Collection system for managing effluents from surgical operations

Abstract

A fluid collection system includes a vacuum source, a collection container, and a surgical drape. A fluid outflow line is connected between the surgical drape and the collection container. The fluid outflow line provides a path for fluid to the collection container. A suction line is connected with the collection container. The suction line provides suction to draw fluid through the fluid outflow line to the collection container. The suction line branches into a first suction line and a second suction line parallel to the first suction line. The first suction line and the second suction line are each connected with the vacuum source. A flow restrictor is disposed along the first suction line. A valve is disposed along the second suction line. When there is fluid in the surgical drape, the valve opens in a pulsatile manner to increase the level of suction provided to the surgical drape.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to surgical systems, and more particularly to a collection system for managing effluent from gynecological surgical procedures. BACKGROUND

[0002] Surgical procedures, such as a tissue resection procedure, can be performed endoscopically within the uterus by inserting an endoscope into the uterus and passing a tissue resection device through the endoscope and into the uterus. With such endoscopic tissue resection procedures, it is often necessary to distend the uterus with a fluid such as saline, sorbitol, or glycine. The inflow and outflow of fluid during the procedure keeps the uterus distended and flushes tissue and other debris from within the uterus to maintain a visible work space. SUMMARY

[0003] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a collection system for managing effluent from gynecological surgical procedures includes a surgical instrument, a vacuum source, a first collection container, and a first fluid effluent line connected between the surgical instrument and the first collection container. The first fluid effluent line provides an effluent path for fluid from the surgical instrument to the first collection container. A first suction line is connected between the vacuum source and the first collection container. The first suction line provides suction to draw fluid from the surgical instrument to the first collection container. A surgical drape is positioned to collect liquid. A second fluid effluent line is connected between the surgical drape and a second collection container. The second fluid effluent line provides an effluent path for fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection container. A second suction line is connected with the second collection container. The second suction line provides suction to draw fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection container. A portion of the second suction line branches between a third suction line and a fourth suction line arranged in parallel with the third suction line. The third suction line and the fourth suction line are each connected with the vacuum source. A flow restrictor is disposed along the third suction line. A valve is disposed along the fourth suction line. The valve opens in a pulsatile manner when fluid is present in the surgical drape to increase a level of suction provided to the surgical drape.

[0004] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a sensor is connected with the third suction line and the valve. The sensor detects whether fluid is present in the surgical drape. The sensor opens the valve in a pulsatile manner to draw fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection container. The sensor detects whether fluid is present in the surgical drape based on an increase in pressure in the third suction line.

[0005] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the opening or closing of the valve when fluid is present in the surgical drape maintains at least some suction at the surgical instrument. When fluid is not present in the surgical drape, the valve remains closed.

[0006] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first suction line is coupled to the second suction line.

[0007] In some aspects of the disclosure, the amount of suction provided to the surgical drape when fluid is present in the surgical drape is less than the maximum suction level that can be provided by the vacuum source.

[0008] In some aspects of the disclosure, a first end of the second fluid outflow line is connected to a bottom of the surgical drape and a second end of the second fluid outflow line is connected to a top of the second collection container. The second fluid outflow line draws fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection container against gravity.

[0009] In some aspects of the disclosure, an operator console operates the vacuum source. The operator console includes a display device.

[0010] Other features of the disclosure will be understood from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects and features of the disclosure and, together with the detailed description

[0012] Figure 1 illustrating a collection system for managing effluent from gynecological surgical procedures in accordance with aspects and features of the disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first portion of the collection system of Figure 1

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second portion of the collection system of Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the portion being described that is further from the user, while the term "proximal" refers to the portion being described that is closer to the user. Furthermore, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects and features detailed herein can be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects and features detailed herein.

[0016] The term "about" as used herein can include the recited value, and means within an acceptable range of variation of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art to account for tolerances (e.g., material, manufacturing, usage, environmental, etc.) and errors in measuring the value in question and in relating the measurement to the quantity being measured (e.g., limitations of the measuring system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations of the recited value.

[0017] ​​The description of technological features or aspects of an exemplary configuration of the present disclosure should generally be considered as being applicable to and applicable in other similar features or aspects in another exemplary configuration of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the technological features described herein according to one exemplary configuration of the present disclosure can be applicable to other exemplary configurations of the present disclosure, and thus repetitive descriptions can be omitted herein.

