Systems and methods for adaptive insufflation flow

Abstract

A system includes a housing and an inlet port in fluid communication with a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a first valve set and a second valve set. A controller is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to operate the valve assembly to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas to move from within the housing through the first tube and into a patient's body via a first medical instrument and (2) actuate the second valve set to cause one of (a) a fluid within the patient's body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and (b) an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient's body via the second medical instrument.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE INSUFFLATION FLOW Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the filing date benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 664,354, entitled “Systems and Methods for Adaptive Insufflation Flow,” filed June 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background

[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to medical instruments, and more specifically to medical instruments and methods related to systems and methods for an insufflation device that can be reconfigured for providing insufflation, recirculation, evacuation and or desufflation, and which can be used in minimally-invasive surgical procedures.

[0003] A surgical procedure, such as a minimally-invasive surgical procedure, may involve insufflation of a portion of the body with a gas. For example, in a laparoscopic procedure, an insufflation gas may be delivered to the peritoneal cavity of a patient to distend the abdomen, which may improve visual and physical access to internal organs in the abdomen. For example, distension of the patient’s abdomen may provide sufficient operating space to enable adequate visualization of the structures and manipulation of instruments inside a patient.

[0004] Minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgical procedures may employ surgical systems that operate at least in part with computer-assisted control (“telesurgical systems” or “teleoperated surgical systems”). Such systems are sometimes referred to as robotic surgical systems or surgical robots. The da Vinci® Surgical Systems commercialized by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. are examples of such telesurgical systems.

[0005] Various telesurgical system architectures exist, including architectures that enable multiple surgical instruments to enter the body through a single body-opening, sometimes referred to as “single-port” systems (e.g., the da Vinci SP® Surgical System), and architectures that enable multiple surgical instruments to enter the body individually at corresponding multiple locations, sometimes referred to as “multi-port” systems (e.g., the da Vinci Xi® Surgical System). In both the “single-port” and “multi-port” systems, surgical instruments commonly access a body cavity of a patient via one or more cannulas. Single-port systems typically include a cannula mounted to  a wound retractor disposed in an incision in the body, while multi-port systems usually have cannulas directly inserted through the body wall / incision. The cannula may also receive or be coupled to a surgical instrument access / seal device, which is configured to seal the opening in the body of the patient and to allow sealed entry / access to the body cavity by surgical instruments. Such instrument access / seal devices may include insufflation fittings for coupling the instrument access / seal device to a source of insufflation gas, which is employed to keep the cavity inflated throughout the surgical procedure.

[0006] Prior to employing such teleoperated surgical instruments in a procedure initiated via the abdomen or other body cavity, the surgeon or other clinician needs to establish pneumoperitoneum in the body cavity of the patient. Establishing pneumoperitoneum may involve a number of different approaches to laparoscopic access, including the Veress needle technique (also referred to as “Closed Entry”). The Veress needle technique generally includes inserting a Veress needle (sometimes referred to as Veres needle) into the peritoneal cavity and coupling the proximal (outside the body) end of the needle to an insufflation gas line, which supplies insufflation gas to inflate the body cavity.

[0007] One challenge associated with minimally invasive surgeries using insufflation is fogging of a camera (usedin conjunction with other devices) caused by condensation that results from the humidified gas. Another challenge can be the build-up of smoke from electrosurgical cutting and cautery used in some procedures, which can limit the visibility within the body cavity. Modern insufflators attempt to reduce this smoke build-up by removing the gas and adding new gas into the cavity. In some cases, this smoke evacuation can be severely restricted by placing the camera and or other large surgical instruments in the cannulas in the insufflation line or the smoke evacuation line.

[0008] In some cases, a single tube set is used for supplying and removing the insufflation gas. Such tube sets, however, are not equipped to clear smoke. In some systems, desufflation can be very slow, and any surgical smoke (generated during an electrosurgical procedure) and / or pathogens may not be removed.

[0009] Other known systems include a minimum of two tubes (within a tube set) to allow for smoke evacuation on a single tube set. However, each tube in a two-tube tube set system has a  unique function, for example, one tube for insufflation and one tube for suction / smoke-evacuation. In another example, both tubes of a dual tube set (tube set with two tubes) are used to provide for inflow of insufflation gas into the patient. This can increase the input flow of insufflation gas to compensate for unexpected large leaks and when an obstruction of hoses, valve, or other condition limits the inflow to the patient. However, such devices do not provide for reverse flow (e.g., evacuation of smoke, desufflation, recirculation). In addition, some known dual tube sets have restrictions due to hoses, seals, and / or use of a larger instrument. These restrictions can limit the flow of insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) into the patient.

[0010] Thus, a need exists to reduce the cost of tube sets while at the same time provide capabailities for flexibility in the flow paths for delivering and removing insufflation gas.Summary

[0011] This summary introduces certain aspects of the embodiments described herein to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the inventive subj ect matter, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the inventive subject matter.

[0012] In some embodiments, a system includes a housing defining an interior region and an inlet port in fluid communication with a valve assembly. The inlet port is configured to be coupled to a source of insufflation gas to produce a flow of insufflation gas through the housing and into at least one tube couplable to the housing. The valve assembly includes a first valve set and a second valve set. The first valve set is couplable to a first tube and the second valve set is couplable to a second tube. The first tube is couplable to a first medical instrument and the second tube couplable to a second medical instrument. A controller is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to operate the valve assembly to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas to move from within the housing through the first tube and into a patient’s body via the first medical instrument and (2) actuate the second valve set to cause one of (a) a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and (b) an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument.

[0013] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a third valve set couplable to a third tube and the third tube is couplable to a third medical instrument. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to operate the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and actuate the third valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the third tube and into the patient’s body via the third medical instrument.

[0014] In some embodiments, the system further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the third valve set. The controller is configured to operate the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and actuate the third valve set to allow for a pressure measurement to be taken by the pressure sensor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing includes an outlet port, and the controller is configured to operate the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port to a location outside the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system further includes a first pressure sensor fluidically coupled to the first valve set and a second pressure sensor fluidically coupled to the second valve set. In some embodiments, the system further includes a first flow sensor and a second flow sensor. The first flow sensor is fluidically coupled to the first valve set and configured to measure a flow rate of insufflation gas entering the housing via the input port. The second flow sensor is fluidically coupled to the second valve set and configured to measure a flow rate associated with a gas prior to exiting through the output port. In such an embodiment, the controller is configured to actuate at least one of the first valve set or the second valve set based in part on at least one of the flow rate of the insufflation gas entering the housing, or the flow rate associated with the gas.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes a pump fluidically coupled to the second valve set and configured to provide suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body, through the second medical instrument and through the second tube. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the actuation of the first valve set and the second valve setbased on the type of medical instrument to which each of the first tube and the second tube are coupled.

[0018] In some embodiments, the tube set includes a first filter component coupled to the first tube, a second filter component coupled to the second tube, a first water trap coupled between the first tube and the first filter component, and a second water trap coupled between the second tube and the second filter component. In such an embodiment, the first valve set is couplable to the first tube such that the first filter component and the first water trap are each between the first valve set and the first tube and the second valve set is couplable to the second tube such that the second filter component and the second water trap are each between the second valve set and the second tube.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to actuate the valve assembly at a first time to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause the insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body, and (2) actuate the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube. The controller is configured to actuate, at a second time after the first time, the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to move the insufflation gas from within the housing, through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to actuate the valve assembly at a first time to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause the insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, (2) actuate the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and (3) actuate the third valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the third tube and into the patient’s body via the third medical instrument. The controller is configured to actuate the valve assembly at a second time after the first time to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, (2) actuate the second valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument, and (3)actuate the third valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the third medical instrument and through the third tube.

[0021] In some embodiments, a method includes coupling a tube set to an insufflation device. The insufflation device has a housing that defines an interior region, and an inlet port in fluid communication with a valve assembly of the insufflation device. The inlet port is configured to be coupled to a source of insufflation gas to produce a flow of insufflation gas through the housing and into at least one tube of the tube set. The valve assembly includes a first valve set and a second valve set. The first valve set is coupled to a first tube of the tube set and the second valve set coupled to a second tube of the tube set when the tube set is coupled to the insufflation device. The first tube is couplable to a first medical instrument and the second tube is couplable to a second medical instrument. The method includes actuating the valve assembly to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into a patient’s body via the first medical instrument, and (2) actuate the second valve set to cause (a) a gas to move from within the patient’s body through the second medical instrument and through the second tube or (b) an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument. In some embodiments, the method includes coupling a source of CO2 to the inlet port.

