Surgical instruments cleaned whilst inside patients
Cipher Surgery’s updated copolyester OpClear device allows surgeons to clean laparoscopes during surgery without having to remove them from the patient
Laparoscopes are surgical instruments through which structures within the abdomen and pelvis can be seen. However, during surgery laparoscopes collect liquid, fatty residue and other contaminants on the lens inside the patient, blocking the surgeon’s view.
To update OpClear Cipher Surgery chose to make it with copolyester. The device directs a short, controlled jet of carbon dioxide and saline across the laparoscope’s lens to clear it.
OpClear is controlled by a surgeon who uses a footswitch to send bursts of carbon dioxide and saline down the laparoscope and across the lens to wash away matter blocking the image.
Justin Buch, operations director, Cipher Surgical, said: “When we first launched OpClear in 2013 the concept was a success but it was made with nylon which lacked absolute clarity and reacted poorly to certain cleaning chemicals inhibiting the product’s full potential.
“We turned to Eastman Tritan copolyester because it possesses all of the qualities we wanted to revamp our product — clarity, medical grade approval and durability to withstand sterilisation before use.”
To update the original OpClear, Cipher Surgical worked closely with molding company Ci Medical Technologies and material provider Eastman Chemical Company to update properties for a new development.
Ci Medical Technologies said the characteristics of Eastman Tritan copolyester was a good fit for Cipher Surgical’s nylon replacement as the material allowed OpClear’s attachment to securely clip to a laparoscope without breaking.
Eastman have said that in addition copolyester provides toughness, clarity and flexibility that is not impacted by sterilization processes.
Ferdi Faas, market development manager, Eastman Chemical Company, said: “OpClear from Cipher Surgical aids in keeping patients safe during surgery – such an important piece of the medical industry.”