Surgical plume evacuation systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling a surgical plume evacuation system to facilitate capture of a surgical plume generated at a surgical site include controlling a suction generator of the surgical plume evacuation system to maintain a substantially constant flow of an evacuated surgical plume corresponding to a target plume velocity at an inlet of a surgical plume evacuation device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 642,006, filed May 3, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to surgical systems and, more specifically, to surgical plume evacuation systems and methods to facilitate removal of a surgical plume from a surgical site. BACKGROUND

[0003] Various different energy-based surgical instruments generate a surgical plume as a byproduct of energy-based tissue treatment. One such energy-based surgical instrument, for example, is a monopolar electrosurgical pencil. A monopolar electrosurgical pencil is typically connected to an electrosurgical generator that supplies high frequency electrosurgical energy, e.g., radio frequency (RF) alternating current, to the monopolar electrosurgical pencil for treating tissue. A return electrode, e.g., a return pad, may be utilized to complete the electrosurgical circuit from the electrosurgical pencil back to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator may supply various different energy waveforms suitable for achieving various different surgical effects such as, for example, cutting, coagulating, blending, spraying, fulgurating, etc.

[0004] A surgical plume, e.g., produced as a by-product of the application of electrosurgical energy from an energy-based surgical instrument (for example, a monopolar electrosurgical pencil) to tissue at a surgical site, may include smoke particulate, contaminants, debris, gaseous byproducts, and / or other matter that may be harmful to the patient and / or surgical staff, may decrease visibility at the surgical site, and / or may produce unpleasant odors. Thus, evacuation of the surgical plume from the surgical site may be desirable. SUMMARY

[0005] As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is farther from a suction generating device, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to the suction generating device. Terms including “generally,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like, as utilized herein, are meant to encompass variations, e.g., manufacturing tolerances, material tolerances, use and environmental tolerances, measurement variations, design variations, and / or other tolerances and variations, up to and including plus or minus 10 percent. Further, to the extent consistent, any or all of the aspects detailed herein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects detailed herein.

[0006] Provided in accordance with aspects of this disclosure is a surgical plume evacuation console including an inlet port, a filter assembly, a suction generator including at least one blower, an exhaust assembly, and a controller. At least a portion of an evacuation flow path for an evacuated plume is defined from the inlet port, through the filter assembly, through the suction generator, and through the exhaust assembly. The controller is configured to control the at least one blower of the suction generator to maintain a substantially constant flow of the evacuated plume corresponding to a target plume velocity at an inlet of a surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port.

[0007] In an aspect of this disclosure, the controller is configured to determine the target plume velocity based upon information obtained from or about the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port.

[0008] In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller is configured to control the at least one blower in accordance with a mathematical model of flow of the evacuated plume. The mathematical model includes a plurality of coefficients. At least one coefficient of the plurality of coefficients accounts for a flow resistance along the evacuation flow path and at least one coefficient of the plurality of coefficients accounts for a performance of the at least one blower.

[0009] In another aspect of this disclosure, the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the filter assembly. In such aspects, the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the filter assembly may be a predicted coefficient. The controller, in such aspects where the at least one coefficient is a predicted coefficient, may further be configured to determine an actual coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the filter assembly and compare the actual coefficient with the predicted coefficient to determine a status of the filter assembly.

[0010] In still another aspect of this disclosure, the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port. In such aspects, the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port is based upon information obtained from or about the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port.

[0011] In yet another aspect of this disclosure, the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the exhaust assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across a bypass disposed along the evacuation flow path.

[0012] In still yet another aspect of this disclosure, the plurality of coefficients are established variables. In such aspects, the mathematical model may further include a plurality of measured and / or calculated variables that may include, in aspects, at least one temperature variable, at least one pressure variable, and / or a flow variable.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller is configured to control a rotation speed of the at least one blower (e.g., by controlling an input power to at least one motor driving the at least one blower) to thereby maintain the substantially constant flow of the evacuated plume.

[0014] A surgical plume evacuation system provided in accordance with this disclosure includes a surgical plume evacuation device and a surgical plume evacuation console. The surgical plume evacuation device includes an inlet configured for positioning at a surgical site and defines a first portion of an evacuation flow path for an evacuated plume. The surgical plume evacuation console includes an inlet port, a filter assembly, a suction generator, an exhaust assembly, and a controller. The inlet port enables fluid coupling of the first portion of the evacuation flow path to the surgical plume evacuation console. A second portion of the evacuation flow path for the evacuated plume is defined from the inlet port, through the filter assembly, through the suction generator, and through the exhaust assembly. The controller is configured to control the suction generator to maintain a target plume velocity at the inlet of the surgical plume evacuation device.

[0015] In an aspect of this disclosure, the controller is configured to determine the target plume velocity based upon information from or about the surgical plume evacuation device.

[0016] In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller is configured, in controlling the at least one blower, to account for a plurality of flow resistances along the evacuation flow path and a performance of the suction generator.

[0017] In yet another aspect of this disclosure, the plurality of flow resistances includes at least one of a flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device, a flow resistance across the filter assembly, or a flow resistance across the exhaust assembly. The plurality of flow resistances may additionally or alternatively include a flow resistance across a bypass disposed along the evacuation flow path.

[0018] In still another aspect of this disclosure, the plurality of flow resistances along the evacuation flow path and the performance of the suction generator are accounted for using constant coefficients implemented in a mathematical model.

[0019] In still yet another aspect of this disclosure, the controller is further configured to monitor the surgical plume evacuation device and / or the filter assembly for a clog and / or a leak.

[0020] A method of evacuating smoke from a surgical site provided in accordance with this disclosure includes obtaining a target plume velocity at an inlet of a surgical plume evacuation device, determining a flow corresponding to the target velocity, and controlling a suction generator to maintain the flow substantially constant, thereby maintaining the target velocity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent in view of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical plume evacuation system provided in accordance with aspects of the disclosure including a plume evacuation console having an energybased plume evacuation surgical instrument connected thereto;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a bottom, partially transparent view of the plume evacuation console of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B are first and second side, cross-sectional views of the plume evacuation console of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the plume evacuation console of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a flow path through a first configuration of the surgical plume evacuation system of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a flow path through a second configuration of the surgical plume evacuation system of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the first configuration of the surgical plume evacuation system of FIG. 1 indicating exemplary sensor locations along or associated with the flow path;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a graph of a filter parameter as a function of time;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a graph of actual and predicted filter parameters as a function of flow; and

