Abstract: A trans anal irrigation device that can be used on a bed. The device includes a rectal catheter connected to an irrigation fluid supply. A waste collection bag is also connected to the catheter. The catheter may be insertable in a seat attached to a fluid supply line. A valve in one of the catheter or seat selectably allows or prevents fluid communication between the catheter and a waste collection bag. The catheter may include an inflationless cuff made of a flexible material that permits it to be inserted in the rectum to prevent leakage around the exterior of the catheter.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods are provided for allowing surgical instruments to access a body cavity through an access device, such as a cannula. In one embodiment, a cap can be removably and replaceably coupled to a proximal end of cannula and can have an opening therethrough that communicates with an inner passageway of the cannula. Various surgical elements can be passed through the cap and cannula and into a patient when the cannula is positioned within the patient. The cap can have a side slot formed therein. The slot can be configured to allow surgical elements, such as sutures, to pass through the cap and into the cannula. At least one surgical seal can be in the cap and can be configured to receive surgical elements therethrough.

Abstract: The fluid controller includes a fluid control module and an external control module. The fluid control module includes a control valve on a flow channel, a valve driver circuit that drives the control valve, a fluid meter on a flow channel, and a first processor that processes a signal output from the fluid meter. The external control module includes a second processor that processes a signal output from the first processor. The second processor outputs a valve control signal according to the signal of the fluid meter output from the first processor, the valve control signal is directly input to the valve driver circuit without through the first processor, and the valve driver circuit outputs a voltage that drives the control valve according to the valve control signal from the second processor.

Abstract: A pinch valve configuration may include a pinch valve comprising a valve body, a valve plunger, and a fluidic tubing pinch passage defined between a tubing seat of the valve body and an operative end of the valve plunger. The pinch valve configuration may further include a Hall effect sensor assembly comprising a stationary element anchored to the valve body and a motive element anchored to the valve plunger. The pinch valve configuration additionally includes a failure prediction module in communication with the Hall effect sensor assembly. The failure prediction module is programmed to process an output signal of the Hall effect sensor assembly as a displacement reading, to compare the displacement reading with a failure prediction threshold, and to generate a failure prediction signal from the comparison of the displacement reading with the failure prediction threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose clamp for a blood treatment device, wherein the hose clamp has a housing (4) and an electromagnetically driven compression piece (1), with the electromagnetic drive of the compression piece (1) being configured such that the compression piece (1) is opened against a mechanical restoring force (A) in a state of the hose clamp with an applied current and is closed by the mechanical restoring force (A) in a currentless state of the hose clamp; wherein the hose clamp has, in addition to the electromechanical drive, a mechanical actuator (5) with which the compression piece (1) can be opened manually against the mechanical restoring force (A) in the currentless state of the hose clamp; and wherein the contact elements (6, 7) of the actuator (5) and of the compression piece (1) are configured such that they form a mechanical connection between the actuator (5) and the compression piece (1) after an opening of the compression piece (1) in the currentless state, said connection prevent

Abstract: A valve for use in connection with microfluidic devices includes a safety feature such that flow is controlled even in the case of a loss of power, thus having applications in critical applications such as the precise delivery of drugs overtime. The valve may be used in connection with multiple tubes delivering drugs, and may be used with a pump, such as an electrochemical pump, to provide the force to move the fluids containing drugs for delivery. In certain applications, more than one medicine may be delivered and metered independently using a single pump with multiple reservoirs and valves.

Abstract: An improved pinch valve includes a camshaft and associated cam(s) controlling the position of a pivotally-mounted first pinch arm and an opposed, pivotally-mounted second pinch arm. The respective pinch arms are provided symmetrically about a central plane which contains an axis of the camshaft. A spring extends across the central plane and interconnects the respective pinch arms so as to urge both pinch arms towards the central plane. A mechanical advantage lever is provided such that the pinching force is greater than the spring force.

Abstract: An occluder, and methods for occlusion, that employs first and second opposed occluding members associated with each other, a tube contacting member connected to, or comprising at least a portion of, at least one of the first and second occluding members, and a force actuator constructed and positioned to apply a force to at least one of the first and second occluding members. Application of the force by the force actuator may cause the tube contacting member to move between a tube occluding and an open position. A release member may be configured and positioned to enable an operator to manually move the tube contacting member from the tube occluding position to the open position even with no force applied to the at least one of the first and second occluding members by the force actuator.

