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Smokeaway:a Novel Integrated Instrument For Smoke Evacuation Electrocautery And Targeted Illumination In Mini-thoracotomy Surgery
AAKASH DINESH JOSHI, MCH.
UN MEHTA INSTITUTE OF CARDIOLOGY AND RESEARCH, AHMEDABAD, India.
BackgroundMinimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) via mini-thoracotomy is often challenged bylimited exposure, smoke accumulation from electrocautery, and dependence on externalillumination sources. These factors may impede surgical precision, prolong operative time,and require continuous assistance. To address these limitations, we developed SmokeAway,a three‑in‑one handheld device integrating high‑efficiency smoke evacuation, precisionelectrocautery, and focused LED illumination specifically designed for minimally invasivecardiac and thoracic procedures.
MethodsSmokeAway was conceptualized as a slender, ergonomically designed instrumentcompatible with mini-thoracotomy access. Engineering design focused on three integratedcomponents: (1) a coaxial smoke‑evacuation channel with a focused intake port, (2) amonopolar electrocautery tip suitable for dissection and hemostasis, and (3) a micro‑LED light source providing forward directed illumination. Prototype simulation was performedusing thoracic cavity models to assess smoke clearance efficiency, illumination spread,ergonomic handling, and operative workflow improvement compared with standardseparate suction, cautery, and light-source instruments.
ResultsInitial simulations demonstrated a 65% reduction in visual obstruction from smokecompared with standard suction use, with continuous evacuation allowing uninterruptedelectrocautery. Illumination coverage improved field visibility by approximately 40%compared with external light sources in a mini-thoracotomy model. Surgeons reportedimproved instrument control, reduced clutter at the operative site, and enhanced workflowdue to the consolidation of three functions into a single device. The integrated designeliminated the need for an assistant to repeatedly reposition suction or light instrumentsduring critical steps.
ConclusionsSmokeAway is a promising multifunctional instrument that simplifies minimally invasivecardiac surgical workflow by combining smoke evacuation, electrocautery, and targetedillumination. Early simulation testing suggests improved field clarity, reduced instrumentcongestion, and enhanced surgeon autonomy. Further prototype refinement and clinical validation are planned to assess its intraoperative safety, efficacy, and potential forwidespread adoption in MICS.
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