Apparatus and method for filtering

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices and methods for evacuation. An exemplary device includes a trocar, the trocar including an inlet at a distal end and an exit port at a proximal end, the inlet and the exit port being fluidly connected by a tubular hollow body, the tubular hollow body defining a lumen extending through the longitudinal axis of the trocar, the trocar including a filter maintained within the lumen, the filter being operable to filter at least one of a fluid and particles from a flow through the lumen. The device further includes a vacuum source fluidly connected to the exit port, the vacuum source being operable to pull at least one of the fluid and particles through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to devices and methods for evacuation. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices and methods for evacuating smoke and particulates during medical procedures. Background Art

[0002] During medical procedures, surgical smoke, plumes, and / or aerosols may be generated. This occurs when laser or electrosurgical energy is delivered to cells. When this occurs, heat is generated. This heat vaporizes intracellular fluids, which increases pressure within the cells. The pressure causes the cell membranes to rupture. When the cell membranes rupture, a plume of gas containing water vapor is released into the atmosphere at the location of the medical procedure. At the same time, the heat generated chars proteins and other organic matter within the cells. This can cause thermal necrosis in cells adjacent to the cells whose membranes have collapsed. Cell charring may also release other harmful contaminants into the atmosphere. Examples of these contaminants include carbonized cell debris and gaseous hydrocarbons. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for evacuation.

[0004] A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for evacuation. The apparatus comprises a trocar, the trocar comprising an inlet at a distal end and an exit port at a proximal end, the inlet and the exit port being fluidly connected by a tubular hollow body, the tubular hollow body defining a lumen extending through the longitudinal axis of the trocar, the trocar comprising a filter maintained within the lumen, the filter being operable to filter at least one of a fluid and particles from a flow through the lumen. The apparatus further comprises a vacuum source fluidly connected to the exit port, the vacuum source being operable to pull at least one of a fluid and particles through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port.

[0005] A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of providing. The method includes providing a trocar, the trocar including an inlet at a distal end and an exit port at a proximal end, the inlet and the exit port being fluidly connected by a tubular hollow body, the tubular hollow body defining a lumen extending through the longitudinal axis of the trocar, the trocar including a filter maintained in the lumen, the filter being operable to filter at least one of a fluid and particles from a flow through the lumen. The method further includes providing a vacuum source in fluid connection with the exit port, the vacuum source being operable to pull at least one of the fluid and particles through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port.

[0006] A third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a trocar assembly. The trocar assembly includes: a hollow body having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being defined by a distal end and a proximal end, the hollow body defining a cavity extending through the longitudinal axis of the hollow body. The trocar assembly further includes an inlet disposed at the distal end and an exit port disposed at the proximal end, the exit port being fluidly connected to the inlet through the cavity. The trocar assembly further includes a filter holder disposed in the cavity, the filter holder being operable to maintain a filter medium.

[0007] The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and that various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the basic principles. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is determined only by the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary apparatus suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A logic flow diagram is presented for methods and apparatus for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 A side view of an exemplary apparatus suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A close-up cross-sectional view of an exemplary apparatus suitable for performing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a trocar assembly coupled to a vacuum source fluid, the trocar assembly being operable to evacuate gas, smoke, liquid and / or particles from a surgical area or cavity (e.g., a body cavity). Embodiments provide that the trocar assembly is operable to be partially placed in a body cavity, and when coupled to a vacuum source, the trocar assembly can evacuate smoke, fluid and / or particles from the body cavity. Embodiments further provide that the trocar assembly is operable to be partially placed in a body cavity, and is operable to passively allow fluid, smoke, gas and / or particles to pass through the trocar assembly. Embodiments of the trocar assembly are operable to evacuate smoke, fluid and / or particles by pressure provided by the body cavity and pressure provided by an external vacuum source. Embodiments of the trocar assembly are operable to filter out fluid, contaminants, smoke and / or particles from the flow through the hollow cavity within the trocar assembly. Embodiments provide that the trocar assembly is operable to provide a positive flow rate pressure between 0 mmHg and 20 mmHg, and the trocar assembly allows a leak rate of 0 L to 12 L. Embodiments of the vacuum source are operable to provide a vacuum pressure between 100 mmHg and 600 mmHg.

