[0002] Laparoscopic Recirculating Smoke and Fluid Evacuation System

[0003] This application claims priority of US patent application Ser. No. 62/413,991 , filed 28 October 2017, the complete disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] 1 . The Technical Field

[0006] The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for performing laparoscopic surgery, particularly relating to the intentional establishment and maintenance of pneumoperitoneum.

[0007] 2. The Prior Art

[0008] Laparoscopic surgery has rapidly become the preferred method of surgery whenever possible due to the minimal invasive approach. Laparoscopic surgery employs a port system to access internal body cavities instead of a standard open incision. The port system allows use of instruments that extend into the body through puncture sites. Instruments are most commonly 5 mm and 10 mm in diameter. These instruments and the laparoscope are passed through these ports to provide visualization and manipulation of tissues. The laparoscopic technique reduces recovery time, scarring, and potential for infection.

[0009] Establishment of pneumoperitoneum is essential to performing laparoscopic surgical procedures. Pneumoperitoneum is established by introduction of carbon dioxide gas into the surgical cavity to distend tissues and create a space for visualization and manipulation of instruments. Pneumoperitoneum is maintained during laparoscopic surgery automatically by an insufflator. An insufflator is a machine that measures pressure and flow of the gas to provide a consistent pressure in the peritoneal cavity of about 15 mm Hg to maintain the pneumoperitoneum. A key challenge to laparoscopic surgery is the elaboration of smoke and debris into this closed environment. Use of laser or electrosurgical energy for cutting and hemostasis produces smoke and debris. Debris and smoke mix with the pneumoperitoneum and obstructs visualization. The surgeon must stop and wait for the smoke to clear, which increases operating time. In open surgery the smoke is easily cleared using various suction apparatus. These apparatus cannot be used in the closed environment of laparoscopic surgery since the pneumoperitoneum will be removed by the suction and visualization will be lost.

[0010] Various systems have been described to provide smoke removal during laparoscopic surgery (e.g., Goodson, US 4,735,603 A; Dean et al., US 2010/0094200 A1 ). The previously proposed systems have failed to establish efficient and timely smoke removal. One key feature leading to this challenge is the mixing of smoke with the pneumoperitoneum that then requires exchange of the entire volume of gas to clear the smoke efficiently.

[001 1 ] Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention is a smoke evacuation system, specifically, an insufflation gas filtration apparatus and system, utilizing a disposable filter cartridge with inline filter and impeller that engages with a reusable base. The reusable base comprises a motor that engages the impeller to provide drive for the movement of air through the disposable cartridge. The reusable motor base has control means for turning on and off and varying the speed of the motor. The disposable filter cartridge has an inlet and outlet port with an inline filter assembly and impeller that draws smoke filled gas from the patient into an inlet chamber, through the filter and filtered gas back out of an outlet chamber to the patient. The inlet port connects via sterile tubing to a handpiece with electrosurgery electrode or laser energy means.

[0013] The handpiece and energy means may be configured in accordance with the disclosures of Zinnanti, US Pat. No. 9,456,866 B2 or Zinnanti, US Pat. No. 9,101 ,363 B2, that provide suction in close proximity to the active tip. The probe or active tip is designed with sufficient extended length to be passed through a trocar cannula commonly used for laparoscopic surgery. The outlet port connects to the patient via sterile tubing to the inlet port on the same or other trocars cannula. The system draws smoke laden pneumoperitoneum directly from the active probe tip through the hand piece and through the filter to then deliver cleaned gas back to the patient. This closed system simply recirculates the gas back to the patient so no pneumoperitoneum is lost in the process.

[0014] The present invention is applicable to single or multiport laparoscopic techniques. The smoke can be collected through the active tip and hand piece that is passed through a single trocar with the return of the cleaned gas to the gas inlet port on the same trocar. This feature allows for less trocars and a more minimal invasive approach.

