Patent Description:
A surgical fluid management system, as may be incorporated into a surgical cutting system, may allow communication of fluid from a fluid source to a surgical site, and from the surgical site to a waste canister, without contaminating an associated vacuum pump or fluid supply pump.

Document <CIT> discloses a specimen collection cassette for a medical fluid collection system. A housing defines a first void space and a second void space, and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the first and second void spaces. An aperture may be within a wall separating the first and second void spaces with the aperture providing fluid communication between the first and second void spaces. First and second fittings receive a suction line for drawing fluid into the first and second void spaces, respectively. A fluid communication path is established from the first fitting to the outlet opening through the first void space, aperture, and the second void space, and a bypass fluid communication path is established from the second bore to the outlet opening through the second void space. The cassette is operable in one or both of a tissue sample collection mode and a bypass mode.

Document <CIT> describes an eye treatment system configured for performing an ocular surgical procedure. The eye treatment system includes an eye treatment probe, a treatment console including a controller, and an eye treatment cassette for coupling the eye treatment probe with the treatment console. The eye treatment probe is configured to provide at least irrigation fluid to, and aspiration of fluid from, a subject eye. The cassette comprises a cassette body, first and second arcuate ramps, and a holding tank. The cassette has an engagement axis along which elements of the cassette are configured to generally engage with mating elements of the treatment console. The cassette's first arcuate ramp is proximal a first fluidics channel configured to form a first volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console. Also the cassette's second arcuate ramp is proximal a second fluidics channel configured to form a second volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console. The cassette also includes a holding tank fluidly that is coupled to the volumetric pumps.

The use of a first cassette to connect a surgical cutting tool to a source of sterile fluid and the use of a second single use cassette to connect the surgical tool to a fluid vacuum are both known. A disclosed single single-use cassette facilitates connecting the surgical tool to each of a vacuum source and a fluid source. The cassette may be a single-use cassette, being disposed of after a single use.

A surgical irrigation cassette according to claim <NUM> comprises a cassette housing, a liquid transfer portion of a pump, and a plurality of fluid pathways. The housing is substantially rigid and defines a chamber therein and a first console connector including a first pneumatic connector port. The liquid transfer portion of a pump includes an intake side of the pump and an output side of the pump. The fluid pathways are disposed at least in part within the chamber, include first, second, third and fourth fluid pathways. The first fluid pathway includes a first end connected with the intake side of the pump, and a second end for connecting with a supply fluid container. The second fluid pathway includes a first end connected with the output side of the pump, and a second end for connecting with a handpiece. The third fluid pathway including a first end for connecting with the handpiece, and a second end for connecting with a waste container. The fourth fluid pathway includes a first end connected with the first console connector and a second end for connecting with the waste container.

The cassette may include a second console connector.

The surgical irrigation cassette may include a fifth fluid pathway. The fifth fluid pathway may include a first end connected with the third fluid pathway, and a second end connected with a second console of the housing.

A fluid management system according to claim <NUM> comprises a console, a vacuum source, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a cassette. The console defines a cassette aperture and has two pneumatic console ports therein. The vacuum source is connected to the console or integrated into the console and is in communication with a first of the pneumatic console ports. The first pressure sensor is integrated into the console and is in communication with a second of the pneumatic console ports. The second pressure sensor is integrated into the console and is in communication with the first of the pneumatic console ports. The cassette is selectively slidably disposed within the cassette aperture. The cassette comprises a housing, a liquid transfer portion of a pump, and a plurality of fluid pathways. The housing is substantially rigid and defining a chamber therein. The liquid transfer portion of a pump includes an intake side of the pump and an output side of the pump. The plurality of fluid pathways includes a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, a third fluid pathway, a fourth fluid pathway and a fifth fluid pathway, each disposed at least in part within the chamber. The first fluid pathway includes a first end connected with the intake side, and a second end for connecting with a supply fluid container. The second fluid pathway includes a first end connected with the output side, and a second end for connecting with a handpiece. The third fluid pathway includes a first end for connecting with the handpiece, and a second end for connecting with a waste container. The fourth fluid pathway includes a first end connected with a first console connector of the housing and a second end for connecting with the waste container. The first console connector has a first pneumatic connector port pneumatically connected with the first of the pneumatic console ports when the cassette is installed in the cassette aperture. The fifth fluid pathway has a first end connected with the third fluid pathway and a second end connected with a second console connector of the housing. The second console connector has a second pneumatic connector port pneumatically connected with the second of the pneumatic console ports when the cassette is installed in the cassette aperture.

The cassette housing may include a first wall and a substantially parallel second wall connected by a peripheral third wall.

The cassette housing may have a substantially C-shaped side defining a first arm and a second arm wherein the first console connector is fixed to the first arm and the second console connector includes a second pneumatic connector port is fixed to one of the first arm and the second arm.

The second console connector may be fixed to the second arm.

Each of the pneumatic connector ports may be defined by an associated aperture for receiving a port tube. The console connectors may further each include a seal for sealing engagement with the port tube.

The console connectors may each include a seal for pneumatic sealing engagement with a pneumatic port tube of a console.

Each console connector may include a bidirectional valve having a closed condition when the console connectors are not in receipt of the pneumatic port tube.

The bidirectional valve may be formed of a polymeric material. The bidirectional valve may include a concave shape from an exterior orientation with slits therethrough.

The bidirectional valve and the seal may be formed integrally of the polymeric material.

The housing may include a window disposed over a one of the pathways for receiving a path restrictor.