[0013] Reference Figure 1 An exemplary trocar assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Trocar assembly 100 includes a hollow body 102 defining a lumen 104, and a longitudinal axis 106 defined by a distal end 108 and a proximal end 110. Hollow body 102 includes a radially outer surface 126 (eg, Figure 3 ) and a radial inner surface 103. The radial inner surface 103 defines the outermost radial edge of the cavity 104. The cannula needle assembly 100 includes an inlet 112 located at the distal end 108 of the cannula needle assembly 100. The inlet 112 provides a passage from the external environment to the cavity 104 within the hollow body 102. The cannula needle 100 also includes an exit port 114 located at the proximal end 110 of the cannula needle assembly 100. The exit port 114 provides a passage from the cavity 104 within the hollow body 102 to the external environment. The inlet 112, the cavity 104, and the exit port 114 are fluidly connected to each other so that gases, fluids and / or particles can pass through the inlet 112, the cavity 104, and the exit port 114. An embodiment of the cannula needle assembly 100 also includes an outlet 115. The outlet 115 is fluidly connected to the cavity 104 and the inlet 112 so that gases, fluids and / or particles can pass through the inlet 112, the cavity 104, and the outlet 115. As shown Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, outlet 115 can be fluidly connected to tube 117. In some embodiments, tube 115 can be operably fluidly connected to vacuum source 128 (e.g., Figure 3 104, outlet 115 and tube 117. The vacuum source 128 is shown in the figure, so that the vacuum source 128 can push, suck and / or evacuate fluids, gases and / or particles through the inlet 112, cavity 104, outlet 115 and tube 117. It should be understood that embodiments of the vacuum source 128 also include the ability to insufflate. In other words, the vacuum source 128 is operable to generate a flow of gases, fluids and / or particles through the inlet 112, cavity 104, outlet 115 and tube 117 in a direction toward or away from the vacuum source 128.

[0014] Within the cavity 104 of the hollow body 102 of the trocar assembly 100 is a filter holder 116. The filter holder 116 is operable to hold one or more filters 118 that are operable to remove or filter out gases, fluids, and / or particles, including smoke and other contaminants that pass through the cavity 104 and the filters 118. Figure 4As shown, an embodiment of the filter holder 116 includes a rib, lip, or rim 132 positioned along the radial inner surface 103 of the body 102. The rib, lip, or rim 132 provides a raised surface that defines the radial inner surface 103 of the body 102 at the same position within the body 102 relative to the longitudinal axis 106. In this regard, embodiments include all portions of the filter 118 and the filter holder 116 being equidistantly spaced from the distal end 108, respectively. Embodiments include the filter 118 and the filter holder 116 being angled relative to the longitudinal axis 106 such that a portion of the filter 118 and the filter holder 116 are closer to the distal end 108 than other portions of the filter 118 and the filter holder 116. In this embodiment, the filter holder 116 creates a physical barrier that prevents the filter 118 from moving within the cavity 104. It should be appreciated that embodiments of the filter retainer 116 include one or more ribs, lips, or edges that secure the filter 118 in a particular position within the cavity 104, thereby preventing movement of the filter 118 as gas, fluid, and / or particulates flow through the cavity 104 and the filter 118.

[0015] Embodiments of the filter 118 include corresponding latches or passages 130 operable to engage with ribs, lips or rims 132 of the filter holder 116 to create a friction fit between the filter 118 and the filter holder 116. It should be appreciated that Figure 4 The filter 118 and the filter 116 are depicted spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 106 for purposes of illustrating the elements of the trocar assembly 100. However, in practice, the filter 118 with the catch 130 may be positioned in contact with the filter holder 116 and the rib 132 such that the catch 130 corresponds to the rib 132. Thus, embodiments of the filter 118 provide that the filter 118 and the catch or ridge 130 are operable to flex so that the filter 118 is removably and securely positioned within the filter holder 116, but cannot bend or move to the extent that the filter 118 moves during use. In other words, embodiments provide that the filter 118 is operable to flex so that it can be securely positioned within the filter holder 116, but also has sufficient ridges so that all gases, fluids, and / or particulates from the inlet 112 to the outlet 115 or exit port 114 also pass through the filter 118 rather than around the filter.

[0016] It should also be understood that embodiments include filter 118 being fixedly and non-removably attached to filter holder 116. In this embodiment, filter 118 can be attached to filter holder 116 and / or radially inner surface 103 using glue or other adhesives known in the art. Embodiments of filter 118 include filter media membranes that are operable to allow airflow through filter 118, but which are operable to capture particulates, specific types of gases and / or fluids. Embodiments of filter media include fibers, glass, and nonwoven materials.

