APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING FLUID DURING A MEDICAL OR SURGICAL OPERATION AND A MANIFOLD

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for collecting fluid during a medical or a surgical operation. The apparatus can include positions for collection containers, a pressure sensor and a manifold having a housing, at least one port for connecting to a patient, more than one port for collection container tubes extending from the manifold to a collection container and a by-pass channel for connecting to the pressure sensor.

Claims

1.-6. (canceled)

7. An apparatus for collecting fluid during a medical or a surgical operation, wherein the apparatus comprises: positions for collection containers; collection containers placed on the positions; a manifold having a housing, at least one port for connecting to a patient, more than one port for collection container tubes extending from the manifold to collection containers and a mouth of a by-pass channel in the housing; and a pressure sensor connected to the by-pass channel, the by-pass channel having a choked contact to atmospheric pressure.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mouth of the by-pass channel comprises: a gasket.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mouth of the by-pass channel comprises: a no-return valve.

10. A manifold for collecting fluid during a medical or a surgical operation, in combination with a by-pass channel with a pressure sensor, wherein the manifold comprises: a housing; at least one port for connecting to a patient; and more than one port for collection container tubes extending from the manifold to collection containers and a mouth of the by-pass channel, the by-pass channel being configured to extend from the housing and having a choked contact to atmospheric pressure, the pressure sensor being configured to be connected to the by-pass channel.

11. The manifold according to claim 10, wherein the mouth of the by-pass channel comprises: a gasket.

12. The manifold according to claim any preceding claim 10, wherein the mouth of the by-pass channel comprises: a no-return valve.

13. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the mouth of the by-pass channel comprises: a no-return valve.

14. The manifold according to claim any preceding claim 11, wherein the mouth of the by-pass channel comprises: a no-return valve.

15. The manifold according to claim any preceding claim 11, wherein the mouth of the by-pass channel comprises: a no-return valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In the following the solution will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0048] FIGS. 1a and 1b show an apparatus for collecting liquid from a patient in a perspective view;

[0049] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a vacuum connection between a control unit and a movable cart in a perspective view;

[0050] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a manifold in a perspective view;

[0051] FIGS. 3c and 3d show partial magnifications of the manifold of FIG. 3b;

[0052] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a collection liner in a cross sectional view;

[0053] FIG. 4c shows a handle of a collection liner in a perspective view;

[0054] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a collection liner and a canister in a perspective view;

[0055] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a partial magnification of a collection liner and a canister in a perspective view;

[0056] FIG. 6c shows a partial magnification of a canister from inside;

[0057] FIGS. 7a to 7c show an apparatus for collecting fluid from a patient in a perspective view;

[0058] FIGS. 7d to 7g show partial magnifications of details in the apparatus of FIGS. 7a to 7c;

[0059] FIG. 8a shows a schematic view of a system for feeding solidifying agent;

[0060] FIG. 8b shows a schematic view of another system for feeding solidifying agent;

[0061] FIG. 8c shows a detail of FIG. 8b as a cross-sectional view;

[0062] FIG. 9 shows schematically a graphical user interface for an apparatus for collecting liquid from a patient;

[0063] FIG. 10 shows an example of a graphical user interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0064] FIG. 1a shows an apparatus 1 for collecting liquid from a patient. The collection liner 21 may be used, for example, in this apparatus. The apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 2 and a movable cart 3. The control unit 2 comprises a display unit 4, proportional valves 53 to control vacuum in the collection containers and valves 54 for collection container vacuum interfaces. The display unit 4 may comprise a touch screen acting both for displaying and for entering control parameters. The display unit 4 may be located on an arm 5 which turns around, i.e. the arm 5 allows the display to tilt and turn. On the movable cart 3 there are manifolds 6. Valves of the manifolds 6 are operated by suitable actuators, such as motors 7. The movable cart 3 comprises canisters 9 for collecting liquid, and a cartridge 8a and a reservoir 8b for a solidifying agent.

[0065] FIG. 1b shows one variation of the apparatus 1 described in connection with FIG. 1a.

[0066] FIG. 2a shows how vacuum and electrical couplings are made between the control unit 2 and the movable cart 3 in the apparatus 1. The control unit 2 and the movable cart 3 are attached to each other by using connection plates 40, 41. The vacuum lines 42 between the control unit 2 and the movable cart 3 are automatically connected at the same time. The plates 40, 41 are drawn to each other by negative pressure controlled by software via a dedicated valve connected between the plates through line 43. The valve connected to the line 43 is turned on when the control unit 2 and the movable cart 3 are sensed to be together. Thus, the valve is only turn on if the movable cart 3 docks with the control unit 2 and a locking means, which locks the control unit 2 and the movable cart 3 together, is on. The plates 40, 41 may be used as a mounting and an actuator for the electrical coupling 55 between the control unit 2 and the movable cart 3. There are also a gasket 45 and gaskets 46 around the vacuum lines 42.