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary robotic surgical system configured for use with the surgical plume evacuation system of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] This disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling a surgical plume evacuation system to facilitate capture of at least 90% (by volume) of a surgical plume generated at a surgical site, thus enabling efficient, safe, and effective surgical plume removal. Also provided in accordance with this disclosure are systems and methods for monitoring a surgical plume evacuation system such as, for example, to detect clogs, leaks, and the like. Although detailed below with respect to surgical plume evacuation system 10 (including plume evacuation console 100 and electrosurgical pencil 200), the aspects and features of this disclosure may equally apply to any other suitable plume evacuation consoles and / or any other suitable plume evacuating surgical instruments.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a surgical plume evacuation system configured for use in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral 10. Surgical plume evacuation system 10 includes a plume evacuation console 100 and a surgical device, which may be an energy-based surgical device (such as, for example, an electrosurgical pencil 200), a surgical evacuation tube, or any other suitable surgical device configured to fluidly connect to plume evacuation console 100 to enable evacuation of a surgical plume from a surgical site. Although plume evacuation console 100 is shown and described herein in connection with electrosurgical pencil 200, it is contemplated that any suitable energy-based surgical devices, or any other suitable surgical devices including, as noted above, surgical evacuation tubes, may alternatively or additionally be utilized with plume evacuation console 100 such as, for example and without limitation, monopolar electrosurgical devices, bipolar electrosurgical devices, microwave electrosurgical devices, ultrasonic electrosurgical devices, surgical lasers and / or other optical-energy surgical devices, high-speed mechanical energy-based surgical devices (e.g., drills, burs, debrides, etc.), thermal energy-based surgical devices, etc. Further, although plume evacuation console 100 is shown configured as a stationary unit, e.g., for rack-mounted, pole-mounted, or table-top use, it is also contemplated that plume evacuation console 100 be configured as a portable console configured to attach to a user, surgical table, patient, or otherwise enable movement and selective placement of plume evacuation console 100. Thus, the term console as utilized herein is not limited to any particular physical size or configuration.

[0034] Electrosurgical pencil 200 includes a housing 210, an electrode 220 coupled to and extending from a distal end portion 212 of housing 210, a nozzle 230 coupled to and extending distally from distal end portion 212 of housing 210 adjacent to electrode 220, and flexible tubing 240 coupled to and extending from a proximal end portion 214 of housing 210.

[0035] Housing 210 may be configured as a handle to facilitate grasping and manipulation by a surgeon (FIG. 1) or may be configured to mount to an arm 1002, 1003 of a surgical robotic system 1000 for use in robotic surgery (see FIG. 10). In either configuration, housing 210 includes a fluid lumen 216 extending from distal end portion 212 of housing 210 to proximal end portion 214 of housing 210 to fluidly couple nozzle 230 with flexible tubing 240. Fluid lumen 216 may be at least partially defined by internal features of housing 210 and / or may include a separate tube(s) disposed on or within housing 210.

[0036] Electrode 220 of electrosurgical pencil 200 is at least partially formed from an electrically conductive material to enable the conduction of energy from electrode 220 to tissue in contact with or adjacent to electrode 220 for treating the tissue. Electrode 220 may define any suitable configuration including, for example and without limitation, a blade, a hook, a needle, etc. In aspects, electrode 220 is releasably engagable with housing 210 to enable replacement of electrode 220 with a similar or different electrode. A suitable electrical pathway, e.g., formed of electrically conductive structures, wires, etc., electrically connects electrode 220 with a cable (not shown) that, in turn, is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy, e.g., an electrosurgical generator incorporated into plume evacuation console 100 or a separate electrosurgical generator (not shown), to enable the conduction of energy to electrode 220 for treating tissue therewith.

[0037] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, nozzle 230, as noted above, is coupled to and extends distally from distal end portion 212 of housing 210 adjacent to electrode 220. Nozzle 230 defines at least one opening 232 configured to enable the suctioning of a surgical plume through nozzle 230, fluid lumen 216, and flexible tubing 240 to plume evacuation console 100. In aspects, nozzle 230 is releasably engagable with housing 210 to enable replacement of nozzle 230 with a new nozzle and / or nozzle of a different configuration, e.g., a different size, shape, number and / or arrangement of openings, etc. For example, a nozzle may be selected for use depending on the particular electrode configuration, surgical procedure to be performed, and / or power settings to be utilized.

[0038] In aspects, electrosurgical pencil 200 further includes one or more controls 250 disposed on housing 210 and configured to enable control of energy settings associated with electrosurgical pencil 200, e.g., ON / OFF, power level, mode, etc. Controls 250 may electrically connect to the electrosurgical generator via the same cable as electrode 220 or in any other suitable manner.

[0039] Flexible tubing 240 may be corrugated or otherwise configured to facilitate flexion of flexible tubing 240 while minimizing kinking of flexible tubing 240. Further, flexible tubing 240 is coupled to housing 210 via a connector 260 which may be, for example and without limitation, a swivel connector enabling rotation and / or pivoting of flexible tubing 240 relative to housing 210 to further minimizing kinking of flexible 240. Flexible tubing 240 is configured to connect to an inlet port 120 of plume evacuation console 100 such that nozzle 230 is fluidly coupled to plume evacuation console 100 to enable plume evacuation console 100 to withdraw a surgical plume, e.g., including air, smoke, debris, other particulates, etc., from a surgical site through electrosurgical pencil 200.

[0040] Although electrosurgical pencil 200 is detailed above as incorporating a plume evacuation flow path, e.g., from nozzle 230, through fluid lumen 216, to flexible tubing 240, it is also contemplated that a standalone device, separate from electrosurgical pencil 200 or removably attachable to electrosurgical pencil 200, may define the plume evacuation flow path from the surgical site to plume evacuation console 100.

[0041] Referring also to FIGS. 2-4, plume evacuation console 100 includes a housing 110, an inlet port 120, a filter assembly 130, a suction generator 140, an exhaust chamber 150 (also referred to as an expansion chamber), a controller 160, and a user interface (UI) 170. Housing 110 supports the above-noted components of plume evacuation console 100 thereon or therein and further includes a plurality of exit vents 112 (or other suitable exit port(s)) in communication with exhaust chamber 150 to enable the re-circulation of air evacuated into plume evacuation console 100, and filtered therein, back into the operating room or to another location external of smoke evacuation console 100 (e.g., piped out of the operating room).

[0042] Inlet port 120 of plume evacuation console 100 enables connection of flexible tubing 240 of electrosurgical pencil 200 (see FIG. 1), or any other suitable component(s) defining a plume evacuation path from a surgical site, to plume evacuation console 100. Inlet port 120 fluidly communicates with filter assembly 130 such that a surgical plume suctioned from flexible tubing 240 through inlet port 120 enters filter assembly 130.

[0043] Filter assembly 130 includes one or more filters that allow the evacuated plume to pass through the filter while trapping smoke particulate (and other matter) within the filter(s). One or more of the filters of filter assembly 130, or portions of a filter of filter assembly 130, may alternatively or additionally be configured to remove contaminants, debris, gaseous byproducts (e.g., Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)), and / or odors from the evacuated plume.