Abstract: A hemostatic valve device for use in inserting an interventional device into a body lumen of patient is provided. The valve device includes a housing that defines a cavity between first and second end openings. A valve structure is disposed within the cavity, and defines a variable diameter channel for receiving the interventional device. The valve structure can include discrete layers of material, such as a sealing layer and a contractible layer such as a biaxial braided layer. The end of the valve structure is movable relative to the fixed end so that the longitudinal passageway of the valve structure varies in diameter and axial length to form a seal against an interventional device inserted within the passageway. An operable element is coupled to the movable end and is actuated by the end user to open and close the valve structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing pressure variations in a fluid flowing in an aspiration branch of a surgical system, which pressure variations are generated by a pump that delivers in a non-continuous manner in the active operating state, with a diffuser arrangement which is arranged, in the aspiration branch, upstream of the pump in the direction of flow of the fluid. The invention also relates to a surgical system, in particular an ophthalmic microsurgical system for lens surgery.

Abstract: A handheld tool for providing irrigation and/or suction is provided. In certain embodiments, the tool has a single cannula for providing both suction and irrigation, while in others there are separate suction and irrigation cannulas. In some embodiments, flush water is supplied by actuating a flush button which both pinches closed a suction hose and opens a flush hose. If present, the irrigation cannula may be opened by actuating an irrigation button. In certain embodiments, the irrigation and/or flush button may be provided with blade tips to pinch closed the irrigation or flush hoses in cooperation with a blade extending from the tool housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various device embodiments providing for single-handed operation of dual fluid injection or fluid injection/aspiration. The inventions further contemplate methods of using the devices using real-time imaging technologies. The single-handed device has structures for selectively applying two or more sources of positive or negative pressure through an attachable needle for said dual fluid injections or aspiration.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: A dual pump irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The system monitors actual or calculated intra-articular pressure and adjusts flow to maintain surgeon requested pressure at the surgical site while controlling outflow. The irrigation/aspiration pump system has an inflow pump and tubing dedicated to communicating fluid to the surgical work site and an outflow pump and tubing dedicated to removing fluid from the work site at a controlled rate. The system further has different size inflow and outflow pumps and tubing cassettes, means for altering the outflow fluid flow rate to accommodate a surgical tool and a means for declogging the surgical tool in the event of blockage. In a preferred embodiment a pressure control system provides inferred pressure information representative of the pressure at the work site.

Abstract: Transfer sets are disclosed in the present patent. The transfer set provides a connection between a source of peritoneal dialysis fluid and a patient for whom peritoneal dialysis has been prescribed. The transfer sets disclosed herein are smaller and provide a more compact and convenient device by which a dialysis patient controls the flow of dialysis fluid to and from the peritoneum of the patient. The devices are more compact and convenient because they include more convenient mechanisms for starting and stopping flow of the dialysis fluid. It is also easy to determine whether the mechanism is in a closed or open configuration by simply looking at the mechanism.

Abstract: An improved method and equipment for tissue/vessel sealing is disclosed for the sealing, coagulation and transection of tissue during surgical procedures. The improvement is accomplished through better management of heat and moisture present during tissue treatment by having tissue grasping surfaces comprised of an outer non-conducting region and an inner conductive region, and including channels in the jaw assembly to direct steam and moisture away from surrounding tissue. The outer region follows the perimeter each jaw, isolating the treatment zone and preventing steam and excess heat from leaving the tissue treatment zone, reducing thermal margins and unintended patient burns. The outer region also prevents surrounding moisture from affecting the treatment zone and allowing more consistent results.

Abstract: An access apparatus for use during a surgical procedure to provide access to the interior of the body includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end for being disposed at an exterior side of the body and a distal end for extending into the interior of the body. The access member has a bore therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an object. A seal is disposed within the bore of the access member. The seal includes a fabric material and an elastomeric material, and defines an internal passageway dimensioned to form a substantial sealing relation with an object inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A pump system including a pump, an inflow cassette and an outflow cassette. The inflow cassette has a damping flexible membrane covering a damping region configured to dampen pressure pulsations in washing fluid passing through the damping region. The pump has a plurality of individually actionable pressing members that can each be individually actuated to pinch one of a plurality of suction tubes of the outflow cassette to at least partially prevent fluid flow through the one of the plurality of the suction tubes.

