Abstract: A wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source. The wound dressing member is also provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The wound dressing member includes a wound facing surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface and a plurality of discrete holes formed in the wound facing surface. The member further includes a port configured to communicate with the vacuum source and with each hole formed in the wound facing surface. The wound dressing member further includes a stand-off having interconnected portions coupled to the wound facing surface and configured to provide a space between the wound facing surface and the wound surface.

Abstract: A medical device for fragmenting objects and aspirating remaining debris enables a physician or other medical personnel quickly and easily remove objects, such as kidney stones, from a patient. The medical device can include a dual-lumen elongated member and a handle coupled to the elongated member. A first one of the lumens provides a suction passageway, and a second one of the lumens receives a laser fiber for delivering laser energy to an object, such as a kidney stone, within the patient. The handle can include a positioning mechanism to enable the physician by manual manipulation to move and hold in place the laser fiber longitudinally within the second lumen.

Abstract: A housing is secured to an area of skin to allow suction to be applied to a local area of skin through an aperture. After formation of a suction blister, a blade is actuated to sever a suction cup thereby detaching the means for creating suction at the aperture and at the same time removing the roof of the suction blister to expose an area of dermis from which the skin's epidermis has been removed.

Abstract: For application of active substances to a wound surface a porous padding (12) is provided upon the wound (10), which is sealingly covered over with a foil (14). A fluid active substance is introduced into the padding (12) via a supply line (22) and is then suctioned out of the padding (12) via a removal line (26). Closure mechanisms (32, 34) control the introduction of the active substance and the suctioning off of the active substance in the manner, that the active substance after being introduced remains for a predetermined dwell time in the padding (12), before it is suctioned off. After the suctioning off the vacuum in the padding (12) is maintained for a certain time period, before renewed introduction of the active substance. The opening of the closure mechanisms (32, 34) are temporally controlled to occur slowly.

Abstract: This is directed to a smoke evacuator for use in electro surgery and laser surgery to collect smoke and surgical debris which includes body portion, a flared horn portion to promote flow of smoke and surgical debris into the body portion and a filter positioned on the body portion to remove particulate matter contained in the smoke and surgical debris.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for endoscopically cannulating the aorta, right atrium, and other body tissues to establish cardiopulmonary bypass for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, and for other surgeries. After inserting the suction support through a minimal access port, the suction support having an arcuate member with suction ports provides countertraction to the aorta by creating a vacuum seal between its suction ports and the aorta, therefore facilitating aortic incision and cannulation. In one embodiment, the suction support allows aorta stabilization, incision, and insertion with an introducer to be achieved sequentially. Methods for using the devices herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin to a patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired Constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components obtained according to the above sample collection methods. Also provided within the invention are novel breast pump and breast pump adapter devices which incorporate a solid phase sample collection medium integrated within the breast pump or adapter or otherwise fluidly connected therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for endoscopically cannulating the aorta, right atrium, and other body tissues to establish cardiopulmonary bypass for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, and for other surgeries. After inserting the suction support through a minimal access port, the suction support having an arcuate member with suction ports provides countertraction to the aorta by creating a vacuum seal between its suction ports and the aorta, therefore facilitating aortic incision and cannulation. In one embodiment, the suction support allows aorta stabilization, incision, and insertion with an introducer to be achieved sequentially. Methods for using the devices herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid displacement pump includes a rigid hollow body having a first open end, a flexible partition disposed within the hollow body adjacent the first open end to create a variable volume fluid chamber between the partition and the hollow body, and an actuator acting upon the flexible partition. A movable piston including a shaft connected to the actuator and a head connected to the partition may be disposed within the hollow body. The rigid housing acts as a guide for the piston head. A piston stop may be provided for limiting the movement of the piston. Further, a movable mass may be disposed within the hollow body and controlled by either a linear motor or a pulley system.

Abstract: A breastpump assembly for either single or double breastpumping has first and second breastpump units. Each breastpump unit has a breast shield within which a breast is received, and at least one container for collecting breastmilk expressed into a respective breast shield. A pumping mechanism, such as one having a battery power source, generates a periodic reduced pressure within the breast shields, with the pumping unit being carried by the first breastpump unit. A mechanism is advantageously provided for alternating the periodic reduced pressure between the first and second breastpump units.

