Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit allows multiple patient therapy devices to be fluidly coupled thereto and to individually monitor the temperatures, flow rates, and/or connections/disconnections of the patient therapy devices. A user interface enables a user to designate outlet ports to the therapy devices as active or inactive, and the control unit provides notifications to the user if any of the active ports experience an undesired condition, or if a patient therapy device is connected to an inactive port. The user interface further allows the user to designate one of multiple patient temperature probes as a primary probe. The primary probe is used to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the control unit.

Abstract: A breastshield unit for use with a breastpump for expressing human breastmilk using underpressure has a dimensionally stable breastshield and a flexible breastshield insert for placing in the breastshield. The breastshield has a first, open breastshield end for placing on a mother's breast. The breastshield insert has a first insert end and a second insert end which define a longitudinal direction, the first, open breastshield end having a peripheral edge on which the breastshield insert is securable with the first insert end. In the assembled state, the breastshield insert extends from this first insert end through the inside of the breastshield to the second insert end, wherein the breastshield insert, between the first and second insert ends, extends substantially spaced apart from the breastshield. In the assembled state of the breastshield insert, the second insert end is displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the breastshield.

Abstract: A regulator for modulation of the flow rate of blood out of a patients blood vessel during blood collection is disclosed. The regulator includes a housing having a housing inlet, a housing outlet, and a wall defining a housing interior. At least a portion of the wall includes a flexible member. A valve is associated with the flexible member and is in communication with the housing interior. The regulator is designed so that upon an application of a differential pressure within the housing interior, the flexible member and/or valve automatically move with respect to either the housing inlet or housing outlet to modulate a flow of blood moving through the housing. A manual over-ride device can be provided to enable a user to over-ride the automatic regulation and manually regulate the flow of blood through the housing.

Abstract: A connector assembly (2100,3100) includes a unitary female connector portion (100) manufactured from a singular material that includes a waisted, tapering intermediate section (101) disposed between a compression ring (102) and a luminal connector (103) and one or more finger-grasping surfaces (108,109) disposed along the waisted, tapering intermediate section. A unitary male connector portion (1200,2200), which can be single ended or double-ended, includes a protruding male connector portion (1202,2202), one or more luminal connectors (1203,2203,2233) and a convex frustum (201,1201) disposed between the protruding male connector portion and the single ended luminal connector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a guided surgical tool assembly with a guide tube including a sensor, a surgical instrument including a detectable feature moveable within the guide tube, and the sensor capable of detecting the detectable feature when the surgical instrument is inserted in the guide tube. Some embodiments include a sensor pad, a guide stop coupled to the surgical instrument, a plunger mechanism including a compressible spring mechanism coupled to the guide tube, and a wiper capable of being sensed by the sensor pad. Some embodiments include a guided surgical tool assembly system comprising a tool sensor system including a processor and at least one data input/output interface. Some embodiments include a medical robot system with a guided surgical tool assembly and including a robot coupled to an effectuator element configured for controlled movement and positioning along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for ophthalmic surgery, and more particularly to systems and methods for phacoemulsification using vacuum-based aspiration pumps. In accordance with one embodiment, a vacuum-based phacoemulsification system, having a handpiece, includes a subsystem to detect an occlusion occurring at the handpiece during operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used improve the efficacy of tube thoracostomy. For example, this document provides devices and methods for confirming the proper placement of a chest tube within the pleural space.

Abstract: A cassette module (1), in particular an ophthalmological cassette module (1), serves for receiving material and/or liquids aspirated during an operation and for insertion into a container chamber (8) of a suction module (19). The cassette module (1) comprises a container (4) with a container wall (3) that delimits a receiving space (33) for receiving the liquids, wherein the container (4) can be inserted into the container chamber (8), wherein the container (4) has at least one inlet opening (36) extending through the container wall (3), through which inlet opening (36) the material and/or the liquid can be delivered to the receiving space (33) of the container (4), and wherein the container (4) has at least one vacuum opening (25) which extends through the container wall (3) and by way of which the receiving space (33) can be subjected to an underpressure built up in the container chamber (8).

