Abstract: A surgical irrigation system utilizing a flow sensor device; upon sensing fluid flow, the flow sensor device activates a fluid acceleration or pumping mechanism to pump fluid to a surgical site; the flow sensor device is capable of being conveniently located between an elevated source of fluid and a surgical handpiece; since the flow sensor device activates the pumping mechanism, the surgical handpiece is liberated from use of an electrical-type switch to activate the pumping mechanism, and, instead, is provided with a valve for mechanically starting and stopping fluid flow.

Abstract: An improved surgical suction/irrigation probe assembly is provided. The unique suction/irrigation probe assembly comprises a handpiece configured to accept a source of irrigation fluid and a source of vacuum or suction. Further, the handpiece provides a means for a surgeon to select either irrigation fluid or suction. Moreover, the handpiece has an outlet region capable of accepting a rotatable adaptor. The assembly further comprises a rotatable adaptor which is capable of being placed into engagement with the outlet region of the handpiece. Further, a shaft and fitting assembly is provided which is snapped into the rotatable adaptor and which shaft is utilized to supply either irrigation fluid or suction to a surgical site.

Abstract: A seal is adapted for use with a suction and/or irrigation device to prevent fluid flow through a flow passage defined in the device when an instrument is inserted therethrough. The seal includes a wall traversing the flow passage. A peripheral portion of the wall occupies a plane substantially perpendicular to of the flow passage and a central portion of the wall extends away from that plane in a direction toward the device's opening. The central portion of the wall is pierceable by an instrument and the central portion is adapted for sealing contact with an external surface of the instrument upon such insertion. A seal assembly and a suction-irrigation device are also described.