Self releasing suction and irrigation apparatus and method of attachment
US5520651A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M1/84
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.