Flow device for surgical smoke evacuation system

Abstract

A flow device for an aerosol exhaust system includes a housing, an inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a spindle assembly. The housing has a longitudinal axis and defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication with the first chamber of the housing. The second outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber of the housing. The spindle assembly includes a first fan and a second fan and is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to tissue removal, and more particularly to tissue shielding devices and systems incorporating the same for use in tissue removal procedures requiring surgical smoke evacuation. Background Art

[0002] In minimally invasive surgical procedures, surgery is performed within an internal body cavity through a small entry opening in the body. The entry opening may be a natural passageway in the body, or may be created surgically, such as by making a small incision into which a cannula is inserted.

[0003] Minimally invasive surgical procedures can be used to partially or completely remove tissue from an internal body cavity. However, the limited access provided by minimally invasive openings (natural pathways and / or openings created by surgery) presents challenges in terms of maneuverability and visualization. Limited access also presents challenges when large tissue samples need to be removed. Thus, tissue samples that are considered too large for complete removal can be broken down into multiple smaller pieces to facilitate removal from an internal body cavity. When cutting or otherwise handling tissue, surgical smoke may be generated, which may impair visualization and / or otherwise hinder clinicians. Summary of the invention

[0004] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the portion being described further from the user, while the term "proximal" refers to the portion being described closer to the user. As used herein, the terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" are understood to include substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular relative configurations up to approximately plus or minus 15 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular.

[0005] Additionally, any or all aspects described herein may be utilized in combination with any or all other aspects described herein where consistent.

[0006] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a flow device for a smoke exhaust system is provided. The flow device includes a housing, an inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a spindle assembly. The housing has a longitudinal axis and defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication with the first chamber of the housing. The second outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber of the housing. The spindle assembly includes a first fan and a second fan and is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0007] In one aspect, the housing defines an opening configured to enable ambient air to flow into the second chamber of the housing.

[0008] In one aspect, rotation of the first fan in the first chamber causes corresponding rotation of the second fan in the second chamber.

[0009] In one aspect, the first outlet is configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and the inlet is configured to be coupled to a tissue guard.

[0010] In one aspect, negative airflow applied to the first outlet induces positive airflow from the second outlet.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a smoke evacuation system includes a tissue protection device and a flow device. The tissue protection device includes a tubular body, a collar, and an outlet and an inlet extending from the collar. The tubular body has a proximal portion and a distal portion that flare outward and define a longitudinally extending passage. The collar extends from the proximal portion of the tubular body and defines an annular channel. The inlet defines an internal channel that is in fluid communication with the annular channel, and the outlet defines an internal channel that is in fluid communication with the annular channel. The flow device is operably coupled to the inlet and outlet of the tissue protection device and is configured to provide a positive airflow to the inlet of the tissue protection device.

[0012] In one aspect, the tissue guarding device further comprises a plurality of hooks coupled to the outer annular section of the loop and adapted to be connected to the proximal edge of the access device.

[0013] In one aspect, the distal end portion of the tubular body is flared and includes a plurality of segments that taper in a distal direction such that adjacent segments of the plurality of segments define a gap therebetween that increases in width in the distal direction.

[0014] In one aspect, the collar, tubular body, inlet, and outlet are integrally formed with one another as a single component.

[0015] In one aspect, the flow device includes a first outlet configured to couple to a vacuum source, a second outlet configured to couple to an inlet of a tissue protection device, and an inlet configured to couple to the outlet of the tissue protection device.

[0016] In one aspect, the flow device includes a housing, an inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a spindle assembly. The housing has a longitudinal axis and defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The inlet and the first outlet are in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The spindle includes a first fan and a second fan and is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0017] In one aspect, the housing defines an opening configured to enable ambient air to flow into the second chamber of the housing.

[0018] In one aspect, rotation of the first fan in the first chamber causes corresponding rotation of the second fan in the second chamber.

[0019] In one aspect, negative airflow applied to the first outlet induces positive airflow from the second outlet.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a smoke exhaust system includes a tissue protection device and a flow device. The tissue protection device includes a tubular body, a collar, and an outlet and an inlet extending from the collar. The tubular body has a proximal portion and a distal portion that are flared outward and define a longitudinally extending passage. The collar extends from the proximal portion of the tubular body and defines an annular channel. The inlet defines an internal channel that is fluidly connected to the annular channel, and the outlet defines an internal channel that is fluidly connected to the annular channel. The flow device includes an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is configured to be operably connected to the outlet of the tissue protection device. The first outlet is fluidly connected to the inlet of the flow device and is configured to be operably connected to a vacuum source. The second outlet is configured to be operably connected to the inlet of the tissue protection device, and is configured to provide a positive airflow to the inlet of the tissue protection device.

