Patent Abstract:
A medical fluid filter system is provided comprising a housing having: a liquid trap chamber having a volume; a filter media chamber; a filter media arranged within the filter media chamber; the liquid trap chamber having a liquid trap outlet port in fluid communication with the filter media chamber; the liquid trap outlet port configured and arranged within the liquid trap chamber to inhibit flow of liquid from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber and configured and arranged to allow gas to flow from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber; a filter system inlet passing through the housing for intake of fluid originating from a surgical site; and a filter system outlet passing through the housing for fluid exhaust.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/106,123 filed Dec. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,160 B2, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/869,826, entitled “Fluid Filtration Device” filed Oct. 29, 2013, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/476,041 entitled “Fluid Filtration Device and System” filed May 21, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,816 B2 which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/584,897, entitled “Method and Device for Fluid Filtration” filed Jan. 10, 2012; which are all hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to fluid filtration and more specifically to methods and devices for fluid filtration in a medical environment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to the corresponding parts, portions, or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for the purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, provided is a medical fluid filter system ( 100 ) comprising a housing ( 120 ) comprising: a liquid trap chamber ( 128 ) having a volume; a filter media chamber ( 138 ); a filter media ( 143 ) arranged within the filter media chamber; the liquid trap chamber having a liquid trap outlet port ( 131 ) in fluid communication with the filter media chamber; the liquid trap outlet port configured and arranged within the liquid trap chamber to inhibit flow of liquid from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber and configured and arranged to allow gas to flow from the liquid trap chamber to the filter media chamber; a filter system inlet ( 117 ) passing through the housing for intake of fluid originating from a surgical site; and a filter system outlet ( 134 ) passing through the housing for fluid exhaust. 
     The liquid trap outlet port may be generally near the center of volume of the liquid trap chamber. 
     The liquid trap outlet port may be above a lowest position within the liquid trap chamber for any orientation of the system in a gravitational field. 
     The liquid trap outlet port may be arranged in a position separated from an inner surface of the liquid trap chamber towards a generally central region of the liquid trap chamber. 
     The liquid trap chamber may have an inlet port in communication with the system inlet configured and arranged within the liquid trap chamber to inhibit flow of liquid from the liquid trap chamber out of the inlet port. 
     The liquid trap chamber may have an inlet port in fluid communication with the system inlet and configured and arranged within the liquid trap chamber to inhibit flow of liquid from the liquid trap chamber out of the inlet port, and the fluid trap inlet port may be generally near the center of volume of the liquid trap chamber. 
     The filter media may be configured and arranged to filter surgical smoke. 
     The medical fluid filter system may further comprise a sliding valve ( 133 ). 
     The medical fluid filter system may further comprise a blower ( 370 ). 
     The system may be configured and arranged to use an inertial force caused by a circular flow path to separate liquid from the fluid. 
     In another aspect, a medical fluid filter system ( 100 ) is provided comprising: a filter system inlet ( 117 ) for intake of fluid originating from a surgical site; a housing ( 120 ) in fluid communication with the filter system inlet, the housing having: a filter media chamber ( 138 ) for receiving a filter media ( 143 ); a liquid trap chamber ( 128 ) for retaining liquids from the fluid and the liquid trap chamber having a volume; a generally tubular liquid trap outlet ( 131 ) extending into the volume and in fluid communication with the filter media chamber; and a filter system outlet ( 134 ) passing through the housing for fluid exhaust. 
     The liquid trap outlet has an end located generally near the center of volume of the liquid trap chamber. 
     The liquid trap outlet port and the fluid trap inlet port may share a common wall. 
     The liquid trap chamber and the filter media chamber may share a common wall. 
     The system may further have a filter media ( 143 ) configured and arranged to filter surgical smoke. 
     The system may further contain a moisture indicator ( 321 ) for indicating when the filter media is wet. 
     The liquid trap chamber may contain an inner peripheral surface for containing a liquid in at least two orientations of the medical fluid filter system. 
     The system may further contain a sliding valve ( 133 ). 
     The system may further contain a blower ( 370 ). 
     The system may be configured and arranged to use an inertial force caused by a circular flow path to separate liquid from the fluid. 
