A manual and automatic
fluid control system and method for use in open and laparoscopic
laser surgery and
electrosurgery is disclosed. The
system includes a manual mode along with several automatic
modes which can effectuate both suction and
irrigation, either individually or simultaneously. In the various automatic
modes, the suction and / or
irrigation is automatically activated during activation of a medical apparatus for
laser surgery or
electrosurgery without requiring separate activation from the surgeon or operating room staff. Several safety features for monitoring the
fluid control system are also incorporated within the system such as fluid sensors for detecting the absence of
irrigation fluid, pressure sensors and vacuum systems for monitoring
fluid pressure, fluid sensors for monitoring
fluid volume, and warning signals for detecting empty containers. All of the safety features are designed to automatically deactivate suction and / or irrigation means contained within the
fluid control system upon detection of unsafe levels. Finally, specially designed suction / irrigation hand pieces are disclosed for use in connection with the fluid
control system.