Abstract: A two-stroke pumping device for developing pulsatile fluid flow includes a housing with an internal resilient flexible element. The flexible element defines a pair of chambers within the housing, including a pumping chamber and a driving chamber. The pumping chamber is connected to a source of the fluid to be pumped and the driving chamber is connected to a pneumatic source adapted to create a pressure differential across the flexible element. The device includes a means responsive to the flexure of the element in one of the strokes to terminate that stroke and begin the other stroke. The flexible element oscillates to generate repetitive ejection and filling strokes. The pneumatic source may be a source of negative or positive pressure.

Abstract: A medical fluid suction canister and method of use are disclosed. Suction is drawn on a liner within the canister through a check valve, preferably a duckbill check valve and, as a result, fluid from a patient flows into the liner. The check valve prevents the reverse flow of air into the liner should there be an operating upset and ensures that the liner remains fully expanded.

Abstract: A two-stroke pumping device for developing pulsatile fluid flow includes a housing with an internal resilient flexible element. The flexible element defines a pair of chambers within the housing, including a pumping chamber and a driving chamber. The pumping chamber is connected to a source of the fluid to be pumped and the driving chamber is connected to a pneumatic source adapted to create a pressure differential across the flexible element. The device includes a means responsive to the flexure of the element in one of the strokes to terminate that stroke and begin the other stroke. The flexible element oscillates to generate repetitive ejection and filling strokes. The pneumatic source may be a source of negative or positive pressure.

Abstract: Pulsations are created in a fluid flow stream by a pulsatile device. The device includes a flexible, resilient element which oscillates under the influence of a pressure differential to interrupt the fluid flow at regular intervals, thereby causing the outlet flow to pulsate. The device may be connected directly to a supply of fluid under pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chest drainage collection system including a manifold to which a suction control container, a water seal container, and one or more collection containers are releasably secured. The manifold includes a first passage communicating between the suction control and water seal containers and a second passage communicating between the water seal and collection containers. The system includes a suction control apparatus including means for reducing the loss of liquid in the suction control container due to entrainment in air and means for attenuating noise in the suction control container. A flexible plastic sleeve is provided for transmitting atmospheric air into an air chamber above the liquid in the suction control container without contact with the liquid in that container during the transmission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chest drainage collection system including a suction control container, a water seal container, and at least one collection container. A first passage provides communication between the collection container and a patient's pleural cavity for communicating air and/or liquid to the collection container. A second passage provides communication between the seal container and the collection container. A third passage communicates between the suction control container and the seal container. A fourth passage communicates between a source of vacuum pressure and the water seal container. A float is disposed in the lower end of a tube in the water seal container to provide visual identification that the system is operational. A baffle overlies the water in the suction control container to preclude water entrainment and consequent water loss. The fourth passage contains a check valve for automatically sealing the fourth passage when the fourth passage is exposed to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A collection system having a vacuum source in flow communication with a closed fluid collection vessel which is in flow communication with an inlet conduit disposed to apply the vacuum to non-gaseous fluids. The non-gaseous fluids to be collected are ingested through the inlet conduit through an inlet port to the closed collection vessel where they are retained. The collection vessel is kept at a negative gauge pressure through an outlet port connecting the collection vessel to the vacuum source. A variable restriction means is provided at one point between the outlet port and the vacuum source for reducing the cross-sectional area available for flow. The restriction means is responsive to the pressure differential across it and thus tends to reduce gas flow through the system in response to increasing differential pressure.

Abstract: A self-contained, combined irrigator and evacuator for closed wounds comprising a housing divided into two sections by a biased divider so that movement of the divider in one direction causes pumping of fluid from one section to a patient for wound irrigation while simultaneously effecting evacuation of fluid from the wound site and collection of the evacuated fluid in the second section.

Abstract: A self-contained wound evacuator is disclosed which provides a substantially constant negative gauge pressure and which includes a container and an air inflatable member within the container, the container and inflatable member having a combined configuration which avoids deformation of the inflatable member by the container in at least one direction of expansion of the inflatable member. Means are provided for inflating the inflatable member and controlling the deflation thereof.

Abstract: A stopcock is disclosed which comprises a body suitable for molding, having an axial bore, axially and angularly spaced apart inlet and outlet passageways through the body and intersecting the bore, and a stem rotatably mounted within the bore, the stem having an elongated slot extending radially partially therethrough and a port angularly spaced from the intersection of the slot and the stem surface and intersecting the slot at the interior of the stem. The stem is rotatable from a position effecting fluid flow communication between the passageways to a position obturating at least one of the passageways. Vent means are provided to permit removal of all liquid from the passageways.

Abstract: A wound evacuator is disclosed which is adapted for use with an external negative pressure source to provide continuous fluid evacuation and which includes its own negative pressure source to provide limited time duration evacuation. The evacuator includes a substantially rigid container and an air inflatable member within the container, the container and inflatable member having a combined configuration which avoids unnatural deformation of the inflatable member by the container in at least one direction of expansion of the inflatable member. Means are provided for inflating the inflatable member and controlling the deflation thereof and for controlling the sequence of sealing of the inlet and outlet ports by the inflatable member.