[0018] Exemplary configurations of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter (for example, with reference to the accompanying drawings). Like reference numerals can refer to like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1 A surgical system provided according to aspects of the present disclosure is generally identified by reference numeral 100. The surgical system 100 can include a surgical system 200 described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2 and a surgical system 300 described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3 The surgical system 100 can include each of the surgical systems 200 and 300, which are each connected with a common console 130 and a common vacuum source 101. However, each of the surgical systems 200 and 300 can operate as a standalone system.

[0020] The surgical system 100 is a collection system that can be used to manage outflow from a gynecological surgical procedure. The surgical system 100 includes a surgical instrument 112 (e.g., a handpiece for a gynecological procedure such as a hysteroscope, a tissue resection instrument, etc.), a vacuum source 101, a first collection container 150, and a first fluid outflow line 180 connected between the surgical instrument 112 and the first collection container 150. The first fluid outflow line 180 provides an outflow path for fluid from the surgical instrument 112 to the first collection container 150. A first suction line 190 is connected between the vacuum source 101 and the first collection container 150. The first suction line 190 provides suction to draw fluid from the surgical instrument 112 to the first collection container 150. A surgical drape 110 is positioned to collect liquids. A second fluid outflow line 181 is connected between the surgical drape 110 and a second collection container 151. The second fluid outflow line 181 provides an outflow path for fluid from the surgical drape 110 to the second collection container 151. A second suction line 191 is connected with the second collection container 151. The second suction line 191 provides suction to draw fluid from the surgical drape 110 to the second collection container 151. The second suction line 191 branches between a third suction line 192 and a fourth suction line 193 arranged in parallel with the third suction line 192. The third suction line 192 and the fourth suction line 193 are each connected with the vacuum source 101. A flow restrictor 194 is disposed along the third suction line 192. A valve 195 is disposed along the fourth suction line 193.

[0021] When fluid is present in the surgical drape 110, the valve 195 opens, for example, in a pulsatile manner, to increase the level of suction provided to the surgical drape 110. When fluid is present in the surgical drape 110, the valve 195 remains in the closed configuration.

[0022] The first end 182 of the second fluid evacuation line 181 is connected to the bottom 117 of the surgical drape 110. The second end 184 of the second fluid evacuation line 181 is connected to the top 152 of the second collection container 151. The second fluid evacuation line 181 provides a path for evacuating fluid from the surgical drape 110 to the second collection container 151.

[0023] The operating console 130 operates the vacuum source 101. The operating console 130 includes a display device 131, such as a digital touch screen display. The valve 195, the flow restrictor 194, the sensor 196, the vacuum source 101, and portions of the suction lines 190, 191, 192, and / or 193 can be located in the operating console 130, or each of these components can be separate from the operating console 130.

[0024] The sensor 196 is connected to the third suction line 192 and the valve 195. The sensor 196 detects whether fluid is present in the surgical drape 110 based on an increase in pressure in the second suction line 192.

[0025] The first suction line 190 can be at least partially coupled to the second suction line 191. For example, at least one elastic band 197 or other suitable mechanical device, such as a clip, a tie, and the like, can secure the first suction line 190 to the second suction line 191.

[0026] In use, the vacuum source 101 is configured to provide suction to each of the surgical instrument 112 and the surgical drape 110 simultaneously. However, the surgical drape 110 is typically open to the atmosphere, and the amount of suction provided to the surgical instrument 112 is typically not equal to the amount of suction provided to the surgical drape 110. Typically, when fluid is present in the surgical drape 110, the amount of suction provided to the surgical drape 110 is increased to evacuate the fluid from the surgical drape 110 to the second collection container 151.

