Abstract: A gas supply apparatus measures a first pressure inside a first body cavity of a specimen and a second pressure inside a second body cavity of the specimen. The gas supply apparatus regulates a pressure of a predetermined gas based on the measured first and second pressures inside the first and second body cavities so that the first and second pressures reach predetermined first and second pressure settings, respectively.

Abstract: A thrombectomy system comprising an aspiration catheter having an aspiration lumen and a high pressure irrigation lumen, the aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal, and a control box fluidly connected to the aspiration catheter and configured to synchronously provide irrigation and vacuum through the aspiration catheter.

Abstract: A medical liquid injection system capable of automatically preventing a piston drive mechanism from being driven when a cylinder holding mechanism does not hold a medical liquid syringe properly. When a cylinder member (210) is being held, in a specific direction of rotation about the axis of the mechanism, by a cylinder holding mechanism (120), an RFID chip (230) and an RFID reader (131) become communicable, making the piston drive mechanism operable. On the other hand, when the cylinder member (210) has been rotated by a specified angle from a specific direction, the RFID chip (230) and the RFID reader (131) become incommunicable, not making the piston drive mechanism operable. As a consequence, the piston drive mechanism is not driven when the cylinder holding mechanism (120) is not holding the medical liquid syringe properly.

Abstract: A system for distending body tissue cavities of subjects by continuous flow irrigation during endoscopic procedures, the system including: a fluid source reservoir containing a non viscous physiologic fluid meant for cavity distension; a fluid supply conduit tube connecting the fluid source reservoir to an inlet port of a variable speed positive displacement inflow pump and an outlet port of the said inflow pump being connectable to an inflow port of an endoscope instrument through an inflow tube for pumping the fluid at a controlled flow rate into the cavity, the flow rate of the said inflow pump being termed as the inflow rate; an inflow pressure transducer being located anywhere in the inflow tube between the outlet port of the inflow pump and the inflow port of the endoscope; an outflow port of the endoscope being connectable to a waste fluid collecting container via a waste fluid carrying tube, and characterized in that an active inflow pressure pulsation dampening means is connected to the inflow tube f

Abstract: A surgical fluid manager includes a pump releasably engageable to tubing and a user interface. The user interface is configured to enable finger-touch selection of a fluid flow rate through the tubing and configured to operate in at least one of a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the flow rate is controlled via direct selection of one of a plurality of selectable digital numeric values, while in the second mode the flow rate is controlled via user selection of one alphanumeric identifier within a scale of alphanumeric identifiers. Each respective alphanumeric identifier directly corresponds to just one instrument size within a scale of instrument sizes.

Abstract: A hand-held disposable body cavity irrigation device comprises a pump with an inlet and an outlet, a container for lavage fluid fastened removably to said pump, an applicator having an insertion tip, and divided longitudinally into an injection chamber with a first fitting and a drain chamber with a second fitting, and a first tube connecting said outlet to the first fitting wherein the first tube comprises at least one malleable element embedded longitudinally into an elastic wall, said inlet communicates with the lavage fluid within the container, and the drain chamber is disposed predominantly below the injection chamber and has at least one vent beyond the insertion tip.

Abstract: A system including at least two distally separated devices that are in wireless communication with each other, wherein at least one of the two devices is provided with a warning mechanism configured to indicate an existing or imminent interruption or disturbance of communication. The inventive system may include a base unit and at least one mobile medical or pharmaceutical device in unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication with the base unit. A method for monitoring wireless communication between at least two devices is encompassed, wherein at least one of the two devices indicates an existing or imminent interruption or disturbance of the wireless communication by changing a type of the communication signal transmission.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a plurality of automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machines; and a server computer in communication with the APD machines, the APD machines programmed to inform the server computer of how much dialysate is consumed over a first delivery period, the server computer configured to use the amounts consumed to determine dialysate delivery amounts for the plurality of APD machines for a second delivery period.

