Self releasing suction and irrigation apparatus and method of attachment
First Claim
1. A self-releasing suction apparatus comprising:
- a rigid tube having a first end for connection to a suction means for providing vacuum pressure and a second end;
a hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end having means for attachment to said second end of said rigid tube for providing vacuum pressure in said hollow tube, and said distal end having an opening therethrough forming a suction port, wherein said hollow tube is a flexible tube made from elastomeric material, a portion of which deforms in response to a predetermined level of vacuum pressure inside said flexible tube; and
a vent means formed in said hollow tube for providing automatic ventilation to the hollow portion of said hollow tube when said predetermined level of vacuum pressure is reached in the hollow portion of said hollow tube, thereby decreasing said vacuum pressure,said vent means comprising an aperture in the wall of said deformable portion of said flexible tube, which aperture is substantially closed when said flexible tube is not deformed, and which aperture opens to allow air into said flexible tube in response to said deformation of said flexible tube.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An self-releasing suction and irrigation apparatus for providing surgical suction and irrigation to a body cavity such that, upon obstruction of the suction port by body tissue, the resulting increased vacuum pressure is automatically vented, thereby releasing the suction hold on the obstructing tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the suction apparatus has a soft, flexible tip made from an elastomeric material that is releasably attached to a rigid tube. The flexible tip is designed to deform under a predetermined threshold vacuum pressure. A vent through the wall of the deformable portion of the tip is substantially closed during normal operating pressures, but opens in response to the deformation of the tip at the threshold vacuum pressure, thereby venting the interior of the tip and reducing the vacuum pressure. Rounded lips form sharp channels at the suction port to maximize the flow of fluids into the port while minimizing the likelihood of tissue obstruction.
46 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A self-releasing suction apparatus comprising:
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a rigid tube having a first end for connection to a suction means for providing vacuum pressure and a second end; a hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end having means for attachment to said second end of said rigid tube for providing vacuum pressure in said hollow tube, and said distal end having an opening therethrough forming a suction port, wherein said hollow tube is a flexible tube made from elastomeric material, a portion of which deforms in response to a predetermined level of vacuum pressure inside said flexible tube; and a vent means formed in said hollow tube for providing automatic ventilation to the hollow portion of said hollow tube when said predetermined level of vacuum pressure is reached in the hollow portion of said hollow tube, thereby decreasing said vacuum pressure, said vent means comprising an aperture in the wall of said deformable portion of said flexible tube, which aperture is substantially closed when said flexible tube is not deformed, and which aperture opens to allow air into said flexible tube in response to said deformation of said flexible tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification