Importance

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Abstract

A smoke evacuator system for use during laser surgery is disclosed. In the case of a laser laparoscope, the laparoscope is provided with a conduit and fitting to provide CO.sub.2 gas through the laparoscope for distension purposes. The laser laparoscope is coupled to a special trocar that has exhaust holes near the tip (inside the body cavity) that are connected via conduit to an external fitting (outside the body cavity) to allow a vacuum source to draw smoke and CO.sub.2 gas out of the body cavity. The smoke evacuator system can use either a built-in vacuum pump or an external vacuum source such as that typically provided in an operating room. Electronics are provided which detect the activation of the cutting laser beam of the laser laparoscope, and activate the smoke evacuator system accordingly. In this manner the smoke evacuator system is turned on automatically each time the surgeon activates the cutting laser beam of the laser laparoscope. This smoke evacuation system has the advantages of not requiring an addition incision and not requiring additional personnel to operate the system.

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First Claim