Patent Description:
The present invention relates generally to fluid filtration and more specifically to methods and devices for fluid filtration in a medical environment. <CIT> describes devices and methods for vacuum-assisted removal of surgically contaminated gas from an insufflated body cavity, the contaminants comprising smoke, aerosols, vapor, mist and the like generated during surgical procedures in order to clear the surgeon's vision of the surgical site and prevent exposure of the surgical staff to the gas.

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 fluid filtration system (<NUM>) for use during minimally invasive surgical procedures involving a surgical site having higher than ambient pressure, the system (<NUM>) comprising:.

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 (<NUM>).

The medical fluid filter system may further comprise a blower (<NUM>).

The system may be configured and arranged to use an inertial force caused by a circular flow path to separate liquid from the fluid.

Also disclosed is a medical fluid filter system (<NUM>) is provided comprising: a filter system inlet (<NUM>) for intake of fluid originating from a surgical site; a housing (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the filter system inlet, the housing having: a filter media chamber (<NUM>) for receiving a filter media (<NUM>); a liquid trap chamber (<NUM>) for retaining liquids from the fluid and the liquid trap chamber having a volume; a generally tubular liquid trap outlet (<NUM>) extending into the volume and in fluid communication with the filter media chamber; and a filter system outlet (<NUM>) 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 (<NUM>) configured and arranged to filter surgical smoke.

The system may further contain a moisture indicator (<NUM>) 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 (<NUM>).

The system may further contain a blower (<NUM>).

In another aspect, a liquid trap system (<NUM>) is provided comprising: a system inlet (<NUM>); a system outlet (<NUM>); a hollow liquid trap chamber (<NUM>) having: an outer boundary (<NUM>), a liquid trap chamber inlet (<NUM>) in fluid communication with said system inlet, and a liquid trap chamber outlet (<NUM>) 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 (<NUM>) 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.

Also disclosed is a fluid filter system (<NUM>) having: a housing (<NUM>); a filter system inlet (<NUM>); a filter system outlet (<NUM>); a liquid trap chamber (<NUM>) having an outer boundary (<NUM>) and a liquid trap inlet (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the system inlet (<NUM>); the liquid trap outlet (<NUM>) arranged in a generally central region of the liquid trap chamber (<NUM>); a filter media chamber (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the liquid trap outlet ; a filter media (<NUM>) arranged within the filter media chamber; and the filter media chamber having an outlet (<NUM>) 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 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 <NUM> 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.

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> discloses a first embodiment <NUM> of a device and/or system for filtering a fluid. Fluid filter system <NUM> comprises an input hose portion <NUM> and filter housing (or filter capsule or cartridge) <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, input hose portion <NUM> contains input adapter <NUM>, flexible tube <NUM>, and wick <NUM>. Input adapter <NUM> has input side <NUM> and opposite output side <NUM>. Input side <NUM> acts as a system inlet for attachment to a fluid source for inwards fluid flow <NUM>. In this embodiment, adapter input side <NUM> is a Luer-Lock adapter, but other similar alternative adapters may be used. Adapter output side <NUM> is connected to a first input side end of tube <NUM> through compressive engagement. In this embodiment, tube <NUM> is a clear flexible tube. Within tube <NUM> is arranged wick <NUM>. In one embodiment, wick <NUM> is made of a moisture absorbent or adsorbent material such as PVA.

As shown in <FIG>, tube <NUM> has an output side end which compressively engages filter cartridge inlet portion <NUM> at external inlet <NUM>. External inlet <NUM> contains friction ridges which help prevent tube <NUM> from disconnection and also helps to make an air tight seal.

