Abstract: Disclosed are surgical drains for use in surgical wounds. The drains are placed in the wound in the body and draw in unwanted bodily material. The drains can be of any shape, but preferably have a generally circular cross section or include a generally flat top surface, a generally flat bottom-surface and two sides connecting the top surface and bottom surface. The drain has an outer surface, two ends, a length and an interior lumen that may extend substantially along the length. At least one row of openings is formed in the outer surface along the longitudinal axis. The openings in a single row may comprise large cross-sectional openings alternating with small cross-sectional openings. If a plurality of rows are utilized, the small cross-sectional openings may not be included. It is preferred that the large cross-sectional openings in one row be offset, or staggered, from the large cross-sectional openings in a neighboring row.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, one integral piece, medical suctioning device, comprising, in combination first, second and third longitudinally extending tubular body portions of successively different outer diameters, and defining a single, molded plastic unit which is laterally flexible along its longitudinal length, the first body portion forming annular barbs outwardly presented to receive connection to plastic tubing, the second body portion defining a cylinder of relatively greater outer diameter or diameters, there being an annular stop ring integral with the cylinder and presented toward such barbs to define a stop surface against which plastic tubing seats endwise, the third body portion being elongated, and tapering away from the second body portion to terminate at a laterally flexible, forward tubular tip, there being a finger controlled air inlet defined by a sideward protrusion integral with said second body portion.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular body, a ring member, and at least one elongate member. The tubular body has a distal region. The ring member encircles at least a portion of the circumference of the tubular member. The one elongate member has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the elongate member being coupled to the distal region of the tubular body and the proximal end being attached to the ring member. Forming a loop in a distal end of a catheter includes pulling a ring that encircles at least a portion of the circumference of the catheter. The ring is attached to a proximal end of an elongate member, a distal end of the elongate member is attached to a distal end of the catheter, and the elongate member is positioned along the outside surface of the catheter.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable drain tube for the evacuation of fluids and gases from a body cavity or wound to promote healing, such as after chest surgery. The bioabsorbable drain tube includes a first elongated section molded from a bioabsorbable polymer, the first elongated section having a first end, a second end and a plurality of drain openings; and a second elongated section, the second elongated section having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second elongated section in fluid communication with the second end of the first elongated section. A method of draining fluid from a surgical site or wound of a patient is also provided.

Abstract: A suction fluid collector includes a transparent reservoir made of a resilient material with an upper opening positioned on one side of a flexible suction bag with at least one transparent side. A plate part made of a resilient material is positioned on another side of the suction bag opposite said reservoir. An urging means arranged between the reservoir and the plate part provides a force tending to expand a gap between the reservoir and the plate part. A suction tube is positioned partially inside the reservoir and extends through the suction bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for postoperative monitoring of the condition of a tissue or organ utilizing sensors that may be embedded in various types of surgical drains. The system is comprised of a probe and a monitoring unit. The probe may include a surgical drain with fluid draining channels housing one or more sensors to measure various parameters of the adjacent tissue. The monitoring unit which controls the sensors of the probe may include a processor to process, record and display the measured parameters. This system may be valuable for monitoring transplanted organs and tissue grafts during the critical postoperative period when most of the clinical complications, such as vascular thrombosis, may occur.

Abstract: A drain tube assembly for draining a body cavity, the assembly comprising a flexible drain tube having a distal end for insertion into the body cavity and a proximal end, the distal end having at least one drainage hole therein, and at least one attachment ring so as to provide an attachment for suture, the attachment ring being connected to the drain tube by a flexible arm permitting rotational movement of the attachment ring relative to the drain tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed suction drainage apparatus with a drainage tube having anti-clogging and irrigating functions. The closed suction drainage apparatus of the present invention have a double tube structure of the drainage tube and its connection unit. One tube of the drainage tube is used for drain blood and exudates from a dead space and the other tube is used for applying positive pressure to remove clotted substance in the drainage tube or irrigating a wound with liquid. The closed suction drainage apparatus according to the present invention can easily clear the clogged drainage tube or irrigate dead space when needed, even in the state that it is inserted in the body.

Abstract: A closed surgical drain assembly includes a base having an adhesive surface adapted to adhere to a patient's skin, the base including a reservoir retainer. The assembly further includes a removable reservoir adapted to be received and supported by the reservoir retainer of the base, and a drainage tube that provides fluid communication between the patient and the reservoir.

Abstract: A drainage device for draining a space or cavity defined by a wall. A method for draining a cavity or space with a drain, and unoccluding the drain. A kit for removing an occlusion from an occluded drain.

