Specimen collection cassette for collecting tissue samples from fluid stream during medical surgical procedure

Abstract

To provide a system and method for collecting tissue samples from the gastrointestinal tract during a surgical procedure such as colonoscopy.SOLUTION: The invention provides a cassette 2600 for use with a medical waste collection system. The cassette includes a housing 2602, 2612. The housing is shaped to be removably attached to a receptacle integral with the housing. A sleeve 2640 is attached to the cassette so as to be located forward of the housing. The sleeve is formed with a void space. A fitting 2664 for collection to a suction line is attached to the sleeve. A screen is removably fitted in the sleeve void space. The screen is fitted in the sleeve void space when it is desirable to catch tissue that may be entrained in the fluid stream from the suction line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 57

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally provides a method for collecting waste generated during a surgical procedure and for disposing of waste generated during a surgical procedure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for collecting tissue samples. describes a system for retrieving tissue samples from the gastrointestinal tract during surgical procedures such as colonoscopy. The present invention relates to a system and method. [Background technology]

[0002] By-products of performing some medical and surgical procedures include liquid waste, semi-solid waste, and Solid waste includes body fluids such as blood, and Contains irrigation solution that is introduced into the internal body area where surgery is performed. and semi-solid waste, including tissue fragments and small pieces of surgical material that may be left at the surgical site. Dispose of the waste in a way that does not visually obstruct the surgical site and does not obstruct the surgical site. To prevent contamination and ensure that waste does not become biohazardous in the operating room or other area where surgery is performed. Ideally, waste should be collected as it is generated so that it does not become a nuisance.

[0003] Many systems have been developed by surgeons to collect this waste as it is generated. Generally, these units consist of a suction source, a wiring system extending from the suction source, and a The system includes a piping and a containment unit between the piping and the suction source. The waste is drawn through the distal end of the tubing. Suction draws the waste through the tubing. The water is drawn into the storage unit and flows into the storage unit, where it is stored. One such system is the "NEPTUNE" surgical waste collection system by the assignee of the present application. This particular system comprises a mobile unit with a suction pump and two canisters. The piping is connected to each canister via a removable manifold. The unit is mobile and can be placed relatively close to the patient where surgery is being performed. This allows the suction tubing (which constantly clutters the operating room) to be placed closer to the surgeon. This system also allows the surgeon and assistant to It has features that reduce the potential for exposure to materials collected by the system. Patent document 1, published on November 24, 2009, describes many of the features of this system. The contents of this patent are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] The system is characterized by a suction manifold, which is used to remove large solid materials. The system is equipped with a filter element to capture material debris, which prevents these solids from reaching the proximal end of the system. This is desirable because it can clog components located on the side. The manifold is formed from a material that allows it to be disposable. After use, take care to sterilize the narrow conduit or manifold with its internal filter. Instead, personnel handling the manifold after use need not expend any effort to remove this part. This process requires that these workers only come into contact with the exterior surfaces of the waste material. This will further minimize the likelihood of contact with the Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2004 / 0129997, assigned to the assignee of the present application, describes this type of manifold in more detail. No. 6,299,499, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,621,898 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,615,037 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Some surgical procedures, such as colonoscopy, require the use of one or more tissue samples during the surgical procedure. Preferably, tissue samples are collected from the patient. Tissue samples are typically sent to a laboratory , so that it can be analyzed automatically or manually by experts such as pathologists. In this case, suction is applied to the patient to collect tissue samples. The piping connecting the medical equipment to be used to the containment vessel is then manually shut off. Another device is placed in series with this piping so that it is located upstream of the containment vessel. The sample is captured within the device, which is then removed and drawn from the suction application device. These pipes are reconnected directly to the containment vessel. The pipes are repeatedly connected and disconnected during the collection of multiple samples. The interruptions and blockages add additional time to the surgical procedure. When the piping is shut off, a small amount of uncontained liquid waste and semi-solid waste adhering to the inside of the piping may be released into the surrounding area. It can be released into the environment and contaminate floors and other surfaces in the surgical facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a method for collecting tissue samples during medical and surgical procedures such as colonoscopy. The present invention relates to a novel and useful system and method for The stem is a movable unit to which both a source of irrigation fluid and a container for collecting waste are connected. The removable cassette is designed to be attached to the mobile unit. In many aspects of the invention, the cassette is a receptacle that is a structural component of the waste collection unit. The cassette is adapted to be seated within a receptacle. The receptacle is adapted to receive a suction pipe extending from the suction application device. The cassette has a fitting for receiving a line. The cassette also has a waste collection unit. The container has an outlet. A tissue trap is removably attached to the cassette. The tissue trap is designed to separate the fluid drawn through the cassette by suction. The trap is retracted into the movable unit. A filter is provided to capture tissue entrained in the fluid flow.

