Developing a Laparoscope Lens with Super Water-Repellent Antifouling Function using Biomimetic Materials

Laparoscopes are now widely used in clinical settings. Laparoscopes are particularly useful in detecting cancers and excising affected areas. During laparoscopic operations, however, the spatter of blood and bodily fluids resulting from the excision of the affected area can fog the objective lens. Condensation on the lens caused by temperature differences between the instrument interior and exterior can also obscure vision. Any obstruction of the field of view during the surgical procedure must be addressed by cleaning the lens at the tip; however, doing so prolongs the time required for the procedure, makes it more invasive, and increases patient burdens. Drawing on biomimicry principles, we developed a laparoscope lens with super water-repellent and antifouling properties. This paper reports our results.