KR20240090591A - filter cartridge assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A filter cartridge for a surgical gas delivery system is disclosed, the filter cartridge being a housing having a front end and a rear end, and a first outlet extending downstream from a first inlet at the rear end of the housing to a first outlet at the front end of the housing. a housing defining an internal flow path and a second internal flow path extending upstream from a second inlet at a front end of the housing to a second outlet at a rear end of the housing, a first internal flow path operably associated with the first internal flow path; comprising a pleated filter element, a second pleated filter element operably associated with the second internal flow path, and a carbon filter disk operably associated with the second internal flow path and positioned adjacent a downstream side of the second pleated filter element. do.

Description

filter cartridge assembly

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/988,702, filed May 28, 2018, which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/527,553, filed June 30, 3017. Claimed to be a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/509,203, filed October 25, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

field of invention

The present invention relates to laparoscopic surgery, and more specifically to a filter cartridge for a multimodal insufflation system used during laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” surgical techniques are becoming increasingly common in performing procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia surgery, and nephrectomy. Benefits of this procedure include reduced trauma to the patient, reduced chance of infection, and shorter recovery time. These procedures within the abdominal cavity (peritoneal cavity) are typically performed through devices known as trocars or cannulae, which facilitate the introduction of laparoscopic instruments into the patient's abdominal cavity.

Additionally, these procedures typically involve filling or "insufflating" the abdominal cavity (peritoneal cavity) with pressurized fluid, such as carbon dioxide, to create a so-called pneumoperitoneum. Infusion may be performed by a surgical access device (sometimes referred to as a “cannula” or “trocar”) mounted to deliver the infusion fluid, or by a separate infusion device, such as an infusion (veress) needle. You can. In order to maintain the pneumoperitoneum, it is desirable to introduce surgical instruments into the pneumoperitoneum without substantial loss of injectable gases.

During a typical laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon makes three to four small incisions, usually no longer than about 12 mm each, which are typically placed by, and usually within, the surgical access device itself. It is made using a separate inserter or obturator. If the introducer is removed after insertion, the trocar allows access for the instrument to be inserted into the abdominal cavity. Conventional trocars often provide a means for intraperitoneal injection, allowing the surgeon to free up internal space to operate.

The trocar must provide a means to maintain pressure within the cavity by creating a seal between the trocar being used and the surgical instrument, while still allowing minimal freedom of movement of the surgical instrument. Such instruments may include, for example, scissors, grasping instruments, and occluding instruments, cauterizing units, cameras, light sources, and other surgical instruments. Typically a sealing element or sealing mechanism is provided on the trocar to prevent escape of the injected gas. The sealing element or sealing mechanism typically includes a duckbill-type valve made of a relatively flexible material to seal around the outer surface of a surgical instrument passing through the trocar.

Additionally, laparoscopic surgery, electrocautery, and other techniques (e.g., harmonic scalpel) produce smoke and other tissue debris within the surgical cavity, obscuring the view of the endoscope and damaging the endoscope surface. Cover and reduce visibility. A variety of surgical infusion systems and smoke extraction systems are known in the art.

Additionally, as described in whole or in part in U.S. Patent No. 7,854,724, CONMED Corporation (Utica, NY, USA) has developed a surgical access device that allows access to an injected surgical cavity without conventional mechanical seals.　Developed a related system to provide sufficient pressure and flow rate for these access devices.

The present disclosure relates to implantation using standard or specialized surgical access devices, such as Beres needles or other instruments; Exhaust smoke through standard or special surgical access devices; and special functions such as recirculation and filtration of infusion fluids, surgical access devices such as those described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,854,724, as well as those described in US Pat. It relates to a multi-mode system capable of performing multiple surgical gas delivery functions, including special functions performed by: and related devices and methods.

The use of a single multi-mode system, such as those described herein, can reduce costs by requiring the purchase of only one system while achieving multiple functions, thereby reducing confusion by reducing the amount of equipment needed in the operating room. , freeing up space for other essential equipment.

The prior art has been considered satisfactory for its intended purpose. However, there continues to be a need for improvements in filtration in surgical access devices. This disclosure provides a solution to this problem.

A filter cartridge for a surgical gas delivery system includes a filter housing configured to seat within a filter cartridge interface of the surgical gas delivery system. The first filter element is seated within the first end of the filter housing. The second filter element is seated within a second end of the filter housing opposite the first end. The third filter element is seated within the filter housing between the first filter element and the second filter element.

The third filter element may include activated carbon material. The third filter element may include an activated carbon disk. Each of the first filter element and the second filter element can include pleated filter material. The second filter element may be in the flow path downstream of the third filter element. The first filter element may be in a separate flow path from the second and third filter elements.

A separation wall may be included in the filter housing between the first filter element and the second filter element. The separation wall may include a gas hole therethrough, wherein a plenum is formed between the separation wall and the third filter element, wherein the gas hole has a cross-sectional area of the third filter element that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the gas hole. It is configured to pressurize the plenum with gas for widespread use. A peripheral rim may be formed around the separating wall, wherein the third filter element is seated against the peripheral rim to maintain the formed plenum within the peripheral rim and within the space formed between the separating wall and the third filter element. Let's do it. A seal may be seated between the separating wall and the third filter element to allow gas to flow from the plenum through the third filter element. A seal seat on which the seal is seated may be formed within the peripheral rim. A fluid trap may be formed between the first filter element and the separating wall, wherein the gas aperture is configured to pass gas over a reservoir of fluid captured in the fluid trap.

The filter housing may be equipped with a cover plate that secures the first filter element to the first end of the filter housing. The cover plate may include a fitting for connecting to the tri-lumen tubes for gas transfer between the set of tri-lumen tubes and the filter element. A triple lumen tube set may be connected to the fitting. It is also contemplated that the cover plate may include a fitting for connecting to the bi-lumen tubes for gas transfer between the set of bi-lumen tubes and the filter element. A double lumen tube set may be connected to the fitting.

The filter housing may be equipped with a second cover plate that secures the second filter element to the second end of the filter housing. The second cover plate may define three apertures configured to seal against each of three gas ports formed within the filter cartridge interface of the surgical gas delivery system.

Another example implementation of a filter cartridge for a surgical gas delivery system includes a filter housing configured to seat within a filter cartridge interface of a surgical gas delivery system. The first filter element is seated at a first end of the filter housing in the first flow path. The second filter element is seated on a second end of the filter housing opposite the first end in the second flow path. A third filter element is seated within the filter housing between the first and second filter elements, wherein the third filter element is in the second flow path, and the first flow path and the second flow path are fluidly isolated from each other within the filter housing. . A fourth filter element may be seated within the filter housing within a third flow path that is fluidly isolated from the first and second flow paths.

A method of processing surgical gas for a surgical gas delivery system includes receiving smoke exhaust gas from a pneumoperitoneum into a filter cartridge. The method includes filtering at least one of smoke, particulates, and impurities from the smoke exhaust gas by passing the smoke exhaust gas through an activated carbon filter element in a filter cartridge. The method also includes receiving filtered smoke exhaust gases into a surgical gas delivery system.

The method may include passing smoke exhaust gases through a pleated filter element downstream of an activated carbon filter element and upstream of a surgical gas delivery system. The method includes flowing the injection gas from the smoke exhaust gas into the undulation through a separate flow path in the filter cartridge, the injection gas passing through a second pleated filter element in the filter cartridge, and the flow path of the injection gas and the smoke exhaust gas. It is contemplated that it may also include transferring pressure from the undulations through a third flow path of the filter cartridge that is separate from the undulation.

The invention also relates to a filter cartridge for a surgical gas delivery system comprising a housing having a front end and a rear end. The housing defines a first internal flow path extending downstream from a first inlet at a rear end of the housing to a first outlet at a front end of the housing for delivering pressurized gas from the surgical gas delivery device to the patient's body cavity.

The housing defines a second internal flow path extending upstream from a second inlet at the front end of the housing to a second outlet at the rear end of the housing to return gas from the patient's body cavity to the surgical gas delivery device. The housing defines a third internal flow path extending downstream from a third inlet at the rear end of the housing to a third outlet at the front end of the housing for delivering insufflation gas from the surgical gas delivery device to the patient's body cavity.

A first pleated filter element is positioned within the first internal flow path to filter pressurized gas delivered to the patient's body cavity. A second pleated filter element is positioned within the second internal flow path to filter pressurized gas returning from the patient's body cavity.

An activated carbon filter disk is positioned in the second internal flow path between the second pleated filter element and the second outlet at the rear end of the housing to remove volatile organic compounds from the pressurized gas returning from the patient's body cavity. A non-woven filter element is positioned within the third internal flow path adjacent the third inlet at the rear end of the housing to filter the injected gas delivered to the patient's body cavity.

A fluid trap is formed within the housing and is operably associated with the second internal flow path. The fluid trap is positioned between the second pleated filter element and the second inlet at the front end of the housing. The first inlet, second outlet and third inlet are associated with the rear end cap of the housing. The first outlet, second inlet and third outlet are associated with the front end cap of the housing.

These and other features of the systems and methods of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to specific drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily understand the method of manufacturing and using the device and the method of the present disclosure without undue experimentation.
1 is a perspective view of a multi-gas delivery device constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a filter cartridge and a corresponding filter cartridge interface;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a filter cartridge configured to fit and engage the gas delivery device of FIG. 1, showing the filter cartridge components shown toward an opening in a fit to a set of triple lumen tubes in a first cover plate; do;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 1, showing the filter cartridge components shown toward a hole in a second cover plate sealing against a gas port in the filter cartridge interface of FIG. 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the filter cartridge of Figure 1, showing the filter element assembled into a filter housing;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of another filter cartridge, wherein the activated carbon filter disk is positioned downstream of the proximal pleated filter element; and
Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the filter cartridge shown in Figure 5, with a section of the side wall of the cartridge housing removed to show internal features of the filter cartridge in cross section.

Reference will now be made to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like structural features or aspects of the disclosure. For purposes of explanation, illustration and not limitation, a partial diagram of an exemplary implementation of a filter cartridge according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 1 and is generally designated at reference numeral 100. Other embodiments of a filter cartridge according to the present disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in Figures 2-4, as described below. The systems and methods described herein can be used to filter surgical gases, such as smoke exhaust gases, from the pneumoperitoneum during a smoke-generating surgery.

A surgical gas delivery system 10 for use during laparoscopic surgery is shown in Figure 1. System 10 includes a device housing 12, each side of which is provided with a carrying handle 14. The front face of the housing 12 has a capacitive or resistive touch screen 16 to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) and a power switch 18 to turn the device on and off.

The front face of the housing 12 further includes a filter cartridge interface 20 equipped with a rotatable latch mechanism 22 configured to facilitate secure engagement of the disposable filter cartridge 24 within the device housing 12. . Additionally, the front face of the housing 12 includes a standard 6 mm injection connection 26. Although not shown, the rear face of housing 12 includes a gas supply fitting for connection to a source of compressed gas, a standard USB interface for servicing, and a standard power connection.

The filter cartridge interface 20 is designed to recognize what type of filter 24 is inserted within the housing. For example, the proper position or orientation of a filter cartridge can be recognized. It is also possible to recognize whether the inserted filter is specifically designed for use in a first mode of operation (i.e. vapor seal mode) or specifically designed for use in a second mode of operation (i.e. injection and smoke exhaust mode). Another aspect of a surgical gas delivery system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,067,030, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to Figure 2, filter cartridge 24 has a filter housing 28 that includes a first cover plate 30, which (as shown in Figure 1) is a triple lumen tube set ( It has a fitting portion 46 associated with 36). Filter housing 28 is configured to seat within filter cartridge interface 20 of surgical gas delivery system 10 of FIG. 1 . The filter housing 28 is configured and dimensioned to support a pair of first pleated filter elements 38a and second pleated filter elements 38b, for example a set of tubes ( Forms an internal reservoir or fluid trap 40 for collecting liquid drawn into the system through the suction line of 36).

The first filter element 38a is seated within the first end portion 26 of the filter housing 28. As shown in FIG. 3 , second filter element 38b is seated within second end portion 42 of filter housing 28 opposite first end portion 26 . The third filter element 44 is seated within the filter housing 28 between the first filter element 38a and the second filter element 38b, as shown in FIG. 4 . Within the end cap 50 shown in Figure 3 is a fourth filter element 32, which is a pleated filter for the sensing/injection line described below. The third filter element 44 comprises activated carbon material and is in the form of an activated carbon disk. First filter element 38a and second filter element 38b each include pleated filter material. It is contemplated that third filter element 44 is a separate filter element from second filter element 38a and third filter element 38b, but may be integrated with second filter element 38b. For example, a mesh support can be sandwiched between a paper filter and a carbon filter, and these can be pleated together to form a combined second filter element 38b and third filter element 44.

The first end of the filter housing 28 is fitted with a first cover plate 30 for securing the first filter element 38a within the first end portion 26 of the filter housing 28 . The first cover plate 30 has a fitting for connection to the triple lumen tube set 36 for gas transfer between the triple lumen tube set 36 and the filter elements 38a, 38b, and 44. 46). The opposite end of the filter housing 28 is fitted with a second cover plate 50 for securing the second filter element 38b within the second end portion 42 of the filter housing. The second cover plate 50 includes distal and proximal plates that are welded or otherwise joined together with the fourth filter element 32 sandwiched between them. Referring to Figure 3, the second cover plate 50 defines three holes 52a, 52b, and 52c each configured to seal against each of the three gas ports formed within the filter cartridge interface 20 of Figure 1. do. The fitting portion 46 includes three corresponding openings 54a, 54b, and 54c.

The first flow path passes from the opening 54a through the fluid trap 40 (as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4) and continues through the second filter element 38b, for filtration of smoke exhaust gases from the undulations. Passes through third filter element 44, through hole 52a, through one of the lumens of outer triple lumen tube set 36, into surgical gas delivery system 10, through filter cartridge 24. It is formed by The second filter element 38b is downstream of the third filter element 44 in this first flow path.

A second flow path is formed through the filter cartridge 24 and is fluidly isolated within the filter cartridge 24 from the first flow path. The second flow path passes through the orifice 52b from the surgical gas delivery system 10 and brings gas through the first filter element 38a and into a second of the lumens of the triple lumen tube set 36. The gas is delivered outward through the opening (54b) in order to maintain relief with the gas. The first filter element 38a is thus in a separate flow path from the second filter element 38b and the third filter element 44 . This secondary flow path is in the pressure line to apply pressure to the jet to create a gas seal within a valve-less seal, for example, for a surgical access device connected to the triple lumen tubing set 36. supply.

A third flow path is formed through the filter cartridge 24 and is fluidly isolated from the other two flow paths within the filter cartridge 24. This third flow path does not pass through any of the filter elements 38a, 38b, or 44. Instead, the third flow path transfers abdominal pressure from the opening 54c through the filter cartridge 24 to the opening 52c, bypassing the filter elements 38a, 38b, 44, thereby in surgical gas delivery system 10. The third of the lumens of the triple lumen tube set 36 allows monitoring of the pressure within the pneumoperitoneum. CO ₂ injection gas may flow in an undulating manner from hole 52c through opening 54c. This third flow path functions as an injection/sensing line and is the only one of the three flow paths that passes through the fourth filter element 32.

Referring to Figure 4, a separation wall 56 is included in the filter housing 28 between the first filter element 38a and the second filter element 38b. The separation wall 56 cooperates with the bulkhead 58 of the filter housing 28 inside the first filter element 38a to capture fluid from gases entering the undulation (fluid trap 40 in FIG. 4 ). A fluid trap 40 (shown schematically at the bottom) is formed between the separation wall and the bulkhead. The separation wall 56 includes a gas hole 60 passing therethrough. Gas orifice 60 is configured to pass gas over a reservoir of fluid trapped in the bottom of fluid trap 40.

A plenum 62 is formed between the separating wall 56 and the third filter element 44. The gas hole 60 is configured to pressurize the plenum 62 with gas such that the cross-sectional area of the third filter element 44 is wider than the cross-sectional area of the gas hole 60, i.e., the plenum 62 is configured to 3 The activated carbon of the filter element 44 is pressurized so that almost the entire area is used. This allows the smoke exhaust gas to flow through the activated carbon filter element 44 within the filter cartridge 24 to filter at least one of smoke, particulates, and impurities from the smoke exhaust gas.

A peripheral rim 64 is formed around the separating wall 56, wherein the third filter element 44 is seated against the peripheral rim 64 and is between and around the separating wall 56 and the third filter element 44. The gap between the plenums 62 formed within the space formed within the rim 64 is maintained. A seal 66 is seated between the separating wall 56 and the third filter element 44, allowing gas to flow from the plenum 62 through the third filter element 44. A seal seating portion 68 on which the seal 66 is seated is formed within the peripheral rim 64.

