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Aspiration control system

  • US 5,429,601 A
  • Filed: 08/11/1993
  • Issued: 07/04/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A surgical aspiration control system for aspirating fluid and cut tissue from an operative site through a fluid conduit from a surgical handpiece into a vacuum chamber, the system comprising:

  • a vacuum pump for creating a negative pressure with the vacuum chamber, said vacuum pump being connectable in fluid communication to the vacuum chamber;

    a motor mechanically coupled to said vacuum pump for operating said vacuum pump;

    transducer means adapted for placement in pressure communication with the vacuum chamber, for sensing the vacuum within the vacuum chamber and for generating a first signal in response thereto;

    a proportional control valve having an orifice which is variable in size and is disposed between a valve inlet and a valve outlet, said valve inlet communicatable with a fluid at a higher pressure than the pressure within the vacuum chamber, and said valve outlet being connectable in fluid communication to the vacuum chamber;

    input means for selecting an appropriate vacuum level for aspirating and cutting tissue and for generating a second signal which corresponds to said appropriate level; and

    controller means, connected to said transducer means and said input means, for comparing the first and second signals and for selectively regulating the rotational speed of said motor and the size of said orifice of said control valve to precisely control the vacuum level within the vacuum chamber and the surgical handpiece.

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