Abstract: An improved lipectomy device, or cannula, is disclosed having inner and outer tubes. The outer tube has an elongated aspiration aperture, and the inner tube has a spiral slot. A mechanism inside the handle of the device causes the inner tube to rotate, creating a traveling hole effect along the aspiration aperture. This obviates the necessity of the surgeon repeatedly pushing the cannula in and out.

Abstract: A gastro-intestinal lavage apparatus in which a hollow nozzle is inserted within a body cavity, said nozzle having an opening in the side thereof to permit debris in the body cavity to be pulled into a chamber within the nozzle. A source of reduced gas pressure is connected to the chamber at the exit end and a source of liquid under pressure is led into the chamber to direct a stream of liquid across the window and toward the reduced pressure source to break up the debris entering the chamber and increase the flow of said debris into and out of said chamber.

Abstract: A cannula is provided with a guide bar extending in spaced, parallel relationship to the cannula. Adjacent and overlying a hole formed in the cannula tip through which suction is applied to surgically aspirate fatty tissue is a guide surface adapted to contact and slide against the skin of a patient while the cannula tip is manually directed by the surgeon through the fatty tissue in reciprocating strokes. The guide surface, which may be a pair of wheels, maintains the tip at a constant depth within the tissue so that, upon completion of suction lipectomy, a desired amount of fatty tissue is surgically aspirated while leaving an even thickness layer of tissue in tact. A new surgical procedure for performing suction lipectomies with the guided cannula of the invention is also disclosed. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the guide bar includes an elevated portion spaced a greater distance from the cannula and a forward end of the guide bar having the guide surface.

Abstract: An intubation suction device having first and second elongated tubular sections and a centrally located, uniquely configured handle is disclosed. The first section has an in-line port which has two functions. First, it acts as a suction valve to control suction. Second, its permits the easy introduction of a stylet through the device to an associated endotracheal tube. This latter feature enables the endotracheal tube to be easily inserted into the trachea region of a new born baby. By use of such device, expedited suction of material, such as meconium, from the oral, nasal, gastric and trachea regions of a newborn baby can be achieved.

Abstract: An aspirating device includes a flexible catheter having a proximal portion including a proximal end, a distal portion including a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The catheter is adapted for insertion into the trachea of a patient and includes at least one aperture in its distal portion for allowing fluid communication between the exterior of the catheter and the passageway. A patient housing includes a proximal first end having a first opening, a distal second end having a second opening and a side wall therebetween defining a cavity in the patient housing. The catheter is positioned in the first opening and capable of passing through the second opening.

Abstract: A hand-held suction-irrigator, particularly for surgical use, has a handle and two inlet bores extending through the handle and connected respectively to a suction source and a source of irrigating fluid. A valve assembly connects one or the other of the bores to a single outlet port so that the outlet port can be used to apply suction or irrigating fluid. A probe is removably coupled to the outlet port by cooperating luer fittings. The two inlet bores are parallel with one another, the outlet port being located intermediate the inlet bores on the opposite side of the valve assembly. A valve member is mounted in the valve assembly and can be displaced transversely of the bores by pushing down on the valve member with a finger or thumb.

Abstract: A cannula is provided with a guide bar, a rear end of which is formed with a mounting sleeve through which the cannula handle is clamped to the guide bar. The forward end of the guide bar carries a height adjustment bar having a pair of guide wheels rotatably mounted to a lower surface thereof between the guide bar and cannula tip. The height adjustment bar is provided with an elongate slot through which two screws pass for threaded connection to the forward end. Loosening of the screws permits the height adjustment bar to slide to vary the spacing between the guide wheels and cannula tip. The peripheral surface of each guide wheel is formed with an inner beveled edge that stretches the skin between the guide wheels during the suction lipectomy procedure enabling the cannula tip to travel at constant depth through the fatty tissue as the cannula is manually directed by the surgeon in reciprocating strokes.

Abstract: Suction device for use with a tracheostomy tube to remove matter from the upper respiratory tract of a patient. The suction device is essentially tubular and open at both ends, and comprises a bulb near one end and a tubular portion which extends from the bulb to the other end. To use, one connects the end remote from the bulb to a source of vacuum and inserts the bulbous end of the suction device into the end of a tracheostomy tube which is outside the patient's body. The suction device can be used with tracheostomy tubes of different sizes, and is used in place of a catheter.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and at least one lumen therein opening at the proximal end, at least one extension tube, and a coupling for coupling the extension tube to the catheter body. The coupling includes an insert having a passage extending therethrough for receiving a portion of the extension tube and a main body extending over at least portions of the insert and a proximal region of the catheter body for use in retaining the extension tube, insert and catheter body together. The main body has at least one passage for use in joining the passage of the extension tube to the lumen.

