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 suction probe system for cleaning debris from a surgical site includes a probe tip, a filter unit in fluid communication with the probe tip, and a suction source in fluid communication with the filter unit. The filter unit includes a cylindrical filter having an inner chamber attached to the suction source and an outer surface which accumulates debris particles too large to pass through holes within the cylindrical filter. The filter unit also includes a slider having an open-ended cylinder which is slid along the outside of the cylindrical filter to remove accumulated debris particles and to push these debris particles into a reservoir within the filter unit. The slider and the probe tip can be made integral parts of a single sliding member.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of a portion 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 either the cannula so that the cannulas can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the housing. As the 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: In general the ultrasonic probe for improved fragmentation is comprised of a longitudinal shank having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft. The shaft joins the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the longitudinal shank has a connector for connecting the longitudinal shank to a source of ultrasonic vibrational energy. The distal end of the longitudinal shank may have a blunt or bullet-nosed tip. The shaft has one or more grooves near the tip which circumscribe the shaft of the longitudinal shank. The walls of the one or more grooves in the shaft of the longitudinal shank provide surface area on the distal end of the ultrasonic probe in planes generally perpendicular to the axis of the ultrasonic probe. The additional surface area increases the tissue fragmenting surface area of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe without increasing the diameter of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: A snivel sucker has a hollow main body, a lower cover disposed on a bottom of the hollow main body, a battery disposed in the hollow main body, a male top casing disposed on a top portion of the hollow main body, a female top casing disposed on the top portion of the hollow main body, the male top casing engaging with the female top casing, and a collector device disposed on a front portion of the male top casing. A motor receiving seat, a rubber cushion, a positioning seat, a rubber plate, and a connection mount are disposed between the male top casing and the female top casing. A motor is disposed in the motor receiving seat.

Abstract: A tissue traction device according to the invention includes an elongated tube defining a vacuum passageway, which tube has a proximate end defining a first opening, a distal end defining a second opening, and a third opening between the ends. A shield covers the distal end of the tube, the shield having a plurality of openings providing communication between the vacuum passageway and an exterior surface of the shield. The shield prevents the tissue from being pulled deep into the tube, thereby protecting the tissue from damage. Each of the openings having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the vacuum passageway. The tube and shield are configured for use in surgery, such that when suction is applied to one of the first and third openings, the level of suction through the second opening can be controlled by varying the extent to which the other of the first and third openings is uncovered, whereby the suction causes the shield to selectively hold tissue against the shield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel douche nozzle suitable for vaginally administering a douche fluid.

Abstract: A dental apparatus backflow-prevention system substantially prevents contaminant backflow into a patient's mouth. The system includes a saliva ejector tube for insertion into the patient's mouth and for removal of saliva, blood, etc. when a vacuum is applied. A backflow-prevention device receives fluid from the saliva ejector tube and includes an internal valve seat. Valve componentry disposed within the backflow-prevention device includes a housing and a seating mechanism operably supported by the housing to automatically engage the valve seat and prevent contaminant backflow upon release of the vacuum. Upon application of vacuum, however, the seating mechanism automatically disengages from the valve seat and allows fluid flow away from the patient's mouth. According to one embodiment, the seating mechanism is functionally flexible for movement within the housing away from the valve seat, and is biased to move toward the valve seat upon release of vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid conveying catheter comprising a collecting tube inserted into an object for sucking a liquid from its tip, a mixing bar extending through the collecting tube, and a drive unit for rotating the mixing bar. The collecting tube has on its inner wall a helical convex to define a helical groove serving as a flow path.

