Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system 10 for aspiration of a biological material comprising a source of irrigation fluid 24, a collection cassette 30, a pump 40 for creating a vacuum in the collection cassette 30, a handpiece 50 applied to a surgical area for infusing irrigation fluid and for aspirating a biological material, conduits 60 and 62 connecting the handpiece to each of the source of irrigation fluid and the collection cassette and means 70 for isolating the pump from the handpiece to prevent creation of vacuum within the conduit 62 and the collection cassette 30 after receiving a stop signal.

Abstract: A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure or space between it and the surface of a patient by forming, preferably, an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in negative wound pressure therapy includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a reduced pressure may be maintained. At least one vacuum port is affixed to the cover layer and includes a conduit receiving portion configured to receive a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the reservoir. The at least one vacuum port is configured to receive the fluid conduit from a plurality of directions relative to the cover layer.

Abstract: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for irrigating a surgical site during an electrosurgical procedure are disclosed. The system includes a hand piece having an elongated housing connected to a multi-lumen tube extending proximally from the housing and having an irrigation tube for delivering irrigation fluid, a suction tube for withdrawing irrigation fluid, and electrical wiring, a first controls for adjusting flow of irrigation fluid within the irrigation tube and second controls for adjusting flow of irrigation fluid within the suction tube. A valve cassette is connected to the multi-lumen tube, which includes an irrigation valve configured to control the flow within the irrigation tube and a suction valve configured to control the flow within the suction tube. A hardware control module controls the irrigation valve and the suction valve based on control signals from the first and second controls.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical instrument is provided for the control of flows of one or more fluids into and out of a surgical site. The robotic surgical instrument may include a housing, a flow control system, a hollow tube, and one or more hose fittings. The housing to couple the instrument to a robotic arm. The flow control system mounted in the housing includes one or more controlled valves to control the flow of one or more fluids. The hollow tube has a first end mounted in the housing coupled to the flow control system. A second end of the hollow tube has one or more openings to allow the flow of fluids into and out of the surgical site. The hose fittings have a first end coupled to the flow control system and a second end to couple to hoses.

Abstract: The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgical smoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site.

Abstract: A suction head in fluid communication with a pump head provides a sub-ambient working pressure to a target area, enabling drainage thereof to a waste container. The pump head is coupled non-mechanically to a pump drive. A control system for a suction system is also provided.

Abstract: Target tissue may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the tissue to soften, liquefy, or gellify. The tissue that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A surgical drain tube assembly and its associated method of manufacture. The drain tube assembly has an extruded intake tube that defines multiple internal conduits. The intake tube has a first end and an opposite second end. The internal conduits run between the first end and the second end. The extruded intake tube contains multiple slices that run from the first end to a termination point. Each of the slices communicates with a different one of the internal conduits inside the intake tube. The internal conduits are therefore transformed into open grooves that are capable of draining fluids at any point along their lengths. The extruded intake tube can also be cut into separate arms that converge at the termination point. The intake tube is coupled to a single conduit collection tube that draws fluid from all the conduits of the intake tube.

Abstract: A device for treating a snake bite wound that utilizes a hypodermic tube with a curvature that is similar to a typical snake fang whereby the hypodermic tube on one end comprises a smooth bulbous tip with at least one opening and a vacuum source is attached to the other end of the hypodermic tube. The tip is inserted into a snake bite wound, and due to the curved shape of the hypodermic tube, the tip and the tube then follow the curved shape of the snake bite wound without damaging any of the tissue surrounding the snake bite canal. The vacuum source then extracts any venom that is present from the wound. The device also enables medicine to be injected into the wounded area to treat the wound.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a polyurethane or polyether foam pad, adapted for insertion substantially within a wound cavity; a pump for supplying fluid flow to the wound site; and a collection canister for receiving wound fluids drawn from the wound cavity. The foam pad, pump and collection canister are in fluid communication with one another through a single hospital grade hose having a plurality of tiny apertures in the portion that is central to the foam pad. These apertures are adapted to allow fluids from the wound cavity to be drawn into the flow from the pump to the canister according to Bernoulli's theorem.

Abstract: A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: A combined surgical implement used in stomach reduction surgery and for serving as a template and testing integrity of a newly-formed gastric pouch is disclosed. A primary tube extending into a stomach of a patient carries a balloon inflatable to define a size and shape of a newly formed gastric pouch. Suction is applied through the tube to remove the stomach contents and deflate the stomach around the balloon, after which the gastric pouch is surgically formed. After surgical completion of the pouch, the pouch is tested by pressurizing and the pressure monitored. If a leak is present, the pressure falls and air bubbles in the saline solution surrounding the gastric pouch become evident, immediately indicating a leak in the newly-formed gastric pouch, which then may be repaired to seal the leak.

Abstract: An assembly for a phacoemulsification surgical system includes an aspiration system arranged to aspirate fluid from a surgical site. The aspiration system includes an aspiration path within the phacoemulsification hand piece and includes a flexible small bore aspiration tubing in fluid communication with the aspiration path. The small bore aspiration tubing has a nominal inner diameter smaller than about 0.050 inch to reduce levels of occlusion surge within the surgical system. A high-output, peristaltic pump communicates with the small bore aspiration tubing and is operable to create a flow through the small bore aspiration tubing.

Abstract: An atherolysis catheter comprises a catheter body and one or more isolation balloons. A distal section of the body comprises infusion and aspiration ports in fluid communication with infusion and aspiration lumens for delivering and collecting fluids. A pump delivers infusate through the infusion lumen, and a valve in the infusion port controls release of the infusate into a target location in the vasculature.

Abstract: A pressure sensing chamber having a tubing extension extending through the chamber. The tubing contains a plurality of ports so as to allow the purging of air from the chamber, but the ports are sized so that bubbles entering the tubing cannot easily flow into the chamber.

Abstract: An irrigating twin-cannula aspiration system including a hand-supportable tissue aspiration instrument, having a twin cannula assembly, wherein an inner cannula having an aspiration aperture is mechanically reciprocated within a stationary outer cannula having an elongated aperture along which the aspiration aperture reciprocates, while the inner cannula is operably affixed to a vacuum source, and a controller controls synchronized pulsed tumescent infusion about the aspiration aperture during system operation.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly having an irrigation hand piece that includes an irrigation needle extending from a distal end. The irrigation needle is also configured to release a first fluid. The assembly further has an aspiration hand piece that includes an aspiration needle extending from a distal end. The aspiration needle has an axis and is configured to aspirate a second fluid into the assembly. The assembly has a first configuration in which the irrigation hand piece and aspiration hand piece are coupled together in a manner that causes the released first fluid from the assembly to flow coaxially about the axis of the aspiration needle and a second configuration in which the irrigation hand piece and aspiration hand piece are uncoupled which causes the released first fluid to flow substantially non-coaxial with respect to the axis of the aspiration needle.

Abstract: Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical circuitry for ultrasonic vibrating the needle. A power source provides pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical circuitry and an input is provided for enabling a surgeon to select an amplitude of dislighted pulses and a pulse width. A control system and pulse duty cycle is provided for controlling the off duty cycle to insure heat dissipation before a subsequent pulse is activated, including a foot pedal switch.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: A device for irrigating cerumen from one's ear canal, which includes a universal adaptor affixed to the spout of a lavatory faucet (one which allows the cold and hot to be mixed); a flow line extending from the adaptor; a valve on the adaptor, which when opened allows for adjusting the temperature and force of flow by feeling the flow at a nozzle on the second end of the flow line; a cup for placement over the ear to contain the water flow; a double loop within the cup to mount a first loop to a tragus portion of the outer ears for directing fluid flow from the nozzle into the ear canals, a second loop engaged around a probe to limit the depth the nozzle is able to enter the ear canal; and a return line for returning water and debris collected from the ear canal into the lavatory.

Abstract: An apparatus having a tube section and an expanded end. The tube section is flexible while the end section is rigid. The apparatus has a central bore, large enough to loosely receive an endoscope tube, and the end section has two peripheral bores which communicate with the central bore. There is a collar around the central bore which allows formation an air- and water-tight seal with the head of an endoscope. The tube may be fenestrated at its proximal end and may include medial pleats. This apparatus is mainly used by: sliding an endoscope into the central bore until the endoscope head forms an air- and water-tight seal with the central bore; connecting a lavage tube to one peripheral bore and a vacuum tube to the other peripheral bore; inserting the endoscope and the apparatus into a GI tract; and manually controlling the apparatus to apply lavage and vacuum.

Abstract: A surgical system including a surgical glove having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation. The surgical glove may include one or more lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation positioned on distal ends of fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The surgical system may also include a surgical gown having a connection system for attaching support conduit to the surgical gown. The surgical system enables a surgeon to have a plurality of support systems immediately available and reduces entanglement problems endemic with conventional systems.

Abstract: Systems, method, and devices are disclosed that involve reconfiguring lumens or unblocking lumens relative to a blockage to maintain flow of reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a multi-lumen applicator includes an applicator body having a distal end and a proximal end and formed with a plurality of apertures for receiving fluid from the tissue site and for delivering reduced pressure, a first lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures, a first activation member having at least a closed position and a open position, and a second lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures but for the first activation member being in closed position. The configuration is such that when the first activation member is moved to the open position, the second lumen is fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures. Other systems, methods, and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a first vacuum chamber for drawing a vacuum and a second fluid chamber for collecting fluids removed from the wound dressing under the vacuum. The vacuum chamber may have a vacuum and a power source. The canister further includes a hydrophobic membrane separating the first and the second fluid vacuum chambers. The hydrophobic membrane is dimensioned to span a major portion of the cross-sectional area of the canister. The hydrophobic membrane may be dimensioned to substantially span an internal dimension of the collection canister. The hydrophobic membrane may include one or more outwardly extending lobes. The outwardly extending lobes may be arranged in staggered relation.

Abstract: A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a wound includes a wound dressing adapted for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject to apply a subatmospheric pressure to the wound and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism may be portable and adapted to be carried or worn by the subject.

Abstract: A wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source and for use with a wound having a wound surface. The member may include a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface. The member may further include a plurality of discrete holes formed in the bottom surface and at least one discrete opening formed in the top surface. A port of the member may be provided to communicate with the vacuum source, each discrete hole, and the at least one discrete opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for aspirating, irrigating and/or cleansing wounds (1) using cells or tissues to cleanse the circulating fluid to enhance wound healing by destroying or limiting the harmful substances in the circulating fluid from the wound (5) thus enhancing the beneficial substances.

Abstract: A pumping system for use in medical applications where liquids must be infused and aspirated from a mammalian patient, and whose economics are such that it is cost effective to simply dispose of it after a single use. The system features positive displacement pump(s) such as reciprocating pump(s) containing a damping mechanism to dampen out the peaks and valleys in the fluid pressure that is pumped, which is important for preventing cavitation. The system furthermore features a shut-off valve on the extraction side so that certain injected fluids such as contrast medium, are not immediately pumped out of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the system also features means for independently controlling the fluid pressure/volume on the infusion and extraction sides, self-priming capability, a continuous fluid path, and visual air bubble detection, with viewports located at important points in the fluid path, such as at pumps and valves.

Abstract: A catheter system comprising a guidewire, an endovascular catheter, and an aspiration catheter. The guidewire has an expandable occluder mounted on a distal end. The guidewire and the endovascular catheter are insertable into a lumen of the aspiration catheter. The aspiration catheter also includes infusion and aspiration lumen(s) and port(s). Methods of using the catheter system for treating a vascular lesion and removing embolic material during the procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical suction cannula capable of sucking a liquid component such as a small amount of blood while keeping an ability to suck a large clot such as a blood clot and to sweep them. The present invention relates to a surgical suction cannula, including: a tip opening capable of sucking a clot such as a blood clot; and a suction structure in the front of the tip opening. Due to the suction structure, the liquid component such as a small amount of blood can be sucked. Further, even when the tip opening is pressed against the vicinity of an organ, the suction structure interposed between a suction port and a surface of the organ prevents choke between the organ and the cannula or damage to the organ due to choke by suction. In addition, in a case of bleeding in a surgical site, the blood is sucked while controlling the bleeding by pressurizing a bleeding site, to thereby provide a view enabling a hemostatic site to be treated.

Abstract: A tissue suction device including a tissue retracting element including a pair of tissue contacting surfaces separated from each other by a gap, the tissue contacting surfaces having a round rim around their edges, and a suction conduit having an opening proximal to the tissue contacting surfaces and in fluid communication with the gap, the tissue retracting element having a mode of operation wherein suction applied through the opening sucks tissue adjacent the tissue retracting element so that the tissue is drawn into the gap around the rim towards the tissue contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A medical device for aspirating and injecting fluid into a body cavity for use with first and second syringes is provided. The medical device includes an outer needle having an outer lumen formed therethrough. A distal end of the outer needle is configured to puncture tissue for insertion of the needle into the body cavity. An inner cannula is disposed within the outer lumen and has an inner lumen formed therethrough. A distal end of the inner cannula is disposed within the outer lumen. A hub has a first hub opening for fluidly connecting the first syringe to the outer lumen and a second hub opening for fluidly connecting the second syringe to the inner lumen. The inner cannula extends from at least one of the first and second hub openings to the distal end of the inner cannula. A method for treating a cyst is also provided.

Abstract: Device and method for rapid extraction of body tissue from an enclosed body cavity. Hollow entry cannula with optional core element provides entry into body tissue space such as bone marrow. Aspiration cannula is inserted through cannula into body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through body cavity. Optional stylet within aspiration cannula aids in advancing aspiration cannula through body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at proximal end of aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. Aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through the same entry point, following different paths through tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.

Abstract: An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections.

Abstract: Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating, and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an optional visualization means that enables visualization between the first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen, and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent lumen.

Abstract: A catheter for tracheal or bronchial suction including a unit for displaying the artificial airways, the trachea and the bronchial tree so as to allow the removal of secretions; in particular, the catheter for tracheal or bronchial suction includes optical fibers, a microcamera or another visualization technology positioned in the distal end. The operator can identify the position of the distal end, of the artificial airways, of the trachea and of the bronchial tree on the screen. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the tube of the catheter is adjacent to or inside collections of fluid secretions or other material to be sucked up. The suction can be selectively applied to avoid damage to the mucosa and to facilitate the more complete elimination of secretions.

Abstract: A fluid control device is attached to tubes carrying irrigation solution to form the system. The control device splits the flow through a fiber optic scope and a fluid control unit. The fluid control unit controls rate of flow and direction. The operator utilizing a fluid rate and flow direction control device easily controls the flow of fluid into the joint, out of the joint, or no flow. The increased flow prevents collapse of a joint space and maintains clear visualization. The fluid flow solely relies on a gravity feed by having a fluid reservoir positioned at a high point in the system. It contains no fluid pump, vacuum or electronic controller while safely and reliably performing the functions of more complex devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has an implant and a delivery device. The implant has inlet and outlet portions, a lumen extending therebetween and communicating with inlet and outlet ports. The implant is sized so that in use aqueous humor flows from an anterior chamber of an eye through the implant and into a uveal scleral outflow path of the eye. The delivery device is configured to advance the implant from within the anterior chamber, with the outlet portion leading the inlet portion, to a location where the outlet and inlet ports respectively communicate with the uveal scleral outflow path and the anterior chamber. One method involves advancing an implant from within the anterior chamber, and draining fluid from therein such that fluid flows into an implant inlet port and out through an implant outlet port and into the uveal scleral outflow path.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical cassette for use with an ophthalmic surgical console. The ophthalmic surgical cassette includes a rigid-walled container having an interior volume for collecting aspirant fluid and/or tissue, and a manifold base, including an irrigation tube for coupling an irrigation source, an aspiration tube for coupling an ophthalmic surgical handpiece, and an identification feature for indicating a cassette type to an ophthalmic surgical console. The manifold base is removeably attached to the rigid-walled container.

Abstract: A surgical cassette having a filter media sealingly disposed between a first rigid surface and a second rigid surface in a filter chamber of the cassette housing provides improved air filtering for the cassette.

Abstract: Systems and methods for nasal irrigation are provided in which a nasal irrigation device includes a source of saline solution, an effluent receptacle, a nasal interface, a vacuum source, a fluid passageway to communicate the source of saline solution with the effluent receptacle through the nasal interface and a nasal cavity of the user, and a switch and valve assembly for selectively controlling the vacuum source and flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway. The saline solution source is disposed relative to the device to provide gravitational inducement of saline solution to the nasal interface in engagement to the device user's nostrils. A combination of the gravitational inducement and the relative vacuum from the effluent receptacle generates a fluid flow for irrigating, cleansing and massaging the nasal cavity and ostia of a user. The entire device is assembled as a hand-held device for convenient lifting and disposal against the user's nostrils.

Abstract: A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with the healing of a surgical wound is disclosed. The system may be portable or semi-portable, thereby providing the subject with the ability to be partially or completely ambulatory through the course of the treatment. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing, a vacuum source at least partially disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, a filter in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and a collection canister for collecting exudates from the wound bed removed under subatmospheric pressure. An elevation member is mounted with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An intra-luminal device for the extraction of occlusive or partially occlusive material is disclosed. Said device comprises a novel catheter extension which minimizes cavitation of extracted fluids and also allows the better navigation of tortuous lumens or vasculature.

Abstract: Device and method for rapid extraction of body tissue from an enclosed body cavity. Hollow entry cannula with optional core element provides entry into body tissue space such as bone marrow. Aspiration cannula is inserted through cannula into body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through body cavity. Optional stylet within aspiration cannula aids in advancing aspiration cannula through body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at proximal end of aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. Aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through the same entry point, following different paths through tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical system 10 for aspiration of a biological material comprising a source of irrigation fluid 24, a collection cassette 30, a pump 40 for creating a vacuum in the collection cassette 30, a handpiece 50 applied to a surgical area for infusing irrigation fluid and for aspirating a biological material, conduits 60 and 62 connecting the handpiece to each of the source of irrigation fluid and the collection cassette, and means 70 for stopping the pump and preventing creation of vacuum within the conduit 62 and collection cassette 30 after receiving a stop signal.

Abstract: Provided, in one embodiment, is a vacuum wound dressing for covering a wound bed comprising: a wound contact layer comprising a fibrous blend or fibrous material that forms a cohesive gel when wetted by wound exudate; a source of vacuum situated to be separated from the wound bed by the wound contact layer; and a vacuum sealing layer covering the wound contact layer and adapted to retain relative vacuum in the wound contact layer, wherein (i) the dressing is essentially missing a non-gelling, foam layer in which the source of vacuum is situated or (ii) the vacuum sealing layer comprises as an outer layer a foam layer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing air embolisms during surgical procedures which involves providing a fluid source in communication with an aperture extending into an anatomical cavity such that fluid may be delivered into the cavity when a condition of negative pressure exists in the cavity, thereby preventing the introduction of air into the cavity.