[0044] Suction generator 140 is disposed downstream of filter assembly 130 and includes one or more blowers 142, e.g., fans, centrifugal compressors, etc., each driven by a motor 144, e.g., a brushless DC motor. In aspects, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, two (or more) blowers 142 (each including a corresponding motor 144) are provided and arranged in series. In other aspects, blowers 142 are arranged in parallel. Controller 160 controls motors 144, e.g., the input power to motors 144, which, in turn, controls blowers 142 to regulate the flow of the evacuated plume through plume evacuation console 100. More specifically, the one or more blowers 142 establish negative gauge pressure upstream of suction generator 140 to thereby generate suction to draw the plume from the surgical site, through electrosurgical pencil 200 (FIG. 1), into inlet port 120 and through filter assembly 130, and into blowers 142. From blowers 142, the filtered plume, e.g., air, continues to exhaust chamber 150 and, ultimately, back into the operating room or to another location through exit vents 112 of housing 110.

[0045] Within housing 110 of plume evacuation console 100, the various components in the plume flow path may be connected to one another via any suitable conduit(s) and / or other fluid-tight components. For example, pipes, tubes, chambers, cavities, combinations thereof, any other any other suitable components may be utilized to define the various plume flow paths within plume evacuation console 100: flow path 146a between filter assembly 130 and first blower 142; flow path 146b between blowers 142 (e.g., between first and second blowers 142); flow path 146c from the last blower 142 to exhaust chamber 150; and flow path 146d from exhaust chamber 150 to exit vents 112. In aspects, a silencer 147 (see FIG. 3B) configured to reduce noise resulting from the plume flow through flow path 146c is provided. Silencer 147 defines at least a portion of flow path 146c and is disposed between the last blower 142 and exhaust chamber 150.

[0046] In aspects, as shown in FIG. 4, suction generator 140 further includes a bypass conduit 148, e.g., connected along flow path 146a, establishing a flow path from exhaust chamber 150 (which, in turn, is open to the external environment via flow path 146d and exit vents 112) to the inlet to suction generator 140. Thus, in the event of an at least partial occlusion of the plume flow path, the one or more blowers 142 are still able to draw in air, thus inhibiting motor overheating and / or motor surge..

[0047] As an alternative to bypass conduit 148 connecting exhaust chamber 150 to the inlet of suction generator 140, an open conduit 149 (FIG. 5) may be connected along flow path 146a and open to the external environment, e.g., the operating room. Thus, in the event of an at least partial occlusion of the plume flow path, the one or more blowers 142 are still able to draw in air (from the external environment), thus inhibiting motor overheating and / or motor surge. In such aspects, a passive valve, e.g., a pressure-sensitive valve, or a controlled valve, e.g., a solenoid controlled by controller 160, may be provided along open conduit 149 (FIG. 5) to inhibit drawing in air from the external environment when there is no occlusion and / or minimal risk of motor overheating and / or motor surge.

[0048] With respect to both bypass conduit 148 and open conduit 149, flow through blower(s) 142 is maintained in the event of an occlusion at electrosurgical pencil 200, inlet port 120, filter assembly 130, and / or elsewhere along the plume flow path. The arrows included in FIG. 4 illustrate the plume flow path through plume evacuation console 100, as well as the bypass flow path through bypass conduit 148. With respect to open conduit 149, similar to bypass conduit 148, flow would be through open conduit 149, to flow path 146a.

[0049] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, exhaust chamber 150 enables the expansion and pressure equalization of the evacuated, filtered air as the evacuated, filtered air flows from exhaust chamber 150 through exit vents 112 and back into the operating room or to another location outside the operating room. As noted above, silencer 147 (FIG. 3B) may form at least a portion of flow path 146c and, in aspects, silencer 147 (FIG. 3B) extends into and terminates within exhaust chamber 150.

[0050] In aspects, one or more sensors such as, for example, pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, and / or other suitable sensors may be disposed along the plume flow path of plume evacuation console 100. For example, one or more sensors may be disposed at inlet port 120, on or within filter assembly 130, along flow path 146a, at or within suction generator 140 (e.g., at or within one or more of blowers 142 and / or motors 144), along flow path 146b, along flow path 146c, at or within exhaust chamber 150, along flow path 146d, and / or at exit vents 112. These sensors may communicate with controller 160 to facilitate feedback-based control of plume evacuation console 100, to detect error conditions, to assess plume flow, and / or for other purposes. Additionally or alternatively, one or more sensors may be disposed on or within housing 110 and / or separate from plume evacuation console 100 and configured to communicate with controller 160, e.g., via a wired or wireless connection. Various sensors configured to facilitate feedback-based control of plume evacuation console 100 in accordance with the present disclosure are detailed below, although other sensor types and / or locations are also contemplated.

[0051] Controller 160 of plume evacuation console 100 includes a processor 162 and a memory 164. Instructions stored in memory 164 may be executed by processor 162, which may include one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the term “processor” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other physical structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described in accordance with this disclosure. These techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements. In aspects, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code in memory 164, which may include a computer-readable medium configured to be executed by a hardware-based processing unit, e.g., processor 162. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer).

[0052] Referring back to FIG. 1, UI 170 of plume evacuation console 100 includes one or more displays 172 and one or more buttons 174. The one or more displays 172 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) and / or other suitable display(s) for providing information to a user and, in aspects, enabling the input of information by the user. Buttons 174 may include one or more virtual buttons, e.g., incorporated into a GUI, and / or physical buttons. Buttons 174 enable adjustment of settings, toggling of information, etc., as well as the input of information by the user.

[0053] Plume evacuation console 100 may further include or be connectable to a suitable power source (not shown). For example, the power source may include any one or more of a battery, a plurality of batteries, or a direct current high voltage power supply connected to an AC source (e.g., line voltage). Additionally or alternatively, the power source may be a conventional AC wall outlet wherein plume evacuation console 100 includes a suitable cable and plug (not shown) for electrically coupling to the AC wall outlet. Plume evacuation console 100 may additionally or alternatively be plugged into a power source (not shown) on another system in the operating room such as a robotic system or an electrosurgical generator.

[0054] With general reference to FIGS. 1-4, it has been found that capture of at least 90% (by volume) of a surgical plume generated at a surgical site can be achieved by determining the minimum inlet plume velocity at plume collection, e.g., at nozzle 230 of electrosurgical pencil 200 (see FIG. 1) at the surgical site, that corresponds to at least 90% capture of the surgical plume, and by controlling plume evacuation console 100, e.g., by controlling motors 144 of blowers 142, to achieve and maintain, e.g., substantially constant, a flow that provides this minimum inlet plume velocity at plume collection. In aspects, plume evacuation console 100 may be controlled to achieve a target inlet plume velocity different from e.g., above, the minimum inlet plume velocity.

