Elimination of Laparoscopic Lens Fogging Using Directional Flow of CO2

Background and Objectives:

Surgeons constantly struggle with the formation of condensation on the lens of a laparoscope, which prolongs procedures and reduces visibility of the abdominal cavity. The goal of this project was to build a device that would direct a flow of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into an open chamber surrounding the lens of a laparoscope, acting to keep moisture away from the lens and eliminate condensation.

Methods:

The device isolates the lens of the laparoscope from the humid environment of the intraperitoneal cavity by creating a microenvironment of dry CO₂. This was accomplished by building a communicating sleeve that created an open chamber around the distal 2 to 3 cm of the scope. Into this cavity, dry cool CO₂ was pumped in from an insufflator so that the path of the gas would surround the lens of the scope and escape through a single outlet location through which the scope views the intraperitoneal cavity. This chamber is proposed to isolate the lens with a high percentage of dry CO₂ and low humidity. The device was tested in 7 different adverse conditions that were meant to challenge the ability of the device to maintain the viewing field with no perceptible obstruction.

Results:

In all of the conditions tested, 25 trials total, the device successfully prevented and/or eliminated laparoscopic lens fogging.

Conclusions:

The device designed for this project points to the potential of a simple and effective mechanical method for eliminating laparoscopic lens fogging.