Abstract: The present invention provides for a dual port arrangement for a water seal chamber of a drainage device for channeling and restricting fluid flow through the water seal during normal operation of the device when the patient is breathing normally, while preventing the breach of the water seal during reverse flow conditions when the patient takes a sudden and deep inhalation. The dual port arrangement comprises a narrow side port and a low profile tunnel port defining an elongated conduit interposed between and in communication with both arms of the water seal chamber. The side port has a thin slot configuration that restricts fluid flow communication through the side port, and the back tunnel port defines a low profile, elongated conduit with openings that channel fluid flow between both arms of the water seal chamber. The elongated configuration of the conduit prevents a steep water gradient from falling below the upper portion of the conduit opening during reverse flow conditions.

Abstract: A system for the collection of physiological fluids includes a vacuum source (14) that is controlled to provide low vacuum as a function of whether fluids are entering the system. The suction wand and associated tubing are made of thin flexible materials, and the pressures employed do little damage to the collected fluids.

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: A valve for relieving an excess negative pressure condition inside a medical device comprising a diaphragm with an inner periphery and an outer periphery and an actuator having a piston extending axially therefrom which is inserted through the inner periphery of the diaphragm. The piston comprises a plurality of legs that form a void therebetween at the free end thereof. The outer periphery of the diaphragm is sandwiched between the upper and lower housings so as to create a hermetic seal that separates the valve into a venting side and a suction side. To relieve an excess negative pressure condition the diaphragm is operable in one of two positions. In the first position, a biasing members forces the inner periphery of the diaphragm in sealing engagement around the circumference of the piston so that a hermetic seal is maintained between the suction side and the venting side.

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: 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: 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 blood collection vessel includes a blood inlet, a pooling region in which blood from the inlet collects, and an outlet in the pooling region for reinfusion of the collected blood. A filter located in the blood path between inlet and outlet extends at least in part into the pooling region and impounds clots so they remain away from the outlet but suspended in the collected blood. Preferably, the filter is located to provide venting between both sides of the filter. In one embodiment the filter is a vertical wall, which defines a shielded outlet column or chimney extending above the outlet. Blood permeates to the outlet region over a broad area, and the column forms an open suction path that prevents suction differentials from arising across the filter, so clots cannot be sucked through the large-pore material. With the clots residing in the collected fluid, the total fluid loss is directly displayed in a single window at all times, and maximal use is made of the limited volume in the vessel.

Abstract: A snivel removing device includes a housing having a stud extended upward. A valve member is engaged with the stud and includes a normally closed inlet. A nib is engaged with the valve member for engaging with the nose. A plug is slidably engaged in the housing for being moved away from the valve member and for vacuuming the bore of the housing and for drawing snivel into the bore when the valve member is squeezed to open the inlet. The snivel may thus be drawn into the housing and may be removed from the housing when the stem is disengaged from the housing.

Abstract: This invention makes it easy to operate for a medical appliance to be retained in a human body. The magnetic cap (10) includes an annular magnet (2) secured to an upper face of a connecting plug body (1); a disk like magnet (4) secured to an upper face of a lid body which is detachably coupled to the connecting body (1) through a flexible band (6); and a strap (5) attached to an end of the lid body (3). The magnets (2) and (4) are set to be 5 to 15 mm in diameter, 0.5 to 5.0 mm in thickness, and 1500 to 2000 gauss in magnetic flux density. Magnetic poles on contact faces of the magnets (2) and (4) are directed in opposition to each other.

Abstract: A body waste fluids collecting container is used in the disposal of waste fluids drained from a body cavity of a patient. The collecting container has inlet and outlet ports, a collecting compartment for collecting body waste fluids drained from a patient, and a retaining compartment located within the collecting container. A composition for treating body waste fluids is located within the retaining compartment. At least one wall is located on the retaining compartment. The wall separates the composition from the collecting compartment. An actuator opens the wall and permits release of the composition from the retaining compartment upon actuation. A composition consists of a disinfectant, a xerogel, or combination thereof. A waste treatment material dispensing device is also used with a closed waste fluid disposal vessel. The device contains waste treatment material and a container defining a storage volume for holding the waste treatment material.