[0021] In one aspect, a flow device includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and defining a first chamber and a second chamber, and a spindle assembly including a first fan and a second fan. The spindle assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0022] In one aspect, a first fan is disposed in the first chamber and a second fan is disposed in the second chamber.

[0023] In one aspect, the housing defines an opening configured to enable ambient air to flow into the second chamber of the housing.

[0024] In one aspect, rotation of the first fan in the first chamber causes corresponding rotation of the second fan in the second chamber.

[0025] In one aspect, negative airflow applied to the first outlet induces positive airflow from the second outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate similar or identical elements.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a smoke evacuation system provided according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a smoke exhaust system smoke exhaust organization protection device;

[0029] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a smoke exhaust tissue protection device;

[0030] Figure 4 is an exploded top view of a system provided according to the present disclosure, the system comprising an access device and Figure 2 Smoke exhaust tissue protection device;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top perspective view of the system in an assembled state;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of the flow arrangement of the smoke exhaust system; and

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of a flow device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] When a bipolar electrosurgical pencil is used to dissect a tissue sample for extraction, a large amount of smoke may be generated. The smoke may be harmful to the surgeon and may obstruct the surgical field of view. The present disclosure provides a smoke exhaust tissue cutting guard and a flow device used with the tissue guard, which is designed to remove smoke from the surgical site as quickly and efficiently as possible. The tissue guard can implement a unique principle obtained from the Venturi flow equation to maximize the exhaust air while minimizing the noise generated by turbulence. The flow device can be connected in series between the tissue guard and the vacuum source to generate a positive pressure airflow into the tissue guard to ensure that the smoke flows from the surgical site and into the suction port of the tissue guard. Further, the tissue guard can prevent smoke from accumulating in the sample bag and above the surgical site by exhausting smoke from two areas. The tissue guard can have a relatively large distal opening and a proximal end, the proximal end having an inner diameter sized to change the pressure / volume ratio. The pressure difference at the necking section of the tissue guard forces the system to perform mixing or multi-directional pulling.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 , a smoke evacuation system is shown and described as a smoke evacuation system 10. The smoke evacuation system 10 includes a vacuum source 15 configured to generate a suction flow, a flow device 30, and a smoke evacuation tissue protection device 100 (also referred to herein as "tissue protection device 100") operably coupled to the vacuum source 15 via the flow device 30.

[0036] The smoke evacuation tissue shield 100 is formed of a suitable material (e.g., a biocompatible plastic such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, etc.) by any suitable method (e.g., injection molding a single component or multiple components that are permanently fixed or releasably engaged to each other). The material, thickness, and configuration of the smoke evacuation tissue shield 100 are selected so that the tissue shield 100 defines sufficient rigidity to be able to withstand the impact of the tissue when positioned within an opening in tissue and / or when engaged with the access device 250 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) within the access device 250. However, the material, thickness and configuration of the tissue protection device 100 also provide sufficient elastic flexibility to permit the tissue protection device 100 to be manipulated from a resting position so as to be inserted into an opening in tissue and / or engaged within the access device 250, wherein the tissue protection device 100 returns to or toward the resting position after insertion and / or engagement. Further, the material, thickness and configuration of the tissue protection device 100 are selected such that the tissue protection device 100 is constructed to withstand cutting and puncture by a scalpel, scalpel, pencil, etc., thereby protecting the surrounding tissue and / or the access device 250 from being cut or punctured. The tissue protection device 100 may additionally or alternatively be constructed to inhibit the transfer of thermal energy and / or electrical energy therethrough to protect the surrounding tissue and / or the access device 250 from the effects of thermal energy and / or electrical energy.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the tissue protection device 100 includes a tubular body 110, a collar 120 coupled to a proximal portion 114 of the tubular body 110, and an inlet 130 and an outlet 140 extending from the collar 120 and configured to be coupled to a vacuum source 15. The tubular body 110, the collar 120, the inlet 130, and the outlet 140 can be integrally formed as a single component, such as via injection molding, or can be different attached components. The tubular body 110 defines an open proximal portion 114, an open distal portion 116, and a passage 118 extending between the open proximal portion 114 and the open distal portion 116, respectively. The passage 118 is configured to receive one or more surgical instruments (not shown) therethrough. The proximal portion 114 and the distal portion 116 of the tubular body 110 can each flare outward from a middle portion 122 of the tubular body 110. More specifically, the tubular body 110 can have an hourglass shape, wherein the diameters of the open proximal and distal portions 114, 116 are greater than the diameter of the tubular body 110 at the intermediate portion 122. In some aspects, the proximal portion 114 of the tubular body 110 can take a funnel shape and can extend from an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 50 degrees, and in some aspects about 17 degrees, to the longitudinal axis "X" defined by the passageway 118.