Abstract: A radiopharmaceutical injection system having a powered injector that includes radiation shielding, a biometric sensor, and a controller communicatively interconnected with both the powered injector and the biometric sensor. The controller may be configured to control the powered injector in response to a signal from the biometric sensor that indicates a biometric parameter is within a target range.

Abstract: An in-vivo bioreactor device producing a dialysis effect by acting within the gastrointestinal tract for the removal of undesirable concentrated intestinal or blood substances or metabolites is disclosed. The ingestible device is comprised of a body wall that surrounds an internal compartment. Along the wall of the shell are openings located around the periphery that allow bodily fluids to enter and exit device. The wall of the device is comprised in whole or at least in part of materials that are impermeable to the passage of external fluids and maintains its physical and chemical integrity in the environment of use during its activity. Semi-permeable membranes located either internally or externally of the device are able to withstand all physiological temperatures and pH and act in a similar manner to dialysis membranes that are used for the separation of substances in suspensions, solutions, tissue cultures, etc.

Abstract: A method of mitigating an intraoperative hypotony condition using experimental calibrations of different infusion cannulas and vitrectomy probes showing the relationship between infusion pressure, cut rate, and intraocular pressure for various levels of aspiration vacuum in an ophthalmic surgical system.

Abstract: In various embodiments, multiple pumps may be used to deliver substances to multiple respective animals. A computer system may send/receive information to/from the pumps (e.g., to control and monitor various aspects of the pumps and/or store information associated with the pump). In some embodiments, the computer system may determine respective controlled delivery rates for the pumps (e.g., based in part on a weight of an animal receiving the substance from the respective pump) and send the determined controlled delivery rates to the respective pumps. The computer system may also receive user identifications from operators controlling a pump (e.g., in response to a pump alarm) and documentation indicators entered by the operator and/or pump to use in documenting pump activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system 10 for aspiration of a biological material comprising a source of irrigation fluid 20, a collection cassette 30, a pump 40 for creating a vacuum in the collection cassette 30, a handpiece 50 applied to a surgical area for infusing irrigation fluid and for aspirating a biological material, conduits 60 and 62 connecting the handpiece to each of the source of irrigation fluid and the collection cassette and means 70 for isolating the pump from the handpiece to prevent creation of vacuum within the conduit 62 and the collection cassette 30 after receiving a stop signal.

Abstract: An infusion system is for infusing a fluid into the body of a patient. The infusion system includes at least one sensor for monitoring blood glucose concentration of the patient and an infusion device for delivering fluid to the patient. The sensor produces at least one sensor signal input. The infusion device uses the at least one sensor signal input and a derivative predicted algorithm to determine future blood glucose levels. The infusion device delivers fluid to the patient when future blood glucose levels are in a patient's target range. The infusion device is capable of suspending and resuming fluid delivery based on future blood glucose levels and a patient's low shutoff threshold. The infusion device suspends fluid delivery when future blood glucose levels falls below the low shutoff threshold. The infusion device resumes fluid delivery when a future blood glucose level is above the low shutoff threshold.

Abstract: A fecal diverting device includes an internal balloon formed at the inside of a tubular body part disposed at the front end of a connection tube, at least one external balloon formed at the outside of the tubular body part, and an enema liquid injection hole formed through the forefront of the tubular body part, so as to allow fillers to be respectively injected into the internal balloon and the at least one external balloon and an enema liquid to be injected into an intestinal tract of a patient via an enema liquid injection hole through a control tube; and a device controller connected to the control tube for regulating the amounts of the fillers filling the internal balloon and the at least one external balloon through the control tube based on a predetermined fecal diverting program, and controlling the injection of the enema liquid, supplied from an enema liquid supplying unit, into the intestinal tract via the enema liquid injection hole through the control tube.

Abstract: An infusion device comprises a pusher for a plunger of a syringe containing a liquid to be infused. A load cell measures the push force. An encoder associated to a motor commanding the pusher measures the displacement of the pusher. A controller signals an alarm when the ratio between the variation of the push force and the displacement exceeds a predetermined threshold. The device, which serves for infusing an anticoagulant into an extracorporeal blood circuit in a dialysis apparatus, is able to signal an onset of an anomalous situation of lack of infusion in good time.