The housing may include a window disposed over the third fluid pathway for receiving a path restrictor.

The cassette may further comprise a liquid stop connector that comprises a reservoir and a normally open one-way valve. The reservoir may be disposed in the housing between the third fluid pathway and the fifth fluid pathway. The one-way valve may be disposed between the third fluid pathway and the reservoir.

The cassette, and more particularly the liquid stop connector, may further comprise a pipe disposed in and comprising part of the third fluid pathway wherein the reservoir is disposed between the pipe and the fifth fluid pathway and the one-way valve is disposed between the pipe and the reservoir.

The one-way valve may comprise a ball-check valve wherein in an installed orientation a ball of the ball-check valve is biased to the open position by gravity and may be forced upward to the closed position by one of impingement of liquid from the third fluid pathway thereagainst and an increase in fluid pressure in the third fluid pathway relative to the fifth fluid pathway.

The reservoir may include an angled floor above the ball-check valve tapering toward the ball-check valve, defining a liquid flow path in the installed orientation from the reservoir to the ball- check valve for flow therepast and into the third fluid pathway in the open position.

The reservoir may include a baffle wall horizontally positioned between the ball-check valve and a connection to the fifth fluid pathway.

The baffle wall may have a lower end defining a liquid-return gap between the baffle wall and the floor and a top end in engagement with a cover of the reservoir.

The cassette may further include a handpiece connector connected to the second end of the second fluid pathway and a first end of the third fluid pathway, the handpiece connector comprising part of each of the second fluid pathway and the third fluid pathway.

The first fluid pathway may include an IV bag connector.

The fourth fluid pathway may include a liquid-blocking filter.

The liquid transfer portion of the pump may comprise a compressible peristaltic pump tube disposed outside of the housing.

Each of the console connectors may include a connector housing and a pneumatic interface sleeve. The connector housing may be substantially rigid and may have a receiving tube that is in engagement with the peristaltic pump tube. The receiving tube may define a part of one of the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway. The pneumatic interface sleeve may be formed as part of the connector housing and have an aperture therethrough and a seal disposed in the aperture.

Each console connector may include a bidirectional valve having a closed condition when the cassette is not disposed in a console.

The fluid pathways disposed within the housing may comprise at least in part flexible tubes. The housing may include internal support walls along which the flexible tubes are disposed.

The fluid management system may further comprise the supply fluid container, the handpiece, and the waste container.

A method of using a surgical irrigation cassette according to claim <NUM>, the method comprising the steps of providing the cassette, inserting the cassette into a control console, and connecting the cassette to a supply fluid container, a handpiece and to a waste container. The cassette is provided, with the cassette having each of a housing, a pump tube, and a plurality of fluid pathways. The housing is substantially rigid and defines a chamber therein. The pump tube is a compressible peristaltic pump tube and is disposed outside of the housing. The plurality of fluid pathways is disposed at least in part within the chamber, and includes a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, a third fluid pathway, a fourth fluid pathway and a fifth fluid pathway. The first fluid pathway includes a first end connected with a first end of the pump tube, and a second end for connecting with the supply fluid container. The second fluid pathway includes a first end connected with a second end of the pump tube, and a second end for connecting with the handpiece. The third fluid pathway includes a first end for connecting with the handpiece, and a second end for connecting with the waste container. The fourth fluid pathway includes a first end connected with a first console connector fixed to the housing, and a second end for connecting with the waste container. The fifth fluid pathway has a first end connected with the third fluid pathway, and a second end connected with a second console connector fixed to the housing. The control console into which the cassette is inserted includes or is connected to a vacuum source. The second end of the first fluid pathway is connected to the supply fluid container. The second end of the second fluid pathway is connected to the handpiece. The first end of the third fluid pathway is connected to the handpiece. The second end of the third fluid pathway is connected to the waste container. The second end of the fourth fluid pathway is connected to the waste container.

A pump roller may be selectively engaged with the peristaltic pump tube with such engagement displacing fluid from the supply fluid container to the handpiece. The method may further comprise the step of selectively modulating the vacuum source to regulate a vacuum pressure at the handpiece.

The method may further comprise the steps of providing an aspiration manifold and selectively connecting the fifth fluid pathway to atmosphere through the aspiration manifold. The aspiration manifold may be disposed between the vacuum source and the cassette. The aspiration manifold may be fluidly connected to the vacuum source and to atmosphere and to the console connectors.

The method may further comprise the step of connecting the fifth fluid pathway to atmosphere responsive to an increase in a sensed vacuum magnitude at the handpiece reaching a predetermined threshold.

Relative orientations and directions (by way of example, upper, lower, bottom, rearward, front, rear, back, outboard, inboard, inward, outward, lateral, left, right, proximally, distally) are set forth in this description not as limitations, but for the convenience of the reader in picturing at least one embodiment of the structures described.