[0038] The distal portion 116 of the tubular body 110 includes a plurality of segments 116a, 116b, 116c extending distally from the intermediate portion 122. Each of the segments 116a, 116b, 116c tapers (e.g., gradually narrows) in the distal direction such that adjacent segments (e.g., segments 116a, 116b) define a cutout or gap 124 therebetween, the width of which increases in the distal direction. In some aspects, the cutout 124 defined between adjacent segments 116a, 116b has a rounded proximal portion 124a, while the remaining distal portion 124b of the cutout 124 has a generally triangular shape. Other shapes of the cutout 124 are also contemplated, such as elongated, rectangular, rounded, etc. In some aspects, the distal portion 116 of the tubular body 110 can be uninterrupted along its circumference, such that the distal portion 116 is free of segments 116a, 116b, 116c or cutouts 124. The cutouts 124 facilitate flexion of the distal portion 116, for example, to facilitate insertion into an opening in tissue and / or engagement with an access device 250 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each of the segments 116a, 116b, 116c has an outer surface having a plurality of horizontally extending ribs 126 configured to resist movement of the tissue guard 100 from the surgical opening and / or the access device 250 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) to exit.

[0039] The collar 120 of the tissue protection device 100 has a ring shape and defines an annular channel 128 extending circumferentially around the passage 118 of the tubular body 110. The annular channel 128 has a circular cross-sectional shape ( Figure 3 ), the circular cross-sectional shape having a diameter "D1". The collar 120 includes an outer annular half-segment 120a and an inner annular half-segment 120b that are integrally formed with each other and together define an annular channel 128. The outer annular half-segment 120a extends directly from the proximal end portion 114 of the tubular body 110.

[0040] The inner annular half-segment 120b of the collar 120 extends directly from the outer annular half-segment 120a and extends into overlapping alignment with the proximal portion 114 of the tubular body 110. The inner annular half-segment 120b is spaced apart from the proximal portion 114 of the tubular body 110. More specifically, the inner annular half-segment 120b has a curved inner edge 142 that faces the proximal portion 114 of the tubular body 110 so as to define a first annular gap "G1" therebetween. The first annular gap "G1" extends circumferentially around the passage 118 and fluidly interconnects the passage 118 of the tubular body 110 with the annular channel 128 of the collar 120. In some aspects, the inner annular half-segment 120b may define a plurality of elliptical openings (not shown) spaced circumferentially from one another along the collar 120. These openings are configured to establish fluid communication between the passage 118 and the annular channel 128 and reduce turbulence / noise.

[0041] The collar 120 further includes a lip 144 extending radially inward from the curved inner edge 142 of the inner annular half-segment 120b of the collar 120. The lip 144 can extend perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis "X" of the passageway 118. In some aspects, the lip 144 can extend at any suitable angle relative to the longitudinal axis "X". The lip 144 extends circumferentially around the passageway 118, thereby defining an outer perimeter of the passageway 118. The lip 144 defines a circumferential inner edge 146 that is spaced apart from the proximal portion 114 of the tubular body 110 (in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis "X" of the passageway 118) to define a second annular gap "G2" therebetween. The first annular gap "G1" is sized to be smaller than the diameter "D1" of the annular passage 128 of the collar 120 and the second gap "G2". By making the first annular gap "G1" smaller than the second annular gap "G2" and the diameter "D1", the Venturi effect instructs the tissue protection device 100 to establish a pressure differential in the first annular gap "G1" when suction is applied through the tissue protection device 100, thereby making the transition from the passage 118 to the outlet 140 smoother and faster, and minimizing the disruption to the flow of the exhausted smoke.

