Method and apparatus for filtration

Abstract

Methods and devices for filtration and surgical procedures are provided. [Solution] The device (100) includes an exhaust tube (104), the exhaust tube including a filter (128), a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit (120) extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet (130) and a tube outlet (132), the filter being disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from a flow passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet toward the tube outlet.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and devices for filtration, and more particularly, to methods and devices for filtering surgical procedures. [Background technology]

[0002] Surgical smoke and aerosols, or surgical plumes, are generated in association with surgical procedures. For example, when laser or electrosurgical energy is delivered to cells, heat is generated. The heat causes intracellular fluids to evaporate, which increases the pressure inside the cells and ultimately ruptures the cell membrane. The plume of smoke containing water vapor is released into the atmosphere of the surgical operating room. Furthermore, the heat can carbonize cellular proteins and other organic matter inside the cells, which can cause thermal necrosis in cells adjacent to the surgical site. Charring of cells can also release charred cellular debris and other harmful contaminants such as gaseous hydrocarbons. Summary of the Invention

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

[0004] A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for a surgical procedure, the apparatus including a surgical device including a longitudinal axis and a body defining a hollow passage extending through the longitudinal axis, the body having an inlet at a distal end of the body and an outlet at a proximal end of the body, the passage fluidly connected to the inlet and the outlet, the apparatus further including an exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting the tube inlet and the tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet.

[0005] A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for filtration comprising a discharge tube comprising a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, a filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from a flow passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet toward the tube outlet, the filter including a carbon media extending along an inner wall of the discharge tube and through a portion of the longitudinal axis of the discharge tube.

[0006] A third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for filtration including an exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, a filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet, the filter being a filter insert retained within the conduit, the filter insert including a cylindrical body defining a hollow core, the hollow core retaining a filter media and a carbon slug.

[0007] A fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for filtration, the apparatus including an exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet, the filter including a plurality of filter flaps spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps having a first portion fixedly hingedly attached to an inner wall of the conduit and a second portion removably attached to the inner wall of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps operable to move from a first state that substantially blocks flow through the conduit to a folded second state that does not substantially block flow.

[0008] A fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an exhaust tube, the exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet toward the tube outlet, the exhaust tube including a non-expanding section and an expanding section, the expanding section having a larger diameter than the non-expanding section, and the filter retained within the expanding section.

[0009] A sixth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of filtering. The method includes providing a surgical device, the surgical device including a longitudinal axis and a body defining a hollow passage extending through the longitudinal axis, the body having an inlet at a distal end of the body and an outlet at a proximal end of the body, the passage fluidly connected to the inlet and the outlet. The method further includes providing an exhaust tube, the exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the conduit fluidly connecting the tube inlet and the tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet.

[0010] A seventh exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of filtration, the method including providing an exhaust tube, the exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet toward the tube outlet, the filter including a carbon media extending along an inner wall of the exhaust tube and through a portion of the longitudinal axis of the exhaust tube.

[0011] An eighth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of filtration, the method includes providing an exhaust tube, the exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet, the filter being a filter insert retained within the conduit, the filter insert including a cylindrical body defining a hollow core, the hollow core retaining a filter media and a carbon slug.

[0012] A ninth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of filtering, the method including providing an exhaust tube, the exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet, the filter including a plurality of filter flaps spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps having a first portion fixedly hingedly attached to an inner wall of the conduit and a second portion removably attached to the inner wall of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps operable to move from a first state that substantially blocks flow through the conduit to a folded second state that does not substantially block flow.

[0013] A tenth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of filtering, the method including providing an exhaust tube, the exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet, the exhaust tube including a non-expanding section and an expanding section, the expanding section having a larger diameter than the non-expanding section, and the filter retained within the expanding section.

