In an aspect of the invention there is provided an insufflator apparatus for exposing structures within a cavity of the human body for a diagnostic and/or therapeutic endoscopic procedure, comprising: an insufflation gas supply valve, adapted to provide insufflation gas to a pressure regulator; the pressure regulator, adapted to supply insufflation gas into the cavity of the human body via an input mechanism attachable to the human body, a means for determining a pressure level in the body cavity; an insufflator vent mechanism adapted to release excess insufflation gas volume returning from the pressure regulator; an insufflator controller arranged to real-time adapt an insufflation rate of said insufflation gas via said gas supply valve and vent mechanism at a set average pressure level in the body cavity in accordance with the means for determining the pressure level in the body cavity; and wherein the pressure regulator has a limited volume for temporarily storing a gas returning from the body cavity to thereby avoid transient pressure deviations from the set average pressure level in the body cavity, e.g. due to coughing or mechanical ventilation and s allowing the gas to return to the body cavity to maintain the set average pressure.

In an aspect of the invention there is provided an insufflator apparatus for exposing structures within a cavity of the human body for a diagnostic and/or therapeutic endoscopic procedure, comprising: an insufflation gas supply valve, adapted to provide insufflation gas to a pressure regulator; the pressure regulator, adapted to supply insufflation gas into the cavity of the human body via an input mechanism attachable to the human body, a means for determining a pressure level in the body cavity; an insufflator vent mechanism adapted to release excess insufflation gas volume returning from the pressure regulator; an insufflator controller arranged to real-time adapt an insufflation rate of said insufflation gas via said gas supply valve and vent mechanism at a set average pressure level in the body cavity in accordance with the means for determining the pressure level in the body cavity; and wherein the pressure regulator has a limited volume for temporarily storing a gas returning from the body cavity to thereby avoid transient pressure deviations from the set average pressure level in the body cavity, e.g. due to coughing or mechanical ventilation and s allowing the gas to return to the body cavity to maintain the set average pressure.

A view optimizing assembly, method and kit for use in combination with a laparoscope having a lens located on the shaft tip of the laparoscope, and a source of insufflation CO.sub.2. The invention includes a multi-lumen sheath assembly, a deflector assembly in fluid communication with the lumens of the sheath assembly, wherein the flow of CO.sub.2 through the lumens forms a vortex when coming into contact with the deflector assembly, thereby preventing fogging of the laparoscope lens.

A valve component 1 of the invention comprises a main valve 2 which is located on a centre line and at least one auxiliary valve 3 which is located radially outwardly of the main valve 2. The main valve may be used for sealing engagement with a cannula. In some cases the cannula may be used for introduction of a number of robotically controlled surgical instruments generally, including a camera. The auxiliary valves 3 may be utilised to introduce another instrument through the valve component. The valve component is mounted in a manner which ensures that the valve component 1 is rotatable about a centre line through the axis of the valve component 1. This ensures that the valve component 1 can be rotated relative to a cannula inserted through the main valve 2 and consequently that the auxiliary valves 3 are rotatable relative to the cannula allowing the auxiliary valves 3 to be positioned to facilitate optimum access and manipulation for an auxiliary instrument(s) inserted through the auxiliary valve(s) 2.

A system includes an endoscope configured for insertion into an internal body cavity and a fluid management system. The fluid management system includes a pump configured to pump fluid through the endoscope into the internal body cavity and a controller configured to determine a pressure within the internal body cavity based upon a current feedback signal received from the pump. A method includes supplying a drive signal to a pump to pump fluid into an internal body cavity, receiving a current feedback signal from the pump, and determining a pressure within the internal body cavity based on the current feedback signal.

The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. A container holds the therapeutic agent and a pressure source has pressurized fluid in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of the container. A catheter, in fluid communication with the container, has a lumen sized for delivery of the therapeutic agent to a target site. In one embodiment, a diameter of particles of the therapeutic agent is in a range of between about 1 micron to about 925 microns, a mass of the particles of the therapeutic agent is in a range of between about 0.0001 mg to about 0.5 mg, a ratio of an inner diameter of the catheter to the diameter of particles is at least 4:1, and a regulated pressure of the pressurized fluid is between about 0.01 psi to about 100 psi.

The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. A container holds the therapeutic agent and a pressure source has pressurized fluid in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of the container. A catheter, in fluid communication with the container, has a lumen sized for delivery of the therapeutic agent to a target site. In one embodiment, a diameter of particles of the therapeutic agent is in a range of between about 1 micron to about 925 microns, a mass of the particles of the therapeutic agent is in a range of between about 0.0001 mg to about 0.5 mg, a ratio of an inner diameter of the catheter to the diameter of particles is at least 4:1, and a regulated pressure of the pressurized fluid is between about 0.01 psi to about 100 psi.

A device for delivering an agent may comprise: a housing defining an enclosure. The housing may be configured to store an agent. The device may further comprise an inlet, in fluid communication with the enclosure, for receiving a flow of pressurized fluid; an outlet in fluid communication with the enclosure; and a filter disposed within the enclosure. Pores of a wall of the filter may be configured such that the fluid is permitted to pass through the pores into a channel defined by an inner surface of the wall. An actuation member may be configured to transition between a first configuration, in which portions of the agent disposed proximally to the actuation member are prevented from passing distally of the actuation member, and a second configuration, in which portions of the agent disposed proximally of the actuation member are capable of passing distally of the actuation member.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for reducing surgical smoke. An exemplary apparatus includes trocar comprising a tubular hollow body circumscribing a cavity extending through a longitudinal axis of the trocar with a gasket at a first end and an exit port at a second end, the tubular hollow body comprising a first wall circumscribing the cavity and a concentrically spaced apart second wall. The apparatus further includes a first plate operable to maintain an electric charged disposed within the cavity on the first wall, and a second plate operable to maintain an electric charge disposed between the first wall and the spaced apart second wall.

A system includes a bypass valve, a first conduit, and a second conduit. The bypass valve includes at least a first channel and a second channel and is configured to permit insufflation fluid to flow along a first flow path when the second channel is closed and permit the insufflation fluid to flow along a second flow path when the first channel is closed. The first conduit is coupled to the bypass valve and is configured to facilitate delivery of the insufflation fluid from an insufflator to the bypass valve. The second conduit is coupled to the first channel of the bypass valve and configured to facilitate delivery of the insufflation fluid from the bypass valve to the patient cavity via a first medical appliance.