Fluid flow control system and connecting fitting therefor

Claim 2

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: a source of irrigation fluid, an irrigation fluid conduit means for conducting irrigation fluid from said source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a controllable pump means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit means for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a pressure sensitive transducer means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit means for sensing a pressure in said aspiration fluid conduit means and generating a control signal for said pump means, a pressure relief fluid conduit means connecting said source of irrigation fluid to said aspiration fluid conduit means for providing fluid communication between said source of irrigation fluid and said aspiration fluid conduit means, a controllable valve means for controlling the fluid flow in said fluid pressure relief fluid conduit means, and a control means for controlling said controllable valve means.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said controllable valve means is an electrically-controllable valve.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said control means for said electrically-controllable valve is an electrical switch.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said electrical switch is a foot-actuated switch.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pump means is a peristaltic pump.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a check valve means for preventing fluid backflow in said irrigation fluid conduit means.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a shut-off valve means in said irrigation fluid conduit means.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a check valve means positioned in said irrigation fluid conduit means for preventing the backflow of fluid in said irrigation fluid conduit means towards said source of irrigation fluid into said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a control valve positioned in said irrigation fluid conduit means between said source of irrigation fluid and said check valve means.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said control valve is a shut-off valve.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said control valve is operated by a solenoid.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressure relief fluid conduit means is directly connected to said irrigation fluid conduit means for supplying irrigation fluid to said aspiration fluid conduit means as needed.

Claim 14

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus including an aspiration fluid conduit for conducting fluid away from the surgical site, a suction pump for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit, a pressure relief fluid conduit for releasing fluid into said aspiration fluid conduit, and a transducer in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit and operatively connected to said suction pump, wherein the improvement comprises a connection fitting comprising: a first tubular fluid conduit having a fluid connection at a first end connectable to said suction pump and a fluid connection fitting at a second end connectable to said aspiration fluid conduit, a second tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said first tubular fluid conduit,and another end connectable to said pressure relief fluid conduit, said second tubular fluid conduit being arranged substantially at right angles to said first tubular fluid conduit, a third tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said second tubular fluid conduit,and another end connectable to said pressure relief fluid conduit, and said third tubular fluid conduit being arranged generally at right angles to said second tubular fluid conduit and generally parallel to said first tubular fluid conduit.

Claim 15

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus including an aspiration fluid conduit for conducting fluid away from the surgical site, a suction pump for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit, a pressure relief fluid conduit for releasing fluid into said aspiration fluid conduit, and a transducer in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit and operatively connected to said suction pump, wherein the improvement comprises a connection fitting comprising: a first tubular fluid conduit having a fluid connection at a first end connectable to said suction pump and a fluid connection fitting at a second end connectable to said aspiration fluid conduit, a second tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said first tubular fluid conduit,and another end connectable to said pressure relief fluid conduit, said second tubular fluid conduit being arranged substantially at right angles to said first tubular fluid conduit, a third tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said second tubular fluid conduit,and another end connectable to said pressure relief fluid conduit, and said third tubular fluid conduit being arranged generally at right angles to said second tubular fluid conduit and generally parallel to said first tubular fluid conduit.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said fluid connection at said first end is a male fluid connection fitting.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said fluid connection at said second end is a female fluid connection fitting.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said another end of said second tubular fluid conduit is a male fluid connection fitting.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said another end of said third tubular fluid conduit is a male fluid connection fitting.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said second fluid connection at said second end is a female fluid connection fitting.

Claim 21

The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said female fluid connection fitting defines a smooth internal conduit wall to reduce the chance of clogging with aspirated fragmented tissue.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first tubular fluid conduit comprises a first rigid tubular fluid conduit, said second tubular fluid conduit comprises a second rigid tubular fluid conduit, and said third tubular fluid conduit comprises a third rigid tubular fluid conduit.

Claim 23

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit mans for conducting irrigation liquid from a source of irrigation liquid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a suction means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit means for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a liquid pressure equalizing means for admitting irrigation liquid from the source of irrigation liquid to said aspiration fluid conduit means when a blockage occurs therein to vent the vacuum therein, and a preventing means for preventing at least some of the irrigation liquid from flowing in said irrigation fluid conduit means generally away from the surgical site when said liquid pressure equalizing means is admitting the irrigation liquid into said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 24

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit mans for conducting irrigation liquid from a source of irrigation liquid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a suction means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit means for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a liquid pressure equalizing means for admitting irrigation liquid from the source of irrigation liquid to said aspiration fluid conduit means when a blockage occurs therein to vent the vacuum therein, and a preventing means for preventing at least some of the irrigation liquid from flowing in said irrigation fluid conduit means generally away from the surgical site when said liquid pressure equalizing means is admitting the irrigation liquid into said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 25

The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said preventing means comprises a check valve operatively positioned in said irrigation fluid conduit means.

Claim 26

The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said check valve is operatively positioned between the surgical site, and the connection of said liquid pressure equalizing means and said irrigation fluid conduit means, and said check valve prevents irrigation liquid from flowing from the surgical site to said connection.

Claim 27

A fluid controlled apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit means for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a pump means for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, and a transducer releasing means for releasing the pressure in said aspiration fluid conduit means to equilibrium, at the first indication of an occlusion of said aspiration fluid conduit means, by causing the introduction of venting liquid having the same pressure as that of the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid conduit means into said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 28

A fluid controlled apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit means for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a pump means for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, and a transducer releasing means for releasing the pressure in said aspiration fluid conduit means to equilibrium, at the first indication of an occlusion of said aspiration fluid conduit means, by causing the introduction of venting liquid having the same pressure as that of the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid conduit means into said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said releasing means includes a transducer in communication with said aspiration fluid conduit means and operatively associated with said pump means, and a bacteria-retentive filter means for filtering the fluid flowing to said transducer.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said releasing means stops the vacuum effect of said pump means on said aspiration fluid conduit means at said first indication.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said releasing means includes a user operated and actuated switch means.

Claim 32

The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said releasing means includes a fluid conduit for providing fluid to said aspiration fluid conduit means, and a valve in said fluid conduit for controlling the flow of fluid from said fluid conduit into said aspiration fluid conduit means, and said switch means being operatively connected to said valve for opening said valve when the occlusion is detected.

Claim 33

For a fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, the fluid control apparatus including an aspiration fluid conduit for conducting fluid away from the surgical site, a suction pump for providing suction in the aspiration fluid conduit, a pressure relief fluid conduit for releasing fluid into the aspiration fluid conduit, and a transducer in fluid communication with the aspiration fluid conduit and operatively connected to the suction pump, a connection fitting comprising: a first tubular fluid conduit having a fluid connection at a first end operatively connectable to the suction pump and a fluid connection fitting at a second end operatively connectable to the aspiration fluid conduit, a second tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said first tubular fluid conduit, and another end operatively connectable to the pressure relief fluid conduit, said second tubular fluid conduit being arranged substantially at right angles to said first tubular fluid conduit, a third tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said second tubular fluid conduit, and another end operatively connectable to the pressure relief fluid conduit, and said third tubular fluid conduit being arranged generally at right angles to said second tubular fluid conduit and generally parallel to said first tubular fluid conduit,

Claim 34

For a fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, the fluid control apparatus including an aspiration fluid conduit for conducting fluid away from the surgical site, a suction pump for providing suction in the aspiration fluid conduit, a pressure relief fluid conduit for releasing fluid into the aspiration fluid conduit, and a transducer in fluid communication with the aspiration fluid conduit and operatively connected to the suction pump, a connection fitting comprising: a first tubular fluid conduit having a fluid connection at a first end operatively connectable to the suction pump and a fluid connection fitting at a second end operatively connectable to the aspiration fluid conduit, a second tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said first tubular fluid conduit, and another end operatively connectable to the pressure relief fluid conduit, said second tubular fluid conduit being arranged substantially at right angles to said first tubular fluid conduit, a third tubular fluid conduit having one end in fluid communication with said second tubular fluid conduit, and another end operatively connectable to the pressure relief fluid conduit, and said third tubular fluid conduit being arranged generally at right angles to said second tubular fluid conduit and generally parallel to said first tubular fluid conduit,

Claim 35

The connection fitting of claim 27 wherein said fluid connection at said first end is a male fluid connection fitting.

Claim 36

The connection fitting of claim 30 wherein said fluid connection at said second end is a female fluid connection fitting.

Claim 37

The connection fitting of claim 29 wherein said another end of said second tubular fluid conduit is a male fluid connection fitting.

Claim 38

The connection fitting of claim 29 wherein said another end of said third tubular fluid conduit is a male fluid connection fitting.

Claim 39

The connection fitting of claim 29 wherein said second fluid connection at said second end is a female fluid connection fluid.