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and that the present disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the basic method. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined only by the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary device for filtration suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tube for filtration suitable for use in practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is another partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary tube for filtration suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a porous slug suitable for use in practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device and tube for filtration suitable for use in practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary tube for filtration suitable for use in practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary tube for filtration suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another exemplary tube for filtration suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a logic flow diagram according to a method and apparatus for practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A-1D are cross-sectional views of exemplary devices and tubes for filtration suitable for use in practicing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for filtering and performing surgical procedures. The embodiments present a surgical device (e.g., a vacuum, a vacuum tube, an electrosurgical device, etc.) having a body defining a hollow passage. The hollow passage is fluidly connected to an exhaust tube having a hollow conduit. The embodiments provide that the hollow conduit is operable to hold a filter, and the filter is operable to remove or filter particulate matter, liquid, and / or gas from air or smoke passing through the hollow conduit. The embodiments provide that the filter can be fixedly attached to the interior of the hollow conduit of the exhaust tube such that filter dislodgment is not possible. Other embodiments provide that the filter can be removably attached to a portion of the exhaust tube such that replacement of the filter is possible after use. The embodiments provide that the exhaust tube can have a number of different diameters, and that the exhaust tube can be smooth, extruded, helically bound, etc. In embodiments of the filter, the filter can be retained within the exhaust tube, can be retained inside an enlarged portion of the exhaust tube, can be retained inside a removable filter insert accessory, and / or can be coupled to a smoke evacuator or vacuum device. Embodiments provide that the exhaust tube is removably attached to the surgical device.

[0017] 1, an exemplary device 100 for filtration is shown. The device 100 includes a surgical device 102 and a drainage tube 104. The surgical device 102 includes a body 106 that defines or encloses a hollow passage 108 that extends through a longitudinal axis 110 of the surgical device 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the hollow passage 108 fluidly connects an inlet 112 to an outlet 114. An embodiment provides that gases, smoke, and / or particulate matter can pass through the inlet 112, the hollow passage 108, and the outlet 114.

[0018] An embodiment of the surgical device 102 may include a surgical tool 116 (e.g., an electrode) extending from a distal end of the body 106 adjacent the entrance 112. The surgical device 102 may also include one or more buttons 118 for operating the surgical tool 116. An embodiment provides that the surgical device 102 includes electrical circuitry carried within the body 106 for connecting the surgical tool 116 and the buttons 118 to a power source that provides power to the surgical tool 116.

[0019] Also shown in FIG. 1 is an exhaust tube 104 that is removably connected to the outlet 114 of the surgical device 102. The exhaust tube 104 includes a longitudinal axis and a hollow conduit 120 extending therethrough. The hollow conduit 120 is defined by an exhaust tube body 122 having an inner wall 124 and an outer surface 126. A filter 128 is carried within the hollow conduit 120 and is operable to remove smoke and particulate matter from gas or liquid passing through the conduit 120 of the exhaust tube 104. The exhaust tube 104 includes a tube inlet 130 and a tube outlet 132. The tube inlet 130 is removably fluidly connected to the outlet 114. The tube inlet 130 is also fluidly connected to the hollow conduit 120 and the tube outlet 132 to allow particulate matter, gas and / or liquid to flow through the tube inlet 130, the hollow conduit 120 and the tube outlet 132. The tube outlet 132 is connectable to a vacuum or evacuation device (shown in FIG. 4 ) that is operable to draw air, gas and / or liquid through the surgical device 102, the evacuation tube 104 and the filter 128.

[0020] A filter 128 is shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the filter 128 is a carbon media that extends along the inner wall 124 of the hollow conduit 120 and through a portion of the longitudinal axis of the exhaust tube 104. For example, the filter 128 may extend over 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the total length of the exhaust tube 104. It should be understood that embodiments include a filter 128 having any length that is greater than 0 cm and less than the total length of the exhaust tube 104. The filter 128 is sized such that the cross-sectional diameter of the filter 128 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the inside of the exhaust tube 104. In this regard, the cross-sectional diameter of the filter 128 does not completely block the flow of particles, gases and / or liquids through the hollow conduit 120 of the exhaust tube 104.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the filter 128 is disposed along the inner wall 124 of the exhaust tube 104. The filter 128 is illustrated as having a circular cross-sectional shape. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the filter 128 may include any cross-sectional shape, including oval, rectangular, square, octagonal, pentagonal, star-shaped, etc. Additionally, it should be understood that embodiments of the filter 128 have a cross-sectional dimension that occupies any percentage of the cross-sectional diameter of the exhaust tube 104. For example, the filter 128 may have a cross-section that occupies 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% or 75% of the cross-section of the hollow conduit 120.