[0055] Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, the inlet plume velocity at plume collection depends upon the flow provided through the plume evacuation system which, in turn, depends upon the configuration and operation of the various components of the plume evacuation system utilized. For example, with respect to system 10, the configuration and operation of the plume evacuation device at the surgical site, e.g., electrosurgical pencil 200, the configuration and operation of filter assembly 130, the configuration and operation of suction generator 140, the configuration and operation of the exhaust assembly 180, e.g., silencer 147 and / or exhaust chamber 150, and, in aspects where provided, the configuration and operation of any bypass, e.g., open conduit 149 (FIG. 5) or bypass conduit 148 (FIG. 6), all impact the flow provided and, thus, the inlet plume velocity at plume collection.

[0056] More specifically, with respect to electrosurgical pencil 200, filter assembly 130, exhaust assembly 180, and the bypass, e.g., open conduit 149 (FIG. 5) or bypass conduit 148 (FIG. 6), the pressure drops (also referred to as pressure losses or resistances) across these components impact the flow provided and, thus, inlet plume velocity at plume collection. The pressure drop across electrosurgical pencil 200 is the difference between the pressure at the input to electrosurgical pencil 200, which can be assumed to be atmospheric pressure, Patm, and the pressure at the input to filter assembly 130, Pai; the pressure drop across filter assembly 130 is the difference between the pressure at the input to filter assembly 130, Pai, and the pressure at the input to suction generator 140, Pbi0; the pressure drop across exhaust assembly 180 is the difference between the pressure at the input to exhaust assembly 180, Pexh, and the pressure at the output from exhaust assembly 180, which can also be assumed to be atmospheric pressure, Patm; and the pressure drop across open conduit 149 (FIG. 5), as the bypass for example, is the difference between the pressure at the output from open conduit 149, which is also the pressure input to suction generator 140, Pbio, and the pressure at the input to open conduit 149, which can also be assumed to be atmospheric pressure, Patm. As an alternative to assuming atmospheric pressure, a pressure corresponding to Patm may be measured by system 10, calculated by system 10, or input into system 10.

[0057] Further, the performance of suction generator 140, e.g., the amount of suction generated at suction generator 140, also impacts the flow provided and, thus, the inlet plume velocity at plume collection. The performance of suction generator 140 depends upon the operation of the blower(s) 142 and, in particular, the rotation speed(s) of the blower(s) 142 (which, in turn, may be dependent upon the input power to the motor(s) 144 driving the blower(s) 142). Thus, the performance of suction generator 140 can be varied as necessary to achieve and maintain the flow that provides the minimum (or other target) inlet plume velocity at plume collection by controlling motor(s) 144 to control blower(s) 142, e.g., controlling the power input to motor(s) 144 to thereby control the rotation speed(s) of the blower(s) 142.

[0058] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-6, in accordance with this disclosure, a mathematical model of a plurality of equations is provided to take into account the configurations and operations of the components of a plume evacuation system, e.g., such as those components of system 10 detailed above, to thereby enable control of motor(s) 144 to thereby control blower(s) 142 to establish a flow sufficient to achieve and maintain the minimum (or other target) inlet plume velocity at plume collection, thus enabling capture of at least 90% (by volume) of a surgical smoke plume generated at a surgical site.

[0059] The mathematical model provided in accordance with this disclosure, as noted above, includes a plurality of equations having a plurality of variables. At least some of the variables are measured variables (also referred to as actual variables), e.g., variables obtained (directly or indirectly) based upon data received from a sensor associated with system 10, and at least some other variables are established variables (also referred to as predicted variables), e.g., variables obtained (directly or indirectly) via retrieval from a memory, other data storage component, or data providing component associated with system 10 or another device in communication with system 10. Any suitable combination of measured variables and established variables may be utilized, depending upon, for example, the sensors provided, the information known about the components of system 10, etc. Thus, although combinations of measured and established variables are detailed below with respect to various exemplary configurations provided in accordance with this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary configurations detailed hereinbelow but, rather, contemplates any suitable combination of variable types. Likewise, while certain exemplary variables are noted below, it is understood that these variables may instead be replaced with other variables that are proportional to and / or calculatable from those variables replaced without departing from this disclosure.

[0060] As noted above, the plurality of equations of the mathematical model of this disclosure takes into account the configuration and operation of: the plume evacuation device at the surgical site, e.g., electrosurgical pencil 200; filter assembly 130; suction generator 140; exhaust assembly 180; and any bypass, e.g., open conduit 149 (FIG. 5). More specifically, one or more of the equations of the mathematical model take into account the impact of the pressure drop across and / or performance of each of these components or assemblies to enable determination of the flow needed to achieve the minimum (or other target) inlet plume velocity at plume collection.

[0061] The minimum inlet plume velocity at plume collection required for capture of at least 90% of a surgical smoke plume generated at a surgical site is dependent upon the particular plume evacuation device utilized. For example, the minimum inlet plume velocity at nozzle 230 of electrosurgical pencil 200 (see FIG. 1) may be different from that of another plume evacuation device due to the fact that different plume evacuation devices may have, for example, different inlet areas.

[0062] The minimum inlet plume velocity may be determined empirically for each type, e.g., model number or SKU, of plume evacuation device and may be set based upon determining the plume evacuation device utilized, e.g., by accessing a lookup table associating the plume evacuation device utilized with the corresponding minimum inlet plume velocity or in any other suitable manner. Determining the plume evacuation device utilized may be accomplished, for example, by obtaining device information. The device information may be obtained by communication with an RFID tag associated with the plume evacuation device, accessing an EEPROM associated with the plume evacuation device, evaluating a resistive or other informationconveying circuit associated with the plume evacuation device, reading a barcode, QR code, or other optical code associated with the plume evacuation device, by input or selection of the plume evacuation device by a user, e.g., at UI 170 (see FIG. 1), or in any other suitable manner. In aspects, the device information is detected during setup or initially during use, for example, by predicting the plume evacuation device utilized based upon flow characteristics, e.g., a determined resistance to flow through the device.

[0063] In aspects, similarly as detailed below, rather than determining the minimum inlet plume velocity by type, e.g., model number or SKU, of plume evacuation device, the minimum inlet plume velocity may be determined on a device-specific, lot-specific, use-specific, and / or other suitable level to take into account device-to-device variations, manufacturing variations, use variations, etc.

[0064] Once the minimum inlet plume velocity is determined, the flow required to achieve the minimum inlet plume velocity is determined, taking into account the impact of the pressure drop across and / or performance of each of the system components or assemblies. More specifically, the impact of the pressure drop across electrosurgical pencil 200 on flow may be expressed according to Equation (1) as follows: p2 _ p2 = c x 7 2 T.              V      5 LU, ' in wherein Tin is the air temperature at the input to system 10, wherein Co is a coefficient associated with electrosurgical pencil 200, and wherein Vstd is the standard volumetric flow (or the mass flow) through electrosurgical pencil 200 and filter assembly 130.