     In another aspect, a liquid trap system ( 120 ) is provided comprising: a system inlet ( 123 ); a system outlet ( 134 ); a hollow liquid trap chamber ( 128 ) having: an outer boundary ( 129 ), a liquid trap chamber inlet ( 151 ) in fluid communication with said system inlet, and a liquid trap chamber outlet ( 131 ) in fluid communication with said system outlet; said liquid trap chamber outlet arranged in a position separated a distance from said outer boundary towards a generally central region ( 150 ) of said liquid trap chamber. 
     The liquid trap system may further have a filter media chamber arranged between the liquid trap chamber outlet and the system outlet and may have a filter media arranged within the filter media chamber. The filter media may be pleated and may be configured and arranged to filter surgical smoke. 
     The liquid trap system may further have a valve. The valve may be a sliding valve. 
     The liquid trap system may further have a moisture wick, a liquid capturing gel, an attachment clip, and/or an attachment loop. The liquid trap chamber may be transparent. The filter media may have an antimicrobial substance. 
     The liquid trap system may further have a pump, a blower, and/or an impeller. The liquid trap system may further have a liquid exit port and may have a container for storage of liquid from the liquid exit port. The liquid trap system may further have a moisture indicator for indicating when the filter media may be wet. 
     The liquid trap chamber may be in a generally cylindrical shape or a generally rectangular prism shape, for example. The liquid trap system may further have an obstruction between the system inlet and the system outlet. The liquid trap system may further have a hydrophobic media arranged across the fluid trap outlet. 
     The system may be configured and arranged to use a centrifugal force caused by a fluid flow to separate liquid from the fluid. 
     The liquid trap system may further have a biodegradeable material. The system may be sterile. 
     The system may be configured for connection to a wall suction unit. The liquid trap system may further have a power source. The power source may be a battery. 
     In another aspect, provided is a fluid filter system ( 100 ) having: a housing ( 120 ); a filter system inlet ( 117 ); a filter system outlet ( 134 ); a liquid trap chamber ( 128 ) having an outer boundary ( 129 ) and a liquid trap inlet ( 151 ) in fluid communication with the system inlet ( 117 ); the liquid trap outlet ( 131 ) arranged in a generally central region of the liquid trap chamber ( 150 ); a filter media chamber ( 138 ) in fluid communication with the liquid trap outlet; a filter media ( 143 ) arranged within the filter media chamber; and the filter media chamber having an outlet ( 136 ) in fluid communication with the filter system outlet. 
     The liquid trap chamber outlet may be above a lowest position within the liquid trap chamber for any orientation of the system in a gravitational field. In addition, the liquid trap chamber inlet may be arranged in a position separated from the outer boundary towards a generally central region of the liquid trap chamber. The liquid trap chamber outlet may be arranged in a position which may be not in a direct flow path out of the liquid trap chamber inlet into the liquid trap chamber. 
     The filter media may be pleated and/or may be configured and arranged to filter surgical smoke. The filter system may further have a valve. The valve may be a sliding valve. The filter system may further have a moisture wick, a liquid capturing gel, an attachment clip, an attachment loop. The liquid trap chamber may be transparent. The filter media may have an antimicrobial substance. 
     The filter system may further have a pump, a blower, and/or an impeller. The filter system may further have a liquid exit port and may have a container for storage of liquid from the liquid exit port. 
     The filter system may further have a moisture indicator for indicating when the filter media may be wet. 
     The housing may be in a generally cylindrical shape or a generally rectangular prism shape. The filter system may further have an obstruction between the system inlet and the system outlet. The filter system may further have a hydrophobic media arranged across the fluid trap outlet. 
     The system may be configured and arranged to use a centrifugal force caused by a fluid flow to separate liquid from the fluid. 
     The filter system may further have a biodegradable material. The system may be sterile. The system may be configured for connection to a wall suction unit. The filter system may further have a power source. The power source may be a battery. 
     The filter medias may have a first portion and a second portion. One of the filter portions may be pleated to maximize surface area, and/or may be configured as a sleeve. One of the filter portions may be odor reducing, harmful gas/substance adsorbing/absorbing/detoxifying, antimicrobial, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and/or optimized to prevent passage of smoke. One of the filter portions may be activated carbon, and/or made of fibers. One of the filter portions may be a ULPA filter. A filter media cap may be provided to interface with one or more of the filter media portions. 