Abstract: A hydraulically-driven Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) insertion tool includes a body, a chamber within the body, a first fluid port providing fluid communication into the chamber, a piston positioned within the chamber and arranged to move within the chamber in response to the introduction or removal of fluid from the chamber, and an elongated member. The elongated member includes a distal end comprising an intra-ocular lens interface and a proximal end connected to the piston such that movement of the piston within the chamber causes corresponding movement of the elongated member.

Abstract: A tracheal intubation system including a laryngoscope is disclosed. An endotracheal tube exchange system is also disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a laryngoscope, a stylet, and an endotracheal tube. In some examples the stylet is an articulating stylet. An endotracheal tube with one or more depth-assessment bands is also disclosed. An articulating stylet with one or more depth-assessment bands and an orientation mark is also disclosed. A method of positioning an endotracheal tube in a patient is also disclosed. A method of positioning a stylet for placement of an endotracheal tube is also disclosed. A method of performing an endotracheal tube exchange procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including multiple lumens for tissue acquisition and removal and related methods of use.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.

Abstract: The present application relates to a breast pump system. The breast pump system comprises a vacuum path for creating a pressure reduction on a breast. A pump unit generates and releases a pressure reduction in the vacuum path, and comprises a vacuum pump (20). A leakage aperture (60) is configured to allow a controlled release of a pressure reduction in at least part of the vacuum path so that the pressure reduction in at least part of the vacuum path is released in the event that the pump unit fails to release the pressure reduction in the vacuum path. The vacuum pump (20) has a discharge port (22) for discharging air drawn from the vacuum path, and the leakage aperture (60) is disposed proximate to the discharge port (22) so that airflow discharged from the discharge port (22) is directed over the leakage aperture (60).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a cassette capture mechanism for uniting a cassette with a console to prevent jamming or damage to the console and/or cassette. The cassette capture mechanism comprises a cassette receptacle, an axial translation linkage, a first sensor apparatus, and a second sensor apparatus. The cassette receptacle is configured to couple with a cassette having a positioning surface. The axial translation linkage is configured to couple the cassette with the cassette receptacle. The first sensor apparatus is configured to detect alignment of the cassette in a horizontal plane with respect to the cassette receptacle when the cassette is initially coupled with the cassette receptacle; and the second sensor apparatus is configured to detect activation of the first sensor apparatus and detect alignment of the cassette in a vertical plane with respect to the cassette receptacle.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation and suction apparatus includes a housing forming a handle and a barrel. The housing contains a suction tube for disposing of waste slurry and am irrigation tube for provision of irrigation fluid. The apparatus further includes a removable tube divided into an irrigation chamber and a suction chamber. The two chambers are collinearly arranged with respect to each other. The removable tube is coupled with the housing via a tube fitting. The apparatus further includes an inlet/outlet tip coupled with the other end of the removable tube, the tip including an outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, respectively. The irrigation chamber terminates distal to the barrel with the tip arranged to spray the irrigation fluid through the outlet port. The suction chamber terminates distal to the barrel with the tip for recovery of the waste slurry through the plurality of inlet ports.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favors the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface.

Abstract: A device for applying radiofrequency energy for sphincter treatment comprising a flexible outer tube, an expandable basket having a plurality of arms movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and a plurality of electrodes movable with respect to the arms from a retracted position to an extended position. An advancer is slidably disposed within the outer tube to move the plurality of electrodes to the extended position. An actuator moves the advancer from a first position to a second position to advance the plurality of electrodes. An aspiration tube extends within the outer tube. An assembly includes an aspiration disabler having a first position to enable aspiration from a distal portion of the aspiration tube to a proximal portion and a second position to disable aspiration.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods interface a cassette with an eye treatment system console to provide coupling between the console and an eye treatment probe. The console may receive the cassette using a driven axial translation linkage that inhibits rotation of the cassette. The cassette may facilitate accurately positioning of a pressure sensor relative to a the console by allowing sliding movement between the sensor and a cassette body. Multiple peristaltic drives may be mounted to the console so that their rotors rotate about a common axis. An integrated mount structure may support and/or position components of the console which will interface with cassette, and an axially compressible vacuum connector of the console seal to a tapered vacuum coupler of the cassette.