Abstract: A dual pump irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The system monitors actual or calculated intra-articular pressure and adjusts flow to maintain surgeon requested pressure at the surgical site while controlling outflow. The irrigation/aspiration pump system has an inflow pump and tubing dedicated to communicating fluid to the surgical work site and an outflow pump and tubing dedicated to removing fluid from the work site at a controlled rate. The system further has different size inflow and outflow pumps and tubing cassettes, a subsystem for altering the outflow fluid flow rate to accommodate a surgical tool and a subsystem for declogging the surgical tool in the event of blockage. In a preferred embodiment a pressure control system provides inferred pressure information representative of the pressure at the work site.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the operating condition of a medical pump based on data derived from a pressure sensor and a position sensor. The pressure sensor generates pressure data by sensing the force on the pumping element. The position sensor generates position data by tracking the pumping cycle and determining the position of the pumping element. The pump pressure data and pump position data are processed and the calculated results compared with a pre-determined threshold value to determine the operating condition of the pump. The three main types of operating conditions of concern are the following: normal condition, where liquid is present and no leaks exist in pumping chamber; leak condition, where liquid is present but a leak exists in the pumping chamber; and air stroke condition, where the chamber contains some air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for instilling fluid into a patient having an intestinal stoma thereby administering an antegrade colonic enema. The portable instillation apparatus comprising in combination: a fluid reservoir, a pump assembly, a control module, a fluid delivery line and an intestinal stoma catheter wherein the control module is operable to automatically stop fluid delivery to the intestinal stoma after a predetermined volume of fluid has been instilled at a predetermined flow rate and pressure range suitable for a particular patient. The portable instillation apparatus incorporates a unique gear pump manifold facilitating the portability, durability and reliability of the apparatus overcoming the disadvantages of traditional peristaltic pump mechanisms.

Abstract: A pressure and a vision regulation method and device for irrigation of a body cavity (1), in which method an inflow liquid pump (2) pressurizes the irrigation liquid in a feed line (13) and in which an outflow device (3) or an external suction source (20) drains the irrigation liquid from the body cavity (1) through a tubing (16) into a waste container (17) and in which a control unit (4) controls either the inflow liquid pump (2) only or both the inflow liquid pump (2) and the outflow device (3) depending on an inflow irrigation liquid pressure from a pressure sensor (5), where the first control unit (4) compares the inflow irrigation liquid pressure and flow with pressures calculated to correspond to pressure in the body cavity for the respective flow for a nominal surgical site and that a matching between the calculated values and the inflow irrigation liquid pressures is made by altering the effect of either the inflow liquid pump (2) only or the inflow liquid pump (2) and/or the outflow device (3) and/or

Abstract: An infusion system with a needleless or needle-requiring injection site placed downstream of a fluid selection stopcock valve and upstream of the infusion cannula. In an alternate embodiment the fluid selection stopcock valve and injection site may be formed as a single consumable unit.

Abstract: A dual pump irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The system monitors actual or calculated intra-articular pressure and adjusts flow to maintain surgeon requested pressure at the surgical site while controlling outflow. The irrigation/aspiration pump system has an inflow pump and tubing dedicated to communicating fluid to the surgical work site and an outflow pump and tubing dedicated to removing fluid from the work site at a controlled rate. The system further has different size inflow and outflow pumps and tubing cassettes, means for altering the outflow fluid flow rate to accommodate a surgical tool and a means for declogging the surgical tool in the event of blockage. In a preferred embodiment a pressure control system provides inferred pressure information representative of the pressure at the work site.

