Patent ID: 8465467
Filing Date: 2013-06-18
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling an irrigation/aspiration system, the system having an irrigation line, an irrigation flow sensor and a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump communicating with a surgical site through a collection chamber and an aspiration line, the method comprising: a) connecting the irrigation line to a source of irrigation fluid; b) operating the vacuum pump so as to introduce a vacuum into the collection chamber so as to draw an irrigation fluid from the source of irrigation fluid through the irrigation line, the surgical site and the aspiration line and into the collection chamber; c) adjusting a level of fluid in the collection chamber by using a flow pump and/or the vacuum pump; d) monitoring a flow of the irrigation fluid in the irrigation line with the flow sensor; e) monitoring the fluid level in the collection chamber using a fluid level sensor; f) monitoring the vacuum in the collection chamber from the vacuum pump; and g) varying the vacuum introduced into the chamber based on the monitored irrigation fluid flow and the monitored fluid level in the collection chamber so as to maintain fluid flow into the chamber through the aspiration line at a selected flow rate.