Disposable Laparoscopic Smoke Evacuation Valve and Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke evacuation systems for laparoscopic surgery are complex, not adapted for disposability, and often inefficient in removing smoke, fumes, and entrained particulates from insufflation gas.
Innovation Solution
A compact, unitary, and modular combination valve and filtration unit made from polymer materials, featuring a combination valve with adjustable flow regulation and filtration media capable of capturing smoke, fumes, water vapour, and particulates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If complex smoke evacuation systems are used, then smoke removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases and disposability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve and filtration functions into a single integrated unit that is disposed of with the trocar. This merging of functions eliminates the need for complex separate smoke evacuation systems while maintaining effective smoke removal capability through the integrated filter media and valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable valve and filtration unit that is discarded after single use. This approach eliminates the need for complex reusable systems requiring maintenance and sterilization, while providing effective smoke evacuation during the surgical procedure through integrated filter media.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filtration media is added to remove contaminants, then purification effectiveness is improved, but gas flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the filtration media specifically within the valve housing at the point where gas exits the body cavity. This localized filtration approach captures contaminants at the source without creating excessive flow resistance throughout the entire insufflation system, maintaining adequate gas flow rates for surgical purposes.
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 solution effectively regulates gas flow and efficiently filters out contaminants from insufflation gas, providing a safe and efficient smoke evacuation system that is adaptable for disposable use in laparoscopic surgery.
Implementation Method 1
suitable filtration media (1, 2) captured at its edges between two light, thin, stiff, outwardly expanded inlet and outlet shell parts (3, 4)
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line, combination valve and filtration unit to regulate and filter the exhaust flow of insufflation gas during laparoscopic surgery. The unit includes two light, thin, stiff, outwardly expanded shell parts of a more or less circular planform; filtration media being captured between abutting edges of the shell parts shaped for the purpose; an inlet shell part in the form of a simple shell; an outlet shell part in the form of a simple shell or incorporating an adjustable valve assembly; and panels and flow-deflecting elements fixed to the interiors of the shell parts to support the filtration media and/or direct gas flow through the shell parts. The shell parts have axially- or radially-arranged inlet and outlet fittings. The fittings taking the form of barb fittings, Luer fittings or the like.