[0008] In some aspects of the invention, the tissue trap is adapted to be selectively attached to the cassette. In these aspects of the invention, a tissue trap is attached to the cassette. When the cassette is not in use, fluid flow is directed through a first set of conduits in the cassette into the vessel. When it is desired to remove a tissue sample from the fluid flow, the tissue trap is temporarily This allows the fluid to flow through the trap. The tissue is retained in the trap as the remainder of the material entrained in the waste stream to the cassette. This becomes the case.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the tissue trap is adapted to be removably attached to the cassette. However, even when tissue does not need to be collected, the cassette can still be used. In these aspects of the invention, one or more valves are configured to allow waste to flow. If you do not need to collect tissue, adjust the path of the cassette. , one or more valves are placed in a bypass mode. When the valve is in the bypass mode When tissue collection is desired, one or more The valves are set to a tissue collection mode. When one or more valves are in this mode, fluid The flow passes through a tissue trap before being discharged into a waste collection canister. The tissue is then transported downstream into a waste collection canister by a filter integrated into the trap. This will block the flow of direction.

[0010] In each embodiment of the present invention, once tissue is captured in one trap, it can be transferred to another trap. This allows for a single procedure to be performed using a single cassette. By attaching only one cassette to the waste collection unit, multiple samples can be captured. Since only a single cassette is used, the suction tube can be used continuously during surgery. This eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect the various cassettes. become.

