Abstract: Featured is an automatic high-negative pressure relief valve and its use in combination with an apparatus for draining fluid from a body. In broad terms the negative pressure relief valve includes a biasing mechanism, a moveable member acted upon by the biasing mechanism and a seating surface. When the pressure within a chamber, in which a portion of the relief valve is in fluid communication with, is less than a predetermined negative pressure, the moveable member is moved by the biasing mechanism to sealing engage the seating surface and when the pressure is at or above the predetermined value, the restoring force of the biasing mechanism is overcome and the moveable member moves away from the seating surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a spring, diaphragm or wave washer.

Abstract: A system for disposing of body fluids collected during surgery comprises a canister and an apparatus for emptying and cleaning the canister. The canister has a lid having an inlet port to receive body fluids during surgery and for insertion of a cleaning fluid sprayer during servicing, an outlet port with a suction tube extending into the canister for removal of fluids therefrom, and a vacuum port for the application of vacuum to the canister. The servicing unit is an appliance having a receiving compartment in which the canister is placed. A connector head in the servicing unit connects the canister to a source of cleaning fluid and to a conduit for evacuating the fluids in the canister through the suction tube and to a decontamination chamber, where they are brought into contact with a disinfecting fluid, and subsequently to a drain.

Abstract: A sampling port having a mechanical valve for a drainage apparatus is disclosed which permits a practitioner to directly access a collection chamber of the drainage apparatus using a needle-less syringe for withdrawing a sample of fluid therefrom. The sampling port comprises a port in direct communication with the collection chamber and a mechanical valve partially disposed inside the port. The mechanical valve comprises a generally tubular body containing a spring loaded valve that is normally closed to fluid flow communication and operable using a needle-less tip syringe to actuate the valve. In operation, a practitioner engages the needle-less tip syringe to the valve which places the valve in an open position and permits fluid flow into the syringe as the practitioner draws back on the plunger of the syringe.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a float for a liquid waste disposal apparatus having a simple structure for enabling the content inside a container to be easily visually recognizable and allowing a faster and steadier solidification of an absorbed liquid waste. A water-absorptive material 6 is retained inside a spherical float 5 in a manner where a water-absorptive material 6 is wrapped by a water permeable sheet 22 inside a hemispherical primary structural portion 5a and a secondary structural portion 5b capable of being separated into two portions, and thus structured, a circle shaped hole 5c or a square shaped hole 5d of the float 5 serving as a flow path for flowing downward a liquid waste 21 absorbed from an upper portion into a lying member L is formed at the surface of the float 5. The float 5 is contained inside the lying member L in a floatable manner permitted to revolve in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A device for preventing post occlusion flow surges during eye surgery includes an enclosure defining an inlet and an outlet. The enclosure further defines a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A restriction is positioned in the flow passage. Structure preferring a filtering function is placed upstream of the restriction for permitting fluid passage through the device. The enclosure further defines a storage area for collecting material restrained by the filter structure. In the preferred embodiment, the device is constructing from a suitable plastic or other molded material, and is intended for disposable use.

Abstract: The vacuum desiccator low pressure vacuum pump and trap and is transportable upon a user's person. The device is especially useful to remove excess fluids from wounds and incisions as they heal. The device includes a desiccator cartridge containing a fluid trapping agent. The desiccator cartridge is connected to a vacuum pump member providing a low vacuum pressure to the interior chamber of the desiccator cartridge. A small battery powered, electric motor drives the pump member. An electrical control circuit, including the battery power source, controls the operation of the electric motor. A single passage, one-way, gas/liquid flow pathway connects the inlet port of the desiccator cartridge to an occlusive dressing covering the wound to be drained. The control circuit includes one or more ancillary circuits for controlling operation of the device, such as: a power circuit, a moisture sensor, a timer circuit, a vacuum pressure sensor, and a pressure differential sensor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for placement in the thoracic cavity of a patient. The device is a cannula, tube or catheter for chest drainage. The device serves as a conduit for drainage of excessive fluid or air buildup in the chest to a receptacle outside the body. The device also serves to prevent influx of fluid or air into the chest cavity, thus preventing pneumothorax or infection. The device incorporates systems for anchoring the chest drainage cannula to the chest.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A control system (2) for use with a vacuum bandage (14) over a wound (300) includes a vacuum pump (110), a waste canister (26) operably coupled to the pump (110), and a fluid source (24). The canister (26) is coupled to the bandage (14) such that, when a vacuum is applied to the canister (26), the vacuum is applied to the bandage (14). The fluid source (22) is coupled to the bandage (14) to selectively introduce fluid into the wound (300).

Abstract: A medical suction system comprising a medical suction canister used in draining bodily fluid from a patient, and a cleaning station for automatically draining and cleaning the suction canister and for automatically providing a visible indication that the canister has been cleaned.

Abstract: An improved drainage apparatus for use in pleural aspiration of patients during thoracic surgery. The Apparatus includes three tubes mounted in parallel and connected to one another. A first tube acts as a vacuum input tube; the second tube is a flow monitor tube, while the third tube is filled with water and keeps the vacuum system isolated from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A disposable thoracic drainage device connectable to an aspiration unit, comprising a container body internally forming at least one chamber for collecting the drainage liquid which is connected to an inlet for connection to a patient and to a water-head suction adjustment valve. The water-head suction adjustment valve has a first water head section and a second water head section which are side by side and mutually series-connected by a connecting duct.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: A snivel sucker has a hollow main body, a lower cover disposed on a bottom of the hollow main body, a battery disposed in the hollow main body, a male top casing disposed on a top portion of the hollow main body, a female top casing disposed on the top portion of the hollow main body, the male top casing engaging with the female top casing, and a collector device disposed on a front portion of the male top casing. A motor receiving seat, a rubber cushion, a positioning seat, a rubber plate, and a connection mount are disposed between the male top casing and the female top casing. A motor is disposed in the motor receiving seat.

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: 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: Surgical fluid collection devices, systems and methods allow individual containers to be coupled in series using a single inflow port and a single outflow port on each container. Surgical fluids are sealed within a disposable liner in each container. In most embodiments, a one-way valve of the liner seals surgical fluid within the liner to prevent spillage to a surrounding vacuum chamber, and allows flow from the surrounding vacuum chamber into the interior of the liner to equalize pressure across the liner. This arrangement allows the use of flexible, inexpensive liners with large interior volumes, without having to resort to complex pressure equalizing arrangements. A sterilizable polymer receptacle is also provided which can withstand the large pressure forces associated with large fluid collection volumes.

Abstract: A low vacuum wound drainage system comprising a high vacuum bottle having an on/off switch to allow/prevent release of the vacuum from the bottle, and a connector for connection of a wound drainage line such that a vacuum path is provided between the bottle and the wound drainage line when the on/off switch is in the on position. The wound drainage line is adapted to be detachably connected to the vacuum bottle via the connector to apply suction at a patient end of the line and includes a regulating valve incorporated in the detachable wound drainage line, the valve acting to continuously regulate the vacuum in the line, when the line is attached to the bottle, to provide a reduced vacuum at the patient end of the line. Also a wound drainage line including a regulating valve for use with a high vacuum bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawing fluid from a wound comprising providing a passage between the wound and a collection container with a valve therebetween to control flow of fluid from the passage to the container. Cyclically establishing in the passage a level of vacuum at a selected value higher than the level of vacuum in the container to thereby draw fluid from the wound while the valve is closed to collect the fluid in the passage. The valve is opened in response to the level of vacuum in the passage falling below the select value, as a result of the buildup of fluid therein, to permit discharge of fluid from the passage into the container. As a result of the discharge of fluid, the selected level of vacuum in the passage is reestablished.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved air-flow sensitive float valve interposed between the collection chamber and one arm of the water seal chamber for allowing the patient to draw as much vacuum pressure as is required during deep inspiration. The float valve also functions to provide for an automatic controlled release of excess negative pressure in the collection chamber during either continuous autotransfusion or when there is a low air flow rate condition present. By tailoring a specific amount of water to a given size chamber, the water column inside the water seal chamber is allowed to momentarily engage the floating mechanism before the water seal chamber is emptied of water and a column of air is subsequently forced through the water column towards the momentarily sealed valve. Once the air column reaches the valve, the water supporting the valve is displaced and the valve is released until the air column is replaced by another rising water column.