[0027] As an example, the maximum amount of suction that can be provided by the vacuum source 101 can be about 300 mm HG, which is distributed between the surgical instrument 112 and the surgical drape 110. When there is no fluid present in the surgical drape 110, about 200 mm HG of suction is provided to the surgical instrument 112, while about 100 mm HG of suction is provided to the surgical drape 110 via the third suction line 192. In this case, the valve 195 remains closed and no suction is provided through the fourth suction line 193. However, when there is fluid present in the surgical drape 110, the valve 195 can be triggered to open, and thus suction is provided in parallel through the third suction line 192 and the fourth suction line 193. Thus, when there is fluid present in the surgical drape 110, the distribution of suction is changed such that about 200 mm HG of suction is provided to the surgical drape 110, while about 100 mm HG of suction is provided to the surgical instrument 112. In this arrangement, a certain level of suction is always provided to each of the surgical drape 110 and the surgical instrument 112. When there is fluid present in the surgical drape 110, the valve 195 is moved from a closed position to an open position, for example, in a pulsating manner, such that the flow through the fourth suction line 193 is“throttled” (i.e., repeatedly pulsed from a closed position to an open position), such that suction is provided through each of the suction lines 192 and 193 simultaneously. Throttling the flow through the fourth suction line 193 increases the suction provided to the surgical drape (e.g., from about 100 mm HG to about 200 mm HG), while partially and temporarily reducing the suction at the surgical instrument 112 (e.g., from about 200 mm HG to about 100 mm HG). This allows fluid to be drawn out of the surgical drape 110 to the second collection container 151 at an increased rate, while maintaining a sufficient level of suction at the surgical instrument 112.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2 A surgical system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is generally identified by reference number 200. The surgical system 200 generally includes a surgical instrument 210, a console 230, and a collection container 250. The surgical system 200 further includes a cable 270, an outflow tube 280, and a vacuum tube 290.

[0029] The surgical instrument 210 includes a surgical instrument such as a tissue resection handpiece 212, which can be configured as a reusable component, and a tissue resection end effector assembly 214, which can be configured as a single-use disposable component. The handpiece 212 includes a housing 216 to facilitate user gripping and manipulation of the surgical instrument 210. The handpiece 212 further includes an output interface 218 configured to operably engage the end effector assembly 214, a motor 220 disposed within the housing 216 and operably coupled to the output interface 218 to drive the output interface 218, and thereby the end effector assembly 214, and a module dock 222 configured to mechanically engage and electrically couple to a valve module 282 associated with the outflow tube 280, as detailed below. The electrical cable 270 electrically couples the handpiece 212 and the console 230 to one another, and more particularly, electrically couples the console 230 to the motor 220 to power and control operation of the motor 220, and the console 230 to the valve module 282 to enable communication of, for example, identification, setting, and control information therebetween. In aspects of the present disclosure, the electrical cable 270 is fixedly attached to the handpiece 212 and releasably couplable to the console 230, although other configurations are also contemplated.

[0030] The end effector assembly 214 includes a proximal hub 224 configured to releasably engage the outer shell 216 of the handpiece 212 to releasably mechanically engage the end effector assembly 214 with the handpiece 212. The end effector assembly 214 further includes an outer shaft 226 extending distally from the proximal hub 224 and a cutting shaft 228 extending through the outer shaft 226. A proximal end of the cutting shaft 228 extends into the proximal hub 224, where an input interface 229 engages the cutting shaft 228. The input interface 229 is configured to operably couple to the output interface 218 of the handpiece 212 when the proximal hub 224 is engaged with the outer shell 216, such that when the motor 220 is activated to drive the output interface 218, the input interface 229 is correspondingly driven, moving the cutting shaft 228 within and relative to the outer shaft 226.

[0031] As discussed above, the outer shaft 226 extends distally from the proximal hub 224, and in aspects of the present disclosure, the outer shaft is fixed relative to the proximal hub 224, although other configurations are also contemplated. The outer shaft 226 can define a window (not shown) through a sidewall thereof toward a distal end thereof to provide access to a cutting shaft 228 that is rotatably and / or translatable disposed within the outer shaft 226. The cutting shaft 228 can define an opening (not shown) toward a distal end thereof to provide access to an interior thereof, and the cutting shaft can include a serrated cutting edge (not shown) about the opening, although other suitable cutting edge configurations are also contemplated. Alternatively or additionally, the outer shaft 226 can include a cutting edge defined about the window thereof.

[0032] As discussed above, the motor 220 is activated to move the cutting shaft 228, and more particularly, to drive rotation and / or translation of the cutting shaft 228 relative to the outer shaft 226. The console 230 coupled to the motor 220 by the cable 270 is capable of selectively powering and controlling the motor 220, and thus, selectively rotating and / or translating the cutting shaft 228 relative to the outer shaft 226 to resect tissue adjacent a distal end of the end effector assembly 214.

