Abstract:
An insufflation device connects to a disposable tube set for providing gas to fill an abdominal cavity of a patient to enable surgical procedures. The insufflation device has an ultraviolet light source to provide ultraviolet light for sterilizing a flow control valve system therein. A filter provided with the insufflation device enables additional surgical procedures for the insufflation device without cleaning of the flow control valve systems or necessarily replacement of the filter. Tube sets connected to the insufflation device do not necessarily require a filter.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/276,209, filed Sep. 9, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to an arrangement for sterilizing the flow path in an insufflation device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Surgeons have used laparoscopic surgery to perform a variety of procedures. Such surgery, as compared to conventional surgery, reduces patient trauma, decreases patient recovery time and reduces the amount of post-operative care required. 
     To perform a laparoscopic procedure, a sufficient volume for the introduction of a laparoscope and other instruments must be provided by raising the abdominal wall from the organs enclosed in an abdominal cavity. Insufflation is typically obtained by pressurizing the abdominal cavity with a suitable gas, typically carbon dioxide. The presence of artificial gas in the peritoneal cavity is referred to as pneumoperitoneum. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art insufflator unit  10  including a housing  12  with a plurality of input elements  14   a - 14   g  and a display  16 . The insufflator unit  10  includes a projecting flow output port  17  and a temperature connector  18 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a prior art tube set  20  that includes an input connector  22  for connection to the flow output port  17  of the insufflator unit  10 . The input connector  22  attaches to tubing  24 . The tubing  24  of the tube set  20  includes a filter  26  provided thereon for filtering any backflow of gas/fluid. The distal end of the tubing  24  has a trocar  28  mounted thereto. The trocar  28  includes a needle type element  30  for insertion into the chest cavity of a patient to perform a surgical procedure. 
     A gas source (not shown) connects to the insufflator unit  10 . The insufflator unit  10  controls the passage of gas therethrough and into the tube set  20 . A small incision is made in the body of a patient, and one end of the trocar  28  is attached to a distal end of the tubing  24  and inserted into the abdominal cavity. The input connector  22  at the proximal end of the tube set  20  connects to the flow output port  17  of the insufflator unit that outputs the flow of gas. 
     In operation, the gas source provides a pressurized gas to the insufflator unit  10 . A pressure regulator in the insufflator unit  10  regulates the pressure of the incoming gas and provides the gas to a valve system. The valve system includes a plurality of valves and other elements that provide a controlled flow of gas for output from the insufflator unit  10  to the tube set  20 . The input elements  14   a - 14   g  are provided for adjustment of the flow of gas output from the insufflator unit  10 . 
     The filter  26  is provided within the path of the tubing  24 , and thus is an integral part of the tube set  20 . The purpose of the filter  26  is to try to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination from different uses of the insufflator unit  10  with different patients. Besides cross-contamination, entry of body fluids into the insufflator unit  10  can result in repair costs. The entire tube set  20 , including the filter  26  mounted thereon, is disposable. 
     The present invention is directed to preventing cross-contamination of patients by sterilizing a gas flow path within an insufflation device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the gas transporting flow piping is made from a transparent material. In this embodiment, one or more elongate ultraviolet lamps are provided adjacent various lengths of the transparent gas flow piping. UV light radiates through the transparent material, such as plastic or glass, to sterilize the interior surface of the gas flow pipe. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the insufflation device is provided with an opaque gas transporting flow piping formed with a reflective material, such as a reflective coating thereon or with a reflective sheath disposed therein. An ultraviolet light source provides ultraviolet (UV) light into an input port that opens at one end into the gas transporting flow piping. The opening allows ultraviolet light to pass through the input port and into the gas transporting flow piping. A reflective coating or sheath on the inner wall of the gas flow piping allows the ultraviolet light to sterilize the interior of the piping. In some embodiments, multiple UV light sources are provided with corresponding multiple light transmitting input ports that connect to and open into the gas flow piping. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a known prior art insufflator unit. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a known prior art tube set. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an insufflation device of the invention connected to a gas supply. 
         FIG. 4  shows a portion of a flow control valve system and a UV lamp. 
         FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a UV lamp unit that connects to a portion of a flow control valve system. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a coated opaque pipe. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a pipe having an elbow with a reflective element disposed thereat. 