[0011] The invention is particularly pointed out in the claims. The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a medical / surgical waste collection system of the present invention. [Figure 1B]FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a control system for controlling the operation of the medical / surgical waste collection system of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a colonoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a manifold assembly installed in a waste collection system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a right-front perspective view of a manifold assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left-front perspective view of the manifold assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of the manifold assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear view of the manifold assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figures 9A-9D] Figure 9A is a rear view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the open position, Figure 9B is a top view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the open position, Figure 9C is a front view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the open position, and Figure 9D is a right side view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the open position. [Figures 9E-9G] Figures 9E, 9F, and 9G are bottom, top, and perspective views of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the open position. [Figures 10A-10D] Figure 10A is a rear view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the closed position, Figure 10B is a top view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the closed position, Figure 10C is a front view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the closed position, and Figure 10D is a right side view of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the closed position. [Figures 10E-10G]Figures 10E, 10F, and 10G are bottom, bottom, and top perspective views of the upper cassette housing with the irrigation coupler in the closed position. [Figures 11A-11C] Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C are top, rear, and left side views of the tissue trap with the screen in the closed position. [Figure 11D.11E] Figures 11D and 11E are rear and front perspective views of the tissue trap with the screen in the closed position. [Figures 12A-12C] Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C are top, rear, and left side views of the tissue trap with the screen in the open position. [Figure 12D.12E] Figures 12D and 12E are rear and front perspective views of the tissue trap with the screen in the open position. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sample container and tissue trap. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tissue trap housed within a sample container. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a left-front perspective view of another embodiment of a manifold assembly. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 15A installed in a waste collection system. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded left front view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 15. [Figure 18A] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 15. [Figure 18B] FIG. [Figures 18C-18F]Figure 18C is a top view of the lower housing, Figure 18D is a bottom view of the lower housing, Figure 18E is a front view of the lower housing, and Figure 18F is a right side view of the upper housing. [Figure 19] FIG. 18B is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing a detail of FIG. 18A. [Figure 20A] FIG. [Figures 20B-20D] Figure 20B is a bottom view of the valve member, Figure 20C is a side view of the valve member, and Figure 20D is a top view of the valve member. [Figure 21A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tissue trap. [Figures 21B, 21E, and 21F] Figures 21B, 21E, and 21F are top, rear, and bottom views of the tissue trap. [Figures 21C and 21D] Figures 21C and 21D are front and side views of the tissue trap. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tissue trap housed within a sample container. [Figures 22B-22D] Figures 22B, 22C, and 22D are top, front, and cross-sectional views of the tissue trap housed within a sample container taken along section line 22D-22D of Figure 22C. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an exploded left front view of another embodiment of a manifold assembly. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24 is a right-front perspective view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 23. [Figure 24B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an actuator and a pinch valve. [Figure 25] FIG. 24 is a front view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the cassette. [Figures 28A-28C]Figure 28A is a top view of the lower cassette housing, Figure 28B is a right side view of the lower cassette housing, and Figure 28C is a bottom view of the lower cassette housing. [Figures 29A-29C] Figure 29A is a top view of the rubber sheet, Figure 29B is a right side view of the rubber sheet, and Figure 29C is a bottom view of the rubber sheet. [Figures 30A-30C] Figure 30A is a top view of the upper cassette housing, Figure 30B is a right side view of the upper cassette housing, and Figure 30C is a bottom view of the upper cassette housing. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is an exploded top view of the tissue trap and sample container. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom view of the tissue trap and sample container. [Figure 33] FIG. 2 is an exploded top view of the water bottle. [Figure 34] FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom view of the water bottle. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a manifold assembly showing a cassette seated in a receptacle. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 35 with the cassette seated in the receptacle. [Figure 37A.37B] Figures 37A and 37B are right-front and left-rear perspective views of a manifold assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 38A.38B] Figure 38A is an exploded front view of the manifold assembly, and Figure 38B is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly. [Figure 38C.38D] Figure 38C is a perspective view of the flapper valve unit, and Figure 38D is a cross-sectional view of the flapper valve unit. [Figure 39A.39B] 39A and 39B are top and side views of the manifold assembly with the tissue trap removed. [Figure 40A.40D] Figures 40A and 40D are top and rear views of the cassette cap. [Figure 40B, 40C, 40E] Figures 40B, 40C, and 40E are front, right, and left side views of the cassette cap. [Figure 41A.41D] Figure 41A is a top view of the cassette shell, and Figure 41D is a rear view of the cassette shell. [Figure 41B.41C.41E] Figure 41B is a front view of the cassette shell, Figure 41C is a right side view of the cassette shell, and Figure 41E is a left side view of the cassette shell. [Figure 42A.42D] Figures 42A and 42D are top and rear views of the tissue trap. [Figure 42B.42C.42E] Figures 42B, 42C, and 42E are front, right, and left side views of the tissue trap. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a manifold assembly. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a manifold assembly. [Figure 45A.45D] Figure 45A is a top view of the tissue trap of Figure 44. Figure 45D is a rear view of the tissue trap of Figure 44. [Figure 45B, 45C, 45E] Figure 45B is a front view of the tissue trap of Figure 44. Figure 45C is a right side view of the tissue trap of Figure 44. Figure 45E is a left side view of the tissue trap of Figure 44. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a manifold assembly. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is an exploded view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 46. [Figures 48A and 48B] 48A and 48B are perspective views of the tissue trap receiver with the cap attached and the cap removed, respectively. [Figure 49A.49D] Figure 49A is a front view of the tissue trap receiver of Figure 48B, and Figure 49D is a top view of the tissue trap receiver. [Figure 49B, 49C, 49E]Figures 49B, 49C, and 49E are bottom, side, and rear side views of the tissue trap receiver. [Figure 50] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the irrigation cassette assembly. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an irrigation cassette assembly installed in an irrigation receptacle. [Figure 52] FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of the irrigation cassette assembly of FIG. 50. [Figure 53] FIG. 51 is another exploded perspective view of the irrigation cassette assembly of FIG. 50. [Figure 54] FIG. 51 is an exploded side view of the irrigation cassette assembly of FIG. 50. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an irrigation cassette assembly. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of an irrigation cassette assembly. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components forming a further alternative cassette of the present invention. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 57. [Figure 59] FIG. 58 is a front view of the cassette of FIG. 57. [Figure 60] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of the cassette of FIG. 57. [Figure 61A.61B] 61A and 61B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a screen holder for use with the cassette of FIG. 57. [Figure 62] FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 57 with the screen holder installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [I. Appearance] FIG. 1A illustrates a waste and tissue collection system 30 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The system 30, sometimes referred to as a mobile unit or rover, includes a base 32. Typically, the cover assembly and door assembly are used to secure the components of the mobile unit 30. Although the cover assembly and door are hidden, these components are visible. The assembly is omitted in FIG. 1A. Wheels 3 attached to the bottom of base 32 4 provides mobility to the system. Two canisters 36, 38 are attached to the base 3 2. Of these canisters, the first canister 36 is approximately 10 It has a relatively large internal volume of between 1 and 40 liters. The cylinder 38 has a smaller volume of approximately between 1 and 10 liters. The canisters 36 and 38 have caps 40 and 42, respectively.

