Project description
Anti-fogging method for safe laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a method that minimises surgical incisions. It uses an endoscope to visually perform the surgery. An excellent vision is instrumental for safe and effective operation. However, the temperature difference obstructs clear vision during surgery. Laparoscopic lens fogging (LLF) is caused by condensation and particulate debris, blood, and smoke concentration on the endoscope lens – a major concern for surgeons. Existing anti-fogging methods are unable to handle temperature differences. The EU-funded EHS project proposes a thermo-adjustable system of microcomputer applied on the rigid endoscope allowing it to self-regulate its temperature. It provides perfect behaviour in different conditions by eliminating laparoscopic fogging and allowing minimally invasive surgery to be safer and more efficient.
Objective
Maintenance of optimal vision during minimally invasive surgery is crucial to maintaining operative awareness, efficiency and safety. Hampered vision is commonly caused by laparoscopic lens fogging (LLF) which has prompted the development of various anti-fogging fluids and warming devices. Numerous tricks have been proposed to overcome this issue, such as heating the scope into a sterile thermos flask filled with hot water, or using one of the commercially available antifogging solutions. However, whether one method is superior to another remains elusive. As most surgeons know, none of these tips are totally efficient, as they don’t treat the cause: the temperature difference.
Taking into account this need, Noruco has developed EHS, a thermo-adjustable system by microcontroller, which is implemented in the manufacturing process of the rigid endoscope focused on laparoscopy. The technology enables the selfmodulation of the temperature of the endoscope within the different conditions during the surgery, avoiding the 100% of laparoscopic fogging. With the adoption of EHS surgeons get a clear field of vision avoiding continues repetitions of extraction and insertion of the endoscope in the body during the intervention. In this way the risks of the patients are reduced with a more efficient and shorter duration procedure. EHS also represents an alternative that meets sustainability criteria by reducing energy costs and eliminating much of the waste currently generated by this procedure. Therefore, this innovation will disrupt the laparoscopic device market by enhancing safety and effectiveness without introducing new components that could complicate surgical procedures.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
41007 SEVILLA
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.