[0065] The impact of the pressure drop across filter assembly 130 on flow may be expressed according to Equation (2) as follows: = Q X vstd + c2 x v?td, 1 in wherein Ci and C2 are coefficients associated with filter assembly 130.

[0066] The impact of the pressure drop across the bypass, e.g., open conduit 149, on flow may be expressed according to Equation (3) as follows: p2 _p2 ^atm ^blo _ n v 1 /       । p v t / 2 Lj A Vstd.bp T C4 X        , 1 in wherein C3 and C4 are coefficients associated with open conduit 149, and wherein Vstdbp is the standard volumetric flow (or mass flow) through open conduit 149.

[0067] The impact of the performance of suction generator 140 on flow may be expressed in terms of blower Rotations Per Minute (RPMs) according to Equation (4A) as follows: = C5(RPM} X N, wherein Tout is the air temperature at the output of system 10, e.g., downstream of suction generator 140, C5 is a coefficient associated with suction generator 140, and wherein N is the rotation speed ofblower(s) 142.

[0068] Alternatively, the impact of the performance of suction generator 140 on flow may be expressed in terms of power input to the blower according to Equation (4B) as follows: ^7===1 X J(Tin + Tout} = C^Power} x W , y / Pexh+Pblo                            v 7 wherein W is the power input to drive the blower(s) 142.

[0069] The impact of the isentropic efficiency of suction generator 140 may be expressed according to Equation (5) as follows: T„, - Tin                - 1). ?blo wherein Ce is a coefficient associated with the isentropic efficiency of suction generator 140 and k is the ratio of the specific heats for the air (cp / cv). In aspects, k may be assumed to equal 1.4. Alternatively, k may be calculated or otherwise determined.

[0070] The impact of the pressure drop across exhaust assembly 180 on flow may be expressed according to Equation (6) as follows: wherein C?and Cs are coefficients associated with exhaust assembly 180.

[0071] The actual plume volumetric flow at inlet 232, Vactin, can be expressed according to Equation (7) as follows: ^acLin = Vstd ^std   Tin ?atm Tstd wherein Pstd and Tstd are standard pressure and temperature, respectively. In aspects, Pstd may be assumed to equal 101325 Pa and / or Tstd may be assumed to equal 294.15 K. Alternatively, these variables may be measured or otherwise determined. Vact.in is directly proportional to inlet plume velocity, such that the velocity is equal to Vact m divided by the cross-sectional area of inlet 232. Controlling this velocity is provided in accordance with aspects of this disclosure, as detailed herein.

[0072] Further, although one set of equations is provided above, e.g., for one blower speed / power, multiple sets of the above equations may be provided for multiple blower speeds / powers, thus enabling solving of more variables with the coefficients Co - Cs remaining the same at the different blower speeds / powers. In aspects, for example a first set of the above equations corresponds to a first blower speed / power and a second set of the above equations corresponds to a second blower speed / power.

[0073] The coefficients Co - Cs of Equations (1) - (7) may be determined empirically and provided as established variables for the mathematical model. Further, the coefficient Co is dependent upon the plume evacuation device utilized, e.g., electrosurgical pencil 200. The coefficients Cs and Ce are also dependent upon the plume evacuation device utilized. Thus, coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce may be established at least in part based upon the determination of the plume evacuation device utilized. Determining the plume evacuation device utilized may be accomplished, for example, based on device information (as noted above), in any of the other manners detailed above, or in any other suitable manner.

[0074] The device information may include the device model (or SKU) number, device serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, use information, and / or other device information. The coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce may be determined form the device information such as, for example, by accessing a lookup table associating device information with corresponding coefficient valves (including formulae or values enabling calculation of the coefficient values), although other suitable manners of determining the coefficients directly or indirectly from the device information are also contemplated. Alternatively, the device information itself may include either or both of the coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce.

[0075] Depending upon the device information provided, the coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce may be model specific, lot specific, device specific, use specific, manufacturing date specific, etc. For example, the coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce may be set for a given model of device, or may vary for the same model of device based upon, for example, lot number, manufacturing date, use information, and / or other device information. Further, in aspects, the coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce are set based upon device serial number. As such, manufacturing variations, use variations, device-to-device variations, etc., may be accounted for in determining the appropriate coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce. Such manufacturing variations, as they impact the appropriate coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce, may be associated with the device during manufacturing (e.g., written to memory, associated with a barcode, etc.), thus enabling plume evacuation console 100 to obtain this information from the device (or device packaging, for example). Alternatively, this information may be provided to plume evacuation console 100 separately, e.g., via a system update indicating the latest devices, lots, etc. and corresponding coefficients Co, C5, and Ce. With respect to use variations, for example, a mathematical model representing changes in the coefficients Co, C5, and Ce over the course of use (e.g., use time) may be provided such that the appropriate coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce may be implemented (or updated) based upon use tracking of the device, which may also be accomplished by plume evacuation console 100.

[0076] The other coefficients, Ci - C4, C7, and Cs, are not dependent upon the plume evacuation device utilized, but still may be established variables determined empirically. More specifically, these coefficients may be set for a given model of plume evacuation console 100, or may vary for the same model of plume evacuation console 100 based upon, for example and similarly as detailed above, serial number, lot number, manufacturing date, use information, and / or other information associated with plume evacuation console 100. In any or all of the above aspects, the coefficients Ci - C4, C7, and Cs of a particular plume evacuation console 100 may be set as a group or may be individually set, e.g., based upon information specific to the components of the plume evacuation console 100. Setting the coefficients individually for each component may be useful, for example, where components are manufactured at different times and / or locations, and / or where some components may be selectable and / or replaceable. In either configuration, and similarly as detailed above, manufacturing variations, use variations, device-to-device variations, component-to-component variations, etc., may be accounted for in determining the appropriate coefficients Ci - C4, C7, and Cs.

[0077] As can be appreciated, the number of variables that can be determined (without measurement or other input, direct or indirect) depends upon the equations of the set utilized and the number of sets of equations utilized. In aspects, some or all of coefficients Co - Cs are predicted or established variables, thus reducing the number of variables to solve for and, thus, reducing the number of actual or measured variables required and / or reducing the number of equations and / or sets of equations required. In aspects, some or all of the coefficients Co - Cs are constants. In other aspects, some or all of the coefficients Co - Cs are variable, e.g., during use according to a use formula, curve, etc. representing a change in the coefficient(s) as a function of use. In such aspects, although some or all of the coefficients Co - Cs may be variable, these coefficients may still be determine variables as the variation is determined rather than measured; however measurement-based variation is also contemplated.