The elements shown may take many different forms and include multiple and/ or alternate components and facilities. The example components illustrated are not intended to be limiting. Additional or alternative components and/ or implementations may be used. Further, the elements shown are not necessarily drawn to scale unless explicitly stated as such.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an example surgical fluid management system <NUM> includes an example control console <NUM> and an example removable cassette <NUM> that may be selectively received by and engaged with the console <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the cassette <NUM> disposed outside of the console <NUM>, with the cassette <NUM> in alignment with a cassette aperture <NUM>, referred to herein as a receiving slot <NUM>, in the console in anticipation of the cassette <NUM> being moved in the direction of an arrow A for insertion into the slot <NUM>. The receiving aperture <NUM> need not be limited in shape to a slot, and may have other geometric shapes, including by way of example, a circular opening, a square opening, an oval opening, and so on. The cassette <NUM> may be selectively removably inserted in the console <NUM> by slidably pushing it into the slot <NUM>. Once inserted in the console <NUM>, the cassette <NUM> may be considered to be disposed in the console <NUM>. Thus, an inserted cassette <NUM> is disposed in the console <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> may be selectively removed from the console <NUM> by pulling it from the slot <NUM>. Removal may be facilitated by pressing a release button or switch (not shown) prior to or while withdrawing the cassette <NUM> from the console <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the relationship of the cassette <NUM> with other system components. A role of the cassette <NUM> is to aid in connecting the illustrated components. A plurality of fluid pathways passing through and incorporated into the cassette <NUM> may connect certain of the system components. The cassette <NUM> is illustrated as disposed in the console <NUM>.

The cassette <NUM> is shown as being also connected by a first fluid pathway <NUM> to a fluid source <NUM>. By way of example, the fluid source <NUM> may be in the form of a supply fluid container. By way of example, the supply fluid container may be in the form of an intravenous bag <NUM> with a liquid solution disposed therein. The intravenous bag <NUM> is also referred to herein as the IV bag <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> may include an IV bag connector <NUM> to facilitate coupling with an IV bag <NUM>. The first fluid pathway <NUM> is connected on a first end to an intake side of a pump <NUM> that may have a liquid transfer portion incorporated in part in the cassette <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may be a positive displacement pump. By way of example, one form of positive displacement pump is a peristaltic pump <NUM> which is described in more detail below. While the pump <NUM> detailed in this description is the peristaltic pump, other pump types, some of which are identified below, may be employed. The peristaltic pump <NUM> may incorporate a peristaltic pump tube <NUM> incorporated into the cassette <NUM>. The peristaltic pump tube <NUM> may comprise a liquid transfer portion of the pump <NUM>. A pump roller <NUM> for the pump <NUM> may be disposed in the console <NUM> and be driven by a pump motor <NUM>, which also may be disposed in the console <NUM>. The fluid pathway <NUM> is connected on a second end to the fluid source <NUM>. The liquid solution in the IV bag <NUM> may be selected for suitability as a surgical site wash. As noted above, alternative pumps may be employed, one example being, without limitation of such alternatives, centrifugal pumps. Yet alternative forms of pumps may be found in <CIT> and <CIT>. Another alternative pump may have a positive displacement pump rotor (not shown) disposed in the cassette serving as the liquid transfer portion of the pump and a drive wheel disposed in the console. The drive wheel (not shown), driven by the motor <NUM> much like the pump roller <NUM>, may drive the pump rotor without mechanical contact therebetween by establishing a magnetic driving connection between the wheel and the rotor.

The cassette <NUM> may also be connected to a surgical handpiece <NUM> by a second fluid pathway <NUM> and a third fluid pathway <NUM>. The fluid pathways <NUM>, <NUM> are incorporated at least in part into the cassette <NUM>. An example handpiece <NUM> is found in the Sonopet® Ultrasonic Aspirator by Stryker®, with Stryker including Stryker Corporation. The handpiece <NUM> may allow cutting of tissue, fluid supply to the surgical site, and removal by suction of fluid and small bits of debris, more particularly, cutting debris, from the surgical site. Supply of fluid to the surgical site may be alternatively referred to as irrigation of the surgical site. Removal of fluid and removal of debris may be achieved by and alternatively referred to as suction of the same. Suction may be achieved by application of vacuum, described in more detail below. Control of suction and irrigation at the surgical site may be collectively referred to herein as fluid management. The second fluid pathway <NUM> may supply fluid to the surgical site through the handpiece, and the third fluid pathway <NUM> may remove fluid from the surgical site via the handpiece <NUM>.

The second fluid pathway <NUM> includes a first end connected to an output side of the pump <NUM> and a second end for connecting to the handpiece <NUM>. The third fluid pathway <NUM> includes a first end for connecting with the handpiece <NUM> and a second end for connecting with a waste container <NUM>. The waste container <NUM> may be in the form of a rigid waste canister <NUM>. A handpiece connector <NUM> may be interposed between the cassette <NUM> and the handpiece <NUM> as part of each of the second fluid pathway <NUM> and the third fluid pathway <NUM>.

The cassette <NUM> may also be connected to the waste canister <NUM> by the third fluid pathway <NUM>. The waste canister <NUM> may receive waste fluid and any accompanying debris that is suctioned from the surgical site by the handpiece <NUM> via the third fluid pathway <NUM>.

The cassette <NUM> may also be connected to an aspiration manifold <NUM> that may be integrated into the console <NUM>. A vacuum source <NUM>, by way of example, a vacuum pump, may be selectively pneumatically connected to the cassette <NUM> via the aspiration manifold <NUM> and an associated vacuum pressure at the handpiece <NUM> and in the waste canister <NUM> being managed by a system operator, inclusive of a surgeon and any other system user, and system control logic within the console <NUM>. The term vacuum pressure as used herein is equivalent to the terms vacuum and negative pressure, all of which are also used herein, all meaning a pressure less than that of a pressure of ambient air. The term ambient air as used herein is equivalent to the term atmosphere, both of which are used herein. The pressure of ambient air is referred to herein as atmospheric pressure. The fourth fluid pathway <NUM> has a first end connected with a first console connector <NUM> of the cassette <NUM> for connecting with the vacuum source <NUM> via the aspiration manifold, and a second end for connecting with the waste container <NUM>. The aspiration manifold <NUM> may also selectively connect the third fluid pathway <NUM> with ambient air, i.e., atmosphere, via a fifth fluid pathway <NUM>.

