A surgical suction device that uses positive pressure gas is shown and described. The surgical suction device includes an air amplifier. The air amplifier includes a structure defining a generally cylindrical cavity having a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The cylindrical cavity is defined by an inner wall of the cavity. The air amplifier includes an annular opening in the inner wall near the first end. The annular opening defines a jet opening adapted to allow a pressurized gas to flow out of the annular opening such that a low pressure region is produced at the first end and an amplified flow is produced at the second end. The annular opening is further configured such that the pressurized gas enters the cavity at an angle with respect to the inner wall of the cavity that is towards the second end.

A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure, or space between it and the surface of a patient, by forming an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer. The collection material may comprise a material and/or a configuration that permits length changes based upon the length of the corresponding surgical wound or incision.

A system for aspiration includes an aspiration catheter including an elongate shaft including an aspiration lumen, and an open distal end, an extension tube, the lumen of the extension tube configured to be hydraulically coupled to the aspiration lumen, a peristaltic pump configured for driving fluid through the extension tube, a compressible portion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the extension tube, the compressible portion configured to be coupled to the peristaltic pump, such that operation of the peristaltic pump drives fluid from the aspiration lumen from the distal end of the extension tube to the proximal end of the extension tube, and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor and configured to vary the operation of the peristaltic pump based at least in part on a first signal received from a first sensor coupled to the aspiration lumen or extension tube related to a change in the characteristic of flow.

A phacoemulsification console including two cassettes within the system for use during cataract surgery. An irrigation cassette which is retained in the system for the duration of surgical procedures and an aspiration cassette which is replaced after each and every surgical procedure. The irrigation cassette is connected to the aspiration cassette via a valve having elastomeric properties.

A system for aspiration includes an aspiration catheter including an elongate shaft including an aspiration lumen, and an open distal end, an extension tube, the lumen of the extension tube configured to be hydraulically coupled to the aspiration lumen, a peristaltic pump configured for driving fluid through the extension tube, a compressible portion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the extension tube, the compressible portion configured to be coupled to the peristaltic pump, such that operation of the peristaltic pump drives fluid from the aspiration lumen from the distal end of the extension tube to the proximal end of the extension tube, and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor and configured to vary the operation of the peristaltic pump based at least in part on a first signal received from a first sensor coupled to the aspiration lumen or extension tube related to a change in the characteristic of flow.

Methods and apparatuses for automatically switching different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed herein. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level. Control feed back of the pumps may be varied according to set thresholds.

A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

A system for aspiration includes an aspiration catheter including an elongate shaft including an aspiration lumen, and an open distal end, an extension tube, the lumen of the extension tube configured to be hydraulically coupled to the aspiration lumen, a peristaltic pump configured for driving fluid through the extension tube, a compressible portion disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the extension tube, the compressible portion configured to be coupled to the peristaltic pump, such that operation of the peristaltic pump drives fluid from the aspiration lumen from the distal end of the extension tube to the proximal end of the extension tube, and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor and configured to vary the operation of the peristaltic pump based at least in part on a first signal received from a first sensor coupled to the aspiration lumen or extension tube related to a change in the characteristic of flow.

Certain embodiments provide a vacuum generation system with an override PID controller, a proportional valve, and a vacuum generator. The override PID controller allows the vacuum generation system to control the operating range of supply air pressure that is provided to the vacuum generator. By controlling the operating range of the supply air pressure, the vacuum generation system is able to avoid entering the decreasing or non-monotonic region of the vacuum generator.