Abstract: An improved surgical needle of the type having a simple main cutting edge extending across the needle and formed by the intersection of two planar surfaces for use in cutting through hard body tissue material. The forward end of the needle includes a relatively small third substantially planar surface having an acute angle of convergence with the axis of the needle and intersecting at substantially equal acute angles with the other two planar surfaces. The surgical needle is preferably curved in the reference plane defined by the main cutting edge and the axis of the needle. Such an improved surgical needle results in an extremely sharp needle with a high resistance to burring.

Abstract: A surgical drainage system is provided for the drainage of fluid from a body cavity which comprises a collection chamber, a U-tube manometer having one arm in fluid communication with the inlet to the collection chamber and a closed chamber in fluid communication with the other arm of the U-tube manometer. There is provided a rupturable container of liquid within one arm of the U-tube manometer such that when pressure is applied to the container a weakened seal breaks, thus allowing the liquid within the container to flow into the lower connected arms of the U-tube manometer. The U-tube manometer provides a visual indication of changes of pressure in the body cavity by oscillation of the liquid in the manometer. There is further provided a one way valve between the collection chamber and the inlet to the collection chamber. The one way valve permits fluids to flow from the body cavity into the collection chamber but prevents backflow of any higher pressure gas that might exist in the collection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expansion chamber that can be attached to a conventional underwater drainage device used for draining a body cavity. The attaching means permits the expansion chamber to be quickly attached to the drainage device and when attached to become rigidly and securely connected thereto. The connecting means comprises fitting engageable male and female rails, one of which is connected along its side and extends from the expansion chamber and the other of which is connected along its side and extends from the drainage device. A connecting chamber is rigidly attached at one end thereof to the top of the expansion chamber and extends longitudinally therefrom. Depending from the other end and securely mounted thereto is a hollow needle. The needle can engage and penetrate a self-sealing grommet located in the top of the drainage device. In this manner, the drainage device can be used to maintain the same vacuum within the expansion chamber as within the drainage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an underwater drainage apparatus which is adapted to be used for draining a body cavity. The underwater drainage device is provided with two collection chambers in addition to the usual water seal chamber and pressure regulating monometer. The two collection chambers intercommunicate so that the same vacuum is applied to both chambers but a spill over compartment is provided between the two collection chambers to prevent fluid collected in one chamber from passing into the other collection chamber.

Abstract: A surgical drainage system is provided for the drainage of fluid from a body cavity which comprises a first collection compartment, a second compartment, and a connecting passageway for connecting the first and second compartment in fluid communication. The volume of the connecting passageway is insignificant with respect to the second compartment and the connecting passageway provides a visual indication of changes in pressure in the body cavity by reason of oscillation of collected fluid therein.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus for evacuating fluids from cavities including a collection chamber for collecting fluids from the body cavity, a water seal chamber and a pressure regulator chamber. A valve mechanism is provided in the water seal chamber to permit the outflow of gases from the apparatus in the event of a sudden increase in pressure in the device due to respiratory movements or leakage of air.

Abstract: Aqueous detergent solutions of block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having the structure: ##STR1## and an ethylene oxide to propylene oxide ratio of at least 4:1 have been found to be surprisingly useful in the cleansing of contaminated wounds in that they do not impair the wound's ability to resist infection. Surgical scrub solutions of these detergent solutions containing in addition antiseptic agents provide cleansing solutions which both eliminate bacteria and provide the desired cleansing action without impairing the wound's ability to resist infection.