[0022] In some embodiments, the tube set includes a third tube, the valve assembly includes a third valve set, the third valve set is coupled to the third tube when the tube set is coupled to the housing, and the third tube is couplable to a medical instrument. In some such embodiments, the method includes when actuating the valve assembly, actuating the second valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, and actuating the third valve set to cause a gas to move from within the patient’s body through the third medical instrument and through the third tube.

[0023] In some embodiments, the tube set includes a third tube, the valve assembly includes a third valve set, the third valve set is coupled to the third tube when the tube set is coupled to the housing, the third tube couplable to a medical instrument, and the insufflation device further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the third valve set. In some such embodiments, the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s bodyto move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and actuating the third valve set to allow for a pressure measurement to be taken by the pressure sensor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing of the insufflation device includes an outlet port, and the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port to a location outside the housing.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method includes actuating a pump fluidically coupled to the second valve set to provide a suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body through the second medical instrument and through the second tube. In some embodiments, when actuating the pump, the gas is moved from within the patient’s body, through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port and to a location outside of the housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further includes measuring a flow rate associated with an inflow of the insufflation gas through the input port. In some embodiments, the method includes measuring a flow rate associated with an outflow of gas through the output port.

[0027] In some embodiments of the method, the actuating the valve assembly is at a first time, and the actuating the valve assembly at the first time includes (1) actuating the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, and (2) actuating the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube, the method further comprising. After the actuating the valve assembly at the first time, the method includes actuating the valve assembly at a second time to actuate the second valve set to move an insufflation gas from within the housing through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument.

[0028] In some embodiments, actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the valve assembly at a first time, and after actuating the valve assembly at the first time, actuating the valve assembly to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body, (2) actuate the second valve set to cause agas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube, and (3) actuate the third valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the third tube and into the patient’s body via the third medical instrument. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] FIG. 1A depicts a surgeon accessing the abdominal cavity of a patient via a Veress needle technique.

[0030] FIG. 1B illustrates an example insufflation device and tube set, according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG.1C illustrates the insufflation device of FIG.1B with a portion of the tube set prior to being inserted into an interior of the insufflation device.

[0032] FIG.2 is a schematic illustration of an insufflation system according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG.3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using an insufflation system, according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIG.4 is a schematic illustration of a portion of an insufflation system, according to an embodiment, with a triple tube set coupled thereto.

[0035] FIGS. 5A-11B are schematic illustrations of a portion of an insufflation system, according to an embodiment, shown with a triple tube set coupled thereto, and shown in different states of actuation.

[0036] FIGS. 12A-13B are schematic illustrations of a portion of the insufflation system of FIGS. 5A-11B, shown in use with a dual tube set coupled thereto, and each shown in different states of actuation.

[0037] FIGS. 14A-14B are schematic illustrations of a portion of the insufflation system of FIGS.5A-11B, shown in use with a single tube set coupled thereto. Detailed Description

[0038] Systems and methods are described herein that provide for use of bidirectional adaptive tube sets within an insufflation system. Bidirectional tube sets allow for gas to flow into a patient cavity and gas, smoke and / or other pathogens to flow out of the patient cavity through the same tube of a tube set. For example, the system can switch between inflow and outflow as described herein. As described herein, the systems and methods provide a reconfigurable inflow and outflow that can automatically be applied to a tube set to adapt the system when instruments are moved to different locations during a surgery.

[0039] The systems described herein can include a multiple valve multiplexing matrix that can be used to reroute flow for each tube within a tube set. For example, in some embodiments, a 6- valve multiplexing matrix is included. The multiplexing valves allow for an adaptive insufflation system that can react to changing conditions during a surgical procedure and can simplify and alleviate pain points to a patient that can occur during insufflation. As described herein, providing reconfigurable ports provides increased flexibility and uses for the insufflation system (e.g., automatic camera defog options, smoke evacuation options for single tube sets, etc.). In some embodiments, camera vision and detection features, when a surgical instrument and cameras are used in conjunction with an insufflation system, can be extracted from the surgical instrument system to provide information to the insufflation system. For example, camera feedback indicating a reduced visibility can be provided to a controller of the insufflation system, which, in turn, can increase the level of smoke evacuation.

[0040] In some embodiments, an insufflation system is provided for use with a single-tube tube set. In other embodiments, a bidirectional single-tube tube set described herein can be used to evacuate smoke and / or other pathogens faster and provide filtering. The insufflation systems described herein can also selectively change the function of a tube of a tube set to provide for inflow of insufflation gas or outflow of smoke or other pathogens, or outflow of insufflation gas (e g., evacuation). In some embodiments, the system can pulse in and out new insufflation gas (e.g., carbon dioxide (CO2)) to help clear a camera of condensation or smoke.

[0041] The systems and methods described herein can be used with a dual tube set (e.g., a tube set with two tubes) to provide for the ability to adjust or change the function of the tubes within a two-tube two set to provide for increased flexibility and the ability to change the functionality asneeded during a surgical procedure. For example, in some cases it may be desirable to have both tubes of a dual tube set used for inflow of insufflation gas into a patient’s body cavity. This can result in faster insufflation and reduced preparation time for the surgical procedure. Two tubes providing inflow of insufflation gas can also be engaged to increase the input flow to compensate for unexpected large leaks into the body cavity and when an obstruction of hoses, valve, or other conditions limits the inflow of insufflation gas to the patient. In addition, a dual tube set can be used to provide for desufflation (e.g., outflow) quickly at the end of a procedure.

[0042] In some embodiments, one tube of a tube set can be used for defogging. For example, when a camera is used within a procedure and placed in a return tube, this can create condensation. The system knowledge of this condensation and location of the camera can be used to temporarily increase the temperature on outflowing insufflation gas and temporarily redirect the flow to the camera if the camera is not within the outflow path. Smoke evacuation can also be enabled in this case to help dry the camera.

[0043] As described herein, in some embodiments, a triple tube set (e.g., a tube set with three tubes) is provided and the systems and methods described herein can be used with the triple tube set to increase performance for insufflation, smoke evacuation and recirculation, and provide for additional flexibility to accommodate changing conditions. For example, in some cases, one tube can be used to sense pressure. In some cases, including a triple tube set, an automatic fog clear process can use the tube with the pressure sensor to also be used to clear fog or dry a camera. Having a third tube can also help with smoke evacuation in the input or output flows, depending on what is limiting the restriction. For example, the third tube can be used to compensate for fdter clogs or pinched hoses. Having a third tube can also allow the insufflator to optimize smoke evacuation. The inflow and outflow tubes can be configured to allow the suction tube to be close to the cutting area. In such a case, pulsing or alternating inflow and outflow can potentially provide extra smoke clearing when flow restrictions are not a limiting factor.

[0044] As used herein, the term “about” when used in connection with a referenced numeric indication means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus up to 10 percent of that referenced numeric indication. For example, the language “about 50” covers the range of 45 to 55. Similarly, the language “about 5” covers the range of 4.5 to 5.5.

[0045] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the word “distal” refers to direction towards a work site, and the word “proximal” refers to a direction away from the work site. Thus, for example, the end of a tube that is closest to the target tissue would be the distal end of the tube, and the end opposite the distal end (i.e., the end manipulated by the user or coupled to the insufflation system) would be the proximal end of the tube.

[0046] Further, specific words chosen to describe one or more embodiments and optional elements or features are not intended to limit the invention. For example, spatially relative terms— such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, “proximal”, “distal”, and the like—may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions (i.e., translational placements) and orientations (i.e., rotational placements) of a device in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. A device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along (translation) and around (rotation) various axes include various spatial device positions and orientations. The combination of a body’s position and orientation defines the body’s pose.

[0047] Similarly, geometric terms, such as “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “round”, or “square”, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round,” a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.

