Disclosed are various embodiments for an anti-reflux nasal aspirator that includes a nozzle comprising a nozzle outlet, a bulb configured to provide suction at the nozzle outlet in response to a squeezing force applied to the bulb, an anti-reflux coupler positioned between the bulb and the nozzle through which air passes from the bulb to the nozzle, and a one-way air valve positioned in an aperture located at a base of the bulb. The anti-reflux coupler may include a check valve configured to prevent reflux of debris into the bulb. The check valve may include one of an umbrella valve; a duckbill valve; a slit-cutting valve; and a flapper valve.

This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favors the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface.

A sensor for use in a canister for fluid collection, the canister having a canister top and defining a fluid collection chamber. The sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the first electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the first electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The second electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the second electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the second electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The sensor also includes an electric circuit configured to detect an electrical property associated with the first and second electrodes.

Medical waste collection manifolds that that may connect to a vacuum system to create suction, such that liquid, semi-solid, or solid biological or medical waste may be collected are provided. The manifold may be configured to collect hazardous waste in a manner to ensure proper containment.

Some embodiments comprise a pump assembly for reduced pressure wound therapy, comprising a housing, a flow pathway through the pump, one or more valves in communication with the flow pathway, a pump supported within or by the housing, and a one-way flow valve in fluid communication with the pump. The pump assembly can have a pressure sensor in communication with the flow pathway through the pump, and at least one switch or button supported by the housing, the at least one switch or button being accessible to a user and being in communication with the controller. The one-way flow valve can be configured to substantially prevent a flow of gas through the one-way flow valve in a direction of flow away from the pump. The pump assembly can have a controller supported within or by the housing, the controller being configured to control an operation of the pump. The pump has been sterilized following the assembly of the pump such that an inside and an outside of the housing, the flow pathway, the one or more valves, the pump, the controller, the battery compartment, and the at least one switch or button have been sterilized.

A filtration system for use in connection with a central vacuum system in a hospital or other medical facility. In certain aspects, the filtration system comprises a removable filter for removing contaminants; a fitting adapted for connection to a central vacuum source/system which provides constant suction, which fitting is positioned between the filter and the central vacuum source; a flow control valve positioned between the filter and the fitting; wherein the relative positions of the fitting, flow valve and filter prevent contaminants from being discharged into the central vacuum system. In other aspects, the system provides variable filter life based upon variable flow.

A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.

The present invention is related to a medical aspirator and, in particular, to a medical aspirator comprising: a floor plate; a pressure plate disposed a certain distance away from the floor plate, and defining a discharge hole opened and closed by an opening/closing means; a coil spring installed between the floor plate and the pressure plate; a sealing membrane connecting the edges of the floor plate and the pressure plate, and defining a receiving space capable of receiving bodily fluid between the floor plate and the pressure plate; and a drainage tube connected to the pressure plate, for guiding bodily fluid generated from the body to the receiving space, and including a check valve therein enabling the fluid to flow only in the direction from the body toward the receiving space, wherein the medical aspirator has the effect of preventing contamination from outside air of bodily fluid extracted from the body and stored in the receiving space.

A device for an aspirator, the device comprising a suction inlet for suctioned air, liquid and particles; an exhaust outlet for air; a reservoir for collecting liquid and particles separated from the air; and a clearing arrangement fluidly between the suction inlet and the exhaust outlet, the clearing arrangement being configured to provide a path of air, substantially cleared from liquid sucked through the suction inlet, to the exhaust outlet, in any orientation of the device in space. An aspirator comprising a device, and a method of modifying a device for an aspirator, are also provided.

A surgical drain system for use during and following surgery is provided. A collection reservoir is placed in fluid communication with the body of a user through a collection port. A pump creates a vacuum pressure to urge fluid into the collection reservoir. Fluid exits the collection reservoir through a drain port. A drain mechanism allows air to come into the collection reservoir through an air intake aperture and collected fluid to leave the reservoir simultaneously. The drain system can be worn beneath clothes.