Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus is provided for use with surgical instrumentation requiring irrigation and aspiration of fluids and a peristaltic pump. The apparatus includes a housing and a manifold for connecting a transfer tube with aspiration and irrigation lines from the surgical instrumentation and with waste and supply lines. An opening the housing enables access to the transfer tube in order to control fluid flow therein. A diaphragm mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the aspiration tube enables both pressure measurement and pressure control in the tubing when the housing is inserted into a drawer in the console and in operative engagement with a peristaltic pump head disposed therein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cassette assembly for use in a medical, dental or therapeutic lavage system, including a cassette housing and a pump disposed within the housing. The pump has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet and outlet being attachable to a tubing set. The pump is attachable to and driveable by a motor disposed outside the cassette housing. A pressure sensing device disposed within the cassette housing senses a fluid pressure within the outlet.

Abstract: A self-closing catheter valve having a housing with an oval cross section and a conical hose attachment connector which can be inserted into a catheter hose. A valve hose piece partially extends through the housing. A V-shaped spring element deforms and constricts the valve hose piece by pressing the valve hose piece against a wall of the housing. An actuation member is positioned within the housing for bringing the self-closing catheter valve into an open position.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration apparatus is provided for use with surgical instrumentation requiring irrigation and aspiration of fluids and a peristaltic pump. The apparatus includes a housing and a manifold for connecting a transfer tube with aspiration and irrigation lines from the surgical instrumentation and with waste and supply lines. An opening the housing enables access to the transfer tube in order to control fluid flow therein. A diaphragm mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the aspiration tube enables both pressure measurement and pressure control in the tubing when the housing is inserted into a drawer in the console and in operative engagement with a peristaltic pump head disposed therein.

Abstract: A manual control device for laparoscopic patient treatment by use of electrical curetage or coagulation, with means for clearing the surgical sight by irrigation or suction, finger operated buttons controlling the various functions, and an interlock mechanism disabling the electrical functions when a push button is depressed to enable irrigation or suction.

Abstract: An endoscopic electrosurgical suction-irrigation instrument with insertable probes and attachments is disclosed. The instrument has a fluid chamber sealed at its proximal end with a slit valve for receiving the probes and connected at its distal end to a cannula through which the inserted probes extend. The fluid chamber is selectively provided with suction and/or irrigation and includes an electrical contact for supplying voltage to an inserted electrosurgical probe. Depending on the probe configuration suction and/or irrigation is provided in an annular space between the probe and the cannula or through the probe. Valves, connectors and switches for use with the instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a pulsation flow into a blood dialyzer in a blood dialyzing apparatus, has a pulsation flow generating apparatus for intermittently pressurizing and releasing a blood circuit. It also has a speed controller for controlling an operation speed of the pulsation flow generating apparatus. A method for charging blood into a blood dialyzer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamp for occluding a flexible tube comprising a permanent magnet rotary actuator coupled to a rotatable cam. A spring-biasing mechanism is provided to counteract the rotation of the rotary actuator and to return the rotatable cam to a pre-determined position when power is withheld from the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight bowel evacuation system is made up of a water bag which is elevated above the patient with a check valve in the delivery line from the water bag into a rectal insertion tube or speculum, a drain line leading from the speculum includes a disposable valve member for selectively opening and closing the drain line, and one or more pressurizing members in the form of manual squeeze bulbs are provided to simultaneously open the check valve for delivery of water from the water bag through the speculum and close the drain valve while the check valve is open and further is open to simultaneously close the check valve when the drain is opened. In a modified form, a flow control valve in communication with a source of air under pressure takes the place of the manual squeeze bulb to control opening and closing of the valve members.

Abstract: An irrigation system for use in endoscopic procedures for maintaining and controlling flow of irrigation fluid to an internal body irrigation site. The system includes a tubing set comprising inflow and outflow lines and a cassette, and an fluid control module comprising a race and a pumping mechanism that squeezes the inflow line of the tubing set against the race to pump fluid to the irrigation site. The cassette includes a through opening exposing a portion of the inflow line to the race and pumping mechanism so that the cassette merely holds the inflow line in alignment with the pumping mechanism but is not required to resist the compressive force of the pumping mechanism. The cassette may include a second through opening exposing a portion of the outflow line to a valve mechanism to regulate pressure independently of the pump mechanism, and rib-or-groove alignment mechanism to align the inflow line with the pumping mechanism and the outflow line with the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical shunt capable of revision and inspection on a minimal invasive basis is provided. The shunt comprises a ventricle tube and drain tube connected by an elbow. The elbow has branches and a bend therein so as to connect the tubes at nearly a right angle. A portal is mounted on the bend of said elbow. The portal comprises a concave slit valve and a portal cover thus forming a self-sealing access to the shunt. The portal is oriented on the elbow so as to allow passage therethrough into either of said tubes by an angioscope or other device. Thus, the angioscope or other device can be externally inserted into the interior regions of the shunt in order to remove blockages and improve cerebrospinal fluid flow without surgical procedures.

Abstract: The invention is a valving device for use in laparoscopic surgery. The device generally has a valve housing having a wall defining a common channel. The channel includes at least first and second apertures extending through the channel wall to allow fluid communication to and from the channel. The invention also includes a laparoscopic probe having a channel created by a wall defining a first open end and a second open end, as well as a valve for trapping debris positioned within the channel first open end.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure delivery system capable of delivering negative pressure (vacuum or suction) or positive pressure with a precise, continuously variable and predictable control of the pressure delivered is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes the capability of electronically adjusting the variation of pressure to follow any desirable functional mathematical relationship of a control signal. The apparatus includes an electronically controlled pressure regulator in which the pressure at the outlet of a regulator acts upon a piston or diaphragm in opposition to a force produced by an electronic controller. The piston or diaphragm is mechanically coupled to a flow control valve such that the valve alters its position to increase or decrease the flow to its outlet in response to the force exerted on the piston or diaphragm.

Abstract: A tubing clamp controlling flow within compressible tubing passing through the clamp which is adapted for inserting the tubing sidewise into the clamp upon opening of a hinged side wall. An adjustable flow controller overlies the tubing and is adapted to rotate, bear upon and squeeze the tubing for precise flow control. A lever arm to actuate the flow controller is in ratcheting engagement with an arcuate bar to hold the lever arm and cylindrical surface of the flow controller in the desired rotative position. The selected position of the lever arm can then be recorded. The tubing clamp can be constructed as a one-piece structure by use of a single mold and prepared as a kit to facilitate use for medical purposes. The assembly of the clamp is thus simplified and the method for controlling flow is accomplished by a series of simple steps.

Abstract: A probe for use with an endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument is disclosed. The endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument has a cannula, a fluid chamber having a proximal opening, a seal at the proximal opening, an irrigation port and a suction port, with the distal end of the fluid chamber communicating with the cannula, and the proximal end of the fluid chamber having a substantially cylindrical portion between the irrigation and suction ports. The probe of the invention has a proximal cylindrical portion, a middle portion, and a hollow distal portion. The proximal cylindrical portion has an outer surface which extends through and contacts the seal such that the proximal end of said fluid chamber is sealed. The middle portion extends through the substantially cylindrical portion of the fluid chamber and creates an annulus therebetween. The middle portion has an internal passageway with lateral openings.

Abstract: An endoscopic electrosurgical suction-irrigation instrument with insertable probes and attachments is disclosed. The instrument has a fluid chamber sealed at its proximal end with a slit valve for receiving the probes and connected at its distal end to a cannula through which the inserted probes extend. The fluid chamber is selectively provided with suction and/or irrigation and includes an electrical contact for supplying voltage to an inserted electrosurgical probe. Depending on the probe configuration suction and/or irrigation is provided in an annular space between the probe and the cannula or through the probe. Valves, connectors and switches for use with the instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling the irrigation and aspiration functions in flow lines cooperative with a surgical control console employs separate interacting cooperative units for the segregation of different functions in units employed in different ways. A receiver unit is configured to fit within a cassette receptacle in a console but does not perform any function apart from transferring forces with internal slider bars. The receiver accepts a slidable adapter which in turn receives a small disposable cassette that provides some internal irrigation and aspiration lines, and an external aspiration line that is separately threadable through the adapter unit to cooperate with a peristaltic pump in the console.

Abstract: A closed ventilation and suction catheter system for aspirating or suctioning the bronchial tree or trachea of a patient including a dual lumen catheter, the proximal end of the catheter is connected to a dual valve assembly which is connected to separate irrigation fluid and suction pressure sources and the distal end of the catheter is adapted to be slidably positioned in communication with the bronchial tree of a patient. A transparent and flexible envelope surrounds the catheter to protect the catheter from direct exposure to the atmosphere. The catheter is slidable from the inside of the envelope through an adaptor and a tracheal tube to communicate with the bronchial tree or trachea of the patient. A ventilator is connected to the adaptor near the distal end of the catheter to provide for the artificial ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: A tip unit is removably affixed to and extends forward from the barrel of a surgical handpiece, for fluid transfer with respect to the surgical site. The tip unit includes a casing extending forward from the handpiece barrel and a fluid transfer tube extending forward from the casing. The fluid transfer tube extends in sealed relation through axially aligned holes in the front and rear walls of the casing for connection with a fluid transfer unit in the handpiece. A lamp at the far end of the tube is energized by a battery unit in the casing under control of a switch accessible at the outside of the casing. A light transmitting enclosure at the far end of the tube protects against liquid contact with the lamp.