Abstract: A portable insulin delivery device that supplies insulin in a pre-pressurized chamber, passes the insulin through a pressure-dropping labyrinth to a flow control valve. The valve is activated by a piezoelectric actuator. This allows for precise insulin delivery. An electronic package provides for programming of basal rates and bolus. A pressure sensor relays data concerning normal operation and pressure changes that indicate problems. The processor, keypad, displays power source, fluid pressure sensor and fluid flow control actuator are housed in a base unit. A removable cartridge unit houses the pre-pressurized fluid reservoir, flow path labyrinth, and flow control valve.

Abstract: A device for rinsing a body cavity with a fluid includes a rinse pump for introducing fluid into a body cavity and a pressure sensor on a pressure side of the rinse pump. A medical instrument insertable into the body cavity is adapted to establish fluid communication with the body cavity. A suction pump is in fluid communication along a first pathway with the medical instrument and along a second pathway with the body cavity. Fluid flow along the second pathway is controllable. A control unit receives pressure values from the pressure sensor, controls the rinse pump, the suction pump, and the flow controller in response to received pressure values, and is thus operative to control fluid flow through the body cavity depending on an operating condition of the medical instrument.

Abstract: An infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shape memory shutter device for controlling the rectum of a disabled person, comprises a section of conduit to be connected to the rectum of the disabled person, and a shutter which controls the passage through the conduit section and actuated by a shape memory actuator. The shutter comprises a plurality of petals positioned circumferentially around the conduit section and able to move between a closed and an open position. The actuator comprises shape memory wires associated to the petals which are supplied with electrical current to cause opening of the petals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid retention management system that records and displays fluid retention of a patient based on the weight of fluid entering and exiting the patient's body. Scales or other weighing devices are used to weigh the fluid entering and exiting the body so that the corresponding fluid volume may be calculated. The system automatically detects when a fluid container is being replaced. The fluid deficit of the patient is calculated according to the difference between the fluid volume entering the patient and the fluid volume exiting the patient. An operator is able to enter the specific gravity of the fluid and a fluid deficit alarm threshold. If the fluid deficit exceeds the alarm threshold, audible and visual alarms are generated.

Abstract: In the apparatus and method for monitoring a vascular access (6) of an extracorporeal circuit (5; 10) of a patient, a control and calculation unit (17) varies a flow rate of a blood pump (9) predisposed to cause blood to circulate in the extracorporeal circuit. The control and calculation unit receives the pressure values in the blood withdrawal line (5) and the blood return line (10) from two pressure sensors (8, 12); the pressure values are a series of different values of the blood flow rate. The control and calculation unit processes the data gathered by means of a mathematical model which describes the variation of pressure in the vascular access as a function of the flow rate, in order to determine the blood flow rate in the vascular access. The invention detects the presence and location of a stenosis at the vascular access of a patient subjected to a hemodialysis treatment.

Abstract: A method for treating cardiac failure such as congestive heart failure by application of hypothermia. Hypothermia may be applied by endovascular cooling using a heat exchange catheter circulating heat exchange fluid between an external heat exchanger controlled using temperature feedback from a temperature probe on or in the patient to cool the heart to a sufficiently low temperature for a sufficient length of time to increase cardiac output and improve the vascular condition of the patient. The patient may be maintained in the hypothermic condition for a period of time and is then re-warmed slowly and controllably. The endovascular temperature management may be controlled automatically in response to a temperature probe on the patient, and shivering while the patient is cool may be combated using surface warming and anti-shivering drugs.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a property of a fluid is provided including a tube for retaining the fluid, the tube including a lateral access opening and a domed portion including a sealing surface on the outside wall of the tube surrounding the lateral access opening and a sensor sealingly disposed on the sealing surface surrounding the lateral access opening in the tube for direct contact with the fluid in the tube for sensing the property of the fluid in the tube.