Abstract: A containment vessel for liquid waste includes an inlet for introducing liquid waste into the container. Within the container is a gelling substance which when contacted by the liquid waste transforms the liquid waste into a non-pourable gel. A tip indicator indicates if the vessel has been tipped after the vessel has been put into service. Also, an in-service indicator indicates that the vessel has been put into service and that the tip indicator has been released. A full indicator indicates when the contents of the vessel reaches a predetermined level of fullness. A vent for venting the interior of the vessel during filling of the vessel is automatically closed off when the vessel has reached such predetermined level of fullness. The inlet to the vessel may be connected to a drain opening of an embalming table by means of an expandable tube which allows for adjustment of the height of the table.

Abstract: A body waste fluids collecting container is used in the disposal of waste fluids drained from a body cavity of a patient. The collecting container has inlet and outlet ports, a collecting compartment for collecting body waste fluids drained from a patient, and a retaining compartment located within the collecting container. A composition for treating body waste fluids is located within the retaining compartment. At least one wall is located on the retaining compartment. The wall separates the composition from the collecting compartment. An actuator opens the wall and permits release of the composition from the retaining compartment upon actuation. A composition consists of a disinfectant, a xerogel, or combination thereof.A waste treatment material dispensing device is also used with a closed waste fluid disposal vessel. The device contains waste treatment material and a container defining a storage volume for holding the waste treatment material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for removing an aliquot of a liquid sample from an analytical bag containing the liquid sample in which the analytical bag is placed on a base having an aperture; an aliquot of sample is isolated from the balance of liquid sample in the bag by compressing the bag with a collared element surrounding the aperture; the isolated aliquot is compressed by the collared element into the aperture so that the compressed sample causes the bag to rupture spilling the aliquot of sample through the aperture; the sample is collected; and a seal is formed in the bag between the rupture area and the balance of sample in the bag.

Abstract: A surgical suction system and method includes a source of suction and a conduit having a distal end and a proximal end. At its distal end, the conduit has a diameter not greater than about 5/8 inch to provide limited access to the surgical site and an inside diameter not less than about 1/4 inch to accommodate the bone fragments in the waste slurry. A coupling is provided for connecting the proximal end of the conduit to the suction source in order to provide suction at the distal end of the conduit at a velocity not less than about ninety miles per hour. A fluid containment vessel can be connected between the conduit and the source of suction to provide a liquid trap for the waste slurry passing along the conduit. An associated method includes the step of activating the suction source to provide suction at the distal end of the conduit with a velocity not less than ninety miles per hour.

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: A multicompartment system for accumulating a human fluid specimen for analysis having a plastic container for holding the specimen with the container having a port opening for receipt of the specimen, means for mechanically sealing the container including a sealable cap, a heat seal, or a plug, with the specimen therein wherein the seal is effected after receipt of the specimen and can include formation of more than one sealed compartment for subsequent separation and analysis and at least one of the sealed compartments having a rigid or semi rigid element therein protruding from a hole in the compartment to dispense the specimen contained therein therefrom, and said system container also having identification elements capable of inscription thereon.

Abstract: A fluid collection vessel for drainage of body fluids includes a molded body with internal dividers constituting ports, baffles and subchambers, and a face plate that closes the body to form a suction-regulated multi-chamber vessel. The vessel has overpressure and underpressure protection, and cannot lose its fluid when tipped. The molded body incorporates novel valves and ports, and a wall structure enhances its utility for blood collection and monitoring. Dynamic fluid level is stabilized by diversion of fluid energy into a side chamber in the downstream region of the manometer column.