Abstract: A biohazardous liquid medical waste collection and treatment system provides on-site collection and treatment of surgical fluids. The system is mobile, and includes an upper unit and one or more lower units that are detachable from the upper unit. The upper unit includes a liquid disinfectant reservoir, liquid pump valves, and an electronic control unit which controls the operation of the pump valves. A disposable suction canister is mounted to the upper unit and collects liquid medical waste aspirated from a patient. A disposable tube set, including a motionless mixer, is connected to the disposable suction canister and the liquid disinfectant reservoir. Electronically controlled pumps (preferably peristaltic pumps) pump liquid waste from the suction canister along with the metered amount of liquid disinfectant from the liquid disinfectant reservoir through the motionless mixer and into a temporary storage receptacle on the lower unit.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a suction draw off device which permits a drawing off by suction of secretion, blood or the like and a closure of a wound by means of vacuum. Thereby, the suction draw off device has a container (1) closable by means of a lid (2), a bag (3) with a tube (4) which can be placed in the container (1), a passage for the tube in the upper part of the container wall or in the lid for drawing of the secretion or the like into the bag (3) and an opening in the container wall or in the lid for generating a vacuum in the container (3). Thereby, the suction draw off device is so configured that it is closed in a vacuum-tight manner in the closed condition of the container (1), so that the secretion suction draw off device is operable independently of a vacuum pump unit after a vacuum has once been generated in the container (1).

Abstract: A blood conservation system, including a vacuum wound drainage apparatus, comprises a liquid collection reservoir for a wound to be drained and an operating unit fixed on such reservoir. The operating unit is self contained and includes a battery supply, an electric motor powered pump, a control for setting the level of vacuum desired in the reservoir and structure for operating the motor powered vacuum pump in accord with the setting of the control. The entire system is arranged to be disposed of after use by one patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are waste disposal devices for minimizing contamination of an operating room table with blood and body fluids during and after a surgery while substantially reducing the volume of medical waste and disposable materials generated by surgery. In one embodiment the device includes a bag constructed to fit an operating room table having u-shaped margins for collecting fluid runoff, a drainage tube with valve and a closure means for sealing the bag. Upon completion of the surgery, the bag is quickly and easily removed and completely sealed to enclose contaminated fluids and draperies generated by surgery. Prior to disposal, the contaminated fluids and trapped air are vacuumed from the sealed bag thereby substantially minimizing the volume of the disposable material.

Abstract: A blood collection device has a modular suction regulator assembly in the form of an adjustable negative pressure relief valve which controls the level of suction in a collection chamber by admitting air to a short bleed-in passage proximate to a suction connection. The modular assembly is a canister which drops into a receptacle oriented transversely in the collection vessel, and defines a laterally-directed intake manifold which resists blockage. The intake passes centrally through the canister along a path spanned by a filter, past a hat-shaped poppet supported on a compression spring. Fluted and threaded members control the scale and range of poppet response so that the assembly may be calibrated before installation. A face plate covers the installed canister, and radial vanes in the intake manifold double as gripping elements for manual adjustment of the assembly. A bellows meter provides refined suction resolution by linearly advancing across an oblique or curved reference line.

Abstract: A medical fluid collection canister for collecting fluids from fluid collection devices in surgical procedures. The medical fluid collection canister includes a receptacle, a lid, and an adapter cap. The receptacle includes a generally a floor portion, and a vertical annular wall portion with a top and a bottom. The lid includes a spout and venting hole, and is attached the top of the annular wall portion for maintaining a vacuum-tight connection therebetween. The annular wall portion, the floor portion, and the lid define a canister interior therebetween. The adapter cap is removably coupled to the spout for maintaining a vacuum-tight connection therebetween. The adapter cap includes a fluid collection device portal fluidly coupled to a fluid collection device, and a vacuum attachment portal fluidly coupled to a vacuum generating device. The canister interior preferably has a volume of 15,000 cubic centimeters, and is sized and arranged to be effective for all medical procedures.

