Integrated Surgical Suction Filter for Smoke and Aerosol Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical suction canister systems are inefficient in filtering out contaminants such as foreign objects, aerosols, surgical smoke, bacteria, and viruses due to the complexity and labor-intensiveness of assembling additional filtration accessories, which can lead to contamination of the vacuum system.
Innovation Solution
A filter system integrated into the suction canister lid, comprising a first filter with a thickness of 120 microns to 2000 microns and a second filter with a liquid entry pressure greater than or equal to 75 kPa, designed to maintain airflow while preventing contamination, where the filters are integrated via welding and include a splash guard for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional filtration accessories are connected between the canister and vacuum pump, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filtration functions into a single integrated filter assembly that attaches directly to the canister vacuum port. This eliminates the need for separate filtration accessories and their complex assembly procedures, while maintaining effective filtration of contaminants from the vacuum system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters aerosols, particles, and contaminants while also acting as a liquid barrier and maintaining vacuum integrity. This multi-functional design replaces several separate components that would otherwise be needed.
2Reliability
If additional filtration accessories are used, then contamination prevention is improved, but assembly time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is pre-assembled as a complete unit with all necessary filtration components integrated before reaching the user. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly procedures, allowing for quick attachment to the canister while ensuring proper contamination prevention.
3Device complexity
If conventional canister systems are used without integrated filtration, then device simplicity is maintained, but filtration capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is merged with the canister by integrating the filter assembly into the canister's vacuum port structure. This integration maintains the simplicity of the conventional canister system while adding robust filtration capability, as the filter becomes an inherent part of the canister assembly rather than a separate complex system.
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 filter system effectively maintains high airflow while retaining contaminants, demonstrating improved bacterial and viral filtration efficiency and smoke retention capabilities, reducing the risk of system contamination and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter (102) and a second filter (104), wherein the second filter (104) is positioned between the first filter (102) and the housing (202)
Implementation Method 2
The second filter (104) includes a membrane (106) and a membrane support (108), wherein the membrane (106) is configured to provide a barrier to body fluids
Implementation Method 3
the second filter having a liquid entry pressure greater than or equal to 75 kPa
Implementation Method 4
wherein the filters are integrated via welding
Data Source
AI summary
A filter system for use with a suction canister or suction bag is disclosed, where the filter system includes a first filter and a second filter for retention of particles, smoke aerosols, liquids, aerosolized viruses, and aerosolized bacteria, while maintaining high airflow and liquid retention. The first filter and the second filter are each multi-layered for performance. In various examples, the first and second filters are configured to integrate directly with the vacuum port of a suction canister lid.