The fifth fluid pathway <NUM> may have a first end connected with the third fluid pathway <NUM> and a second end connected with a second console connector <NUM> of the cassette <NUM>. The second end of the fifth fluid pathway, through the second console connector <NUM>, is, when the cassette <NUM> is inserted in the console <NUM>, may be connected with atmosphere via the aspiration manifold <NUM> as described in more detail below.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a suction portion <NUM> of the example fluid management system <NUM>, that may in part compromise at least part of the aspiration manifold <NUM>, at an example component level.

The cassette <NUM> may, as represented in <FIG> by the phantom line <NUM>, include tubes, described in more detail below, with such tubes comprising at least portions of the fluid pathways <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> connecting the handpiece <NUM> and the canister <NUM> and the console <NUM>, as represented by the phantom lines <NUM>, and the vacuum source <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> may also include a selectively actuable flow path restrictor that may be a flow restriction valve, which by way of example may be a pinch valve <NUM>, and a liquid stop connector <NUM>. Alternatives to the pinch valve as the example selectively actuable flow restriction valve <NUM> include a gate valve that may be operated by an actuator, by way of example, an electronic solenoid, an electronic stepper motor. The cassette <NUM> may also include a liquid-blocking filter <NUM>. The liquid-blocking filter <NUM> may be disposed in the fourth fluid pathway <NUM> to prevent liquid in the canister <NUM> from reaching the console <NUM>.

The restriction valve <NUM> may be used to restrict flow through the third fluid pathway <NUM>, and thus restrict vacuum suction of the handpiece <NUM> at the surgical site and the removal of material therefrom. The restriction valve <NUM> may be at least in part pneumatically displaceable, and may alternatively include a valve actuator (not shown), that may comprise, by way of example, a pneumatic piston-type valve actuator. The valve actuator may press a flexible tube <NUM>, identified herein as a third tube <NUM>, to pinch the tube <NUM> as described below. The tube <NUM> may comprise part of the third fluid pathway <NUM> responsive to atmospheric pressure or vacuum from a control valve <NUM>. Such pinching of the pathway <NUM> may block flow through the third fluid pathway <NUM> between the handpiece <NUM> and the waste canister <NUM>. The pinching may be effected by displacement of the piston-type valve actuator against the tube <NUM> responsive to an application of vacuum pressure to the valve actuator. The third tube <NUM> may serve as the valve <NUM>, with the valve <NUM> being closed when the tube <NUM> is compressed by the valve actuator. The connection in <FIG> between valve <NUM> and valve <NUM> is shown as a broken, i.e., dashed, line to indicate that the actuator piston of the console <NUM> provides a mechanical connection between the console <NUM> and the third tube <NUM> of the cassette <NUM>.

Such a valve actuator may be disposed in the console <NUM>. Control of the restriction valve <NUM>, by way of example, achieved by selection of whether vacuum or atmospheric pressure is applied to the valve actuator to, respectively, close or open the restriction valve <NUM>, may be effected by the control valve <NUM> that may be selectively displaced by a displacement actuator, by way of example, comprising an electric solenoid (not shown). The control valve <NUM> and its associated displacement actuator may both be disposed in the console <NUM>. The control valve <NUM>, may, in a first position, the first position being an open position, connect the actuator piston of the restriction valve <NUM> to atmosphere via a first opening to atmosphere <NUM> via a connector path <NUM> for a rest position, displacing the valve <NUM> to an open position and allowing liquid to be communicated through the third fluid pathway <NUM>. In a second position, the second position being a closed position, the control valve <NUM> may connect the actuator piston of the restriction valve <NUM> to the vacuum source <NUM>, displacing the restriction valve <NUM> to the closed condition, and closing of the third fluid pathway <NUM>. The restriction valve <NUM> is controlled by a selectively operated solenoid valve that, in a first mode, from the handpiece <NUM> to the canister <NUM>. Selection between the pinched, i.e., closed position and the unpinched, i.e., open position, may be made by the system operator using a signaling device, by way of example, a foot pedal (not shown) in communication with the console <NUM>.

The fifth fluid pathway <NUM>, connected on its first end to the third fluid pathway <NUM> between the restriction valve <NUM> and the handpiece <NUM>, and on its second end to the second console connector <NUM>, allows relief of vacuum at the surgical site via the console <NUM>. A first variable flow vent valve <NUM> may be disposed in the console and may be used to connect the second end of the fifth fluid pathway <NUM> with atmosphere via the first opening to atmosphere <NUM>. A combination of a defined flow path tube <NUM> and a plurality of, by way of example, three, vacuum pressure sensors <NUM> may be disposed along a first vent fluid pathway <NUM> disposed in the console <NUM>, between the cassette <NUM> and the vent valve <NUM>, and may be used to estimate flow through the pathway <NUM>. A console controller (not shown) may selectively open valve <NUM> to relieve vacuum in the third fluid pathway <NUM> responsive to vacuum measurements by sensors <NUM>.