[0015] In an aspect of the invention, an insufflation gas filtration apparatus for use in laparoscopic surgery comprises a filter cartridge and a motor base. The filter cartridge includes a cartridge shell defining a filtration cavity, the shell further having an inlet into the filtration cavity and an outlet from the filtration cavity, a filter medium disposed within the filtration cavity, downstream from the inlet, and an impeller disposed in the filtration cavity in a fluid flow path between the filter medium and the outlet, the impeller supported on an impeller shaft, the shaft rotatably mounted in the shell, wherein upon rotation, the impeller creates a pressure gradient so as to drawn insufflation gas through the inlet into the filtration cavity, and expel filtered insufflation gas out through the outlet. The shaft has an end portion extending through an aperture in a foot of the shell, the end portion having a cartridge coupler disposed thereon. A cartridge connector structure is disposed on the foot of the shell. The motor base includes a base shell, having a top, the top having a base connector structure that mates with the cartridge connector structure to enable a filter cartridge to be releasably secured to the motor base, and a motor, having a rotatable motor shaft, the motor shaft having an end portion extending at least partially externally to the base shell, the end portion of the motor shaft having a base coupler that mates with the cartridge coupler to transfer torque from the motor shaft to the impeller shaft.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, an insufflation gas filtration system comprises an insufflation gas filtration apparatus, an electrosurgical apparatus, a first fluid conduit, and a first trocar. The insufflation gas filtration apparatus includes a filtration cartridge having an inlet, an outlet, a filter medium and an impeller, and a motor base containing a motor, wherein the filtration cartridge and motor base are releasably coupleable, such that upon coupling, the motor is connected in driving engagement with the impeller, and wherein upon operation of the insufflation gas filtration apparatus, the impeller is configured to draw insufflation gas into the inlet, through the filter medium, past the impeller and out of the outlet. The electrosurgical apparatus has a fluid passage extending from a tip thereof at least partially therethrough, such that at least one of insufflation gas and gas-borne materials may be drawn from a patient body cavity through the electrosurgical apparatus to a location external to a patient body. The first fluid conduit extends between the electrosurgical apparatus and the inlet of the insufflation gas filtration apparatus for transportation of at least one of insufflation gas and gas-borne materials. The first trocar is fluidically coupled to the outlet of the insufflation gas filtration apparatus for transportation of filtered insufflation gas to the patient body cavity.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, a method for operating an insufflation gas filtration system is provided. The method comprising the steps of: fluidically coupling an insufflation gas filtration apparatus to an electrosurgical apparatus,

the insufflation gas filtration apparatus including

a filtration cartridge having an inlet, an outlet, a filter medium and an impeller, and

a motor base containing a motor,

wherein the filtration cartridge and motor base are releasably coupleable, such that upon coupling, the motor is connected in driving engagement with the impeller, and

wherein upon operation of the insufflation gas filtration apparatus, the impeller is configured to draw insufflation gas into the inlet, through the filter medium, past the impeller and out of the outlet;

the electrosurgical apparatus having a fluid passage extending from a tip thereof at least partially therethrough, such that at least one of insufflation gas and gas-borne materials may be drawn from a patient body cavity through the electrosurgical apparatus to a location external to a patient body;

fluidically coupling a first trocar to the outlet of the insufflation gas filtration apparatus for transportation of filtered insufflation gas to the patient body cavity; fluidically coupling an insufflator to a second trocar;

positioning the first trocar and the second trocar in fluid communication with a patient body cavity;

activating the insufflator to supply insufflation gas through the second trocar into the patient body cavity;

withdrawing spent insufflation gas from the patient body cavity via the electrosurgical apparatus,

filtering the spent insufflation gas via the insufflation gas filtration apparatus;

returning filtered insufflation gas to the patient body cavity via the second trocar. [0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] When considered in connection with the following illustrative figures, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration, partially in section, of a laparoscopic surgical site demonstrating one implementation of a filtration apparatus, system and method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021 ] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary handpiece usable with the filtration system and surgical environment of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a fragmentary exploded view of the exemplary handpiece illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a filtration system usable in the surgical environment of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and it will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention. Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment. As such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention. Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

[0025] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0026] The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. It is noted that the inventors can be their own lexicographers. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the "special" definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a "special" definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

[0027] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

[0028] Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 1 12 - 6. Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or "step" in the Detailed Description of the Invention or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 1 12 ~ 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 1 12 ~ 6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases "means for" or "step for" and the specific function (e.g., "means for roasting"), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a "means for ... "or "step for ... "if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 1 12 ~ 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 1 12 ~ 6 are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the illustrated embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

[0029] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and apparatus are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, apparatus and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. Thus, the full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0030] Various aspects of the present invention may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware or software components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results.

[0031 ] Various representative implementations of the present invention may be applied to any system performing laparoscopic surgery. Thus, while there are disclosed improved apparatus, systems, and methods for performing laparoscopic surgery, it will be understood that references in the following disclosure to systems and apparatus are also applicable to surgical apparatuses and methods, which utilize related structures for the processes recited. Similarly, references to methods are also applicable of systems and apparatus, which perform the processes in the operation of the recited apparatus. It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims, including but not limited to combinations of elements or structures of the various illustrated embodiments. For example, while specific materials and/or methods of manufacture of the apparatuses described herein may be discussed, it is understood that one having ordinary skill in the art may select different materials and/or methods of manufacture, as desired or necessary to meet the requirements of a particular application, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration, partially in section, of a laparoscopic surgical site demonstrating one implementation of an apparatus, system and method according an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, system 10 is employed in providing and maintaining pneumoperitoneum within a body cavity C of a patient.