[0067] FIG. 2b shows another view how vacuum and electrical couplings are made between the control unit 2 and the movable cart 3 in the apparatus 1. The functioning of the system is basically the same as described in connection with FIG. 2a.

[0068] FIG. 3a shows a manifold 6 in the apparatus 1. The manifold 6 comprises a housing 10, patient ports 11 for connecting a patient tube and ports 12 for collection containers. In FIG. 3a, one of the ports 12 is provided with a coupling 13 for a collection container tube in order to illustrate the use of the coupling 13. There are also caps 14 for closing the patient ports 11. Each patient port 11 is provided with a no-return valve. In practice, there is a thin plastic tube surrounding the patient port 11 inside the housing 10. The plastic tube is open only when the pressure inside the thin plastic tube is higher than around it.

[0069] Each port 12 is provided with a valve 15. The valve 15 comprises a cylinder 16 provided with a hole in which is a rotatable bar having a U shaped notch in its head. When the bar is rotated the valve 15 closes or opens depending on the fact whether the hole and the notch are on the same line, i.e. the port 12 opens when the notch is parallel to the hole and the port shuts off when the notch is divergent to the hole. Alternatively, the valve 15 may comprise two cylinders provided with holes within each other. When the holes of the cylinders are on the same line the valve 15 is open.

[0070] The rotatable bar comprises a form 17 to which an axle of an actuator, such as a motor 7, grips. Each valve 15 has an actuator which rotates the valves 15 according to the parameters entered by the user.

[0071] When liquid is collected from the patient a tube is connected to the patient port 11 and the collection container tube is connected to the port 12 by the coupling 13. The fluid enters first to the housing 10 and after that it flows through one port 12 which is open to a collection container.

[0072] After the suction is interrupted there is a possibility that liquid remains in the collection container tube. Further, negative pressure continues to prevail in the tube and in the collection container. In order to remove the fluid in the tube and return the atmospheric pressure in the collection container, the manifold 6 may comprise by-pass channels 18 in the ports 12 for the collection container tubes. The channel 18 is open only when the port 12 is closed by the valve 15.

[0073] The manifold 6 may also comprise a by-pass channel 19 in the housing 10 of the manifold 6. There is a gasket between the housing 10 and the channel 19. The negative pressure prevailing in the manifold 6 can be measured from the channel 19 by connecting the channel 19 to a pressure sensor. The measured negative pressure shows the pressure exerted to the patient and indicates if there is a blockage in the system.

[0074] FIG. 3b shows another example of a manifold 6 in the apparatus 1. Basically the manifold 6 has the same structure as in FIG. 3a. However, each port 12 for the collection container tube may comprise a valve 15 comprising two cylinders provided with holes within each other. When the holes are on the same line the valve is open and when the holes are not on the same line the valve is closed. The manifold 6 may be provided with a no-return valve 31 in the beginning of the channel 19 which prevents liquid for entering into the channel 19. The downstream end of the coupling 13 can be closed by a cap 20 after the collection container tube is released from the coupling 13.

[0075] FIG. 3c shows a partial magnification of a manifold of FIG. 3b. The valve 15 is closed and air flows in the by-pass channel 18. The air flow in the by-pass channel 18 is denoted by arrow F.

[0076] FIG. 3d shows a partial magnification of a manifold of FIG. 3b. The inner cylinder 33 of the valve 15 is shown as an exploded view, i.e. the inner cylinder 33 has been taken out from its normal place which is inside the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder 33 comprises the holes 37 and a first groove 38 which forms the first part of the by-pass channel 18. The second part of the by-pass channel 18 is a second groove 39. When the inner cylinder 33 is inside the outer cylinder and the valve 15 is closed, the air flow F in the by-pass channel 18 advances from the first groove 38 to the second groove 39.