     The filter system input may include a tube. The tube may be made of clear material and may be configured to aid in viewing inside the tube to see flow blockages. The tube may be flexible and may be configured to block fluid flow when pinched with a clamp valve. The input may contain an input adapter and the input adapter may be a Luer-Lock adapter and/or may contain friction ridges, or screw threads. The input may contain a housing connection adapter and the housing connection adapter may also be a Luer-Lock adapter and/or may contain friction ridges, or screw threads. 
     The input may include an internal wick for absorbing or blocking liquid or moisture. The wick may contain a hydrophobic material or a liquid retaining material such as sodium polyacrylate. The wick may be configured and arranged to partially or substantially obstruct fluid flow in order to prevent a large pressure drop across the filter system for a given flow rate. The wick may be optimized to prevent the passage of materials which may damage the filter media. 
     The filter system may contain a valve. The valve may be a sliding valve, a roller valve, a pinch valve, or a rotary valve. The sliding valve may contain friction ridges to aid in user ergonomics. The valve may be adapted to maintain peritoneal distention when the filter system is used in laparoscopic surgery. The valve may contain indicia for indicating when the valve is open, closed, or positioned at some quantitative level. 
     The liquid trap input and output may be arranged such that flow of liquid out of the input and into the chamber will not be directly in line with the liquid trap output. The direction of flow from the liquid trap input into the chamber may be directed to flow directly into a wall of the liquid trap chamber. The liquid trap may be configured and arranged to partially or substantially obstruct fluid flow and/or to prevent a large pressure drop across the filter system for a given flow rate. 
     The filter system housing may have an output adapter configured for attachment to a tube. The output adapter may be a Luer-Lock adapter and/or may contain friction ridges, or screw threads. 
     The attachment clip may contain an elastic member, friction ridges, and/or may be configured and arranged for attachment to a drape. 
     The attachment loop may be configured and arranged to be clamped or attached to a carabiner. The attachment loop may be a carabiner, or may contain VELCRO brand (hook and loop) straps. 
     The housing and/or other filter system components may be made of a special material that is light weight, strong, antimicrobial, biodegradable, or radiation proof. The material may be a plastic, polymer, polyethylene, lead, or other similar material. The material may be clear in order to view whether the liquid trap is filled with fluid or whether flow is blocked. 
     The housing may be welded together in order to make connections air tight. The housing and other filter system components may be ultrasonically welded. 
     The filter system may be configured and optimized for having its input connected to a high pressure surgical chamber and/or its output releasing to ambient air. The output may be configured and optimized to be connected to a suction unit or standard medical wall suction. The filter system may contain a balloon or bag for capturing the fluid that passes through the filter system. 
     The filter system may contain an RFID tag. The filter system may include an electronic data storage containing filter information. The filter system may contain an indicator for indicating a usage level of the filter system. The indicator may react through atmospheric exposure. 
     The filter system may contain a one way valve, and/or the one way valve may be configured and optimized to prevent material captured by the filter media from exiting the filter system input. The filter system may contain pressure valves at each of its ports to prevent contents from exiting the filter system unless a nontrivial pressure is applied across each valve. The valves may be configured to not allow any fluid flow through the system, even if the system is connected to a pressurized surgical site, unless a pressure differential from a suction unit is provided. The filter system may be configured and optimized for continuous use during a surgical procedure. 
     The filter system may contain a powered suction unit. The powered suction unit may be configured to provide a substantial or all of the pressure differential for driving fluid through the filter system. The fluid flow rate through the filter system may be about 3 liters per minute. 
     In addition the filter system may contain an RF transponder for communication with a trocar, an insufflator, or a smartboom. The filter system may further contain one or more one-way valves, and the valves may be placed at the liquid trap chamber inlet and/or outlet, the filter chamber inlet and/or outlet, and/or the filter system inlet and/or outlet. The valves may also be automatic valves or electronic valves. The valves may also be biased to be normally closed to prevent any fluid in the filter system from exiting the system when the flow drive is off. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a first embodiment fluid filter system. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a close up exploded partial view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of the fluid filter system taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1  being used in a first orientation. 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1  being used in a second orientation. 