[0022] An embodiment of the filter 128 is formed from a filter media, which may include an activated carbon impregnated material. An embodiment of the filter media includes a cloth material, a woven material, a braided material, an extruded material, or a spun material. To prevent liquid from pooling inside the hollow conduit 120, an embodiment of the filter media may include hydrophilic properties or may have the ability to absorb water. The filter media may be formed from a material containing carbon and may have a length greater than, equal to, or less than the length of the exhaust tube. In an embodiment where the filter media is longer than the length of the exhaust tube, the filter media may be folded multiple times so that the filter media extends the entire length of the exhaust tube 104. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the filter 128 extends through the hollow conduit 120 along the inner wall 124 and is held in place via a pinch ring 134, which is operable to frictionally fit the filter 128 between the pinch ring 134 and the inner wall 124. It should be understood that embodiments include using adhesive or a friction fit instead of the pinch ring 134 to hold the filter 128 in place.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary filter insert 302 for use with the surgical devices described herein is shown. The embodiment of the filter insert 302 is operable to replace the filter 128 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a filter insert 302 operable to be held within the hollow conduit 120. The illustrated filter insert 302 has a cylindrical body 304 defining a hollow core 306, the cylindrical body 304 having an insert inlet 308 that is fluidly connected to the hollow core 306 and an insert outlet 310. The hollow core 306 is operable to hold a filter media 312, such as a ULPA, HEPA, carbon cloth, or coarse particle filter. The filter media 312 can be a pleated material, a flat material, a sheet-shaped material, or a solid material. The filter media 312 can be pressed into place within the filter insert 302, or the filter media 312 can be glued or mechanically coupled to the cylindrical body 304. The filter media 312 may include carbon, which is an impregnated material, or the filter media 312 may be a flat sheet of solid molten carbon. The filter insert 302 itself may be fixedly attached to or within the exhaust tube 104, or the filter insert 302 may be movably held within the conduit 120 such that the filter insert 302 is removable from the exhaust tube 104. As shown in FIG. 3, the filter media 312 may have a star-shaped cross section, although embodiments of the filter media 312 may include any shape that maximizes or increases surface area. A porous carbon slug 314 is also held within the filter insert 302.

[0024] 3A, the illustrated embodiment of the porous carbon slug 314 may have a hollow cylindrical shape to maximize surface area. The embodiment of the porous carbon slug 314 includes a cylindrical body having a first radial section having a diameter 316 equal to the inner diameter of the filter insert 302 and a second hollow radial section having a second diameter 318 smaller than the inner diameter of the filter insert 302 and the diameter 316 of the first radial section. The embodiment of the filter insert 302 provides a filter media 312 and carbon slug 314 operable to filter out or remove particles, gases and / or liquids from the flow passing through the exhaust tube 104, the insert inlet 308 and the insert outlet 310.

[0025] 4 and 5, an alternative filter operable for use with an exemplary surgical device 102 and / or evacuation tube 104 is shown. In FIG. 4, a surgical device 402 is shown fluidly connected to an evacuation tube 404. The evacuation tube 404 includes a hollow conduit 406 defined by an interior wall 408. The evacuation tube 404 can be removably or fixedly connected to an evacuation or vacuum 403 operable to draw air, gas, and / or liquid through the surgical device 402, the evacuation tube 404, and the filter. An embodiment of the evacuation or vacuum 403 includes at least one motor 405 for drawing air, gas, and / or liquid. The evacuation tube 404 includes a filter having a plurality of filter flaps 410 spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the evacuation tube 404 within the hollow conduit 406. Each of the plurality of filter flaps 410 has a first portion 412 fixedly hinged to the inner wall 408 and a second portion 414 removably attached to the inner wall 408. Each of the plurality of filter flaps 410 is operable to move from a first state (indicated by reference number 416) that substantially blocks flow through the hollow conduit 406 to a second state (indicated by reference number 418) that substantially does not block flow through the hollow conduit 406. In other words, embodiments of the filter flaps 410 are operable to filter particles, gases and / or liquids flowing through the hollow conduit 406. The filter flaps 410, in one embodiment, are sized to encompass the entire cross section of the hollow conduit 406. In other words, flow through the hollow conduit 406 upon reaching the respective filter flap 410 is required to pass through the filter flap 410. The embodiment includes little or no space between the interior wall 408 and each filter flap 410. In this regard, in one embodiment, each filter flap 410 is sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the interior cross-section of the hollow conduit 406.In another embodiment, the filter flaps 410 are not sized or shaped to encompass the entire cross-section of the hollow conduit 406, but rather cover only a portion of the cross-section of the hollow conduit 406. For example, the filter flaps 410 may encompass 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 99% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow conduit 406. Embodiments of the filter flaps 410 include each filter flap 410 covering any percentage of the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow conduit 406.

