Abstract: A surgical trocar 10 has an elongate shaft 12 with a leading point or edge 28 for piercing flesh and a thumb grip region 22 at an inner bend region 18. The grip region may include a flat zone and can be integral with the shaft, optionally stamped or pressed into the material of the shaft.

Abstract: A wound drainage device flow regulator for controlling fluid flow from a wound to a container. The regulator provides selective communication between a conduit and the container. The device includes a valve for communication between the conduit and the container in response to a level of vacuum in the conduit below a selected value. The valve has a diaphragm exposed to atmospheric pressure on one side and to the level of vacuum in the conduit on the other side. A force is applied to the diaphragm in opposition to atmospheric pressure. The difference between the force applied and the force generated by atmospheric pressure provides a control force required to be applied by the level of vacuum in the conduit to close the valve to interrupt communication between container and conduit. A lock mechanism locks the adjustable force mechanism at a desired adjustment corresponding to a desired level of vacuum.

Abstract: A surgical trocar 10 has an elongate shaft 12 with a leading point or edge 28 for piercing flesh and a thumb grip region 22 at an inner bend region 18. The grip region may include a flat zone and can be integral with the shaft, optionally stamped or pressed into the material of the shaft.

Abstract: A wound drainage device flow regulator (40) for controlling fluid flow from a wound to a container. The regulator (40), in use, provides selective communication between a conduit and the container. The device includes a valve for communication between the conduit and the container in response to a level of vacuum in said conduit below a selected value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawing fluid from a wound comprising providing a passage between the wound and a collection container with a valve therebetween to control flow of fluid from the passage to the container. Cyclically establishing in the passage a level of vacuum at a selected value higher than the level of vacuum in the container to thereby draw fluid from the wound while the valve is closed to collect the fluid in the passage. The valve is opened in response to the level of vacuum in the passage falling below the select value, as a result of the buildup of fluid therein, to permit discharge of fluid from the passage into the container. As a result of the discharge of fluid, the selected level of vacuum in the passage is reestablished.