Abstract: A method of addressing a condition of a living body comprising the steps of using an energy beam to form a set of pores in a work piece biocompatible membrane. The pores should have a mean area of less than 500 ?m through the biocompatible membrane, thereby producing a microporous membrane adapted to facilitate tissue in growth. This membrane is placed at least partially about an article that is adapted to be implanted in a living body, which is implanted into the living body, thereby addressing the condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting dislodgement of a needle inserted into a patient includes a sensor for detecting wetness due to blood and a sensor holder to secure the sensor to the patient such that the sensor detects wetness due to blood loss from the patient upon dislodgement of the needle. Methods and apparatuses for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling blood loss from a patient due to needle dislodgement are also provided.

Abstract: A surge-flow regulator (36) for use with an ophthalmic surgical instrument (12) having an infusion line (20) adapted to irrigate a surgical site with fluid and an aspiration line (24) adapted to carry the fluid and particles of lenticular debris away from the surgical site. The surge-flow regulator (36) includes a flow limiting device (40) that is placed in fluid communication with the aspiration line (24) to control surge-flow of the aspirated fluid and lenticular debris through the aspiration line (24). The lenticular debris carried in the aspiration line (24) is processed into smaller particles before the fluid and debris are introduced to the flow limiting device (40).

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid injection arrangement in the context of patient imaging systems, in which phases of contrast medium injection and flushing medium injection can be freely and selectably ordered as to make available to the operator and patient a vast array of possible protocols that has hitherto been essentially unattainable. The arrangement provides a programmable KVO phase and the ability to program a first phase of injection procedure as a flushing medium phase.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a medical device. The irrigation system may include a pump that can pump irrigation fluid from a reservoir through an irrigation line. The system may further have a controller coupled to the pump and an accumulator pressure sensor that senses the pressure of the irrigation line. The controller can vary the speed of the pump in response to a change in the line pressure to control the irrigation line pressure. Additionally, the controller can monitor the fluidic resistance of the system by determining the pump speed and corresponding flowrate of the pump. The controller can provide one or more safety output signals if the fluidic resistance exceeds a threshold value(s).

Abstract: A medical surgery safety device used in connection with surgical insulting instruments and other operation room medical equipment. The safety device includes one or more remote unit attached to the surgical insulting instruments and the medical equipment and having an accelerometer for detecting a sudden motion of the medical equipment, and a radio frequency signal transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency signal upon detection of such sudden motion. The safety device also includes a base unit attached to a main surgical insulting instrument and having an accelerometer for detecting a sudden motion of the main surgical insulting instrument, and a radio frequency signal receiver for receiving the radio frequency signal from the remote units. The base unit also include a power inlet connected to an external electrical power source and a power outlet for providing electrical power to the surgical insulting instruments.

Abstract: The automatically controlled pump supplies pressurized irrigation fluid to a surgical site. The pump system includes a motor in a housing and a pump in a housing defining input and output ports. The pump has a rotatable impeller. The motor is powered by batteries. The system operates in conjunction with a downstream manual suction/irrigation control valve. In one system, an ON/OFF motor switch is controlled by fluid flow above a nominal flow by a sensor typically mounted downstream of the pump. In another, flow is detected by a negative buoyancy poppet having a “leaky” valve seat. When the poppet moves, its position is sensed and the switched motor is ON. In a remote control system, the motor is remotely controlled by a switch integrated into the manual control valve. One method automatically controls a pump by monitoring fluid flow above a system minimal flow and turning ON/OFF the motor based upon flow above the minimum.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices for delivering contrast media during medical diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures and more particularly, this invention relates to improved contrast media delivery systems and methods of use which allow adjustment of contrast media concentration and injection parameters either before or during an injection procedure to provide patient specific dosing of contrast media, thus decreasing the waste and cost of these procedures while increasing their efficiency.

