Abstract: A fluid sensor apparatus for monitoring fluid in a container. The fluid sensor apparatus comprises a housing having an upper hook extending from a top thereof to allow the housing to be suspended. A lower hook is telescopically received in the housing and extends from a bottom thereof. The lower hook is adapted for suspending a fluid container therefrom. The lower hook is movable relative to the housing. A cam member is located inside the housing and is movable relative thereto. The cam member is coupled to an upper end of the lower hook. The cam member has a stepped gradation. A biasing member is coupled between a lower shoulder of the cam member and the housing. The biasing member is adapted to apply a force against the cam member to cause the cam member to be biased upward relative to the housing to an upper position. A switch is coupled to the housing and has an actuator located in relation to the stepped gradation of the cam member.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly for a resectoscope and methods for use thereof. The electrode assembly includes at least one electrical lead that connects at a proximal end via a handle of the resectoscope to an electrosurgical generator to receive electrical power. The electrode assembly further includes an electrode tip at a distal end. The electrode tip has a non-rotating, relatively flat, working surface that extends in a longitudinal direction. The tip can be used for ablation or coagulation by using the working surface. The tip includes an edge that can be used for cutting. The working surface includes a pattern that enhances generation of a current therefrom. The electrode tip is versatile so that the same tip can be used for cutting, vaporizing, ablating, and coagulating.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly for a resectoscope includes at least one electrical lead that connects at a proximal end via a handle of the resectoscope to an electrosurgical generator to receive electrical power. The electrode assembly further includes an electrode tip at a distal end. The electrode tip has a surface that includes at least one aperture and preferably multiple apertures that extend through the tip. The aperture serves to increase the area of the electrode tip relative to its mass thereby increasing the performance of the electrode for cutting, ablating, vaporizing, or coagulating tissue. The electrode tip performs these functions with relatively lower power requirements compared to conventional resectoscope electrodes.

Abstract: A tubing set and method for use with a system for providing pressurized fluid from a fluid source to a surgical site. The system includes a fluid source, a length of flexible tubing having one end connected to the fluid source and another end connected to a surgical instrument, and a peristaltic type pump into which a middle portion of flexible tubing is positioned so that the peristaltic type pump can pump fluid from the source to the surgical instrument by bearing on the exterior of the tubing. The improved tubing set also includes a by-pass section of tubing connected between the tubing inlet and the tubing outlet in parallel with the middle portion of the flexible tubing. The by-pass section provides pressure relief to the system so that pressure in the tubing will not build up distally of the location of the peristaltic pump.

Abstract: A tubing set for connecting a source of irrigating fluid to an intraoperative surgical instrument having a fluid delivery passage therein. The tubing set includes a first section having an inlet for connection to the source of irrigating fluid, a second section having an outlet for connection to the intraoperative medical instrument, and a pump connected between the first section and the second section. A valve is located between the inlet and the outlet and restricts flow so that flow is in a direction from the inlet toward the outlet. The tubing set can deliver a continuous flow or trickle of fluid from the source of irrigating fluid to the medical instrument and can deliver a bolus of fluid to the surgical instrument upon operation of the pump.

Abstract: An irrigation system and method for providing fluid from a source of irrigating fluid to a surgical site, in particular a surgical site access to which is provided by a small incision or a natural orifice of the body. The irrigation system includes a control unit that is used with a cassette. The control unit includes a motor under the control of a controller, a sensor for sensing the flow of fluid in the cassette, a sensor for sensing pressure in the cassette, and a user control panel. The cassette includes a fluid flow passageway having an inlet connected to the source of irrigating fluid and an outlet for providing fluid to the surgical site. A pump located in the cassette is driven by the motor. The pump has limited efficiency when presented with back pressure to thereby limit to a safe level an amount of pressure that can be delivered to the surgical site. The system may be used to irrigate or distend a surgical site.

Abstract: A pressure controlling system for an insufflator includes a plurality of parallel connected, solenoid controlled valves. Each valve has in series therewith a gas flow limiter with the limiters arranged in digital succession. The valves are in parallel with one another and in series with the gas flow line so that solenoid opening of one or more of the valves controls gas flow in an on-off fashion with gas flow continuing through the respective flow limiting means to determine total flow rate in a digital manner.

Abstract: An invasive lithotripter includes a pair of electrodes having rectangular cross sections, and having flat faces of rectangular configuration confronting one another. An insulating member is interposed between the electrodes and spaces them apart a predetermined distance. The insulating member at its forward edge is relieved to provide portions of the electrode flat faces exposed and confronting one another to permit an electrical spark to jump between the exposed portions of the electrode faces. The relieved portion comprises a reflector having a focus point. The portions of the electrodes facing one another across the relieved area are provided with protuberances aligned with the focus point. A spark across the exposed portions of the faces of the electrodes in an aqueous medium generates a shockwave that is focused by the reflector. A shield surrounds and extends beyond the electrode and the insulating member to inhibit radial propagation of shockwave energy while enhancing axial propagation thereof.