Abstract: A flow controller controls flow through a deformable conduit by compressing the conduit. The conduit may be compressed along a section of its length. The controller may include a cam driven by an actuator, the cam driving a clamp to compress the conduit. The actuator may be a dial. The cam may be shaped such that the flow rate varies linearly with rotation of the dial. The controller may include a clicker to allow the controller to be set in a number of different positions, allowing ease of adjustment and preventing drift or accidental adjustment of the flow rate.

Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a body having a base and an arcuate body portion secured to the base. The arcuate body portion defining at least one opening dimensioned to receive a tubular member having a lumen. The clamping assembly further includes a slide member adapted to slide along the arcuate portion between an open position and a closed position. The slide member is movable along the arcuate body portion to compress the tubular member received within the body against the base to obstruct the lumen of the tubular member when the slide member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: (i) a dialysate pump; (ii) a patient line having a connector configured to be attached to a peritoneal patient part; (iii) an extracorporeal circuit; (iv) a blood pump in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; (v) a blood filter in fluid communication with the extracorporeal circuit; and (vi) a control unit configured and arranged to selectively perform a therapy which (a) the blood pump is deactivated and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate through the patient line or (b) the blood pump is activated to pump blood to the blood filter and the dialysate pump is caused to pump dialysate to the filter/extracorporeal circuit and/or remove fluid from the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pinch clamp that includes a support leg member and a coupling leg member, which are interconnected by a curved portion, and a generally upwardly extending anchor portion having at least one anchoring flange located at the distal end of the anchor portion. The pinch clamp also contains at least one tabular member which extends outward from the anchor portion, which facilitates opening of the pinch clamp.

Abstract: An improved anchor system and method for holding an intravenous catheter to the patient's body that is easier to clean. The system includes an intravenous catheter having a main line, a yoke attached to the main line, an elastic band made of non-porous material, and a neck lanyard with a clamp. During use, the elastic band is positioned around the two lumens and twisted into a figure eight configuration, forming two loops. Each lumen is extended into one of the elastic band's two loops. The lanyard's clamp is then attached to the crossover section of the elastic band located between the two loops. The elastic band is sufficient in size and resiliency so that when the clamp is released, each loop may be stretched so the lumens may be removed so the elastic band may be replaced.

Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member defines a first lumen dimensioned to non-rotatably engage a first portion of a tubular member. Rotating the first clamping member effects a rotation of the first portion of the tubular member. The second clamping member defines a second lumen dimensioned to non-rotatably engage a second portion of the tubular member. Rotating the second clamping member in relation to the first clamping member rotates the second portion of the tubular member in relation to the first portion of the tubular member to twist the tubular member to restrict flow through the tubular member.

Abstract: A clamp guard for securing to flexible tubing such as catheters and their extension tubes and about a clamp therealong for housing the clamp at least when the clamp is in a tubing-clamping state, to prevent inadvertent contact of the clamp by a foreign body and undesirable unclamping of the clamp. The clamp guard is removable from around the clamp when desired.

Abstract: Transfer sets are disclosed in the present patent. The transfer set provides a connection between a source of peritoneal dialysis fluid and a patient for whom peritoneal dialysis has been prescribed. The transfer sets disclosed herein are smaller and provide a more compact and convenient device by which a dialysis patient controls the flow of dialysis fluid to and from the peritoneum of the patient. The devices are more compact and convenient because they include more convenient mechanisms for starting and stopping flow of the dialysis fluid. It is also easy to determine whether the mechanism is in a closed or open configuration by simply looking at the mechanism.

Abstract: Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.

Abstract: A closed system irrigation connector for use with both 3-way and 2-way urinary catheters is disclosed. The connector fits all urinary catheters and accepts continuous irrigation sets as well as all bulb, piston, and Toomey catheter tip irrigation syringes. The connector eliminates the use of catheter plugs and reduces the mess and leakage often associated with present urinary catheter irrigation procedures. The connector converts an open procedure to a closed system procedure protecting the patient from outside contamination to reduce urinary tract infections as well as the clinician from potentially infectious body fluids. It comprises an assembly of a plastic housing with an internal silicone diaphragm slit valve and a plastic entrance port that are unitized in assembly by sonic welding. The entrance port forms a tapered wedge lock engagement with irrigation sets as well as catheter tip irrigation syringes.

Abstract: An improved parallel-acting roller clamp is disclosed, for regulating fluid flow through a deformable plastic tube with improved control of fluid flow rate. The roller clamp achieves this improved performance by configuring a tapered relief groove formed in the clamp's bottom wall to have a reduced taper angle in the clamp's low-flow region. This minimizes variations in flow rate over time, due to cold flow, or creep, of the pinched, deformable plastic tube.

