Abstract: A smoke evacuator for use in electrosurgical and laser surgical procedures in which a source of rapidly moving fluid under pressure is introduced to a surgical site to entrain smoke and other surgical debris generated during the procedure and a collection element operated under reduced pressure. The latter is positioned adjacent to the surgical site so that the moving fluid stream entrains all of the smoke and surgical debris which is then collected in the collection element. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the collection element includes a flared horn portion to ensure laminar flow of the fluid stream as it enters the collection element. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the source of fluid under pressure and the collection element are mounted on a laser surgery handpiece or probe whereby the fluid pressure source and the collection element are integral with the probe and thus the tube is repositioned as the probe is repositioned.

Abstract: A system for collecting fluids from medical procedures, laboratory testing or industrial processes using a vacuum pad placed on the floor or an appropriate supporting structure adjacent to a potential source of hazardous fluids. The vacuum pad is formed from corrugated panels having a first sheet and a second sheet with a plurality of corrugated ribs to provide fluid flow channels between the first sheet and the second sheet. A manifold is provided as a part of the vacuum pad to supply a relatively uniform amount of vacuum to each fluid flow channel. The vacuum pad and a container for potentially hazardous fluids may be coupled in series by one or more conduits to a vacuum source such as commonly available in surgical operating rooms.

Abstract: An aspiration device for separating liquid content of a body fluid and irrigation fluid if any, from solid matters, includes an integrally formed housing, and an integrally formed separating element which is detachably inter-connectable to the housing. The housing includes a proximal segment for defining a hollow space to receive part of the separating element. The separating element includes a filter element for separating the liquid content of the body fluid from the solid matters and for collecting the solid matters in the interior of the filter element. The separating element further includes an end connector for interlocking the separating element with the housing, and an egress tube for conveying the separated liquid content outside the aspiration device.

Abstract: A sampling device of the suction effusion fluid that is good in sampling operation efficiency. This device includes a cell with a vacuum suction port and a skin suction port, a slide valve formed in the cell, and fluid reservoirs formed in the valve. The slide valve is movable in a plane approximately parallel to the skin surface. The slide valve opens or closes a communication path communicating the skin suction port with the vacuum suction port. Each of the fluid reservoirs is alternately communicated with the skin suction port and the vacuum suction port through the communication path by sliding movement of the slide valve. Each of the fluid reservoirs stores an effusion fluid acquired from the skin surface by vacuum suction through the skin suction port. When the slide valve is located at a position where one of the fluid reservoirs is communicated with the skin suction port and the vacuum suction port, at least one of the remaining fluid reservoirs is exposed to the outside of the cell.

Abstract: A selectively positionable fluid conduit for gas removal from or gas introduction to a specific environment is disclosed. The fluid conduit includes a tubular wand having an orifice at the distal end thereof. Unwanted gases are removed by suction force through the orifice. Desirable or therapeutic gases are introduced to a specific location through the orifice. The tubular wand is coupled to a malleable positioning tube. The malleable positioning tube can be manipulated into various configurations such that the positioning tube maintains the last chosen configuration. In one disclosed embodiment, the malleable positioning tube includes tubular bellows formed from a plurality of alternating large and small diameter rings joined by frusto-conical walls. In another embodiment, the malleable positioning tube includes a malleable wire associated with a semi-rigid tube. Interaction between the rings and the frusto-conical walls imparts malleable properties to the positioning tube.

Abstract: A debris removal system removes debris from a work site by flowing fluid away from the work site toward the periphery of a structure. The fluid flow can be kept constant around the periphery so that debris is removed evenly. The structure can have a reduced cross section between the fluid inlet and the work site so that the resulting increased fluid velocity works to prevent debris from escaping.

Abstract: A device for sucking an effusion fluid from the skin of an organism from which keratin has been removed. A disk is received in the cavity of a cell for sucking an effusion fluid in contact with the surface of an organism. Guide grooves are formed in the surface of the disk facing a suction port while holes are formed through the disk in each guide groove. The disk allows a minimum of fluid to remain thereon and guides the fluid toward the suction side in order to enhance efficient collection. When the fluid is collected a plurality of times, the preceding fluid and the following fluid are prevented from being mixed together, insuring accurate measurement.