[0042] The collar 120 may further include a plurality of hooks 132 that protrude outwardly and ultimately distally from the outer annular half-segment 120a of the collar 120. Each of the hooks 132 has a proximal portion 132a and a distal portion 132b, the proximal portion defining a proximal edge 252 (132b) configured to receive the access device 250. Figure 3 and Figure 4) has an arcuate opening 134, the distal portion having an inwardly projecting claw 136 configured to engage a lower surface or overhang 262 of a proximal edge 252 of the access device 250. In some aspects, the tissue protection device 100 may not have the hook 132, and / or the hook 132 may be detachable from the loop 120, for example, when the tissue protection device 100 is to be placed in a tissue opening without utilizing the access device 250 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) case.

[0043] The inlet 130 and outlet 140 of the tissue protection device 100 define a tubular configuration, formed with the outer annular half-segment 120a of the collar 120, and extending radially outward from the collar 120 on opposite ends of the collar 120. In some aspects, the outlet 140 can extend proximally from the collar 120 or can take a spiral configuration. The outlet 140 defines an internal passage 150 and has a first end portion 140a that is in fluid communication with the annular passage 128 of the collar 120, for example, via an orifice 148 defined through the collar 120. The outlet 140 has a second end portion 140b that is configured to connect to a flow device ( Figure 6 ) and ultimately connected to a tube (not shown) of the vacuum source 15 so that smoke can flow through the fluid path "F" ( Figure 3 ) is discharged from the internal surgical site, the fluid path extending from the passage 118 of the tubular body 110 through the second annular gap "G2" and then the first annular gap "G1" into the annular channel 128, and further extending through the annular channel 128 to the internal channel 150 of the outlet 140.

[0044] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5, a system 200 provided according to the present disclosure includes a tissue protection device 100 and an access device 250. The access device 250 can be configured as a tissue retractor, an access port, or other suitable access device that is configured to be positioned in an opening in tissue (e.g., a surgical incision or a naturally occurring hole) to provide access therethrough to an internal surgical site. The access device 250 includes a proximal edge 252 configured to be positioned on the outside of the opening in the tissue, a distal edge 254 configured to be positioned on the inside of the opening in the tissue, and a body 256 extending between the proximal edge 252 and the distal edge 254. The body 256 is configured to extend through the opening in the tissue and defines a passage 258 extending longitudinally therethrough to permit access to the internal surgical site through the opening in the tissue. At least a portion of the body 256 of the access device 250 can be flexible to facilitate insertion and positioning of the access device 250 within the opening in the tissue. In some aspects, the body 256 is formed of a sleeve of flexible material including one or more layers of material. Further, the access device 250 can be selectively adjustable, such as by rolling the proximal edge 254 distally around the body 256 to retract the tissue and / or secure the access device 250 within an opening in the tissue. The access device 250 further defines an overhang 262 between the proximal edge 254 and the body 256.

[0045] In use, access device 250 is positioned within an opening in tissue such that distal edge 254 is disposed on an inner surface of the tissue on the inside of the opening in the tissue, body 256 extends through the opening in the tissue, and proximal edge 252 is disposed on an outer surface of the tissue on the outside of the opening in the tissue. Access device 250 can be adjusted to conform access device 250 to the anatomy of the patient, to retract tissue, and / or to secure access device 250 within the opening in the tissue.

[0046] With the access device 250 disposed within the opening in the tissue, the tissue guard device 100 is inserted into the passageway 258 and the hook 132 of the tissue guard device 100 is flexed or otherwise manipulated to permit the proximal edge 252 to be received in the aperture 134 of the hook 132 and the claw 136 of the hook 132 to engage the overhang 262 of the proximal edge 252, thereby lockingly engaging the tissue guard device 100 within the access device 250. With the tissue guard device 100 engaged within the access device 250, a surgical instrument may be inserted through the passageway 118 of the tubular body 110 of the tissue guard device 100 into an internal surgical site, for example, to extract a tissue sample therefrom. As described above, the tissue guard device 100 protects tissue as well as the access device 250 during the insertion, manipulation, use, and retrieval of any such surgical instrument.