The fourth fluid pathway <NUM> may connect the canister <NUM> to the vacuum pump <NUM>. The vacuum pump <NUM> may be connected to atmosphere via a second opening to atmosphere <NUM>. The liquid-blocking filter <NUM> may be disposed in the fourth fluid pathway <NUM> to block liquid in the canister <NUM> from reaching the console <NUM>. A vacuum communication fluid pathway <NUM> may be disposed in the console <NUM> between the vacuum source <NUM> and the cassette <NUM>. A combination of a defined flow path tube <NUM> and a plurality of, by way of example, three, vacuum pressure sensors <NUM> may be disposed along the vacuum communication fluid pathway <NUM> and may be used to estimate flow through the pathway <NUM>. The vacuum communication fluid pathway <NUM> may also be connected to atmosphere via a third opening to atmosphere <NUM> through a second variable flow vent valve <NUM>.

The example cassette <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and in <FIG>, includes a cassette housing <NUM>, a liquid pump element, by way of example, the compressible peristaltic pump tube <NUM>, a first tube <NUM> that may comprise part of the first fluid pathway <NUM>, a second tube <NUM> that may comprise part of the second fluid pathway <NUM>, the third tube <NUM> that may comprise part of the third fluid pathway <NUM>, a fourth tube <NUM> that may comprise part of the fourth fluid pathway <NUM>, a fifth tube <NUM> that may comprise part of the fifth fluid pathway <NUM>, the liquid stop connector <NUM>, the first console connector <NUM> and the second console connector <NUM> and the liquid-blocking filter <NUM>.

The fluid pathway tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the peristaltic pump tube <NUM> may be flexible and transparent One example material that may be used for the tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is Tygon® tubing. Each of the tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, as suggested by the figures, need not be a continuous single piece of tubing, and may be spliced to join several smaller pieces of tubing to form any of the tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The cassette housing <NUM>, best shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, is substantially rigid and may be formed of a plastic, by way of example, a thermoset plastic. The example housing <NUM> may include a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> joined by a third, peripheral, wall <NUM> that spaces the first and second walls <NUM>, <NUM> apart, defining an interior region <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. A plurality of internal support walls <NUM> may be disposed within the housing <NUM>. The internal support walls <NUM> aid in defining paths inside the housing <NUM> for the tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The fluid pathways <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may alternatively be formed at least in part integrally with the housing <NUM>, with molded chambers comprising portions of the pathways <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may include a retention barb <NUM> that may be molded into the first wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>. The barb <NUM> may be engaged on a latch engagement surface <NUM> by a latch (not shown) disposed inside the console <NUM>. The latch may be manually released, or may be electrically released, depending on how the console <NUM> is configured, allowing the cassette <NUM> to be withdrawn from the console <NUM>. An automatic electrically actuated latch release may be combined with an automatic cassette ejection system in the console in which the cassette <NUM> may be selectively pushed at least partially out of the console by an electric actuator, by way of example, a solenoid or a motor.

The housing <NUM> may include a C-shaped side <NUM> cooperatively defined by the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The C-shaped side <NUM> may define a first arm, alternatively identified herein as a lower arm <NUM> and a second arm, alternatively identified herein as an upper arm <NUM>. The first console connector <NUM> may be disposed at an end of the first arm <NUM>. The second console connector <NUM> may be disposed at an end of the second arm <NUM>. The console connectors <NUM>, <NUM> comprise part of the housing <NUM>, independent of whether the console connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are formed separately from the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or integrally with the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first and second console connectors <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> as may be assembled to the peristaltic pump tube <NUM>, are shown in the exploded view of <FIG>. The console connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially a mirror image of each other. The connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be additionally distinguished from each other with the provision of a cassette chamfer <NUM> along a corner edge of one of the connectors, by way of example, the second connector <NUM>. The chamfer <NUM> may serve as a keying feature, that is, an orientation feature of the cassette <NUM>. Providing the console receiving slot <NUM> with a slot chamfer <NUM> complementary to the cassette chamfer <NUM> prevents insertion of the cassette <NUM> into the slot <NUM> in an incorrect, by way of example, upside down, orientation. The cassette chamfer <NUM> may extend for a length of the cassette housing <NUM> as show in <FIG> to allow the cassette <NUM> to be received by the receiving slot <NUM>. A cassette <NUM> that is alternatively configured to have an end of its housing <NUM> extend outside of the console <NUM> in an installed position may have the chamfer <NUM> extend less than a full length of the cassette housing <NUM>. The console connectors <NUM>, <NUM> except as noted, may be substantially rigid and may be formed of the same material as the cassette housing <NUM>, by way of example, a thermoplastic.

The first and second console connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may respectively each include a first connector base <NUM> and a second connector base <NUM>', and a first channel cap <NUM> and a second channel cap <NUM>'. Each of the connector caps <NUM>. <NUM>' may be disposed over an end of the respective bases <NUM>, <NUM>'. The connector bases <NUM>, <NUM>' and the channel caps <NUM>, <NUM>' may be substantially rigid and may be formed of the same material as the cassette housing <NUM>, by way of example, a thermoplastic. After installation of a sealing valve <NUM>, described in more detail below, the channel cap <NUM> may be fixed to the base <NUM> by any suitable joining means, by way of example, adhesive bonding, press fit, welding. <FIG> schematically illustrate an example ultrasonic weld <NUM> joining the cap <NUM> to the base <NUM> proximate to an outer periphery thereof. The base <NUM>' and the cap <NUM>' of the second connector <NUM> may be likewise joined to each other.

Each of the connector bases <NUM>, <NUM>' of the console connectors <NUM>, <NUM> have a receiving tube, by way of example, the example receiving tube being in the form of a barbed nipple <NUM> and <NUM>' respectively. The nipple <NUM> of the first console connector <NUM> receives a first end of the peristaltic pump tube <NUM>. The nipple <NUM>' of the second console connector <NUM> receives a second end of the peristaltic pump tube <NUM>. A retaining ring <NUM> may be slipped over the ends of the tube <NUM> to help retain the tube <NUM> on the nipples <NUM>, <NUM>'. As best shown in <FIG>, the peristaltic tube <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the peripheral wall <NUM> of the C-shaped side <NUM>.