[0026] As a particular filter flap 410 traps or filters out more particulate matter from the gases and liquids passing through it, the ability of the gases and liquids to pass through the particular filter flap 410 becomes more difficult. As the gases and liquids become more difficult to pass through the particular filter flap 410, a pressure differential is created between the two sides of the filter flap 410, the flow receiving side of the filter flap 410 and the flow transmitting side or side having a flow outlet of the filter flap 410. Each filter flap 410 is provided to be operable to fold or hinge from a first state 416 to a second state 418 in response to the pressure differential between the two sides of the filter flap 410 exceeding or meeting a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is met when the particular filter flap 410 allows little or no flow through the particular filter flap 410. In other words, as a particular filter flap 410 continues to filter particles out of the flow passing the particular filter flap 410, the ability for flow to continue past the particular filter flap 410 decreases. Particles or liquids that build up on the particular filter flap 410 will block or block the flow of gas from passing through the filter flap 410. When the particular filter flap 410 is no longer able to allow flow past the particular filter flap 410, pressure will build up and be greater on the flow receiving side of the filter flap 410 than on the flow transmitting side of the filter flap 410. This pressure differential will cause the particular filter flap 410 to fold at the first portion 412, thereby relieving the pressure differential.

[0027] Each filter flap 410 is operable to move from a first state 416 to a second state 418 in the order in which the filter flaps 410 receive flow. In other words, the first filter flap 410 to receive flow is the first to move from the first state 416 to the second state 418. The second filter flap 410 to receive flow is then the second to move from the first state 416 to the second state 418. This continues until all filter flaps 410 are in the second state 418, at which point it is necessary to replace the exhaust tube 404 with an exhaust tube having a new filter flap 410. It should be understood that embodiments provide that multiple filter flaps 410 may move from the first state 416 to the second state 418 simultaneously.

[0028] Embodiments of the filter flaps 410 include each filter flap 410 being fixedly attached to an interior wall of the hollow conduit 406 to prevent the filter flaps 410 from moving or collapsing. Embodiments of the filter flaps 410 may be held directly inside the exhaust tube 404 or may be a component of a filter insert, such as the filter media shown in Figure 3. Embodiments of the filter flaps 410 are formed from ULPA, which provides HEPA levels of filtration, fused polystyrene spheres, activated carbon, or other filter media.

[0029] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which illustrates another exemplary filter for use with an exhaust tube. In FIG. 6, an exhaust tube 602 and a filter capsule 604 are shown. An embodiment of the filter capsule 604 includes a filter capsule 604 that is integral with the exhaust tube 602, where the exhaust tube 602 can be a non-expanded section, and the filter capsule 604 is an expanded section having a larger diameter than the non-expanded section. An embodiment also provides that the filter capsule 604 is a separate element from the exhaust tube 602 and is fixedly attached between the two ends (610, 612) of the exhaust tube 602. The filter capsule 604 has a hollow body 606 that holds a filter 608. The filter 608 can be formed from a porous material such as a ceramic polymer or metal. The filter 608 can also include a pleated or flat sheet media, or can be a solid or porous material. Embodiments of the filter 608 may be cylindrical in shape or any shape operable to be retained within the hollow body 606 to maximize surface area (e.g., square, oval, rectangular, octagonal, pentagonal, etc.). The filter 608 may be fixedly attached to the filter capsule 604 by adhesive or friction fit. Embodiments of the filter 608 may be flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid. Embodiments of the filter 608 may be operable to allow bidirectional flow through the filter capsule 604. The filter capsule 604 may be attached anywhere within the exhaust tube 602 or within the smoke evacuator or vacuum source.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 7, yet another exemplary filter for use with an exhaust tube is shown. In FIG. 7, an exhaust tube 702 and a filter assembly 704 are shown. The filter assembly 704 includes a porous filter 706 that is held within a hollow cavity 708 defined by a filter assembly body 710. The filter 706 is fixedly or removably attached to the filter assembly body 710 and can have a cylindrical body having a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the exhaust tube 702. The filter assembly 704 also includes a fluid or liquid capture section 712 and a bottom of the filter assembly 704. The embodiment of the filter assembly 704 is operable to filter or remove smoke and particulate matter through the filter 706 and collect liquid within the fluid capture section 712. In practice, as a flow of particles, gases and / or liquid passes through filter assembly 704, filter 706 filters out smoke and particulate matter from the flow and liquid falls into liquid capture section 712, which collects the liquid inside filter assembly 704. The filter embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 provides that filter capsule 604 and filter assembly 706 are oriented vertically as shown.

