FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to surgical systems and, more particularly, to a collection system for managing outflow from a gynecological surgical procedure.

BACKGROUND

Surgical procedures, such as tissue resection procedures, may be performed endoscopically within an organ, such as a uterus, by inserting an endoscope into the uterus and passing a tissue resection device through the endoscope and into the uterus. With respect to such endoscopic tissue resection procedures, it often is desirable to distend the uterus with a fluid, for example, saline, sorbitol, or glycine. The inflow and outflow of the fluid during the procedure maintains the uterus in a distended state and flushes tissue and other debris from within the uterus to maintain a visible working space.

SUMMARY

In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, a collection system for managing outflow from a gynecological surgical procedure includes a surgical instrument, a vacuum source, a first collection vessel, and a first fluid outflow line connected between the surgical instrument and the first collection vessel. The first fluid outflow line provides an outflow path for fluid from the surgical instrument to the first collection vessel. A first suction line is connected between the vacuum source and the first collection vessel. The first suction line provides suction to draw fluid from the surgical instrument to the first collection vessel. A surgical drape is positioned to collect liquid. A second fluid outflow line is connected between the surgical drape and a second collection vessel. The second fluid outflow line provides an outflow path for fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection vessel. A second suction line is connected with the second collection vessel. The second suction line provides suction to draw fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection vessel. A portion of the second suction line branches between a third suction line and a fourth suction line arranged in-parallel with the third suction line. The third suction line and the fourth suction line are each connected with the vacuum source. A flow restrictor is disposed along the third suction line. A valve is disposed along the fourth suction line. The valve is opened in a pulsatile fashion when fluid is present in the surgical drape to increase a level of suction provided to the surgical drape.

In some aspects of the disclosure, a sensor is connected with the third suction line and the valve. The sensor detects a presence of fluid in the surgical drape. The sensor opens the valve in the pulsatile fashion to suction fluid from the surgical drape to the second collection vessel. The sensor detects the presence of fluid in the surgical drape based on an increase in vacuum pressure in the third suction line.

In some aspects of the disclosure, opening or closing of the valve maintains at least some suction at the surgical instrument when fluid is present in the surgical drape. The valve remains closed when fluid is absent from the surgical drape.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the first suction line is coupled to the second suction line.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the amount of suction provided to the surgical drape when fluid is present in the surgical drape is less than a maximum suction level that can be provided by the vacuum source.

In some aspects of the disclosure, a first end of the second fluid outflow line is connected with a bottom of the surgical drape, and a second end of the second fluid outflow line is connected with a top of the second collection vessel. The second fluid outflow line suctions fluid against a force of gravity from the surgical drape to the second collection vessel.

In some aspects of the disclosure, an operating console operates the vacuum source. The operating console includes a display device.

Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.

