Abstract: A fluid flow regulator of a smoke evacuation system for use with laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery is disclosed. The fluid flow regulator is comprised of a flow regulating means and a conduit connecting means. The flow regulating means in one embodiment includes a diaphragm and one or more orifices of predetermined diameter to provide a significant obstruction to the flow of fluid through the evacuation system. When operatively coupled to the pressurized surgical site, the fluid flow regulator makes possible the continuous evacuation of surgical smoke while simultaneously maintaining the pneumoperitoneum in a distended position for the duration of the laparoscopic procedure. Also disclosed is a method of using the fluid flow regulator to continually evacuate surgical smoke in the course of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures without deflating the pneumoperitoneum, which hereto for has been used by prior art systems to evacuate surgical smoke.

Abstract: A cassette configuration, operative parts of which may be disposable or resterilizable, is configured with an adapter that may be mounted within the cassette receiving portal of a console that uses a peristaltic pump spaced apart from actuator and vent controls to engage the lower end wall of a cassette. The adapter is asymmetrically mounted in the available space, and allows a tubing loop from one side of a cassette inserted under it to be threaded through the peristaltic pump and to be seated in a bore in the adapter on the opposite side. A lower edge of the cassette fits into an interface slot in the console, and the interior tubing configuration enables clamping of irrigation and vent lines, while providing aspiration and irrigation flows to and from a handpiece. Within the cassette or in the console, flow control elements are provided to enable alternative venting of either air or fluid into the aspiration system to prevent excessive suction at the operative site.

Abstract: A cassette configuration, operative parts of which may be disposable or resterilizable, is configured with an adapter that may be mounted within the cassette receiving portal of a console that uses a peristaltic pump spaced apart from actuator and vent controls to engage the lower end wall of a cassette. The adapter is asymmetrically mounted in the available space, and allows a tubing loop from one side of a cassette inserted under it to be threaded through the peristaltic pump and to be seated in a bore in the adapter on the opposite side. A lower edge of the cassette fits into an interface slot in the console, and the interior tubing configuration enables clamping of irrigation and vent lines, while providing aspiration and irrigation flows to and from a handpiece. Within the cassette or in the console, flow control elements are provided to enable alternative venting of either air or fluid into the aspiration system to prevent excessive suction at the operative site.

Abstract: A cassette for collection of fluids in a fluid aspirating system which may be reusable after sterilization. The cassette includes vacuum aperture and an aspiration port along the top wall of the cassette. Aspiration tubing is connected to the aspiration port at one end and is seated within an upstanding retainer at the proximal edge of the top wall at the opposite end. Internally, the cassette includes structures to increase flow impedance so that liquid is not drawn into the vacuum port when the fluid level rises. In addition, a pivot mechanism is disposed about a pivot hub within the chamber. A float is disposed on the pivot mechanism at a radius from the pivot hub for intercepting the vacuum port as aspirated fluid fills the chamber. As the fluid level rises, a light path is intercepted by the float to terminate aspiration. However, the float also mates with the vacuum port to close off the flow path. Thus, the system prevents overfilling of the container if the optical detector fails.

Abstract: An occluder pin (10) has a cap (14) and shaft (16) with a plurality of serrations (18) disposed along the shaft (16). The serrations have a beveled trailing surface (20) which facilitates easy insertion of the pin in a substantially perpendicular leading surface which provides for resisting withdrawal of the pin (10). An applicator (12) has a handle (30) attached to a bendable shaft (28). A C-shaped yoke-type pin cap holder (32) includes a pair of flexible arms (34) which retain the pin cap (14) but flex out so that the pin (10) may be slid between the opening between the ends of the arms (34).