[0014] With further reference to FIG. 2, a canister cap 42 of the canister 38 is attached to the canister cap 42. The manifold assembly 100 is a The receptacle 102 and the cassette 200 are included. 102. As will be explained below, cassette 200 includes multiple The fitting 180 receives the suction line 50. The fitting 181 is adapted to receive the irrigation line 51. The distal end of each of the suction line 50 and the irrigation line 51 is Attached to a suction application device 52. (As used herein, "distal" refers to the area where suction is applied.) ("proximal" refers to the side toward the surgical site where the procedure will be performed, and "proximal" refers to the side away from the surgical site.) In FIG. 1A, suction application device 52 is specifically designed only to apply suction and irrigation. While the handpiece is shown generally as a tubular handpiece, this is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that in some cases, the suction application device 52 may be used for both suction and irrigation. Other surgical tools applied to a surgical site to perform tasks other than providing a surgical instrument, e.g., a colonoscope. Or it may be incorporated into a cauterizing tool.

[0015] The suction pump 58 and the peristaltic pump 70 are also part of the mobile unit 30. From 40, 42, ducts extend to the suction conduits. In FIG. 1A, these conduits are shown by dashed lines. These conduits are depicted as 60. These fluid paths are: The suction pump pumps the canisters 36, 38, and more specifically, the canisters The fluid path is adapted to draw a vacuum through a suction tube connected to the suction pump. When pump 58 is activated, the resulting suction causes material to attach to the suction tube. The material will be drawn into the attached applicator.

[0016] A continuous aspiration fluid communication path 184 is formed from the applicator 52 to the aspiration pump 58. The waste stream is directed from the receptacle 102 into the associated canister 36. Liquid material and small pieces of solid material entrained in this stream will be transported from the stream to the canister. This waste therefore remains in the canister 36 until it is emptied. The gas and some small particles entrained in this stream are stored in the storage tank 36. , and flows from the canister towards the suction pump 58.

[0017] An alternative manifold receptacle 1699 is shown attached to the canister 36. The manifold receptacle 1699 may be connected to other manifolds that are not part of this invention. (not shown). This particular manifold receptacle and the manifold inserted therein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,037.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the cap 42 is formed by a protruding portion extending upward from the upper surface of the base of the cap. The cap head 63 is formed to have a solid cap head 63. A cavity 64 is formed in the cap head. The receptacle 102 is mounted within this cavity 64. The receptacle 102 has a panel that fits into the internal panel of the cap head 63. The cassette 200 is mounted in the cavity 64 so as to contact the receptacle. The irrigation fitting 180 and the suction fitting 181 are removably held within the tube 102. , extending distally from cassette 200.