Abstract: A medical vacuum device including a vacuum. A hose is received within the vacuum and into communication with a suction pump of the vacuum. The device includes a suction tube having a conical configuration. The suction tube couples with the hose. The tube can be extended into the throat of a choking victim in order to suck out the item of food lodged in the victims throat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lavage tip for use with a lavage system to irrigate living tissue. A fluid tip includes a fluid port and a suction or vacuum port, with the fluid port and vacuum port defining a cross-sectional area. A shield is connected to the fluid tip which has an open end with a surface area which is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of the fluid tip. The open end of the shield is configured for placement against the tissue to be irrigated. The shield includes an articulating joint allowing relative angular movement between the shield and the fluid tip, whereby substantially all of the tissue to be irrigated at the open end of the shield may be irrigated without repositioning the open end relative to the tissue. The fluid tip may include an oxygen port for providing oxygen therapy to the tissue.

Abstract: The invention requires a brush having a passage through which water forced under pressure is supplied to the brush area and having a passage attached to a vacuum. The water supply passage and the passage under vacuum must be so aligned that the cleaning solution is removed from the area to be cleaned along with debris without allowing the contaminated solution to collect on the surface of the skin. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, no moving parts are required for the brush. The brush may be made of any soft material that is easily cleaned. However, a brush made of soft plastic bristles such as those used for surgical scrub brushes is preferred. The invention does not require formation of a foam as a cleansing agent.

Abstract: The liquid removal system of the present invention is designed to permit efficient liquid removal as needed through the use of an interface device. The interface device is provided with a membrane which has and is capable of maintaining a vacuum on one side so that when liquid contacts the opposite side of the membrane the liquid passes through the membrane and is removed from the interface device by a maintained vacuum to a receptacle for disposal. When used as a female external catheter system, the present invention is designed to remove urine from incontinent female hospital and nursing home patients and even patients under home care.

Abstract: A cupping instrument comprises a vacuum cup integrally comprising an outlet hole at one end thereof, an annular socket concentrically surrounding the outlet hole, and a cylindrical tubular extension extending from the one end and surrounding the outlet hole and the annular socket. A suction valve for opening and closing the outlet hole is disposed in the annular socket and comprises a sealing disk, a centrally disposed die-cut valve disk, an annular outer portion surrounding the valve disk, and at least one bridge integrally connecting the annular outer portion to the valve disk. An aspirator is connected to the vacuum cup, the aspirator comprising an aspirator cylinder detachably mounted in the cylindrical tubular extension and having a forward end wall facing the outlet hole and defining an aspirating opening concentrically surrounding the outlet hole.

Abstract: A device for evacuating ablation products of tissue ablated with a pulse laser beam. A gas is forced through at least one compressed gas jet nozzle. An evacuation nozzle is spaced apart from the compressed gas jet nozzle and a pulse laser beam passes in between the jet nozzle and the evacuation nozzle to illuminate and ablate tissue. A vacuum system provides a vacuum at the evacuation nozzle sufficient to provide a vacuum mass flow rate substantially greater than the compressed gas mass flow rate so that the products of the ablation are entrained in gas exiting the gas jet nozzles and evacuated along with the gas through the evacuation nozzle.

Abstract: Described is a suction device for cleaning the skin, the device having a suction nozzle with several openings, plus a gap. The skin is drawn by a pulsating suction force into the openings where it closes off the gap in which a pulsating compression force synchronized with the suction force is generated. Comedones are thus squeezed out of the pores by short, variable compressive thrusts.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for evacuation of exudate from wounds. The apparatuses include a suctioning means having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a wound cover in fluid communication with the suctioning means via the inlet port. The wound cover is adapted to fit in fluid communication with a wound dressing for application to a wound site. The suctioning means is operative to remove exudate from a wound dressing in association with the wound cover and covering a wound site.

Abstract: A fastening system includes a membrane assembly which can comprise a pair of body panels secured together at a seam. The membrane panels can comprise a semi-permeable material. A sheath assembly has a tubular configuration with proximate and distal ends and a sheath passage extending therebetween. The sheath assembly can be fastened to the membrane assembly by adhesively securing the sheath assembly adjacent to its proximate end between the membrane panels at the membrane assembly seam. A sheath-to-tube fastener is provided for fastening the sheath assembly to a tube. In one embodiment of the present invention a surgical sponge is fastened to the membranes in fluidic connection with the sheath, which is fastened to a suction tube for drawing blood from a surgical site.