Abstract: A device for retrieving calculus in a lumen of a living body includes an elongated member possessing an outer dimension configured to be positioned in the lumen of the living body, wherein the tubular body includes an inlet, an outlet and a retrieval space in the interior at a position between the inlet and the outlet. A foldable sealing member is positioned in the tubular body interior and is axially movable in distal and proximal directions, and a plunger is connected to the sealing member so that axial movement of the plunger axially moves the sealing member in the interior of the tubular body. The foldable sealing member is folded into a folded configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a distal direction toward the inlet and being spread out in a spread-out configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a proximal direction away from the inlet.

Abstract: A device for vacuum treatment of wounds, the device having a disposable canister for receiving a suctioned wound exudate, and a vacuum pump. The disposable canister is designed to partially enclose the vacuum pump, which is inserted into the canister, and to thereby fix it against movements in non-inserting directions. The structure of the device is used mainly in a stationary mode and occasionally is used in a mobile mode when worn by patients.

Abstract: A needleless fluid injection device including a flexible shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, an injection lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft, and at least one injection orifice extending through a wall of the injection lumen at the distal end of the shaft. The injection lumen can include a depth-limiting system (462) at its distal end for controlling the depth of insertion of the injection lumen relative to a target tissue of a patient. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one guidance feature. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one flow-modifying protrusion extending from the inner tubular wall of the injection lumen and toward a longitudinal axis of the injection lumen.

Abstract: A medical hollow needle for use with at least a suction device includes at least one suction tube or suction line with a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is formed as a suction aperture, and a needle tip formed at said distal end of the suction tube or suction line, wherein said needle tip is formed spoon-like and protrudes beyond an edge of said suction aperture or said distal end of said suction tube or suction line.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the tubing. One or more tubes can channel a fluid between the wound dressing, the fluid collection canister, and the pump. In addition, first and second control circuits can be provided for controlling the pump motor without using a processor. The first control circuit can generate a difference signal between a desired pressure input and a pressure sensor input, and can further generate a motor control signal responsive to the difference signal. Moreover, a second control circuit can provide an override signal based at least in part on the difference signal and at least one reference signal. The override signal beneficially overrides the motor control signal to prevent the pump motor from stalling.

Abstract: A system for measuring the flow properties of a tear duct, to ascertain its flow resistance, includes a syringe communicating with a cannula to supply liquid to a punctum of an eye, the cannula having a tip to seal to the punctum. A motor is arranged to actuate the syringe. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure of the liquid supplied to the punctum. A monitoring circuit provides an indication of the flow resistance. A feedback circuit controls the motor in accordance with the measured pressure, to maintain a preset liquid pressure, or to ensure that the liquid pressure does not exceed a preset threshold. The system may prevent flow through the other punctum of the eye. If the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the punctum is also monitored, the monitoring circuit is arranged to determine the flow resistance from the pressure and the flow rate.

Abstract: A device for retrieving calculus in a lumen of a living body includes an elongated member positionable in the living body lumen and including an inlet, an outlet and a retrieval space between the inlet and the outlet, and a sealing member movably positioned in the lumen of the elongated member to axially move in distal and proximal directions, wherein the sealing member is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the lumen in the elongated member. A plunger is connected to the sealing member and includes two parts separated from one another to form a divided sealing member when the plunger is moved in the distal direction and that directly contact one another to form an integrated sealing member when the plunger is moved in the proximal direction to draw fluid and the calculus into the retrieval space.

Abstract: A method for optoacoustic imaging of a tissue mass after treating the skin overlying a portion of a tissue being imaged to improve optical clarity is presented. In an embodiment, the method involves optoacoustic imaging after first applying a carrier agent such as hyaluronic acid to the skin surface and applying a clearing agent to the skin. A method of temporarily reducing optical scattering (opacity) of skin for diagnostic purposes is also presented. In an embodiment, the method involves applying a liquid comprising at least one of: polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, to the skin, the skin having been pretreated with hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A multi-functional medical device including a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The medical device further includes an end-effector slidably disposed within the lumen. A portion of the end-effector may be configured to transition between a collapsed state while in the lumen and an expanded state while out of the lumen. Further, the end-effector may include a tool configured to dissect tissue, and a retracting member having a plurality of legs disposed about the tool.

