Abstract: An endoscopic suctioning instrument with variable suction is disclosed. The instrument has a hollow cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, and sliding sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, with the sliding sleeve being coaxial to and closely surrounding and slidingly engaging the hollow cannula. The sliding sleeve has a plurality of lateral holes at its distal end with the lateral holes being spaced along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pinch valve for a flexible conduit is provided. The pinch valve has an arcuate rigid hook, an arcuate rigid pincher, and an actuator. The arcuate rigid hook has an inner surface of a diameter substantially equal to outer diameter of the flexible conduit, wherein the inner surface receives the conduit. The arcuate rigid pincher has an outer arcuate surface with a diameter at least as small as the inner diameter of the flexible conduit, and the flexible conduit is located between the arcuate hook and the arcuate rigid pincher. The actuator is coupled to either the hook or the pincher, and moves the hook relative to the pincher relative from a first position to collapse and pinch the flexible conduit therebetween to a second position where said flexible conduit is not collapsed and pinched. Preferably, the actuator is spring loaded so that the conduit is pinched.