The first channel cap <NUM> defines a connecting channel <NUM> of the first fluid pathway <NUM>. The second channel cap <NUM>' defines a connecting channel <NUM>' of the second fluid pathway <NUM>. While the sectional view of <FIG> suggests that the connecting channels <NUM> and <NUM>' are coplanar with each other and the peristaltic pump tube <NUM>, there may be an angular offset as suggested by the view of the channels <NUM>, <NUM>' in <FIG>.

The first and second console connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may include each of a liquid interface sleeve <NUM> and <NUM>' respectively and a pneumatic interface sleeve <NUM> and <NUM>' respectively, each directed into the housing <NUM>. The liquid interface sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>' and the pneumatic interface sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>' may be substantially the same and may differ principally in their use within the cassette <NUM>.

The first and second console connectors <NUM> and <NUM> each have an aperture, by way of example, a first pneumatic connector port <NUM> and a second pneumatic connector port <NUM>', through their respective caps <NUM>, <NUM>'. The ports <NUM>, <NUM>' may be in alignment with the pneumatic interface sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>' to facilitate receipt of port tubes of the console <NUM>, including a first pneumatic port tube <NUM> best shown in <FIG>. Only the first pneumatic port tube <NUM> received by the first pneumatic connector port <NUM> is illustrated, as the relationship of a second pneumatic port tube (not shown) that would be received by the second pneumatic connector port <NUM>' is substantially identical. The port tubes <NUM> define pneumatic console ports <NUM> of the console <NUM>.

The sealing valve <NUM> may be captured between the cap <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The sealing valve <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material well suited for use as a seal, by way of example, any polymeric material, including by way of example and without limitation rubber and neoprene. As best shown in <FIG>, the sealing valve has cylindrical valve wall <NUM> of a first inside diameter that may be larger in diameter than an outer diameter the port tube <NUM>. At an entry end of the cylindrical valve wall <NUM> is an annular seal <NUM> that may be formed integrally with the cylindrical valve wall <NUM>. The annular seal <NUM> extends radially beyond the cylindrical valve wall <NUM>.

A bidirectional valve <NUM> that may also be formed integrally with the cylindrical valve wall <NUM> is provided at a terminus end of the valve wall <NUM>, opposite the entry end. The valve <NUM> is in the form of a closure <NUM> over the terminus end. The closure <NUM> has a domed shape, in that the closure <NUM> forms a dome. The closure <NUM>, in its dome, has a concave shape that is concave from inside the cylindrical valve wall <NUM>, as viewed from the exterior of the cassette housing <NUM>. The shape of the closure <NUM>, while domed, may be less than a full hemisphere. The domed closure <NUM> has a plurality of, by way of example, four, evenly spaced slits <NUM> radiating out from a center point and passing entirely through the closure <NUM>. The number of slits <NUM> may be varied. The radial lengths of the slits <NUM> may be sufficient to allow the closure <NUM> to deflect and the port tube <NUM> to pass through the closure <NUM> without tearing the sealing valve <NUM>. The concave domed shape of the valve <NUM> may aid in retaining any liquid that has reached the fourth and fifth tubes <NUM>, <NUM> connected to the pneumatic connector ports <NUM>, <NUM>' in the cassette <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may operate as a bidirectional valve.

The sealing valve <NUM> may also include a lip <NUM> on an inside diameter of the cylindrical valve wall <NUM> and proximate to the entry end. An inside diameter of the lip <NUM> may be smaller than the outside diameter of the port tube <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may be a pneumatic seal that seals against the port tube <NUM> to allow pneumatic sealing engagement therebetween. A bead <NUM> may be formed on the cap <NUM> encircling the port <NUM> on a side of the cap engaging the seal <NUM> to encourage sealing engagement therebetween.

The housing <NUM> may include a pinch-valve window <NUM> in the second wall <NUM> to accommodate the action of the actuator, by way of example, the pneumatic piston that may be disposed in the console <NUM>. The window <NUM> is aligned with the third tube <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may also include a back-up base <NUM> in the first wall <NUM> in alignment with the window <NUM>. The back-up base may provide a reaction surface allowing the compression, and thus the pinching, of the tube <NUM> by the pneumatic piston of the console <NUM>.

The liquid stop connector <NUM> is best illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The liquid stop connector includes a retention chamber <NUM>, a pipe <NUM>, a valve ball <NUM>, a ball trap ring <NUM>, a chamber cover <NUM>, and a chamber baffle wall <NUM>. The retention chamber <NUM> is alternatively referenced to herein as the reservoir <NUM>.