Abstract: A cassette having a one-piece housing adapted to be held in operative association with a control console. Integrally formed channels on the external surface of the housing form three sides of various fluid flow passages within the cassette. A plastic gasket adhered to the cassette seals the channels and forms the fourth side of the fluid flow passages. A self-winding peristaltic pump tube extending from the housing cooperates with a slotted peristaltic pump roller head in the console and an internal capacitance chamber within the irrigation conduit reduces pressure fluctuations in the irrigation fluid flow.

Abstract: A suction and irrigation apparatus is provided for selectively delivering suction or irrigation fluid to a patient during surgery or the like. A pair of resilient tubes are provided which is connected with a suction source and irrigation source at one end and is connected through a Y-shaped connector at the other end with a handpiece having clamping valves thereon disposed between the ends of the resilient tubes. The handpiece has a housing with openings in the ends thereof to provide passageways for the resilient tubes. Clamping valves are mounted in the housing which are spring urged to close the resilient tubes. A bracket is slidably mounted on the sides of the handpiece housing and the bracket is slidable to a position overlying the clamping valves so as to maintain the clamping valves in an open position. When the clamping valves are held in an opened position by the bracket, the handpiece can be moved along the length of the resilient tubes to position the handpiece at any desired location.

Abstract: A tongue and groove construction maintains the catch and latch part of a tube clamp in full registration with one another across its entire range of positions from fully open to fully closed. A groove bisects the teeth of the latch member and a complementally formed tongue bisects the catch member of the clamp. Thus, when the tongue is slidably received within the groove, the parts of the catch member that flank the tongue releasably engage the parts of the latch member that flank the groove. This maintains the tube pinching elements in full alignment with one another so that when the pinching elements are fully displaced toward one another, no liquid fluid may flow through a cannula disposed therebetween. The teeth are not provided in a second embodiment, but the tongue and groove arrangement is employed in that embodiment. The tongue engages the underside of a lip, and the clamp is either fully open or fully closed.

Abstract: A suction/irrigator surgical instrument comprises a replaceable cartridge containing the entirety of the fluid flow path for the instrument and a reusable flow-control member having trigger-actuated levers for selectively opening and occluding a portion of the fluid flow path when the two members are affixed to one another, in piggy-back fashion, to form a pistol-grip for the instrument.

Abstract: A disposable aspirator assembly for use with an electrocautery handpiece is disclosed wherein the assembly removably attaches to the body of an electrocautery handpiece. The assembly is generally "T" shaped with the "base" of the T curved to extend in the general direction of the long axis of the handpiece to removably attach to vacuum tubing. In a preferred embodiment the hollow, tubular cross-member of the T is elastic and attaches by means of friction to the tip end of the electrocautery handpiece where it forms a substantially vacuum-tight fitting with the handpiece and protectively houses the electrocautery blade. Disposable vacuum tubing has a concave outer surface which mates with the convex outer surface of a cautery handpiece providing a cylindrical assembly which is easily grasped. The projection of the tip of the aspirator assembly along the electrocautery blade is adjustable.