[0077] FIG. 4a shows a collection liner 21 as a cross sectional view. The collection liner comprises a closed bag portion 22 made of a flexible plastic film and a handle 23. The handle 23 serves as a handy grip but there are also functional channels inside the handle 23. The bag portion 22 and the handle 23 are attached to each other in such a manner that inlets 24, 25, 26, which advance inside the handle 23, open into the bag portion but otherwise the bag portion 22 is closed by a seam 48. The inlet 24 is for vacuum. The vacuum is connected to the collection liner 21 through a vacuum port 51 (shown in FIG. 6a). In the inlet 24 for the vacuum there is a hydrophobic filter 27 and an opening 29. The inlet 25 is for a collection container tube. The inlet 25 has a first end to which the collection container tube is joined and a second end which opens to the bag portion 22. The inlet 26 is for a solidifying agent or any other chemical additive entering into the collection liner 21.

[0078] Each inlet 24, 25, 26 is provided with a back flow preventing means, i.e. a back flow preventing device. The inlet 24 for vacuum comprises a hydrophobic filter 27 which swells if liquid reaches it, thus closing the flow. The inlet 25 for the collection container tube and the inlet 26 for the solidifying agent are surrounded with a thin plastic tube inside the bag portion 22. The thin plastic tube is fastened to the upper part of the bag portion 22, or it is fastened directly to the inlets. It forms a no-return valve 28. The no-return valve 28 is open only when the pressure inside the thin plastic tube is higher than around it. The thin plastic tube comprises of two parallel films joined together e.g. by welding. This structure confirms that the plastic tube seals properly without openings in the edges.

[0079] There is an ancillary handle 30 at the bottom of the bag portion 22. The ancillary handle 30 may be a slit which is formed under a seam 49 which closes the bag portion 22. There may be another seam 50 which is parallel with the above-mentioned seam 49.

[0080] FIG. 4b shows a collection liner 21 as a cross sectional view. The solution of FIG. 1b differs from the solution of FIG. 1a in that that the thin plastic tubes, which form the no-return valves 28, are fastened directly to the inlets 25, 26.

[0081] FIG. 4c shows a handle 23 of a collection liner 21 in a perspective view. The handle 23 comprises inlets 24, 25, 26. For the sake of clarity the inlet 26 is illustrated without a back flow preventing device, such as a no return valve, but the back flow preventing device consisting of a no return valve 28 is shown on the inlet 25. The same kind of no return valve 28 may exist in connection with the inlet 26.

[0082] The no return valve 28 comprises two thin plastic films 28a, 28b one upon the other. Both films 28a, 28b have the upper edge 44a, the lower edge 44c and the side edges 44b, 44d. The upper edges 44a of the films 28a, 28b are joined together and to the inlet 25 e.g. by welding so that a seam 59a forms. The respective side edges 44b, 44d are also joined together e.g. by welding in such a manner that seams 59b, 59c form. The lower edges 44c are not joined together, i.e. the lower end of the no return valve 28 is open. Thus, liquid is able to flow through the valve 28.

[0083] The seams 59b, 59c enhance the performance of the no return valve 28 because the films 28a, 28b are tightly together unless the pressure inside the thin plastic tube formed of the films 28a, 28b is higher than around it. Therefore, the collection container 21 is secured in such a manner that it cannot leak in any case.

[0084] FIG. 5a shows one example of the use of the collection liner 21. The collection liner is used with a canister 9 having an openable lid 32. The lid 32 is attached to the canister 9 by a hinge 35. The collection liner 21 is placed inside the canister 9 in such a manner that the inlet 24 is connected via opening 29 to the internal space of the canister and the inlet 25 for the collection container tube extends over the upper edge of the canister 9. After the collection liner 21 is in its place in the canister 9, the lid 32 of the canister 9 is closed. The canister 9 comprises a latch (not shown) for the lid 32. The latch secures that the lid 32 stays closed and sealed until opened.

[0085] The lid 32 comprises a gasket 34 which tightens and seals the lid 32 and the handle 21 against the edge of the canister 9. The gasket 34 may be a separate gasket or it is an integral part of the lid 32 or the canister 9, i.e. the lid 32 or the canister 9 is made of a material which is suitable for sealing, or the lid 32 or the canister 9 and the gasket 34 are formed at the same time of different materials. As the inlet 25 of the collection container tube extends over the edge of the canister 9, the inlet 25 remains outside the canister 9 when the lid 32 is closed. Thus, the collection container tube is not required to be disconnected while the collection liner 21 is removed from the canister 9.

