System and Method for Cleaning a Scope During a Surgical Procedure Using a Hinged Tip

Abstract

Cannula and scope cleaning apparatus and associated methods of use are provided which allow for the clearing/cleaning of a cannula and cleaning of a viewing scope during a medical procedure, wherein the apparatus can be configured such that the viewing scope need not be removed from within the cannula in order for debris and/or fogging to be removed from a lens portion of the scope. In particular embodiments, the cannula and scope cleaning apparatus can be deformable, having an adjustable lumen therein such that when the apparatus can be disposed within a cannula, viewing scopes having various outside diameter sizes can be slidably introduced and stabilized within a cannula.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for use with a cannula and a viewing scope, the apparatus comprising:
 a tube having an elongate rigid structure,   wherein the tube is sized to be inserted in a cannula; and   wherein the tube comprises an inner surface that defines a lumen and is configured to receive therein a viewing scope; and   a tip connected by a hinge to the tube.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , comprising a single tip and a single hinge. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the hinge includes a flexible base that extends into a distal portion of the tube. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the hinge includes a flexible base that extends into a distal portion of the tube. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the tip, hinge, and the distal portion of the tube are continuous and comprise a single piece. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein an outer portion of the tip is coupled to an absorbent pad. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein an inner portion of the tip is coupled to an absorbent pad. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein an outer and inner portion of the tip are each coupled to an absorbent pad. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the lumen includes a scaffold that extends along at least a portion of the lumen. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the lumen includes a scaffold that extends along the entire lumen. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the scaffold is radially compressible. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the scaffold is radially compressible. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the tube includes an outer surface having at least a portion of which is absorbent. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the tube includes an outer surface having at least a portion of which is compressible. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a collar portion at a proximal portion of the tube, where the collar portion abuts a proximal portion of the cannula upon insertion of the apparatus into the cannula. 
     
     
         28 . An apparatus for use with a cannula and a viewing scope, the apparatus comprising:
 a tube having an elongate rigid structure,
 wherein the tube is configured to be slidably received by a cannula; and 
 wherein the tube comprises an inner surface that defines a lumen and is configured to slidably receive a viewing scope; and 
   a tip connected by a hinge to the tube, wherein at least one portion of the tip is coupled to an absorbent pad.   
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the lumen includes a scaffold that extends along at least a portion of the lumen. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the tube includes an outer surface having at least a portion of which is absorbent. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the tube includes an outer surface having at least a portion of which is compressible. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the tip, hinge, and a distal portion of the tube are continuous and comprise a single piece.