Abstract: A vacuum curet having an improved curet tip opening. The curetting opening has a larger open cross section area than heretofore used and a novel shape. The shape includes (a) a central flat portion extending in a plane through the axis of the curet, (b) a cutting edge portion, at the distal end of said central portion, inclined slightly from a plane perpendicular to the axis of the curet toward the proximal end; and (c) a rounded non-cutting portion extending in a curved shape with a preferred radius from the near end of the central portion to the outside of the curet. Use in sampling tissue from the endometrium for diagnostic purpose.

Abstract: A vacuum curet of novel design having a central portion which is tapered and an internal lumen which is preferably also tapered. This provides a curet which is rigid over its central and proximal end (i.e. the end that fits into a vacuum source) and maximal flexibility and small external diameter at its distal end portion. Further advantages of this arrangement are reducing the possibility of perforation (due to the flexibility of the distal end portion), better "feel" (due to the rigidity of the central and proximal end portion), and decreased trauma due to the thin wall thickness of the proximal end portion and a corresponding reduction in outside diameter for a given or required lumen diameter. The lumen of this design may also be mass produced. In an additional embodiment, there is a novel design on the tip openings at the distal end, which further minimizes the possibility of perforation.

Abstract: A medical aspiration system vacuum level indicator. The system preferably to be used for vacuum abortions and diagnostics. It is designed for operation at high vacuum and includes an aspiration collection bottle. The vacuum level indicator comprises an expandable non-porous membrane charged with a pre-determined quantity of gas. The membrane is positioned inside the collection bottle, and provides a visual indication of the vacuum level in the bottle.