[0047] During use, surgical smoke within the surgical site is drawn into the passageway 118 of the tubular body 110, then into the annular channel 128 of the collar 120 via the first annular gap "G1" and the second annular gap "G2", then into the outlet 140, and then out of the clinician's line of sight. Since the first annular gap "G1" has a reduced area relative to each of the area of ​​the second annular gap "G2" and the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular channel 128, the first annular gap "G1" has a lower relative pressure, thereby making the transition from the passageway 118 to the outlet 140 smoother and faster, and minimizing the disturbance of the flow of the exhausted smoke. In some aspects, the ratio of the area of ​​the first annular gap "G1" to the area of ​​the second annular gap "G2" to the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular channel 128 can be about 1:2:4, and in some aspects, about 1:2.1:3.8.

[0048] Additional references Figure 6 and Figure 7 , additional airflow can be provided through the tissue protection device 100 via the inclusion of a series flow device 30, which provides a means to enhance the overall reduction of smoke escaping from the tissue protection device 100. The flow device 30 optimizes positive and negative airflows to ensure that the maximum volume of smoke is captured and filtered out of the surgical environment. The flow device 30 uses a vacuum generated by a vacuum source 15 to drive a spindle assembly 370, which provides positive airflow while also allowing vacuum to pass through the flow device 30 to remove smoke at the operating site. The additional positive airflow generated by the flow device 30 is directed at the tissue protection device 100 toward a suction point in the tissue protection device 100, thereby limiting the dissipation and escape of smoke.

[0049] The flow device 30 includes: a housing 320 having an inlet 340, a first outlet 345, and a second outlet 346 extending from the housing 320; and a spindle assembly 370, which is disposed within the housing 320. The inlet 340 of the flow device 30 is configured to be operably coupled to the outlet 140 of the tissue protection device 100 (e.g., directly coupled to the outlet or via an intermediate tube), and the first outlet 345 is configured to be operably coupled to the vacuum source 15 ( Figure 1 ) (eg, directly coupled to the vacuum source or via an intermediate tube). The second outlet 346 is configured to be operably coupled to the inlet 130 of the tissue protection device 100 (eg, directly coupled to the inlet or via an intermediate tube).

[0050] The housing 320 defines a first chamber 350 and a second chamber 360. The first chamber 350 is in fluid communication with both the inlet 340 and the first outlet 345, so that airflow can enter the first chamber 350 from the inlet 340 and then pass from the first chamber 350 to the first outlet 345. The housing 320 also defines an opening 325 that enables ambient air to flow from outside the flow device 30 and enter the second chamber 360.

[0051] The main shaft assembly 370 includes a column 375 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis "L" of the flow device 30 and can rotate about the longitudinal axis "L" of the flow device 30. The main shaft assembly 370 also includes a first fan 355 and a second fan 365 that are fixed to the column 375 so that rotation of the column 375 about the longitudinal axis "L" (e.g., in the direction of arrow "A") causes corresponding rotation of the first fan 355 and the second fan 365. The first fan 355 is disposed in the first chamber 350 of the housing 320, and the second fan 365 is disposed in the second chamber 360 of the housing 320.

[0052] In use, the vacuum source 15 ( Figure 1 ) The suction pressure applied to the first outlet 345 causes fluid to flow from the inlet 340 into the first chamber 350, against the blades of the first fan 355, thereby pushing the first fan 355 in the direction of arrow "A" within the first chamber 350. The rotation of the first fan 355 in the first chamber 350 causes the column 375 to rotate about the longitudinal axis "L", which in turn causes the second fan 365 to rotate within the second chamber 360. The rotation of the second fan 365 in the second chamber 360 causes ambient air to flow through the opening 325, into the second chamber 360, and from the second chamber 360 to the second outlet 346. From the second outlet 346, positive airflow pressure is applied to the inlet 130 of the tissue guard 100 and into a portion of the collar 120 (e.g., the annular channel 128) to provide additional positive airflow, thereby ensuring that the smoke does not escape the tissue guard 100 and assisting in drawing the smoke through the annular channel 128 and ultimately out of the outlet 140 of the tissue guard 100.

[0053] It should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in combinations different from those specifically presented in the specification and drawings. It should also be understood that, according to examples, certain actions or events of any process or method described herein may be performed in a different order, may be added, combined, or omitted entirely (e.g., all described actions or events may not be necessary to implement these techniques). In addition, although for clarity, certain aspects of the present disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit, it should be understood that the technology of the present disclosure may be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with, for example, a medical device.

