Abstract: The invention is directed to a self-powered lavage instrument used with an external fluid source for debridement of soft tissue. A housing includes at least two housing parts which are selectively attachable to and detachable from each other. A fluid nozzle is defined by or connected with the housing. A pump assembly is removably installed within the housing, and includes a case carrying an electric motor, a fluid pump and a plurality of power cells. The fluid pump is connected with the fluid nozzle and connectable with the external fluid source. The pump assembly further includes a plurality of clips, with each clip frictionally engaging and thereby electrically interconnecting two of the power cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lavage tip for use with a lavage system to irrigate living tissue. A fluid tip includes a fluid port and a suction or vacuum port, with the fluid port and vacuum port defining a cross-sectional area. A shield is connected to the fluid tip which has an open end with a surface area which is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of the fluid tip. The open end of the shield is configured for placement against the tissue to be irrigated. The shield includes an articulating joint allowing relative angular movement between the shield and the fluid tip, whereby substantially all of the tissue to be irrigated at the open end of the shield may be irrigated without repositioning the open end relative to the tissue. The fluid tip may include an oxygen port for providing oxygen therapy to the tissue.

Abstract: The debridement tip of the instant invention provides efficient cleaning action and is capable of handling excessive amounts of debris. It also is able to track irregular debridement sites such as canals and gutter wounds. It furthermore visually indicates when it is clogged. The debridement tip comprises an inner cannula and an outer cannula. The outer cannula is flexible so that it tracks the debridement site. The outer cannula surrounds the inner cannula and forms an enlarged collection chamber near a proximal end of the debridement tip for collecting debris. The collection chamber is easily opened to allow removal of the debris. The collection chamber is also flexible so that if the tip becomes clogged either the outer cannula or the collection chamber or both will collapse thus visually indicating the clogged condition. A filter at one end of the collection chamber prevents large debris from leaving the chamber. The filter is shaped to resist clogging.

Abstract: An autotransfusion system including a rigid receptacle carrying a blood collection bag internally and a manually operable portable vacuum source (MOPVS) also carried by the rigid receptacle. The system may be configured in a blood collection mode wherein the MOPVS is in flow communication with the interstitial space between the collection bag and the rigid receptacle to cause a negative pressure therein to draw blood from the patient's wound. In a reinfusion mode, the MOPVS is disconnected from the rigid receptacle and is directly connected to the drain tube leading to the patient to drain unwanted fluid from the patient's wound. The rigid receptacle is inverted and connected to a transfusion line to reinfuse the blood collected within the blood collection bag. The interstitial space is vented to ambient pressure such that the blood within the collection bag is reinfused under force of gravity alone.

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: 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 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 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 unit for remotely operating an element to different positions such as start, fast, slow and stop for a driving application such as the one herein illustrated for the engine of a lawn mower. The unit is made of plastic material being molded in two parts with a recess in the side of one part which is adapted to receive a tube forming a handle. A bolt passes through a hole in the part and through the tube to which it is securely retained when a lock nut and bolt is tightened. The unit has a slot between the two parts in which a lever is movable to advance and retract one or more control wires which operate the carburetor, brake or other element of the lawn mower.