Abstract: An embalming fluid distribution tube for inserting into a cavity in a limbs of a cadaver formed by the removal of tissue and bones from the limb. The device includes an elongate flexible tube adapted for insertion into a cavity of a cadaver. One end of the flexible tube is designed for fluidly connecting to an embalming fluid reservoir to permit passage of embalming fluid into the lumen of the flexible tube. The flexible tube has a plurality of transverse slits therethrough to permit passage of embalming fluid in the lumen to the exterior surrounding area around the flexible tube.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument has a generator of ultrasonic energy and an elongated tip whose proximal end receives the ultrasonic energy from the generator which is conveyed to the tip distal end having a distal end section with an outer surface that is non-circular with a part, such as the corner junction between two walls of a polygon, having a shape to concentrate the ultrasonic energy at the tip distal end for radiation outwardly from the tip. One form of tip distal end section has a diamond shaped cross-section that can be either transverse or at an angle to the tip longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical device which has an elongated body which is curved at one of its ends, and which has two through passages at each of its ends and two connecting lines connecting the through passages in such a way that each of the connecting lines connects one through passage at one end of the elongated body to a through passage at the other end of the elongated body. The elongated body also has both two selective control means mounted on it, each of which is capable of controlling the fluid circulation in the connecting lines, and two actuating members for actuating the selective control means. The surgical device also includes at least one first joining piece carrying a first tubular connector which can be brought into communication with such a body side. The first joining piece can be mounted at either end of the elongated body, so that the first tubular connector is connected, in common and in a sealed manner, to the two through passages of the end on which the first joining piece is mounted.

Abstract: An irrigator (20) useful for surgical and medical procedures. The irrigator includes a handpiece (22) to which a tip assembly (30) is attached. The handpiece (22) includes a drain tube (50) that extends through the body of the handpiece and outside of the handpiece to the complementary suction system. The tip assembly includes a discharge tube (32) that is snap secured into the front of the handpiece and a suction tube (48) that seats in the open front end of the drain tube. A removable splash shield (181) is attached to the front end of the tip assembly. A trigger (44) allows one-handed control of, the position of the handpiece, the on/off state of the irrigator and the rate at which fluid is discharged from the irrigator. A rechargeable power pack (222) can be used to supply the energization current needed to activate a number of different handpieces at different speeds.

Abstract: A suction assembly for use in a surgical procedure. The assembly includes a plurality of suction head attachments. Each of the suction head attachments has a base segment, a tip segment and a suction conduit that extends through the base segment and the tip segment. The base segment of each of the suction head attachments has a common configuration. However, the tip segment of each of the suction head attachments has a unique configuration. The assembly also includes a single handle element. A coupling mechanism is disposed at a first end of the handle element. The coupling mechanism is adapted to selectively engage the base segment of any of the plurality of suction head attachments. The handle element also connects to a suction source. As the handle element connects to one of the suction head attachments, the handle element interconnects the suction head attachment to the suction source.

Abstract: A fluid flow passage defined by a surface which surrounds the passage is provided with a plurality of projections, such as fibrils or brush like bristles, on the surface extending transversely to the flow passage. The projections serve to counteract or dampen the generation of high frequency sound energy or noise. The flow passage may be part of a medical or dental aspirator or industrial vacuum intake system or high pressure steam or gas exhaust system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical liposuction apparatus comprises a piezoelectric cral transducer assembly is connectable with a push rod house within the housing which allows the use of interchangeable operative probe and tip. The probe can be hollow, if aspiration of the fatty tissue is desired, or it can be solid.

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, and a wand for use therewith. The wand comprises at its free end a tapered tip across which is mounted a mesh configured to allow air to flow freely into the wand while at the same time being capable of capturing any solid objects entrained by the suctioned air. In a preferred embodiment, the tip is tapered on both sides, and meshes mounted across both tapered sides. This has the advantage that air can be suctioned from either or both sides of the tapered tip, and also allows the wand to be used as a tongue or tissue depressor without interfering with its ability to suction smoke and plume from the surgical site.

Abstract: The medical instrument is equipped with a handle and has a shank for supplying and removing rinsing fluid into or out of a hollow cavity inside the body. There are tubings which can be releasably inserted onto connection pieces connected to the shank and which can be fixed on the connection pieces. The handle is formed as a two-part housing, wherein for opening and closing the housing a first housing part is adjustable relative to a second housing part so that with an opened housing the tubings can be pushed or pulled from then freely situated connection pieces and with a closed housing the tubing ends located on the connection pieces are fixed onto the connection pieces with a friction fit by way of the first housing part.

Abstract: An oral suctioning swab includes a rigid plastic tube of an elongated shape having first and second ends and a bend therebetween. A suctioning thumb control is bonded to the tube first end and a soft resilient tubular tip is bonded to said tube second end. A foam sleeve is bonded over the tube second end and soft resilient tubular tip such that the soft resilient tubular tip extends beyond the foam sleeve thereby avoiding any radial aspiration through the foam sleeve.

Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct "trumpet"-type control mechanism in conjunction with a "venturi"-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction device for medical purposes with one or more side apertures and with a valve which responds to a vacuum. The invention is characterised in that the side apertures are covered by film halves which overlap in the middle, one of said halves being made from highly elastic thin material while the other is made from a stiff inflexible material and covers the flexible film in the overlap region. The side apertures can also take the form of elongated apertures. An advantage of this embodiment is the low damage to tissue when used in the overpressure area especially in minimally invasive surgical applications.

Abstract: A suction regulator having an elongated hollow body with interconnected distal and proximal ports at opposite ends thereof, each adapted to be connected to an end of a flexible conduits The proximal port is adapted for conduit connection to a vacuum source and the distal port is adapted for conduit connection to a device needing suction control. An elongated slot is provided in the hollow body and extends through a wall of the hollow body. The slot has converging straight side walls extending over a majority of a length of the slot and from a wide end to a narrow end thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a nasal irrigation system having an applicator or irrigating member through which a pressurized stream of irrigating fluid is passed through to the nasal passage. The applicator or irrigating member includes a tubular member, adapted for receiving a pressurized stream of fluid from a fluid source, having a bore extending therethrough. The tubular member is formed of a first portion and a second portion offset at an angle from each other. One portion of the tubular member includes an opening extending into the bore. The covering and uncovering of the opening by the user allows for the user to control the pressure of the fluid stream through the irrigating member, such that the fluid stream is directed to the nose and nasal passages when desired. A fitting is attached to an end of the tubular member for further comfort for contacting the nose. A method for using the irrigating member and the system including this irrigating member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for one-step preparation of fibrinogen adhesive by polyethylene glycol-mediated precipitation from plasma are disclosed. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit preparation of autologous fibrinogen adhesive composition from the patient during surgery, and can be applied generally to provide such compositions. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for application of sealant comprising this fibrinogen adhesive composition.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus capable of suctioning a liquid from a container by using a vacuum. Simultaneously, the vacuum draws a second liquid from a separate source to fill a reservoir which forms part of the apparatus. Once the first liquid is drawn and the reservoir is filled with the second liquid, vacuum is disengaged by releasing a normally open vacuum control. Further disengaging of a normally closed reservoir control allows the second liquid to drain from the reservoir into the now empty container which formerly contained the first liquid. Use of this apparatus significantly eases the task of changing liquid culture mediums since the operator can now accomplish the task in essentially one step thereby minimizing potential contamination to the second liquid, the culture, and the environment.

Abstract: A suction control valve comprising a valve housing defining a cavity and including an inlet port for being connected to a suction tube, an outlet port for being connected to a suction source, and a suction control port for creating a suction across the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port when the suction control port is closed. The valve preferably includes a bacteria filter secured in the cavity for preventing exposure of the suction control port to bacteria entering the inlet port. A splash guard extends along the cavity for preventing liquid from contacting the bacteria filter or from reaching the suction control port. A suction control port guard is selectively movable to prevent accidental closure of the suction control port.

Abstract: An improved suction tip for a surgical irrigation apparatus which tip includes an outer tube having a distal end portion for communication with a surgical site and a proximal end for communication with a suction irrigation handpiece, and an inner tube extending in the outer tube and having an open distal end portion for communication with the surgical site and an open proximal end portion for communication with the handpiece. A one way seal is interposed between the inner and outer tubes of the tip. The hub defining the proximal end portion of the outer tube has a single internal thread for connection to both the handpiece and inner tube.

Abstract: A liposuction cannula constructed of a cannular tube having a proximal open end attachable to a vacuum source and a plurality of apertures disposed laterally through at least one longitudinal segment of the tube. The apertures preferably are situated substantially uniformly about the tube and have a cross-sectional area of about 7.6.times.10.sup.-4 to about 3.0.times.10.sup.-3 inch. Inside diameter of the tube is preferably from about 1.2 mm to about 2.2 mm to thereby provide a cannula whose size causes a relatively minimal invasive action through individual incisions through skin to sites of lipid-containing tissue. A method of performing liposuction includes tumescent delivery of a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor medication to an adipose tissue site and thereafter providing the cannula defined above to the site. The vacuum source is activated and the cannula is moved longitudinally forward and backward within the tissue site.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical liposuction apparatus comprises a piezoelectric crystal transducer assembly is connectable to an interchangeable operative probe and a damping body attached to the probe. The probe can be hollow, if aspiration of the fatty tissue is desired, or it can be solid. The damping body is largely formed of a plastic material, to prevent the propagation of the ultrasonic waves from that portion of the probe where the damping body is mounted, to the surrounding biological tissues. Prevention of propagation of the ultrasonic energy from a portion of the probe prevents unwanted heating of that part of the surrounding tissues. The damping body can be removable or permanently affixed, such as by welding. The damping body can have a metal jacket covering a portion of the surface of the damping body, or the damping body can be entirely made of plastic. The damping body can also have an opening or a plurality of openings for aspiration of the fatty tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, a cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of a portion of the cannula assembly. The cannula assembly includes an inner cannula and an outer cannula, each having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The inner cannula is disposed within the outer cannula and the inner and outer aspiration apertures are in at least partial registration to form an effective aspiration aperture. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with either the inner or outer cannula so that one of the cannulas can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the housing while the other is stationarily disposed relative to the housing.

Abstract: A selectively positionable fluid conduit for gas removal from or gas introduction to a specific environment is disclosed. The fluid conduit includes a tubular wand having an orifice at the distal end thereof. Unwanted gases are removed by suction force through the orifice. Desirable or therapeutic gases are introduced to a specific location through the orifice. The tubular wand is coupled to a malleable positioning tube. The malleable positioning tube can be manipulated into various configurations such that the positioning tube maintains the last chosen configuration. In one disclosed embodiment, the malleable positioning tube includes tubular bellows formed from a plurality of alternating large and small diameter rings joined by frusto-conical walls. In another embodiment, the malleable positioning tube includes a malleable wire associated with a semi-rigid tube. Interaction between the rings and the frusto-conical walls imparts malleable properties to the positioning tube.

Abstract: A valve and irrigator used with a suction tube has an elongate funnel with an axis through an enlarged entrance and an opposed extended exit duct of a flexible elastomer. A flow passage through the elongate funnel connects the entrance to the exit permitting fluid communication. A web across and near the enlarged entrance sealingly separates that from the exit. The web and the elongate funnel are made of silicone elastomer and are adhesively adhered to together. A portal in the web passes therethrough along the axis and is circular in shape to surround in fluid tight engagement the suction tube. A lid, proximally of the web on the enlarged entrance, has an inlet for irrigation and a pass through for the tube; the lid closes the enlarged entrance forming a chamber between the web and the lid. A slit within the web, near the portal and spaced from the axis is in the form of a closed mouth composed of a pair of sealing lips.

Abstract: A valve and method for preventing backflow of bacteria and other unhealthy substances in a medical suctioning apparatus. The valve defines a chamber and has an outlet and an opposed inlet. The valve provides a tortuous path that effectively limits backflow of bacteria and other unhealthy substances. The valve further includes a diffuser proximate the outlet to direct backflowing fluids to travel the full length of the tortuous path. The valve is used between a medical suctioning unit and a patient-contacting part such as an ejector, evacuator, or yankauer.

Abstract: A coupler is adapted for inserted engagement with a dental ejector valve and serves to couple a vacuum hose to the valve. A passageway in the coupler is closed by a flexible disk which flexes open in response to a vacuum inducted ejector system flow from a source. The disk is confined in place across the passageway by a retainer which biases the disk into engagement with a valve seat surface. The flexible disk blocks any reverse flow through the coupler as when a reduced pressure occurs from interaction of the patient's mouth with a saliva ejector.

Abstract: A self-retaining stent made of medical-grade silicone rubber that comprises a tube extended into a bulb on one end of said tube, said bulb consisting of multiple, radially-disposed ribs separated by openings into the bulb that allow fluid from the frontal sinus to drain into the bulb and thence through the tube after that stent has been inserted endoscopically into the frontal sinus.

Abstract: A powered rotatable surgical tissue working tool for chucking in a powered rotating surgical handpiece includes a tubular elongate outer member having a distal tip portion angled off the central axis of the proximal portion of such tubular outer member, by reason of a angled portion therebetween. A rotatable elongate inner member extends coaxially and rotatably within the tubular outer member and has a rotatably drivable proximal portion, a distal tip portion for tissue working interaction with the distal tip portion of the outer member, and a flexibly bendable portion therebetween rotatably housed within the angled portion of the outer member. A suction passage communicates between the distal tip portions thereof and the handpiece for permitting suction withdrawal of flowable materials from a surgical site axially through such suction passage and to a suction source.

Abstract: A sterile suction catheter protecting both the user and patient from cross contamination. The catheter enclosed in a protective and collapsible sleeve along with a closed capped suction control valve. The sleeve and cap preserving the sterility of the catheter assembly while protecting the user from contact with potentially infectious aspirated secretions. Both sleeve and cap readily and easily assembled on the catheter to minimize labor and to reduce cost to make the assembly inexpensive. For single procedure use and disposable after termination of the suction procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing trauma to a medical fluid while transporting the medical fluid from a surgical wound by reducing the air to fluid interface during transport. The apparatus includes a suction wand for collecting medical fluid and tubing for transporting the medical fluid to a reservoir. The reservoir repeatedly accumulates the medical fluid and discharges it in a bolus when a predetermined volume is achieved. The reservoir comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a gas outlet. A siphon is disposed inside the reservoir for removing the bolus of medical fluid once the predetermined fluid volume is accumulated. The siphon includes a first end for suctioning the medical fluid and a second end exiting the reservoir through the fluid outlet, thereby defining an external siphon length. A pump is attached to the second siphon end to provide suction to the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, a cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of a portion of the cannula assembly. The cannula assembly includes an inner cannula and an outer cannula, each having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The inner cannula is disposed within the outer cannula and the inner and outer aspiration apertures are in at least partial registration to form an effective aspiration aperture. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with either the inner or outer cannula so that one of the cannulas can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the housing while the other is stationarily disposed relative to the housing.

Abstract: A flexible, sterile, trimable device which gently and continuously removes unwanted fluid from an operating field during surgery by wicking the fluid into a mat having a high wicking property. A flexible suction tube having one end embedded in the mat removes fluid from the mat, thereby preventing the mat from becoming saturated. One embodiment of the invention is as a surgical swabber where one end of a length of semi-rigid tube is embedded in the mat and the other end is connected to a flexible suction tube. Another embodiment of the invention is as a platform for microsurgery where a membrane having a plurality of holes is applied to one side of the mat. The membrane supports the tissue being worked on and is preferably a contrasting color. Fluid passing into the holes is wicked into the mat where it is subsequently removed by the suction tube. The platform can be oriented in any position and does not slip on the tissue on which it is placed.

Abstract: A laser delivery system for ophthalmic surgery and the like includes a handpiece terminating distally in a probe, a laser connector, and an optical fiber for transmitting laser light from a laser source to an eye to be treated. The optical fiber extends substantially through the handpiece probe. The probe also includes a fluid path from the distal end thereof to the interior of the handpiece body. The probe has a soft tip to reduce the possibility of injury to the interior of the eye by contact with the metal portion of the probe.

Abstract: A surgical wicking device utilizing a hollow conduit having a first end portion and a second portion terminating in an open end. The first end portion is connected to a suction source. A porous element having an outer surface and a matrix within the same is capable of transporting fluids, including blood, from the outer surface to a inner or central reservoir or zone of the matrix by only capillary flow. The open end of the second end portion of the hollow flexible conduit is held to the interior of porous element adjacent the matrix inner zone, to permit aspiration of fluids from the matrix central zone to the conduit.

