The invention introduces a hollow fiber membrane-based low-delta P bioaerosol filter designed to remove aerosol, bioaerosol containing virus including Covid, and bacteria, smoke, tissue fragments from a gas stream arising from exposure to one or more of the above contaminants, one important example being pneumoperitoneum gas stream (exhaust gas) from a minimally invasive surgical procedure like laparoscopy. This filter aims to protect healthcare providers by filtering out harmful bioaerosols effectively.
Figure (1) Schematic of actual use of our Hollow fiber membrane based bioaerosol filter in operation theater during laparoscopic surgery.
Current surgical environments, especially during laparoscopic procedures, expose healthcare workers to potentially harmful bioaerosols, which include viruses and surgical smoke. Existing filtration solutions, like HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, are not suitable due to their high pressure drop, which can be problematic in surgeries like laparoscopic surgeries as high pressure drop means high pressure in the abdomen which can cause barotrauma.
Effective Filtration: Capable of removing fine particulate matter including viruses, providing a safer surgical environment by the use of
- Hollow Fiber Membranes: Utilizes polymeric hollow fiber membranes for filtration, optimizing surface area for efficient aerosol and bioaerosol capture
- Cross-Flow Configuration: Employs a cross-flow mechanism through the lumen of the fibers, enhancing the capture efficiency of bioaerosols
Low Risk: Reduces the risk of complications from high abdominal pressures during laparoscopic surgery due to
- Low Delta-P: Designed to operate with a minimal pressure drop, suitable for use in surgical environments where low pressure is crucial
- Simple Integration: Compatible with existing surgical systems without the need for extensive modifications or high-power requirements
- Single-Use Design: Intended for one-time use, ensuring sterility and preventing cross- contamination
The prototype is a circular-helical configuration of the numerous membranes in an external housing. The prototype provides the tortuous path and the centrifugal force to attract the wet aerosol particles present in the surgical environment. When the aerosol containing viruses come in contact with the lumen of hollow fiber membrane having pores present in numerous fibers, the viruses get entrapped in the lumen of the membrane due to its large surface area and the air or gas free of bacteria/virus exit the module as retentate.
Currently the prototype for the technology features an arrangement of hollow fiber membranes configured to demonstrate efficient bioaerosol capture at low pressure drops. The system has been tested under conditions mimicking those found in laparoscopic surgeries to validate its effectiveness and operational safety
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The product significantly improves air quality in surgical environments, thereby enhancing healthcare safety by protecting both healthcare workers and patients from airborne contaminants. It also supports compliance with new health regulations aimed at reducing smoke in operating rooms. Furthermore, it introduces a new standard for air filtration in medical settings, particularly benefiting minimally invasive surgical techniques through its innovative approach.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Biomedical Research Laboratories, Healthcare and Medical Facilities
- Surgical Safety: Enhances air quality in operating rooms, particularly during minimally invasive procedures.
- Healthcare Worker Protection: Reduces exposure to harmful substances, thereby protecting the health of surgical teams.
- Compliance with Health Regulations: Meets emerging standards for surgical smoke evacuation, aligning with health safety regulations.
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