Abstract: The invention requires a brush having a passage through which water forced under pressure is supplied to the brush area and having a passage attached to a vacuum. The water supply passage and the passage under vacuum must be so aligned that the cleaning solution is removed from the area to be cleaned along with debris without allowing the contaminated solution to collect on the surface of the skin. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, no moving parts are required for the brush. The brush may be made of any soft material that is easily cleaned. However, a brush made of soft plastic bristles such as those used for surgical scrub brushes is preferred. The invention does not require formation of a foam as a cleansing agent.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for the controlled collection of body fluids comprising a collection vessel housed in a carrier, a vacuum pump mounted in the carrier, and means for powering pump for continuous operation mounted therein. The collection vessel includes a valved exit port, and inlet port connected to a body mounted fluid collection apparatus, a vacuum control means, liquid level control means an tilt sensing means all operatively connected. Also described are a vented drainage valve assembly, and sound and odor absorbing components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful apparatus and method for absorbing and collecting blood and other fluids which accumulate in a patient during surgical procedures. An absorbent portion is connected to a suction source. When the absorbent portion is placed in contact with the fluid to be collected, the fluid is absorbed by the absorbent portion. Operation of the suction source provides a vacuum which draws the fluid away from the absorbent portion and out of the body. The fluid can be drawn into a receptacle for later cleansing and reuse. A flexible backing plate is attached to the absorbent portion. Channels formed a long the backing plate direct the vacuum evenly across the absorbent portion of the device such that fluid is drawn evenly from the absorbent portion. Suction tubing connects the absorbent portion to the suction source. The absorbent portion and attached backing plate can be folded to fit into small areas.

Abstract: A sampling cell (1) sucks body fluid, which is suction effusion fluid (SEF), into a passage by decompressive suction. At this time, the inside of the passage is under reduced pressure and accordingly the SEF contains a large amount of bubbles of oxygen and other gases. When, in this state, first opening/closing means (20, 21) provided in part of the passage are closed and third opening/closing means (25) is opened to bring the passage filled with the SEF into communication with the atmosphere, the gases contained in the SEF are discharged into the atmosphere. After that, the SEF in the passage, cleared of the gases, is supplied together with buffer solution to measuring means (7). Therefore, the SEF to be fed to the measuring means (7) can be supplied always in a fixed quantity.

Abstract: A device for extracting pus, blood and other materials from beneath the skin. The device is made of a clear plastic tube open at both ends (10). One end is placed over the skin which has material to be extracted. The other end contains a plunger device (16) which creates a vacuum in the tube when it is withdrawn from the tube. As the vacuum pressure increases, the skin and underlying material are drawn into the tube until it is penetrated by a recessed piercing device (14) which is attached to an extrusion (12) approximately in the center of the tube (10). After being pierced, the underlying material is drawn from beneath the skin to the surface.

Abstract: A suction delivery system for removing surgical smoke from an operative site includes a hose having the configuration of a first tube and adapted to extend generally between a suction source and the operative site. A wand coupled to the distal end of the hose has the configuration of a second tube with first portions of the wand define a major suction inlet while second portions of the wand define a lateral opening which relieves suction pressure when the major inlet is blocked by tissue. A tip section of the wand includes a vane extending at least partially across the major opening and a strut extending to support the vane outwardly of the major opening. The tip section also includes means providing a laterally visible indication of the degree of contamination of the system.

Abstract: An irrigation dressing for deep wounds comprises an adhesive, substantially liquid- and air-impermeable plate (1) having at least one perforation (6, 7) for supplying and sucking off liquid, and for pressure equalization. The perforation is provided with a conduit (10) for supplying and sucking off liquid. The conduit is introduced into the wound cavity, and irrigation liquid is supplied and sucked off through it. After completed irrigation, the perforation/perforations in the plate is/are closed in order to seal the dressing.A bag (18) can be connected to the dressing for filling up and actively affecting the wound cavity.