[0033] System 10 includes two-part filtration apparatus 12, comprising filter cartridge 14 and motor base 14, further details of which are described hereinbelow. Filtered pneumoperitoneum gas 44 is conveyed from filter cartridge, via fitting 18 and hose 20, through trocar 24, via spike 52, into cavity C, to inflate and maintain inflated, the abdominal cavity to facilitate the surgical procedure being performed. Flow through hose 20 into trocar 24 is regulated, at least in part, by valve 22, which may be a simple ON/OFF valve, or a graduated flow valve, as desired. Pneumoperitoneum gas is also supplied to cavity C from insufflator 32 via hose 30, past valve 28, which, like valve 22 may be a simple ON/OFF valve or a graduated valve, into trocar 26, and into cavity C via spike 54.

[0034] The surgical procedure per se is performed, in an embodiment of the invention, by a surgeon using handheld electrosurgical apparatus 34. Electrosurgical apparatus 34, in an embodiment of the invention, may be of the type described in further detail, in Zinnanti, US Pat. No. 9,456,866 B2 or Zinnanti, US Pat. No. 9,101 ,363 B2, the complete disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated in their entireties. In electrosurgical apparatus 34, the working tip 50 extends through suction tubing 56. In turn, suction tubing 56 and working tip 50 extend through spike 54 of trocar 26. Pneumoperitoneum gas is supplied from insufflator 32, as previously described, and passes through spike 54 in the annular space between suction tubing 56 and the inner surface of spike 54. Fluid 46 and smoke 48 are drawn up, through suction tubing 56 and are drawn, by suction generated by filtration apparatus 12 (in a manner to be described in further detail hereinbelow), through tubing 36 and into a fluid capture device (also referred to as a "fluid catch") 38 (such as the ViroSafe® Fluid Trap, manufactured by Buffalo Filter, LLC, of Lancaster, NY, although other similar devices may be substituted therefor, without departing from the scope of the invention), where the suctioned fluids are captured. Smoke 48, which may carry vapor, fine tissue particulates, combustion particulates generated via cauterization, etc., is further conveyed, along with pneumoperitoneum gas, via tubing 40, to filtration apparatus 12, where the smoke (including vapor, particulates, etc.) is substantially separated from the pneumoperitoneum gas, and the pneumoperitoneum insufflation gas is then returned to cavity C via tubing 20, etc., as previously described.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, according to an embodiment of the invention, electrosurgical apparatus 34 includes suction tubing 56, which is an elongated, substantially cylindrical member. The length of suction tubing 56 is variable depending on the intended use of the electrosurgery probe; the shaft must extend out from a T-connector 60 just far enough to allow space for flow of suction or irrigation when the electrosurgery probe is properly seated in T- connector 60 and an electrosurgery handpiece 58, as described below. The shaft need not be cylindrical, with virtually any elongated shape being acceptable. Because the conductive element disposed within suction tubing 56 is electrically conductive, the shaft is made of an insulating (e.g., dielectric or nonconductive) material having sufficient rigidity to allow the tip segment of the electrosurgery probe to be applied to tissue appropriately during a surgical procedure. The insulating shaft shields from inadvertent lateral burning of tissue along the sides of the electrosurgery probe. This is especially important with elongated probes for deep procedures in body cavities. The insulating material is typically molded plastic or heat-shrink tubing. Suitable materials include elastomers and polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polysulfone, polystyrene, polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylidine fluoride, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), cyclic- olefin polymer (COP), cyclic-olefin copolymer (COC), and other insulating materials that prevent or minimize conduction of both heat and electricity. The shaft may be, for example, an extruded or molded plastic tubing having multiple channels formed during the extrusion or molding process.