     
    
    
     Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement, and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the word specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A gas supply  34  shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 3  has an output that connects to piping  36  for carrying gas to an insufflation device  40 . The insufflation device  40  includes a back-up power supply  41 , such as a rechargeable battery pack, for use when the insufflation device  40  is not connected to a wall mounted power outlet. The insufflation device  40  includes a pressure regulator  42  with a diaphragm  43  that connects to a flow control valve system  44 . The flow control valve system  44  includes valving  45  and output piping  46 . The valving  45  includes valve elements that are operated to control the flow of gas therethrough. 
     The insufflation device  40  includes an input device  49  for providing inputs to controller  48 . A display  47  displays the condition of the insufflation device  40 . 
     Controller  48  connects to the flow control valve system  44  and to a UV light source power supply  50 . The UV light source power supply  50  connects to a UV light source  52  that receives power therefrom. 
     The flow control valve system  44  also includes a gas outlet port  54  that connects at a proximal end to the output piping  46  of the flow control valve system  44 . The gas outlet port  54  projects outwardly from the insufflation device  40  for attachment to an input connector  53  of a tube set  55 . Further,  FIG. 3  shows a filter  56  mounted at the insufflation device  40  inwardly from the gas outlet port  54  and adjacent thereto. 
     Flow Control Operation 
     In operation, the gas supply  34  provides a high pressure gas, such as CO 2 , to the pressure regulator  42  of the insufflation device  40 . The pressure regulator  42  reduces pressure and regulates gas output at a generally constant pressure to the flow control valve system  44 . 
     An operator utilizes the input device  49  to provide various inputs, such as desired pressure and flow rates for the gas traveling through the tube set to a patient. These inputs are communicated from the input device  49  to controller  48 . In response to the inputs, the controller  48  provides one or more signals to the valving  45  of the flow control valve system  44  to control various valve elements or the like to adjust the output flow therefrom. The output gas travels through output piping  46  to the filter  56  and then through gas outlet port  54  to tube set  55 . 
     UV Light Source Operation and Filter Function 
     During periods of non-use of the insufflation device  40 , an operator can utilize the controller  48  to control the UV light source power supply  50  to operate the UV light source  52  for sterilizing all or part of the flow control valve system  44 . Further, the UV light source  52  can operate before, during or after a medical procedure to sterilize the insufflation device  40 . On cart based units, back-up power supply  41  provides power to operate the UV light source for sterilization when the insufflation device  40  is unplugged from a wall power supply outlet for transfer to a different operating room or the like. 
     As discussed above,  FIG. 3  shows filter  56  located within the insufflation device  40  and mounted directly between the gas outlet port  54  and piping or internal tubing  46  of the flow control valve system  44 . This mounting location enables the filter  56  to prevent material from entering the insufflation device  40  while enabling the gas outlet port  54  to remain for simple connection to tube set  55 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the filter  56  may be utilized multiple times, for example for multiple surgical procedures, wherein the insufflation device  40  provides gas through the tube set  55  and a trocar to the interior of a patient during a surgery. The trocar utilized is essentially identical to the trocar  28  shown in  FIG. 2 . After a predetermined number of uses, the gas outlet port  54  is removed and the filter  56  is removed to be sterilized or replaced. 
     The mounting location of filter  56  enables surgical procedures to be conducted with a tube set different from that shown in  FIG. 2 , i.e. a tube set that is not provided with a filter, such as filter  26  shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the filter  56  can be retained for multiple uses. Thus, the cost of disposable tube sets for surgical procedures can be decreased, as the filter is no longer a necessary element thereof. 
     Alternatives 
       FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment of the flow control valve system  44  wherein an elongate UV lamp  58  provided with a reflecting element  60 , such as a mirror, emits UV radiation toward transparent piping  62  of the flow control valve system  44 . The transparency of the piping  62  enables UV radiation to travel therethrough and sterilize the interior thereof. While  FIG. 4  shows a single UV lamp  58 , if necessary, a plurality of UV lamps  58  can be provided to sterilize the transparent piping  62 , and in some instances, additional transparent piping throughout the flow control valve system  44 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 5 , UV light source  52  outputs UV light into a first end of a light input port  64  that opens at a second end into an opaque piping  66  of the flow control valve system  44 . In one embodiment, the opaque piping  66  is a metal piping having a polished inner surface or a reflective inner coating. The polished inner surface enables reflection of UV light within the piping  66  including about or along the piping bend  68  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The UV light sterilizes the interior of the piping  66 , along with the interior of piping bend  68 . Further, in  FIG. 5 , a mirror  69  formed within the inner wall of the opaque piping  66  has two faces that reflect UV light in opposing directions within the piping  66 . 