[0086] FIG. 5b shows another example of a collection liner and a canister in a perspective view. The collection liner 21 is used with a canister 9 having an openable lid 32. The lid 32 is attached to the canister 9 by hinges 35. It is possible to detach the lid 32 from the canister 9, which makes it easier to clean the canister 9 and the lid 32. The collection liner 21 is placed inside the canister 9 in such a manner that the inlet 24 is connected via opening 29 to the internal space of the canister and the inlet 25 for the collection container tube extends outside the canister 9. After the collection liner 21 is in its place in the canister 9, the lid 32 of the canister 9 is closed. The lid 32 comprises at least one latch 201 for the canister 9. The latch secures that the lid 32 stays closed and sealed until opened.

[0087] The lid 32 comprises curved guides 202 inside the lid 32. The curved guides are preferably concentric as shown in FIG. 2b. The aim of the guides 202 is to prevent the collection liner 21 to stretch too much.

[0088] FIG. 6a shows a partial magnification of a collection liner 21 and a canister 9. As seen in FIG. 6a, the inlet 25 of the collection container tube remains outside the periphery of the canister 9. The vacuum to the canister 9 is connected via a vacuum port 51. The solidifying agent or another additive is fed through a channel 52 to the inlet 26 (shown in FIG. 5).

[0089] FIG. 6b shows a partial magnification of another solution comprising a collection liner 21 and a canister 9. As seen in FIG. 6b, the first end of the inlet 25 of the collection container tube is brought outside the canister 9. There is a recess 203 in the edge of the canister 9 which conforms to the outer shape of the handle 23. The handle 23 comprises a gasket 36 which seals the underside of the handle 23 towards the canister 9. The vacuum port is in the recess under the inlet 25.

[0090] FIG. 6c shows a partial magnification of a collection liner from inside. One can see how the vacuum port 51 and the channel 52 are situated. The solidifying agent or another additive is fed through the channel 52 to the inlet 26. The channel 52 extends through the wall of the canister 9. The inlet 26 tightens against the channel 52, thus enabling the flow of the solidifying agent or another additive into the collection liner 21.

[0091] FIG. 7a shows an apparatus 1 for collecting liquid from a patient. Some of the canisters 9 are removed so that one can see under the canisters 9. There is a strain gauge transducer 47 under each canister 9. The electrical resistance of the strain gauge transducer 47 varies due to the load that is exerted to the transducer 47. On the basis of the resistance the weight of the collection container, i.e. the canister 9 or the collection liner 21 can be determined.

[0092] FIG. 7b shows one variation of the apparatus 1 in FIG. 7. The apparatus 1 comprises a separation wall 204. Connections for docking the canister 9 onto the movable cart 3 of the apparatus 1 are behind the separation wall 204.

[0093] FIG. 7c shows the apparatus 1 of FIG. 7b without the separation wall 204, thus revealing the parts behind the separation wall 204.

[0094] The separation wall 204 is provided with an illumination device 205 at each canister 9. The illumination device 205 may be a LED stripe. Each illumination device may be controlled separately as to the light intensity or switching on/off.

[0095] FIG. 7d shows a partial magnification of a detail in the apparatus of FIGS. 7a to 7c. The vacuum port 51 is due to connect to the channel 51b and the channel 52 for the solidifying agent is due to connect to the channel 52b. The channels 51b and 52b float in respect of the body of the apparatus 1. The floating connection makes it possible that the canister 9 moves freely and therefore, it is possible to weigh the canister 9 reliably.

[0096] The floating connection can be locked in its place when the canister 9 is changed by moving a docking lever 58 to a prescribed locking position. The docking lever 58 may be replaced by another suitable device, such as a latch or like. In this position, the canister 9 can be attached and detached but the collection liner 21 cannot be used. Once the canister 9 is attached, the floating connection can be resumed by moving the docking lever 58 to a prescribed floating position. In this position the collection liner 21 can be attached to the canister 9 but the canister 9 cannot be detached (for further details see FIGS. 7e to 7g).

[0097] The channel 51b may comprise a flow meter measuring a flow value and a second pressure sensor measuring a second pressure value. A first pressure sensor measures a first pressure value which corresponds to the pressure value inside the manifold 6. The pressure difference of the first pressure value and the second pressure value is calculated. The flow value has a predetermined range for each pressure difference. If the flow value is under the predetermined range compared to the predetermined range corresponding the pressure difference in question there is a blockage. If the flow value is over the predetermined range compared to the predetermined range corresponding the pressure difference in question there is a leak.

[0098] FIG. 7e shows a further detail of the floating connection of the canister 9. The docking lever 58 comprises a stopper 56 which prevents removing the canister 9.

[0099] FIGS. 7f and 7g show another further detail of the floating connection of the canister 9. The docking lever 58 comprises a retainer 57 which prevents putting the collection liner 21 into its place.