Abstract: A system for applying suction to a wound is provided, including a suction source for providing suction to a conduit operatively associated with the wound to communicate suction to the wound, a vent in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a reference airflow into the conduit when the system is in operation, such that a loss of suction at the wound is indicated by deviation from the reference airflow, and a waste collector canister between the wound and the suction source for collecting liquids aspirated from the wound, wherein the canister includes one or more disks containing gelling agent.

Abstract: A method of retrieving calculus includes positioning an elongated member in the lumen of the living body, wherein the elongated member includes a sealing member positioned in the lumen of the elongated member and possessing an outer surface in sealing contact with the inner surface of the lumen of the elongated member. The method also involves proximally moving the sealing member while the outer surface of the sealing member is in contact with the inner surface of the lumen in the elongated member to cause fluid and calculus in the living body to pass through the inlet of the elongated member and be introduced into a retrieval space, discharging at least some of the fluid in the retrieval space out of the retrieval space by way of an outlet, and withdrawing the elongated member from the living body while the calculus in the retrieval space remains in the retrieval space.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for safe, easy and cost effective means of placing and verifying proper placement of nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes. Specifically, an integrated feeding device including a tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system including a light source, flexible optical fibers or a camera, and a lens, and a steering system is disclosed. The components of the system, namely the optical system and the steering system, may be integrated into the tube.

Abstract: An aspiration control device may include a conduit having a distal end and a proximal end. The conduit may define a conduit lumen and an aperture vent open to the conduit lumen. A coupling may be configured to couple the proximal end of the conduit with a vacuum source and an inner cannula of a tissue cutting device. The inner cannula may define an inner cannula lumen wherein the vacuum source is configured to supply a vacuum to each of the coupling lumen and the inner cannula lumen. A sleeve may be movably disposed about the conduit, and a device motor may be in communication with the sleeve and be configured to move the sleeve to a predefined position relative to the vent in response to an input single from a user interface. The predefined position of the sleeve may correspond to a predefined level of vacuum to be supplied to the inner cannula lumen.

Abstract: A suction regulator arranged to be coupled to a source of partial vacuum and a patient circuit and which is operative in four modes is disclosed. A first mode isolates the source of partial vacuum from the patient. A second mode provides continuous regulated suction to the patient. A third mode provides intermittent regulated suction to the patient. The fourth mode provides unregulated full suction to the patient. The regulator includes a movable control knob for establishing the first, second, third and fourth modes and a detent mechanism holding the control knob in the position to select the desired mode. An interlock is also provided to prevent the control knob from being accidentally moved to the position establishing the unregulated full suction mode.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing member, a tubular member, a rotor and a lever. The housing member defines a lumen therethrough and includes a port in fluid communication with the lumen. The tubular member defines a longitudinal axis and a channel therethrough in fluid communication with the lumen of the housing member. The rotor defines a longitudinal passage therethrough and a bore on a sidewall of the rotor. The rotor is rotatably associated with the housing member and is coupled to the tubular member. The lever is translatably mounted on the housing member. Axial translation of the lever causes rotation of the rotor about the longitudinal axis between an open position in which the bore is aligned with the port providing a fluid communication between the port and the tubular member and a closed position in which the side wall of the rotor closes off the port.

Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines an approximate temperature of the eye using an irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power to the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising an elongated tubular structure having a distal end and a proximal end; a septum disposed within the interior of the tubular structure so as to define a first lumen and a second lumen, and a valve element disposed at the distal end of the tubular structure and configured to move longitudinally relative to the tubular structure between (i) a closed position in which the distal end of the tubular structure is closed off by the valve element, and (ii) an open position in which the distal end of the tubular structure is not closed off by the valve element; wherein the tubular structure, septum and valve element are configured so as to provide fluid communication between the first and second lumen when the valve element is disposed in its closed position.