[0048] In addition, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “includes”, “has”, and the like specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, etc.  but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups.

[0049] Unless indicated otherwise, the terms apparatus, medical device, instrument, and variants thereof, can be interchangeably used.

[0050] Inventive aspects are described with reference to a teleoperated surgical system. An example architecture of such a teleoperated surgical system is the da Vinci® surgical system commercialized by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California. Knowledgeable persons will understand, however, that inventive aspects disclosed herein may be embodied and implemented in various ways, including computer-assisted, non-computer-assisted, and hybrid combinations of manual and computer-assisted embodiments and implementations. Implementations are merely presented as examples, and they are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the inventive aspects disclosed herein. As applicable, inventive aspects may be embodied and implemented in both relatively smaller, hand-held, hand-operated devices and relatively larger systems that have additional mechanical support.

[0051] FIG. 1A depicts an example procedure of accessing a body cavity of a patient and providing an insufflation gas to the cavity. FIG.1A, illustrates a surgeon accessing an abdominal cavity of a patient via an example of the Veress needle technique and the process of providing an insufflation gas to the cavity. In FIG.1A, Veress needle 100 and forceps 102 are employed to access the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity 104 of patient 106 through body wall 108. Forceps 102 may be employed to grasp and fix the skin of body wall 108 advantageously for a superficial incision and insertion of Veress needle 100.

[0052] An insufflation line (not shown) can be connected to the proximal end of Veress needle 100 and an insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) can be pumped through the insufflation line and Veress needle 100 into peritoneal cavity 104 at a relatively low initial pressure (e.g., 10 millimeters of mercury - mmHg), after which the insufflation pressure can be raised (e.g., to 15 mmHg) to inflate the cavity.

[0053] Veress needle 100 is an example of a “pneumocavity” needle. As described herein, a “pneumocavity” needle is a needle used to introduce pneumotosis into a body cavity to create  space. Although examples described in this disclosure reference the Veress Needle Technique and use of a Veress needle, examples in accordance with this disclosure can also be employed with other “pneumocavity” needles and employed in other types of procedures.

[0054] As described herein, in some cases, an insufflation system can be used to provide an insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) to a body cavity, evacuate insufflation gas or smoke from a body cavity, and / or recirculate insufflation gas within the insufflation system as described in more detail herein. The insufflation system can include an insufflation device that can removably receive a tube set to be used to deliver an insufflation gas to the body cavity.

[0055] FIGS.1B and 1C illustrate an example insufflation device 112 and a tube set 120. The insufflation device 112 includes an insufflator housing 114 defining an interior region 115 (shown in FIG.1C) that can receive the tube set 120. The insufflation device 112 can also include any suitable components to perform the functions described here, such as, for example, valves, gas lines, fluidic couplings, sensors, and any electronic components or circuits for controlling the delivery of insufflation gas. The insufflation device 112 and tube set 120 can be coupled to a source of insufflation gas (not shown in FIGS.1B and 1C), such as a source of CO2. The tube set 120 can include one or more delivery tubes 122 that can be coupled to a medical instrument 121 to deliver the insufflation gas to a cavity (e.g., cavity 104 in FIG.1A) within the patient’s body. For example, the medical instrument 121 can be a cannula, a Veress needle described for FIG.1A or other suitable device to deliver the insufflation gas to the body cavity. The tube set 120 can include a tube set housing 127 that defines a reservoir (not shown in FIGS.1B and 1C) and can be removably received within the interior region 115 of the housing 114 of the insufflation device 112. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 127 can be inserted into the interior region 115 (see, FIG.1C) where it can be secured with various different coupling methods. For example, the housing 127 can have a coupling feature that matingly engages a coupling feature of the housing 114 of the insufflation device 112 such that the tubes 122 are connected to operational components of the insufflation device 112 such as valves, tubing to connect to a source of insufflation gas, etc. The reservoir of the tube set housing can be coupled to the source of insufflation gas such that insufflation gas can pass through the reservoir of the housing 127 of the tube set 120, through one or more delivery tubes 122, through one or more of the medial devices 121 and into the body cavity of the patient. In some embodiments, the reservoir of the tube set  120 can also hold a volume of liquid, such as saline or distilled water, which can be heated within the reservoir of the tube set housing. This in turn heats and humidifies the insufflation gas passing through the reservoir and provides humidified insufflation gas to the body cavity. For example, in some cases, it may be desirable to provide insufflation gas at greater than 95% relative humidity to the body cavity. The liquid can be provided via a source of liquid (not shown) that can be coupled to the reservoir of the tube set housing 127 when the tube set 120 is coupled to the insufflation device 112. In some embodiments, the tube set 120 is a disposable tube set.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an insufflation system, according to an embodiment. An insufflation system 210 includes an insufflation device 212, and a controller 230. As described herein, the insufflation system 210 can be used to provide an insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) to a body cavity, evacuate insufflation gas from a body cavity, evacuate smoke or other pathogens from the body cavity, and / or recirculate insufflation gas within the insufflation system 210. The insufflation device 212 includes an insufflator housing 214 with an interior region 215, in which a valve assembly 250 including a first valve set 251 and a second valve set 252 are disposed. Each of the valve sets 251 and 252 can include one or more valves as described in more detail below with reference to other embodiments.

[0057] The insufflation device 212 includes an inlet port 235 that can be placed in fluid communication with a source of insufflation gas 240. The insufflation gas can be, for example, CO2. The insufflation device 212 can also include an outlet port 236 through which insufflation gas or smoke (and other pathogens) can be evacuated from the insufflation system 210 and moved to a location outside of the insufflation device 212. For example, the evacuated gas or smoke can be moved to an optional containment device (not shown).

[0058] The controller 230 includes a processor 232 and is used to control the first valve set 251 and the second valve set 252, and other components of the insufflation device as described herein. The processor 232 (and any of the processors described herein), along with any associated memory devices (not shown) is configured to perform a variety of computer implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, calculations, and the like, and storing relevant data) as disclosed herein. The term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a  microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the controller 230 (and any of the controllers described herein) can include one or more memory devices. The memory device may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable nonvolatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disc, a compact disc read only memory (CD ROM), a magneto optical disc (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and / or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) may generally be configured to store suitable computer readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor 232, configure the controller 230 to perform various functions, as described herein.

[0059] The controller 230 can be operatively coupled to the valve assembly 250 (and valve sets 251 and 252) by any suitable mechanism (e.g., wired or wireless). Although shown schematically as being outside of the insufflator housing 214, in some embodiments, the controller 230 can be within the insufflator housing 214. In other embodiments, the controller 230 can be outside of the insufflator housing 214 and can be operatively coupled to the components of the insufflation device 212 (e.g., the valve sets). The insufflation device 212 can also include various optional components such as various sensors. For example, the insufflation device 212 can include one or more pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, and / or one or more flow sensors (each not shown in FIG.2). The insufflation device 212 can also include a pump (not shown in FIG. 2) that can be used to provide suction for evacuation of insufflation gas or smoke. The controller 230 can be operatively coupled to and used to control the pump and the sensors or any other electronic components of the system 210 by any suitable mechanism (e.g., wired or wireless). Such features are shown and described below with reference to other embodiments.

[0060] The interior region 215 of the housing 214 of the insufflation device 212 can removably receive a tube set 220 to deliver an insufflation gas to a body cavity as described above with respect to FIG.1A-1C. The tube set 220 includes a tube set housing 227 that defines a reservoir 228, and one or more tubes. The tube set housing 227 is received within the interior region 215 of the insufflator housing 214, and the one or more tubes can each be coupled to a valve set of the insufflation device 212 and to a medical instrument to deliver the insufflation gas to a body cavity of a patient and / or evacuate insufflation gas, smoke, or other pathogens for the body cavity.

[0061] As shown in FIG.2, in this embodiment, the tube set 220 includes a first tube 222 and a second tube 224. The first tube 222 is coupled to the first valve set 251 and to a medical instrument 221 and the second tube 224 is coupled to the second valve set 252 and to a medical instrument 223. In some embodiments, the tube set 220 can include one or more filters (not shown in FIG.2) and / or one or more water traps and / or humidifiers (not shown in FIG 2) as described in more detail below.