The liquid stop connector <NUM> may be disposed between the fifth tube <NUM> and the third tube <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> is disposed in the third tube <NUM>. In an installed operating position, i.e., when the cassette <NUM> is installed in the console in an installed orientation consistent with a directional arrow <NUM> that may be molded into the housing <NUM>, the chamber <NUM> is disposed above the pipe <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> are fluidly connected by a first stem <NUM> connecting the pipe <NUM> with a bottom of the chamber <NUM>. A second stem <NUM>, near a top of the chamber and above the bottom of the chamber, fluidly connects the chamber <NUM> to the fifth tube <NUM>. The chamber <NUM>, the pipe <NUM>, the first stem <NUM>, and the second stem <NUM> may be integrally formed as a single piece of a common material. The chamber cover <NUM> is sealingly fixed to a top of the chamber <NUM>. The valve ball <NUM> may be formed of a material that is light, flexible, and water resistant, one example material being silicone, for the purpose of promoting sealing between the ball <NUM> and the ring <NUM> responsive to either a liquid intrusion into the chamber from the third tube <NUM> and impingement thereagainst, or a rapid, that is, a sharp, change in relative pressure in the fifth tube <NUM> relative to the pressure in the third tube <NUM>. The first stem <NUM> may have a plurality of support stakes <NUM> to support the ball <NUM> from below with restricting a return of fluid from the chamber to the pipe <NUM> and the third tube <NUM>. In the open position, the ball is biased by gravity to rest against the support stakes <NUM>. A bottom surface <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>, alternatively identified as a floor <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>, may be angled, that is, may taper towards the first stem <NUM> and the valve to facility drainage into the stem <NUM>. The ball trap ring <NUM> is disposed over the ball <NUM>. The ball trap ring <NUM> may be chamfered on a side facing the ball <NUM>. Upward displacement of the ball <NUM>, as may occur with entry of fluid into the first stem <NUM>, presses the ball <NUM> against the concave surface of the trap ring <NUM>, sealing against entry of fluid into the chamber <NUM> from the first stem <NUM>. Collectively, the ball <NUM> and the trap ring <NUM> comprise a one-way ball-check valve.

The cover <NUM> may be formed integrally with the chamber baffle wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may be in engagement with and may extend substantially vertically and downwardly from the cover <NUM>. The baffle wall <NUM> is located between the first stem <NUM> and the second stem <NUM>. A bottom edge <NUM> of the wall <NUM> may be spaced predetermined distance D from the bottom surface <NUM> of the chamber to provide a liquid return gap <NUM>. The baffle wall <NUM> may have alternative configurations. For example, the baffle wall <NUM> may be formed as part of the chamber <NUM> and may extent from the floor <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> and extend laterally over, and above, the valve ball <NUM> and the ring <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have a ball lock stop <NUM> extending from the cover <NUM>. The ball lock stop <NUM>, best shown in <FIG>, extends downwardly from the cover <NUM>. When the liquid stop connector <NUM> is assembled and in an installed orientation, the ball lock stop <NUM> may be disposed over the ball <NUM> and the ring <NUM>. The ball lock stop <NUM>, when employed, aids in retaining the ring <NUM> in an installed position in the first stem <NUM> of the liquid stop connector <NUM>, the installed position best illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The ball lock stop <NUM> is not shown in <FIG> and <FIG> so as to better highlight the benefits of the baffle wall <NUM> in restricting unwanted fluid flow.

The cover <NUM> and the pipe <NUM> may each include a gate tab <NUM> and <NUM> respectively, as best shown in <FIG>. The gate tabs <NUM>, <NUM> may facilitate molding of each of the cover <NUM> and the integral chamber <NUM>, pipe <NUM>, first stem <NUM>, and second stem <NUM>.

The ball <NUM> is shown in a sealing position in <FIG> and an open position in <FIG>.

The cassette <NUM> may be configured to encourage just a single use of the cassette <NUM> as one approach to addressing contamination of the cassette that occurs with use. Any reuse of the cassette <NUM> requires reconstruction of the cassette, requiring at a minimum, an opening up of the housing <NUM> and replacement of the fluid pathways, the seals and the valves in comprising the cassette <NUM>. Barbed tabs <NUM> may be incorporated into at least one of the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for engagement with notches <NUM> on another of the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to both facilitate assembly of the housing <NUM> and to discourage disassembly of the housing <NUM>. The single use of the cassette <NUM> may be further encouraged with the incorporation of a radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag (not shown) in the cassette housing <NUM>, in combination with an RFID reader (not shown) in the console <NUM>. One way to implement the use of an RFID tag and an RFID reader to aid in avoiding reuse of a single use component, in other words a disposable component, is described in <CIT>.

In operation, the cassette housing <NUM> may be pushed by the operator or an assistant which for example may include by way of example a nurse or a surgical technician, into the slot <NUM> of the console <NUM>. Pressing the cassette housing <NUM> into the slot <NUM> causes the console's <NUM> first pneumatic port tube <NUM> and second pneumatic port tube (not shown) to be inserted into, respectively, the pneumatic connector port <NUM> of the first console connector <NUM> and the pneumatic connector port <NUM>' of the second console connector <NUM> for engagement with the sealing valve <NUM> of each of the console connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. Insertion of the first pneumatic port tube <NUM> into the first pneumatic connector port <NUM> connects the fourth tube <NUM> with the vacuum source <NUM>. Similarly, insertion of the second pneumatic port tube (not shown) into the second pneumatic connector port <NUM>' connects the fifth tube <NUM> with the aspiration manifold <NUM>. If not integral with the console <NUM>, the vacuum source <NUM> may be connected with the console <NUM> by the operator. The operator may also connect the IV bag connector <NUM> to the IV bag <NUM>, connect the third tube <NUM> on one end to the canister <NUM> and on another end to the handpiece <NUM>, and connect the fourth tube <NUM> with the canister <NUM>. The operator may also connect the handpiece <NUM> with the second tube <NUM>. Connecting the handpiece <NUM> with each of the second tube <NUM> and the third tube <NUM> may be achieved by use of the handpiece connector <NUM>. The retention barb <NUM> of the cassette housing <NUM> may be engaged on its latch engagement surface <NUM> by the latch (not shown) disposed inside the console <NUM> to aid in retaining the cassette housing <NUM> in the console <NUM>. The RFID tag in the cassette housing <NUM> may be recognized by the reader in the console <NUM> as identifying a new and appropriate cassette, allowing actuation of a full complement of the features of the fluid management system <NUM>.