Abstract: A system for the movement of fluids into and out of a surgical field is provided with a control module manipulated by a user; a valve controlled by the user via the control module, the valve controlling flow of a fluid; and a tube set having a proximal branch and a distal branch, wherein the proximal branch is opened and closed by the valve and at least a portion of the distal branch being flexible and a distal tip of the distal branch configured for manipulation within a surgical field. The valve is disposed at a distance to the surgical field and allows free access to tube by the user. Separate proximal branches for suction, irrigation, and insufflation are provided. One or more distal branches may be provided.

Abstract: A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.

Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.

Abstract: An eye treatment system includes an eye treatment probe and a console. The console has a cassette receptacle and a fluid drive system including a first peristaltic drive rotor and a second peristaltic drive rotor. The first and second drive rotors are exposed to the receptacle and are substantially coaxial. The cassette includes a cassette body and a fluid pathway network for coupling the fluid drive system of the console with the probe. The cassette body has cassette positioning surface for fittingly engaging the receptacle. The fluid pathway network has a first resilient tubing segment and a second resilient tubing segment, the first and second tubing segments are configured for peristaltic driving engagement by the first and second rotors, respectively, when the cassette is mounted to the console. Various elements of the cassette are configured for interfacing with the components of the console when the cassette is mounted to the console.

Abstract: The invention lies in the domain of medical technology and relates to a method and devices, which permit a patient to control and dose the administration of a liquid medicament from a container via a tube (4) and a catheter into the vascular system, by regulating the rate of flow of the medicament by means of a variable clamping of the tube ranging from a total block to a complete release and/or by regulating specific flow periods. To achieve this, a dosing element, preferably in the form of a mechanical rocker control switch (3), comprising a rocker (10) is put onto the tube (4), whereby the rocker (10) pivots about the rocker axis (13) pressing against the tube with its longitudinal end, by means of an adjusting coil spring (9), the flow cross-section of the tube (4) is regulated by an adjusting screw (8) on the adjusting coil spring (9) and the medicament flow through the tube (4) can also be regulated by a manually operated trigger switch (11).

Abstract: A clamp guard (10,110,210, . . . ) for securing to flexible tubing (50) such as catheters and their extension tubes and about a clamp (60) therealong for housing the clamp at least when the clamp is in a tubing-clamping state, to prevent inadvertent contact of the clamp by a foreign body and undesirable unclamping of the clamp. The clamp guard is removable from around the clamp when desired.

Abstract: A high flow volume nasal irrigation device for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow includes a segmented dip tube with a free end extending inside a squeeze bottle configured to convey a liquid under an elevated chamber pressure from a reservoir therein to a lower pressure outside the bottle. The device also includes an elastic segment at the free end of the tube configured to oscillate about a bending in the segment in response to a differential pressure between an internal pressure and the chamber pressure, the segment having an elastic restoring force in opposition to the bending. The disclosed device further includes a pulsatile portion of the elastic segment configured to close at the segment bending and to reopen under the elastic restoring force and to thus generate a periodic pulsatile fluid flow through the tube with a period corresponding to the elastic segment oscillation.