[0062] The first valve set 251 and the second valve set 252 can each include one or more valves (not shown in FIG.2) that are operatively coupled to the respective tube of the tube set 220. For example, the first valve set 251 and the second valve set 252 can each include one, two or three or more valves. Each of the valves can be used to selectively switch a tube of the tube set 220 between providing an inflow of insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) to a body cavity, an outflow (e.g., via a suction force) of insufflation gas (desufflation), smoke or other pathogens, recirculation of insufflation gas, or to use a tube for sensor measurements such as a measurement of pressure, temperature or flow of the insufflation gas. Thus, the insufflation system 210 can be configured to assign a particular tube of a tube set for each of the desired functions. The insufflation system 210 can also reconfigure the assignment of functions for the tubes of the tube set as needed during a procedure. For example, if a medical instrument is moved to a different location within the patient’s body during a procedure and the desired function for that tube changes during the procedure, the system can actuate the valves to change the function of the tube as needed. For example, the first tube 222 can first be configured to provide insufflation gas and then during the procedure be changed to be used for evacuation purposes, or for sensing purposes such as providing a pressure sensor measurement.

[0063] As described above, the controller 230 is coupled to the valve assembly 250 and configured to operate the valve sets 251, 252 to supply insufflation gas and / or provide for evacuation of smoke and other pathogens, and / or recirculation within the insufflation system 210. In one example operation, the controller 230 is configured to operate the valve assembly 250 to (1) actuate the first valve set 251 to cause an insufflation gas to move from within the insufflator housing 214 through the first tube 222 and into a patient’s body via the first medical instrument 221 and (2) actuate the second valve set 252 to cause (a) a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument 223 and through the second tube 224 or (b) an insufflation  gas from within the insufflator housing 214 to move through the second tube 224 and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument 223.

[0064] In some embodiments, the valve assembly 250 includes a third valve set (not shown in FIG. 2) couplable to a third tube and the third tube is couplable to a third medical instrument (not shown in FIG. 2). In such an embodiment, the controller 230 is configured to operate the valve assembly 250 to actuate the first valve set 251, the second valve set 252 and the third valve set to supply insufflation gas and / or provide for evacuation of smoke and other pathogens, and / or recirculation within the insufflation system 210. In one example use, the controller 230 is configured to actuate the first valve set 251 to cause an insufflation gas to move from within the insufflator housing 214 through the first tube 222 and into a patient’s body via the first medical instrument 221, actuate the second valve set 252 to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument 223 and through the second tube 224 to a location outside of the patient’s body and actuate the third valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the third tube and into the patient’s body via the third medical instrument. In other words, in this example, the system 210 is capable of providing insufflation to a cavity of the patient via two tubes and two medical instruments.

[0065] In some embodiments, the valve assembly 250 further includes at least one flow sensor flui dically coupled to a valve set and configured to measure a flow rate of insufflation gas. For example, a first flow sensor can be coupled to the first valve set 251 and can measure a flow of insufflation gas entering the housing 214 via the input port 235. A second flow sensor can be fluidically coupled to the second valve set 252 and configured to measure a flow rate associated with a gas prior to exiting through the output port 236. In such an embodiment, the controller 230 is configured to actuate at least one of the first valve set 251 or the second valve set 252 based in part on at least one of the flow rate of the insufflation gas entering the housing 214, or the flow rate associated with the gas flowing out of the housing.

[0066] As described above, the insufflation system 210 can include a pump fluidically coupled to the valve assembly 250 and configured to provide suction force to move gas from within the patient’s body, through the medical instruments and through the tubes of the tube set. In someembodiments, the controller 230 is configured to adjust the actuation of the valve sets based on the type of medical instrument to which each of the tubes of the tube set are coupled.

[0067] As described above, the controller 230 can actuate the valve assembly to provide a specific function to each of the tubes of the tube set and to each of the medical instruments coupled thereto. During a medical procedure, the controller 230 can change the function at one or more of the tubes and medical instruments as needed. In one example use, the controller 230 is configured to actuate the valve assembly 250 at a first time to (1) actuate the first valve set 251 to cause the insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube 222, through the first medical instrument 221 and into the patient’s body, and (2) actuate the second valve set 252 to cause a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid, including smoke) from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument 223, through the second tube 224 and to a location outside of the insufflation device 212, or to be recirculated, etc. The controller 230 is configured to at a second time after the first time, actuate the valve assembly 250 to actuate the second valve set 252 to move the insufflation gas from within the housing 214, through the second tube 224 and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument 223.

[0068] In an embodiment with three valve sets and a tube set with three tubes, the controller 230 can be configured to actuate the valve assembly 250 at a first time to (1) actuate the first valve set 251 to cause the insufflation gas from within the housing 214 to move through the first tube 222 and into a patient’s body via the first medical instrument 221, (2) actuate the second valve set 252 to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument 223 and through the second tube 224 and (3) actuate the third valve set (not shown) to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing 214 to move through the third tube and into patient’s body via the third medical instrument. The controller 230 is configured to then actuate the valve assembly 250 at a second time after the first time to (1) actuate the first valve set 251 to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing 214 to move through the first tube 222 and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument 221, (2) actuate the second valve set 252 to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing 214 to move through the second tube 224 and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument 223, and (3) actuate the third valve set to cause a fluid within the patient’s body to move through the third medical instrument and through the third tube.

[0069] FIG.3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using an insufflation device as described herein. For example, the insufflation device (e.g., 212, 412, 512) has a housing that defines an interior region, and an inlet port in fluid communication with a valve assembly (e.g., 250, 450, 550) of the insufflation device. The inlet port is configured to be coupled to a source of insufflation gas to produce a flow of insufflation gas through the housing and into at least one tube of the tube set. The valve assembly includes a first valve set (e.g., 251, 451, 551) and a second valve set (e.g., 22, 452, 552). The first valve set is couplable to a first tube of the tube set and the second valve set is couplable to a second tube of the tube set when the tube set is coupled to the insufflation device. The first tube is couplable to a first medical instrument and the second tube is couplable to a second medical instrument. The method includes at 305, coupling a tube set to an insufflation device (e.g., 212, 412, 512). The tube set can be coupled the insufflation device in any suitable manner, such as by engaging a coupling feature of the tube set to a mating coupling feature of the insufflation device (e.g., a keyed connector, a quick-connect fluidic connector, a threaded connector, or the like). At 306, the valve assembly is actuated to actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing of the insufflation device to move through the first tube of the tube set and into a patient’s body via the first medical instrument. At 307, the valve assembly is actuated to actuate the second valve set to (a) cause a fluid to move from within the patient’s body through the second medical instrument and through the second tube or (b) cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument. In some embodiments, the method includes coupling a source of insufflation gas to the inlet port of the insufflation device.

[0070] At 308, a pump that is fluidically coupled to the second valve set is optionally actuated to provide a suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body and through the patient’s body. At 309, a flow associated with the inflow of insufflation gas through the input port is optionally measured. In some embodiments, the housing of the insufflation device includes an outlet port, and the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port to a location outside the housing. At 311, a flow associated with an outflow of insufflation gas through the output port is optionally measured.

[0071] In some embodiments, the tube set includes a third tube, the valve assembly includes a third valve set, the third valve set is coupled to the third tube when the tube set is coupled to the housing, and the third tube is couplable to a medical instrument. In such an embodiment, at 313, the third valve set is optionally actuated to cause a gas to move out of the patient’s body through the third medical instrument and through the third tube of the tube set.

[0072] In some embodiments, the tube set includes a third tube, the valve assembly includes a third valve set, the third valve set is coupled to the third tube when the tube set is coupled to the housing, the third tube is couplable to a medical instrument, and the insufflation device further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the third valve set. In such an embodiment, the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and actuating the third valve set to allow for a pressure measurement to be taken by the pressure sensor.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an insufflation system, according to an embodiment. An insufflation system 410 includes an insufflation device 412 and a controller 430. The insufflation system 410 can be used to provide an insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) to a body cavity, evacuate insufflation gas from a body cavity, evacuate smoke or other pathogens from the body cavity, and / or recirculate insufflation gas within the insufflation system 410. The insufflation device 412 includes an insufflator housing 414 with an interior region 415 in which a valve assembly 450 is disposed. The valve assembly 450 includes a first valve set 451, a second valve set 452 and a third valve set 453. The first valve set 451 includes a valve 454 and a valve 455, the second valve set 452 includes a valve 457 and a valve 458, and the third valve set 453 includes a valve 460 and a valve 461.