Abstract: A suction adapter couples a fluid drain tube to a suction canister for fluid collection while maintaining the drain tube at atmospheric pressure for optimal draining flow rate. The suction adapter further allows the surgeon to easily apply suction to the drain tube when he desires to increase the flow rate through the drain tube and to just as easily return the drain tube to atmospheric pressure. The suction adapter does not spill and is muffled to reduce noise. The suction adapter comprises a housing defining an interior space. The housing has a suction port in communication with the interior space for connection to a suction source and a fluid port in communication with the interior space for connection to a fluid drain tube. The housing also has a ventilation port formed in the housing to allow atmospheric air into the interior space. The ventilation port communicates with a ventilation tube located in the interior space, the ventilation tube having a ventilation hole.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device allowing for the quick attachment and removal of interchangeable, detachable distal tips on its distal end. The device includes concentrically-arranged inner and outer cannulae having distal ends which are dimensioned to simultaneously cooperate with the detachable distal tip whereby the tip may be selectively locked against rotational and axial motion. The tips may include a variety of surgical tools which are preferably disposable, while the remainder of the device is easily disassembled for sterilization and cleaning.

Abstract: A thin flexible probe that combines illumination and aspiration includes a rigid, two-section housing for accommodating a flexible fiber optic cable and a flexible aspiration conduit. The fiber optic cable terminates at a distal end in an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to its longitudinal dimension so as to emit light in a radial direction through a transparent cover, which forms part of the first section of the housing. The aspiration conduit is connected in fluid communication with an aspiration tip, which forms part of the second section of the housing. A flexible tubular body surrounds the fiber optic cable and aspiration conduit and is sealed to the housing.

Abstract: A suction catheter for sucking mucus and other fluids from the tracheobronchial area of a patient, has a flexible tube with at least one through lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A thickened area is provided adjacent to the distal end in the form of a cylindrical portion for promoting guidance of the catheter in the tracheobronchial area of a patient. In addition, the lumen is provided with a funnel-shaped enlarged outlet.

Abstract: A per-operational autotransfusion suction device has a suction cannular 1 with a tabular section nozzle 5, communicating with an inner passage 6, 9 in the cannula, the cannula passage being connected to a blood collecting recipient 41 in which a partial vacuum can be created by a vacuum source, the cannula passage communicating with an anticoagulant supply circuit having an anticoagulant feed control valve 15. The device has an independent vacuum circuit for sucking in only air and is connected to the vacuum source 40, to the blood collection recipient and to the valve. The valve has a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum circuit 13, the vacuum chamber 49 having a deformable wall connected to a stopper which can close the anticoagulant feed circuit, the stopper being biased towards a closed position by a spring and capable of being biased towards an open position by deformation of the deformable wall when the pressure in the vacuum chamber is sufficiently low.

Abstract: An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe for laparoscopic surgery includes a rotatable handle assembly and a probe assembly having an electrosurgical electrode. The handle assembly has two valves, one for controlling the flow of irrigation fluid and one for controlling the flow of aspiration fluid. One of the valves can be locked at any selected setting with a locking lever. Fine adjustment of the valve is achieved in the locked position. The handle assembly further includes a valve body and valve members which are easily removable and disposable. The valve members in the valve body are made of an elastomeric material to provide effective sealing and inherent self return. The probe assembly can be rotated relative to the handle assembly as needed to reduce operator fatigue. The probe can be rotated in the probe assembly to position the electrode.

Abstract: A multi-function pick-manipulator device that provides the functions of a vitreoretinal pick, fiberoptic illumination, and irrigation/aspiration. The manipulator may also function as a bipolar diathermy device. To provide a compact, multi-function device, the aspiration tube projects distally beyond the distal end of the fiber optic containing support tube of the manipulator. The projecting aspiration tube is bent and shaped at its tip to define a pick-like structure that extends in a direction generally transverse to the axis of the fiber optics. An aspiration opening is defined through the wall of the aspiration tube proximal to the pick-like tip.