Abstract: A transfusion pump 10 is that 1 when the door 13 is opened to set the tube, the clamping member 53 is retained in engagement with the first unclamp retaining portion 61 by manual operation so as to be set at the unclamp position, 2 when the door 13 is closed after the tube has been set, the clamping member 53 is released from its engagement with the first unclamp retaining portion 61 by the first unclamp releasing portion 63, and retained in engagement with the second unclamp retaining portion 64 so as to be set at the unclamp position, and 3 when the door 13 is opened after its closing, the clamping member 53 loses its engagement with the second unclamp retaining portion 64 so as to be set at the clamp position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable electrosurgical device which is useful in performing laparoscopic surgical procedures. This electrosurgical device has suction and irrigation capabilities in which the application of electrosurgical current, the application of suction, and the transmission of irrigation fluid, to a surgical site, can be conveniently regulated through control mechanisms contained within a surgical handpiece. The mechanisms which regulate the electrosurgical current, the suction, and the irrigation can be conveniently actuated independently with one hand at a single location on the surgical handpiece. A disposable rotatable combined electrosurgical-suction-irrigation probe releasably attaches to the distal end of the surgical handpiece. This probe is an electrically conductive fluid conduit which forms an electrical and fluid connection to the surgical handpiece.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation/aspiration system is provided, including a controller having a pump roller head, actuators for occluding fluid lines, a suction sensor, and means for mounting a pump cassette. The system cassette is suitable for mounting on the controller and has an opening with a pump segment passing along an arcuate wall of the opening. When the cassette is mounted on the console, the roller head is engaged in the cassette opening and compresses the pump segment against the arcuate wall. An infusion line passes through the cassette and is occludable by one of the actuators, and a vent line connected to the pump segment is occludable by a second actuator. A suction sensing port on the cassette couples with the suction sensor in the controller. In an alternate embodiment, a cassette is disclosed within which both vacuum and peristaltic pumping is possible. Latching may be accomplished by a plunger attached to the sensory port of the cassette.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure sensitive valve that in different forms can be used to provide: an adjustable resistance to flow, adjustable positive or negative pressure relief, negative pressure isolation, isolation of pressure sensitive devices (e.g. pressure monitors) from blood and controlled recirculation between the inlet and outlet of pumps, particularly extracorporeal circulation. The construction of the valve is especially advantageous for extracorporeal circuits because the valve is made from one continuous length of tubing, thereby providing a value that is more reliable, safer, and has fewer parts. A simple, compact and disposable system to adjust, regulate, and indicate negative or positive pressure applied to the valve is also described.

Abstract: A system for controlling the irrigation and aspiration functions in flow lines cooperative with a surgical control console employs a reusable receiver within which a disposable cassette is insertable. The cassette includes lines which must be sterile for each user, but cooperates with elements in the receiver to which it is detachably engaged. Slider bars within the receiver are arranged to transmit clamping forces against interior flexible lines such that shortened and simplified flow paths are used.

Abstract: A handpiece for a surgical irrigator and suction device includes a drip-free valve arrangement in which the portion of the flexible irrigation conduit is kinked in a V-shape. The extent to which the flexible irrigation conduit is kinked is controlled by a trigger, adapted for one-hand operation and in which the trigger can be controlled to be locked, selectively, in a full flow, no flow or manually controllable variable flow mode.

Abstract: A rotary type of peristaltic pump having the rotor member mounted on one side thereof and including a swing arm rotatably mounted along the side of the peristaltic pump such that the swing arm is movable between a fluid delivery set loading open position and a closed position which automatically aligns and stretches a portion of the fluid delivery set around the rotor member to ensure that the fluid delivery set is properly aligned about the rotor member of the peristaltic pump. A charger unit assembly is disclosed which is particularly adapted to receive the peristaltic pump thereon for charging the batteries of the peristaltic pump; to provide power to the peristaltic pump and for mounting the peristaltic pump on a support pole.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation/aspiration system is provided, including a controller having a pump roller head, actuators for occluding fluid lines, a suction sensor, and means for mounting a pump cassette. The system cassette is suitable for mounting on the controller and has an opening with a pump segment passing along an arcuate wall of the opening. When the cassette is mounted on the console, the roller head is engaged in the cassette opening and compresses the pump segment against the arcuate wall. An infusion line passes through the cassette and is occludable by one of the actuators, and a vent line connected to the pump segment is occludable by a second actuator. A suction sensing port on the cassette couples with the suction sensor in the controller. In an alternate embodiment, a cassette is disclosed within which both vacuum and peristaltic pumping is possible. Latching may be accomplished by a plunger attached to the sensory port of the cassette.

Abstract: For use in preventing spillage in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis apparatus, a two-part spike holder which automatically occludes a flexible tubing connected to the hollow spike as the spike is mounted in the holder, the two parts of the spike holder being pivotally interconnected and biased toward one another.

Abstract: There is provided a medical fluid cassette made of thermoformed plastic material which cooperates with a medical control unit having retaining structure cooperable with the cassette to assist in controlling the flow of fluid through tubing associated with the cassette.

