Abstract: A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system is provided and includes a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough from a first end to a second end and a variable vent mechanism having a main vent opening in selective fluid communication with the fluid carrying bore so as to permit introduction of atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore. The vent mechanism being adjustable so that the degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a fully open position to a fully closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore. The suction limiting device also includes a valve disposed within the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure exists in the main vent body and a closed position when positive pressure exists in the main vent body, wherein the closed position, the valve prevents fluid flow from the fluid carrying bore out of the vent mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation system comprises a reusable console and a disposable pump unit. The disposable pump unit includes a pump/motor module which includes a pump and a motor for driving the pump. The module is adapted to be mechanically supported within a seat in the console. The console produces a direct voltage at a pair of terminals within the seat. When the pump/motor is placed within the seat, the console terminals are connected to contacts on the module to provide a source of direct voltage for the pump motor. In the preferred embodiment, the disposable unit includes a handpiece and an irrigation valve. A flow sensing device within the outlet tube if the pump/motor module is actuated when the valve is open to turn the motor on and drive the pump. When the valve is closed, the flow sensing device turns the motor off.

Abstract: A system is provided for aspirating fluid from a surgical site. The system includes an outlet tube that leads to a suction canister or other suitable receptacle for collecting fluid. The outlet tube includes an anti-siphon adapter which defines an atmospheric vent downstream of the outflow connection to an endoscopic device. The vent allows atmospheric pressure to enter the outlet tube to increase the pressure at the outflow of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: A surgical irrigator comprises a pumping unit connected to a handpiece by means of elongated irrigation tubing. The pumping unit includes an impeller, batteries and a battery powered motor to drive the impeller. The handpiece includes an irrigation valve which, when depressed, opens the valve and permits irrigation liquid to flow to the surgical site. A flow sensing device is positioned at the outlet of the pumping unit. When the irrigation valve is opened, liquid flow through the flow sensing device under the influence of gravity causes a float to move with the liquid. A light source provides a light beam which is interrupted by movement of the float. This is detected by a photosensor which generates a signal to turn the motor on, causing the pump to operate.

Abstract: A fluid management assembly for use in an endoscopic procedure is provided. The assembly comprises a first line for fluid to flow therethrough from an endoscope to a Y-connector and a second line for fluid to flow therethrough from a drape to the Y-connector. The Y-connector is also in fluid communication with a third line which connects the Y-connector to a suction source which supplies a suction force and receives the fluid. According to the present invention the Y-connector is located in close proximate relation with respect to the suction source and the first and second lines are preferably co-joined along a portion of their lengths. The first and second lines define scope and drape legs, respectively, which are elongated in comparison to more conventional designs. These features of the present invention serve to optimize distention and eliminate pressure fluctuations in the operative organ during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A medical irrigation pump and pump system utilize a permanent non-sterile drive motor capable of operating disposable sterile single use pump units each of which is specifically designed for a particular medical procedure. The pump units have housing which are adapted to be interchangeable within the permanent controller system. Only the sterilized and disposable pump units come into contact with the fluid pathway during pumping. A pattern of bumps on each pump unit is unique for the medical procedure for which the pump unit was designed. The pattern of bumps engages switches on the controller, enabling the controller to identify what type of pump unit has been installed. After automatically identifying the type of pump unit and the intended medical procedure, the controller automatically selects a default motor speed that will provide an appropriate fluid pressure for that particular procedure. Buttons on a control panel also enable the user to manually adjust the pressure delivered by the pump.

Abstract: An improved irrigation system for removing arthritis causing fragments from a joint in the body includes a handpiece and a tip that is connectible to the handpiece. The tip includes a shaft that forms an irrigation lumen, and a debrider disposed along at least a part of the shaft. The debrider defines a substantially planar debriding surface for debriding the interior surfaces of the joint. The debrider may include a plurality of bristles extending from the shaft to the debriding surface.

Abstract: An improved irrigation system for removing arthritis causing fragments from a joint in the body includes a handpiece and a tip that is connectible to the handpiece. The tip includes a shaft that forms an irrigation lumen, and a debrider disposed along at least a part of the shaft. The debrider defines a substantially planar debriding surface for debriding the interior surfaces of the joint. The debrider may include a plurality of bristles extending from the shaft to the debriding surface.

Abstract: A system is provided for aspirating fluid from a surgical site. The system includes an outlet tube that leads to a suction canister or other suitable receptacle for collecting fluid. The outlet tube includes an anti-siphon adapter which defines an atmospheric vent downstream of the outflow connection to an endoscopic device. The vent allows atmospheric pressure to enter the outlet tube to increase the pressure at the outflow of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: A medical irrigation pump and pump system utilize a permanent non-sterile drive motor capable of operating disposable sterile single use pump units each of which is specifically designed for a particular medical procedure. The pump units have housings which are adapted to be interchangeable within the permanent controller system. Only the sterilized and disposable pump units come into contact with the fluid pathway during pumping. A pattern of bumps on each pump unit is unique for the medical procedure for which the pump unit was designed. The pattern of bumps engages switches on the controller, enabling the controller to identify what type of pump unit has been installed. After automatically identifying the type of pump unit and the intended medical procedure, the controller automatically selects a default motor speed that will provide an appropriate fluid pressure for that particular procedure. Buttons on a control panel also enable the user to manually adjust the pressure delivered by the pump.

