Abstract: Phaco tip apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having a drive assembly including a needle having a tip for emulsifying a cataractic lens and a lumen communication with primary and a secondary aspiration ports for aspirating emulsified lens. A sleeve establishes an annular passage around the needle and enables irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. A bypass port, disposed in said needle and under said compressible sleeve, establishes fluid communication between the lumen and the annular passage in order to enable irrigation fluid to pass into said lumen upon clogging of the primary and secondary aspiration ports, thus providing fluid surge protection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic mucus removal device for extracting mucus from a nasal cavity includes a transportable housing which encases a compact vacuum source connected to a power source, and to which a disposable mucus trap member is removably attached. The housing includes a base portion and a barrel portion, with the mucus trap member preferably attached to one end of the barrel portion. An ejection rod is resiliently mounted to the opposing end of the barrel portion, with the ejection rod operable to expel the mucus trap member from the housing. The user therefore is not required to contact the mucus trap member or the mucus associated with it, and the mucus trap member may be disposed of or cleaned as desired.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in extracorporeal blood perfusions systems that have a control unit for controlling the flow of fluids. The cartridge has a housing defining a plurality of internal passageways that connect to a cardiopulmonary circuit, a cardioplegia circuit and a suction circuit. The cartridge may be fitted with one or more of a bubble trap, a filter, and a valve.

Abstract: A vascular access device is provided that has a device lumen valve and a safety valve feature to prevent leakage of blood from a lumen of such device. The vascular access device includes a sheath which may have an outer tube and structure defining a device lumen located therein. The access device further includes a detachable device valve which provides sealing of the device lumen. In addition, a non-detachable hemostasis safety valve is provided on the proximal end of the device lumen to seal the device lumen when no device valve is present. The device valve attaches to and simultaneously opens the proximal end of the hemostasis safety valve. In one embodiment, the device valve includes a distal projection that pierces an elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve. The elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve is stiffer than an elastomeric valve member of the device valve, and prevents introduction of guidewires and highly flexible catheters therethrough.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device for cutting into a nucleus of a cataract comprises a phaco tip including a body having at a distal end thereof a solid blade with a face edge adapted to be placed in contact with the nucleus. There is no aspiration port in this face edge. An aspiration port in the body is displaced rearward from the face edge by a distance which is greater than the length of the blade. A sleeve fits over the body and has a forward section that terminates in an opening in advance of the aspiration port. The device is used alternately with a standard phaco tip to remove cataracts. A surgical instrument comprises a handpiece including phaco tip having a face edge having aspiration port therein that is adapted to be placed in communication with a source of aspiration. A control unit regulates the application of aspiration to the aspiration port, enabling aspiration at the aspiration port to be discontinued on command.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator of a smoke evacuation system for use with laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery is disclosed. The fluid flow regulator is comprised of a flow regulating means and a conduit connecting means. The flow regulating means in one embodiment includes a diaphragm and one or more orifices of predetermined diameter to provide a significant obstruction to the flow of fluid through the evacuation system. When operatively coupled to the pressurized surgical site, the fluid flow regulator makes possible the continuous evacuation of surgical smoke while simultaneously maintaining the pneumoperitoneum in a distended position for the duration of the laparoscopic procedure. Also disclosed is a method of using the fluid flow regulator to continually evacuate surgical smoke in the course of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures without deflating the pneumoperitoneum, which hereto for has been used by prior art systems to evacuate surgical smoke.

Abstract: A debridement extension including a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being adapted for connection to both an irrigation source and a suction source. The debridement extension includes a fitting adjacent the proximal end which includes both an irrigation port and a suction port. An inner cannula and an outer cannula are both attached to the fitting of the debridement extension and are, respectively, in fluid communication with the irrigation port and the suction port. A debridement tip is affixed to the distal end of the debridement extension and is independently in fluid communication with both the irrigation path and the suction path formed by the inner and outer cannulas, respectively.

Abstract: A delivery member is detachably secured to a discharge port of a syringe. The delivery member is provided with a fluted, open-ended distal portion having a cross-sectional area which is substantially greater than that of the discharge port. When the open end of the fluted portion is pressed against tissue and liquid medication or nutrient, or gas, is supplied under pressure to the delivery member from the syringe, the liquid is perfused into the tissue.