[0019] The peristaltic pump 70 pumps irrigation fluid as follows: flows from irrigation fluid source 72 through irrigation line 162, cassette 200, and irrigation line 51. The irrigation line is delivered to the applicator 52 where it is delivered to the surgical site. The peristaltic pump 70 is connected to the eccentric roller 74 by a shaft 72. The peristaltic pump 70 has a rotary electric motor 71 connected thereto. The peristaltic pump 70 is described in more detail below. As will be apparent, irrigation fluid is supplied to the applicator 52. A continuous irrigation fluid communication path 182 is formed throughout the applicator 52 .

[0020] The linear actuator 80 is connected to the piston 300 via a connecting rod 82. The linear actuator 80 moves the rod 82 toward the piston 300 and away from the piston. The piston 300 shown is reciprocating away from the piston 300. , located towards the sleeve distal end 245, the illustrated tissue trap 350 is Located towards the sleeve proximal end 244 .

[0021] FIG. 1B illustrates a control system 190 for controlling the operation of the waste collection system 30. The control system 190 is mounted within the waste collection system 30. The system 190 includes a controller 192. The controller 192 is a general-purpose microcontroller. The processor may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a computer. The controller 192 includes a suction motor 58, a pump motor 71, an actuator 80, and a light source 12. 9, in communication with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 194, and a control panel 196, The control panel 196 allows the user to control the operation of the waste collection system. buttons, switches, and controls that allow you to select, control, and observe the operating parameters of the system 30. It has a touch screen, a touch panel, and a display.

[0022] FIG. 1C illustrates a suction application device 52, specifically a colonoscope 52 for performing a colonoscopy. The colonoscope 52 is connected to an elongated flexible tube 165 having an end 166. The hand grip 164 has an irrigation fluid connection 165. 67, connected to a suction connection 168, a light source 169, and an air pump 170. The tube 165 includes a suction passage 171, an air passage 172, a water passage 173, and a biopsy valve 17. 4. Irrigation fluid connection 167 is connected to irrigation line 51 (FIG. 1A). The suction connection 168 is connected to the suction line 50 (FIG. 1A). and positioned at the surgical site, and suction, air, or irrigation fluid is delivered to the surgical site through end 166. The colonoscope 52 is used to collect or circulate polyp samples from the gastrointestinal tract. A cutting tool (not shown) can be inserted through the biopsy valve 174 and the aspiration passage 171. The cutting tool is adapted to be inserted into the surgical site by cutting and removing the polyp. The cutting tool is removed from the suction channel 171 and the polyp is removed from the suction channel 17 The tissue is then extracted from the excision site by suction applied through 1.

[0023] [II. First embodiment] [A. Receptacle] 3 to 6, a manifold assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is The manifold assembly 100 includes a receptacle 102, a cassette 200, and a , piston 300, and tissue trap 350.

[0024] The receptacle 102 is shown as having a generally rectangular shape. Other shapes, e.g. For example, a round, oval, or square shape may be used. Six outer panels, namely, an upper panel 1, spaced apart parallel to one another and oriented generally horizontally; 05 and bottom panel 106, and panels 10 and 10 are spaced apart parallel to each other and oriented generally vertically. 7, 108, and a front panel 109 and a portion 109 oriented generally vertically and spaced apart parallel to each other. The rear or back panel 110 is defined by a flange 112. The flange 112 extends perpendicularly outward in the circumferential direction from the rear surface 105, 107, and 108. 14. The receptacle 102 may be made of any suitable material, for example, injection molded. It may be made of plastic.