Abstract: A suction and irrigation handpiece is disclosed having a trigger that cooperates with a locking mechanism to lock the trigger into one a plurality of preselected angular positions. The trigger has a plurality of grooves on an inner surface that removably couple with a tooth of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a shaft rotatably connected through the housing, a locking arm connected to the shaft, and the tooth at the far end of the shaft. The electrical connections between batteries and a motor in the handpiece also are arranged to facilitate manufacture and uniformly energize the pump at a preset position of the trigger. The handpiece thus has a first conductive lead connected between one pole of the battery and a contact port that is relatively far from the trigger pivot, and a second conductive lead is connected between one port of the motor and the contact port. These two leads form an open circuit at the contact port that may be closed by a conductor connected to the trigger.

Abstract: An apparatus for irrigating a local irrigation site includes a suction/irrigation tip that is removably connected to a suction/irrigation handpiece. The tip includes a connector to detachably connect the tip to the handpiece, a suction tube detachably connected to the connector, and an irrigation tube permanently fastened to the connector. The tip may also have a securing clip to prevent the irrigation tube from bending during use, and a retaining finger to partially connect the tip to the handpiece.

Abstract: A self-priming pulsatile surgical irrigation device is disclosed. The irrigation device comprises a housing, a variable volume pumping chamber liquid pump contained within the housing, and a self-priming valve system operatively associated with the liquid pump. The self-priming valve system, which facilitates the priming of the device, includes a valve housing, a liquid inlet to admit liquid into the valve housing and a liquid outlet to emit liquid from the housing. The housing is configured to define a flow path that directs liquid from the liquid inlet into the pumping chamber. The flow path ensures that the pumping chamber is maintained full during operation of the pump.

Abstract: A drainage and autotransfusion system is coupled with a closed wound drain. A detachable suction reservoir provides suction to the system to facilitate drainage of blood from the wound into a substantially rigid collection container. This blood is adapted to be transferred into an attached blood bag which in turn may be coupled with an administration set for reinfusion. While blood is reinfusing, blood collection into the container continues. Following autotransfusion, the suction reservoir can be converted to a suction device for blood collection directly from the closed wound drain.

Abstract: A detachable suction reservoir provides suction to a drainage and autotransfusion system coupled with a closed wound drain to facilitate drainage of blood from the wound into a substantially rigid collection container. This blood is adapted to be transferred into a blood bag which in turn may be coupled with an administration set for reinfusion. While blood is reinfusing, blood collection into the container continues. Following autotransfusion, the suction reservoir can be converted to a suction device for blood collection directly from the closed wound drain.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable container for collecting fluids under the influence of a vacuum. A rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall define a variable volume collection bag interior. A plurality of rigid, elongated panels are spaced about and attached to the flexible rear wall. A rigid stent is releasably engageable to the panels to distend the rear wall relative to the rigid front wall.

Abstract: A blood processing system is described in which blood pressure readings obtained before and after passage of blood aspirated from an operative site through a membrane separator is used by a programmed controller to determine the hematocrit level of the blood and to add saline solution to adjust the hematocrit level to a desired level. The blood processing system contains a distributor cap to distribute wash solution to the inside of a filter to wash out additional blood cellular material within the filter. A precollector may be used remotely from the site of the blood processing system and later joined with the system to withdraw blood contained in the precollector for processing by the blood processing system.

Abstract: A double lumen nasogastric tube possesses a hydrophobic filter at the proximal end of the sump lumen for inhibiting reflux from exiting the sump lumen and contaminating the patient, clinician and nearby surroundings.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implantable access port is formed of a housing having a pair of noncircular fluid cavities enclosed therein by a floor, walls upstanding from the floor, and a self-sealing septum positioned above each fluid cavity. The housing is constructed of a base, a septum support, and a cap. An outlet stem exits the base and communicates with the fluid cavities therein. The outlet stem has two prongs formed in a side-by-side configuration extending outwardly from the base. The prongs are formed within the stem channels in fluid communication with the fluid cavities. Protruding radially outwardly from the portion of said prong is a barb. Fluid injected into the fluid cavity through the septum flows through a smooth transition region in which the cross-sectional area is smoothly reduced from the corresponding fluid cavity. A locking sleeve provides radial inward pressure upon the catheter which is slid over the outlet stem, thereby insuring that the catheter remains mounted on the outlet stem.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable container for collecting fluids under the influence of a vacuum. A rigid front wall and a flexible rear wall define a variable volume collection bag interior. A plurality of rigid, elongated panels are spaced about and attached to the flexible rear wall. A rigid stent is releasably engageable to the panels to distend the rear wall relative to the rigid front wall.