[0031] In practical terms, embodiments of the present disclosure provide that a surgical device, such as an electrosurgical device, can be used to cut tissue during a surgical procedure. Cutting can generate surgical smoke. Embodiments provide that a surgical device connected to an exhaust tube and an eductor or vacuum can draw the surgical smoke through a passageway inside the surgical device, through the exhaust tube, and through a filter held or attached inside the exhaust tube. Thus, surgical smoke and other particulate matter are filtered out of the air as it passes through the filter in the exhaust tube. Embodiments provide that the exhaust tube is integral with the filter, in which case replacing the filter requires replacing the exhaust tube. In other embodiments, the filter is removably attached to the exhaust tube, in which case replacing the filter requires only replacing the filter and not the exhaust tube.

[0032] Reference is now made to Figure 8, which illustrates a logic flow diagram in accordance with a method and apparatus for carrying out an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Block 800 includes providing a surgical device, the surgical device including a longitudinal axis and a body defining a hollow passage extending through the longitudinal axis, the body having an inlet at a distal end of the body and an outlet at a proximal end of the body, the passage fluidly connected to the inlet and the outlet, block 800 further includes providing an exhaust tube, the exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the conduit fluidly connecting the tube inlet and the tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from gas passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet. Block 802 then specifies that the filter includes a carbon media extending along an inner wall of the exhaust tube and through a portion of the longitudinal axis of the exhaust tube.

[0033] Some of the non-limiting embodiments detailed above are also summarized following block 802 in FIG. 8. Block 804 relates to the filter being a filter insert held inside the conduit, the filter insert including a cylindrical body defining a hollow core, the hollow core holding a filter media and carbon slugs. Block 806 then describes a filter including a plurality of filter flaps, the plurality of filter flaps being spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps having a first portion fixedly hingedly attached to an inner wall of the conduit and a second portion removably attached to the inner wall of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps being operable to move from a first state that substantially blocks flow through the conduit to a folded second state that does not substantially block flow. Block 808 specifies that the discharge tube includes a non-expanded section and an expanded section, the expanded section having a larger diameter than the non-expanded section, and the filter being held within the expanded section.

[0034] The logic diagram of Figure 8 may also be considered to illustrate the operation of a method, or a particular scheme for configuring components of an apparatus to operate, whether such an apparatus is a surgical device, an electrosurgical device, a drainage tube, an ejector, or one or more components thereof.