[0078] In aspects, the equations and number of sets of equations may be utilized to require minimal measured variables (aided by, in aspects, using assumptions about variables), although it is contemplated that more than the minimum measured variables be provided such as, for example, to eliminate the need for one or more established variables, to reduce the number of equations required, to eliminate one or more assumptions, and / or to facilitate monitoring, such as detailed below.

[0079] Referring also to FIG. 7, in aspects, one or more sensors may be provided to facilitate solving the equations and / or sets of equations of the mathematical model. For example, in order to enable active monitoring of the device, e.g., electrosurgical pencil 200, and filter assembly 130, two sets of equations are utilized (wherein, as noted above, each set of equations corresponds to a different blower speed or power) including Equation (1) from either set of equations and Equations (2) and (3) from both sets of equations. The inputs (as measured and / or established variables) in such a configuration may include coefficients C3 and C4 associated with open conduit 149 as well as, for each of the first and second speeds / powers: Vstd, Patm, Phi, Pbio, and Tin. This enables calculation of calculated or actual variables Co, Ci, C2, and Vstd bp for each of the first and second speeds / powers. Comparing the calculated or actual variables Co and Ci, C2 for the device, e.g., electrosurgical pencil 200, and filter assembly 130, respectively, with established or predicted variables Co and Ci, C2 for the device and filter assembly 130, respectively enables monitoring of these components, as detailed below.

[0080] In the above and / or other configurations, the pressure at the input, Pai, may be measured, for example, by a first pressure sensor 190 disposed at the intake to filter assembly 130. The air temperature at the input, Tin, may be an environment temperature measured, for example, by a first temperature sensor 194 positioned on or within housing 110. Alternatively, the air temperature at the input, Tin, may be assumed to be operating room temperature and, thus, this variable need not be measured but can be an established variable. The flow, Vstd, may be measured at any suitable location within system 10 such as, for example, via a flow sensor 198 disposed along flow path 146a between filter assembly 130 and suction generator 140 (and, in aspects, prior to any bypass, if so provided). Sensor 198 may alternatively (or an additional sensor at effectively the same location) be a pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure input to suction generator 140, Pbio. In additional or alternative aspects, other variables may be measured such as, for example: the pressure at the output, Pexh, may be measured by a second pressure sensor 192 disposed along flow path 146c between suction generator 140 and exhaust assembly 180; and / or the air temperature at the output, Tout, may be measured by a second temperature sensor 196 disposed along flow path 146c between suction generator 140 and exhaust assembly 180. However, other suitable sensors and / or sensor locations may be employed to measure one or more additional or alternative measured variables.

[0081] In aspects of this disclosure, the attached device, e.g., electrosurgical pencil 200, can be determined by solving some of the above-detailed equations for coefficients Co, Cs, and Ce along with Tout for one of the first or second speeds / powers and, for each of the first and second speeds / powers, Pru, Pexh, Vstd bp, and Vstd. A minimum number of sensors enabling device detection may include: a sensor for determining RPMs or power at the power / speed of suction generator 140 for each of the first and second sets of equations; the pressure input to suction generator 140, Pbio, for each of the first and second sets of equations, and the outlet temperature, Tout. Device detection may be accomplished using the above sensors inputs along with assumed inputs Patm and Tin for each of the first and second sets of equations (which may alternatively be measured or otherwise determined), the predicted or established coefficients Ci, C2, C3, C4, C7, and Cs, and, from each of the first and second sets of equations, Equations (1), (2), (3), (4A) or (4B) (depending upon whether RPMs or power is desired), (5), and (6). Device detection is detailed further hereinbelow.

[0082] In aspects of this disclosure, coefficients of filter assembly 130 can be determined by solving some of the above-detailed equations with minimum sensor inputs of, in aspects, a sensor for determining RPMs or power of suction generator 140 and a sensor for determining the pressure input to suction generator 140, Pbio. In addition to these sensor inputs, the coefficients of filter assembly 130 can be calculated using, as additional inputs: coefficients Co, C3, C4, Cs, and Ce along with, for each of the first and second sets of equations, Patm, Pbio, the RPMs (N) or power (W), and Tin. The equations utilized include, from each of the first and second sets of equations, Equations (1), (2), (3), (4A) or (4B) (depending upon whether RPMs or power is desired), (5), and (6).

[0083] In aspects of this disclosure, the necessary RPMs or power of suction generator 140 corresponding to the minimum inlet plume velocity at plume collection can be determined with the minimum sensor inputs of, in aspects, a sensor for determining RPMs or power of suction generator 140 and a sensor for determining the pressure input to suction generator 140, Pbio. RPM or power determination may be accomplished using the above sensors inputs along with assumed inputs Patm and Tin for each of the first and second sets of equations (which may alternatively be measured or otherwise determined) and the predicted or established coefficients Cl, C2 , C3, C4, C7, and C8 utilizing each of Equations (1), (2), (3), (4A) or (4B), (5), (6), and (7). Returning to FIG. 4 momentarily, in aspects, controller 160 may be configured to implement the above-detailed equations and to provide control signals, e.g., appropriate input power, to motor(s) 144 to drive blower(s) 142 at the determined speed or power for maintaining the minimum inlet plume velocity. Feedback associated with motors(s) 144 such as, for example, current, power, torque, etc. may be utilized to correlate the power input to motor(s) 144 with the speed of the blower(s) 142 to facilitate feedback-based control. Alternatively, the feedback-based control may be based on power input to the motors(s) 144 (e.g., without correlating power to speed).

[0084] In aspects of this disclosure, calculated or actual coefficients of filter assembly 130, for monitoring filter assembly 130, can be determined by solving some of the above-detailed equations with minimum sensor inputs of, in aspects, a sensor for determining RPMs or power of suction generator 140 and a sensor for determining the pressure input to suction generator 140, Pbio. In addition to these sensor inputs, the coefficients of filter assembly 130 can be calculated using, as additional inputs: coefficients Co-Cs, along with, for one set of equations, Patm, Pbio, the RPMs (N) or power (W), and Tin. The equations utilized include, from each of the first and second sets of equations, Equations (1), (2), (3), (4A) or (4B) (depending upon whether RPMs or power is desired), and (5).

[0085] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, in addition to enabling flow control to achieve a minimum inlet plume velocity, as noted above, the above-detailed mathematical model of equations may be utilized to monitor system components and / or function, as also noted above. For example, any one or more coefficients Co - Cs can be calculated, e.g., from the other variables and / or additional measured variables, and compared to the established coefficients) Co - Cs to evaluate system components and / or function. The calculation may be continuous, periodic, or in any other suitable manner. More specifically, where a difference between the established and calculated coefficients for a component of the system is outside a threshold range and / or where a rate of change of the calculated coefficient(s) is outside a threshold range (e.g., indicating a sudden change in coefficient value), the presence of a clog or leak (depending upon whether the difference or rate of change is positive or negative) can be detected. In addition, as noted above, calculation of the coefficient Co may enable determination of the type of plume evacuation device utilized, or if the flow within the device is occluded or leaking.