Abstract: A mucus suction device includes a pump housing, collection vessel connected to the pump housing, and a fluid conduit connected to the vessel and adapted for placement in a nostril. The pump housing, vessel, and conduit together define an air path. The pump housing encloses a flexible diaphragm and a motor to pulsate it. Behind the diaphragm is an air chamber communicating with the fluid conduit and with a discharge passage to atmosphere. The collection vessel includes a first nipple for connection with the conduit and a second nipple for connection with the air chamber. The fluid conduit includes a mucus tube for placement into a nostril. The air path also includes check valve, one between the tube and the air chamber, and the other between the air chamber and the discharge passage. Pulsation of the diaphragm moves air through the discharge passage and generates vacuum pressure in the fluid conduit to draw mucus into the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A self cycling breast pump including a nurser bottle and a suction assembly adapted to be situated on a breast of a human for delivering milk to the nurser bottle upon the application of a suction thereto. Further provided is an electric pump adapted to generate a vacuum at an inlet upon the activation thereof. The inlet of the electric pump is connected to the suction assembly. Also included is an electronic vent valve adapted to vent the vacuum created by the electric pump upon the activation thereof for releasing the vacuum. Associated therewith is vent control circuitry for determining a rate of activation of the electric vent valve thereby creating a cycling suction at the inlet of the electric pump. Vacuum control circuitry is provided for allowing the manual governing of the level of vacuum generated by the electric pump means. This is accomplished by controlling the speed of a motor associated with the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting matter from skin pores. The system utilizes a nozzle including relatively movable inner and outer nozzle portions. Vacuum is applied to the nozzle and the inner nozzle is applied to the skin surrounding a pore after the skin has been drawn into the outer nozzle portion by vacuum.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for endoscopically cannulating the aorta, right atrium, and other body tissues to establish cardiopulmonary bypass for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, and for other surgeries. After inserting the suction support through a minimal access port, the suction support having an arcuate member with suction ports provides countertraction to the aorta by creating a vacuum seal between its suction ports and the aorta, therefore facilitating aortic incision and cannulation. In one embodiment, the suction support allows aorta stabilization, incision, and insertion with an introducer to be achieved sequentially. Methods for using the devices herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable suction syringe consists of three parts, i.e. a tubular body (1) defining an inwardly smooth barrel (4) with one open end (5) and a bottom wall (6) at the other end, and further comprising two gripping flanges (11); an assembly of a solid rod (12) and a plunger (14), wherein the rod extends through a converging sealing lip (7) projecting outwards from said bottom wall, while the plunger (14) comprises a diverging sealing skirt (15) extending away from said wall; and an actuating button (3) attached to the proximal end of the rod (12). The syringe may be used by a person to suck venom out of his or her own body.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes a hollow housing having a centrally disposed hollow chamber with an opening at the bottom out of which extends two power driven rollers. A handle is provided on the housing in addition to a hollow extending portion communicating with the central chamber for connection to a vacuum source. A flywheel motor disposed within the hollow chamber is coupled to an auxiliary power source disposed within the hollow housing. A centrifugal squirrel cage fan is disposed on the motor shaft at one end with a driving pulley on the other end of the motor shaft that is coupled to the pair of elongated rollers.

Abstract: A device for evacuating plume products. A gas is forced through at least one compressed gas jet nozzle which directs a compressed gas flow toward an evacuation orifice. A vacuum system provides a vacuum at said evacuation orifice sufficient to provide a vacuum mass flow rate substantially greater than said compressed gas mass flow rate so that the plume products are entrained in gas exiting said gas jet nozzles and evacuated along with the gas through the evacuation orifice. In one embodiment, compressed gas may be cooled to produce aerosol particles to further improve collection efficiency and produce beneficial therapeutic effects. The device is especially useful in laser surgery to evacuate ablation products in plumes created by pulse lasers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

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 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: 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 surgical wicking device utilizing a hollow conduit having a first end portion and a second portion terminating in an open end. The first end portion is connected to a suction source. A porous element having an outer surface and a matrix within the same is capable of transporting fluids, including blood, from the outer surface to a inner or central reservoir or zone of the matrix by only capillary flow. The open end of the second end portion of the hollow flexible conduit is held to the interior of porous element adjacent the matrix inner zone, to permit aspiration of fluids from the matrix central zone to the conduit.

Abstract: A breast pump includes a housing, a suction unit mounted in the housing, a rippled funnel for engaging a mother's breast, and an adapter for interconnecting same. The adapter is configured to sealingly support the funnel, frictionally sealingly support a bottle for collecting milk, and frictionally sealingly engage the housing. The adapter includes a tubular protrusion/stem defining a passageway for communicating air from the bottle to the suction unit to create a vacuum in the bottle. A pair of "O" rings are positioned on the protrusion to sealingly and stably engage the housing. A check valve is located in the protrusion to prevent back flow of milk from the bottle to the suction unit. The housing includes an outer surface defining a hand grip, and vacuum adjustment controls including a wheel for fine vacuum adjustment and a vacuum releasing push bottom are conveniently positioned on the hand grip.