[0035] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to the presently preferred embodiments, it will be understood that variations and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention.The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.The scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning of the present invention and the range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. EMBODIMENT 1 In an apparatus for a surgical procedure, an exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through said longitudinal axis, said hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, said filter disposed within said hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from a flow passing through said hollow conduit from said tube inlet toward said tube outlet; An apparatus comprising: EMBODIMENT 2 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the filter comprises a carbon media extending along an inner wall of the exhaust tube and through a portion of the longitudinal axis of the exhaust tube. EMBODIMENT 3 3. The apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the carbon media comprises at least one of an activated carbon impregnated material and an activated carbon absorbent. EMBODIMENT 4 3. The device of embodiment 2, wherein the filter is attached to the inner wall of the exhaust tube by one of a pinch ring, adhesive, or friction fit. EMBODIMENT 5 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the filter comprises a carbon media extending along an inner wall of the exhaust tube and through the longitudinal axis of the exhaust tube. EMBODIMENT 6 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the filter is a filter insert held within the conduit, the filter insert including a cylindrical body defining a hollow core, the hollow core holding a filter media and a carbon slug. EMBODIMENT 7 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the filter media is at least one of a ULPA, HEPA, and coarse particulate filter. EMBODIMENT 8 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the filter media is at least one of a pleated material, a flat sheet material, and a solid material. EMBODIMENT 9 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the filter insert is a filter insert that is fixedly retained within the conduit and movably retained within the conduit. EMBODIMENT 10 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein the exhaust tube includes a plurality of filters, the filters being spaced apart from one another within the exhaust tube along the longitudinal axis. EMBODIMENT 11 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the carbon slug includes a cylindrical body defining a hollow core, the cylindrical body having a first radial section having a diameter equal to an inner diameter of the exhaust tube and a second radial section having a second diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust tube. EMBODIMENT 12 In an apparatus for filtration, 1. An exhaust tube comprising: a filter; a longitudinal axis; and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter disposed within the hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from a flow passing through the hollow conduit from the tube inlet to the tube outlet, the filter including a plurality of filter flaps spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps having a first portion fixedly hingedly attached to an inner wall of the conduit and a second portion removably attached to the inner wall of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps operable to move from a first state that substantially blocks flow through the conduit to a folded second state that does not substantially block flow. An apparatus comprising: EMBODIMENT 13 13. The device of embodiment 12, wherein movement from the first state to the second state causes the second portion to separate from the inner wall of the exhaust tube and the first portion to hinge-fold. EMBODIMENT 14 13. The apparatus of embodiment 12, wherein each of the plurality of filter flaps is operable to move from the first state to the second state in response to a pressure differential between a first side and a second side of the filter flap. EMBODIMENT 15 13. The device of embodiment 12, wherein each of the plurality of filter flaps is formed from at least one of a ULPA and activated carbon. EMBODIMENT 16 13. The apparatus of embodiment 12, wherein the filter is a filter insert held within the conduit. EMBODIMENT 17 1. An apparatus for filtration comprising: an exhaust tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through said longitudinal axis, said hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, said filter disposed within said hollow conduit and operable to remove particles from a flow passing through said hollow conduit from said tube inlet toward said tube outlet, said exhaust tube including a non-expanding section and an expanding section, said expanding section having a larger diameter than said non-expanding section, and said filter being retained within said expanding section; An apparatus comprising: EMBODIMENT 18 18. The apparatus of embodiment 17, wherein the filter comprises at least one of a ceramic, a polymer, a porous material, a metal, a flat sheet media, and a solid porous material. EMBODIMENT 19 18. The device of embodiment 17, wherein the filter is fixedly held within the enlarged section by one of an adhesive and a friction fit. EMBODIMENT 20 18. The apparatus of embodiment 17, wherein the filter is operable to remove particulate matter and liquid from fluid passing through the conduit, the filter including a fluid capture section.

Claims

1. In an apparatus for filtration, A drain tube including a filter, a longitudinal axis, and a hollow conduit extending through the longitudinal axis, the hollow conduit fluidly connecting a tube inlet and a tube outlet, the filter being disposed within the hollow conduit, the filter including a plurality of filter flaps spaced apart from one another within the hollow conduit along the longitudinal axis of the conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps having a first portion fixedly hingedly attached to an inner wall of the conduit and a second portion removably attached to the inner wall of the conduit, the plurality of filter flaps being disposed within the hollow conduit and having a first portion hingedly fixedly hingedly attached to an inner wall of the conduit and a second portion hingedly removably attached to the inner wall of the conduit. a discharge tube, each operable to move from a first state in which it is disposed within the hollow conduit and substantially blocks flow through the conduit to a folded second state in which it does not substantially block flow within the hollow conduit, each of the plurality of filter flaps operable to filter particulate matter, gas or liquid from gas or liquid passing through the hollow conduit and the plurality of filter flaps, each of the plurality of filter flaps operable to move from the first state to the second state in response to a pressure differential between a first side and a second side of the filter flap; An apparatus comprising:

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein movement from the first condition to the second condition causes the second portion to separate from the inner wall of the discharge tube and causes the first portion to hinge down.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of each of the plurality of filter flaps is adapted to be hingedly folded in a single direction.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the folded direction is along the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of filter flaps is sized to span an entire interior cross-section of the hollow conduit.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of filter flaps is sized smaller than an entire interior cross-section of the hollow conduit.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of filter flaps is formed from at least one of ULPA, fused polystyrene, and activated carbon.

8. at least one distal filter flap disposed within the longitudinal axis of the hollow conduit; and a proximal filter flap disposed within the longitudinal axis of the hollow conduit such that the proximal filter flap is located between the distal filter flap and the inlet; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the near filter flap first moves from the first state to the second state, and then the far filter flap moves from the first state to the second state.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of filter flaps move from the first state to the second state simultaneously.

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