Abstract: A collector unit for collecting tissue or bone from a dental patient during a dental implant procedure generally includes a cover member, a filter support member, a filter medium and a gasket member. The support member is mountable within the cover member with the gasket member positioned therebetween to form the unit. A passage is provided through the unit to allow the passage of fluid material through the unit. The support member has a pair of spaced-apart, opposed filter support arms for removably supporting a substantially flat section of filter medium so that the filter medium overlies the inlet passage such that fluid material passing through the unit must pass through the filter medium which will filter out any bone or tissue specimens. The filter medium is removable from the supporting structure so that it can be positioned in a flat-orientation to facilitate the removal of bone or tissue specimens therefrom. Once removed, the filter medium cannot be reattached to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A breast pump is disclosed comprising a body (50) with an inlet (84) thereto to receive milk expressed from a woman's breast. The body is formed for releasable attachment to a container for collecting expressed milk and houses a deformable diaphragm (51) which is cyclicly moved by manually or electrically driven actuating lever (53, 54) connected thereto to generate and release cyclicly a negative pressure in the nipple region sufficient to stimulate the nipple area to cause lactation. The pump preferably includes valve (80) mounted in the body so that the negative pressure is created in the pump body only and not in the container for the expressed milk when connected thereto.

Abstract: A port and valve combination and related method of use for accessing the fluid flow within a medical fluid collection system. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a spike port having a conventional two-way valve disposed therein for use in priming, sampling, aspirating and flushing fluids to and from a blood collection chamber of an autotransfusion system in the absence of a source of suction using a needleless syringe to access the system. The access port includes a Y-site connector having a distal port, proximal port and spike port. A two-way valve is partially disposed within the spike port with the proximal port being connected to and in fluid communication with the interior fluid pathway within the system. A distal opening serves as a receptacle for receiving the luer tip of a syringe in order to implement the related method.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of body fluids collected during surgery comprises a canister and a servicing unit for removing the body fluids from the canister and cleaning the canister for re-use. The canister is a vessel having sidewalls, a bottom and a lid. The lid has a first inlet port for the inflow of body fluids into the canister during surgery and a vacuum port for application of vacuum to the canister to induce the inflow of body fluids into the canister. The lid has a second inlet port for the inflow of cleaning fluid into the canister and a spray head in fluid communication with the second inlet port for spraying the cleaning fluid within the canister. The lid also has an outlet port with a suction tube extending into the canister for the outflow of body fluids and cleaning fluid from the canister. Caps are provided for closing those ports when the canister is being used to collect body fluids during surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette 12 and vacuum aspiration collection system 10 for ophthalmic surgery. The cassette 12 comprises two parts 14, 16 under vacuum where the smaller part 14 discharges into the larger part 16 and the vacuum provided to both parts is provided by a single unit 30. The vacuum control system 10 has improved response to the user's demand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shut-off valve for a suction drainage system wherein flow of waste to a disposable container is stopped at a pre-determined volume which is less than the maximum capacity. A tubular sleeve is coaxially located around the shut-off valve. The shut-off below the maximum volume allows a safety margin for the waste container to be capped off without spilling or geysering.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing trauma to a medical fluid while transporting the medical fluid from a surgical wound by reducing the air to fluid interface during transport. The apparatus includes a suction wand for collecting medical fluid and tubing for transporting the medical fluid to a reservoir. The reservoir repeatedly accumulates the medical fluid and discharges it in a bolus when a predetermined volume is achieved. The reservoir comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a gas outlet. A siphon is disposed inside the reservoir for removing the bolus of medical fluid once the predetermined fluid volume is accumulated. The siphon includes a first end for suctioning the medical fluid and a second end exiting the reservoir through the fluid outlet, thereby defining an external siphon length. A pump is attached to the second siphon end to provide suction to the system.