<FIG> is a close up exploded isometric view of filter cartridge <NUM>. Filter cartridge <NUM> contains three housing portions: inlet side portion <NUM>, body portion <NUM>, and end portion <NUM>. Tubular external inlet <NUM> passes through housing inlet side portion <NUM> and connects to tubular inlet inner portion <NUM>. Housing inlet portion <NUM> is ultrasonically welded to housing body portion <NUM> to form liquid trap chamber <NUM>. Liquid trap chamber <NUM> has inner surface <NUM> which acts as an outer boundary for any liquid captured within liquid trap <NUM>. Liquid trap outlet internal side <NUM> is supported by housing body portion <NUM>. Liquid trap inlet internal side <NUM> and liquid trap outlet internal side <NUM> protrude into a generally central region of liquid trap chamber <NUM>. Liquid trap outlet <NUM> forms a conduit between liquid trap <NUM> and filter chamber <NUM>.

Filter chamber <NUM> is formed between housing body portion <NUM> and housing end portion <NUM>. Housing end portion <NUM> is ultrasonically welded to housing body portion <NUM>. Arranged within filter chamber <NUM> of one embodiment are first filter media <NUM>, second filter media <NUM>, and third filter media <NUM>. First filter media <NUM> is hydrophobic fibrous filter media. Second filter media <NUM> 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 <NUM> connects to valve slide retainer <NUM>. Valve passage <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface of housing body portion <NUM> facing valve slide retainer <NUM>. Valve slide <NUM> is arranged to selectively block passage <NUM> as will be discussed in greater detail below. Also shown in <FIG> is attachment clip portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of filter cartridge <NUM> showing opening <NUM> and valve slide <NUM>.

<FIG> is a vertical section of filter system <NUM> showing the flow of fluid from first into filter system in the direction of arrow <NUM> through the filter system and out of the system in the direction of arrow <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, tube <NUM> has a larger diameter than wick <NUM>. This allows fluid to flow inwards in the direction of arrow <NUM> through tube <NUM>. Moisture that is in fluid passing past wick <NUM> may be absorbed or adsorbed by wick <NUM>. Fluid flow continues rightwards and passes from tube <NUM> through liquid trap inlet outer side <NUM>. Flow continues rightwards through fluid trap inlet inner side <NUM> and out in the direction of arrow <NUM> of inlet inner side <NUM> into liquid trap chamber <NUM>. Straight inertial flow of fluid out of liquid trap <NUM> does not flow directly into filter trap outlet <NUM>. Rather, fluid flow is forced to circulate within chamber <NUM> before passing out of chamber <NUM>. Liquid within the flow in the direction of arrow <NUM> falls within chamber <NUM> and pools at a lower region <NUM> of liquid trap <NUM>. Liquid trap inlet <NUM> and liquid trap outlet <NUM> are arranged in the central region <NUM> of liquid trap chamber <NUM>. After fluid circulates within chamber <NUM>, pressure causes it to pass out through liquid trap outlet <NUM>. Fluid flow continues rightwards in the direction of arrow <NUM> out of outlet <NUM> into filter chamber <NUM>. Flow within filter chamber <NUM> first must pass through first filter media <NUM>. Since filter media <NUM> is hydrophobic, any liquid remaining in the flow may be prevented from passing further rightwards.

In one embodiment, flow next passes through filter media <NUM>, which absorbs/adsorbs/deactivates odors, and/or chemicals contained within the flow. Flow next passes through filter media <NUM>. The pleats of filter media <NUM> 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 <NUM>. Passageway <NUM> directs flow towards valve <NUM>. More specifically, flow continues through passageway <NUM> out through opening <NUM> in housing body portion and out of the filter system <NUM>. The horizontal position of valve slide <NUM> affects the flow rate by selectively blocking opening <NUM>. When slide <NUM> is pushed fully leftwards, opening <NUM> will be completely blocked fully stopping fluid flow through system <NUM>. When slide <NUM> is pushed fully rightwards, opening <NUM> is not obstructed by valve <NUM> at all and flow is not obstructed by valve <NUM>.

<FIG> demonstrate how the liquid trap will work in any orientation. Fluid will collect at a lower region <NUM> within the fluid trap. Because liquid trap inlet <NUM> and liquid trap outlet <NUM> are located in the central region <NUM> within liquid trap chamber <NUM>, lower liquid region <NUM> will always be separated from the outlet and inlet.