         FIG. 8  is a section view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1  being used in a third orientation. 
         FIG. 9  is a section view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1  being used in a fourth orientation. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial bottom view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1  with the valve slide removed. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a left side view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is a right side view of the fluid filter system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a side partial view of a second embodiment fluid filter system. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded isometric view of the filter system shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of a third embodiment filter system. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective exploded view of a fourth embodiment filter system. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the filter system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the flow selector and filter holder of the system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is an elevational view of the flow selector. 
         FIG. 21  is another elevational view of the flow selector. 
         FIG. 22  is a sectional view taken along lines  22 - 22  of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is an elevational view of the filter holder. 
         FIG. 24  is a sectional view taken along lines  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the filter holder and the fluid trap. 
         FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of a fifth embodiment filter system. 
         FIG. 27  is a rear perspective view of the fifth embodiment system with a luer lock and tubing attached to the outlet of the filter system. 
         FIG. 28  is a rear perspective view of the fifth embodiment system with a passive secondary filter attached to the outlet of the filter system. 
         FIG. 29  is a rear perspective view of another embodiment with a diverter capable of alternating between a first passageway in an active mode and a second passageway in a passive mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  discloses a first embodiment  100  of a device and/or system for filtering a fluid. Fluid filter system  100  comprises an input hose portion  110  and filter housing (or filter capsule or cartridge)  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , input hose portion  110  contains input adapter  113 , flexible tube  111 , and wick  112 . Input adapter  113  has input side  114  and opposite output side  115 . Input side  114  acts as a system inlet for attachment to a fluid source for inwards fluid flow  117 . In this embodiment, adapter input side  114  is a Luer-Lock adapter, but other similar alternative adapters may be used. Adapter output side  115  is connected to a first input side end of tube  111  through compressive engagement. In this embodiment, tube  111  is a clear flexible tube. Within tube  111  is arranged wick  112 . In one embodiment, wick  112  is made of a moisture absorbent or adsorbent material such as PVA. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , tube  111  has an output side end which compressively engages filter cartridge inlet portion  121  at external inlet  123 . External inlet  123  contains friction ridges which help prevent tube  111  from disconnection and also helps to make an air tight seal. 
       FIG. 3  is a close up exploded isometric view of filter cartridge  120 . Filter cartridge  120  contains three housing portions: inlet side portion  121 , body portion  127 , and end portion  145 . Tubular external inlet  123  passes through housing inlet side portion  121  and connects to tubular inlet inner portion  125 . Housing inlet portion  121  is ultrasonically welded to housing body portion  127  to form liquid trap chamber  128 . Liquid trap chamber  128  has inner surface  129  which acts as an outer boundary for any liquid captured within liquid trap  128 . Liquid trap outlet internal side  131  is supported by housing body portion  127 . Liquid trap inlet internal side  125  and liquid trap outlet internal side  131  protrude into a generally central region of liquid trap chamber  128 . Liquid trap outlet  131  forms a conduit between liquid trap  128  and filter chamber  138 . 
     Filter chamber  138  is formed between housing body portion  127  and housing end portion  145 . Housing end portion  145  is ultrasonically welded to housing body portion  127 . Arranged within filter chamber  138  of one embodiment are first filter media  139 , second filter media  141 , and third filter media  143 . First filter media  139  is hydrophobic fibrous filter media. Second filter media  141  is activated charcoal media. Third filter media is a pleated fibrous filter media. Other embodiments may include one or two of the foregoing media and/or other similar media. 
     Housing body portion  127  connects to valve slide retainer  135 . Valve passage  134  is disposed on the outer surface of housing body portion  127  facing valve slide retainer  135 . Valve slide  137  is arranged to selectively block passage  134  as will be discussed in greater detail below. Also shown in  FIG. 3  is attachment clip portion  149 . 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of filter cartridge  120  showing opening  136  and valve slide  137 . 