Abstract: A blood conservation system, including a vacuum wound drainage apparatus, comprises a liquid collection reservoir for a wound to be drained and an operating unit fixed on such reservoir. The operating unit is self contained and includes a battery supply, an electric motor powered pump, a control for setting the level of vacuum desired in the reservoir and structure for operating the motor powered vacuum pump in accord with the setting of the control. The entire system is arranged to be disposed of after use by one patient.

Abstract: A hollow vessel with a top and a bottom. The top has a pair of ports therein. An inlet conduit is secured to one of the ports and terminates adjacent the bottom. The inlet conduit has a distal end adapted to be fixed with a trocar. The bottom bas a discharge opening with a valve. A vacuum/pressure source is located exterior of the hollow vessel. The vacuum/pressure source is connected to the other port by a second conduit with valving, a liquid trap, and pressure controls. The vessel may be used in accordance with the method to aspirate the veined and arterial network of a corpse during an embalming process.

Abstract: A suction adapter couples a fluid drain tube to a suction canister for fluid collection while maintaining the drain tube at atmospheric pressure for optimal draining flow rate. The suction adapter further allows the surgeon to easily apply suction to the drain tube when he desires to increase the flow rate through the drain tube and to just as easily return the drain tube to atmospheric pressure. The suction adapter does not spill and is muffled to reduce noise. The suction adapter comprises a housing defining an interior space. The housing has a suction port in communication with the interior space for connection to a suction source and a fluid port in communication with the interior space for connection to a fluid drain tube. The housing also has a ventilation port formed in the housing to allow atmospheric air into the interior space. The ventilation port communicates with a ventilation tube located in the interior space, the ventilation tube having a ventilation hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cassette and vacuum aspiration collection system for ophthalmic surgery. The cassette comprises two parts under vacuum where the smaller part discharges into the larger part and the vacuum provided to both parts is provided by a single unit. The vacuum control system has improved response to the user's demand.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for draining fluids, for example, from a chest or pleural cavity, includes a collection chamber for collecting fluids through an inlet port for entry of the fluids. Also included is a dry or waterless suction control chamber in fluid communication with the collection chamber for regulating the degree of vacuum imposed in the collection chamber. If desired, a seal chamber can also be provided between the dry suction control chamber and the collection chamber so as to prevent any ambient or atmospheric air from passing into the collection chamber. The suction control chamber has a first inlet which is coupled to a suction source and a second inlet communicates with the ambient. A waterless regulator is provided for regulating the degree of suction imposed in the collection chamber at a plurality of predetermined preset levels of suction. This regulator is positioned between the suction inlet and the ambient inlet.

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 invention is an endothelial cell procurement and deposition kit for collecting fat from a patient, processing said fat to produce an endothelial cell deposition product, and depositing said product on the surface of a graft, all under sterile conditions established and maintained within the components of said kit comprised of: fat collection means for collecting subcutaneous fat from a patient; digestion means connectable to said fat collection means to maintain sterility during reception of said fat and for retaining said fat under sterile conditions during rinsing and digestion to produce a digested product; endothelial cell isolation means connectable to said digestion means for maintaining sterile conditions during reception of said digested product and for separating and isolating microvessel endothelial cells from said digested product to produce an endothelial cell product; cell deposition means connectable to said isolation means for maintaining sterile conditions during reception of said endothel

Abstract: An apparatus for draining fluids, for example, from a chest or pleural cavity, includes a collection chamber for collecting fluids through an inlet port for entry of the fluids. Also included is a dry or waterless suction control chamber in fluid communication with the collection chamber for regulating the degree of vacuum imposed in the collection chamber. If desired, a seal chamber can also be provided between the dry suction control chamber and the collection chamber so as to prevent any ambient or atmospheric air from passing into the collection chamber. The suction control chamber has a first inlet which is coupled to a suction source and a second inlet communicates with the ambient. A waterless regulator is provided for regulating the degree of suction imposed in the collection chamber at a plurality of predetermined preset levels of suction. This regulator is positioned between the suction inlet and the ambient inlet.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system that reduces an operator's exposure to infectious waste by permitting waste-treating material to be dispersed into a sealed chamber in which the infectious waste is contained. The sealed chamber includes a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A reservoir having a closure is provided inside the sealed chamber for storing the waste-treating material, which reservoir is opened by manipulating the flexible liner to remove the closure.