Abstract: A containment vessel for liquid waste includes an inlet for introducing liquid waste into the container. Within the container is a gelling substance which when contacted by the liquid waste transforms the liquid waste into a non-pourable gel. A tip indicator indicates if the vessel has been tipped after the vessel has been put into service. Also, an in-service indicator indicates that the vessel has been put into service and that the tip indicator has been released. A full indicator indicates when the contents of the vessel reaches a predetermined level of fullness. A vent for venting the interior of the vessel during filling of the vessel is automatically closed off when the vessel has reached such predetermined level of fullness. The inlet to the vessel may be connected to a drain opening of an embalming table by means of an expandable tube which allows for adjustment of the height of the table.

Abstract: A collection vessel for drainage of body fluids includes a molded body with internal dividers constituting ports, baffles and subchambers, and a face plate that closes the body to form a suction-regulated multi-chamber vessel. The vessel has overpressure and underpressure protection, and resists tipping. The molded body includes a wall structure that enhances its utility for blood collection, monitoring, and reinfusion, and incorporates novel valves, ports, handle and stand.

Abstract: A stand-alone control module for use in closed-wound drainage systems is described. The control module transforms a variable high-vacuum source into a constant low-vacuum source. The control module also provides a one-way check valve to prevent return of air to a patient when draining such air from the pleural cavity of the patient. The control module is a water-based control module. It includes a first-suction control chamber for transforming a variable high-vacuum into a constant low-vacuum. The first chamber contains a first column of fluid at a first pre-determined level. The module also includes a second water seal chamber that contains a second column of fluid at a second pre-determined level. The height of the second column of fluid is less than the height of the first column of fluid. Tubes are placed in each chamber that have one end of each tube located below the columns of fluid.

Abstract: A containment vessel for liquid waste including an inlet for introducing liquid waste into the container, and a coating of a gelling substance adhered to the interior surface of the vessel by an adhesive which dissolves when contacted by the liquid waste to release the gelling substance and thereby transform the liquid waste into a non-pourable gel. A tip indicator indicates if the vessel has been tipped after the vessel has been put into service. Also, an in-service indicator indicates that the vessel has been put into service and that the tip indicator has been released. A full indicator indicates when the contents of the vessel reaches a predetermined level of fullness. A vent for venting the interior of the vessel during filling of the vessel is automatically closed off when the vessel has reached such predetermined level of fullness. The inlet to the vessel may be connected to a drain opening of an embalming table by means of an expandable tube which allows for adjustment of the height of the table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable bag for the collection of body fluids with an improved sealing structure. The disposable bag comprises a flexible collection bag having a pair of seal strips adjacent its open end. A resiliently flexible funnel is sealing attached within the open end of the bag in a position to not interfere with the seal strips and a flexible non-return valve is sealed to the bottom of the funnel. A gauge indicating the volume of fluid collected and a label portion for identification are provided on a side of the bag.

Abstract: A multipurpose collection vessel includes a closed vessel with suction-regulating and chamber isolating components, and a collection chamber for receiving blood through a tube connected to a wand or surgical drain. The collection chamber is split into a filtered reinfusion chamber with volumetric graduations of several milliliters over a two hundred milliliter range, and a separate unfiltered chamber, for a combined volume of several liters. The collection vessel may perform all conventional functions of a pediatric drain, reinfusion vessel, cardiotomy bucket, general wound drainage device, or multi-site drainage device. This simplifies hospital inventory requirements and reduces the need for device-specific training of hospital ward personnel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum regulator apparatus such as for automatically establishing and maintaining a predetermined vacuum for withdrawing fluid from a chest cavity. The apparatus comprises a water manometer or vacuum regulator portion and a water seal portion. Atmospheric air is vented into the vacuum line through the vacuum regulator portion by displacing a predetermined height column of a fluid such as water. A filter is disclosed for preventing the escape of water from the manometer portion of the apparatus into the downstream vacuum source. A second filter is disclosed for permitting two way gas flow at the upstream end of the manometer portion, but for substantially preventing fluid flow in an upstream direction out of the manometer. Fluid fill ports are disclosed on the manometer and water seal portions for permitting infusion of water to precise and repeatable column heights.

