Abstract: A fast response vacuum aspiration collection system includes a pair of sealed collection containers, one container having a significantly smaller volume. The larger container is connected to a fixed vacuum source, the smaller container is connected to a controlled, variable vacuum source, and the containers are connected together by an exchange line passing through a normally closed first pinch valve. A surgical probe line is connected to the exchange line, and extends through a normally closed second pinch valve to an aspirating surgical instrument. The controlled vacuum applied to the smaller container is conducted through the exchange line and the surgical line to the surgical instrument, with the small volume of the small container quickly assuming the vacuum level applied to that container.