Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A suction control system is provided for use by surgeons in recovering blood from a patient during the course of a surgical operation. A blood suction line extends from a pick-up tube, which is placed in the blood pool of the patient, to a cardiotomy reservoir. Attached to the blood suction line, but not communicating with it, is a vernier control valve to which two vacuum lines are connected and which valve is formed with a port and connecting passage between the two vacuum lines. One vacuum line is connected to a vacuum source while the other vacuum line connects to the cardiotomy reservoir. The valve is formed with an internal passage connecting the two vacuum lines and a port open to the atmosphere and communicating with the passage. The surgeon holds the valve unit in his hand with his thumb over the port. By moving his thumb back and forth he is able to control from zero to maximum the level of vacuum at the reservoir and thereby control the rate at which the blood is drawn through the blood suction line from the patient or stop the flow entirely.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim