Apparatus and method for delivering fluid flow to a surgical site

• US 6,030,359 A
• Filed: 12/11/1996
• Issued: 02/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Northgate Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Northgate Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Nowosielski, Albert
• Primary Examiner(s): McDermott, Corrine
• Assistant Examiner(s): RODRIGUEZ, CRIS LOIREN
• Application Number:
  US08/762,025
• Time in Patent Office: 1,175 Days
• Field of Search: 604/4, 604/29, 604/31, 604/65.67, 604/131, 604/48, 604/145, 604/30, 604/33, 604/32, 604/500, 128/DIG. 24, 222/95
• US Class Current: 604/65
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3337 Controlling, regulating pressure or flow by means of a valve by-passing a pump
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3393 by weighing the reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/44 making noise when used incorrectly
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0202 with electronic control means or interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0208 before use
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0216 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0241 the liquid being supplied by gravity

Abstract

An irrigation apparatus and a method of use for delivering fluid flow to a surgical site. The irrigation apparatus includes a refillable fluid reservoir with an inlet for receiving fluid via first tubing from a fluid source, and an outlet for second tubing leading to a surgical site. A sensor monitors the fluid contained within the reservoir. The sensor sends a signal to a controller, which operates a pump. The pump transports fluid from the fluid source to the refillable reservoir via the first tubing.

Claims

1. A method of providing a fluid flow from a fluid source to a surgical site comprising the steps of:

pumping fluid from a primary fluid source to a secondary fluid source through a first tubing section connected to an inlet on the secondary fluid source;

applying a desired pressure to the fluid at the secondary fluid source;

delivering fluid to the surgical site from the secondary fluid source through a second tubing portion connected to an outlet on the secondary fluid source;

refilling the secondary fluid source from the primary fluid source to prevent the secondary fluid source from running out of fluid;

sensing an overpressure condition downstream of the primary fluid source; and

halting the pumping of fluid until the overpressure condition ceases.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising

sensing a low fluid condition at the secondary fluid source in order to determine when to perform the step of refilling the secondary fluid source.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising

sensing a low fluid condition at the primary fluid source;

and

replacing the primary fluid source with replacement when the primary fluid source runs low.