[0086] With additional reference to FIG. 8, calculating the coefficients Ci and C2 associated with filter assembly 130 and comparing the same to the established coefficients Ci and C2 and / or monitoring the rate of change of the calculated coefficients Ci and C2 can be utilized to ensure a sufficient filter seal is established, to monitor filter loading, and / or to track a condition / remaining life of the filter. For example, as shown in graph 800 of FIG. 8, a filter may become more restrictive the longer the filter is used, and this restriction can be tracked by monitoring a parameter (represented along the Y-axis) associated with either or both of the calculated coefficients Ci and C2 as a function of use time (represented along the X-axis) of the filter. More specifically, during an initial period “I” of use of the filter, the parameter may remain within a threshold, indicating that the filter is unrestricted or sufficiently unrestricted. However, as restriction increases over use time, the parameter may deviate and exceed the threshold, as indicated by subsequent time “S,” thus indicating that the filter has become significantly restricted. It is noted that graph 800 of FIG. 8 is provided to show relative changes in a parameter over time for exemplary purposes and, thus, specific units are not shown or referred to herein.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 9, a parameter associated with either or both of the calculated coefficients Ci and C2 (or either or both of the calculated coefficients Ci and C2 themselves) may be monitored relative to a parameter associated with either or both of the established coefficients Ci and C2 (or either of both of the established coefficients Ci and C2 themselves). In graph 900 of FIG. 9, for example, the parameters (represented along the Y-axis) are shown as a function of flow rate (represented along the X-axis), wherein the calculated or actual parameters are shown as discrete points and the established or predicted parameters are fitted to a predicted curve. Where the actual parameter points lie on or within a margin of error (identified by the dashed lines) of the predicted curve, the filter can be determined to be in good working condition. However, if the actual parameter point(s) deviate from the margin of error curves associated with the predicted curve, it can be determined that there is a potential issue with the filter. More specifically, a deviation of the actual parameter point(s) above the predicted curve may indicate restriction of the filter, while a deviation of the actual parameter point(s) below the predicted curve may indicate a leaking filter, although this may be reversed depending upon the particular parameter utilized. Similarly, as noted above with respect to graph 800 of FIG. 8, graph 900 of FIG. 9 is provided to show relative tracking of actual and predicted parameters for exemplary purposes and, thus, specific units are not shown or referred to herein.

[0088] Returning to FIGS. 1-4, the above-noted monitoring of electrosurgical pencil 200 and / or filter assembly 130 may be performed by controller 160. In such aspects, controller 160 may output a suitable notification, e.g., for display on UI 170, indicating the condition of filter assembly 130, whether (and, in aspects, where) a clog or leak has been detected, etc. An audible alert, e.g., output from a speaker associated with plume evacuation console 100, is additionally or alternatively contemplated. Operation of suction generator 140 may additionally or alternatively be modified or stopped in response to detection of a clog, leak, or other adverse condition.

[0089] The plume evacuation consoles and systems provided in accordance with this disclosure may be utilized in any type of surgical procedure including, for example, open surgical procedures, laparoscopic surgical procedures, robotic surgical procedures, robotic-assisted surgical procedures, etc. While the particular surgical instrument(s) and connections thereto may vary depending upon the type of surgical procedure, the aspects and features of the plume evacuation consoles and systems detailed hereinabove remain applicable to each type of procedure and / or each different surgical instrument configured for use therewith energy devices.

[0090] Turning to FIG. 10, a robotic surgical system 1000 configured for use in accordance with this disclosure is shown. Aspects and features of robotic surgical system 1000 not germane to the understanding of this disclosure are omitted to avoid obscuring the aspects and features of this disclosure in unnecessary detail.

[0091] Robotic surgical system 1000 generally includes a plurality of robot arms 1002, 1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005 coupled with control device 1004. Operating console 1005 may include a display device 1006, which may be set up in particular to display three-dimensional images; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by means of which a clinician, e.g., a surgeon, may be able to telemanipulate robot arms 1002, 1003 in a first operating mode. Robotic surgical system 1000 may be configured for use on a patient 1013 lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner. Robotic surgical system 1000 may further include a database 1014, in particular coupled to control device 1004, in which are stored, for example, pre-operative data from patient 1013 and / or anatomical atlases.

[0092] Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and a mounted device which may be, for example, a surgical tool “ST.” The surgical tools “ST” may include, for example, electrosurgical pencil 200 (FIG. 1). Electrosurgical pencil 200 (FIG. 1) may, in turn, be connected to plume evacuation console 100 (FIG. 1), which is mounted on the robot arm 1002, 1003, disposed on a surgical cart (not shown) associated with robotic surgical system 1000, or otherwise positioned as part of or separate from robotic surgical system 1000 to provide any of the above-detailed plume evacuation functionality for use with robotic surgical system 1000.

[0093] Robot arms 1002, 1003 may be driven by electric drives, e.g., motors, connected to control device 1004. The motors, for example, may be rotational drive motors configured to provide rotational inputs to accomplish a desired task or tasks. Control device 1004, e.g., a computer, may be configured to activate the motors, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, and, thus, their mounted surgical tools “ST” execute a desired movement and / or function according to a corresponding input from manual input devices 1007, 1008, respectively. Control device 1004 may also be configured in such a way that it regulates the movement of robot arms 1002, 1003 and / or of the motors.

[0094] Control device 1004, more specifically, may control one or more of the motors based on rotation, e.g., controlling to rotational position using a rotational position encoder (or Hall effect sensors or other suitable rotational position detectors) associated with the motor to determine a degree of rotation output from the motor and, thus, the degree of rotational input provided. Alternatively or additionally, control device 1004 may control one or more of the motors based on torque, current, or in any other suitable manner.

[0095] Aspects of this disclosure may be further described by reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0096] 1. A surgical plume evacuation console, comprising: an inlet port; a filter assembly; a suction generator including at least one blower; an exhaust assembly, wherein at least a portion of an evacuation flow path for an evacuated plume is defined from the inlet port, through the filter assembly, through the suction generator, and through the exhaust assembly; and a controller configured to control the at least one blower of the suction generator to maintain a substantially constant flow of the evacuated matter corresponding to a target plume velocity at an inlet of a surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port.

[0097] 2. The surgical plume evacuation console according to paragraph 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine the target plume velocity based upon information obtained from or about the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port.

