Abstract: An improved contraceptive device comprising a condom of conventional shape and material such as latex. A large number of small holes in the condom allow the transfer of hormonal, pheromonal, and other bio-active fluids during sexual intercourse. The cross sectional diameter of the holes is made small enough to impede the passage of human spermatozoa so that the contraceptive function is retained.

Abstract: A suction irrigator, particularly for surgical use, is made as two units of plastics material. One unit is formed by a handle having first and second parallel bores which are coupled respectively to a suction source and a source of irrigating fluid. The other unit comprises a valve assembly the housing of which is formed by injection moulding. The valve assembly has two inlet conduits which are inserted within respective bores in the handle, and an outlet conduit which can be connected to one or the other of the inlet conduits by displacing a valve member. The bores extend along tubular formations in the handle which are linked along most of their length by a land but which are separated by a slit close to the valve. On the handle there is a lip positioned to engage a resilient catch on the valve member and thereby limit its displacement.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber for collection of liquid therein. The system has a housing secured to an upper portion of the receptacle and having opposed ends. The housing has a pair of opposed elongated flexible handle members extending from the housing ends, and a device for interlocking the outer ends of the handle members together to serve as a handle for the receptacle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical aspirator having a transducer supported in a handpiece for generating ultrasonic vibrations which are transmitted to the tip of an operative probe through a transmitting structure including an elongated slender portion which is curved along at least a portion of its length to displace the longitudinal axis of the handpiece from the longitudinal axis of the probe attached to the end of the slender portion of the transmitting member to permit unobstructed vision along the probe. The radius of curvature of the curved portion of the transmitting structure is equal to or greater than 0.7 times the length of the longitudinal waves being transmitted.

Abstract: A sanitary, disposable, gastric lavage closed system is disclosed that quickly and effectively flushes material from a patient's stomach. The system includes an elevated, plastic reservoir bag connected through a feed line having a specified bore range, to a T-connection. A gastric tube is fitted to the T-connection and is adapted for insertion into the patient's stomach. A fixed volume of liquid from the reservoir bag is admitted to the patient by pump or by hand control of the feed line over a short, measured period of time.Material in the patient's stomach is then quickly removed into a disposable container that forms a closed system with the rest of the components.An injection syringe may be employed to inject treatment materials into the stomach, remove test samples, and maintain the system free of clogged material.An attachment for colonic irrigation and enemas may be employed to replace and/or by-pass the gastric tube.

Abstract: A medical suction device is provided in which a constant force means is utilized to create substantially constant vacuum in a chamber of the suction device, as the device progressively fills with fluid being drawn thereinto from a catheter or the like. The fluid drawn into the chamber of the suction device is selectively dischargeable therefrom into a discardable receptacle that is attached through a drain valve to the chamber. Multiple, folded, discardable receptacles, each connected through a separate drain valve, are connected to the storage chamber of the suction device. The arrangement operates to effect isolation against transmittal of infection. The multiple discardable receptacles accommodate a high volume of discardable material, while the suction device apparatus is of low bulk and is provided with means to prevent exposing the suction chamber to atmosphere, and to atmosphere-borne contamination.

Abstract: A suction drainage device is disclosed which comprises a receptacle communicated with a body cavity via an inlet tube. The receptacle is formed as a bellows, flat receptacle, foil or sheet bag, or foil or sheet tube and the like which can be folded or rolled up. A flexible check valve in the form of a foil or sheet valve, or flutter valve, is disposed inside the receptacle. The inlet tube is provided on a side of one edge of the receptacle so that the receptacle can be rolled up over a long roll path without interference from the valve. The device can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: A suction bottle for medical purposes, having an evacuatable inner chamber and a connection nipple for a drainage tube. The connection nipple opens into a disposable bag whose volume can be increased by vacuum and which is arranged within the inner chamber, the collar of said bag being hermetically clamped against the rim of the mouth of the suction bottle.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive liquid, and a depending annular wall in an upper portion of the receptacle. The system has a valve comprising a cup-shaped member of elastic material having a lower wall extending across the cup-shaped member, an upper annular wall extending from the lower wall, with an upper portion of the valve annular wall being snugly received on a lower portion of the receptacle wall, and a hinge member extending outwardly from the cup-shaped member at one side of the lower wall. The cup-shaped member has a slit extending through the cup-shaped member to the hinge member at a location slightly above the lower wall. The slit defines a valve seat above the lower wall with the lower wall serving as a valve element which may sealingly engage against the seat, with the hinge member connecting the lower wall and valve annular wall.