Claim 40

The connection fitting of claim 29 wherein said first tubular fluid conduit comprises a first rigid tubular fluid conduit, said second tubular fluid conduit comprises a second rigid tubular fluid conduit, and said third tubular fluid conduit comprises a third rigid tubular fluid conduit.

Claim 41

A fluid controlled apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit means for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a pump means for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a releasing means for releasing the pressure in said aspiration fluid conduit means to equilibruim, at the first indication of an occlusion of said aspiration fluid conduit means, by using a venting liquid having the same pressure as that of the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid conduit means, and said releasing means including a transducer in communication with said aspiration fluid conduit means and operatively associated with said pump means, and a bacteria-retentive filter means for filtering the fluid flowing to said transducer.

Claim 42

A fluid controlled apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit means for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a pump means for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a releasing means for releasing the pressure in said aspiration fluid conduit means to equilibruim, at the first indication of an occlusion of said aspiration fluid conduit means, by using a venting liquid having the same pressure as that of the irrigation fluid in said irrigation fluid conduit means, and said releasing means including a transducer in communication with said aspiration fluid conduit means and operatively associated with said pump means, and a bacteria-retentive filter means for filtering the fluid flowing to said transducer.

Claim 43

The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said releasing means stops the vacuum effect of said pump means on said aspiration fluid conduit means at said first indication.

Claim 44

The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said releasing means includes a user operated and actuated switch means.

Claim 45

The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said releasing means includes a fluid conduit for providing fluid to said aspiration fluid conduit means, and a valve in said fluid conduit for controlling the flow of fluid from said fluid conduit into said aspiration fluid conduit means, and said switch means is operatively connected to said valve for opening said valve when the occlusion is detected.

Claim 46

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a suction means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit mans for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a liquid pressure equalizing means for admitting irrigation liquid from the source of irrigation fluid to said aspiration fluid conduit means when a blockage occurs therein to vent the vacuum therein, said liquid pressure equalizing means includes a pressure equalizing conduit providing communication for the irrigation fluid from said irrigation fluid conduit means to said aspiration fluid conduit means, said pressure equalizing conduit connects directly to said irrigation fluid conduit means so that the irrigation liquid can flow through at least a portion of said irrigation fluid conduit means to said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 47

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a suction means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit mans for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a liquid pressure equalizing means for admitting irrigation liquid from the source of irrigation fluid to said aspiration fluid conduit means when a blockage occurs therein to vent the vacuum therein, said liquid pressure equalizing means includes a pressure equalizing conduit providing communication for the irrigation fluid from said irrigation fluid conduit means to said aspiration fluid conduit means, said pressure equalizing conduit connects directly to said irrigation fluid conduit means so that the irrigation liquid can flow through at least a portion of said irrigation fluid conduit means to said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 48

The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a check valve means operatively connected to said irrigation fluid conduit means at a location between the connection of said pressure equalizing conduit and said irrigation fluid conduit means, and the surgical site for preventing at least some of the irrigation liquid from flowing in said irrigation fluid conduit means towards the source of irrigation liquid when said liquid pressure equalizing means is admitting the irrigation liquid into said aspiration fluid conduit means.

Claim 49

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit means for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a controllable pump means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a pressure sensitive transducer means communicating with said aspiration fluid conduit means for generating a pump control signal for said controllable pump means proportional to the vacuum in said aspiration fluid conduit induced by said pump means, said transducer senses a vacuum rise in said aspiration fluid conduit means, and said pump control signal causes said controllable pump means to quickly shut off when the vacuum in said aspiration fluid conduit means exceeds a predetermined value.

Claim 50

A fluid control apparatus for use with a surgical irrigation and aspiration instrument adapted for irrigation and aspiration of a surgical site located in a small elastic chamber, said fluid control apparatus comprising: an irrigation fluid conduit means for conducting irrigation fluid from a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit means for removing fluid from the surgical site, a controllable pump means in fluid communication with said aspiration fluid conduit for providing suction in said aspiration fluid conduit means, a pressure sensitive transducer means communicating with said aspiration fluid conduit means for generating a pump control signal for said controllable pump means proportional to the vacuum in said aspiration fluid conduit induced by said pump means, said transducer senses a vacuum rise in said aspiration fluid conduit means, and said pump control signal causes said controllable pump means to quickly shut off when the vacuum in said aspiration fluid conduit means exceeds a predetermined value.