[0025] The front panel 109 is horizontally oriented with a narrow region 119 and a wide region 120. The receptacle defines an opening 118. The opening 118 extends across the width of the receptacle. The connector 104 penetrates the receptacle 102 from the front panel 109 to the rear panel 110. The panel 117 extends perpendicularly away from the bottom panel 106 and extends through the wide area 12 of the opening. The bottom panel 116 is bounded by the bottom panel 116 so as to define the bottom panel 116. The bottom panel 116 extends between panels 07 and 117. The bottom panel 116 is generally parallel to the panel 106. Area 120 is defined by panels 105, 107, 116, and 117. The area 120 is integral with the narrow area 119 .

[0026] A generally rectangular door opening 124 is positioned adjacent to the edge of the receptacle and the side panel 107. In the embodiment shown, the upper panel 105 defines a generally rectangular irrigation opening 126 (FIG. 6). The bottom panel 106 defines a gap at the edge of the receptacle and adjacent to the side panel 108. The light hole 128 (FIG. 6) is located at the position where it contacts and separates from the flange 112, and the side panel 1 07. To illuminate the piston 300 and tissue trap 350, A light source, such as a photodiode 129, is mounted within the light bore 128. The lead 129 is connected to a power source (not shown) mounted within the cap 42. The opening or port 130 (FIG. 5) is located near the front panel 109 and is secured to the bottom panel 11. It is defined as 6.

[0027] An elongated door 136 is pivotable to the top panel 105 via one or more hinges 142. 4 and 5, only the top edge of the door 136 is visible. The door 136 has an upper edge 138 and a wide section 140 to which feet 141 are attached. The feet 141 extend perpendicularly from the bottom of the door 136 into the wide area 120 of the opening 118. The door 136 can be moved about a hinge 142 between an open position shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and a closed position shown in FIG. 6 (where the door 136 includes both a narrow region 119 and a wide region 120). In the closed position, the foot 141 is adapted to rotate between a closed position (covering the foot 141) and a 1. The canister 38 is disposed over the intake opening 130, thereby sealing or closing the path to the canister 38. When the door 136 is in the open position, the foot 141 passes through the door opening 124. The slide 142 is in operation when the cassette 200 is removed from the passage 118 or when the cassette 200 is in operation. When not attached to the door 136, the door 136 is normally biased to a closed position.

[0028] A pair of opposing, parallel L-shaped The elongated rail 134 is spaced from the bottom panel 106 at a location below the irrigation opening 126. The rails 134 define slots 132 therebetween. 2 extends inwardly from the panel 108 below the irrigation opening 126 and along the irrigation opening 126. Parallel, opposing slots 135 extend along each rail 134. is defined along the length of

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, irrigation coupler 150 connects irrigation line 162 (FIG. 1A) to cassette 2 00. Irrigation coupler 150 has a distal end 153 A generally rectangular body 152 having a wide integral proximal handle 154 and a a pair of parallel, oppositely facing tapered elongated side surfaces 156 located at the An outlet fitting 158 formed from a compressible material extends upwardly from the body 152. The inlet port 160 extends downwardly through the body 152 toward the proximal handle 154. The inlet port 160 has a barbed end (not shown) for holding an irrigation line 162. A fluid communication path extends through the body 152 from the outlet fitting 158 to the inlet port 156. An irrigation line 162 extends between the inlet port 160 and an irrigation fluid source. 72. Irrigation coupler 150 may be made of any suitable material, e.g. , may be made from injection molded plastic.

[0030] The irrigation coupler 150 is adapted to be inserted into and removed from the slot 132. The user grasps the handle 154 and aligns the beveled sides 156 with the grooves 135. irrigation coupler 152 by directing distal end 153 toward slot 132 so that it engages 150 can be inserted. The handle 154 can be manually engaged towards the receptacle 102. Continued pressure causes the beveled side 156 to slide along the groove 135, Thus, when the handle 154 contacts the rail 134, the irrigation coupler 150 is fully extended. The irrigation coupler 150 is seated within the hole 132. The user grasps the handle 154 and inserts the irrigation coupler 150 into the hole 132. Irrigation coupler 150 can be removed by pulling 150 away from slot 132. This can be done.