[0100] FIG. 8a shows a schematic view of a system for feeding solidifying agent or another additive. There are three valves regulating the formation of the solidifying agent portion, namely the first valve 210, the second valve 215 and the third valve 220. The third valve 220 is in contact with ambient air A. Between the second valve 215 and the third valve 220 there is the solidifying agent cartridge 8a and a reservoir 8b which opens into a tube leading to the collection container 9. In the beginning the first valve 210 and the third valve 215 are closed. The second valve 215 is partially open. When the first valve 210 is opened the vacuum starts to draw the solidifying agent out of the reservoir 8b so that a portion of the solidifying agent is formed between the second valve 215 and the third valve 220. In the next step, the first valve 210 and the third valve 220 are open and the second valve 215 is still partially open. Air flows from the third valve 220 which stops the flow of the solidifying agent and compacts the portion of the solidifying agent against the second valve 220.

[0101] In the following step all the valves are open. The portion of the solidifying agent is shot then into the collection container 9, thus solidifying the liquid in the collection container. After the portion is shot, the second valve 215 and the third valve 220 are closed in such a manner that the second valve 215 remains partially open as in the beginning of the process. The first valve 210 is also eventually closed and the cycle to form the portion of the solidifying agent starts all over again.

[0102] FIG. 8b shows a schematic view of another system for feeding solidifying agent or another additive. There are at least two valves, namely a liner valve 225 and an air valve 230, which take part in giving out the solidifying agent. The liner valve 225 is near to the collection container 9. The reservoir 8b receiving solidifying agent from the cartridge 8a is between the air valve 230 and the liner valve 225. The pipe of the solidifying agent pipeline, which passes through the reservoir 8b, may work as an ejector. Such an alternative is described in connection with FIG. 8c.

[0103] The liner valve 225 and the air valve 230 are open when the solidifying agent is distributed. The solidifying agent pipeline is in contact with ambient air A through the air valve 230 and it is in contact with vacuum through the liner valve 225. The pipe beyond the air valve 230 may be choked at 235 in order to adjust the balance between ambient air and powder flowing in the pipe.

[0104] There may be a flush valve 240 between the reservoir 8b and the liner valve 225. The flush valve 240 is opened at the end of the powder distribution when the air valve 230 has been closed. The aim of the flush valve 240 is that the flush valve 240 opens access to ambient air A and the air flow cleans the pipe from the powder residuals.

[0105] FIG. 8c shows a detail of FIG. 8b. The pipe 241, which passes through the reservoir 8b, works as an ejector. The lower part of the reservoir 8b may have a shape of an inverted cone as shown in FIGS. 8b and 8c. The pipe 241 has an opening 242 through which air flow grabs the solidifying agent. The opening 242 is on the underside of the pipe 241 because under the pipe 241 the powder is loose and easily movable.

[0106] FIG. 9 illustrates schematically a graphical user interface 100 for an apparatus for collecting liquid from a patient. The graphical user interface may comprise a display unit 4 and/or different selection means, such as buttons, mouse, joystick and/or touch screen, with which the user may enter input through the graphical user interface 100 for the control unit 2. Naturally, the touch screen may be integrated to the display unit 4. The display unit 4 may comprise one or several display screens.

[0107] The graphical user interface 100 for an apparatus for collecting liquid from a patient may comprise at least one first user interface element 101 configured to display on a display unit 4 information related to at least one, preferably at least two, first collection containers 9 connected to a first suction channel XX, at least one second user interface element 102 configured to display on the display unit 4 information related to at least one, preferably at least two, second collection containers 9 connected to a second suction channel, and a third user interface element 103 configured to display on the display unit 4 information regarding liquid collected from the patient to at least one of the collection container 9 such as the amount of liquid collected from the patient to at least one of the collection containers. According to an embodiment, the third user interface element 103 is configured to display on the display unit 4 the total amount of liquid collected from the patient to the collection containers 9. According to an embodiment, the third user interface element 103 is further configured to display on the display unit 4 information regarding the liquid provided to the patient, such as the amount of liquid provided to the patient; and/or the difference between the amount of liquid provided to the patient and the amount of liquid collected from the patient.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the first interface element 101 and the second interface element 102 may be configured to display a graphical representation 104a-104f of each one of the collection containers 9. Thus, one graphical representation of a collection container 104a-104f may in each case represent one of the collection containers 9, respectively.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the graphical interface 100 may be configured to receive input from a user in the form of the user affecting any one of the graphical representations 104a-104f of the collection containers 9. The affecting may comprise pointing a graphical representation 104a-104f, touching a graphical representations 104a-104f, hovering over a graphical representation 104a-104f and/or any other manner of affecting a graphical user interface known as such.