[0033] With continued reference to Figure 2 A distal end 284 of the outflow tube 280 is coupled to the proximal hub 224 of the end effector assembly 214 in fluid communication with an interior of the cutting shaft 228 and / or an interior of the outer shaft 226 such that fluid, tissue, and debris aspirated into the cutting shaft 228 and / or the outer shaft 226 can be aspirated through the end effector assembly 214 and the outflow tube 280 under vacuum. A proximal end 286 of the outflow tube 280 is connected to the collection canister 250 to deposit fluid, tissue, and debris aspirated through the end effector assembly 214 and the outflow tube 280 within the collection canister 250. The distal end 284 of the outflow tube 280 can be fixedly secured to the proximal hub 224, while the proximal end 286 of the outflow tube 280 is configured to be releasably coupled to the collection canister 250, although other configurations are also contemplated.

[0034] As noted above, the outflow tube 280 further includes a valve module 282. The valve module 282 is disposed between a distal end 284 and a proximal end 286 of the outflow tube 280, respectively. The valve module 282 includes a controllable valve 287 disposed within a flow path defined through the outflow tube 280 to selectively permit and prohibit flow through the outflow tube and / or control a flow rate through the outflow tube, and a communication device 289, such as an RFID tag, that stores information about the end effector assembly 214, such as identification information, usage setting information, and the like. The valve module 282 is configured to releasably engage with the module dock 222 of the handpiece to thereby electrically communicate therewith. With the valve module 282 engaged with the module dock 222, and as noted above, the module dock 222 is coupled to the console 230 via the cable 270, the information stored on the communication device 289 of the valve module 282 can be communicated to the console 230 (via a communication receiver of the module dock 222 and the cable 270, such as an RFID reader) for controlling the motor 220 to drive the end effector assembly 214 in accordance with its settings, parameters, and / or other configurations, and / or controlling the controllable valve 287, such as in accordance with activation / deactivation of the motor 220, position and / or orientation of the cutting shaft 228, or in any other suitable manner. Thus, end effector assemblies 214 of various different configurations (different lengths, diameters, cutting arrangements, outflow tube configurations, and the like) can be used with the handpiece 212 and the console 230 in a plug-and-play manner.

[0035] Still referring to Figure 2 As noted above, the collection canister 250 is coupled to the proximal end 286 of the outflow tube 280 to receive fluid, tissue, and debris aspirated through the end effector assembly 214 and the outflow tube 280. A vacuum tube 290 is coupled between the collection canister 250 and a vacuum source (see, e.g., vacuum source 101 of FIG. 1) disposed within or otherwise associated with the console 230, such that upon activation of the vacuum source, a negative pressure is established through the collection canister 250, the outflow tube 280, and the interior of the cutting shaft 228 and / or the outer shaft 226 of the end effector assembly 214 to aspirate fluid, tissue, and debris into the cutting shaft 228 and / or the outer shaft 226, the outflow tube 280, and through the same to the collection canister 250. Figure 1

[0036] ​As described above, the console 230 is configured to receive information from the communication device 289 of the valve module 282 and, based at least in part on that information, control the motor 220 of the handpiece 212, control the controllable valve 287 of the valve module 282, and operate the vacuum source thereof to resect tissue and draw the resected tissue, fluids, and debris through the end effector assembly 214 and outflow tube 280 for deposition into the collection canister 250. The console 230 generally includes a housing 232, a touchscreen display 234 accessible from outside the housing 232, a cable port 236 configured to receive the cable 270, and a vacuum tube port 238 configured to receive the vacuum tube 290. The housing 232 houses internal electronics (not shown) as well as the vacuum source. The console 230 can be configured to connect to a main power source (not shown) for powering the console 230. In addition, the console 230 can be configured to receive user input, e.g., usage information, setting selections, etc., via the touchscreen display 234 or a peripheral input device (not shown) coupled to the console 230. Operational inputs, e.g., ON / OFF signals, power level settings (HI power vs. LO power), etc., can likewise be input via the touchscreen display 234 or the peripheral input device (not shown), e.g., a foot pedal switch (not shown), a hand switch (not shown), etc. disposed on the handpiece 212.