[0074] The insufflation device 412 also includes an inlet port 435 that can be placed in fluid communication with a source of insufflation gas (not shown in FIG. 4) such as source of insufflation gas 240 described above and shown in FIG. 2. The insufflation gas can be, for example, CO2. The insufflation device 412 can also include an outlet port 436 through which insufflation gas or smoke (and other pathogens) can be evacuated from the system and moved to a location outside of the insufflation device 412. For example, the evacuated gas or smoke can be moved to an optional containment device (not shown).

[0075] The controller 430 includes a processor 432 and is used to control the first valve set 451, the second valve set 452, and the third valve set 453 and other components of the insufflation device 412 as described herein. The controller 430 can be similar to the controller 230 described above and operatively coupled to the valve assembly 450 (and valve sets 451, 452, 453) by any suitable mechanism (e.g., wired or wireless). Although shown schematically as being outside of the insufflator housing 414, in some embodiments, the controller 430 can be within the insufflator housing 414. In other embodiments, the controller 430 can be outside of the insufflator housing 414 and can be operatively coupled to the components of the insufflation device 412 (e.g., the valve sets). The insufflation device 412 can also include various optional components such as various sensors. For example, the insufflation device 412 can include one or more pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, and / or one or more flow sensors (each not shown in FIG.4). The insufflation device 412 can also include a pump (not shown in FIG.4) that can be used to provide suction for evacuation of insufflation gas or smoke or other pathogens. The controller 430 can be operatively coupled to and used to control the pump and the sensors or any other electronic components of the system 410 by any suitable mechanism (e.g., wired or wireless). Such features are shown and described below with reference to other embodiments.

[0076] The interior region 415 of the housing 414 of the insufflation device 412 can removably receive a tube set 420 to deliver an insufflation gas to a body cavity of a patient. The tube set 420 includes a tube set housing (not shown in FIG.4) that defines a reservoir (not shown in FIG.4), and one or more tubes. The tube set housing is received within the interior region 415 of the insufflator housing 414, and the one or more tubes can each be coupled to a valve set of the insufflation device 412 and to a medical instrument to deliver the insufflation gas to a body cavity of a patient and / or evacuate insufflation gas smoke or other pathogens form the body cavity.

[0077] As shown in FIG.4, in this embodiment, the tube set 420 includes a first tube 422, a second tube 424 and a third tube 426. The first tube 422 is coupled to the first valve set 451 and to a medical instrument 421, the second tube 424 is coupled to the second valve set 452 and to a medical instrument 423, and the third tube 426 is coupled to the third valve set 453 and to a medical instrument 423. In this embodiment, the tube set 420 includes three filters 429 and three water traps 431, i.e., an individual filter 429 and individual water trap 431 associated with each tube of the tube set 420.

[0078] The valves of each of the valve sets 451, 452, 453 are operatively coupled to the respective tube of the tube set 420 such that the valves can be actuated by the controller 430 to open or close during operation to provide a desired function for a particular tube and medical instrument. For example, valve 454 can be opened and valve 455 closed to allow insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) introduced through input port 435 to pass through valve 454, through tube 422, to medical instrument 421 and into a body cavity, and valve 455 can be opened and valve 454 closed to allow insufflation gas, smoke, or other pathogens to be evacuated from the body cavity into the medical instrument 421, through tube 422, through valve 455 and out through output port 436. Valve set 452 and 453 can function in the same manner. Thus, multiple different functions can be performed using the same tube set.

[0079] In addition, the desired function of one or more of the medical instruments 421, 423, 425 can be changed during a procedure. For example, during a procedure, at a first time, valve 454 can be opened and valve 455 closed to allow insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) introduced through input port 435 to pass through valve 454, through tube 422, to medical instrument 421 and into a body cavity, and the valve 457 can be opened and valve 458 closed to allow insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) introduced through input port 435 to pass through valve 457, through tube 424, to medical instrument 423 and into a body cavity. Thus, insufflation gas can be provided through more than one of the tubes and medical instruments. At a second time period the valve set 452 can be adjusted to provide for evacuation through the second tube 424. More specifically, at the second time, the valve 457 is closed and the valve 458 is opened to allow for evacuation of smoke or other pathogens from the body cavity into the medical instrument 423, through tube 424, through valve 458 and out through output port 436. Valve set 453 can also be actuated in the same manner to provide for multiple different desired functions (e.g., insufflation, desufflation, evacuation, recirculation).

[0080] As described herein, each of the valves within a valve set can be used to selectively switch a tube of the tube set 420 between providing an inflow of insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) to a body cavity, an outflow (e.g., via a suction force) of insufflation gas (desufflation), smoke or other pathogens, recirculation of insufflation gas, or to use a tube for sensor measurements such as a measurement of pressure, temperature or flow of the insufflation gas. Thus, the insufflation system 410 can be configured to assign a particular tube of a tube set for each of the desired functions.  The insufflation system 410 can also reconfigure the assignment of functions for the tubes of the tube set as needed during a procedure. For example, if a medical instrument is moved to a different location within the patient’s body during a procedure and the desired function for that tube changes during the procedure, the system can actuate the valves to change the function of the tube as needed. For example, the third tube 422 can first be configured to provide insufflation gas and then during the procedure be changed to be used for evacuation purposes, or for sensing purposes such as providing a pressure sensor measurement.

[0081] In some embodiments, the valve assembly 450 further includes at least one flow sensor fluidically coupled to a valve set and configured to measure a flow rate of insufflation gas. For example, a first flow sensor can be coupled to the first valve set 451 and can measure a flow of insufflation gas entering the housing 414 via the input port 435. A second flow sensor can be fluidically coupled to the second valve set 452 or third valve set 453 and configured to measure a flow rate associated with a gas prior to exiting through the output port 436. In such an embodiment, the controller 430 is configured to actuate at least one of the first valve set 451 or the second valve set 452 or third valve set 453 based in part on at least one of the flow rate of the insufflation gas entering the housing 414, or the flow rate associated with the gas flowing out of the housing 414.

[0082] The insufflation system 410 can also include a pump (not shown) fluidically coupled to the valve assembly 450 and configured to provide suction force to move gas from within the patient’s body, through the medical instruments and through the tubes of the tube set. In some embodiments, the controller 430 is configured to adjust the actuation of the valve sets based on the type of medical instrument to which each of the tubes of the tube set are coupled.

[0083] FIGS. 5A-14B are schematic illustrations of an insufflation system according to an embodiment, with FIGS.5A and 5B showing the valve sets with all valves in an open state, and FIGS. 6A-14B showing different example operational conditions of the valve sets actuated to perform various functions. FIGS. 5A-11B illustrate an insufflation system 510 including an insufflation device with a triple tube set coupled thereto. FIGS.12A-13B illustrate the insufflation system 510 with a dual tube set (a tube set with two tubes) coupled thereto and FIGS.14A-14B illustrate the insufflation system 510 with a single tube set (a tube set with a single tube) coupled thereto.

[0084] As shown in FIGS.5A-5B (FIG.5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.5A), the insufflation system 510 includes an insufflation device 512 and a controller 530. The insufflation system 510 can be used to provide an insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) to a body cavity, evacuate insufflation gas from a body cavity, evacuate smoke or other pathogens from the body cavity, and / or recirculate insufflation gas within the insufflation system 510. The insufflation device 512 includes an insufflator housing 514 with an interior region 515 in which a valve assembly 550 is disposed. The valve assembly 550 includes a first valve set 551, a second valve set 552 and a third valve set 553. The first valve set 551 includes a valve 554, a valve 555, and valve 556, the second valve set 552 includes a valve 557, a valve 558, and a valve 459, and the third valve set 553 includes a valve 560, a valve 561 and a valve 562 (see FIG.5B). As described above, FIGS.5A and 5B show all the valves in an open configuration. FIGS.6A-14B discussed below show the valves in various example open and closed configurations to illustrate different operational conditions of the system 510.