Abstract: A fluid applicator 10 used to prepare a surgical site on a patient's skin is disclosed, which irrigates a surgical site and simultaneously collects excess irrigation fluids from the surgical site and returns the collected fluids to a fluid reservoir. Applicator 10 includes a disposable fluid reservoir 10 and a reusable motor assembly 50. Fluid reservoir 20 includes a sponge 48. Motor assembly 50 includes a motor 70 and a reciprocating diaphragm 80. Motor assembly 50 is connected to the open end of fluid reservoir 20 to enclose and seal a quantity of prep solution inside the fluid reservoir. Motor 70 reciprocates diaphragm 80 back and forth within fluid reservoir 20. The forward stroke of diaphragm 80 causes a positive pressure inside fluid reservoir 20, which displaces the irrigation fluid through a one way valve 30 and a spray nozzle 34 onto the surgical site. Excess irrigation fluid is absorbed by sponge 48 as applicator 10 is moved over the surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the blood circulation in the scalp is provided, having a vacuum, a flexible tube, and a rigid, elastic suction funnel, the flexible tube being connected at one end thereof to the vacuum and at the other end thereof to the funnel, the funnel having a small opening at one thereof for connection to the tube and having a large opening at the other end thereof, the large opening having an edge adapted for application to the scalp. The funnel is transparent to allow for observation of the scalp therethrough, the funnel having a pair of rigid parallel rings situated thereon, one located near the small opening and one located near the large opening, and a longitudinal rod being attached between the pair of rigid rings, the longitudinal rod being provided with spaced markings so that changes in the level of the scalp may be observed during operation of the apparatus.

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: The invention relates to a nasal aspirator which is used to dislodge and remove secretions, mucus and debris from a nasal passageway of the user. The device is provided with a housing, one end of which is adapted for mounting on a faucet of a liquid fluid source. The second end of the housing serves as an outlet of the device. A vacuum container is in fluid communication with the housing in such a way that opening of a fluid source through the housing causes creation of at least partial vacuum within the container. A nasal valve is in fluid communication with the housing and the vacuum container. The nasal valve includes a nasal seal, one end of which is positioned in the nasal passageway and which is carried by a tube, the second end of which unseats the valve element of the nasal valve to open the fluid communication between the nasal passageway and the housing.

Abstract: A laser mist evacuator attachment comprising a stubby U-shaped vacuum nozzle having a substantially inverted V-shaped tube with extremities connected to the extremities of the stubby U-shaped nozzle together with a plurality of holes in confronting relationship in the tube for drawing in a vacuum mist. The tube is preferably provided with a flexible backing sheet which is curved to fit the body of the patient and the rear of which is coated with adhesive material.

Abstract: A steaming device includes a reservoir for containing a predetermined quantity of water, a heater for heating the water and producing the steam, a nozzle for exhausting out the steam, and a conduit for connecting the nozzle with the reservoir. The nozzle includes a pivotable flow adjusting mechanism for selectively varying the direction of steam flowing out therefrom.

Abstract: A smoke evacuator is provided that includes a head member that substantially surrounds an operative site to draw air and smoke from around a perimeter of the site as the smoke is produced. The head can be secured about the site during the procedure.

Abstract: An end effector for efficiently removing the gaseous byproducts of laser surgery from a surgical site is provided. The end effector includes a flexible hose and a pliable vacuum head adhesively attachable in airtight relationship around a surgical site. The vacuum head includes a generally annular plenum for drawing plumes away from the surgical site from around a 360.degree. arc. A porous plenum support prevents the flexible plenum from collapsing in the presence of a vacuum, and diffuses the vacuum around the entire periphery of the plenum.

Abstract: A therapeutic suction device includes an operating vacuum chamber connected to a motor operated pump to create a vacuum pressure therein and a pressure controlling means to maintain a predetermined pressure in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum pressure in the operating vacuum chamber can be pre-arranged so as to provide a suction force by a pressure difference even when there is a shortage of electricity.

Abstract: An aspirator for removing vomit and like matter from the mouth and throat. A bellows integral with a collection reservoir includes a handle grip reciprocable alternately to draw vomit into the reservoir from an attached catheter insertable into the throat, and vent air through an exhaust valve. The bellows-reservoir unit is detachably mounted to a frame which also includes a handle grip and springs. The grips are squeezed to draw in vomit, and released to permit the springs to collapse the bellows. The operation is one-handed, the device is portable, and the bellows-reservoir unit can be separated from the frame and discarded after use. A feature is a one-way inlet valve in the catheter to prevent vomit from draining back into the throat during aspirator operation.

Abstract: An electro mechanical system for stimulating the human scalp. The system includes a rigid helmet adapted to be placed upon the head of a patient to be treated, which helmet includes an internal pad comprising integral, stimulating finger members which directly contact the scalp of the patient. A vibration motor housed within the helmet communicates mechanically with the pad to gently vibrate same to stimulate the scalp. Remote means for generating a vacuum are inter-connected with the helmet through an elongated vacuum hose, and a vacuum input orifice is defined within the helmet. Preferably the vibration motor is housed within the vacuum inlet orifice, and vacuum is distributed interiorly of the helmet during vibration to stimulate the scalp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device, intended primarily for home use, for both vacuuming and scrubbing facial skin surfaces to remove oils and debris from the skin. The device is adapted for attachment to a conventional water outlet and comprises a Venturi tube to which is attached a housing overlying the throat suction aperture of the tube. The housing accommodates a turbine rotor which is rotated by the flow of water through the Venturi throat and the rotor drives a remote facial brush. Coaxial with the rotor is a vacuum controlling rotor which may deliver continuous or pulsating vacuum. When producing pulsating vacuum, the rotor periodically interrupts or pulses the vacuum produced in the housing which, via a flexible tube, is utilized by a remote vacuum head applied by the user to his facial surfaces.