Abstract: A tip end assembly (10) for a surgical aspirator tip (14) is provided. The surgical aspirator tip (14) includes a cannula (18) with a distal end opening (24), wherein the cannula (18) extends from and is in fluid flow communication with a hollow handle (22) configured to be placed into fluid flow communication with a suction source. The tip end assembly (10) is comprised of a flared end (68) defined on the distal end of the cannula (18) and a hollow tip guard (46) having at least one opening (52, 54). The tip guard (46) is molded onto the flared end (68) of the cannula (18) such that the at least one opening (52, 54) of the tip guard (46) is in fluid flow communication with the distal end opening (24) of the cannula (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device for attaching a sleeve (40) to a surgical aspirator tip (10) that allows airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). The coupling device includes a male member (26) attached to the tip (10) and a female member (42) formed in the proximal end of the sleeve (40). The male member (26) includes at least one longitudinal groove (100). When the male member (26) is received into the female member (42), at least one venting channel (80) is defined between at least one longitudinal groove of the male member (26) and the inner surface of the female member (42). Venting channel (80) permits airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40).

Abstract: A surgical aspirator tip and sleeve combination includes a hollow aspirator tip adapted to be placed into communication with a suction source, a grip portion, a coupling portion extending distally from the grip portion, and a neck portion extending distally from the coupling portion. The surgical aspirator sleeve is receivable on the tip to define an internal channel between the sleeve and the neck portion. The internal channel is in fluid communication with the interior of the tip. A plurality of spaced orifices on the sleeve provide communication between the external environment and the internal channel. At least one longitudinal groove is formed at least partially within the grip portion and the coupling portion. The longitudinal groove defines a venting channel in communication with the internal channel and the external environment. The longitudinal groove is adapted to be at least partially covered to adjust the suction within the internal channel.

Abstract: An improved surgical drain tube 10 having an internal passageway 12, a plurality of portions 14 of the external wall of the tube extending outwardly and being arranged in opposing pairs, the walls of the outwardly extending portions forming the sidewalls 14A, 14B, 16 of external channels 18 that run longitudinally along the length of the tube, and crossholes 20 positioned on the sidewalls of the outwardly extending portions 14 that provide for fluid flow from the channel 18 into the internal passageway 12 of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device for attaching a sleeve (40) to a surgical aspirator tip (10) that allows airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). The coupling device includes a male member (26) attached to the tip (10) and a female member (42) formed in the proximal end of the sleeve (40). The male member (26) includes at least one longitudinal groove (100). When the male member (26) is received into the female member (42), at least one venting channel (80) is defined between at least one longitudinal groove of the male member (26) and the inner surface of the female member (42). Venting channel (80) permits airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40).

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device for attaching a sleeve (40) to a surgical aspirator tip (10) that allows airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40). The coupling device includes a male member (26) attached to the tip (10) and a female member (42) formed in the proximal end of the sleeve (40). The male member (26) includes at least one longitudinal groove (100). When the male member (26) is received into the female member (42), at least one venting channel (80) is defined between at least one longitudinal groove of the male member (26) and the inner surface of the female member (42). Venting channel (80) permits airflow between the external environment and the interior of the sleeve (40).

Abstract: A plug (40) is used to plug the end of a drain tube (38). The drain tube is introduced into a patient during a medical procedure to drain the surgical site. The drain tube is introduced through an opening or incision in the patient leading to the interior of the patient's body. A medical instrument (36) is used to extract the drain tube out through the opening in the patient's body. The plug includes an elongated insertion section (42) of a cross-sectional size for slidable insertion into the end of the drain tube. The plug also includes a grasping section (48) projecting longitudinally from the insertion section and conveniently graspable by the medical instrument. The grasping section includes a tip portion (56) opposite the insertion section, and a base portion (54) located between the tip and the insertion section.

Abstract: The connector includes a socket (14) attachable to the proximal end of the drain tube so that the socket is in fluid flow communication with the drain tube. An adapter (38) having opposite tapered ends is provided for connecting the socket to the suction/collection device. The adapter is flexibly connected to the socket to be movable between first and second positions. In the first position, one end of the adapter is inserted into the socket. In the second position, both ends are removed from the socket. A cap (22) is flexibly connected to the socket for substantially closing-off the socket. The cap may cover one end of the adapter while the other end of the adapter is inserted in the socket, or the cap may be inserted directly into the socket.

Abstract: A delivery device (10) is used to deliver solid objects into the intra-abdominal cavity (12) of a patient through a previously inserted access port (16) while substantially preventing the escape of gases therefrom while using the device (10). The device includes a magazine (40) to substantially contain the object (42) prior to introduction into the intra-abdominal cavity (12). The magazine (40) is connected to a fitting (36) that connects the magazine to the access port (16). The object (42) is then introduced into the intra-abdominal cavity (12) through the fitting (36).

Abstract: A suction tube for removing fluid from a body cavity, viscus or wound. The tube has an elongate tubular section (22) with an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an internal longitudinal passageway (30). The tube has a proximal end portion designed to be connected to a suction source and a distal end portion designed to be inserted into a body cavity, viscus or wound. The tubular section (22) includes a plurality of radially extending, circumferentially spaced elongate portions (25) extending along the length of the tubular section. The portions (25) are configured and spaced so that a longitudinal external lumen (26) is provided between each pair of portions (25). A longitudinal entrance channel (32) couples each external lumen (26) with the region surrounding the tubular section. The channels (32) are configured to allow entry of fluids while substantially preventing entry of debris or living tissue from a body cavity, viscus, or wound.

Abstract: A cylindrical sleeve, having one closed end, to be releasably positioned about the tip portion of a surgical aspirator to aid in preventing clogging. The sleeve is formed of resiliently deformable material that defines plural spaced orifices and ribs on both interior and exterior surfaces to allow entry of fluid and small debris to the aspirator therein but aid in preventing the entry of tissue or larger debris that causes clogging or plugging. The ribs and additional fenstrae maintain aspirator action and prevent its discontinuance by non-dissected tissue's blocking of sleeve orifices.