Abstract: A drain valve is disclosed which is adapted to be attached to the frame of a wheelchair, bed, or other object for draining a catheter reservoir bag without any part of the reservoir bag contents coming in contact with the valve. The valve has an integral spring-loaded plunger which pinches closed the drain tubing of the reservoir bag. The plunger is connected through a flexible cable to a control device. The valve is normally closed pinching closed the drain tubing, and the reservoir bag is filled through the inlet tubing attached to the patient. When the reservoir bag is to be drained, the control device is activated by the patient to retract the spring-loaded plunger in the valve opening the drain tubing and allowing the reservoir bag to darin. In one embodiment, the control device is a remotely operated hand lever mechanism connected to the cable. In another embodiment, the control device is a solenoid operator connected to the cable.

Abstract: A fine-needle aspirator for collecting a biosample from a subject into a closed sterile system. The aspirator is adapted for use with a variety of needles and comprises a motor driven pump capable of continuous suction in a biosample collection system. The biosample collection system may comprise a biosample connector such as elastomeric tubing in communication with the needle and a collection space in a biosample container whereby a biosample collected by the needle may be transferred to the collection space. A flushing substance flushes the biosample through the biosample collection system. Additives may be added to the biosample after collection in order to treat, preserve or analyze the biosample.

Abstract: A roller clamp for regulating fluid flow through a plastic tube comprising a bottom plate for receiving the plastic tube, a pair of sidewalls each having a guide groove, and a roller wheel for pressing the plastic tube is disclosed. The bottom plate has a V-shaped channel along its longitudinal direction and a pair of projections each having a pointed end are formed on the top of lines each extending from the lowest position of the V-shaped channel. A required amount of fluid can be supplied at a constant flow velocity thanks to small tube resistance.

Abstract: A superior cassette is provided for maintaining sterility of internal tubing sections that are to be repeatedly clamped under the control of external actuators when the cassette is inserted in an associated system, such as an irrigation/aspiration system for ophthalmic surgery applications. An inserted leading edge presents faces of interior sliders to actuators which reciprocate the slider to engage and clamp tubing sections positioned near the opposite, intercoupling edge of the cassette. All contact is made within the sterile interior of the cassette so that sterile flows cannot be contaminated even if leakage or puncture occurs under handling or repeated operation.

Abstract: A combination fluid collection and disposal apparatus for collecting and disposing fluid aspirated from a patient from a surgical procedure is disclosed which comprises a collection unit for collecting the fluid and a treatment unit for coupling with the collection unit to remove the fluid from the collection unit and to dispose the fluid. The collection unit comprises a reservoir for the temporary storage of fluids aspirated from the patient, a vacuum port for connecting the collection unit to a vacuum source, and a vacuum line connecting the vacuum port to the reservoir. The collection unit also comprises at least one suction port adapted for connection to a suction tube for aspirating fluids from the patient, a suction line connecting the suctioln port to the reservoir, and a drain generally adjacent the bottom of the reservoir.

Abstract: An indwelling urethral catheter system and method of its use involve a drainage shaft (16) mounted in a urinary tract (24) having an externally-operated, normally-closed, fluid valve (38) mounted therein near the meatus (22) of the urinary tract. A removable insertion conduit assembly (12), separate from the catheter drainage shaft, is for extending from outside the body, through the meatus of the urinary tract to plug into the proximal end of the catheter drainage shaft and impinge on the valve for holding it open to allow free drainage through the valve. Once the insertion conduit is removed from the urinary tract it no longer impinges on the valve for holding it open and the valve is thereafter normally closed unless opened by application of force from outside the body.

Abstract: A valve for selectively controlling flow within a fluid line between a relatively low capillary flow rate and a flushing flow. A flush valve (10) comprises a base (14) and a cover (16) that secures an elastomeric membrane (18) in place over a flow path (32) formed in the base. The flow path includes an inlet passage (34) connected in fluid communication to an outlet passage (50) by a capillary groove (38). The membrane seals over the capillary groove to define a capillary passage (48), which restricts fluid flow through the flush valve to the capillary flow rate. A user may selectively enable the relatively greater fluid flow through the device by deforming the membrane away from the capillary groove, thereby creating a relatively larger flushing flow passage (66). The flushing flow of fluid through the region of the capillary groove serves to carry away any obstruction that may be present in the groove or downstream of the flush valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas/saline valve for use in an gas/saline insufflation system which includes a gas insufflator and a saline source. The gas insufflator is fluidly coupled to a gas inlet of an arthroscopic attachment by a first tubing. The saline source is fluidly coupled to a saline inlet of an arthroscope by a second tubing. The gas/saline valve includes a housing with an open end and a gas/saline control knob. The housing has a first bore and a second bore. The housing also has a first slotted chamber and a second slotted chamber both of which are contiguous to the first and second bores, respectively, and within which the first and second tubings, respectively, are disposed. The gas/saline control knob has a solid cylinder which has a first semi-cylindrical notch and a second semi-cylindrical notch so that when the solid cylinder is disposed inside the housing, the first and second semi-cylindrical notches are aligned with the first and second slotted chambers, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a colonic lavage to a patient comprises a speculum for insertion into the colon of the patient with the speculum being generally tubular and having a tapered end within the colon with opposing openings formed therein and discharge and inlet openings outside the anal canal. The inlet opening is connected to a lavage liquid holding chamber through an inlet conduit and the discharge conduit is connected to a collection chamber through a discharge conduit. The discharge conduit has a resilient collapsible portion that passes through a pinch valve that can be actuated to close the discharge conduit. In operation, lavage liquid is pumped from the holding chamber while the pinch valve is closed causing the colon to fill with liquid. When the colon is full, pumping is discontinued and the pinch valve opened allowing liquid and loosened fecal matter within the colon to be purged through the discharge conduit to the collection chamber.

