Surgical Smoke Evacuation Flow Regulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smoke evacuation systems for surgical settings are inefficient and costly, particularly in laparoscopic procedures, as they require frequent replacement of filters and do not effectively remove nanoparticles that can cause systemic diseases among healthcare personnel, and they lack adaptability for varying suction needs between open and laparoscopic surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A smoke evacuation system with a flow regulator device that adjusts suction levels from a high-capacity vacuum source to a lower, safer level for laparoscopic settings, incorporating a vacuum source, end effector, and filtration assembly to efficiently remove smoke and particles, including nanoparticles, while reducing filter replacement costs and enabling use in both open and laparoscopic surgeries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high-capacity vacuum source is used for open surgery, then smoke removal effectiveness is improved, but suction level becomes too high for safe laparoscopic use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoke removal effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to different surgical types

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a flow regulator device that dynamically adjusts the suction level delivered to the end effector based on the surgical procedure type. The vacuum source maintains high capacity for open surgery, while the flow regulator modulates the flow rate to provide appropriate suction levels for both open and laparoscopic procedures, enabling one system to adapt to varying operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If passive evacuation with ULPA-activated charcoal filter is used in laparoscopy, then smoke removal is achieved, but filter replacement costs are high and nanoparticles are not effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoke removalVSAvoidnanoparticle removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the passive mechanical filtration approach with an active vacuum-driven flow system. By using controlled positive pressure delivery and active suction through the flow regulator device, the system achieves more reliable smoke and nanoparticle removal compared to passive diffusion-based filtration, while reducing dependency on frequent filter replacements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by delivering controlled positive pressure through the end effector and using active suction rather than relying on pressure differential alone. This parameter change enables more effective removal of nanoparticles and smoke by controlling the flow dynamics directly, improving reliability of harmful factor removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If flow rate is restricted in passive evacuation systems, then suction level is reduced for laparoscopic safety, but smoke removal effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction level safetyVSAvoidsmoke removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow regulator device acts as an intermediary between the high-capacity vacuum source and the laparoscopic end effector. It mediates the suction level by regulating flow rate, ensuring that the vacuum source's high productivity capability is maintained while delivering a safe, controlled suction level to the patient, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively removes smoke and particles from surgical sites, reduces filter replacement costs by up to $80 million annually, and ensures safer suction levels for laparoscopic procedures, minimizing health risks for surgical staff by removing nanoparticles and other harmful substances.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source for generating a negative pressure for delivering a level of suction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the flow regulator device is operable to adjust a level of the negative pressure delivered by the vacuum source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure regulation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

incorporating a vacuum source, end effector, and filtration assembly to efficiently remove smoke and particles, including nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11534539B2Evacuation system

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 NASCENT SURGICAL LLC

AI summary

An evacuation system and method for removing and/or treating gaseous and/or particulate byproducts of surgical procedures includes an end effector such as a side vent trocar, an operating room tower or the equivalent, a disposal vessel, a vacuum source and optionally a filter. The end effector may be coupled to the tower by a conduit, the tower may be coupled to the collection tank by a conduit, and the collection tank may be coupled to the vacuum source. Gaseous and/or particulate byproducts may flow from the surgical site through the trocar, conduits, tower tank and filter, and the flow may be regulated at least in part by the components of the system.