[0036] Conductive element 50 comprises a tip segment 62, a mid-segment 64, and an electrical contact segment 66, all of which can be seen in FIG. 1 A. Tip segment 62 may assume a variety of different shapes such as, for example, a thin wire loop, a blade tip for cutting, a ball tip for coagulation after cutting, or a needle or straight tip (as illustrated) for transfer of concentrated energy into a limited area. Other shapes are, of course, possible. The entire electrosurgery probe can be exchanged for another electrosurgery probe during a surgical procedure if a different tip shape is desired. Mid-segment 64 and electrical contact segment 66 are typically a stainless steel rod or wire but may, alternatively, be constructed using any conductive material capable of enabling the probe to perform an electrosurgery procedure. Tip segment 62 may be constructed of the same material as the mid-segment and electrical contact segment; loop tips are also commonly fabricated from tungsten wire.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 2, tip segment 62 extends from a distal end of suction tubing 56, mid-segment 64 is within suction tubing 56, and electrical contact segment 66 extends from a proximal end of suction tubing 56. (The term "distal" is used herein to designate an end or portion nearest to the patient during use of the electrosurgery probe, and the term "proximal" is used herein to designate an end or portion nearest to the operator during use of the electro surgery probe.) During fabrication of the electrosurgery probe, conductive element 50 may be positioned in suction tubing 56 by being inserted into a fully formed shaft. Alternatively, where suction tubing 56 is an extruded or molded plastic tubing having multiple channels formed during the extrusion or molding process, the tubing may be extruded or molded directly over conductive element 50. Extrusion or molding of the shaft over the conductive element is particularly convenient where the mid-segment of the electrosurgery probe is curved or angled.

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgery system. In one embodiment, the system is formed when a T-connector 60 serves as a common hub to bring together an electrosurgery probe such as has been described above, an electrosurgery handpiece 58, and a length of tubing 36. In the system, both the electrosurgery probe and handpiece 58 are removably attached to T-connector 60. The system may include multiple interchangeable electrosurgery probes to offer a variety of different electrosurgery tips, as desired or necessary to meet the requirements of a particular procedure.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, T-connector 60 is a T-connector having first, second, and third connection points 68, 70, and 72, respectively. While T- connector 60 is shown to have three connection points, the connector may, alternatively, have more than three connection points and may assume shapes other than that of the T-connector shown in FIGS. 2-3. For example, T-connector 60 could be a Y-connector. T-connector 60 is preferably made of a soft rubber or plastic material but can be made of other materials that are conformable to one or both of the suction tubing 56 of the electrosurgery probe and the handpiece 58. T-connector 60 is of sufficient size to adapt to different sizes and shapes of standard electrosurgery handpieces.

[0040] As indicated in FIGS. 2-3, a proximal portion of the electrosurgery probe is removably disposed within T-connector 60 at connection point 68 such that electrical contact segment 66 of the electrosurgery probe is fully within T- connector 60 and a substantially air-tight connection is made between suction tubing 56 and T-connector 60. Connection point 68 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, as a female connection point; however, it will be appreciated that suction tubing 56 could be constructed such that a portion of suction tubing 56 fits over a male connection point 68 rather than within a female connection point 68.

[0041 ] A distal portion of electrosurgery handpiece 58 is removably disposed within connection point 70 such that a substantially air-tight connection is made between the electrosurgery handpiece and the connector and such that electrical contact segment 66 of the electrosurgery probe is inserted into electrosurgery handpiece 58, thereby providing an electrical connection between the electrosurgery probe and electrosurgery handpiece 58. The electrosurgery handpiece may be any commercially available handpiece and may be, for example, either hand activated or foot activated. Thus, it is preferable that connection point 70 be a female connection point that can be slipped over the distal end of the desired handpiece. As mentioned previously, T-connector 60 may be constructed of a soft rubber or plastic, making the connector readily adaptable to various shapes and sizes of handpieces.

[0042] One end of a length of tubing 36 is either removably or permanently attached to T-connector 60 at connection point 72, which may be either a male (as illustrated) or female connection point. The other end of tubing 36 is attached to, for example, a vacuum source or an irrigation fluid source. T-connector 60, the electrosurgery probe, and/or tubing 36 may be adapted such that both a vacuum source and an irrigation fluid source may be simultaneously connected to the electrosurgery probe via T-connector 60. Thus, channel 1 14 of the electrosurgery probe may be in fluid communication with a vacuum and/or irrigation fluid source via tubing 36 and T-connector 60.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded sectional view of filtration apparatus 12, showing the internal working mechanism of disposable filter cartridge 14 and reusable brushless motor base 16. Within reusable filter cartridge 14, filter medium 74 is separated from centrifugal impeller 76 by septum 78. In an embodiment of the invention, filter medium 74 may comprise a material, such as activated charcoal, supported on a polymeric substrate, such as a polypropylene mesh. Other suitable filter media may be substituted therefor, without departing from the scope of the invention. Shell 84 of filter cartridge 14 may be fabricated from any suitable sterilizable material, such as any suitable plastic material, which may be disposable, or recyclable, if applicable relevant laws and regulations permit. Impeller 76 is connected via axle 80 to shaft coupler 82. Axle 80 includes shaft 86 and cylindrical weight 88 to provide increased angular momentum. Shaft 86 is, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, suitably journalled within cartridge 14, using any suitable bearing means (not shown) as well as one or more gaskets or seals, such as O-rings (not shown), such as are well-known in the art, sufficient to maintain shaft 86 suitably mounted for highspeed rotation, while maintaining a sufficient seal to prevent escape of pneumoperitoneum gas out through foot 90. Shell 84 includes inlet 102, to which fitting 42 (Fig. 1 ) is connected, and outlet 104, to which fitting 18 (Fig. 1 ) is connected.

[0044] Foot 90 of disposable cartridge 14 is configured to securely but releasably mate with top 92 of motor base 16 via any suitable mechanism, such as a threaded connection, bayonet mount, snap fit, etc. Motor base 16 houses motor 94, which, in a preferred embodiment is a brushless electric motor, although any suitable motor capable of providing the degree of performance required by the particular application may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. Motor 94 includes shaft 96, which is suitably journalled at 98 and 100, using suitable bearings and/or seals, as desired. At the top of shaft 96, rectangular projection 106 extends upwardly from coupler 108, and mates with a similarly-configured recess 1 10 disposed in the lower surface of coupler 82.

[0045] Motor base 16 also includes an appropriate power supply and such electrical connections as are well-known in the art and as may be necessary in order to energize motor 94. Motor base 16 also includes, in an embodiment of the invention, appropriate controls (represented schematically by the control know with graduated scale, in Fig. 1 ) to enable the supply of power from the power supply to the motor. Such controls may be a simple ON/OFF switch. Alternatively, the control(s) may enable the motor to be operated at different speed settings between ON and OFF.

[0046] In operation, after the appropriate pre-operative preparations known to one of ordinary skill in the art have been implemented, system 10 is established. The various tubing connections shown and described within respect to Fig. 1 are made. Filtration apparatus 12 is provided with a fresh, unused filter cartridge, as may be necessary or appropriate. Trocars 24 and 26 are implanted into the patient, such that spikes 52 and 54 penetrate into cavity C (typically, the abdominal cavity). Insufflator 32 is activated, causing insufflation gas, typically CO2, to inflate the cavity. The operator (e.g., surgeon) takes up electrosurgical apparatus 34 and passes tip 56 through a sealed opening (not shown) in the top of trocar 26, until tip 56 and tool tip 50 pass through the open end of spike 54, to enable the relevant surgical procedure (such as a cauterization) to be performed. At the appropriate time, the operator activates filtration apparatus 12. During the surgical procedure, insufflation gas is supplied under superatmospheric pressure from insufflator 32 through trocar 26, in the generally annular space between the outer surface of tip 56 and the inner surface of spike 54. Filtration apparatus 12 generates suction on tubing 40, which, in turn, results in suction at the open end of tip 56. Insufflation gas, together with any smoke, particulate materials, liquid droplets and liquid vapor, are drawn up through tip 50, out of electrosurgical apparatus 34, through fluid catch 38, where at least some of the smoke, liquid droplets, particulate materials and liquid vapor may be captured. The gases that leave fluid catch 38 at this point, in an embodiment of the invention, may include predominantly smoke and particulate materials, which are captured by filter medium 74. At the conclusion of the surgical procedure, including removal of trocars 24, 26 from the patient and disconnection of the various tubings, filter cartridge 14 is disconnected and discarded. Motor base 16 may then be cleaned and sterilized as may be appropriate and/or required, and a new, unused filter cartridge 14 is attached to motor base 16.

[0047] The proposed system described here addresses the issue of timely and effective removal of smoke not addressed by the prior art, by collecting the smoke as it is being produced and simultaneously replacing the filtered volume in a closed recirculating system. The apparatus, systems and methods described herein allow for collection of the smoke and debris directly behind the active tip. The configuration described and illustrated herein minimizes the mixing of smoke with pneumoperitoneum and thus maintains a clear view of the surgical site without interruption. A major advantage of the current invention is the ability to clear smoke from directly behind the active electrode tip within a closed recirculating system and separate disposable and reusable portions of the smoke filtration system to minimize waste.

[0048] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above examples, it will be understood that many modifications and variations are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention shall not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended and contemplated to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.