Abstract: An endotracheal suction catheter apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a distal end that is configured for allowing a catheter to be moved through the distal end and into the respiratory tract of a patient. The distal end defines a cleaning chamber where the catheter may be cleaned. A flap is located in the distal end and is located on one end of the cleaning chamber. The flap effects fluid flow within the cleaning chamber during cleaning of the catheter. A connection member is present and is attached to the distal end. The connection member is configured for releasably engaging a heat and moisture exchanger so that the catheter may be advanced through the distal end into the heat and moisture exchanger.

Abstract: A cartridge for use on a medical apparatus is provided and includes a body having a proximal chamber and a distal chamber. An antimicrobial agent is disposed in one of the distal or proximal chambers. A port is located on the body and communicates with the chamber in which the antimicrobial agent is disposed. In another embodiment, another port is located in the other chamber. Also, a respiratory suction apparatus is provided that is fitted with a cartridge mentioned above.

Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for removing tissue from a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical suction apparatus includes an aspiration channel in communication with a distal aspiration port, and an electrode support having a plurality of active electrodes disposed thereon, the plurality of active electrodes spanning the aspiration port. Each of the plurality of active electrodes is adapted for removing tissue from a target site to form low molecular weight ablation by-products. Each of the plurality of active electrodes is also adapted for digesting resected tissue fragments to yield low molecular weight ablation by-products. Ablation by-products and resected tissue fragments are readily removed from the target site via an aspiration stream flowing proximally through the aspiration channel.

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

Abstract: A suction tool embodying the invention includes a tubular suction tip having a first end intended to be connected to a vacuum source and having a second end connected to a paddle like structure intended to be inserted into an oral cavity. The paddle like structure facilitates retraction of the tongue, cheeks or lips within, and about, the oral cavity while providing desired suction to remove saliva and other foreign bodies from the oral cavity and enabling a dentist to work on teeth without the danger of causing injury to the retracted tongue, cheek or lips. In one embodiment, the paddle like structure has two opposing surfaces, one surface having a large orifice for facing the work area and enabling the flow of debris into the suction tip while the other surface has no openings and is designed to face (i.e., retract) the tongue and other soft tissue.

Abstract: In a system which utilizes an endoscope and irrigation fluid during surgery within a body orifice, and in which irrigation fluid is withdrawn via a principal path into a suction canister, there is a substantially constant suction and withdrawal rate from the operative site to limit absorption of irrigation fluid within the patient, because a bifurcated flow path that leads to the suction canister not only from the endoscope but also from a drain bag receiving overflow from the body orifice via a tailored drape includes a substantially greater flow impedance in the drain bag path. The common suction line joined to the endoscope line and the drain bag line draws a flow through the endoscope that predominates, to maintain substantially constant withdrawal of irrigation fluid via that path, and substantially eliminates the possibility of loss of suction.

Abstract: Smoke evacuation apparatus designed to provide safe and efficient filtration and evacuation of smoke plume generated by laser-surgical, electrosurgical, radiosurgical, and electrocautery devices. To ensure capture and removal of the smoke plume, several stages of filtration processes, including a first micro-pre-filter to filter out the most particles and harmful elements at this stage followed by passage of the smoke plume through a main vacuum suction unit and filter to filter out the remaining particles and any odors, are employed. Preferably, the main filter comprises fine charcoal through which the air flows radially which helps remove the odors. In a preferred embodiment, means are provided to monitor the degree of pollution of the main filter to warn users when it is desirable or necessary to replace the main filter.