Once installed, the cassette <NUM> may be used to aid in both supplying liquid, by way of example, sterile saline wash liquid ("the wash liquid"), from the IV bag <NUM> to a surgical site, and to remove waste liquid and surgical debris ("the waste") from the surgical site to the canister <NUM>.

Upon selective demand from the operator, as may be indicated by a wash signaling device, by way of example, a hand or foot operated wash switch (not shown), liquid may be drawn from the IV bag <NUM> and through the first tube <NUM> by the pump <NUM>. The pump roller <NUM> may engage, that is, press against, the peristaltic pump tube <NUM>, and, driven by the motor <NUM>, displace the wash liquid through the peristaltic pump tube <NUM>, from the first connector <NUM> to the second connector <NUM>. The wash liquid then travels through the second tube <NUM>, through the handpiece connector <NUM> and the handpiece <NUM> and to the surgical site.

The waste, upon selective demand from the operator, as may be indicated by a suction signaling device, by way of example, a hand or foot operated suction switch (not shown), may be drawn from the surgical site, through the handpiece <NUM>, through the handpiece connector <NUM>, and through the third tube <NUM> and into the canister <NUM> by a negative pressure in the canister <NUM>.

The vacuum in the canister <NUM> may be established by the vacuum pump <NUM>, and communicating the negative pressure developed by the vacuum pump <NUM> through the manifold <NUM> that connects to the first pneumatic port tube <NUM>, through the first connector <NUM>, and through the fourth tube <NUM> to the canister <NUM>.

An application of vacuum pressure at the handpiece <NUM> may be regulated, by way of example, applied or relieved, by closing or opening the pinch valve <NUM>. With the valve <NUM> in an open position, i.e., with the third tube <NUM> being unpinched, the vacuum in the canister <NUM> may be communicated to the handpiece via the third tube <NUM> to draw the waste from the surgical site. With the valve <NUM> in a closed position, as may be achieved with the third tube pinched by the valve actuator (not shown) in the console <NUM>, flow through the third tube <NUM> is interrupted, and waste is not withdrawn from the surgical site. Such vacuum regulation may be achieved selectively by the operator with the use of the suction signaling device.

Vacuum at the handpiece <NUM> may be further regulated by regulation of the pressure in the third tube <NUM>. Such regulation may be achieved by opening and closing the first variable flow vent valve <NUM>. For example, the valve <NUM> may be opened to atmosphere to decrease the vacuum in the third tube <NUM> and at the handpiece <NUM> responsive to sensing of a predetermined magnitude of negative pressure at the handpiece <NUM> as may be indicated by one or more of the sensors <NUM> and as may be mandated by control logic disposed in the control console <NUM>. Such regulation may be managed automatically by a controller (not shown) disposed in the console <NUM>.

Upon completion of a procedure, the cassette <NUM> may be selectively ejected from the console <NUM> upon a command from the operator or an assistant, by way of example, a command including pressing a button or otherwise signaling the console <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> may be disposed of after its removal from the console <NUM> and after it has been disconnected from the IV bag <NUM>, the canister <NUM> and the handpiece <NUM>.

In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate the same elements. Further, some or all of these elements could be changed. For example, the housing <NUM> may be cylindrical in shape, with a circular cross section rather than a rectangular cross section. Such a cassette may be received by a console having a cassette aperture of complementary cylindrical shape. Tabs could be provided on one of the housing or a wall inside the cassette aperture with receiving groove on the other to facilitate and twist and lock arrangement. Ports and seals in the walls of the cylinder and the opening may be aligned in a locked position to allow fluid connections. Alternative to ports and seals in the walls, a port tube concentric with the opening may be received by a port aperture in the housing. With regard to the processes, systems, methods, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments.

As used herein, the adverb "substantially" means that a shape, structure, measurement, quantity, time, etc. may deviate from an exact described geometry, distance, measurement, quantity, time, etc., because of imperfections in materials, machining, manufacturing, transmission of data, computational speed, etc..

All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as "a," "the," "said," etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

Claim 1:
A surgical irrigation cassette (<NUM>) comprising:
a substantially rigid cassette housing (<NUM>) defining a chamber (<NUM>) therein;
a liquid transfer portion (<NUM>) of a pump (<NUM>) including an intake side of the pump (<NUM>) and an output side of the pump (<NUM>); and
a plurality of fluid pathways (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at least in part within the chamber (<NUM>), the fluid pathways including:
a first fluid pathway (<NUM>) including a first end connected with the intake side of the pump (<NUM>), and a second end for connecting with a supply fluid container (<NUM>);
a second fluid pathway (<NUM>) including a first end connected with the output side of the pump (<NUM>), and a second end for connecting with a handpiece (<NUM>); and
a third fluid pathway (<NUM>) including a first end for connecting with the handpiece (<NUM>), and a second end for connecting with a waste container (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the housing (<NUM>) further defines first console connector (<NUM>) including a first pneumatic connector port (<NUM>), and
the plurality of fluid pathways (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) further includes a fourth fluid pathway (<NUM>) including a first end connected with the first console connector (<NUM>) and a second end for connecting with the waste container (<NUM>).