       FIG. 5  is a vertical section of filter system  120  showing the flow of fluid from first into filter system in the direction of arrow  117  through the filter system and out of the system in the direction of arrow  119 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , tube  111  has a larger diameter than wick  112 . This allows fluid to flow inwards in the direction of arrow  117  through tube  111 . Moisture that is in fluid passing past wick  112  may be absorbed or adsorbed by wick  112 . Fluid flow continues rightwards and passes from tube  111  through liquid trap inlet outer side  123 . Flow continues rightwards through fluid trap inlet inner side  125  and out in the direction of arrow  151  of inlet inner side  125  into liquid trap chamber  128 . Straight inertial flow of fluid out of liquid trap  125  does not flow directly into filter trap outlet  131 . Rather, fluid flow is forced to circulate within chamber  128  before passing out of chamber  128 . Liquid within the flow in the direction of arrow  151  falls within chamber  128  and pools at a lower region  120  of liquid trap  130 . Liquid trap inlet  125  and liquid trap outlet  131  are arranged in the central region  150  of liquid trap chamber  128 . After fluid circulates within chamber  128 , pressure causes it to pass out through liquid trap outlet  131 . Fluid flow continues rightwards in the direction of arrow  153  out of outlet  131  into filter chamber  138 . Flow within filter chamber  138  first must pass through first filter media  139 . Since filter media  139  is hydrophobic, any liquid remaining in the flow may be prevented from passing further rightwards. 
     In one embodiment, flow next passes through filter media  141 , which absorbs/adsorbs/deactivates odors, and/or chemicals contained within the flow. Flow next passes through filter media  143 . The pleats of filter media  143  create a large surface area which allows the use of ULPA media, for example, with very small pores while keeping flow resistance lower than a similar unpleated media. Flow continues rightwards towards the right boundary of housing end portion and passes into passageway  157 . Passageway  157  directs flow towards valve  133 . More specifically, flow continues through passageway  157  out through opening  136  in housing body portion and out of the filter system  119 . The horizontal position of valve slide  137  affects the flow rate by selectively blocking opening  136 . When slide  137  is pushed fully leftwards, opening  136  will be completely blocked fully stopping fluid flow through system  100 . When slide  137  is pushed fully rightwards, opening  136  is not obstructed by valve  137  at all and flow is not obstructed by valve  133 . 
       FIGS. 6-9  demonstrate how the liquid trap will work in any orientation. Fluid will collect at a lower region  130  within the fluid trap. Because liquid trap inlet  125  and liquid trap outlet  131  are located in the central region  150  within liquid trap chamber  128 , lower liquid region  130  will always be separated from the outlet and inlet. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show attachment loop  161  and attachment clip  163 . Attachment loop  161  is useful for attachment to an IV pole or other similar object. Attachment clip  163  is useful for attachment to a drape. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the left side view and the right side view of fluid filter cartridge  120 . 
       FIG. 14  shows second embodiment filter system  200 . Filter system  200  has flexible input tube portion  210 , filter cartridge portion  220 , system inlet  217 , and system outlet  219 . As shown in the exploded isometric view of  FIG. 15 , system  200  has input adapter  213 , compressively connected to tube  211 , which compressively connects to inlet outer side  223 . Inlet outer side  223  is held by housing inlet portion  221 . Within filter cartridge  220  are filter first media  239 , filter cap  241 , second filter media first layer  243 , and second filter media second layer  244 . Filter cartridge inlet portion  221  is ultrasonically welded to filter cartridge outlet portion  245 . 
     In this embodiment, first filter media  239  is a cylindrical sleeve of activated carbon media. Second filter media first layer  243  and second layer  244  form a pleated ULPA media. Media cap  241  is arranged adjacent first and second media and blocks direct flow from inlet  223  to outlet  219 . The volume generally between cartridge inlet portion  221  and end portion  245  inner walls and the outer cylindrical surface of filter media  239  creates a liquid trap. More specifically, since the outer cylindrical diameter of the filter media is less than the inner diameter of the cartridge housing, liquid will fall into the region below the filter media. In order to pass out of the filter cartridge housing, liquid would need to go up against gravity through the filter media to flow out  219 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 16  is third embodiment filter system  300 . System  300  is similar to systems  100  and  200  and also contains suction unit  370  configured and arranged to provide vacuum suction. System  300  generally includes inlet  317 , input tube portion  310 , filter cartridge  320 , and suction unit  370 . Input tube portion  310  is similar in the first and second embodiments. Suction unit  370  is a blower, a pump, or an impeller such as a Multicomp USA, Part # MC32897 impeller. Suction  370  is configured to provide suction to aid the flow of fluid from inlet  317  out through outlet  375 . System  300  can be used in a laparoscopic surgical setting in which inlet  317  is connected to a pressurized surgical site, and  375  is fed into ambient air. However, blower  370  can be configured such that it provides the substantial portion of the fluid flow drive through system  300 . System  300  can also be configured such that it does not use any portion of the pressure differential between the surgical site and ambient air for causing fluid flow. 