[0085] The insufflation device 512 also includes an inlet port (not shown) that can be placed in fluid communication with a source of insufflation gas 540. The insufflation gas can be, for example, CO2. The insufflation device 512 can also include an outlet port (not shown) through which insufflation gas or smoke (and other pathogens) can be evacuated from the system and moved to a location outside of the insufflation device 512. For example, the evacuated gas or smoke can be moved to an optional containment device (not shown).

[0086] The controller 530 can be similar to the controller 230 described above and includes a processor 532 (and optionally one or more memory devices) and is used to control the first valve set 551, the second valve set 552, and the third valve set 553 and other components of the insufflation device 512 as described herein. The controller 530 can be operatively coupled to the valve assembly 550 (and valve sets 551, 552, 553) by any suitable mechanism (e.g., wired or wireless). Although shown schematically as being outside of the insufflator housing 514, in some embodiments, the controller 530 can be within the insufflator housing 514. In other embodiments, the controller 530 can be outside of the insufflator housing 514 and can be operatively coupled to the components of the insufflation device 512 (e.g., the valve sets).

[0087] As shown, for example, in FIGS.5A and 5B, the insufflation device 512 also includes various other valves and sensors. More specifically, as shown in FIGS.5A and 5B, the insufflation device 512 includes a pressure sensor 563 fluidically coupled to each of the valve sets 551, 552, 553 to measure and monitor the pressure of the flow of the insufflation gas within the insufflation system 510. A flow sensor 564 is fluidically coupled between the valve assembly 550 and each of the inlet port and the outlet port. The flow sensors 564 can measure the flow of the insufflation gas coming in from the input port and the flow of the insufflation gas as it exits the insufflation system 510. The insufflation device 512 can also optionally include other sensors such as one or more temperature sensors (not shown).

[0088] The insufflation device 512 also includes a pump 565 that can provide suction for evacuation of insufflation gas or smoke or other pathogens. The controller 530 can be operatively coupled to and used to control the pump 565, pressure sensors 563, flow sensors 564 and any other electronic components of the system 510 by any suitable mechanism (e.g., wired or wireless). The insufflation device 512 also includes a first proportional valve 566 between the input port and the valve assembly 550 and a second proportional valve 566 between the output port and the valve assembly 550. The proportional valves 566 help control the flow of the insufflation gas coming into the system and the flow of insufflation gas between the valve assembly 550 and the pump 565. A three-way valve 567 is also fluidically coupled to the valve assembly 550 between the output port and the pump 565.

[0089] The interior region 515 of the housing 514 of the insufflation device 512 can removably receive a tube set 520. The tube set 520 includes a first tube 522, a second tube 524 and a third tube 526. The tube set 520 includes a tube set housing 527 that is received at least partially within the interior region 515 of the insufflator housing 514, and the tubes 522, 524, 526 are each coupled to a valve set and to a medical instrument 521, 523, 525 to deliver insufflation gas to a body cavity of a patient and / or evacuate insufflation gas smoke or other pathogens form the body cavity. More specifically, the first tube 522 is coupled to the first valve set 551 and to a medical instrument 521, the second tube 524 is coupled to the second valve set 552 and to a medical instrument 523, and the third tube 526 is coupled to the third valve set 553 and to a medical instrument 525. In this embodiment, the tube set 520 includes one or more filters 529 and one or more water traps 531 disposed within the housing 527.

[0090] The valves of each of the valve sets 551, 552, 553 are operatively coupled to the respective tube of the tube set 520 such that the valves can be actuated to open and close by the controller 530 during operation to provide a desired function for a particular tube and medical instrument coupled thereto. As described herein, each of the valves within a valve set can be used to selectively switch a tube of the tube set 520 between providing an inflow of insufflation gas (e.g., CO2) to a body cavity, an outflow (e.g., via a suction force) of insufflation gas (desufflation), smoke or other pathogens, recirculation of insufflation gas, or to use a tube for sensor measurements such as a measurement of pressure or flow of the insufflation gas. Thus, the insufflation system 510 can be configured to assign a particular tube of a tube set 520 for each of the desired functions. The insufflation system 510 can also reconfigure the assignment of functions for the tubes of the tube set 520 as needed during a procedure. For example, if a medical instrument is moved to a different location within the patient’s body during a procedure and the desired function for that tube changes during the procedure, the system 510 can actuate the valves to change the function of the tube as needed. For example, the second tube 524 and medical instrument 523 can first be configured to provide insufflation gas and then during the procedure be changed to be used for evacuation purposes, or for sensing purposes such as providing a pressure sensor measurement.

[0091] FIGS.6A and 6B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing insufflation gas through one valve set, and recirculation flow of insufflation gas through two of valve sets (FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.6A). In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed. This allows insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through the valve 554, through the tube 522, through the medical instrument 521 and into a body cavity of a patient. At the same time, valve 562 of the third valve set 553 is open and valves 560 and 561 of the third valve set 553 are closed, and the valve 559 of the second valve set 552 is open and valves 557 and 558 of the second valve set 552 are closed to allow for recirculation of the insufflation gas through the second and third valve sets. More specifically, insufflation gas from within the patient’s body cavity can be pumped out through the third medical instrument 525, through the third tube 526, through the valve 562 and to the three way valve 567, which is open to allow gas flow from the three-way valve 567 to the second valve  set 552 and valve 559. The insufflation gas flows through valve 559, through the second tube 524, through the second medical instrument 523, and back into the body cavity of the patient.

[0092] FIGS.7A and 7B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing insufflation gas through one valve set, smoke evacuation through a second valve set and sensing capabilities through a third valve set (FIG.7B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.7A). In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed. This allows insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through the valve 554, through the tube 522, through the medical instrument 521 and into a body cavity of a patient. At the same time, valve 562 of the third valve set 553 is open and valves 560 and 561 of the third valve set 553 are closed to allow for smoke and / or other pathogens to be evacuated out of the body cavity of the patient. More specifically, smoke and / or other pathogens from within the patient’s body cavity can be pumped out through the third medical instrument 525 through the third tube 526, through the valve 562 and to the three way valve 567, which is open to allow gas flow from the three-way valve 567 to the outlet port and to a location outside of the insufflation device 512. In addition, the valve 559 of the second valve set 552 is open and the valves 557 and 558 of the second valve set are closed. This allows for the pressure sensor 563 coupled to the second valve set 552 to take a pressure reading associated with the second medical instrument 523.

[0093] FIGS.8A and 8B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing high flow of insufflation gas into the body cavity (e.g., higher flow than when a single tube is used for insufflation as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B) used for insufflation as depicted in FIGS.7A-7Band smoke evacuation (FIG.8B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.8A). In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed. This allows insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through the valve 554, through the tube 522, through the medical instrument 521 and into a body cavity of a patient. In addition, the valves 557 and 559 of the second valve set are open and the valve 558 is closed. This allows for insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through valve 557, through the tube 524, through the medical instrument 523 and into the body cavity of the patient. Thus, a higher flow of insufflation gas can be provided compared to an operational condition using a single tube for insufflation, for example as depicted  in FIGS.7A-7B. A pressure measurement can be taken via the pressure sensor 563 coupled to the second valve set 552 via the open valve 559. Further, valve 562 of the third valve set 553 is open and valves 560 and 561 of the third valve set 553 are closed to allow for smoke and / or other pathogens to be evacuated out of the body cavity of the patient. More specifically, smoke and / or other pathogens from within the patient’s body cavity can be pumped out through the third medical instrument 525, through the third tube 526, through the valve 562 and to the three way valve 567, which is open to allow gas flow from the three-way valve 567 to the outlet port and to a location outside of the insufflation device 512.

