UVC Gas Recirculation for Sterile Laparoscopic Insufflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical gas delivery systems fail to effectively sterilize the gas flow and reduce or otherwise eliminate viral and/or bacterial loads carried in the surgical gases, as well as to sterilize the gas flow passages of the gas delivery device itself.
Innovation Solution
A surgical gas delivery system incorporating a gaseous sealing manifold, compressor, intercooler or condenser, and UVC irradiation source for sterilizing gas flow and internal passages, with proportional valves for precise gas control and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gas delivery systems are used for insufflation, then gas delivery is achieved, but viral and bacterial loads in the surgical gas are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The UVC irradiation source is positioned within the gas flow path to sterilize the gas before it enters the patient's body cavity. This preliminary sterilization action eliminates viral and bacterial loads in advance, preventing contamination during the surgical procedure without requiring complex post-sterilization systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a UVC irradiation source as an intermediary element between the gas source and the patient's body cavity. This intermediary sterilizes the gas flow through electromagnetic radiation, effectively reducing microbial loads without direct contact with the gas, thus maintaining system simplicity while achieving reliable sterilization
2Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are introduced through the trocar, then access to the surgical cavity is achieved, but insufflation gas may escape through the instrument pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane seal that conformally seals around the outer surface of surgical instruments passing through the trocar. This flexible membrane allows instrument movement while maintaining the gas seal, preventing insufflation gas escape through the instrument pathway while preserving ease of instrument access
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism applies local quality by creating a gas-tight seal only at the specific interface where the instrument passes through the trocar, while leaving other areas open for gas flow. This localized sealing approach minimizes gas loss at the critical instrument penetration point without restricting overall instrument accessibility
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
Effectively sterilizes surgical gases and maintains stable pneumoperitoneum by reducing viral and bacterial loads, while ensuringling freedom of movement for surgical instruments and reducing or eliminating viral and bacterial contamination in gas delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a source of UVC irradiation for sterilizing at least the gas recirculating through the gaseous sealing manifold
Implementation Method 2
a compressor for recirculating gas through the gaseous sealing manifold
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed for gas sealed insufflation and recirculation during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure, which includes a gaseous sealing manifold for communicating with a gas sealed access port, a compressor for recirculating gas through the gaseous sealing manifold, and a source of UVC irradiation for sterilizing at least the gas recirculating through the gaseous sealing manifold.