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 portable suction system is provided for use with collection chambers for pleural drainage devices and for autotransfusion systems. The portable suction system comprises a small container having an inlet port for connection with a collection chamber or autotransfusion bag and an outlet port for connection with a suction source. The container includes a one-way valve system to prevent air from passing into the collection chamber or auto-transfusion bag and further includes a suction regulator and indicator to visually indicate the suction level.

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 combined cardiotomy and venous reservoir with filtration for autotransfusion of cardiotomy blood and venous blood during surgery and for postoperative wound site pleural drainage of shed blood for continued autotransfusion using the same unit. Vacuum regulation in the form of a manometer combined with a water seal are integral with the unit.

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 system is described for the collection and re-infusion of fluids from a patient. The system includes a non-disposable rigid cannister and a disposable flexible liner that is placed in the cannister. Fluids are collected from a patient in the cannister liner. The liner is then removed from the cannister and the contents are re-infused back into a patient. The system is unique in that it provides a stand along vacuum means for continuously providing a relatively high vacuum to the cannister and a relatively low vacuum inside the liner to cause the liner to expand against the walls of the cannister. The stand alone vacuum means also provides a consistent relatively low vacuum to a patient's cavity for collecting fluids from the patient without damaging the patient's internal organs.

Abstract: A drainage device includes a vessel having a plurality of sub-chambers one of which is a regulated drainage collection chamber, and two of which cooperate to maintain a selected suction level in the drainage collection chamber. A stopcock proximate to the vessel communicates directly with the two cooperating sub-chambers, and allows quick adjustment and stable operation in varying environments. A float ball arrangement provides an indication of water loss that may compromise the water seal. The device is suitable for wound drainage, and may be used as a cardiotomy reservoir or a thoracic cavity drain device. Different embodiments collect blood for autologous infusion.

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: The disclosure herein sets forth a pleural drainage/autotransfusion unit in combination with a cardiotomy reservoir having a vacuum regulating chamber in connected relationship to the pleural drainage/autotransfusion unit. The vacuum regulating chamber is formed of a portion of said cardiotomy reservoir unit and extends along the axial direction of the reservoir of the autotransfusion unit and can be connected to a source of vacuum. A water seal is interposed between the vacuum regulating chamber and the interior of the reservoir in order to provide for water sealed negative pressure within the reservoir. The function of the cardiotomy reservoir and the pleural drainage/autotransfusion unit can be changed by means of connections that have spring loaded tangs that engage a flange of a barbed inlet port.

Abstract: An evacuated suction bottle 1 for wound drainage, which comprises two chambers 2, 3 separated from one another, is described.

Abstract: An article useful in the suction-assisted removal of fluids, including gases, such as air, and liquids, such as blood, from a body cavity which will prevent flow of gases therethrough into said cavity without the intervention of any liquid seals, in the event the pressure within said cavity becomes negative relative to the pressure at the discharge end of said article comprising a cap assembly, for fluid connection to said cavity and an accumulation chamber, for applying a controlled suction to said cavity, said assembly comprising a horizontal wall comprising at its periphery and normal thereto an annular wall for attachment to a liquid collection container surrounding said accumulation chamber; inlet means in fluid connection with said cavity, and, as desired, a liquid accumulation chamber or the atmosphere, through which said fluids may pass when the pressure within the cavity is greater than at the discharge end of said means; first one-way valve means associated with the discharge end of said inlet means

Abstract: The present invention provides disposable insulated basins constructed of materials suitable for sterilization, particularly useful in human surgical and other medical procedures. The invention specifically provides a surgical irrigation basin having a hollow, insulated bowl-like body, an insulated cover adapted to be attached to the body in liquid-tight relation, and a flanged tube extending from the exterior of the basin to the interior thereof to receive and retain an irrigation syringe. The body and the cover are formed of double wall construction with insulating material sandwiched and sealed between the walls. In the preferred embodiment the insulation comprises a nonwoven fabric bonded between two thin sheets of flexible plastic coated on at least one side with reflective material. Various alternative embodiments and modifications from the preferred embodiment are also provided.