[0094] FIGS.9A and 9B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing insufflation gas in, and fast smoke evacuation out (FIG.9B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.9A). In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed. This allows insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through the valve 554, through the tube 522, through the medical instrument 521 and into a body cavity of a patient. In addition, the valves 557 and 559 of the second valve set are open and the valve 558 is closed. This allows for a pressure measurement to be taken via the pressure sensor 563 coupled to the second valve set 552 via the open valve 559 and smoke and other pathogens can be evacuated out of the body cavity via the third medical instrument 525, the third tube 526, and valve 558. At the same time, valve 562 of the third valve set 553 is open and valves 560 and 561 of the third valve set 553 are closed to allow additional smoke and / or other pathogens to be evacuated out of the body cavity of the patient. Thus, the third valve set 553 can be used to evacuate smoke and / or other pathogens from within the patient’s body cavity, through the third medical instrument 525, through the third tube 526, through the valve 562 and to the three way valve 567. Thus, a higher flow of evacuation can be provided through the second valve set 552 and the third valve set 553 compared to an operational condition using a single tube for evacuation, for example as depicted in FIGS.7A-7B. The evacuated smoke and other pathogens can be pumped to the three-way valve 567, to the outlet port and to a location outside of the insufflation device 512.

[0095] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system can provide ultra-high flow of insufflation gas into the body cavity via all three medical instruments (FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation  system of FIG.10A). In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed, the valves the valves 557 and 559 of the second valve set are open and the valve 558 is closed, and the valve 561 of the third valve set 553 is open and the valves 561 and 562 are closed. In this operational state, insufflation gas can flow from the inlet port through the valves 554, 557 and 561, through the tubes 522, 524 and 526, through the medical instruments 521, 523 and 525, and into a body cavity of a patient. Thus, a higher flow of insufflation gas can be provided compared to an operational condition using two tubes for insufflation, for example as depicted in FIGS. 8A-8B. In addition, a pressure measurement can be taken via the pressure sensor 563 coupled to the second valve set 552 via the open valve 559.

[0096] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing high flow of insufflation gas through two valve sets (as compared to an operational condition using a tube set with a single tube for insufflation as depicted in FIGS.7A and 7B), and pressure sensing capabilities through a third valve set (FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.11A). In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed, valve 559 of the second valve set 552 is open and the valves 558 and 559 are closed, and valve 561 of the third valve set is open and the valves 560 and 562 are closed. This configuration allows insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through the valves 554 and 561, through the tubes 522 and 526, through the medical instruments 521 and 523, and into a body cavity of a patient. At the same time, valve 559 of the second valve set 552 allows for the pressure sensor 563 coupled to the second valve set 552 to take a pressure reading associated with the second medical instrument 523.

[0097] FIGS.12A and 12B illustrate the insufflation device 512 being used with a dual tube set 620 (a tube set with two tubes). The dual tube set 620 includes a first tube 622 and a second tube 626 (FIG.12B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.12A). The tube set 620 includes a tube set housing 627 that is received at least partially within the interior region 515 of the insufflator housing 514, and the tubes 622 and 626 are each coupled to a valve set and to a medical instrument to deliver insufflation gas to a body cavity of a patient and / or evacuate insufflation gas smoke or other pathogens form the body cavity. More specifically, the  first tube 622 is coupled to the first valve set 551 and to the medical instrument 521, and the second tube 624 is coupled to the second valve set 552 and to the medical instrument 523. The tube set 620 also includes one or more filters 629 and one or more water traps 631 disposed within the housing 627. As with the three tube set described above, the valves of each of the valve sets 551, 552, 553 are operatively coupled to the respective tube of the tube set 620 such that the valves can be actuated by the controller 530 to open or close during operation to provide a desired function for a particular tube and medical instrument coupled thereto.

[0098] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing fast flow of insufflation gas through two valve sets. In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed, and valve 561 of the third valve set is open and the valves 560 and 562 are closed. This configuration allows insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through the valves 554 and 561, through the tubes 522 and 526, through the medical instruments 521 and 525, and into a body cavity of a patient.

[0099] FIGS.13A and 13B illustrate another example of the system 510 being used with the dual tube set 620 (FIG.13B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG. 13A). FIGS.13A and 13B show an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing insufflation gas through a first valve set, and smoke evacuation through a second valve set. In this operational state, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed, and valve 562 of the third valve set 553 is open and the valves 560 and 561 are closed. This allows insufflation gas to flow from the inlet port through the valve 554, through the first tube 622, through the medical instrument 521 and into a body cavity of a patient. At the same time, valve 562 of the third valve set 553 is open and valves 560 and 561 of the third valve set 553 are closed to allow for smoke and / or other pathogens to be evacuated out of the body cavity of the patient. More specifically, smoke and / or other pathogens from within the patient’s body cavity can be pumped out through the medical instrument 525, through the second tube 626, through the valve 562 and to the three-way valve 567, which is open to allow gas flow from the three-way valve 567 to the outlet port and to a location outside of the insufflation device 512. In some embodiments, the three-way valve 567 can be open to allow gas flow from the three-way valve 567 to the first valve set 551 and valve  554. In this condition, the insufflation gas flows through valve 554, through the first tube 622, through the medical device 521, and back into the body cavity of the patient.

[0100] FIGS.14A and 14B illustrate the insufflation device 512 being used with a single tube set 720 (a tube set having a single tube). The single tube set 720 includes a single tube 722 (FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of a portion of the insufflation system of FIG.14A). The tube set 720 includes a tube set housing 727 that is received at least partially within the interior region 515 of the insufflator housing 514, and the tube 722 is fluidically coupled to a valve set and to the medical instrument to deliver insufflation gas to a body cavity of a patient and / or evacuate insufflation gas smoke or other pathogens form the body cavity. More specifically, the tube 722 is coupled to the first valve set 551 and to the medical instrument 521. The tube set 720 also includes a filter 729 and a water trap 731 disposed within the housing 727. As with the tube sets described above, the valves of one of the valve sets 551, 552, 553 can be operatively coupled to the tube 722 of the tube set 720 such that the valves can be actuated by the controller 530 to open or close during operation to provide a desired function for a particular tube and medical instrument coupled thereto.

[0101] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an example operational condition of the insufflation system 510 in which the system is providing a flow of insufflation gas through the first valve set 551 and can provide for smoke evacuation through the valve set 553. Thus, this embodiment is an example of a single tube set that can provide for both insufflation into the body cavity and smoke evacuation out of the body cavity. In the operational state shown in FIGS.14A and 14B, the valve 554 of the first valve set 551 is open and the valves 555 and 556 of the first valve set 551 are closed, and the valve 562 of the third valve set 553 is open and the valves 560 and 561 are closed. Both valves 554 and 562 are shown open in FIGS. 14A and 14B for illustration purposes. In operation, the system would be cycled between insufflation and evacuation. More specifically, the valve 554 would be open such that insufflation gas can flow from the inlet port through the valve 554, through the tube 722, through the medical instrument 521, and into a body cavity of a patient. When desired, the user (e.g., surgeon) can manually switch the valves to close valve 554 and open valve 562 to clear smoke from the body cavity.

[0102] FIGS.5A-14B illustrate example uses of the insufflation system 510 used with different types of tube sets (e.g., three tube, dual tube, single tube). It should be understood that the  combinations of functions described for each these examples are not an exhaustive number of combinations of that can be used. For example, any one of the valve sets can be used for providing insufflation gas into a body cavity, evacuation of smoke and other pathogens out of a body cavity and / or for sensing purposes (e.g., pressure sensing, gas flow rate sensing, temperature sensing), etc. Although not described above for the specific examples, each of the example operational states can include measuring a flow rate in or out of the system using the flow sensors 564. In addition, as described herein, during a medical procedure, the particular operational state of the system 510 can be changed. For example, a first valve set and medical instrument can be used for providing insufflation gas to a body cavity during a procedure, and if desired during that procedure, the controller can change the function of the first valve set from providing insufflation gas to performing a different function such as sensing or evacuation. Thus, the system 510 can provide various different combinations of functions, and can change functions as needed providing versatility and efficiency during a medical procedure.

[0103] Inventive aspects disclosed herein may be embodied and implemented in various ways, including computer-assisted, non-computer-assisted, and hybrid combinations of manual and computer-assisted embodiments and implementations. Implementations are merely presented as examples, and they are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the inventive aspects disclosed herein. As applicable, inventive aspects may be embodied and implemented in both relatively smaller, hand-held, hand-operated devices and relatively larger systems that have additional mechanical support.