Abstract: A suction regulator is provided for a pleural drainage device which includes a spring-loaded valve which opens to atmosphere to maintain the appropriate suction levels in the pleural drainage device together with an air flow regulator which reduces the air flow to the drainage device when the suction level from the suction source exceeds a predetermined level. A tapered passageway is provided in the air flow path from the suction source to the pleural drainage device and a ball valve having an opening therethrough is slidably disposed within the tapered passageway so that when the air flow through the passageway increases, the ball valve rises to decrease the amount of air passing through the passageway.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system that reduces an operator's exposure to infectious waste by permitting waste-treating material to be dispersed into a sealed chamber in which the infectious waste is contained. The sealed chamber includes a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A freely movable reservoir is provided inside the sealed chamber for storing the waste-treating material, which reservoir is opened by manipulating the flexible liner to open the reservoir.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system wherein waste-treating material is released into a sealed chamber. The chamber comprises of a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A normally closed reservoir is provided on an underside of the cover for storing the waste-treating material therewithin as long as the reservoir remains closed. An externally operated actuator is provided on the cover for opening the reservoir to release the waste-treating material into the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A thoracic cavity drainage device includes a first vessel having a plurality of chambers one of which is a regulated drainage chamber, and a separate transfer vessel which receives fluid collected in the drainage chamber of the first vessel. The chambers of both vessels are interconnected in a series by fluid passageways which cooperate to maintain a uniform range of suction in the drainage chamber while preventing passage of water into the drainage chamber and permitting a different level of suction in the transfer vessel. This operation is effective despite relatively large pressure and vacuum impulses caused by stripping of drainage lines, patient coughing, and the like, and despite discrete changes in the physical configuration of the system caused by disconnection of the transfer vessel, connection of the transfer vessel to an infusion line or the opening or closing of fluid lines and ports. A novel transfer vessel empties the drainage device and provides gravity reinfusion of the collected fluids.

Abstract: A disposable, low cost autotransfusion device for suction assisted drainage of fluids from a body cavity of a patient, purification and collection of the desired liquids within said fluids, primarily blood, for reinfusion into said patients said device comprising a) a housing comprising an accumulation chamber, inlet means, in fluid connection with said cavity, through which said fluids enter the chamber, the discharge stem of which terminates in a one-way valve to prevent backflow of gases from said chamber to said cavity in the event the pressure within the cavity becomes less than that within the chamber, filter means to remove unwanted materials, such as debris, from the draining fluids, disposed between said one-way valve and inlet stem and the chamber, first outlet means in fluid connection with a vacuum source through which suction is applied to said chamber and second outlet means in fluid connection with b) an autotransfusion bag comprising outlet means comprising a break seal for connection to the p

Abstract: An extracorporeal auxilliary device attachable to a percutaneous tube formed of tubular member having a universal adaptor at one end for attaching to the tube and an adaptor at the opposite end for attachment to a drainage bag. A plurality of ports provided with closures are located in the tubular member along the length thereof, and a clamp downstream from the ports for opening and closing access to the drainage bag. Food and medication is inserted into the patient's stomach through two ports, and air escapes through a third port. The device includes an appropriate drainage bag and may be made of plastic or rubber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for restricting the passage of milk beyond a selected place in breast pump apparatus and for protecting the pump from fouling by milk. A barrier to the passage of human milk is disposed in an air passage interconnecting the vacuum pump and a breast-contacting hood or the like for receiving expressed milk. In conventional fashion, operation of a vacuum pump may result in the expression of milk into the hood, where it may be collected. The air being drawn toward the vacuum pump passes through a porous body that is normally substantially permeable to air. The porous body is impermeable to human milk. Accordingly, it serves as a barrier across the vacuum line and protects the pump. When contacted by human milk, the porous body becomes substantially impermeable to air, at least at the point of contact. Depending upon the extent of such contact, the amount of vacuum that reaches the interior of the hood is reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating the further expression of milk.