Fluid flow regulator for a smoke evacuation system and method of using same
US6592543B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M13/003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluid flow regulator of a smoke evacuation system for use with laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery is disclosed. The fluid flow regulator is comprised of a flow regulating means and a conduit connecting means. The flow regulating means in one embodiment includes a diaphragm and one or more orifices of predetermined diameter to provide a significant obstruction to the flow of fluid through the evacuation system. When operatively coupled to the pressurized surgical site, the fluid flow regulator makes possible the continuous evacuation of surgical smoke while simultaneously maintaining the pneumoperitoneum in a distended position for the duration of the laparoscopic procedure. Also disclosed is a method of using the fluid flow regulator to continually evacuate surgical smoke in the course of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures without deflating the pneumoperitoneum, which hereto for has been used by prior art systems to evacuate surgical smoke.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.