Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a device for foot actuated fluid flow control through a surgical site in arthroscopic surgery. The device preferably includes: a foot pedal and a fluid regulator. Compression of the foot pedal actuates the fluid regulator, which switches the fluid regulator to the OPEN state, preferably in a variable fashion. The device also includes tubing that allows the device to be connected and used with a variety of existing systems for arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: A foot pedal evacuates debris and fluid from the field of view of a camera during arthroscopic procedures. In a first embodiment, the foot pedal houses a ball check valve to control fluid flow, and includes a base and a foot support hingedly mounted to one another. The foot support includes a valve actuator that opens the ball check valve by distorting the shape of its valve seat. The ball check valve includes a pair of connectors at the ends of the valve adapted to accept irrigation tubing. The connectors are in axial alignment with one another in a first embodiment and in parallel relation to one another in a second embodiment. A third embodiment eliminates the ball check valve and a spring-loaded lever pinches a tube to prevent fluid flow. Depression of the foot support overcomes the bias of the spring so that liquid fluid flows through the tube.