     In  FIG. 17 , a fourth embodiment filter system  400  for use with a vacuum source  401  provides for smoke evacuation from a pressurized surgical site. The pressurized surgical site may comprise a pneumoperitoneum having a pressure above ambient such as 5 to 20 mm Hg. The surgical site may be maintained above ambient by insufflation as will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure. The vacuum source  401  may generate a pressure in the range of approximately −100 to −400 mm Hg (although other pressures such as −600 mm Hg may also be used). Starting at the right hand side of the figure, a Luer lock  403  may be connected to a conduit or trocar leading to a pressurized surgical site such as a laparoscopy with a pneumoperitoneum. The Luer lock  403  is attached to a conduit  406  that provides an input passageway to the filter system  400 . The conduit  406  connects to a fluid trap  412 . Carbon  415  or other odor removing media and particulate filters  418  and  421  are disposed inside the body  430  of the filter system. A filter holder  424  holds the carbon  415  and filters  418  and  421  in position against the outlet end  413  of the fluid trap  412 . The filter holder  424  receives a flow selector  427  at its outlet end  425  ( FIG. 19 ). The flow selector  427  is rotated by the user by means of the body  430 . The body  430  has markings  431  indicating the flow level and that align with position indicator  431 . The outlet of the filter system  400  may be connected to conduit  433  that may be connected to the vacuum source  401  by means of suction connector  436 . The vacuum source  401  may be a standalone unit or a wall suction unit. The inlet of the filter system  400  connects via the Luer lock  403  to a conduit and/or a trocar leading to the pressurized pneumoperitoneum which may have a pressure of approximately 5 to 20 mm Hg. The vacuum source  401  for the filter system  400  may operate between −100 to −600 mm Hg. The vacuum pressure applied to the filter system  400  provides for fluid flow through the system and resulting evacuation of smoke during minimally invasive surgical procedures such as laparascopy, during which cautery or a laser is used. The flow selector  427  provides for adjustment of the flow through the filter system  400  generated by the vacuum source  401  without deflating the peritoneal cavity. 
     Turning to  FIG. 18 , the body  430  of the filter system  400  has marking  431  indicating the flow settings and has a position indicator  432  on a front portion  409 . The filter system  400  has an opening  439  for receiving the conduit  406 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the flow selector  427  has a hollow body portion  440  with an inlet  442 . The inlet  442  is formed in the shape of an elongate curved opening. At the left hand side of the inlet  442 , the opening is largest and moving to the right the inlet size becomes smaller. The flow selector  427  has an outlet  428  disposed in the center at the top. The flow selector  427  also has a flange  445  that engages with the inside of the body  430  such that rotation of the body  430  causes the flow selector  427  to rotate. The filter holder  424  has a central opening  429  that receives the body portion  440  of the flow selector  427 . As described in greater detail below, there is an opening  475  ( FIG. 24 ) in the filter holder  424  that selectively aligns with the inlet  442  to provide for greater or less fluid flow through the system  400 . As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the outlet  428  of the flow selector  427  has a tube stub  455  for receiving the conduit  433  that leads to the vacuum source  401 . The body  440  of the flow selector  427  makes an air tight connection with the filter holder  424  such that the only passage of fluid between the two elements is through the inlet  442 . The inlet  442  has an elongate curved opening that is rounded at a larger end  490  and an upper edge  493  and lower edge  495  converge toward a smaller end  497 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 22 , the hollow body  440  of the flow selector  427  includes a central axial opening  498  that extends to an axial channel  499  that extends to the end  500  of the outlet  428 . The outlet  428  has a tube stub  455  for receiving the conduit  433  thereon. 
