Abstract: A wound evacuator is provided with a discharge valve assembly which permits body fluid contained within the wound evacuator to be drained to a collection bag. The discharge valve assembly is also designed to minimize leakage of body fluid when the collection bag is separated from the wound evacuator.

Abstract: Processes for treating polymeric surfaces to produce smooth, durable, slippery coatings which are able to withstand the rigors of sterilization and, long term exposure to human blood and other bodily fluids without substantial loss of their slipperiness. An article or device suitable as a wound drainage device coated in accordance with the process described is also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for treating polymeric surfaces to produce smooth, durable, slippery coatings which are able to withstand the rigors of sterilization and, long term exposure to human blood and other bodily fluids without substantial loss of their slipperiness.

Abstract: An irrigation system for arthroscopy of a joint includes a high pressure bleed valve assembly and a monitor check valve assembly to control fluid communication to the joint via suitable tubing for the purposes of directing fluid inflow, joint fluid pressure monitoring, and to assist with connection of the tubing for an arthroscope and cannula inserted into the joint. The high pressure bleed valve assembly is pressure responsive to direct fluid to the joint via alternative paths.

Abstract: A dermatome blade assembly includes a first part defining a cutting edge and a second part adapted for reciprocating attachment with a dermatome. The second part is made from a light weight bearing like plastic to minimize vibration and resistance to movement for the blade assembly during operation.

Abstract: A cannula assembly provides for fluid inflow at a scope end and to clear debris from the scope. An end fitting of the cannula assembly directs fluid flow in the direction of the scope end and also sealingly engages the scope to prevent fluid leakage.

Abstract: A lavage/suction tip comprising an elongated barrel with a first pliable conical shield extending outwardly from the distal tip of the barrel and a second substantially rigid conical shield which is slidable upon the barrel. The lavage/suction tip is utilized to provide irrigating fluid to a surgical site while providing suction to remove fluids and debris away from the surgical site. The first shield helps to eliminate splashback of the fluid. The second shield may be positioned to surround the first shield to provide firm support about the first shield, yet with a flexible, pliable tip perimeter. Alternatively, the second shield may be secured on the tip spaced away from the first shield so that the pliable first shield is used alone and may be easily, manually formed to more closely match the tip of the first shield to the working area or surface of the surgical site.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a body coupled to a tube and a resilient sleeve cooperates with the tube and body to vent the interior of the tube when fluid pressure therein reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A mechanism, such as a motor driving a pump, creates a pulsating fluid flow. A sensor senses an operating condition of the system and provides a signal representative of the condition. A controller responsive to the signal controls the pulsating fluid flow mechanism in a predetermined manner in accordance with the condition sensed. In one aspect the sensor is a pressure transducer which senses when a throttle valve on a lavage head shuts off or turns on the fluid flow and provides a signal to a controller which shuts off or turns on the motor. In another aspect the sensor is a thermistor which senses the temperature of the motor and provides a signal for controlling the power input to the motor to compensate for the effect of temperature on the performance of the motor.

Abstract: A wound evacuator comprises a pair of walls which are pushed apart by springs to generate suction in a cavity. A strap coupled to one of the walls includes a plug to close an outlet, a slot cooperating with a peg on the one wall to retain the strap adjacent the one wall and a tab to prevent contact by an individual with the plug upon removal and reinsertion of the plug in the outlet.

Abstract: A mechanism, such as a motor driving a pump, creates a pulsating fluid flow. There is a control for varying the pulsation frequency independently of the fluid pressure or rate of flow. Another control varies the pressure or rate of fluid flow independently of the frequency of pulsation. Separate pulsatile lavage, irrigation, and aspiration functions are provided. In another aspect, the mechanism for producing the pulsating flow includes a fluid driving means, such as a reciprocating pump, and there is a means for varying the length of stroke of the driving means.

Abstract: A lavage system including a motor having a drive member, a pump housing having a door, a pump having a pump body and a driven member, a means for coupling the motor drive member and the pump driven member, and a means activated by the closing of the housing door for gripping the pump body and securing it within the pump housing. The gripping and securing means includes a pair of fingers which pass through a portion of the pump body, and a wedge on the door which forces the fingers apart and against the pump body when the door is closed. The means for coupling the drive member and the driven member and the gripping and securing means are engageable by the pump along the same direction for ease of insertion of the pump in the housing.

Abstract: A chest drainage device is provided for draining fluid from a chest cavity. The drainage device has three chambers; a collection chamber, a liquid seal chamber, and a pressure regulating manometer chamber. The pressure regulating chamber includes a first column which has its upper end adapted to be open to communicate with the atmosphere, and a second column, which has a substantially larger cross-sectional area than the first column. A passage connects the bottom ends of the first and second columns to each other, so that the pressure regulating chamber is substantially U-shaped. In operation, air bubbles up through a body of liquid in the larger second column which produces a disturbing sound. The present invention provides a means for muffling this sound. The muffling means includes an elongated tube inside of and extending along the length of the first column of the pressure regulating chamber.

Abstract: A linear motor drives a reciprocating pump to produce a flow of lavage fluid. In the preferred embodiment the motor is a moving coil linear motor and the coil is attached to one plate of a drive member comprising a pair of circular plates connected by three shafts that slide in bearings passing through the motor core. Springs having varying coil spacing are seated between the plates and motor core to variably damp the motor's motion, with the strongest damping at the ends of its reciprocating stroke.

Abstract: A self-contained, independently operable closed wound suction evacuator which is comprised of a box-like internal body structure disposed within a fluid tight, flexible outer pouch. The pouch includes an inlet/outlet valve for providing communication between the interior of the pouch and the atmosphere of the interior of the pouch and a drainage tube. The box-like internal body structure is capable of being in an engaged position or in a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the internal box-like structure can remain in a flat condition without causing the tensioning member to be stretched or activated. When ready for use, the internal structure can be manually expanded into its box-like structure. When fully expanded the internal structure will become engaged, hence engaging the tensioning member. Subsequent compression of the internal structure to its flat position stretches the tensioning member and activates the evacuator.

Abstract: A linear motor comprising a moveable coil, a stationary core in which the coil moves, and a drive member including a shaft and a bearing, the shaft moveable in the bearing and passing through the core. In the preferred embodiment, the drive member includes a pair of circular plates connected by three shafts that slide in bearings passing through the motor core, with the coil attached to the periphery of one of the plates. Springs having varying coil spacing are seated between the plates and the motor core to damp the motor's motion, with the strongest damping at the ends of its reciprocating stroke.