Laparoscopic lens cap with ultrasonic cleaning system

Abstract

A system for cleaning a laparoscopic lens cap and methods directed thereto is provided. The system includes a lens cap including a hydrophobic-coated optic window, a piezoelectric transducer, a transducer control system, a piezoelectric driver, a power supply like a wall adapter or battery, and a power switch. In operation, the user of a laparoscope detects an obstruction on the optic window and activates the power switch. The power source provides electrical power to the transducer control system and driver, which further transmits the electrical power to the piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer converts this electrical power via a voltage signal into mechanical displacement, which, due to the ultrasonic frequency of the waveform, produces acoustic waves. These acoustic waves serve as mechanical forces that are able to forcibly remove any obstruction that is detected on the lens cap with the additional aid of vibrational effects on the lens cap.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.