Methods and systems for realtime monitoring and cleaning of a laparoscopic lens

A system for interoperative monitoring and cleaning a lens of a laparoscope, the system comprising:

• a monitoring system including a laparoscope and software for monitoring clarity of an image provided by the laparoscope, the software being configured to determine whether the image clarity is below a predetermined threshold, and provide a feedback signal upon determining that the image clarity is below the predetermined threshold;
• and
• a cleaning system in operative connection with the monitoring system and being configured to activate upon receipt of the feedback signal from the monitoring system, the cleaning system being in operative connection to an access assembly, comprising:
• a cannula having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a first lumen;
• and
• a trocar configured for reception through the first lumen of the cannula, the trocar having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface having at least a first channel and a second channel, the inner surface defining a second lumen configured to receive the laparoscope, the trocar comprising:
• an inlet tube being formed by the first channel and the inner surface of the cannula, the inlet tube having a first portion extending substantially longitudinally with respect to the trocar, and a second portion extending substantially circumferentially with respect to the trocar;
• and
• an outlet tube being formed by the second channel and the inner surface of the cannula;
• and
• wherein the cleaning system is configured, in response to receipt of the feedback signal, to activate a source of pressurized liquid and a source of compressed air through the inlet tube simultaneously with a source of suction through the outlet tube.