Patent ID: 6585708
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
In a fluid flow system for surgery comprising a probe having an aspirating tip coupled by probe tubing to at least one collection canister, a drain receptacle coupled by drain tubing to the at least one collection canister, and a negative pressure source coupled to the at least one collection canister, a method for controlling fluid flow from a surgical site comprising the steps of:aspirating fluid and organic debris from the surgical site through the probe and probe tubing into the at least one collection canister; collecting overflow fluid from a body orifice in communication with the surgical site into the drain receptacle through the drain tubing and into the at least one collection canister; holding the at least one collection canister under negative pressure and producing a suction force through the probe tubing and drain tubing by operation of the negative pressure source; and establishing the flow impedance of the drain tubing as compared to the flow impedance of the probe tubing at a level where the suction force at the probe tip is larger than the suction force at the drain receptacle, such that a majority of irrigation fluid at the surgical site is removed through the probe tip.