       FIGS. 23-25  show the filter holder  424  and its connection to the fluid trap  412 . As shown in  FIG. 23 , the filter holder  424  has a hollow body  460  that extends to a lower flange  463 . The flange  463  has a tab  466  extending downward from the body  460 . The tab  466  fits inside a groove  503  in the outside of the fluid trap  412 . As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , a first opening  469  in the side wall of the body  460  aligns with two additional openings  472  and  475 . Opening  475  provides a pathway for fluid to flow from the central chamber  478  into the inside of the flow selector  427  through the inlet  442 . When the flow selector  427  is rotated such that inlet  442  aligns with opening  475  a fluid flow pathway is established. If the selector  427  is rotated such that opening  475  aligns with the largest part of inlet  442 , the maximum fluid flow is achieved. The flow of fluid may be varied by rotation of selector  427  into position where different portions of the inlet  442  align with opening  475 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , the filter holder  424  and fluid trap  412  may be sealingly connected such that no fluid may escape except through the central passageway  478 . The two parts may be welded together or the like. 
     In  FIGS. 26-29 , a fifth embodiment filter system  500  may be converted between active and passive modes. The filter system  500  may be constructed as described above in connection with the fourth embodiment filter system  400 . Rotation of the body  505  relative to the flow adjustment knob  502  disposed on the body  505  causes an internal flow selector (e.g. flow selector  427 ) to align a variable sized inlet  442  in the flow selector  427  with an opening  475  in the filter holder  424  to create an internal passageway to provide for different flow rates through the filter system  500  as described above. Conduit  508  may be connected to the filter system  500  by a Luer lock at one end and may connect on the opposite end  510  (far left side of figure) to a trocar leading to a pressurized surgical site such as a laparoscopy with a pneumoperitoneum. The conduit  508  provides an input passageway to the filter system  500 . On the opposite side of the filter system  500 , a Luer lock connection  511  at outlet  513  may provide for quick changing between an active and a passive mode as described below. 
     Turning to  FIG. 27 , in the active mode, a Luer lock  514  positioned at the end of tubing  517  may be attached to the Luer lock connection  511  on the filter system  500 . The tubing  517  attaches at a first end to the outlet  513  of the filter system  500  and attaches at a distal end  519  to a vacuum source  520 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 28 , in the passive mode, a secondary passive filter  526  is attached to the filter system  500  by means of the Luer lock connection  511 . The secondary passive filter  525  may have a large surface area and be useable with low pressure. The secondary passive filter  526  has openings  527  for exhausting the filtered gases and surgical smoke to atmosphere. 
     In  FIG. 29 , as an alternative to the structure described above, a switch mechanism such as a diverter valve  555  may be operated manually or electronically to divert the flow from a first passageway in an active mode to a second passageway leading to a secondary filter  559  and out through openings  566  to ambient in a passive mode. As an alternative, the active and passive pathways may be divided inside the filter body and the passive mode may include an opening to ambient from inside the filter body. 
     In addition, each of the disclosed filter system embodiments may be modified to also contain an RF transponder for communication with a trocar, a insufflator, or smartboom. The disclosed embodiments may further contain one or more one way valves and the valves may be placed at the liquid trap chamber inlet and/or outlet, the filter chamber inlet and/or outlet, and/or the filter system inlet and/or outlet. The valves may also be automatic valves or electronic valves. The valves may also be biased to be normally closed to prevent any fluid in the filter system from exiting the system when the flow drive is off. 
     The described embodiments provide a number of unexpected results and advantages over the prior art. For example, filter media life may be prolonged by preventing moisture and fluid from in the fluid flow from reaching the filter media. In another aspect, if during laparoscopic surgery blood or other body fluids is passed out of the trocar, it may be intercepted by the wick or the liquid trap before reaching and damaging the filter media. Additionally, the variable valve in certain embodiments allows the filter system to be used in a variety of operating conditions, flow rates, and pressure differentials. Further the clip and clamp provide significant usability improvements by allowing the device to be easily mounted, reducing the strain on the very sensitively held trocar. The filter system has a small form factor, made possible through the combined use in certain embodiments of filter media pleating and filter media lifetime enhancement from the moisture capture techniques. Finally, the efficient combination of elements of the filter system produces a highly economical device that is appropriate for disposable use. 
     Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of the method and device for a filter system has been shown and described, and several modifications discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1