Abstract: A vacuum powered personal waste garment apparatus comprising a waterproof and breathable garment having thigh bands and a waistband that are snug when worn on a patient.A first hose attached to a warm water supply on one end and the garment through a cuff at the other end to provide a fresh supply of water to the garment.A second hose attached to a wet-dry vacuum cleaner on one end and the garment through a cuff at the other end wherein the vacuum cleaner creates a vacuum within the garment so that any liquid or solid waste within the garment flows into the second hose to the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A suction device for cleaning skin having a suction nozzle with a plurality of openings that are covered by an elastic diaphragm which is drawn into the openings by a pulsating drive force so that the diaphragm forms a plurality of pulsating secondary vacuum pumps in contact with the skin, thus, the vacuum action on the skin is divided into short variable suction pulses and the covering elastic diaphragm offers an easily exchangeable disposable hygienic protection.

Abstract: A device connectable to a suction source for drawing off particulate matter from the air about a burning site comprises a flexible hose provided along an end segment with a plurality of spaced apertures, the apertures being covered by punch-outs in the wall of the tube. A fastener serves to connect the hose at an end opposite the apertured end segment to the suction source, and a coupling element is provided for securing a free tip of the hose, at the free end of the apertured end segment, to the hose along a middle portion thereof to thereby form a loop including at least a portion of the apertured end segment. A selectable number of the punch-outs may be removed from the hose prior to a burning operation.

Abstract: A disposable surgical apparatus for removing potentially harmful materials including fluids, vapors and airborne particles, especially AIDS virus, from an operating zone, during an operation comprising a vacuum generating system that draws the potentially harmful material through a suction manifold mounted on a surface in the proximity of a wound or incision. The suction manifold is incorporated in an elongate strip having an adhesive surface that is adhered to the patient in the vicinity of an incision or the like and that includes a plurality of apertures therealong in flow communication with the vacuum generating system.

Abstract: A device connectable to a suction source for drawing off particulate matter from the air about a burning site comprises a flexible hose provided along an end segment with a plurality of spaced apertures, a fastener for detachably connecting the hose at an end opposite the apertured end segment to the suction source, and a coupling element for securing a free tip of the hose, at the free end of the apertured end segment, to the hose along a middle portion thereof to thereby form a loop including at least a portion of the apertured end segment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, in particular for endoscopic surgery, wherein the instrument comprises a tube provided at its proximal end with a flexible suction cup and at its distal end with a bulb such that the volume of the bulb is in communication with the suction cup via the tube in order to enable the suction cup to be applied against and to adhere to tissues or organs for displacment under the control of pressure and/or suction from the bulb.

Abstract: A smoke aspirating device is provided for eliminating smoke generated during electrocautery surgery which is simple to use and includes a substantially flat and flexible panel structure having spaced upper and lower panel members with a closed area therebetween, the upper panel member having a plurality of spaced apertures arrayed over substantially the planar area thereof connecting with the closed area, the lower panel member have a pressure sensitive adhesive coated over its lower surface for attachment to a patient and the panel structure having a connector projecting from one end which is adapted for connecting with a vacuum source for drawing smoke and air from an electrocautery surgery site over the surface of the panel structure and inwardly through the apertures and closed area within the panel structure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a handpiece for use in a surgical procedure which involves directing a surgical agent to a target area of a person's body which procedure produces an unwanted smoke plume. The handpiece includes both a probe for directing a surgical agent, such as a CO.sub.2 laser beam, and a smoke eliminator for removing with suction the smoke created by the surgical procedure. The probe has no functional components for creating the laser beam, and is thus economical enough to be disposable after one use. The smoke eliminator includes a nozzle and/or an offset suction port so configured as to create a votrex flow in the smoke in the target area upstream in the fluid flow pathway of smoke through the hand piece from the distal tip of the hand piece.