Claims

1. A flow device for a smoke exhaust system, the flow device comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and defining a first chamber and a second chamber; an inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber; a second outlet in fluid communication with the second chamber; as well as A main shaft assembly includes a first fan and a second fan, and the main shaft assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the housing.

2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein: The housing defines an opening configured to enable ambient air to flow into the second chamber of the housing.

3. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein: Rotation of the first fan in the first chamber causes corresponding rotation of the second fan in the second chamber.

4. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein: The first outlet is configured to be coupled to a vacuum source, and the inlet is configured to be coupled to a tissue protection device.

5. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein: Negative air flow applied to the first outlet induces positive air flow from the second outlet.

6. A smoke exhaust system comprising: A tissue protection device, the tissue protection device comprising: a tubular body having outwardly flared proximal and distal portions, the tubular body defining a longitudinally extending passageway; a collar extending from the proximal portion of the tubular body and defining an annular passage; an outlet extending from the collar and defining an interior passage in fluid communication with the annular passage; and an inlet extending from the collar and defining an interior passage in fluid communication with the annular passage; and A flow device is operably coupled to the inlet and the outlet of the tissue protection device and is configured to provide positive airflow to the inlet of the tissue protection device.

7. The smoke evacuation system of claim 6, wherein: The tissue guarding device further includes a plurality of hooks coupled to the outer annular section of the loop and adapted to be connected to a proximal edge of an access device.

8. The smoke evacuation system of claim 6, wherein: The distal end portion of the tubular body is flared and includes a plurality of segments that taper in a distal direction such that adjacent segments of the plurality of segments define gaps therebetween, the width of the gaps increasing in the distal direction.

9. The smoke evacuation system of claim 6, wherein: The collar, the tubular body, the inlet, and the outlet are integrally formed with one another as a single component.

10. The smoke evacuation system of claim 6, wherein: The flow device includes a first outlet configured to be coupled to a vacuum source, a second outlet configured to be coupled to an inlet of the tissue protection device, and an inlet configured to be coupled to the outlet of the tissue protection device.

11. The smoke evacuation system of claim 6, wherein: The mobile device comprises: a housing having a longitudinal axis and defining a first chamber and a second chamber; an inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber; a second outlet in fluid communication with the second chamber; and A main shaft assembly includes a first fan and a second fan, and the main shaft assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the housing.

12. The smoke evacuation system of claim 11, wherein: The housing defines an opening configured to enable ambient air to flow into the second chamber of the housing.

13. The smoke evacuation system of claim 11, wherein: Rotation of the first fan in the first chamber causes corresponding rotation of the second fan in the second chamber.

14. The smoke evacuation system of claim 11, wherein: Negative air flow applied to the first outlet induces positive air flow from the second outlet.

15. A smoke exhaust system comprising: A tissue protection device, the tissue protection device comprising: a tubular body having outwardly flared proximal and distal portions, the tubular body defining a longitudinally extending passageway; a collar extending from the proximal portion of the tubular body and defining an annular passage; an outlet extending from the collar and defining an interior passage in fluid communication with the annular passage; and an inlet extending from the collar and defining an interior passage in fluid communication with the annular passage; and A mobile device, the mobile device comprising: an inlet configured to be operably coupled to an outlet of the tissue guarding device; a first outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the flow device and configured to be operably coupled to a vacuum source; and A second outlet is configured to be operably coupled to the inlet of the tissue guard and configured to provide a positive airflow to the inlet of the tissue guard.

16. The smoke evacuation system of claim 15, wherein: The mobile device comprises: a housing having a longitudinal axis and defining a first chamber and a second chamber; and A main shaft assembly includes a first fan and a second fan, and the main shaft assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the housing.

17. The smoke evacuation system of claim 16, wherein: The first fan is disposed in the first chamber, and the second fan is disposed in the second chamber.

18. The smoke evacuation system of claim 16, wherein: The housing defines an opening configured to enable ambient air to flow into the second chamber of the housing.

19. The smoke evacuation system of claim 16, wherein: Rotation of the first fan in the first chamber causes corresponding rotation of the second fan in the second chamber.

20. The smoke evacuation system of claim 15, wherein: Negative air flow applied to the first outlet induces positive air flow from the second outlet.

Images