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus includes a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a pre-set water-remove rate, an autonomic-nerve-activity-related-information obtaining device which obtains autonomic-nerve-activity-related information that is related to an activity of an autonomic nerve of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target water-remove rate based on the autonomic-nerve-activity-related information obtained by the autonomic-nerve-activity related-information obtaining device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus capable of detecting an aspiration pressure accurately while preventing an aspirated liquid from entering an aspiration pressure detecting system. The apparatus, which supplies an irrigation liquid to a surgical site and aspirates the supplied liquid with eliminated tissue to be discharged out of a body, has an aspiration channel, a shape-alterable diaphragm in pouch form, including a liquid chamber which communicates with the aspiration channel, a gas chamber which stores and surrounds the diaphragm, and a pressure sensor connecting with the gas chamber via a connecting part.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a flow path extending from the exit port assembly, and a flow condition sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a resilient diaphragm having a first surface positioned against the flow path, a chamber wall defining a sensor chamber adjacent a second surface of the diaphragm, and at least one sensor arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber in response to at least one predetermined fluid flow condition occurring in the flow path. The sensor includes a first electrode secured on the diaphragm, a second electrode positioned in a fixed location with respect to the first electrode, and an impedance meter connected between the electrodes.

Abstract: A telemetered characteristic monitor system includes a remotely located data receiving device, a sensor for producing signal indicative of a characteristic of a user, and a transmitter device. The transmitter device includes a housing, a sensor connector, a processor, and a transmitter. The transmitter receives the signals from the sensor and wirelessly transmits the processed signals to the remotely located data receiving device. The processor coupled to the sensor processes the signals from the sensor for transmission to the remotely located data receiving device. The data receiving device may be a characteristic monitor, a data receiver that provides data to another device, an RF programmer for a medical device, a medication delivery device (such as an infusion pump), or the like.

Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus including a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a water-remove rate, an arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device which obtains arteriosclerosis-related information that is related to a degree of arteriosclerosis of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target value of the water-remove rate based on the arteriosclerosis-related information obtained by the arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, includes: an irrigation fluid supplying unit, which supplies irrigation fluid into a patient eye; an aspiration unit provided with a hand piece having an aspiration hole, which aspirates through the aspiration hole a removed tissue along with the irrigation fluid supplied into the patient eye; a pressure sensor which detects vacuum pressure caused by the aspiration unit; and a control unit connected to the irrigation fluid supplying unit and the pressure sensor, which varies at least one of irrigation rate and irrigation pressure by controlling the irrigation fluid supplying unit based on the detected vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A device for rinsing a body cavity with a fluid includes a rinse pump for introducing fluid into a body cavity and a pressure sensor on a pressure side of the rinse pump. A medical instrument insertable into the body cavity is adapted to establish fluid communication with the body cavity. A suction pump is in fluid communication along a first pathway with the medical instrument and along a second pathway with the body cavity. Fluid flow along the second pathway is controllable. A control unit receives pressure values from the pressure sensor, controls the rinse pump, the suction pump, and the flow controller in response to received pressure values, and is thus operative to control fluid flow through the body cavity depending on an operating condition of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting stenoses in a tubular line system during an extracorporeal hemotherapy. The tubular line system has an arterial branch going out from the patient and leading to a hemotherapeutic unit, and a venous branch going out from the hemotherapeutic unit and leading to the patient, where an oscillating pressure signal is generated in the tubular line system, and the oscillating pressure signal is measured. To detect stenoses, the frequency spectrum of the oscillating pressure signal is analyzed, in response to a change in the frequency spectrum. This method is based on the principle that, in response to the existence of a stenosis, the dynamic performance of the tubular line system changes, the higher frequency components of the pressure signal generated by the rollers of the blood pump, which propagates across the tubular line system, being attenuated due to the compliance of the line system.

Abstract: A gas filler device for use in medical procedures such as laparoscopy is disclosed. Preferably, the gas filter device includes a housing having a first side wall and a second side wall, and a gas filter including a porous element including a hydrophobic membrane, the gas filter device allowing gas to pass through the porous filter element and the first side wall.

Abstract: An improved, asynchronous method of operating a microsurgical instrument, such as a vitrectomy probe. The instrument includes a port for receiving tissue and an inner cutting member. A flow of tissue is induced into the port with a vacuum source. The port is at least partially occluded with the tissue. The occlusion is detected, and the inner cutting member is actuated to close the port and cut the tissue.