Abstract: A tacker instrument for laparoscopic applications fits within a cannula and incorporates within a sleeve a positioning and driving system coupled to a tack holder mechanism at the distal end. The tack is held unexposed during entry but then may be extended to a predetermined position for embedment, with position being verifiable through the sleeve. Impact forces for embedding or removing the tack are applied to the positioning and driving mechanism, and the tack and tack holder are configured so that there is lateral disengagement or engagement of the two. In one version the mechanism is linear, while in a second version the distal end of the sleeve device can be angulated for perpendicular tack entry or removal with impelling forces being applied through a flexible shaft segment.

Abstract: A disposable trumpet valve for controlling irrigation and aspiration flows under manual operation comprises a conduit and a pair of spaced apart valve barrels of substantially greater cross-sectional size within which valve members are reciprocable under manual control. Large diameter sections of the valve barrels lead to transition wells merging in the same plane into the conduit and directing the flow path between a side port in the valve barrel and the bottom section of the barrel. Thus a large cross-sectional flow area is provided throughout in a device which may be manipulated with either hand. Integral seals on a slider piston function to block flow and prevent leakage, while at the same time substantial cost advantages are obtained.

Abstract: A thin bodied elongated surgical instrument for penetrating into a body cavity and thereafter being useful for performing surgical functions disposes an obturator within a cutting cannula. The obturator is spring mounted to retract within the cannula in response to resistance encountered at a body wall, but moves to an extended distal position inside the body cavity. In that position the obturator is manually or automatically locked in axial position, so that means at the extended end can be used in the surgical procedure without danger of cutting internal tissue or organs. This safety device facilitates initial insertion of an insufflation needle, and subsequent insertion and use of other instruments during laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A system for controlling the irrigation and aspiration functions in flow lines cooperative with a surgical control console employs separate interacting cooperative units for the segregation of different functions in units employed in different ways. A receiver unit is configured to fit within a cassette receptacle in a console but does not perform any function apart from transferring forces with internal slider bars. The receiver accepts a slidable adapter which in turn receives a small disposable cassette that provides some internal irrigation and aspiration lines, and an external aspiration line that is separately threadable through the adapter unit to cooperate with a peristaltic pump in the console.

Abstract: A cannula retaining device is disclosed in which a base includes a sleeve in the center thereof to provide a port for insertion of a cannula. A clamp including a compressible plug with an interior aperture that matches the diameter of the cannula is fitted into the base. The clamp includes a pair of laterally extending finger engageable arms which tighten the compressible plug on the cannula, thereby receiving the cannula while allowing adjustment, angulation and rotation.

Abstract: A system for controlling the irrigation and aspiration functions in flow lines cooperative with a surgical control console employs a reusable receiver within which a disposable cassette is insertable. The cassette includes lines which must be sterile for each user, but cooperates with elements in the receiver to which it is detachably engaged. Slider bars within the receiver are arranged to transmit clamping forces against interior flexible lines such that shortened and simplified flow paths are used.

Abstract: A superior cassette is provided for maintaining sterility of internal tubing sections that are to be repeatedly clamped under the control of external actuators when the cassette is inserted in an associated system, such as an irrigation/aspiration system for ophthalmic surgery applications. An inserted leading edge presents faces of interior sliders to actuators which reciprocate the slider to engage and clamp tubing sections positioned near the opposite, intercoupling edge of the cassette. All contact is made within the sterile interior of the cassette so that sterile flows cannot be contaminated even if leakage or puncture occurs under handling or repeated operation.

Abstract: A disposable system for enabling a succession of individuals to be supplied with a sterile medical solution during operative and other procedures utilizes a number of spaced apart, penetrable elastomerically sealed funnels branching from an outlet from the solution container or an attached drip chamber. A standard sterile administration set having a spike end may be inserted into the seal of a first funnel to provide flow to a first individual. After the first procedure is completed the conduit to the first funnel is clamped off and the sequence repeated, but with the spike end of a second administration set inserted for supply to solution to a second individual. This sequence may be repeated for a selectable number of branches, enabling valuable solution from a container to be used with minimum wastage but without danger of cross-contamination.