Fluid handling – Systems – Multi-way valve unit
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-08
2001-05-22
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multi-way valve unit
C137S625280, C604S246000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234205
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a probe for use during surgical procedures. In particular, this invention relates to a probe for fluid flow into or out from a surgical patient, wherein the probe provides a flow path adapted for liquid flow and a flow path adapted for gas flow.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The rapid increase in the use of endoscopic surgical techniques has created a rising demand for new surgical devices. Unlike traditional surgical techniques during which a surgical site is exposed by relatively large incisions, endoscopic techniques permit access to the site through one or more small openings. The surgical site, which remains substantially closed, is inflated by insufflation or pneumoperitoneum or is mechanically distended in order to allow access for the surgeon to perform a procedure.
During endoscopic procedures such as laparoscopic surgery, irrigation fluid is often delivered to the surgical site to aid visualization and wash out the site. Irrigation fluid must be subsequently removed to avoid over-accumulation. Also, there is sometimes a need to use laser or electro-surgical devices to vaporize, cut, or cauterize tissue within the operative site. These techniques tend to generate smoke or other gases that may become trapped within the confines of the distended surgical site. If permitted to accumulate, such smoke can obscure the surgeon's view through a scope. Also, the odor of such smoke may cause discomfort to exposed individuals.
Various devices are currently available for delivering fluid into, and for suction of fluid from, a surgical site. For example, “suction-irrigation probes” are offered under the trademarks CORSON and SURGIFLEX by Circon Cabot of Racine, Wis. It has been proposed that controlled opening of the suction valve of such probes can remove cautery smoke from a surgical site in order to maintain or regain visualization. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,188,591 and 5,391,145, both to James H. Dorsey, III, explain that the degree to which a suction valve's piston is reciprocated within the valve's cylinder modulates the flow through the valve. The farther the piston is depressed within the valve chamber, the greater the flow of fluid. Such valve control can be tricky, however. Inadequate suction tends to permit smoke accumulation over time until the insufflated site is clouded throughout. Such a condition can require removal and replacement of insufflation gas. On the other hand, too much gas suction can deflate the insufflated site when it exceeds the insufflation rate. When re-insufflation of an operative site is required, the surgical procedure can be significantly prolonged, which of course is undesirable from the perspective of the surgeon and the patient.
Attempts have been made to adapt suction and irrigation probes for smoke evacuation. One design concept is proposed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,348,555 and 5,449,357, both to William J. Zinnanti, which describe a suction valve provided with an adjustable stop in order to control its opening and to control the application of vacuum at the open end of a lumen. A nut limits the down-stroke of the valve's piston to limit the suction volume. It is intended to permit a surgeon to maintain suction without losing the space created by the insufflation or pneumoperitoneum.
Another design concept is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,735 to Joseph J. Cerola and U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,796 to James H. Dorsey, III, which describe a valve having a separate actuator intended to enable limited depression of the piston to a location between a fully closed position and an intermediate position between a fully open position and the fully closed position. Cerola describes a rotatable thumb wheel that can be used by a surgeon to rotate a cam which rides against a cam-following element on the valve's piston. Cam rotation is intended to depress the piston while a vertical guidearm prevents piston rotation. Dorsey describes a valve piston that is incrementally depressed a precise distance to open the valve and maintain the valve at such a setting. A knob on the side of the Dorsey valve is rotated and a cam depresses a keyed piston.
Despite these attempts to adapt a suction-irrigation probe for smoke evacuation, there remains a need for an improved probe that is adapted for both suction of liquids and aspiration of gases, as needed, and that is simple and easy to operate.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a probe adapted for suction or irrigation of liquid or gaseous fluid during a surgical procedure.
It is another object of this invention to provide a probe that is simple and easy to use for alternative liquid suction and gas evacuation.
Other objects of this invention will be clear in view of the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A valved device is provided for controlling flow into or out from a surgical patient. The valved device includes a body portion defining a flow passageway through which fluid flows toward or away from the patient. A valve is connected to the body so that fluid flow is permitted between the body's flow passageway and the valve's interior. The valve includes a barrel and a piston that extends into the barrel.
A means is provided for displacing the piston within the barrel in a general direction along the barrel's axis. Such displacement permits fluid flow into or out from the patient. The flow path thus opened is preferably suitable for liquid suction. Also provided is a means for rotating the piston within the barrel around the barrel's axis to permit flow. This flow path is preferably separate from the other flow path and is preferably adapted for smoke or gas evacuation from the surgical site.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4653535 (1987-03-01), Bergmann
patent: 5188591 (1993-02-01), Dorsey, III
patent: 5303735 (1994-04-01), Cerola et al.
patent: 5348555 (1994-09-01), Zinnanti
patent: 5391145 (1995-02-01), Dorsey, III
patent: 5449145 (1995-09-01), Wortrich
patent: 5449357 (1995-09-01), Zinnanti
patent: 5522796 (1996-06-01), Dorsey, III
patent: 5526845 (1996-06-01), Manos
D'Amelio Frank D.
Johnston John
Reisdorf Dennis
Cabot Technology Corporation
Fox John
Miller Austin R.
LandOfFree
Surgical probe adapted for smoke evacuation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Surgical probe adapted for smoke evacuation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Surgical probe adapted for smoke evacuation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2472223