     In another embodiment, the opaque piping  66  comprises an optic fiber that reflects UV light. 
     In another embodiment, the reflective material within the opaque piping  66  is replaced with a reflective sheath disposed therein or a reflective tape applied to the inner surface of the opaque piping  66 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the light input port  64  mounted perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the opaque piping  66 . In other embodiments, the input port  64  may be transversely oriented or angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the piping or even enter the piping at a bend thereof, such as at a 90° bend wherein the light input port is substantially aligned or coaxial with a longitudinal axis of a section of the piping. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 6  shows an opaque pipe  70  having a reflective material, such as reflective coating  72 , about the entirety of the inner surface thereof. The reflective coating  72  enables the transmission of UV light within and along the interior length of the opaque pipe  70 . In another embodiment, the reflective material is disposed within the entirety of the body of the opaque pipe  70  and reflects UV light applied to the inner wall. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 7  shows a portion of a flow control valve system  44  including an opaque piping  74  having a mirror or other reflective element  76  mounted at an elbow therein. In this embodiment, the reflective element  76  assists in transmitting UV light traveling along one path as represented by arrow  78  to another path represented by arrow  80  within the opaque piping  74 . 
     While  FIG. 3  illustrates the filter  56  mounted at or adjacent the gas outlet port  54 , in other embodiments the filter  56  may be mounted to the distal end of the gas outlet port  54  and have a filter output port for connection to a tube set. More importantly, in some embodiments, filter  56  can be reusable by subjecting same to UV light radiation to sterilize filter surfaces. 
     In another embodiment, filter  56  is not provided in or near the insufflation device  40 . Instead, a tube set filter  26  is provided with the disposable tube set in a conventional manner as shown in  FIG. 2 . The ultraviolet light source  52  sterilizes essentially the entirety of, or portions of, the piping of the flow control valve system  44  to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination within the insufflation device  40 , as compared to a conventional insufflation device. 
     In some embodiments, the gas supply  34  is a gas supply provided to the insufflation device  40  by piping within a medical building. In other embodiments, the gas supply  34  is an individual type of gas canister connected to an input port of the insufflation device  40 . In most embodiments, the pressure regulator  42  is a diaphragm type that avoids sudden changes in pressure. 
     The flow control valve system  44  is represented by a block element in  FIG. 3 . The flow control valve system  44 , however, typically has a plurality of flow paths, such as primary and secondary flow paths, along with plural flow control valves, or the like. One example of an insufflation flow control valve system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,592, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In some embodiments, the flow control valve system  44  includes portions of piping that are metal, other portions of piping that are a solid transparent material, and finally other sections that are defined by a flexible transparent tubing. 
     In some embodiments, the input device is a touchscreen that is combined with the display  47  of the insufflation device  40 . In other embodiments, the input device  46  is a foot pedal or a wireless portable remote input device. 
     While a UV lamp  58  is shown as the UV light source in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments the UV light source  52  includes ultraviolet light emitting diodes or other UV light source arrangements. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  48  automatically operates the UV light source  52  for a predetermined time period after the insufflator device  40  stops providing fluid at the distal end of the output piping  46 . 
     In other embodiments, the controller  48  powers the UV light source  52  during a surgical procedure a predetermined time after the insufflation device  40  starts operating. The UV light source  52  also can be operated at timed intervals during a surgical procedure. Finally, in some embodiments the UV light source  52  operates continuously or at different intervals and at different output power values. 
     Throughout the application, the term “gas” represents the input and output of the insufflation device  40 . As utilized herein, gas includes CO 2 . In some embodiments, water vapor is also provided and in some instances, the gas has a predetermined humidity value. Therefore the term “gas”, as used herein, includes liquid components typically provided in a gaseous form. 
     Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.