[0098] 3. The surgical plume evacuation console according to paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to control the at least one blower in accordance with a mathematical model of equations including a plurality of coefficients, at least one coefficient of the plurality of coefficients accounting for a flow resistance along the evacuation flow path and at least one coefficient of the plurality of coefficients accounting for a performance of the at least one blower.

[0099] 4. The surgical plume evacuation console according to paragraph 3, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the filter assembly.

[00100] 5. The surgical plume evacuation console according to paragraph 4, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the filter assembly is a predicted coefficient, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine an actual coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the filter assembly and compare the actual coefficient with the predicted coefficient to determine a status of the filter assembly.

[00101] 6. The surgical plume evacuation console according to any one of paragraphs 3-5, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port.

[00102] 7. The surgical plume evacuation console according to paragraph 6, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device is a predicted coefficient, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine an actual coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device and compare the actual coefficient with the predicted coefficient to determine at least one of: a status of the surgical plume evacuation device or a type of the surgical plume evacuation device.

[00103] 8. The surgical plume evacuation console according to paragraph 6, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port is based upon information obtained from or about the surgical plume evacuation device connected to the inlet port.

[00104] 9. The surgical plume evacuation console according to any one of paragraphs 3-8, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the exhaust assembly.

[00105] 10. The surgical plume evacuation console according to any one of paragraphs 3-9, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across a bypass disposed along the evacuation flow path.

[00106] 11. The surgical plume evacuation console according to any one of paragraphs 3-10, wherein the plurality of coefficients are established variables.

[00107] 12. The surgical plume evacuation console according to paragraph 11, wherein the mathematical model of equations further includes a plurality of measured variables, the plurality of measured variables including at least one of: a temperature variable, a pressure variable, a flow variable, or a blower speed or input power variable.

[00108] 13. The surgical plume evacuation console according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the controller is configured to control an input power to or a rotation speed of the at least one blower to thereby maintain the substantially constant flow of the evacuated plume.

[00109] 14. A surgical plume evacuation system, comprising: a surgical plume evacuation device including an inlet configured for positioning at a surgical site, the surgical plume evacuation device defining a first portion of an evacuation flow path for an evacuated plume; and a surgical plume evacuation console, including: an inlet port configured to connect to the surgical plume evacuation device to fluidly connect the first portion of the evacuation flow path to the inlet port; a filter assembly; a suction generator; an exhaust assembly, wherein a second portion of the evacuation flow path for the evacuated plume is defined from the inlet port, through the filter assembly, through the suction generator, and through the exhaust assembly; and a controller configured to control the suction generator to maintain a target plume velocity at the inlet of the surgical plume evacuation device.

[00110] 15. The surgical plume evacuation system according to paragraph 14, wherein the controller is configured to determine the target plume velocity based upon information obtained from or about the surgical plume evacuation device.

[00111] 16. The surgical plume evacuation system according to paragraph 14 or 15, wherein the controller is configured, in controlling the at least one blower, to account for a plurality of flow resistances along the evacuation flow path and a performance of the suction generator.

[00112] 17. The surgical plume evacuation system according to paragraph 16, wherein the plurality of flow resistances includes at least one of: a flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device; a flow resistance across the filter assembly; or a flow resistance across the exhaust assembly.

[00113] 18. The surgical plume evacuation system according to paragraph 17, wherein the plurality of flow resistances further includes a flow resistance across a bypass disposed along the evacuation flow path.

[00114] 19. The surgical plume evacuation system according to any one of paragraphs 16-18, wherein the plurality of flow resistances along the evacuation flow path and the performance of the suction generator are accounted for using constant coefficients implemented in a mathematical model of equations.

[00115] 20. The surgical plume evacuation system according to any one of paragraphs 14-19, wherein the controller is further configured to monitor the surgical plume evacuation device for at least one of a clog or a leak.

[00116] 21. The surgical plume evacuation system according to any one of paragraphs 14-20, wherein the controller is further configured to monitor the filter assembly for at least one of a clog or a leak.

[00117] 22. A method of evacuating a surgical plume from a surgical site, the method comprising: obtaining a target plume velocity at an inlet of a surgical plume evacuation device; determining a flow corresponding to the target plume velocity; and controlling a suction generator to maintain the flow substantially constant, thereby maintaining the target plume velocity.

[00118] While several aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A surgical plume evacuation console (100), comprising:an inlet port (120);a filter assembly (130);a suction generator (140) including at least one blower (142);an exhaust assembly (150), wherein at least a portion of an evacuation flow path for an evacuated plume is defined from the inlet port (120), through the filter assembly (130), through the suction generator (140), and through the exhaust assembly (150); anda controller (160) configured to control the at least one blower (142) of the suction generator (140) to maintain a target plume velocity at an inlet of a surgical plume evacuation device (200) connected to the inlet port (120).

2. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (160) is configured to determine the target plume velocity based upon information obtained from or about the surgical plume evacuation device (200) connected to the inlet port (120).

3. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller (160) is configured to control the at least one blower (142) in accordance with a mathematical model of equations including a plurality of coefficients.

4. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least one coefficient of the plurality of coefficients accounts for a flow resistance along the evacuation flow path and / or at least one coefficient of the plurality of coefficients accounts for a performance of the at least one blower (142).

5. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the filter assembly (130).

6. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the filter assembly (130) is a predicted coefficient, and wherein the controller (160) is further configured to determine an actual coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the filter assembly (130) and compare the actual coefficient with the predicted coefficient to determine a status of the filter assembly (130).

7. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device (200) connected to the inlet port (120).

8. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device (200) is a predicted coefficient, and wherein the controller (160) is further configured to determine an actual coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device (200) and compare the actual coefficient with the predicted coefficient to determine at least one of: a status of the surgical plume evacuation device (200) or a type of the surgical plume evacuation device (200).

9. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance across the surgical plume evacuation device (200) connected to the inlet port (120) is based upon information obtained from or about the surgical plume evacuation device (200) connected to the inlet port (120).

10. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to any one of claims 3-9, wherein the at least one coefficient accounting for the flow resistance includes:at least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across the exhaust assembly (150); and / orat least one coefficient accounting for a flow resistance across a bypass (148) disposed along the evacuation flow path.

11. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to one of claims 3-10, wherein the plurality of coefficients are established variables, and wherein the mathematical model of equations further includes a plurality of measured variables, the plurality of measured variables including at least one of: a temperature variable, a pressure variable, a flow variable, or a blower speed or input power variable.

12. The surgical plume evacuation console (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (160) is configured to control an input power to or a rotation speed of the at least one blower (142) to thereby maintain the target plume velocity.

13. The surgical plume evacuation system according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (160) is further configured to monitor the surgical plume evacuation device (200) for at least one of a clog or a leak.

14. The surgical plume evacuation system according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (160) is further configured to monitor the filter assembly (130) for at least one of a clog or a leak.

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