Abstract: A suction device is disclosed comprising a molded plastic handle having a suction bore therethrough and a spigot for connection to the hospital suction source. The device further comprises a probe having a suction passage therethrough and terminating in a suction tip. At its proximal end the probe is formed with a male thread which threadedly engages in internal threads provided at an enlarged entrance portion of the handle. The proximal end of the probe terminates in an end member which fits within a reception bore located between the front bore and the suction bore of the handle. The dimensions of the end member are such that there is an annular space between the reception bore and the end member and this space connects through an opening through the suction bore. The handle has a controllable suction port whereby the suction at the tip can be controlled. This port opens into the annular space downstream of the connection between the opening and the suction bore.

Abstract: A method of forming a disposable suction swab from an elongated stem having an enlarged, resilient tip at one end. The stem is installed in a longitudinal central channel in the tip, and the assembly is then compressed between a pair of displaceable clamp plates, the plates having drill apertures in registration with one another and with the tip being in alignment with the apertures. A hole is then bored through the compressed tip and stem by drilling through the apertures in the clamp plates. The plates are released to eject the formed swab.

Abstract: In a single portable housing a system for evacuating a laser plume from a surgical site. The system extracts the laser plume from the surgery site through a primary inlet tube supported on an articulated arm. A suction canister communicating with the primary inlet tube removes liquid contaminants from the laser plume and is connected by a secondary inlet tube to a primary filter canister in which is located a primary filter comprised of activated carbon granules. Also disposed in the primary filter canister upstream on the pathway followed by the laser plume through the system is a disposable prefilter disc. In combination with the primary filter the prefilter disc removes substantially all of the particulate contaminants and odor in the laser plume. Downstream from the primary filter canister is a fan for advancing the laser plume through the system.

Abstract: A breast milk pump suction arrangement includes a suction pump with suction connections, a fellow breast connector, a reservoir connected to the funnel and a pulsator. The suction pump is connected to the pulsator by a first suction line and a reservoir is connected to the pulsator by a second suction line. The pulsator includes a cylindrical housing supporting a control element which is moveable within said cylinder. The control element defining an air chamber and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber being in communication with the first suction line and the second suction line. An opening in said cylinder providing communication between said air chamber and atmosphere. An air intake valve is provided to vent the vacuum chamber to atomsphere periodically by opening and closing a valve closing element. A transmission arrangement is provided, connecting the control element and the valve element.

Abstract: A vacuum skin cleaner includes a negative pressure generator and an applicator cap, wherein the negative pressure generator has an internal venturi water passage and a suction passage. One end of the water passage of the negative pressure generator is connected to a tap water faucet and has a discharge opening at its other end. The suction passage communicates with a throat of the venturi water passage, and the applicator cap communicates with the suction passage and has a mouth opening for making contact with the human skin.

Abstract: Surgical suction mat including a rib, or the like, pliable member of a predetermined geometrical shape, a longitudinal cylindrical hose connected to the plurality of holes and being of a finite length including a suction hose connecton at the other end where the rib design with the holes provides suction to remove fluids oriented at an angle to the suction ports. The longitudinal cylindrical hose can include a parallel wire hose or the like to maintain a predetermined position. The ribbed design or the like of the pliable member allows drainage of fluids and lifts vessels, tissue or the like above the fluids. The ribbed pliable member is preferably opaque blue as a preferred color for working in a body tissue environment. The suction hose can be encompassing within the pliable member. The surgical suction mat can also be made of porous material with or without ribs.

Abstract: A suction drainage device is disclosed which comprises a receptacle communicated with a body cavity via an inlet tube. The receptacle is formed as a bellows, flat receptacle, foil or sheet bag, or foil or sheet tube and the like which can be folded or rolled up. A flexible check valve in the form of a foil or sheet valve, or flutter valve, is disposed inside the receptacle. The inlet tube is provided on a side of one edge of the receptacle so that the receptacle can be rolled up over a long roll path without interference from the valve. The device can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: A device for collecting samples of blood and other fluids for clinical testing purposes. The device includes an open-ended vial and a cap equipped with a capillary tube for drawing samples into the wall. The cap is internally threaded and the vial is provided at its open end with at least one arcuate flange engagable with the threads of the cap to shift the parts axially as they are rotated with respect to each other. A vent opening in the cap is sealed by the flange when the parts are threaded tightly together and is unsealed to allow passage of air to and from the vial when the parts are unthreaded but still connected. Retention lips provided by the cap retain the parts together when they are in their unthreaded condition.