Abstract: A surgical suction device is disclosed that includes a suction tube having a first longitudinal axis, a proximal opening, and a distal opening; a guide tube that is substantially coextensive with and parallel to the suction tube, and has a second longitudinal axis, a proximal opening, and a distal opening; a stylet having a proximal end and a distal end; and a junction conduit having a proximal opening and a distal opening; wherein the stylet is disposed along the second longitudinal axis and encircled by the guide tube, and the proximal opening of the junction conduit is in contact with the distal opening of the suction tube and the distal opening of the guide tube such that the distal opening of the junction conduit is in fluid communication with the suction tube, and urging the stylet through the guide tube along the second longitudinal axis through the junction conduit translates the distal end of the stylet to the distal opening of the junction conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus and method for gas and debris management. The apparatus comprises a surgical cassette, wherein the surgical cassette is at least partially formed of a cassette material defining a chamber. The surgical cassette has a floor and a plurality of walls. The apparatus also has a drain conduit with a drain entry and a drain exit. The drain entry is connected to the chamber near the floor. The drain conduit has a top portion and a bottom portion. The apparatus also has an aspiration conduit. The aspiration conduit has an aspiration port and an aspiration exit. The aspiration conduit is in liquid communication with the chamber and the drain conduit. At least a portion of the top portion of the drain conduit is positioned above at least a portion of the aspiration exit.

Abstract: A cleaning catheter includes tubular main body, shaped so as to define a distal-most suction orifice; and a suction lumen arranged along the main body in intermittent fluid communication with a suction source. A distal portion of the suction lumen is in fluid communication with the distal-most suction orifice. An outer wall of the main body is shaped so as to define an opening extending through the outer wall into the suction lumen at an axial location proximal to the distal-most suction orifice. An inflatable element is mounted to the main body along the opening. A collapsible membrane is positioned along the opening within an interior of the inflatable element, so as to define an inflatable chamber between a wall of inflatable element and the collapsible membrane. The collapsible membrane is positioned to at least partially occlude the suction lumen upon at least partial inflation of the inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A control valve (8) for a medical suction device (1) is provided, with the control valve (8) having an actuating element for freeing and closing a flow path (15) through a valve chamber (11) through the use of a valve plunger (12). Additional air intake openings (16) are formed on the actuating element (10) and define an additional flow path (21) through the valve chamber (11).

Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines an approximate temperature of the eye using an irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system may include an elongate shaft that defines a high pressure lumen and a low pressure lumen. The high pressure lumen may terminate near an end of the low pressure lumen. An expandable capture basket may be disposed near the end of the low pressure lumen. A thrombectomy apparatus may include an elongate shaft, an evacuation lumen extending within the elongate shaft and a high pressure lumen extending within the elongate shaft. A capture apparatus may be disposed within a wire lumen that extends within the elongate shaft such that the capture apparatus extends distally from the wire lumen.

Abstract: A fluids exchanging system for medical use is provided. The system comprises an infusion pumping system, an aspiration pump, and an implantable catheter comprising a perforated dialysis cavity communicating with infusion and aspiration tubes in a communicating vessel manner. The implantable catheter further includes elastic holes.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a handpiece may include an irrigation line coupled to an adjacent line reservoir with a piston configured to move within the adjacent line reservoir to increase an irrigation pressure in the irrigation line near a surgical site. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect an occlusion break in the aspiration line and information from the sensor may result in signaling an actuator to move the piston in response to the occlusion break detection to compensate for a vacuum pressure drop associated with the occlusion break. The handpiece may further include a purge bypass line between the irrigation line and the adjacent line reservoir to allow flow from the irrigation line to travel through the adjacent line reservoir to purge the adjacent line reservoir.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification needle has a hollow body with an open end by which the sleeve is attachable to a handpiece and an open tip through which a phacoemulsification needle is passed. Irrigating liquid is directed from the handpiece through the sleeve. At least one discharge ports is formed in the sleeve to provide increased flow of irrigating liquid into the eye. The port or ports may differ in size, shape and positioning on the sleeve. At least one such port has a slit extending therefrom cutting through the sleeve and adapted to distend or open up under certain flow conditions, effectively increasing the cross-sectional area of the port available for flow. When flow conditions return to normal the slit returns to its “closed” position. Another such port is formed as a flap which opens and closes responsive to the flow of the irrigating liquid.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a volume of a wound are described, the method comprising the steps of: applying a dressing over a wound, the volume of which is to be measured, the dressing including at least a sealing drape over the wound so as to create a sealed wound cavity; creating a vacuum in said wound cavity by vacuum pump means so as to produce a predetermined vacuum in the wound cavity; measuring a volume of air extracted from said wound cavity in producing said predetermined vacuum; and, calculating a volume of said wound.