[0104] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that the various embodiments have been presented by way of example only and not limitation. Where methods and / or schematics described above indicate certain events and / or flow patterns occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events and / or operations may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.

[0105] For example, any of the tube sets, insufflation systems, or devices described herein (and the components therein) are optionally parts of a telesurgical system that performs minimally invasive surgical procedures, and which can include a manipulator unit, a series of kinematic  linkages, a series of cannulas, or the like. Thus, any of the tube sets or insufflation systems described herein can be used in any suitable surgical system.

[0106] Further, any of the components of a medical instruments as described herein can be constructed from any suitable material, such as medical grade stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys or the like. Further, any of the components described herein can be constructed from multiple pieces that are later joined together.

[0107] Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and / or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and / or components from any of embodiments as discussed above. Aspects have been described in the general context of medical devices or instruments, and more specifically surgical instruments, but inventive aspects are not necessarily limited to use in medical devices.

Claims

1. What is claimed is:

1. A system, comprising: a housing defining an inlet port in fluid communication with a valve assembly, the inlet port configured to be coupled to a source of insufflation gas to produce a flow of insufflation gas through the housing and into at least one tube couplable to the housing, the valve assembly including a first valve set and a second valve set, the first valve set couplable to a first tube and the second valve set couplable to a second tube, the first tube couplable to a first medical instrument and the second tube couplable to a second medical instrument; and a controller coupled to the valve assembly, the controller configured to operate the valve assembly to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas to move from within the housing through the first tube and into a patient’s body via the first medical instrument and (2) actuate the second valve set to cause one of (a) a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and (b) an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and to within the patient’s body via the second medical instrument.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the valve assembly includes a third valve set couplable to a third tube, the third tube couplable to a third medical instrument.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: the controller is configured to operate the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and actuate the third valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the third tube and into the patient’s body via the third medical instrument.

4. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a pressure sensor coupled to the third valve set,the controller configured to operate the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and actuate the third valve set to allow for a pressure measurement to be taken by the pressure sensor.

5. The system of any of claims 1-3, wherein: the housing includes an outlet port, the controller is configured to operate the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port to a location outside the housing.

6. The system of any of claims 1-3, further comprising: a first pressure sensor fluidically coupled to the first valve set; and a second pressure sensor fluidically coupled to the second valve set.

7. The system of any of claims 1-3, further comprising: a first flow sensor fluidically coupled to the first valve set and configured to measure a first flow rate associated with insufflation gas entering the housing via the input port; and a second flow sensor fluidically coupled to the second valve set and configured to measure a second flow rate associated with a gas prior to exiting through the output port, the controller configured to actuate at least one of the first valve set and the second valve set based in part on at least one of the first flow rate and the second flow rate.

8. The system of any of claims 1-3, further comprising: a pump fluidically coupled to the second valve set and configured to provide suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body, through the second medical instrument and through the second tube.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein:the controller is configured to adjust the actuation of the first valve set and the second valve set based on the type of medical instrument to which each of the first tube and the second tube are coupled.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the tube set includes a first filter component coupled to the first tube, a second filter component coupled to the second tube, a first water trap coupled between the first tube and the first filter component, and a second water trap coupled between the second tube and the second filter component, the first valve set is couplable to the first tube such that the first filter component and the first water trap are each between the first valve set and the first tube; and the second valve set is couplable to the second tube such that the second filter component and the second water trap are each between the second valve set and the second tube.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein: the controller is configured to actuate the valve assembly at a first time to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause the insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body, and (2) actuate the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube; the controller is configured to at a second time after the first time, actuate the valve assembly to actuate the second valve set to move the insufflation gas from within the housing, through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument.

12. The system of claim 3, wherein: the controller is configured to actuate the valve assembly at a first time to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause the insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, (2) actuate the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and (3) actuate the third valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the third tube and into the patient’s body via the third medical instrument,the controller is configured to actuate the valve assembly at a second time after the first time to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, (2) actuate the second valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument, and (3) actuate the third valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the third medical instrument and through the third tube.

13. A method, comprising: coupling a tube set to an insufflation device, the insufflation device having a housing defining an inlet port in fluid communication with a valve assembly of the insufflation device, the inlet port configured to be coupled to a source of insufflation gas to produce a flow of insufflation gas through the housing and into at least one tube of the tube set, the valve assembly including a first valve set and a second valve set, the first valve set coupled to a first tube of the tube set and the second valve set coupled to a second tube of the tube set when the tube set is coupled to the insufflation device, the first tube couplable to a first medical instrument and the second tube couplable to a second medical instrument; and actuating the valve assembly to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and to a location within a patient’s body via the first medical instrument, and (2) actuate the second valve set to cause (a) a gas to move from within the patient’s body through the second medical instrument and through the second tube or (b) an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the second medical instrument.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: coupling the source of insufflation gas to the inlet port.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the tube set includes a third tube, the valve assembly includes a third valve set, the third valve set is coupled to the third tube when the tube set is coupled to the housing, the third tube couplable to a medical instrument,the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the second valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the second tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, and actuating the third valve set to cause a gas to move from within the patient’s body through the third medical instrument and through the third tube.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the tube set includes a third tube, the valve assembly includes a third valve set, the third valve set is coupled to the third tube when the tube set is coupled to the housing, the third tube couplable to a medical instrument, and the insufflation device further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the third valve set, the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube and actuating the third valve set to allow for a pressure measurement to be taken by the pressure sensor.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein: the housing of the insufflation device includes an outlet port, the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port to a location outside the housing.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: actuating a pump fluidically coupled to the second valve set to provide a suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body through the second medical instrument and through the second tube.

19. The method of claim 13, the housing of the insufflation device includes an outlet port, the method further comprising: actuating a pump fluidically coupled to the second valve set to provide a suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body, through the second medical instrument,through the second tube and through the outlet port and to a location outside of the housing.

20. The method of any of claims 13-19, further comprising: measuring a flow rate associated with an inflow of the insufflation gas through the input port.

21. The method of any of claims 17 and 19, further comprising: measuring a flow rate associated with an outflow of gas through the output port.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein: the actuating the valve assembly is at a first time, the actuating the valve assembly at the first time includes (1) actuating the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body via the first medical instrument, and (2) actuating the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube, the method further comprising: after the actuating, actuating the valve assembly at a second time to actuate the second valve set to move an insufflation gas from within the housing through the second tube and to a location within the patient’s body via the second medical instrument.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein the actuating the valve assembly includes actuating the valve assembly at a first time, the method further comprising: after the actuating the valve assembly at the first time, actuating the valve assembly to (1) actuate the first valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the first tube and into the patient’s body, (2) actuate the second valve set to cause a gas within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument and through the second tube, and (3) actuate the third valve set to cause an insufflation gas from within the housing to move through the third tube and into the patient’s body via the third medical instrument.

24. A method, comprising:actuating a first valve set of an insufflation device to cause insufflation gas to move from within the insufflation device into a patient’s body via a first tube and a first medical instrument; and actuating a second valve set of the insufflation device to cause a) gas to move from within the patient’s body into the insufflation device via a second tube and a second medical instrument, or b) insufflation gas to move from within the insufflation device into the patient’s body via the second tube and the second medical instrument.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein: the housing of the insufflation device includes an outlet port, the actuating the second valve set includes actuating the second valve set to cause a gas from within the patient’s body to move through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port to a location outside the housing.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: actuating a pump fluidically coupled to the second valve set to provide a suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body through the second medical instrument and through the second tube.

27. The method of claim 24, the housing of the insufflation device includes an outlet port, the method further comprising: actuating a pump fluidically coupled to the second valve set to provide a suction force to move the gas from within the patient’s body, through the second medical instrument, through the second tube and through the outlet port and to a location outside of the housing.

28. The method of any of claims 24-27, further comprising: measuring a flow rate associated with an inflow of the insufflation gas through the input port.

29. The method of any of claims 25 and 27, further comprising: measuring a flow rate associated with an outflow of gas through the output port.

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