Abstract: An endoscope and valve system specially adapted for use with a disposable sheath having a plurality of channels and respective resilient tubes extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the resilient tubes extend along grooves formed in the side of an endoscope control handle and are captured behind a pivotably mounted access door. The valve system pinches the tubes against the door. The pinching mechanism selectively releases the tubes by pressing respective valve-actuating buttons on the control handle. In another embodiment, the tubes are placed in external pinch valves which are selectively actuated by actuating switches mounted on the control handle.

Abstract: A multi-position rotary valve system is useable with a disposable fluid transfer set for carrying out a sequence of steps to implement a drain and fill procedure in connection with peritoneal dialysis. A method of carrying out peritoneal dialysis includes utilizing a rotary, multi-position, valve system in conjunction with a fluid flow transfer set having a plurality of flexible fluid flow conduits. The valve system provides for systematically opening and closing the respective fluid flow conduits in a predetermined sequence for the purpose of carrying out a drain and fill procedure of the type associated with peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: A tubing set, the major portions of which are defined from a trilumen section of tubing, comprises three lines including an inflow line, an outflow line and a pressure sensing line. The inflow line includes a header portion engageable about the rollers of a peristaltic pump, a delivery tube mounting a male luer fitting for engagement with a patient cannula, and a pair of clampable supply tubes with bag spikes for communication with saline bags. The pressure sensing line includes a pressure transmitting elongate tubular diaphragm mounted within a fluid chamber directly adjacent the patient end of the line. The pressure transmitting diaphragm communicates with an elongate dry or air tube which, at the remote end, communicates with an appropriate pump-mounted pressure transducer or the like.

Abstract: A set for the passive infusion of one or more medications at a determined rate includes a fluid supply tube having first and second branched flow paths with first and second rate-defining flow restrictors. An injection port upstream of the first flow restrictor permits injection of a drug to be metered, so the first restrictor provides a metered flow of drug plus carrier, and the second restrictor provides a metered flow of diluent/carrier. A Y-connector, which may contain a mixing element, combines the two flows to provide the desired output flow and drug concentration. Further flow branches, each with an injection port and a flow restrictor, allow additional drugs to be metered in other concentrations. A flushable flow restrictor segment includes a flexible flow tube which may be pinched off, and a substantially rigid capillary tube integral with the flexible tube.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation/aspiration system is provided, including a controller having a pump roller head, actuators for occluding tubing, a suction sensor, and apparatus for mounting a pump cassette. The system cassette is suitable for mounting on the controller and has an opening with a pump tubing segment passing along an arcuate wall of the opening. When the cassette is mounted on the console, the roller head is engaged in the cassette opening and compresses the pump tubing segment against the arcuate wall. An infusion line passes through the cassette and is occludable by one of the actuators, and a vent line connected to the pump tubing segment is occludable by a second actuator. A suction sensing port on the cassette couples with the suction sensor in the controller.

Abstract: The collection container has a reusable, autoclavable vessel with a resilient plastic reusable insert to which the aspiration instrument is connected. The insert incorporates a fluid passageway which may be blocked by squeezing action of a solenoid-type actuator. The insert includes a breakaway portion which is severed from the body of the insert during installation prior to use. This insert may also stay in place during autoclaving or cleaning.

Abstract: A cassette assembly for a microsurgical system. The cassette comprises a body portion, a collection vessel and a suction conduit which may be occluded to interrupt suction. The cassette may also include an occludable infusion conduit for providing infusion through the cassette to a surgical site.