Another embodiment of a filter with a set of tubes according to the present disclosure comprises an adapter, which blocks the pressure line, for example by blocking the opening 54b responsible for creating the gas seal described above. In this embodiment, a set of double lumen tubes is attached to the filter cartridge, for example, one lumen connected to aperture 54a and one lumen connected to aperture 54c, with one lumen connected to aperture 54c. /Responsible for injecting gases and the other lumen is for removing surgical gases and smoke from the cavity. In this embodiment, a third filter element 44 for smoke exhaust as described above is included and the third lumen of the triple lumen tube set 36 is omitted.

5 and 6, another embodiment of the filter cartridge of the present invention, generally designated 100, is shown. Filter cartridge 100 includes a generally cylindrical housing 110 having a front end 110a and a rear end 110b. Front end cap 112 is operably associated with front end 110a of housing 110 and rear end cap 114 is operably associated with rear end 110b of housing 110. Front end cap 112 and rear end cap 114 may be welded, glued, or otherwise secured to housing 110 of filter cartridge 100 by methods well known in the art.

Housing 110 flows downstream from a first inlet 120 in the rear end cap 114 of housing 110 to a first outlet 122 in manifold 125 on front end cap 112 of housing 110. A first internal flow path 115 extending to is formed. The first internal flow path 115 is adapted and configured to deliver pressurized gas from a pump in the surgical gas delivery device 12 to the body cavity of the patient. The housing 110 extends upstream from a second inlet 124 in the manifold 125 of the front end cap 112 of the housing 110 to a second outlet 126 in the rear end cap 114 of the housing 110. It forms a second internal flow path 116 extending to. The second internal flow path is adapted and configured to return flowing gas from the patient's body cavity to the pump within the surgical gas delivery device 12.

Housing 110 flows downstream from a third inlet 128 in the rear end cap 114 of housing 110 to a third outlet 130 in manifold 125 of front end cap 112 of housing 110. A third internal flow path 118 extending to is formed. The third internal flow path is adapted and configured to deliver low-pressure insufflation gas from the injector in the surgical gas delivery device 12 to the patient's body cavity.

A first pleated filter element 132 is positioned within the first internal flow path 115 of the housing 110 to filter or otherwise remove particulates and other substances from the pressurized gas delivered by the pump to the patient's body cavity. A second pleated filter element 134 is positioned within the second internal flow path 116 of the housing 110 to filter or otherwise remove particulates, fluids and other substances from gases returning to the pump from the patient's body cavity. In some cases, this return gas flow will be a smoke fill gas resulting from an electro-cautery procedure performed within the patient's body cavity.

The activated carbon filter disk 136 advantageously has a second outlet 126 and a second outlet 126 in the rear end cap 114 of the housing 110 to remove volatile organic compounds, etc. from the smoke fill gases returning to the pump from the patient's body cavity. Located within the second internal flow path 116 of the housing 110 between two pleated filter elements 134. A nonwoven filter element or sheet of material 138 is provided at a third inlet 128 in the rear end cap 114 of the housing 110 to filter insufflation gas delivered from the injector in the gas delivery device 12 to the patient's body cavity. Located adjacently within the third internal flow path 118 of the housing 110.

A reservoir or fluid trap 140 is formed within the housing 110 of the filter cartridge 100 and is operably associated with a second internal flow path of the housing 110. The fluid trap 140 is adapted and configured to collect body fluid and perfusate drawn into the filter cartridge by the pump. The fluid trap 140 is located between the second inlet 124 and the second pleated filter element 134 in the front end cap 112 of the housing 110 and the internal dividing wall 142 and baffle of the housing 110. It is bordered by a (baffle) plate 144. The baffle plate 144 defines ports 146 that facilitate gas flow between the fluid trap 140 and the second pleated filter element 134 in the second internal flow path 116.

