Dual Lumen Surgical Cannula with Filter for Smoke Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

During laparoscopic surgery, the accumulation of surgical smoke in the pneumoperitoneum can impair optical clarity, leading to reduced visibility and increased operating time due to the need for deflation and re-insufflation.

Innovation Solution

A surgical cannula with dual lumens, one for insufflation and another for venting, which includes a filter to remove harmful chemicals and bio-particles from the vented gases, thereby improving visibility and reducing condensation and fogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single lumen cannula is used for insufflation, then the device structure is simple, but smoke accumulates in the surgical cavity reducing visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannula structureVSAvoidsmoke accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single cannula is segmented into multiple lumens (first lumen for insufflation, second lumen for venting) to simultaneously perform gas delivery and smoke removal functions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and smoke management capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cannula is designed as a multi-functional device where the first lumen provides insufflation and the second lumen provides venting, allowing one device to handle both gas delivery and smoke evacuation without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If gases are vented without filtration, then the venting process is simple and quick, but harmful chemicals and bio-particles are released into the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing processVSAvoidharmful chemicals and bio-particles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A filter is introduced as an intermediary component in the second lumen to remove harmful chemicals and bio-particles from the vented gases, allowing the venting process to remain simple while eliminating harmful emissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter utilizes porous material structure to physically trap and remove harmful particles and chemicals from the gas stream, enabling effective filtration without complicating the venting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Stress or pressure

If smoke concentration is high in the pneumoperitoneum, then the sealed cavity maintains pressure, but optical clarity is impaired reducing visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecavity pressureVSAvoidvisibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful smoke is extracted and removed from the sealed pneumoperitoneum through the second lumen, allowing the cavity to maintain its sealed pressure while continuously removing smoke to preserve optical clarity and visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The venting lumen provides continuous smoke removal throughout the surgical procedure, maintaining both cavity pressure and visibility without requiring interruption for deflation and re-insufflation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Illumination intensity

If deflation and re-insufflation are performed to clear smoke, then visibility is restored, but operating time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidoperating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dual lumen design enables continuous smoke removal throughout surgery, eliminating the need for intermittent deflation and re-insufflation cycles, thereby maintaining constant visibility without time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The venting capability is established at the beginning of surgery through the pre-configured second lumen, preventing smoke accumulation rather than requiring corrective deflation actions later

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The cannula effectively dilutes smoke concentration, improves visibility, and maintains a constant flow of CO2, reducing the need for deflation and re-insufflation, thus minimizing operating time and complications.

Implementation Method 1

The second lumen is in fluid communication with a venting element operably connected to the surgical cannula. The venting element includes a filter configured to remove harmful chemicals and bio-particles from the vented gases.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The cannula effectively dilutes smoke concentration, improves visibility, and maintains a constant flow of CO2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas dilution:

Data Source

PatentEP3836995B1Venting surgical cannula for providing gases to a patient

Publication Date: 2025.05.14 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A surgical cannula for providing insufflation gases to a surgical cavity of a patient (such as the pneumoperitoneum), allowing insertion of medical instruments into the surgical cavity through the cannula, and venting gases from the surgical cavity to the outside environment can include venting features including filters to more safely reduce the amount of undesirable materials such as smoke from reaching the outside environment.