seal between the chamber 620 and the
external environment.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows a trocar assembly 702 with an adjustable
cleaning element 736 and a second cleaning element 754. The second
cleaning element 754 may form a surface within a chamber 720 of the
housing 704 and may be similar to the cleaning element 136 of FIG.
2, for example. The adjustable cleaning element 736 may be
configured to rotate, slide, or otherwise move to adjust its
position and/or orientation relative to the housing 704. In the
depicted embodiment, the adjustable cleaning element 736 includes a
wheel 772 with a pair of first cleaning surfaces 774, a pair of
second cleaning surfaces 776, and a pair of openings 778.
Alternatively, more or fewer than two types of cleaning surfaces
may be included. When in a first setting (depicted), the cleaning
element 736 may restrict access to a cannula, and the first
cleaning surface 774 may be located along a longitudinal axis of
the cannula 706 such that a scope will contact the first cleaning
surface 774 when moving distally within the chamber 720 and towards
the cannula 706. The first cleaning surface 774 may include certain
surface characteristics and/or incorporate a cleaning material
(e.g., a cleaning liquid) for carrying out a first cleaning
treatment. For example, the first cleaning surface 774 may include
a cleaning liquid or other fluid that may dissolve and loosen
debris from the scope.
[0065] Next, the cleaning element 736 may be rotated to a second
setting such that the second cleaning surface 776 is positioned to
contact the scope. The second cleaning surface 776 may include
certain surface characteristics and/or materials for carrying out a
second cleaning treatment. For example, the second cleaning surface
776 may include an abrasive and/or absorbent surface that removes
debris and absorbs residue (which is also considered debris herein)
that remain on the scope after the first cleaning step. In this
example, the two cleaning steps can be repeated as necessary by
rotating the cleaning element 736 and repeating contact between
particular cleaning surfaces and the scope. A cleaning surface may
additionally or alternatively include a rubber or other material
suitable for squeegeeing or otherwise wiping away fluid debris from
a lens.
[0066] When the cleaning processes are complete, the cleaning
element 736 may be rotated or otherwise moved to a third setting
such that the opening 778 is aligned with the cannula 706 to
provide the scope with access to the cannula 706. The opening 778
is depicted as a round hole in FIG. 9, but other suitable openings
are contemplated (e.g., a wedge or pie-shaped or other-shaped gap
in the wheel 772, a hole of a different shape, etc.). The cleaning
element 736 may include openings of different shapes and sizes (and
also cleaning surfaces of different shapes and sizes) for
compatibility with multiple types of scopes and other medical
instruments. It is contemplated, for example, that certain cleaning
surfaces of the movable cleaning element 736 are concave in shape
for interaction with a convex instrument surface, while others are
flat for interaction with a flat instrument surface.
[0067] FIG. 10 shows a trocar assembly 802 similar to the trocar
assembly 202 of FIG. 2, but with a different embodiment of a
cleaning element 836. As shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning element 836
may include a stepped portion 838. Advantageously, during a
cleaning procedure, the stepped portion 838 may provide an edge 840
(which may be a sharp corner or a rounded edge) that can be used as
a scraping edge and/or that can be used to ensure suitable contact
of a scope with an angled lens, for example. The stepped portion
838 may be formed by including two portions of the cleaning element
836: a first disk portion 842 and a second disk portion 844, where
the second disk portion 844 is located on a proximal surface of the
first disk portion 842, and where the second disk portion 844 has a
larger inner diameter than the first disk portion 842 such that the
proximal surface of the first disk portion 842 remains accessible.
Alternative constructions are also contemplated for forming the
stepped portion 838. In one non-limiting example, the cleaning
element 836 may include an outer disk with a first height and an
inner disk with a second height, where the first height is greater
than the second height, and wherein an inner diameter of the outer
disk surrounds an inner diameter of the second disk (i.e., such
that the second disk is "inside" the first disk). A cleaning
element 836 with a stepped portion may be included in any of the
embodiments of trocar assemblies described above. Cleaning elements
with other surface characteristics are also contemplated. For
example, a cleaning surface may be flat (e.g., as in FIG. 2),
curved concavely (e.g., as in FIG. 3), curved convexly, stepped
(e.g., as in FIG. 10), sloped or angled, wavy, spiked, etc.
[0068] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments
not expressly illustrated herein may be practiced within the scope
of the claims, including that features described herein for
different embodiments may be combined with each other and/or with
currently-known or future-developed technologies while remaining
within the scope of the claims. This specifically includes that the
structure, location, and mechanisms of the disclosed cleaning
elements and related structures in the different embodiments
illustrated and described with reference to the drawing figures may
be combined and elements interchanged within the level of skill in
the art as informed by this application, and within the scope of
the present claims, which includes that a variety of disclosed
individual cleaning element components dimensioned for use
encompassed within in laparoscopy trocars may be configured as
separable/replaceable components of a larger trocar assembly.
Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a
generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of
limitation unless specifically defined by context, usage, or other
explicit designation. It is therefore intended that the foregoing
detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than
limiting. And, it should be understood that the following claims,
including all equivalents, are intended to define the spirit and
scope of this invention. Furthermore, the advantages described
above are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention, and
it is not necessarily expected that all of the described advantages
will be achieved with every embodiment. In the event of any
inconsistent disclosure or definition from the present application
conflicting with any document incorporated by reference, the
disclosure or definition herein shall be deemed to prevail.
* * * * *