<FIG> and <FIG> show attachment loop <NUM> and attachment clip <NUM>. Attachment loop <NUM> is useful for attachment to an IV pole or other similar object. Attachment clip <NUM> is useful for attachment to a drape.

<FIG> illustrate the left side view and the right side view of fluid filter cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> shows second embodiment filter system <NUM>. Filter system <NUM> has flexible input tube portion <NUM>, filter cartridge portion <NUM>, system inlet <NUM>, and system outlet <NUM>. As shown in the exploded isometric view of <FIG>, system <NUM> has input adapter <NUM>, compressively connected to tube <NUM>, which compressively connects to inlet outer side <NUM>. Inlet outer side <NUM> is held by housing inlet portion <NUM>. Within filter cartridge <NUM> are filter first media <NUM>, filter cap <NUM>, second filter media first layer <NUM>, and second filter media second layer <NUM>. Filter cartridge inlet portion <NUM> is ultrasonically welded to filter cartridge outlet portion <NUM>.

In this embodiment, first filter media <NUM> is a cylindrical sleeve of activated carbon media. Second filter media first layer <NUM> and second layer <NUM> form a pleated ULPA media. Media cap <NUM> is arranged adjacent first and second media and blocks direct flow from inlet <NUM> to outlet <NUM>. The volume generally between cartridge inlet portion <NUM> and end portion <NUM> inner walls and the outer cylindrical surface of filter media <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

Shown in <FIG> is third embodiment filter system <NUM>. System <NUM> is similar to systems <NUM> and <NUM> and also contains suction unit <NUM> configured and arranged to provide vacuum suction. System <NUM> generally includes inlet <NUM>, input tube portion <NUM>, filter cartridge <NUM>, and suction unit <NUM>. Input tube portion <NUM> is similar in the first and second embodiments. Suction unit <NUM> is a blower, a pump, or an impeller such as a Multicomp USA, Part # MC32897 impeller. Suction <NUM> is configured to provide suction to aid the flow of fluid from inlet <NUM> out through outlet <NUM>. System <NUM> can be used in a laparoscopic surgical setting in which inlet <NUM> is connected to a pressurized surgical site, and <NUM> is fed into ambient air. However, blower <NUM> can be configured such that it provides the substantial portion of the fluid flow drive through system <NUM>. System <NUM> 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>, a fourth embodiment filter system <NUM> for use with a vacuum source <NUM> provides for smoke evacuation from a pressurized surgical site. The pressurized surgical site may comprise a pneumoperitoneum having a pressure above ambient such as <NUM> to <NUM> 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 <NUM> may generate a pressure in the range of approximately -<NUM> to -<NUM> atm (-<NUM> to -<NUM> Hg) (although other pressures such as -<NUM> atm (-<NUM> Hg) may also be used). Starting at the right hand side of the figure, a Luer lock <NUM> may be connected to a conduit or trocar leading to a pressurized surgical site such as a laparoscopy with a pneumoperitoneum. The Luer lock <NUM> is attached to a conduit <NUM> that provides an input passageway to the filter system <NUM>. The conduit <NUM> connects to a fluid trap <NUM>. Carbon <NUM> or other odor removing media and particulate filters <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed inside the body <NUM> of the filter system. A filter holder <NUM> holds the carbon <NUM> and filters <NUM> and <NUM> in position against the outlet end <NUM> of the fluid trap <NUM>. The filter holder <NUM> receives a flow selector <NUM> at its outlet end <NUM> (<FIG>). The flow selector <NUM> is rotated by the user by means of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> has markings <NUM> indicating the flow level and that align with position indicator <NUM>. The outlet of the filter system <NUM> may be connected to conduit <NUM> that may be connected to the vacuum source <NUM> by means of suction connector <NUM>. The vacuum source <NUM> may be a standalone unit or a wall suction unit. The inlet of the filter system <NUM> connects via the Luer lock <NUM> to a conduit and/or a trocar leading to the pressurized pneumoperitoneum which may have a pressure of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> atm (<NUM> to <NUM> Hg). The vacuum source <NUM> for the filter system <NUM> may operate between -<NUM> to -<NUM> atm (-<NUM> to -<NUM> Hg). The vacuum pressure applied to the filter system <NUM> 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 <NUM> provides for adjustment of the flow through the filter system <NUM> generated by the vacuum source <NUM> without deflating the peritoneal cavity.