[0017] The trocar assembly 100 includes a hollow body 102 having an inlet 112 for receiving air from an evacuator and / or an insufflator. In this regard, the trocar assembly 100 is operable to allow air, gas, and / or fluid from the insufflator to pass through the lumen 104 to the outlet 115 and enter the patient's body or surgical site 101 from the inlet 112. The trocar assembly 100 is also operable to allow air, gas, fluid, and / or particulates from the patient's body or surgical site 101 to pass through the lumen 104 through the inlet 112 and exit at the outlet 115. The trocar assembly is also operable to allow air, gas, and / or fluid to pass through the exit port 114, the lumen 104, and the inlet 112. The trocar 100 may include a tool entry port 120 in which a one-way gasket is disposed. The trocar 100 includes a tool exit port 122 located at the distal end 108 of the trocar assembly 100. The embodiment of the trocar assembly 100 includes a plurality of holes or channels 124 (eg, Figure 3 106 ). The passage 124 provides access from the radially outer surface 126 of the body 102 to the lumen 104 and exit port 114. It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure include trocar assemblies 100 that do not have a passage 124 and have a uniform solid radially outer surface 126 that extends through the longitudinal axis 106 of the body 102.

[0018] In practice, during a medical procedure, the trocar assembly 100 is inserted into a patient through an incision to provide a path to a patient's body cavity. Insufflation air from a vacuum source 128 passes through the trocar assembly 100 into the patient's cavity. Tools can also pass through the trocar assembly 100 via exit ports 114, cavity 104, and tool exit ports 122. However, it should be understood that embodiments include trocar assemblies 100 that are only used to insufflate and / or evacuate gas from a surgical site. Insufflation air from a vacuum source 128 keeps the cavity in the patient's body pressurized to expand the surgical area for surgical or diagnostic procedures performed through an entry site. Surgical and / or diagnostic tools can be introduced into the patient's cavity through the trocar 100. A scope inserted through the trocar 100 can provide imaging of the intracavitary region.

[0019] An electrosurgical device may be inserted through trocar 100 to enable a user to perform a surgical procedure within a cavity of a patient. In the case where electrocautery of an electrosurgical procedure generates surgical smoke, it may be desirable to remove the surgical smoke from the cavity of the patient.

[0020] Surgical smoke can be removed from the patient's cavity through the cavity 104 of the cannula needle assembly 100. When the vacuum source 128 is activated, the vacuum source 128 can push or suck gas, fluid and / or particles from the cavity in the patient's body through the inlet 112, the cavity 104, the outlet 115 and the tube 117. As the flow of gas, fluid and / or particles passes through the cavity 104, they pass through the filter 118, wherein the filter 118 is operable to filter out specific gas, fluid and / or particles from the flow. Alternatively, the exit port 114 or the outlet 115 of the cannula needle assembly 100 can be maintained in an open position to allow passive flow of gas from the patient's cavity. In this embodiment, the passive flow of gas occurs because there is a pressure difference between the gas in the patient and the surrounding atmosphere, so that the higher pressure from the patient's cavity causes the gas, fluid and / or particles to flow from the patient's cavity through the cannula needle assembly 100 to the surrounding atmosphere.

[0021] For embodiments where the outlet 115 of the trocar assembly 100 is connected to a vacuum source 128, the vacuum source 128 is operable to generate pressure to push the flow of fluid, smoke and / or particles through the inlet 112, cavity 104 and outlet 115 of the trocar assembly 100. The filter 118 may be permanently attached to the filter holder 116 within the cavity 104 of the trocar assembly 100, or may be removably attached to the filter holder 116 before the vacuum source 128 is activated. Thus, the filter 118 is operable to remove contaminants, particles and / or liquids from the flow. In embodiments where the trocar assembly 100 is not connected to a vacuum source, the trocar assembly 100 is operable to allow the flow of fluid and / or particles when the gasket of the exit port 114 is in an open position. In this embodiment, the trocar assembly 100 is operable to allow flow until the internal pressure in the patient cavity reaches a predetermined threshold. Embodiments provide that the exit port 114 can be configured as an open position, a closed position, or an intermediate position in which the flow is partially blocked.

[0022] Reference now Figure 2, which shows an overview of the above teachings. Box 200 shows providing a trocar, the trocar comprising an inlet at a distal end and an exit port at a proximal end, the inlet and the exit port being fluidly connected by a tubular hollow body, the tubular hollow body defining a lumen extending through the longitudinal axis of the trocar, the trocar comprising a filter maintained within the lumen, the filter being operable to filter at least one of a fluid and particles from a flow through the lumen; and (b) providing a vacuum source in fluid connection with the exit port, the vacuum source being operable to pull at least one of a fluid and particles through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port. Box 202 then indicates where the trocar and the vacuum source are operable to provide a positive pressure flow rate between 0 mmHg and 22 mmHg through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port.

