Abstract: A medical device is herein described for provision of a pressurized fluid through interchangeable probes. In the preferred embodiment of this medical device, the interchangeable probes are mounted to a handset having a quick disconnect/reconnect mount which not only permits rapid attachment and removal of such probes to the handset, but also the freedom of change in orientation of the probe relative to the handset to accommodate variable condition/requirements of an operative procedure and clinician preferences. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, quick disconnect/reconnect mount of this invention permits rotational movements of the probe tip while preserving sealing engagement thereof to the handset.

Abstract: A remote tubing assembly is provided which includes a remote tubing attachment which is connected at a first end to a surgical suction/irrigation valve and at a second end to either an instrument insert probe, trocar(s), or a handpiece to provide concurrent smoke evacuation, suction and irrigation at an operative site while a surgeon is simultaneously utilizing surgical hand instruments at the operative site. The remote tubing assembly allows for major smoke removal as well as suction and irrigation while utilizing hand instruments. Thus, the present invention allows a surgeon to concentrate on detailed dissection, while keeping the operative field free of smoke and debris.

Abstract: A medical device is herein described for provision of a pressurized fluid through interchangeable probes. In the preferred embodiment of this medical device, the interchangeable probes are mounted to a handset having a quick disconnect/reconnect mount which not only permits rapid attachment and removal of such probes to the handset, but also the freedom of change in orientation of the probe relative to the handset to accommodate variable condition/requirements of an operative procedure and clinician preferences. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, quick disconnect/reconnect mount of this invention permits rotational movements of the probe tip while preserving sealing engagement thereof to the handset.

Abstract: A composite suction and irrigation probe is provided for performing the functions of irrigation and suction alone or simultaneously with the use of a single trumpet valve. The probe consist of an inner cannula and an outer cannula. In the first embodiment the inner cannula is attached to one probe mount end of the valve body while the outer cannula is attached to a second and opposite probe mount end. The inner cannula is inserted through a common channel of the valve body and the outer cannula. In the second embodiment, the inner cannula is attached to the outer cannula prior to attaching the probe to the valve body. The designated suction and irrigation ports located within the common channel of the valve body are isolated from each other to provide discrete and dedicated ports.

Abstract: A surgical probe is disclosed for use in defining and dissecting tissue planes. The operative end of the probe is defined to provide a flat wide fan-like shaped spray at the operative end which aids in lifting organs, such as the gall bladder, as well as loosening the adhesion underneath such organs. The probe can also be provided with a dissecting edge, also at the operative end of the probe. The dissecting edge can be used to cut and dissect the desired organ(s) of the patient.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is disclosed having a housing defining at least one valve chamber having an elongated cylinder. A piston is partially disposed within said valve chamber and the valve assembly allows for reciprocating movement of the piston within said valve chamber. A metering device is provided for precise positioning of the piston within the valve chamber.

Abstract: A telescoping surgical probe is disclosed which allows the user to accomplish various functions including several suction techniques and irrigation with a single surgical probe. The telescoping probe includes an inner cannula operatively associated with an outer cannula. The telescoping probe is used with a valve including trumpet valves.

Abstract: A pulsatile pump the output of which is infinitely variable between a slow pulsatile flow and increased up to a sharply pulsed flow rate until the pulses run together and a smooth flow results, and which may be varied between wide output pressure and frequency limits. The pump is comprised of a pneumatic control circuit, at least two pneumatically isolated compression chambers, and a novel inlet/outlet pump cartridge and condition-responsive locking means. Operation of the pump is controlled by the use of novel tactile pneumatic response switches. Each compression chamber is communicated with a supply of working fluid through the cartridge. Means are provided for varying the operation of the pneumatic circuit and hence the pump. A flow of pressurized fluid, such as air or nitrogen, is used as the operating media of the pneumatic circuit, although other fluids may be used. Means for monitoring and adjusting pump system parameters are also provided.

Abstract: A composite suction and irrigation probe is provided for performing the functions of irrigation and suction alone or simultaneously with the use of a single trumpet valve. The probe consist of an inner cannula and an outer cannula. In the first embodiment the inner cannula is attached to one probe mount end of the valve body while the outer cannula is attached to a second and opposite probe mount end. The inner cannula is inserted through a common channel of the valve body and the outer cannula. In the second embodiment, the inner cannula is attached to the outer cannula prior to attaching the probe to the valve body. The designated suction and irrigation ports located within the common channel of the valve body are isolated from each other to provide discrete and dedicated ports.

Abstract: An irrigation control valve for endoscopic instruments is herein described wherein the valve body is bilaterally symmetrical and includes a housing, a plurality of valve chambers, pistons for reciprocal movement within each of said chambers, an inlet port for connection to a source of an irrigation fluid and a vacuum port for connection to a source of vacuum and symmetrical opposed fittings for mounting a probe in either one of two positions to accommodate both the right handed and left handed clinician. The design of both the pistons and valve body are unique, compatible with injection molding fabrication techniques and further provide for replacement and/or into change of the probe. Such interchange and/or replacement of the probe can be accomplished without clamping off of either the source of irrigation fluid or the source of suction because of the proximal location of the probe connection to the valve body relative to both the irrigation and suction valves.

Abstract: An improved float safety mechanism (also herein "float control valve") for a gas pressurized bottle irrigation system is disclosed herein and a procedure involving the use and application thereof is also herein disclosed. In the improved safety float system of this invention, a pressurizable reservoir containing a laproscopic irrigation fluid is provided with a unique and highly reliable float or anti-siphon valve for real-time sensing of the fluid level within the reservoir and automatically terminating the withdrawal of the fluid therefrom when the level of fluid drops below a prescribed limit. The design of the anti-siphon valve used in this system is unique to the demanding pressurized environment within which the valve must function. The float safety mechanism of this invention prevents the high pressure CO.sub.2 gas contained with the pressurizable reservoir from escaping (after depletion of the fluid) and entering the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy, causing possible serious or fatal injury.

Abstract: An improved irrigation control valve for endoscopic instruments is herein described wherein the valve body is bilaterally symmetrical and includes a housing, a plurality of valve chambers, pistons for reciprocal movement within each of said chambers, an inlet port for connection to a source of an irrigation fluid and a vacuum port for connection to a source of vacuum and symmetrical opposed fittings for mounting a probe in either one of two positions to accommodate both the right handed and left handed clinician. The design of both the pistons and valve body are unique, compatible with injection molding fabrication techniques and further provide for replacement and/or into change of the probe. Such interchange and/or replacement of the probe can be accomplished without clamping off of either the source of irrigation fluid or the source of suction because of the proximal location of the probe connection to the valve body relative to both the irrigation and suction valves.