[0110] The graphical interface 100 may be configured to select the collection container 9, the graphical representation 104a-104f of which the user has affected, for collecting fluid from the patient, in response to the input from the user. In other words, the graphical user interface 100 may send a request for the control unit 2 to connect the selected collection container 9 to a corresponding suction channel in response to the user affecting the graphical representation 104a-104f of the collection container 9.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the graphical user interface 100 may be configured to select the appearance of each one of the graphic representations 104a-104f of the collection containers 9 in such a manner that a difference appearance is selected for a collection container currently selected, a collection container selectable for collecting fluid from the patient, and a collection container not ready for collecting liquid from the patient. For example, a different colour, different thickness and/or transparency of lines and filling used for showing a collection container 9 on the display unit 4 may be selected by the graphical user interface 100 and/or the control unit 2 based on whether the collection container 9 is a collection container currently selected, a collection container selectable for collecting fluid from the patient, and a collection container not ready for collecting fluid from the patient.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the graphical user interface 100 may be configured to select the appearance of each one of the graphic representations 104a-104f of the collection containers 9 to visually show the degree of filling of the collection container 9 in question. For example, the graphical representation 104a-104f may display an illustration of a collection container filled to a degree of filling corresponding to the degree of filling of the actual, corresponding collection container 9.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the graphical user interface 100 may further comprise a selection element 105 for starting collection of fluid from the patient to one of said collection containers 9. The graphical user interface 100 may then be configured to receive input from a user in the form of the user affecting the selection element 105 for starting collection of liquid. The graphical user interface 100 may be configured to send a request for starting the collection of liquid from the patient to the selected collection container 9 to a control unit 2 in response to the user affecting the selection element 105 for starting collection of liquid on the graphical user interface 100. The graphical user interface 100 may be configured to only process the input from the user affecting the selection element 105 and to send the request to the control unit 2 if at least one of the collection containers 9 is ready for collecting liquid from the patient. According to an embodiment, the graphical user interface 100 may comprise at least one selection element 105 related to the first user interface element 101 and at least one selection element 105 related to the second user interface element 102, whereby each selection element 105 may be configured to send the request to the control unit 2 to start collecting fluid from the patient through the corresponding suction channel to one of the collection containers 9 that are related to the corresponding user interface element 101, 102.

[0114] According to an aspect, a method in connection with a graphical user interface for an apparatus for collecting liquid from a patient comprises steps needed for executing at least one of the functions described in connection with the graphical user interface 100. Preferably, the method comprises a combination of steps needed for executing at least two of the functions described in connection with the graphical user interface 100.

[0115] The control unit 2 may comprise a computer, a programmable logic or a programmable microprocessor, for example. The control unit 2 may be configured to cause display of at least one graphical user interface 100 as described above.

[0116] The apparatus for collecting liquid from a patient may further comprise at least one memory comprising program code comprising one or more modules, programs or sets of instructions stored in the memory for running operations. In different embodiments, the program code may comprise e.g. a system program, an installable application, an application plugin, an Internet browser or any other piece of computer program code.

[0117] According to an aspect, computer code for carrying out at least some of the above-illustrated features may be provided. According to another aspect, the memory and computer program code may be configured to cause the apparatus for collecting liquid from a patient to carry out at least some of the graphical user interface elements 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105, and related features illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0118] FIG. 10 shows an example of one possible graphical interface 100. The first user interface element 101 shows information about suction channel A and the second user interface element 102 shows information about suction channel B. The collection containers 104a-104c which are joined to the suction channel A are illustrated on the first interface element 101 and the collection containers 104d-104f which are joined to the suction channel B are illustrated on the first interface element 102. The vacuum level of suction channel A can be read from a scale 106 and the vacuum level of suction channel B can be read from a scale 107.

[0119] The third user interface element 103 shows in the section 108 the amount of liquid used for irrigation. The section 109 shows the amount of liquid that has been collected from the operation site. The section 110 shows the balance between the readings on the sections 108 and 109.

[0120] The main processing included in the display unit 4a controls the display, audio and touch screen. It communicates with the control unit 2 controller over the USB bus. The cart 3 has its own controller communicating with the control unit 2. The main processor, the control unit controller and the cart controller have their own software, memories and peripherals.