Abstract: Cutting-suctioning instrument having an elongated support and first and second, opposed distal jaws, at least one of which is pivotable about a transverse axis and adapted to be closed by an actuator, and a suction throat defined between proximal portions of the two jaws. Preferably, a sliding inner tube, which defines the suction passage, serves as actuator to move the pivotable jaw. As a cutter for meniscal cartilage, a hollow tube defining a tissue-fragment transport, suction passage is arranged to communicate through the open throat with the region between the jaws to receive cut tissue while suction is associated with the proximal end of the instrument for enabling tissue to be drawn from between the jaws, through the throat and thence through the transport passage while the instrument remains in situ for repeated cutting. Preferred embodiments of the instrument are especially useful in arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: A multiple suctioning system, particularly for use in endoscopic procedures or the like, which is provided with a suction source, a Y-shaped connector which is provided with a rotatable stopcock and a plug-like stopper, at least three segments of pliable tubing, and a suction catheter which comprises an elongated handle, a deformable tip, means for preventing the tip from plugging, means for anchoring the catheter in a convenient location, bright-colored vinyl plastic tubing to connect the catheter to a suction source, means for attaching the tubing to the catheter, and means for controlling the flow of suction forces through the catheter.

Abstract: A suction catheter for sucking body fluids at surgical operations. The catheter comprises an inner and an outer tube manufactured through a coextruding procedure and which form an integrated unit. The outside of the inner tube and/or the inside of the outer tube is provided with longitudinal profilings, which form channels between the inner and outer tube. The channels communicate with the ambient air and provide an air supply to the suction channel when the catheter opening is stopped up.

Abstract: A cannula is provided with a guide bar in which adjacent and overlying a hole formed in the cannula tip through which suction is applied to surgically aspirate fatty tissue is a guide surface adopted to contact and slide against the skin of a patient while the cannula tip is manually directed by the surgeon through the fatty tissue in reciprocating strokes. The guide surface maintains the tip at a constant depth within the tissue so that, upon completion of suction lipectomy, the desired amount of fatty tissue is surgically aspirated while leaving an even thickness layer of tissue intact. The guide surface includes an elevated portion spaced a greater distance from the cannula than a forward end of the guide bar having the guide surface. The elevated portion is manually engagable to permit two handed reciprocating movement of the cannula by the surgeon and to allow the surgeon to contact the patient's skin beneath the elevated portion to assist the cannula in the surgical procedure.

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: The application discloses an operation aspirator with which, without provoking contamination of the aspirator opening, fine-metering of the vacuum that is available at the aspirator opening is possible and actuation of the valve apparatus closing off the suctioning line is simultaneously made easier.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved suction device and a method of making the same. The improved device comprises a valve means for one time use, particularly in health care field. The valve device is made from two parts which are pushed into one another while bending at least one resilient lip into a shunt conduit or into abutment over the shunt conduit opening to the channel, so that the lip is limited in its movement by another part of the device.

Abstract: A hand-held cannula assembly for irrigating and aspirating ophthalmic surgical sites includes an 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.

Abstract: Anticoagulant is added to blood being aspirated through a hand-held wand having a venturi throat. The anticoagulant flows into the wand from a generally closed anticoagulant reservoir higher than the wand as replacement air flows into the anticoagulant air reservoir. This air inflow is controlled by a regulator fixed on the wand and in accordance with the amount of aspirated blood flowing in through the venturi throat.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in suction lipolysis consists of a long, narrow tube having a pointed or tapered closed end, for insertion into the body, and being open at the other end for connection to a source of vacuum. The tube has a side opening adjacent to the closed end for entry of fatty material during use. A passageway is provided, either as a separate passage inside the tube or a separate tube inside or outside the main tube, with an end opening inside the closed end of the main tube beyond the side opening. A handle surrounds and supports the main tube and passageway and includes a manually operated valve for venting the other end of the passageway or separate tube to allow air to enter the closed end portion of the main tube during use for clearing obstruction therein.