Abstract: A cover for an ostomy pouch having a drain fitting at the bottom of the pouch. The cover has an opening allowing the pouch to be mounted in the usual manner on the plate worn by the patient. The cover has an integral pocket which receives the drain fitting to prevent irritation of the sensitive portions of the anatomy.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument which provides for directing irrigating fluid to a surgical site through an irrigation passage, and which may also provide for suction of fluid and debris away from the surgical site through an alternate passage. The passages are typically tubing channels which may be attached to various types of tips which are introduced at the surgical site. The handpiece instrument, including the tubing channels, may be totally disposable, or the handpiece may be adapted to allow the external housing to be reusable with only the tubing channels being disposable. Both the suction and irrigation tubing channels may be assembled internally in the handpiece housing, with both suction and irrigation being conveniently controlled with one hand by pinch valves. In an alternate embodiment, the handpiece has external mounts for attaching the suction tube, providing the operator of the handpiece the option of having the suction function attached or detached during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An insert, having a non-heat sealable surface, is affixed to a first thin film wall. The first wall is aligned with a second thin film wall, with the non-heat sealable surface of the insert facing the interior surface of the second wall. The walls are welded along their periphery to form the contour of the pouch. An adhesive-backed label is then welded to the exterior of the second wall. The insert prevents the interior surfaces of the walls from being sealed together as the adhesive-backed label is welded, simplifying the manufacturing process. The non-heat sealable surface of the insert may be composed of a low friction material to facilitate movement of solid waste within the pouch.

Abstract: Apparatus for accomplishing irrigation of the colon and/or other intestinal portions through a stoma including an established path of fluid flow of irrigating liquid from a supply container through a feeding tube into a stoma cone or like structure and further including a peristaltic action monitoring device disposed within the path of fluid flow of irrigating fluid which is structured to indicate, through visual observation, the establishment of peristaltic action in the intestine which tends to reverse the direction of flow of the irrigating fluid and provides proper indication when the flow of the irrigating fluid to the intestine or colon should be stopped.

Abstract: A coupling for an ostomy bag is described. The coupling includes a pair of cylindrical elements which each have a headed pin attachment means mounted on a respective flange. An interdigitation of pins and heads secures the cylindrical elements to one another. One of the coupling elements is adhesively attached to a wearer, and the other coupling element has an ostomy bag attached to it. Thus, an ostomy bag may be readily and securely attached to a user through the use of the present invention.

Abstract: The method of aspirating body tissue and blood from a surgical site along a suction passage having a suction port at an ultrasonically vibrated end of a tool for fragmenting the tissue at the surgical site is improved by introducing an anti-coagulant fluid into the suction passage independently of the suction port.

Abstract: A suction canister assembly comprises a receptacle having an open end. A one-piece, integrally formed enclosed liquid collection container is removably positioned and supported in the receptacle. A port is available for providing suction to the interior of the container, and an opening in the container is available for drawing liquid into the container under suction conditions.A liquid collection container for a suction canister assembly comprises a one-piece sealed, integrally formed flexible bag. The bag has a top portion relatively more rigid than a side portion and has an opening through the top portion and an opening through the side portion.

Abstract: A universal vent device for the pouch of an ostomy appliance. The vent device is attachable to any pouch which has an enclosure wall of relatively thin pliable plastics material or the like. The vent device comprises a housing member for a gas-permeable, liquid absorbent filter element. The housing member has a vent opening leading outwardly therefrom. A connector member is adapted to attach the housing member to the enclosure wall. The connector member is movable into the pouch and has a stem adapted to extend through the enclosure wall. The stem attaches to the housing. The stem has a passage therethrough for communication between the interior of the pouch and the interior of the housing, for flow of gases from the pouch into the housing member. The stem also serves as a conductor of fluids into the pouch for cleaning and deodorizing the pouch.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic surgical aspirator for use in breaking up and removing tissue from an operative site recessed within a tissue body employs an elongated probe having an oval or elliptical cross section to more closely conform to and fit an incision in the tissue and to expose a wider area of tissue to ultrasonic vibrations as the operative tip of the probe is moved over the tissue. An improved method of performing a lensectomy on the human eye using the improved apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a closed body fluid drainage system having a fluid retaining bag with a body engageable fluid draining tube extending therefrom. The venting assembly comprises, in spatial relationship, an outer, gas permeable, liquid-wetting bacteria filter, and an inner, gas permeable, liquid-repellent filter. In use, the vent assembly provides for the free exchange of gases flowing into and out of the fluid drainage system while effectively precluding entrance of bacteria and the like.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive and collect the liquid. The system has a drip chamber having a vent with a bacteria filter covering the vent, and an annular wall having a lower edge defining a valve seat, with the seat being disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal when the receptacle is in an upright position. The system has an anti-reflux valve comprising a sheet of flexible material extending across the drip chamber such that the sheet is sufficiently large to engage against the seat peripherally around the drip chamber. The system has a device for retaining an upper portion of the valve against an upper portion of the seat, such that a lower portion of the valve flexes away from the seat when the receptacle is placed in an upright position, and the lower portion of the valve flexes against the seat when the receptacle is disposed in a horizontal position.