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 liquid collection device for use with various surgical procedures to control and monitor the rate of flow of liquid from one or more body cavities such as the pleural and/or mediastinal cavities comprising a liquid collection section including an upper liquid flow rate monitoring chamber coupled to the body cavity by a fluid conduit to receive a predetermined volume of fluid to a lower liquid accumulation reservoir when the predetermined volume of liquid is received therein and a pressure control/liquid isolation section coupled to a vacuum source to control the flow of liquid from the body cavity through the fluid conduit at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A combined surgical drainage device and autotransfusion apparatus is provided in which a drainage device having a conventional collection chamber and suction regulating system may be readily converted into use as an autotransfusion system. The drainage apparatus has a fluid retention chamber disposed immediately beneath the inlet and a fluid outlet is provided in the bottom wall of the retention chamber with a spring pressed closure therein so that a nozzle on a collapsible autotransfusion bag may be inserted into the fluid retention chamber. The autotransfusion bag is collapsible and is provided with removable spreader means to maintain the bag in an expanded condition. When suction is applied to the drainage device, the interior of the autotransfusion bag is maintained at the desired suction level.

Abstract: A chest drainage device having a collection chamber, a water seal chamber and a suction control chamber wherein the suction control chamber includes first and second columns wherein the top end of the first column is open to the atmosphere and the top end of the second column is in flow communication with a vacuum source and water seal chamber and wherein the bottom end of the first and second columns are in flow communication with a float chamber and ballast sleeve to increase the effective dynamic water height of liquid in the suction control chamber and to decrease the overall height of the suction control chamber of the chest drainage device while maintaining the same operational vacuum pressure range as previous chest drainage devices.

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: An integral hinged clip having two limbs. One limb is held by two opposed resilient catch portions of the other limb within a channel defined by said other limb. The catch portions effecting said holding in their normal undeformed positions. The clip is useful as a closure for a drainable ostomy pouch.

Abstract: A chest drainage device having a collection chamber, a water seal chamber and a suction control chamber wherein the suction control chamber includes first and second columns and wherein the top end of the first column is open to the atmosphere and the top end of the second column is in flow communication with a vacuum source. The bottom end of the first and second columns are preferably in flow communication with a float chamber to increase the effective dynamic water height of the liquid in the suction chamber and to decrease the required overall height of suction control chamber of the chest drainage device while maintaining same operational range as prior chest drainage devices.

Abstract: An improved underwater drainage device having a baffle system preferably incorporated into the water seal column positioned in flow communication with the patient's pleural cavity wherein the baffle chamber consists of a baffle insert having a baffle tube and a plurality of spaced downwardly directed baffles. And wherein the baffle tube of the present invention includes a tapered outer wall directed toward the first baffle and sidewalls having a plurality of side openings to allow the water seal to flow downwardly therethrough once the negative pressure from the patient's pleural cavity has dissipated.

Abstract: A chest drainage device is provided for draining fluid and gases from the pleural cavity of a patient. The drainage device has three chambers; a collection chamber, a water seal chamber, and suction control chamber. The suction control chamber includes a first column which has an upper end adapted to be open to the atmosphere, and a second column, which has a substantially larger cross-sectional area than the first column. A filter member on the lower end of the first column disperses the atmospheric air into small diameter bubbles as it enters liquid present in the lower end of the second column. The present invention provides an improved means for muffling the sound of the atmospheric air as it bubbles through the liquid in the second column. Additionally, the present invention provides a means for increasing the accuracy of the vacuum pressure actually being applied to the pleural cavity of the patient as compared to the prescribed vacuum pressure.

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.