Abstract: An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, comprising an air-powered instrument having a hand-supportable housing supporting a curved dual cannula assembly having a curved hollow outer cannula and a flexible hollow inner cannula, provided with bipolar-type electro-cauterizing apparatus. A pair of RF-powered signals are supplied to the curved hollow outer cannula and flexible hollow inner cannula while the flexible hollow inner cannula is slidably supported within the curved hollow outer cannula and driven by an air-powered mechanism mounted within the hand-supportable housing so that the location of aspiration through outer and inner suction apertures is periodically displaced during tissue aspiration operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly has a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with the inner cannula so that the inner cannula can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the stationary outer cannula mounted to the hand-supportable housing. As the inner cannula is caused to reciprocate relative to the housing, the aspiration aperture formed through the distal end of the cannula assembly is caused to undergo periodic displacement.

Abstract: A portable systems release fluid pressure with a cavity within a patient. These systems include a drainage catheter, a pressure-responsive one-way valve, and a fluid reservoir all adapted to be mounted in proximity to the cavity being drained. One system in particular is used in relieving intracranial pressure. This intracranial pressure relief system may include a headband to which are mounted the one-way valve and reservoir. The drainage catheter may have mounted thereon a cranium seal formed of a soft material that contacts the inner wall of a cranium bore hole. The cranium seal may have threads to facilitate advancement into the bore hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the removal of waste products, such as smoke and tissue particles, arising during the ablation of biological tissue by means of laser irradiation. According to the invention, discharge openings for a flushing gas are provided, which are arranged such that the gas flows meet above the ablation region at an angle of ca. 100° and stratify to give a gas flow taken up by a suction opening.

Abstract: A manually operable pump for the effective removal of fluids to include blood, blood clots, fluid, and air from a body cavity of a subject is provided. The manually operable pump is adapted to be connect to a range of fluid conduits and is equipped with one-way valves that effectively permit flow of fluid through the pump in only one direction. The sensitivity of the one-way valves is such that when properly positioned, fluid can flow through the valves and out of the pump without manual compression of the pump and with the aid of gravity power alone.

Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for placement in the thoracic cavity of a patient. The device is a cannula, tube or catheter for chest drainage. The device serves as a conduit for drainage of excessive fluid or air buildup in the chest to a receptacle outside the body. The device also serves to prevent influx of fluid or air into the chest cavity, thus preventing pneumothorax or infection. The device incorporates systems for anchoring the chest drainage cannula to the chest and for steering the chest drainage cannula into the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for a chest drainage device includes an outer casing with a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions defining first and second openings. A flexible element is disposed inside the outer casing to define a collapsible pressure-holding inner space in fluid communication with the second opening. An indicator element is disposed inside the outer casing configured to translate along the longitudinal axis. The flexible element, indicator element and outer casing together define a variable interior space inside the outer casing in fluid communication with the first opening. A force resistance element is placed in the casing to resist the translation of the indicator element along at least one direction along the longitudinal axis when a pressure differential exists between the first and second openings. The pressure indicator is placed inside the chest drainage device to be viewable from multiple angles.

Abstract: Devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. Modifications may be made to the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of liquid medical waste includes a fluid collection cart and a draining and cleaning station. The fluid collection cart includes a pair of containers, each of which includes a draining port and a cap. Each cap includes an outer portion having a flushing port and a bore formed therein and an inner portion having vacuum and patient ports formed therein. The inner cap portion is disposable and removably positioned within the bore of the outer cap portion. Liquid level detectors also communicate with each container. The cart also includes a regulator so a low vacuum level may be pulled on one of the containers while a full vacuum level is pulled on the other container. Fluids are collected in the containers via suction tubes connected to the patient ports. The flushing and drain ports of the containers are connected to corresponding flushing and drain connectors on the station when the containers are full so that they may be drained and flushed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: A catheter constituted of a single-pipe tube, and provided with a tip end portion (10) implanted in an abdominal cavity and a projection portion (12) projecting outward from the outer wall of the abdomen. A pair of cuffs (16, 18) are attached to the projection portion (12) and a reinforcing tube (14). Side holes (20) are drilled in the tip end portion (10), and each side hole is allowed to communicate with each other along the axial direction of the single-pipe tube by means of a groove (22) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the single-pipe tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for drainage of a wound or surgical site of a human or animal fits anatomically, passes from inside the wound or surgical site percutaneously or covering an open wound surface and extends externally for accumulation of fluids. A plurality of fibers each with an internal end, middle and an external end is elongate with a thickness and a length wherein its thickness is substantially less than its length for flexibility. The fibers form a loose bundle with gathered external ends and with internal ends unrestrained for spreading divergently inside the wound or surgical site. A collector is positioned in fluid communication with the gathered external ends for accumulating bodily fluid guided along and amongst the fibers from the internal ends along the middle and to the external ends during drainage. Vacuum connects to draw fluid from the collector. A method has steps of providing fibers with the internal ends unrestrained, the external ends gathered in a collector to accumulate drained fluid.

Abstract: An aspirating device for an eye includes a tubular member having a predetermined length that enables the tubular member to fit into an open eye and to rest on the surface of the eyeball adjacent one of the eyelids. The tubular member has one or a plurality of spaced openings therein along its length that allow liquid on the surface of the eyeball to be drawn into the tubular member upon the application of suction to the tubular member.

Abstract: Liquid collection apparatus usable during surgery, comprising a shallow tray defining a liquid receiving zone that is upwardly exposed for receiving liquid dropping from a surgery area, and a liquid collector in a zone for collecting dropping liquid while allowing a surgeon to tread over a collector, during surgery.

Abstract: An improved surgical drain tube 10 having an internal passageway 12, a plurality of portions 14 of the external wall of the tube extending outwardly and being arranged in opposing pairs, the walls of the outwardly extending portions forming the sidewalls 14A, 14B, 16 of external channels 18 that run longitudinally along the length of the tube, and crossholes 20 positioned on the sidewalls of the outwardly extending portions 14 that provide for fluid flow from the channel 18 into the internal passageway 12 of the tube.

Abstract: A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.

Abstract: A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.

Abstract: A subdural evacuating port system for removing subdural fluid accumulations in a manner that is minimally invasive and promotes decompression, expansion and recovery of the brain. The system includes a subdural evacuating port device including a tubular portion for partial insertion into an opening in a skull of a patient. The tubular portion has a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The port device has a pair of wings for facilitating finger rotation of the tubular portion, with the wings extending outwardly from the tubular portion in substantially opposite directions from the tubular portion. The exterior surface of the tubular portion may have self-tapping threads at the proximal end and may have a plurality of annular barbs at the distal end. A kit for evacuating a collection of fluid from a subdural space may include the subdural evacuating port device and a retractor for spacing sides of an incision in a scalp away from each other.

Abstract: A suction probe system for cleaning debris from a surgical site includes a probe tip, a cylindrical filter with inner and outer chambers in fluid communication with the probe tip, and a suction source in fluid communication with the filter unit. In a first version, the inner chamber is attached to the suction source, and an outer surface of the filter accumulates debris particles, which are removed by a cleaning cylinder sliding along the outer surface of the filter as a distal portion of the probe system is slid along a proximal portion thereof. In a second version, the outer chamber is attached to the suction source, and a inner surface of the filter accumulates debris particles, which are removed by rotation of a paddle within the filter as the distal portion of the probe system is rotated on the proximal portion thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a body joint wound subsequent to surgical intervention. An infusion tube is insertable into the wound for transporting a prepared solution to the joint. A second tube is insertable into the wound for transport of fluid removed from the joint. A vacuum device is coupled to the second tube. Suction is automatically turned on to evacuate the wound for a prescribed period of time and then stopped for another prescribed period of time. The on and off cycle may be repetitive. During the entire period, the prepared solution is constantly infused. The infusion tube and evacuation tube are isolated from each other so that no contaminants can be infused. A plurality of preadjusted suction duty cycles are available, from which one may be selected as appropriate for the type of wound to be treated.

Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision, which together define a line of sight, and a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator indicates the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator. The device optionally includes a reflector element adjacent to the horizontal level indicator within the field of vision, where the horizontal level indicator is visible through the viewing element via the reflector element.

Abstract: A tube connection adapter for coupling one or more tubes of a chest drainage system to a bottle. The adapter has a body adapted to fit onto the mouth of a bottle, the body having an inlet fitting adapted to be connected to a tube of the drainage system to permit entry of fluid into the bottle, and a pressure relief valve adapted to communicate with the interior of the bottle to permit release of pressure in the event of a pressure build-up occurring within the bottle. The pressure relief valve may include a simple ball valve or poppet valve and can be fitted into the adapter body even when there are two or more inlet/outlet fittings.

Abstract: Featured is a device for puncturing tissue of a body, such as the lamina cribosa and methods for treating a CVRO with such a puncturing device. The puncturing device includes a puncture member being generally configured and arranged to locally disrupt tissue proximal an area of the puncture site, to minimize the potential for damage to body parts or tissue immediately adjacent to this area of the puncture site and to facilitate perforation of the tissue at the puncture site. When the lamina cribosa is being punctured, the puncture member is more particularly configured and arranged to locally disrupt connective tissue of the lamina cribosa proximal to and surrounding the central retinal vein while minimizing the potential for structural damage to the central retinal vein. In an exemplary embodiment, the lamina cribosa is repeatedly punctured to strip/locally disrupt connective tissue surrounding the central retinal vein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: Aqueous humor flow control for managing intraocular pressure in an eye. Excessive pressure due to formation of a fibrous capsule and valve resistance is relieved by bypassing the valve element or by providing a secondary discharge port. Removal of resistance is enabled by physical manipulation, external stimulus, chemical action or biological action. A resistor inserted in an intake conduit provides a predetermined resistance to flow and thus, a desired intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A patient discharge system and method for self-care of a post-surgical drain site by a patient are revealed. The system contains apparatus for at least one dressing change and includes non-latex gloves, measuring cups, gauze pads, adhesive tape remover pads, a pencil, antibacterial soap, tape, belt bags, numbered drain labels, split gauze pads with foam support bars, drainage record cards, a set of step-by-step instructions and a box having a ruler on an inside of the box top. The system includes one set of step-by-step instructions for a medical professional to instruct a patient in the use of the patient discharge system. A copy of the step-by-step instructions is included for acknowledgment by the user and retained by the medical professional for medical records.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for evacuating material from a body cavity are disclosed. An elongated tubular member constructed and arranged to be inserted through an aperture in a patient's chest is provided. The tubular member is generally L-shaped and has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section includes a plurality of openings for receiving air and liquids from within the patient's body. The proximal section receives and discharges air and liquids to a receiver. The proximal section includes an expandable cuff for positioning the tubular member in the patient's chest for preventing the plurality of openings from being obstructed in whole or in part.

Abstract: The invention provides means by which access to the intracranial compartment is completely sealed from the skin and the scalp tissues, which makes it possible to change the drain when necessary without bringing the drain in the contact with the scalp. It also provides an improved ventricle draining system supporting a better fixation of the drain to avoid the drain from sliding. The drain comprises a fixture with a conduit defining passage through the fixture, the fixture being provided with fastening means for attachment of the fixture to an aperture in the cranial bone, a seal for sealed engagement with a catheter inserted in the fixture, and fastener for securing the catheter to the fixture.

Abstract: A device for retaining at least one drainage tube passing through an artificial cavity into a patient's body. According to the invention, the device includes at least one collecting chamber for the collection of secretions, a base attached to the body and surrounding each collecting chamber, and at least one orifice in the collecting chamber for the passage of a drainage tube, the axis of the orifice not being perpendicular to the plane of the base, enabling the drainage tube to be curved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound drain catheter for draining fluid from, or supplying medication to, a wound in a patient. The wound drain catheter comprises a drain, a flexible outflow tube, and means for connecting the drain to the flexible outflow tube. The drain comprises a hollow core having a longitudinal axis; plural struts extending outwardly from the hollow core and being closed to the hollow core; and plural overhangs connected to the outward ends of the struts, respectively, the overhangs cooperating with the struts to form plural longitudinal lumens, the overhangs cooperating with each other to form, on the outer surface of the drain, segments of a segmented, closed curve with gaps between the segments providing plural longitudinal grooves for fluid communication between the wound and a respective lumen, the grooves sized to inhibit tissue from growing therein and debris from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the safe surgical placement of sharp instruments, such as trocars, is provided. The apparatus includes a safety guide that allows placement of a surgical trocar through a patient's skin and into a receiver. After placement of a sharp end of the trocar into the receiver, the trocar is then advanced through the patient's skin and removed from the body, thereby pulling a surgical drain, which is attached to the trocar, through the skin. The trocar and safety guide may then be disposed, the sharp end of the trocar remaining safely covered by the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for reducing interstitial fluid pressure in tissue, particularly in tumors. The apparatus includes an aspiration probe with at least one slit along its body to provide fluid communication between the aspiration probe and the tissue. Suction in the chamber of the aspiration probe generated by a suction source reduces the interstitial fluid pressure. Compared to prior art devices, the geometry of the slit of the aspiration probe is less likely to become blocked. The present invention also includes a cleaning obturator to unclog the slit and a blocking obturator to prevent accumulation of tissue in the aspiration probe chamber when suction is off. The blocking obturator can be made of a number of biocompatible materials, including a material impregnated with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A patient discharge system and method for self-care of a post-surgical drain site by a patient are revealed. The system contains apparatus for at least one dressing change and includes non-latex gloves, measuring cups, gauze pads, adhesive tape remover pads, a pencil, antibacterial soap, tape, belt bags, numbered drain labels, split gauze pads with foam support bars, drainage record cards, a set of step-by-step instructions and a box having a ruler on an inside of the box top. The system includes one set of step-by-step instructions for a medical professional to instruct a patient in the use of the patient discharge system. A copy of the step-by-step instructions is included for acknowledgment by the user and retained by the medical professional for medical records.