Abstract: An eye treatment system is configured for performing an ocular surgical procedure and includes an eye treatment probe, a treatment console including a controller, and an eye treatment cassette for coupling the eye treatment probe with the treatment console. The eye treatment probe is configured to provide at least irrigation fluid to, and aspiration of fluid from, a subject eye. The cassette comprises a cassette body, first and second arcuate ramps, and a holding tank. The cassette has an engagement axis along which elements of the cassette are configured to generally engage with mating elements of the treatment console. The cassette's first arcuate ramp is proximal a first fluidics channel configured to form a first volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console. Also the cassette's second arcuate ramp is proximal a second fluidics channel configured to form a second volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for quickly connecting a handpiece to a pressurized fluid source. A hollow tube on the handpiece is inserted through an aperture in an annular gasket which is held in a chamber in a body. On application of pressurized fluid to the body, the gasket is pressed against the walls of the chamber, and against the tube, thereby channeling the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube. The handpiece is retained in connection with the body by a releasable connector, such as a latch. The handpiece can be removed and replaced by releasing and remaking the connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cardiac vascular occlusion system which includes inner and outer guide catheters and an occluding member disposed on the inner catheter. The occluding member may be deployed from a compressed to an expanded position to limit retrograde blood flow in a body lumen. The occluding member may be used when injecting a contrast agent into the body lumen.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid administration apparatus may include a proximal conduit having a spiked first end for attaching to a reservoir of fluid and a second end, a distal conduit, an intermediate conduit network providing fluid communication from the proximal conduit's second end to the distal conduit and including first and second constituent conduits that provide parallel paths from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit, a flow regulator so engaged with the first constituent conduit as to enable control of fluid flow therethrough, and a pressure-responsive valve so interposed in the second constituent conduit as to permit flow from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit through the second constituent conduit when a fluid pressure difference across the valve exceeds a threshold and to prevent such flow when the difference does not exceed the threshold.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to suppress vacuum surges in a surgical aspiration system is disclosed and claimed. A vacuum surge suppressor includes a first fluid path for coupling to a surgical instrument, and a filter attached to the first fluid path. A flow restrictor is coupled to the filter with the filter disposed upstream of the flow restrictor. The vacuum surge suppressor also includes a second fluid path for coupling to a vacuum pump. The second fluid path is connected to the flow restrictor and disposed downstream of the flow restrictor. The second fluid path defines a path internal pressure. A third fluid path is coupled to the filter and is connected to the second fluid path, bypassing the flow restrictor. A valve in the third fluid path obstructs flow in the third fluid path in response to the path internal pressure.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system for the use in the delivery of medical fluids. The medical fluid delivery system may include a pumping system, a disposable medical fluid line set and a valve operating system. The disposable tubing line set may include valves adapted to interface with the valve operating system. The valve operating system may be adapted to operate only selected valves using a single drive means. The pumping system may be operated over a wide range of medical fluid delivery rates by employing a bi-directional drive member and a transmission interfaced with the drive member and a pump.

Abstract: A roller clamp is configured to maintain at a prescribed rate the flow rate of a fluid that flows through a tube. The roller clamp includes a tube winding shaft part around which a fluid flow tube is passed and which prevents the setting of the flow rate being disturbed if the tube is subject to a tensional force.

Abstract: Transfer sets are disclosed in the present patent. The transfer set provides a connection between a source of peritoneal dialysis fluid and a patient for whom peritoneal dialysis has been prescribed. The transfer sets disclosed herein are smaller and provide a more compact and convenient device by which a dialysis patient controls the flow of dialysis fluid to and from the peritoneum of the patient. The devices are more compact and convenient because they include more convenient mechanisms for starting and stopping flow of the dialysis fluid. It is also easy to determine whether the mechanism is in a closed or open configuration by simply looking at the mechanism.

Abstract: Catheter systems including one or more flow restrictors are disclosed. The catheter systems may include two or more delivery branches. The delivery branches may be connected to a supply catheter section using a branching catheter connector that may include one or more flow restrictors. The flow restrictors may include a restrictor body located within a lumen with a channel located between the restrictor body and interior surface of the lumen, the channel restricting flow through the lumen past the flow restrictor. The channel may be defined by a groove formed in the restrictor body and/or the interior surface of the lumen. Methods of providing pressure relief by flowing fluid past a flow restrictor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an inflow cartridge and an outflow cartridge removably coupled to the inflow cartridge. An outflow cartridge and a surgical fluid management system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid includes a housing containing a plurality of flow conduits fluidly connecting an inlet and an outlets each of the flow conduits comprising a flow control tube and a resiliently compressive occlusion tube, wherein the flow control tubes are of substantially equal internal diameter. Each of the flow control tubes has a length associated with a different flow rate. A resilient flow-blocking element is operatively associated with each of the occlusion tubes and is movable into a flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube. An actuation mechanism in the housing is operable (a) to selectively engage and move one or more of the flow-blocking elements into the flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube, and (b) to selectively be disengaged from any of the flow-blocking elements.

Abstract: A safety device in a fluid vent conduit for reducing vacuum level in an aspiration conduit of an ophthalmic surgical system. The device includes an orifice having an inlet for receiving a flow of fluid from an irrigation source. The orifice further has an outlet for directing the flow of fluid into the aspiration conduit. The orifice has a cross-sectional area sufficiently large to ensure an acceptable amount of fluid flows into the aspiration conduit, to reduce the vacuum level in the aspiration conduit, to an acceptable level in an acceptable amount of time and to provide adequate reflux. The cross-section area is sufficiently small to restrict the flow of fluid to allow enough fluid to continue to flow from the irrigation source to a handpiece at a surgical site.