Laparoscopic Cannula Smoke Evacuation and Insufflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery systems face challenges in maintaining pneumoperitoneum pressure and effectively removing smoke and debris from the abdominal cavity, which affects visibility and instrument functionality during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A dual lumen cannula system integrated with a pump for pressurized gas circulation, including a first lumen for insufflation and a second lumen for suction, along with a bypass valve and mechanical seal to control gas circulation and maintain abdominal pressure, while a filter device removes smoke and debris from the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cannula is used for both insufflation and smoke evacuation, then equipment clutter is reduced, but the complexity of the cannula structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into multiple lumens (insufflation lumen, evacuation lumen, working lumen) that operate independently. Each lumen handles a specific function, allowing simultaneous insufflation and smoke evacuation without functional interference, thus maintaining high productivity while managing complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single multi-lumen cannula performs multiple functions: insufflation, smoke evacuation, and instrument passage. By integrating these functions into one device, the system reduces the number of separate components needed, decreasing equipment clutter in the operating room while maintaining effective smoke removal capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrocautery is used during laparoscopic surgery, then surgical precision is improved, but smoke generation increases reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful smoke byproduct of electrocautery into a manageable flow that can be actively evacuated. The pump-driven evacuation system transforms smoke from a visibility-obscuring hazard into a controlled exhaust stream, allowing electrocautery to be used for precise surgical work without compromising visual access.
Solution Approach 2:
The evacuation lumen and pump system act as an intermediary between the electrocautery source and the surgical field. By actively removing smoke at its source, this intermediary system prevents smoke accumulation, maintaining clear visibility despite continuous electrocautery use for precise surgical tasks.
3Productivity
If pump pressure is increased to improve smoke evacuation, then smoke removal efficiency is improved, but insufflation gas loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula separates the insufflation flow path from the evacuation flow path using distinct lumens. This segmentation allows the pump to generate high suction pressure in the evacuation lumen without creating backpressure that would force insufflation gas through the sealing element, enabling efficient smoke removal while minimizing gas loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed with localized sealing properties at the cannula tip where it contacts the abdominal wall. This localized sealing quality allows the system to maintain the pneumoperitoneum while permitting controlled evacuation flow, enabling high pump pressure for smoke removal without compromising insufflation pressure maintenance.
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 enhances the efficiency of gas delivery and smoke evacuation, maintaining clear visibility and reducing equipment clutter in the operating room by performing multiple functions, such as insufflation, smoke removal, and recirculation, thereby improving surgical outcomes and reducing recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for circulating pressurized gas within the system... a first lumen communicating with a source of insufflation fluid and a pressure side of the pump for delivering pressurized gas to the abdominal cavity
Implementation Method 2
a second lumen communicating with a suction side of the pump for removing gas from the abdominal cavity
Implementation Method 3
mechanical seal to control gas circulation and maintain abdominal pressure
Implementation Method 4
a filter device removes smoke and debris from the system
Data Source
AI summary
An insufflation and smoke evacuation system for use during laparoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed that includes a pump for circulating pressurized gas within the system, a tri-lumen cannula communicating with an insufflation source by way of an insufflation supply line and with the supply side of the pump by way of a pressurized gas supply line, and a single lumen cannula communicating with a suction side of the pump by way of a vacuum line, wherein a communication line extends between the tri-lumen cannula and the vacuum line.