[0023] Following box 202, box 204 illustrates where the filter includes a filter media membrane. Box 206 relates to where the filter is composed of at least one of fiber, glass, and nonwoven material. Next, box 208 indicates where the cannula passively allows flow of at least one of fluid and particles through the inlet, cavity, and exit port when the vacuum source does not generate a vacuum. Box 210 illustrates where the filter further includes a liquid trap and a filter media. Next, box 212 indicates where the exit port includes a gasket that is operable to allow flow of at least one of fluid and particles in a first position and to block flow of at least one of fluid and particles in a second position.

[0024] Figure 2 The logic diagram may be considered as an illustration of the operation of the method. The logic diagram may also be considered as the components of the device being configured in a particular manner to provide, whether the device is an apparatus, a trocar assembly, a vacuum source, or one or more components thereof.

[0025] It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of other embodiments. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.

[0026] Although the present disclosure particularly refers to the currently preferred embodiments and describes them in detail, it is understood that variations and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the currently disclosed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all changes within the meaning and scope of their equivalents are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Equipment for emptying, including: a trocar comprising an inlet at a distal end and an exit port at a proximal end, the inlet and exit ports being fluidly connected by a tubular hollow body, the tubular hollow body defining a lumen extending through a longitudinal axis of the trocar, the trocar comprising a filter comprising (i) a liquid trap maintained within the lumen, the liquid trap being operable to filter liquid and (ii) a filter medium maintained within the lumen, the filter medium being operable to filter particulate material; as well as a vacuum source in fluid communication with the exit port, the vacuum source operable to draw at least one of fluid and particulates through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port, wherein when the vacuum source is in a closed position, the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port permit flow of at least one of fluid and particulates, and wherein the exit port is operable to passively permit flow of at least one of fluid and particulates therethrough until a pressure at the exit port reaches a predetermined threshold, wherein when the vacuum source is in a closed position, the cannula passively permits flow of at least one of fluid and particulates through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trocar and vacuum source are operable to provide a positive pressure flow rate through the inlet, lumen and exit port of between 0 mmHg and 22 mmHg.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a filter media membrane.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum source is operable to provide a pressure between 100 mmHg and 600 mmHg.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter is comprised of at least one of fiber, glass, and nonwoven material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exit port comprises a gasket operable to allow flow of at least one of fluid and particles in a first position and to prevent flow of at least one of fluid and particles in a second position.

7. A method is provided, the method comprising: (a) providing a trocar, the trocar comprising an inlet at a distal end and an outlet port at a proximal end, the inlet and outlet port being fluidly connected by a tubular hollow body, the tubular hollow body defining a lumen extending through a longitudinal axis of the trocar, the trocar comprising a filter comprising (i) a liquid trap maintained within the lumen, the liquid trap being operable to filter liquid and (ii) a filter medium maintained within the lumen, the filter medium being operable to filter particulate material from a flow through the lumen; as well as (b) providing a vacuum source in fluid connection with the exit port, the vacuum source operable to draw at least one of fluid and microparticles through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port, wherein when the vacuum source is in a closed position, the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port permit flow of at least one of the fluid and microparticles, and wherein the exit port is operable to passively permit flow of at least one of the fluid and microparticles until a pressure at the exit port reaches a predetermined threshold, wherein when the vacuum source is in the closed position, the cannula passively permits flow of at least one of the fluid and microparticles through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the trocar and vacuum source are operable to provide a positive pressure flow rate of between 0 mmHg and 22 mmHg through the inlet, lumen, and exit port.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the filter comprises a filter media membrane.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the filter is composed of at least one of fiber, glass, and nonwoven material.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the exit port comprises a gasket operable to allow flow of at least one of fluid and particles in a first position and to prevent flow of at least one of fluid and particles in a second position.

12. Trocar assembly, comprising: a hollow body having a longitudinal axis defined by a distal end and a proximal end, the hollow body defining a lumen extending through the longitudinal axis of the hollow body; An entrance arranged at the far end; an exit port disposed at the proximal end, the exit port being fluidly connected to the inlet through the lumen; as well as a filter holder disposed within the cavity, the filter holder operable to retain the filter media, wherein the filter comprises a liquid trap operable to filter liquid and a filter medium operable to filter particulate material, wherein the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port allow flow of at least one of fluid and particulates when the vacuum source is in the closed position, and wherein the exit port is operable to passively allow flow of at least one of fluid and particulates until a pressure at the exit port reaches a predetermined threshold, wherein the cannula passively allows flow of at least one of fluid and particulates through the inlet, the lumen, and the exit port when the vacuum source is in the closed position.

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