Abstract: An improved vaginal cleansing device comprising a T-shaped coupling, a first valve, a venturi, a second valve, concentrate reservoir, a solution delivery tube, and an applicator nozzle. The T-shaped coupling is interposed between a water source line and a shower head and diverts water to the first valve. The first valve controls the flow of water through the cleansing device and, when open, delivers water to the venturi. The venturi drafts concentrate from the concentrate reservoir under the control of the second valve and delivers either water or a mixture of water and concentrate to the solution delivery tube, and the solution delivery tube delivers the water or mixture to the applicator nozzle.

Abstract: An improvement over the Foley catheter which provides, in addition to the main drainage lumen, a central smaller lumen for continuous delivery of a small quantity of sterile irrigating solution directly through the distal tip into the bladder. A larger portion of the irrigating solution is deflected by the cone shaped roof of the distal tip and turned backward past the drainage ports and into the drainage lumen. This backward flow of liquid causes a mild suction which assists the removal of clots and tissue debris from the bladder. The continuous flow of sterile solution also cleanses the drainage lumen and prevents the upward movement of bacteria common in most urinary catheters. A suction syringe can also be used in the usual manner in the event of a blockage. A second embodiment of the invention provides two protuberances across from the drainage ports within the distal tip to assist in breaking up clots as they enter the drainage lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for killing undifferentiated epithelial cells during cataract surgery on an eye to prevent posterior capsule clouding after the surgery and to a method for performing cataract surgery on an eye including injecting a cell-killing substance between the anterior capsule and the natural lens prior to removing the natural lens from the eye. The cell-killing substance is preferably an acid or base adjusted aqueous solution having a pH in the range between about 1.0 to below 6.5 or about above 7.5 to 14.0; or a hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% or a pH adjusted hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% and a pH either below 6.5 or above 7.5. The compositions of the present invention also incorporates a viscoelastic material, a dye or a mixture thereof, in combination with the cell-killing substance.

Abstract: A bowel care apparatus is characterized by having a pump circuit for pumping water under pressure through a speculum, and the pumping circuit may be placed in a pulse mode to further stimulate the rectal and colon areas during each infusion cycle.

Abstract: A disposable douche includes a inexpensive plastic container or bag sealed to one end of a small diameter plastic tube extending from a lower portion of the container. A nozzle structure is disposed on the other end of tube in a slidable manner. The nozzle structure is provided with openings in wall portions of the structure that permit liquid to flow from the structure. The nozzle structure includes further an end cone for seating in the tube end within the nozzle to prevent the flow of liquid from the nozzle.

Abstract: A douche attachment for easy attachment to a hand held shower heat comprises a nozzle, a cone having its reduced end attached to the nozzle and its enlarged end to engage the outer perimeter of the face of a shower head, and a elongated ring of thin flexible material attached at one end of the enlarged end of the shower head and adapted to be gathered behind the shower head and held in place by a velcro strap. The nozzle is formed of a tubular material having ridges and apertures in the valleys between the ridges. The small end of the cone may be attached to the nozzle by any suitable means and may be further formed to hold a screen in place at the entrance to the nozzle. The cone may be formed of soft vinyl which generally holds its shape but can be yieldably deformed. The thin flexible material may be secured to the enlarged end of the cone by any suitable means.

Abstract: Lavage apparatus comprises lavage fluid supply apparatus, a first catheter having a distal end for positioning in the uterus of an animal and a proximal end for communication with the lavage fluid supply, a pair of bilateral catheters connected to the proximal end of the first catheter for extending into respective horns of the uterus, and catheter locating means for locating the catheters in the uterus. The first catheter defines respective supply and drain lumens. The bilateral catheters each define respective lumens for fluid communication between the supply lumen and the interior of the respective uterine horn. The lavage fluid supply apparatus may include a pump for supplying lavage fluid under pressure. The supply may also include a lavage fluid storage tank for containing a volume of fluid, and a heater to maintain the temperature of the stored fluid within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A vagina cleansing device has a cleansing bar, a connecting tube and a control case. The cleansing bar can be inserted in the vagina properly, through the connecting tube, the controlling case having a water tank storing water or sterilizing solution, in order to supply water or the water mixed with sterilizing solution in washing or sterilizing the vagina.

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 handpiece carries a suction wand and an irrigation wand. The wands are easily detachable from the handpiece and can be substituted for wands having other configurations. A retainer clip is provided to prevent inadvertent separation of the wands. The irrigation wand may be used with a debridement nozzle which emits a plurality of distinct irrigation streams in a plane which provides an approved degree of manipulative control for the irrigation procedure.

Abstract: A hand-held cannula assembly for irrigating and aspirating opthalmic surgical sites includes as irrigation cannula circumscribed about an aspiration cannula and extending out through the forward end of the assembly from a reservoir for the irrigation fluid in the handle. Pressurized irrigation fluid is supplied to the reservoir through the rearward end of the handle and flows through openings in the irrigation cannula periphery into an annular flow passage between the two cannulas. An opening in the irrigation cannula issues the irrigation fluid at the surgical site. Aspiration fluid is drawn into the aspiration cannula which extends through the handle interior to an outflow opening at the rearward handle end. The irrigation/aspiration tip exterior is made to be smooth, protrusionless, unitary and one-piece in design to afford a minimum in tissue tearing at the surgical site, while also allowing improved irrigation fluid flow a the site.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and irrigating the rumen of a cow includes a nozzle connected to one end of a flexible tube and adapted to be slid down the cow's throat and inserted into the rumen. The other end of the tube is connected to a container which is adapted to be placed in a vacuumized condition by a hand-operated suction pump. When the pump is operated, toxic liquid and food in the cow's rumen is sucked into the nozzle, through the tube and into the container. A second tube is located in the first tube and is adapted to eject a spray of water for cleaning the nozzle and for irrigating the rumen. The water is contained in a tank which may be pressurized by compressed air at a veterinarian's office.

Abstract: A device for use in oral and dental hygiene wherein an oral irrigator is provided for connection to a conventional syringe or the like for applying fluid under pressure to the irrigator. The irrigator has a downwardly tapered tip with one or more longitudinally formed channels fluidly connected to the fluid supply syringe, with the remaining circumference of the irrigator tip capable of holding away the gum tissue, whereby irrigating fluid under pressure is applied into the base of a periodontal pocket for cleansing purposes with the channels also providing an exit for the fluid and debris to prevent undue pressure build-up.

Abstract: An instrument for preventing the splashback of potentially infectious fluids and body tissues during wound irrigation as well as for preventing needle impalement injury to patient or ancillary medical personnel comprises a hub (16) having a central bore (18) the proximal end of which will accept the tip of a syringe (14) and which is integrally joined to a narrow diameter tubule (22) extending from the distal end, said tubule being directed down the central longitudinal axis of a transparent, dome-shaped shield (24). Said shield is integrally joined at its proximal end around the hub and gradually enlarges in diameter towards its distal end, terminating in a circular rim (36). Said shield, when placed adjacent to a wound (40) to be irrigated, will effectively contain potentially infectious splashback (46) and prevent said splashback from contacting irrigator or other personnel, as well as protecting the patient and medical personnel from impalement injury due to contact with a needle.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and support unit for enabling a user using one hand to probe an incision and illuminate, irrigate, and aspirate the incision. The surgical instrument has a probe with illumination, irrigation, and aspiration ports on the end. The probe is coupled to a handle having controls for the irrigation and aspiration functions. Light from a high intensity lamp in the handle is transmitted through an optical fiber to the illumination port. A heat sink enclosing the lamp draws heat away from the lamp and transfers the heat to the aspirated fluid passing through the heat sink. The support unit is controlled by a microcomputer and provides an electrical supply for the lamp and a pressurized fluid supply for irrigation. The sources of the irrigation fluid is a standard hospital flexible bag. A bladder inflated by an air pump pressurizes the flexible bag. The pump is also utilized to deflate the bladder to allow rapid changing of the flexible bag during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for unidirectional irrigation of at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract between a point of access thereto and a distant or remote point of the tract. The distal end of an irrigating tube is passed through a point of access to the gastrointestinal tract to a distant point in the tract beyond which irrigation is not desired. The irrigating tube has one or more apertures formed therein only in the region substantially proximate to the distal end thereof. In the case where the portion of the tract being irrigated is not already occluded at the distant point, the tract is then occluded at that point whereupon irrigant is introduced into the irrigating tube through a proximal end thereof whereby the irrigant passes through the irrigating tube and is discharged therefrom through the aperture into the gastrointestinal tract at the region of the occluded distant point thereof and flows unidirectionally through the tract towards and out from the point of access.

Abstract: This invention is a method and an apparatus for surgical irrigation, aspiration and illumination comprising a cooperative irrigation, aspiration and illumination system wherein the three functions are cooperatively performed at the actual surgical area during surgery. A single hand-held instrument capable of simultaneously and cooperatively providing light, irrigation and aspiration in a single and simultaneous act is utilized in a preferred method of practicing this invention. The light flows around the aspiration tip, which in turn carries the irrigation member. The amount of irrigation and aspiration is controlled by a one-hand operation of the surgeon or other operating room attendant.

Abstract: An improved surgical drain of the Abramson type having a triple lumen catheter with a drainage lumen, an irrigation lumen, and an air ventilation lumen. The improved drain is interfitted with a connector providing a suction port for the drainage lumen, an irrigation port for the irrigation lumen, and an air intake port for the air ventilation lumen. Closure plugs for each port may also be provided. The improved drain further includes a suture means for securing the drain in place and stabilizing it and a softened distal end portion to reduce tissue necrosis upon insertion of the drain into the patient's body.

Abstract: An elongated flexible tube structure is provided defining a plurality of individual passages extending longitudinally therethrough. The passages include an air vent passage, a suction passage and a fluid injection passage and the passages include first end portions opening separately outwardly of one end portion of the tube structure. The other end portion of the tube structure defines an outer tubular jacket enclosing and defining the second end portion of the air vent passage. The second end portion of the injection and suction passages are defined by separate tube sections disposed in and extending longitudinally of the tubular jacket. The end of the tubular jacket remote from the aforementioned one end portion thereof has the corresponding end of the suction tube section anchored therein and the latter includes lateral suction openings formed therein opening outwardly into the interior of the tubular jacket.