Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection and handling of pathological tissue specimens during evacuative medical procedures, wherein a source of vacuum is used to draw material from a body cavity and into a collection bottle (22). In accordance with the invention, a tissue trap (21) is placed in advance of the collection bottle for filtering out and collecting tissue specimens prior to entry of the evacuated material into the collection bottle. At the end of an operative procedure, the tissue trap is removed from the system and used as a container for handling and transporting the tissue specimens, thereby avoiding the necessity of direct contact with the specimens by medical workers during the collection and transport thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, the collection bottle is disposable and includes a pour spout for emptying the contents prior to disposal of the bottle.

Abstract: Negative pressure to accelerate flashback is formed by selective deformation of an elastomeric bladder. The bladder and a next adjacent cam means are enclosed in a housing, penetrated by a slide or roller engaging the cam surface. As the slide or roller moves along the cam surface, the bladder is selectively deformed first to close, then to evacuate distally and then to reopen at a negative differential pressure.

Abstract: A pair of compressible, hinged opposing arms enclose a bladder chamber, which in turn is coupled to the catheter. As the arms are compressed together, successive pivot fulcra close, in turn first pinching and closing, and then opening the bladder to create negative differential pressure against the catheter, and promoting flashback.