Importance

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Abstract

A probe for use with an endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument is disclosed. The endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument has a cannula, a fluid chamber having a proximal opening, a seal at the proximal opening, an irrigation port and a suction port, with the distal end of the fluid chamber communicating with the cannula, and the proximal end of the fluid chamber having a substantially cylindrical portion between the irrigation and suction ports. The probe of the invention has a proximal cylindrical portion, a middle portion, and a hollow distal portion. The proximal cylindrical portion has an outer surface which extends through and contacts the seal such that the proximal end of said fluid chamber is sealed. The middle portion extends through the substantially cylindrical portion of the fluid chamber and creates an annulus therebetween. The middle portion has an internal passageway with lateral openings. The passageway is in fluid communication with the hollow distal portion of the probe, while the lateral openings are in fluid communication with the annulus. O-rings around the middle portion divide the annulus into two or more sections such that the irrigation and suction ports are separated. Different probe embodiments permit suction through an annulus and irrigation through the probe and vice versa.

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First Claim