[0037] In preparation for use, the end effector assembly 214 is engaged with the handpiece 212, the valve module 282 is engaged within the module dock 222, the cable 270 is coupled to the console 230 (and the handpiece 212, if not already connected thereto), the proximal end 286 of the outflow tube 280 is coupled to the collection canister 250 (and the distal end 284 thereof is connected to the end effector assembly 214, if not already connected thereto), and the vacuum tube 290 is connected between the vacuum tube input 238 of the console 230 and the collection canister 250. As described above, the connections between the valve module 282 and the module dock 222 and between the cable 270 and the console 230 enable the communication of information regarding the end effector assembly 214 (and, in embodiments, the outflow tube 280) to the console 230 to enable the console 230 to adjust setting information, usage parameters, etc. based on that information.

[0038] In use, upon an activation input being provided to the console 230, the console 230 powers and controls the motor 220 of the handpiece 212, thereby driving the cutting shaft 228 of the end effector assembly 214 to resect tissue proximal to the distal end of the end effector assembly 214. During activation, the console 230 also controls the controllable valve 287 and the vacuum source disposed within the console 230 to draw fluids, resected tissue, and debris through the cutting shaft 228 and / or outer shaft 226, the outflow tube 280, and into the collection canister 250.

[0039] As described above, the surgical system 200 provides a configuration whereby the handpiece 212 and the console 230 remain isolated from fluids, tissue, and debris aspirated through the surgical instrument 210 and into the collection canister 250, thereby facilitating a cleaning process to reuse the handpiece 212 and the console 230. More specifically, when the valve module 282 is coupled to the module dock 222, the module dock 222 communicates a signal (electrical and / or mechanical) to control the controllable valve 287 of the valve module 282 without requiring contact with the flow path through the outflow tube 280 and / or the controllable valve 287. On the other hand, the end effector assembly 214 and the outflow tube 280 can together be configured as a disposable component that is discarded after use.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3 , an outflow collection system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is generally identified by reference numeral 300. The outflow collection system 300 includes a surgical drape 310, a fluid outflow line 320, a collection container 350, an aspiration line 390, and a vacuum source, such as a console 330 including a vacuum pump 331. The outflow collection system 300 can further include one or more instrument lines (not shown) connected between one or more surgical instruments (not shown), such as a hysteroscope, a tissue resection device, and the like, and the collection container 350 or an additional collection container.

[0041] With continued reference to Figure 3 , the surgical drape 310 is positioned with its flap 314 beneath the patient “P”, such as between the patient “P” and the surgical table “T”, and the funnel-shaped body 316 of the surgical drape 310 depends from the flap 314 and an end of the surgical table “T”. The funnel-shaped body 316 defines an open upper base end 317a configured to collect liquid, such as dripped and / or dropped from the patient “P” and onto the surgical table “T”, and a lower top end 317b defining an outflow opening 312 through which the collected liquid is configured to flow. A distal end 384 of the aspiration line 380 is connected to the outflow opening 312.

[0042] The aspiration line 380 extends to and is connected to a first port 332 of the collection container 350. The collection container 350 further includes a second port 334 configured to receive a distal end 394 of the aspiration line 390. A proximal end 392 of the aspiration line 390 is coupled to a vacuum source, such as the vacuum pump 331 of the console 330, such that when the vacuum pump 331 is activated, a negative pressure is established through the collection container 350 and the fluid outflow line 380 to aspirate liquid collected in the surgical drape 310 from the surgical drape 310 through the fluid outflow line 380 to the collection container 350.

[0043] The various embodiments disclosed herein can also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and the technology commonly referred to as "tele-surgery." Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow for remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instruments. For this purpose, various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. can be employed and designed into the robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of a surgery or procedure. Such robotic systems can include remote manipulatable systems, automated flexible surgical systems, remote flexible surgical systems, remote articulated surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remote operation surgical systems, etc.

[0044] From the foregoing and in reference to various figures, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the described embodiments and without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated, the disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments. It is therefore contemplated that the disclosure shall also cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the foregoing description is not intended to be limiting. The scope of the disclosure is to be scoped as encompassing all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A collection system for managing outflows from gynecological surgery, the collection system comprising: Surgical instruments; Vacuum source; First collection container; A first fluid outflow line is connected between the surgical instrument and the first collection container, and the first fluid outflow line is configured to provide an outflow path for fluid from the surgical instrument to the first collection container; A first suction line is connected between the vacuum source and the first collection container, and the first suction line is configured to provide suction to draw fluid from the surgical instrument into the first collection container. A surgical curtain, the surgical curtain being configured to collect liquid; Second collection container; A second fluid outflow line is connected between the surgical curtain and the second collection container, and the second fluid outflow line is configured to provide an outflow path for fluid from the surgical curtain to the second collection container; A second suction line is connected to the second collection container and is configured to provide suction to draw fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection container. A portion of the second suction line branches between a third suction line and a fourth suction line arranged parallel to the third suction line, both of which are connected to the vacuum source. A flow limiter is provided along the third suction line; as well as A valve, disposed along the fourth suction line, wherein the valve is configured to open pulsatingly when fluid is present in the surgical curtain to increase the suction level supplied to the surgical curtain.

2. The collection system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor connected to the third suction line and the valve, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of fluid in the surgical curtain, and the sensor being configured to open the valve in the pulsating manner to draw fluid from the surgical curtain into the second collection container.

3. The collection system of claim 2, wherein the sensor detects the presence of fluid in the surgical curtain based on an increase in pressure in the third suction line.

4. The collection system of claim 1, wherein the opening or closing of the valve is configured to maintain at least some suction at the surgical instrument when fluid is present in the surgical curtain.

5. The collection system of claim 1, wherein the valve remains closed when there is no fluid in the surgical curtain.

6. The collection system according to claim 1, wherein the first suction line is connected to the second suction line.

7. The collection system of claim 1, wherein the suction volume provided to the surgical curtain when fluid is present in the surgical curtain is less than the maximum suction level that can be provided by the vacuum source.

8. The collection system of claim 1, wherein a first end of the second fluid outflow line is connected to the bottom of the surgical curtain, and a second end of the second fluid outflow line is connected to the top of the second collection container.

9. The collection system of claim 8, wherein the second fluid outflow line is configured to draw fluid from the surgical curtain into the second collection container against gravity.

10. The collection system of claim 1, further comprising an operation console configured to operate the vacuum source.

11. The collection system of claim 10, wherein the operation console includes a display device.

12. A collection system for managing outflows from gynecological surgery, the collection system comprising: Vacuum source; Collection container; A surgical curtain, the surgical curtain being configured to collect liquid; A fluid outflow line is connected between the surgical curtain and the collection container, and the fluid outflow line is configured to provide an outflow path for fluid to the collection container; A suction line is connected to the collection container and configured to provide suction to draw fluid to the collection container through the fluid outflow line, wherein the suction line branches into a first suction line and a second suction line arranged parallel to the first suction line, and the first suction line and the second suction line are each connected to the vacuum source. A flow limiter is provided along the first suction line; as well as A valve is provided along the second suction line, wherein the valve is configured to open in a pulsating manner when fluid is present in the surgical curtain to increase the suction level provided to the surgical curtain.

13. The collection system of claim 12, further comprising a sensor connected to the first suction line and the valve, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of fluid in the surgical curtain, and the sensor being configured to open the valve in the pulsating manner to draw fluid from the surgical curtain into the collection container.

14. The collection system of claim 13, wherein the sensor detects the presence of fluid in the surgical curtain based on an increase in pressure in the second suction line.

15. The collection system of claim 12, wherein the valve remains closed when there is no fluid in the surgical curtain.

16. The collection system of claim 12, wherein the suction volume provided to the surgical curtain when fluid is present in the surgical curtain is less than the maximum suction level that can be provided by the vacuum source.

17. The collection system of claim 12, wherein a first end of the fluid outflow line is connected to the bottom of the surgical curtain, and a second end of the fluid outflow line is connected to the top of the collection container.

18. The collection system of claim 17, wherein the fluid outflow line is configured to draw fluid from the surgical curtain into the collection container against gravity.

19. The collection system of claim 12, further comprising an operation console configured to operate the vacuum source.

20. The collection system of claim 19, wherein the operation console includes a display device.

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