As described above and shown in the figures, the methods and systems of the present disclosure provide filtration of surgical gases with excellent properties including improved removal of smoke, particulates, and impurities. Although the devices and methods of the present disclosure have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (20)

A filter cartridge for a surgical gas delivery system, comprising:
a) a housing having a front end and a rear end, wherein the first internal flow path extends downstream from a first inlet at the rear end of the housing to a first outlet at the front end of the housing and a housing defining a second internal flow path extending upstream from a second inlet at the front end to a second outlet at the rear end of the housing;
b) a first pleated filter element operably associated with the first internal flow path;
c) a second pleated filter element operably associated with the second internal flow path; and
d) a carbon filter disk operably associated with the second internal flow path and positioned adjacent the downstream side of the second pleated filter element. The filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed with a third internal flow path extending downstream from a third inlet at the rear end of the housing to a third outlet at the front end of the housing. 3. The filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein a non-woven filter element is operably associated with the third internal flow path. 4. The filter cartridge of claim 3, wherein the non-woven filter element is positioned adjacent the third inlet at the rear end of the housing. The filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein a fluid trap is formed within the housing and operably associated with the second internal flow path. The filter cartridge of claim 5, wherein the fluid trap is positioned adjacent the upstream side of the second pleated filter element. 3. The filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first inlet, the second outlet and the third inlet are associated with a rear end cap of the housing. The filter cartridge of claim 2, wherein the first outlet, the second inlet and the third outlet are associated with a front end cap of the housing. A filter cartridge for a surgical gas delivery system, comprising:
a) a housing having a front end and a rear end, wherein the first internal flow path extends downstream from a first inlet at the rear end of the housing to a first outlet at the front end of the housing and a housing defining a second internal flow path extending upstream from a second inlet at the front end to a second outlet at the rear end of the housing;
b) a first pleated filter element positioned within the first internal flow path;
c) a second pleated filter element positioned within the second internal flow path; and
d) a carbon filter disk positioned in the second internal flow path between the second outlet of the rear end of the housing and the second pleated filter element. 10. The filter cartridge of claim 9, wherein a third internal flow path is formed within the housing extending downstream from a third inlet at the rear end of the housing to a third outlet at the front end of the housing. 11. The filter cartridge of claim 10, wherein a non-woven filter element is operably associated with the third internal flow path. 12. The filter cartridge of claim 11, wherein the nonwoven filter element is positioned adjacent the third inlet at the rear end of the housing. 10. The filter cartridge of claim 9, wherein a fluid trap is formed within the housing and operably associated with the second internal flow path. 14. The filter cartridge of claim 13, wherein the fluid trap is positioned between the second inlet at the front end of the housing and the second pleated filter element. 10. The filter cartridge of claim 9, wherein the first inlet, the second outlet and the third inlet are associated with a rear end cap of the housing. 10. The filter cartridge of claim 9, wherein the first outlet, the second inlet and the third outlet are associated with a front end cap of the housing. A filter cartridge for a surgical gas delivery system, comprising:
a) a housing having a front end and a rear end, comprising: a first inlet at the rear end of the housing for delivering pressurized gas from the surgical gas delivery device to a body cavity of a patient; 1 a first internal flow path extending downstream to an outlet, from a second inlet at the front end of the housing to the rear end of the housing, for returning gas from the body cavity of the patient to the surgical gas delivery device. a second internal flow path extending upstream to a second outlet at the housing, and extending downstream from a third inlet at the rear end of the housing to a third outlet at the front end of the housing or from the surgical gas delivery device. a housing defining a third internal flow path that delivers infusing gas to the body cavity of the patient;
b) a first pleated filter element positioned within the first internal flow path for filtering the pressurized gas delivered to the body cavity of the patient;
c) a second pleated filter element positioned within the second internal flow path to filter the pressurized gas returning from the body cavity of the patient;
d) activated carbon positioned in the second internal flow path between the second outlet of the rear end of the housing and the second pleated filter element to remove volatile organic compounds from the gas returning from the body cavity of the patient. filter disc; and
e) a filter cartridge comprising a non-woven filter element positioned within the third internal flow path adjacent the third inlet at the rear end of the housing for filtering the insufflated gas delivered to the body cavity of the patient. . 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a fluid trap is formed within the housing, operably associated with the second internal flow path, and positioned between the second inlet of the front end of the housing and the second pleated filter element. In-filter cartridge. 18. The filter cartridge of claim 17, wherein the first inlet, the second outlet and the third inlet are associated with a rear end cap of the housing. 18. The filter cartridge of claim 17, wherein the first outlet, the second inlet and the third outlet are associated with a front end cap of the housing.