Turning to <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the filter system <NUM> has marking <NUM> indicating the flow settings and has a position indicator <NUM> on a front portion <NUM>. The filter system <NUM> has an opening <NUM> for receiving the conduit <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the flow selector <NUM> has a hollow body portion <NUM> with an inlet <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> is formed in the shape of an elongate curved opening. At the left hand side of the inlet <NUM>, the opening is largest and moving to the right the inlet size becomes smaller. The flow selector <NUM> has an outlet <NUM> disposed in the center at the top. The flow selector <NUM> also has a flange <NUM> that engages with the inside of the body <NUM> such that rotation of the body <NUM> causes the flow selector <NUM> to rotate. The filter holder <NUM> has a central opening <NUM> that receives the body portion <NUM> of the flow selector <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, there is an opening <NUM> (<FIG>) in the filter holder <NUM> that selectively aligns with the inlet <NUM> to provide for greater or less fluid flow through the system <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outlet <NUM> of the flow selector <NUM> has a tube stub <NUM> for receiving the conduit <NUM> that leads to the vacuum source <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the flow selector <NUM> makes an air tight connection with the filter holder <NUM> such that the only passage of fluid between the two elements is through the inlet <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> has an elongate curved opening that is rounded at a larger end <NUM> and an upper edge <NUM> and lower edge <NUM> converge toward a smaller end <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the hollow body <NUM> of the flow selector <NUM> includes a central axial opening <NUM> that extends to an axial channel <NUM> that extends to the end <NUM> of the outlet <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> has a tube stub <NUM> for receiving the conduit <NUM> thereon.

<FIG> show the filter holder <NUM> and its connection to the fluid trap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the filter holder <NUM> has a hollow body <NUM> that extends to a lower flange <NUM>. The flange <NUM> has a tab <NUM> extending downward from the body <NUM>. The tab <NUM> fits inside a groove <NUM> in the outside of the fluid trap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first opening <NUM> in the side wall of the body <NUM> aligns with two additional openings <NUM> and <NUM>. Opening <NUM> provides a pathway for fluid to flow from the central chamber <NUM> into the inside of the flow selector <NUM> through the inlet <NUM>. When the flow selector <NUM> is rotated such that inlet <NUM> aligns with opening <NUM> a fluid flow pathway is established. If the selector <NUM> is rotated such that opening <NUM> aligns with the largest part of inlet <NUM>, the maximum fluid flow is achieved. The flow of fluid may be varied by rotation of selector <NUM> into position where different portions of the inlet <NUM> align with opening <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the filter holder <NUM> and fluid trap <NUM> may be sealingly connected such that no fluid may escape except through the central passageway <NUM>. The two parts may be welded together or the like.

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.

Claim 1:
A fluid filtration system (<NUM>) for use during minimally invasive surgical procedures involving a surgical site having higher than ambient pressure, the system (<NUM>) comprising:
a filter body (<NUM>) with a site side and an outlet side;
a first fluid conduit (<NUM>) extending between the surgical site and the filter body (<NUM>);
a second fluid conduit (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit (<NUM>), the second fluid conduit (<NUM>) extending between the outlet side and a vacuum source (<NUM>), the vacuum source (<NUM>) generating a pressure of approximately -<NUM> to -<NUM> atm
characterised in that,
a liquid trap chamber (<NUM>) disposed in the filter body (<NUM>); and
a filter holder (<NUM>) disposed in the filter body (<NUM>), the filter holder operable to hold a filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the filter body (<NUM>) comprises an adjustable flow selector (<NUM>) disposed in the filter body (<NUM>)