Abstract: A suction control device for an aspirator system includes a generally T-shaped body having a main lumen and a passage which extends outwardly from the lumen to the exterior of the body through a vent or chimney portion of the body, and a resiliently deformable closure cap having one or more apertures therethrough which is received on the end of the chimney portion. The chimney portion is preferably formed with a flared terminal end, and the cap is resiliently depressible to a closed position wherein the apertured portion thereof is urged against the inner surface of the flared chimney portion end to obstruct the apertures in the cap and thereby close off the chimney portion. When the device is in the open position thereof, suction communication in the main lumen is interrupted by a venting effect through the chimney portion; and when the device is in its closed position, suction or negative pressure may be transmitted through the main lumen.

Abstract: A suction irrigator, particularly for surgical use, is made as two units of plastics material. One unit is formed by a handle having first and second parallel bores which are coupled respectively to a suction source and a source of irrigating fluid. The other unit comprises a valve assembly the housing of which is formed by injection moulding. The valve assembly has two inlet conduits which are inserted within respective bores in the handle, and an outlet conduit which can be connected to one or the other of the inlet conduits by displacing a valve member. The bores extend along tubular formations in the handle which are linked along most of their length by a land but which are separated by a slit close to the valve. On the handle there is a lip positioned to engage a resilient catch on the valve member and thereby limit its displacement.

Abstract: A hand-held valve structure for use with an oral evacuator system of the type which includes a vacuum source/waste disposal unit connected to the valve structure through a flexible vacuum hose. The valve structure includes an elongated body member having a central bore which is coupled to the vacuum hose. The upstream end of the body member includes a valve seat which surrounds the central bore. A poppet or valve piece, which is positioned adjacent the valve seat, is secured to the one end of a connecting rod, the rod being slidably-mounted on the body member. A detachable cover having a central bore is secured over the valve seat of the body member. The cover is provided with a slot which provides access to the connecting rod. A thumb latch is provided which is connected to the connecting rod through the cover member slot. A cam spring is positioned around the body member and engages the thumb latch so as to latch the poppet in either an open or a closed position.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument which provides for directing irrigating fluid to a surgical site through an irrigation passage, and which may also provide for suction of fluid and debris away from the surgical site through an alternate passage. The passages are typically tubing channels which may be attached to various types of tips which are introduced at the surgical site. The handpiece instrument, including the tubing channels, may be totally disposable, or the handpiece may be adapted to allow the external housing to be reusable with only the tubing channels being disposable. Both the suction and irrigation tubing channels may be assembled internally in the handpiece housing, with both suction and irrigation being conveniently controlled with one hand by pinch valves. In an alternate embodiment, the handpiece has external mounts for attaching the suction tube, providing the operator of the handpiece the option of having the suction function attached or detached during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical suction tip includes an outer housing and an inner removable filter device. The housing includes a suction opening at one end and a filter receiving handle formed as a sleeve at the other end; the inner removable filter device is connected in the filter receiving handle by a quick connect-disconnect means; the housing tapers so as to increase in size from its suction opening to the filter device. A seal is located between the housing and filter device.

Abstract: A surgical aspirator adaptable for body cavity or passageway use includes a handle having a vacuum passage extending longitudinally therethrough and a valve bore extending perpendicularly therethrough to receive a poppet in sealing fashion. The poppet includes sealing ribs protruding radially therefrom and extending longitudinally therealong to form a seal in the bore in any rotational position. The poppet also includes a radio-opaque pin which extends through the open port thereof. An aspirator tube is received in a bore in the handle, and is retained therein by the frictional engagement of an elongated hole in the aspirator tube which includes edges deformed radially outwardly therefrom to engage the bore. The distal end of the aspirator tube includes crossed slots extending therethrough and through adjacent side wall portions to prevent clogging thereof.

Abstract: An improved surgical suction probe includes a tubular probe portion and a tubular handle portion joined together to define an internal bore. A reciprocable one-piece valve is disposed within the bore and is movable between flow and non-flow positions for regulating flow of material through the probe. The components of the probe may be easily and inexpensively fabricated from plastic or other suitable material, thus providing a suitable suction probe arrangement with the necessary operational characteristics which may be fabricated inexpensively for single use service.

Abstract: A blood suction device for removing blood from a surgical field is provided which can be controlled by a pressure sensing means mounted on a suction tip of the device for starting and stopping the roller pump of the device, and changing the revolution rate of the roller pump, thus enabling to reduce possible hemolysis, clothing and other undesirable effects. The blood suction device comprises pressure sensing means for detecting the pressure exerted thereupon which can be handled adjacent the suction tip by means of pneumatic pressure, and control means for controlling the revolution rate in response to the sensed pressure. The revolution rate when the device is not gripped or pushed by the operator may be set either at zero revolution or at any desired revolution.