Abstract: An irrigator used in a celioscope surgery comprises a main casing, a water pumping stud and a water control stud which are engaged with the main casing. An interior of the main casing has a pumping opening and a suction opening, and a water outlet channel and a pumping flow channel which are vertical to the pumping opening and suction opening. Thereby, the water outlet channel and pumping flow channel are at an upper portion of the main casing. Thereby, dirty water accumulated in the affected part can be pumped out from a water outlet tube through the pumping flow channel. Since the water is pumped out along a straight way, it is prevented that dirty water is left in some bending portions. Therefore, dirty water can be pumped out completely. Furthermore, users may hold it by any hand conveniently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for controlling fluid control to and from an eye or a phacoemulsification handpiece. The handpiece includes an ultrasonically driven, hollow, sleeved needle and the method includes inserting the needle and sleeve into an eye for phacoemulsification of eye tissue and introducing fluid into the eye through an annulus established between the sleeve and the needle. Aspiration of fragmented tissue and fluid from the eye is conducted through the hollow needle. An initial irrigation fluid pressure is determined and the irrigation fluid flow and aspiration fluid flow are adjusted based upon the initial determination. Thereafter continued determination of irrigation fluid pressure is utilized to continuously adjust irrigation fluid flow and/or aspiration fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion—suction (I/a) cassette (20) provided with suction system having both a peristaltic or volumetric pump (21) and a pressure sensitive (or Venturi) pump (30), comprising a fluid suction line (27) from the surgical handpiece, a vacuum sensor (22), a valve (29) blocking the passive suction, a collection tank (25), a feeding line (28) for a sterile irrigation solution, a first passage valve (23) for the irrigation solution and a second valve (24) for interruption of the passage of the irrigation solution, a handpiece irrigation line (26), a peristaltic or in any case volumetric line (21), about which the suction line passes, and a pressure sensitive pump (30), connected to the suction line (27) by a vacuum sensor (22), activation of the peristaltic or in any case volumetric pump (21) involving the closure of said passive suction blocking valve (29) and the activation of said pressure sensitive pump (30), the activation of the pressure sensitive pump (30) involving

Abstract: A smoke filter device for use in medical procedures such as laparoscopy is disclosed, the device comprising a filter housing having an inlet port and first and second side walls, the side walls comprising non-woven media, and a smoke filter capable of filtering smoke from gas, wherein the filter is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical infusion and aspiration system capable of accurate pulsate delivery of high rates off flow. The system comprises a pumping mechanism, a cassette housing, a plunger and a cartridge having a reservoir area, an encoded area and a neck opening for connection to an infusion tube with an in-line sensor area where sampling probes are located. The cartridge is in threaded connection with the housing and the plunger fits within the reservoir area. The encoded area allows for an optical or electromagnetic strip containing information as to the contents and uses of the contained reagent, thus minimizing dosage mistakes. A motor is linked to the housing and causes bi-directional rotation of the plunger in relation to the housing. The plunger rotation breaks the forces of inertia and slip-stick as well as eliminate backlash.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having a lumen communicating with a proximal end and a distal port at a distal end. A chamber, filled with gas or fluid less dense than blood, is mounted at the distal end. Methods of using the aspiration catheter for removing embolic air or gaseous bubbles within a body cavity are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil comprises a main body portion forming a handle. A wire retaining passage is defined by the main body portion and has a wire-receiving opening and an electrode-receiving opening. A metal electrode tip is mounted at the electrode-receiving opening for engaging tissue in a surgical site to thereby coagulate the tissue. A wire enters the wire retaining passage is selectively connectable in electrically conductive relation through an electrical switch to the metal electrode tip. A substantially unobstructed airflow vent is defined substantially solely by the main body portion so as to extend from the electrode end to the exhaust end of the main body portion, and has an inlet disposed adjacent the electrode end of the main body portion and that is connected in fluid communication via the airflow vent to an outlet disposed adjacent the exhaust end of the main body portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having first and second elongate tubular members. Each member comprises a manometer at a distal end and a lumen communicating with a port at the distal end. An expandable occlusive member is optionally mounted on either or both tubular members proximal to the distal port. A proximal end of each tubular member is adapted for attachment to an oxygenator and/or a pump for aspirating blood from an artery or a symptomatic carotid artery through the first tubular member and perfusing the blood into the contralateral carotid artery through the second tubular member, thereby providing a means of augmenting the collateral vasculature and maintaining perfusion distal to the offending lesion. The flow rate of blood can be controlled by inflating or deflating the balloon occluder. The device may employ a neuroprotective agent, hypothermic perfusion, and an atherectomy device or an extracorporeal pumping mechanism to remove a vascular occlusion and reestablish cerebral perfusion.

Abstract: A splash shield for use in wound irrigation is provided. The splash shield includes at least one outlet area located along its rim so that irrigating fluid may flow from the splash shield. The splash shield is preferably oval-shaped with a substantially flat top adjacent to which is a receiver unit. The outlet area can be formed, for example, by contoured portions or by a generally V-shaped opening, each able to define a channel to enable the escape of fluid from the splash shield. The splash shield may be used in tandem with a syringe having a tip that is positioned in the receiver unit. Additionally, a basin can be provided for use during wound irrigation. The basin includes indentations to accommodate placement of a portion of the human body within the basin and an exit portion such that fluid in the basin can move in the basin to the edge of a table, bed, gurney or the like.

Abstract: A deplitory device for the removal of unwanted hair. The deplitory device includes a heatable tweezer having an upper portion containing wax that is dispensable onto a user's hair, allowing the user to utilize the tweezer to remove the cured wax thereby removing the hair from its follicle.

Abstract: An aspirating ablator of simple construction and low cost is disclosed. The aspirating ablator is provided with a mandrel connected to a tubular member which houses a suction assembly. An electrode having a rectangular ablation surface formed of multiple parallel ribs or protuberances is assembled onto the mandrel so that the ablation surface is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. A ceramic insulator provided with an opening of rectangular shape is assembled to the electrode-mandrel assembly. The insulator is further provided with a cylindrical passage in communication and aligned with a radial passage of the mandrel.

Abstract: A device for removing a thrombus or other tissue deposit from the cardiovascular system, natural or synthetic tubule or cavity found in the human body of a patient without the need to surgically access the location of the thrombus or other tissue deposit via a cut-down or other surgical procedure. A flexible metal or high pressure plastic tube conveys an extremely high pressure stream of sterile saline or other physiologic solution to at least one jet at the distal end of the catheter. At least one jet is directed at the opening of a large exhaust lumen or other target. The jet(s) is responsible for providing a localized negative pressure which entrains tissue into the jet from break-up of the debris. This jet(s) can also provide stagnation pressure in the exhaust lumen which drives the tissue or thrombotic debris out of the exhaust lumen. Operation of the device with tip pressure greater than 500 psi provides this device with the entrainment and exhaust characteristics which contribute to its effectiveness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefying target tissue within a body and aspirating the same while leaving non-target tissue intact. A biocompatible fluid is heated and contacted with target tissue so that the target tissue is melted while non-target tissue remains intact. As the target tissue is being melted it is also aspirated from the body.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument for the removal of previously fragmented tissues and fluids from a patient through a small incision including a multi-lumen cannula, one lumen of which is used to supply an irrigating fluid to suspend and dilute the fragmented tissue and the other lumen for the application of suction to remove the tissue and fluids. The second lumen has a resistive ratio that is between 0.5 and 1.5 times the resistive ratio of the first lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motorized apparatus for rotating suction tubes during a medical surgical operation. The apparatus consists of a lightweight motor, motor housing and drive assembly capable of automatically rotating a vacuum curette or similar suction tube at the bodily sight of a surgical procedure. In practice, the motor generates rotational force capable of rotating the suction tube, avoiding the risks of repetitive stress injuries' to surgeons and surgical assistants.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle includes a body having an aspiration lumen therethrough along with a hub disposed at a proximal end of the needle body for engaging an ultrasonic handpiece in order to couple ultrasonic energy into a needle body. A tip is provided at a distal end of the needle body for penetrating tissue to be emulsified and a conical ultrasonic surface disposed at the tip is provided for focusing ultrasound in tissue beyond an end of the tip in order to promote cavitation in tissue beyond the tip end. The conical ultrasonic radiation surface extends from the lumen to the end of the tip.

Abstract: A vacuum control system for a jet injector includes a power source and vacuum pump for creating suction at the injector tip. The injector includes a drive bar to expel medicament into the patient. Before injection the drive bar and an inner barrel are separated from each other, and at the end of the injection the drive bar contacts the inner barrel. A user operable switch that is moveable between an ON position and an OFF position is also provided. The power source, vacuum pump, drive bar, inner barrel and user operable switch are all electrically connected via an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is configured to activate the vacuum pump when the user operable switch is in the ON position and the drive bar is separated from the inner barrel, and to deactivate the vacuum pump when the drive bar contacts the inner barrel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a surgical system and method of use for treating and removing unwanted tissue, preferably from an organ or other internal part of a patient. The system includes a cryosurgical component for first freezing the unwanted living tissue by forming an ice mass which completely encompasses the unwanted living tissue and means for treating the cryogenically-treated tissue and then removing the tissue while it remains in a frozen state. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic device is used to ultrasonically vibrate the cryogenically-treated tissue to break apart the frozen tissue and the frozen broken-up pieces of tissue are removed using a technique, such as an aspiration process.

Abstract: In a peristaltic aspiration pump, a plurality of rollers are equally spaced apart from a rotating shaft and rotatable about the rotating shaft. The rollers sequentially compress and occlude an aspiration tube to generate a vacuum pressure within the aspiration tube. An irrigation-aspiration apparatus aspirates tissue to be removed together with an irrigation fluid supplied to an operated part via the aspiration tube, using the peristaltic aspiration pump. The peristaltic aspiration pump is driven under control to change the travelling speed of the roller in accordance with statuses of occluding the aspiration tube.

Abstract: A cutting device for ophthalmologic surgery in the eye of a living being specifically for suctioning, cutting and removing portions of the vitreous humor of the eye and/or tissue particles, includes a housing and a probe disposed thereon for insertion into the vitreous humor with the probe including a guide tube with a suction opening at its distal end and an inner tube co-axially inserted therein which is slideably movable in axial direction relative to the suction opening, and a control member configured to translate a rotational movement of the drive into a linear movement of the inner tube to thereby move the inner tube in the guide tube in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the resting position to the closing position and back to the resting position while preventing a linear movement of the inner tube at rotating drive when the inner tube is in the resting position.

Abstract: A combined smoke evacuation and filter apparatus adapted to receive and hold a surgical device which may produce smoke such as a cauterization pencil or a laser device, and which apparatus can be connected to a vacuum source. The apparatus includes a unitary holder formed of elastic material, a suction tube carrying the power line of the device, a tubular plastic back end piece connecting the holder to the suction tube, and a filter housing at an end of the suction tube. The filter housing contains a four stage filter and a casual liquid collector. The unitary holder has a cradle, a conically shaped portion, and an oval shaped lumen located below the cradle for carrying the smoke to the end piece. The tubular back end piece is provided with a retaining fork which bears against the proximal end of the device, the elastic holder being stretched when the parts are assembled.

Abstract: A surgical/medical irrigator with a handpiece in which there is a pump from which irrigating fluid is discharged. The irrigating fluid is discharged from a discharge tube attached to the handpiece. Irrigating fluid is removed from the site to which it is applied through a suction tube also attached to the handpiece. A splash shield is removably attached to the ends of the discharge and suction tubes to limit fluid discharge. The splash shield is formed with a discharge chamber into which the fluid from the discharge chamber is discharged. The splash shield has a bore that leads from the discharge chamber to the suction tube through which fluid is drawn away from the discharge chamber. Seals between the discharge and suction tubes and the splash shield prevent fluid flow between the tubes and the splash shield.

Abstract: A cleansable multi-purpose nasal discharge aspirator is easily cleanable by constructing its housing hermetical and water tight so that the aspirator is submergible for washing its inner pressure chamber. Its multi-purpose effect is carried out by replacing its sucking disc into variety of tool heads so as to perform various missions such as imbibing acnes other than its principal application, inhaling nasal discharge. Besides, this aspirator is able to serve as an eyes or nose syringing apparatus by replacing its sucking disc into a special tool head and adding a water intake tube and a water ejection tube.

Abstract: The handpiece for use in a surgical or medical operation, includes means for generating instructions to control operation of at least one apparatus connected to the handpiece or associated with the surgical or medical operation through a pneumatic variation or a series of pneumatic variations in a fluid transported by at least one control conduit connecting the handpiece to a pressure or depression generator, the variation or series of variations being generated by a direct or indirect digital action by the operator on the control conduit or an opening of the conduit, the variation or series of variations being detected, then processed and exploited to remotely control the apparatus.

Abstract: An aspirator (10) having a first tube (12) insertable in a patient's nose (18) through a patient's nasopharynx (20) and esophagus lumen (22) into a patient's stomach (24). The first tube (12) has a first tube first end (12A) and a first tube second end (12B). A second tube (14) insertable in the patient's nose (18) through the patient's nasopharynx (20). An activator (16) which has an activator sensor (16A) positioned within the second tube (14) at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of improving kidney function, whereby a negative pressure is induced in the kidney. One embodiment useful in this regard comprises a balloon catheter having at least one lumen therethrough where the proximal end of the lumen is connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A suction device which can be protected after use. The suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at one end. A retractable, protective sheath is connected to the tube and extendable over the exposed length of the suction tube. A closure is secured to the free end of the sheath, and includes a cap which can be pivoted to a closed position. So as to avoid contamination, an automatic closer is provided to pivot the cap to the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating herniated discs within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to reduce a volume of the disc, thereby relieving pressure on a spinal nerve. In one embodiment, the high frequency voltage is sufficient to ablate a portion of the nucleus pulposis, either the extruded portion outside of the annulus or a portion or all of the pulposis within the annulus.

Abstract: A cleansable multi-purpose nasal discharge aspirator is easily cleanable by constructing its housing hermetical and water tight so that the aspirator is submergible for washing its inner pressure chamber. Its multi-purpose effect is carried out by replacing its sucking disc into variety of tool heads so as to perform various missions such as imbibing acnes other than its principal application, inhaling nasal discharge. Besides, this aspirator is able to serve as an eyes or nose syringing apparatus by replacing its sucking disc into a special tool head and adding a water intake tube and a water ejection tube.

Abstract: A disposable liposuction device and method. A piston is caused to reciprocate by operating a single valve. The electrical energy for operating the valve is provided by an electric timing circuit that is powered by a battery. The energy provided by the battery is predetermined so that the energy is depleted after about the time required for one liposuction procedure.

Abstract: Infusion liquid is expelled distally of an ablation burr for washing a blood vessel lesion being treated by the burr. The infusion liquid can be aspirated in a proximate direction to carry the infusion liquid and loose ablated particles of the lesion away from the treatment area. The infusion liquid can be supplied through one or more passages in the burr, In addition to distally extending passages, the burr can include transverse passages extending at least partly in a proximate direction, with the distally extending and proximately extending passages sized so that only a minor portion of the infusion liquid is expelled distally.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are provided for aspirating emboli and other particles from the vasculature of a patient, particularly within saphenous vein grafts, coronary arteries, carotid arteries and similar vessels. One embodiment of an aspiration catheter is particularly well suited for delivery over a guidewire. Preferably, the guidewire is hollow and carries a distal occlusive device, and has a low profile to facilitate passage into small vessels. The aspiration catheter comprises an elongate body having a guidewire lumen positioned within an aspiration lumen, thereby providing a low profile catheter having a round cross-sectional shape. The aspiration lumen has an angled aspiration mouth which improves evacuation efficiency, and facilitates aspiration of larger particles within vessels. The angle of the aspiration mouth prevents suction between the mouth and the occlusive device, thereby reducing forced movement of the occlusive device while it is deployed during aspiration procedures.

Abstract: A body cavity irrigation system includes a housing having at least one interior chamber which is connectable to a faucet or other continuous fluid supply which delivers liquid under pressure through an inlet port. A discharge port of the housing is fluidly interconnected to an irrigation syringe having an actuable valve to control the dispensing of liquid from the housing to a body cavity through a discharge opening under controlled pressure. The liquid being dispensed can be monitored to ensure that the liquid is at an preferred temperature for effectively cleaning the body cavity without patient discomfort, the housing including an antiscald valve which prevents liquid above a predetermined temperature from being dispensed and in which at least one indicator indicates to the user that the liquid is above a second predetermined temperature whereby the first and second temperatures define a suitable temperature range.