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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
for how it works."
That was the breakthrough moment. Applying the same principle as
the ballpoint pen, which picks up ink as it rotates, the partners
designed a scope that encases the lens within a motor-driven, contin-
uously rotating, glass sphere. A rubber wiper at the seal of the sphere
removes debris and fluid, which is vacuumed out, and as the sphere
rotates inside, it's flushed with saline before it rotates back out, so
the cleaning process is continuous.
Mr. Ray and Mr. Nagaraj, along with partners Jeffrey Yang and
Nasim Barzanian, have
a provisional patent
for their rotationally
self-cleaning surgical
camera, and are look-
ing to license the tech-
nology. Their proto-
types include a large-
scale fully functioning
model made with
materials from a hard-
ware store. Now
they're looking for the
backing they need to
bring what they hope
will be a welcome
innovation to the OR.
— Jim Burger
• Apical lens is encased within a transparent
glass sphere that continuously rotates by
motor.
• A rubber wiper along the seal of the sphere
on the outside of the scope removes debris
and fluid.
• "Dirty" side of lens rotates into the scope,
where it will be flushed with saline; vacuum
will collect debris.
• Device provides continuous cleaning in situ.
Neil
Ray
How the Self-Cleaning
Laparoscope Works
