| abstract |
A fluid flow control apparatus specially adapted for use with an ultrasonic surgical tool (52) which provides for irrigation of a surgical site and for aspirating fluid from the site comprises a source of irrigation fluid (102), an irrigation fluid conduit (104) for conducting the irrigation fluid to a surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit (54) for conducting fluid away from the surgical site, a suction pump (112) connected to the aspiration site, a pressure-sensitive control system (120) for removing the source of suction from the aspiration conduit when a predetermined value of suction is exceeded, and a valve (132) for controllably admitting irrigation fluid into the aspiration fluid conduit. A check valve (109) in the irrigation conduit prevents a reverse surge when the irrigation fluid is admitted to the aspiration conduit. A modified T connector (400) with a first fluid conduit (402) having a male connector end (406) and a female connector end (404). A second rigid tubular member (408) in fluid communication with the first conduit (402) has a third rigid member (414) a right first angles to the second rigid member (408) and is parallel to the first fluid conduit (402). |