[0031] Identification device 376 (FIG. 5) is attached to the irrigation coupler. 76 shall include any suitable identification device, e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device. The identification device may be a card, a bar code, a magnetic strip, or other storage device. , including information such as configuration information, expiration information, and control information for reuse or reprocessing. It is possible.

[0032] [B. Cassette] 7, 8, 9A-9G, and 10A-10G show cassette 200 in detail. Cassette 200 may be made of any suitable material, such as injection molded plastic. 7 and 8, the cassette 200 may be formed of a substantially rectangular shape. and has a housing 202. The housing 202 is made up of two parts: It has an upper housing 204 and an opposing lower housing 206. Although shown as using two parts, it is understood that the housing 202 is a single, integral piece. It is also anticipated that the upper housing 204 and the lower housing The upper and lower housings 206 are fitted together to form the housing 202. The cavity 203 is Between the housing 204 and the lower housing 206, a The upper housing 204 comprises a flat top panel 207, a front panel 208, and a curved rear panel 209. The panel 208 includes a panel 210, and side panels 212, 214, and 215. 10, 212, 214, and 215 extend perpendicularly away from the upper panel 207.

[0033] A pair of internal support panels 218, 219 extend between the front panel 208 and the rear panel 210. The inner support panels 218 and 219 are generally parallel to each other and extend from the upper panel 207. The inner support panels 218, 219 extend perpendicularly away from the irrigation tube passage. An opening 222 in the front panel 210 opens into the tube passage 220. The cover 224 extends away from the side panel 214 and is connected to the top panel 207. The cover 224 extends between the side panel 214 and the cover 224. It is mechanically supported by several ribs 216. An arm 226 is attached to the rear panel 2 208, extending away from the side panel 214 and adjacent to the top panel 2 07. A slot 227 is defined between the cover 224 and the arm 226. It is being done.

[0034] The suction fitting 180 is a 90° elbow fitting that provides a fluid communication path, and the arm 2 26. The suction fitting 180 is attached to the suction line 50 (FIG. 1A) when it is detached. The arm 226 has a tapered end 228 and another end 229. The tapered end 228 extends somewhat away from the front of the cassette 200. The upper housing 206 faces away from the upper housing 206, and the end 229 faces towards the lower housing 206. The housing 204 further includes an irrigation connector 260 (FIG. 8). are located in the corners of the cassette 200 adjacent the panels 212 and 215. With further reference to FIGS. 9A-9G and 10A-10G, the irrigation connector 260 has a generally L-shaped body 262 with a pair of spaced apart flexible legs 264. Feet 264 extend from body 262 and rest on panel 207. Irrigation Connector 260 has a tapered outlet end or port 266 and a chamfered recessed inlet end or port The outlet end or port 266 is located at a portion of the panels 210, 216. The irrigation connector 260 forms a 90° bend or elbow. A fluid communication path for irrigation fluid is defined between the inlet port 268 and the outlet port 266. The main body 262 is attached to the panel 212 via a living hinge 270. A living hinge is a one-piece joint between two components that are desired to move relative to each other. The feet 264 are thin flexible hinges or flexure bearings formed by the spring force. This biases the body away from the panel 207. .

[0035] The upper housing 204 includes an irrigation connector 260 extending distally from the side 212. In this position, the irrigation connector 260 is The body 260 is located outside the housing 204. The legs 264 of the body 260 are located on the upper panel 207. and positioning the living area so that the outlet port 266 is located between a portion of the panels 210 and 215. It can rotate about hinge 270 into cavity 203 (FIG. 10E). In the embodiment, the irrigation connector 260 is located inside the upper housing 204 .

[0036] 7 and 8, the lower housing 206 includes a flat bottom panel 230, It includes a front panel 232, a curved back panel 234, and side panels 236. 232, 234, and 236 extend perpendicularly away from the bottom panel 239, and each It has a beveled edge 237. It has a U-shape that allows the irrigation tube end 282 to pass through. The opening 235 is disposed in the front panel 232. The cassette 230 is generally elongated and hollow and has a square shape. A rib 240 extends outwardly from the end 238 of the bottom panel 230 .

[0037] The sleeve 240 has an outer surface 242, an inner surface 243, a proximal end 244, a distal end 245, and an aperture. The bore 246 is formed between the proximal end 244 and the distal end 246 of the sleeve. 240. A suction opening 248 is located near the proximal end 244. The cassette ejection port 250 is defined on one side of the sleeve 240. is defined on the opposite side of the sleeve 240 near

[0038] The lower housing 206 includes a lens 223 (FIG. 5) mounted on the upper side of a sleeve 240. The lens 223 can magnify the contents of the tissue trap 350. The user can see through the lens 223 the image captured in the tissue trap 350. Any collected tissue samples can be observed. The pump tubing 280 is connected to the irrigation tube. Tube 181, ends 281, 282, curved roller contact area 284, and inclined area 28 After the pump tube 280 is installed in the lower housing 204, the inclined section The area 284 will be located within the passage 220 of the cassette 200. 80 may be formed from any suitable material, for example, elastomer or silicone rubber. End 281 may be tapered exit end or port 26 of irrigation connector 260. 6. The curved roller contact area 284 is pressed around the outer surface of the curved panel 210. The sloped section 286 is disposed adjacent to the panel 21 and extends along the outer surface. 8, 219 is disposed within the irrigation tube passage 220 and is retained therein. The pump tube 280 extends from the sloped section 286 through the openings 222 and 235 to the ends 222 and 235. 82. The pump tubing 280 allows irrigation fluid to flow from the outlet port 266 to the irrigation Note that fitting 181 provides a fluid communication path allowing flow therethrough.

[0039] The upper housing 204 and the lower housing 206 are fitted together to form the cassette 20 The housings 204 and 206 are press-fit together to form two housing sections. They are held together by a snap fit or by welding. A step, for example, adhesive, may be used. When mated, the beveled edges 237 press the panels 232, 234, and 236 together, In the mated position, the cover is seated inside the panels 208, 210, and 212. The sleeve 240 has a distal end 245 and a distal end 245. The sleeve 240 has a distal end 245. The distal end 245 extends over a portion of the sleeve 240 near the distal end 245. In the mated position, the arm 226 is secured to the sleeve 24 near the proximal end 244. 0, and end 229 of suction fitting 180 fits within suction opening 248. or has become accepted.

[0040] With further reference to FIG. 5, piston 300 is shown as having a generally rectangular shape. Other shapes may be used, for example, round, oval, or square. The casing 300 has six outer surfaces, namely, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a bottom surface, which are parallel, spaced apart, and generally horizontally oriented. 302 and a bottom surface 303, and a surface 304 oriented generally vertically and spaced apart from each other in parallel relation. 305, and a front surface 306 and a rear surface 307 that are parallel, spaced apart, and oriented in a generally vertical direction. , the chamber 301 is defined within the piston 300. A raised rim 308 extends from the front panel 306 and surfaces 302, 303, 304, and 305 to the periphery. Another raised rim 310 extends at an angle outward along the rear panel 307 and the surface Extending from 302, 303, 304, and 305 at an inclined angle outward along the periphery.

[0041] Piston 300 has a proximal end 318 and a distal end 319 facing toward bore 146. A generally rectangular recess 312 is defined near the center of the distal end 319. The bottom is defined by a shelf 313. The opening 314 is formed by a shelf near the distal end 319. The opening 314 is located between the shelf 313 and the bottom surface 304. 300. An opening 316 (FIG. 8) extends through the bottom surface 303 near the distal end 319. The opening 316 is coaxial with the opening 314. The piston 300 is The piston 300 is configured to be received by the bore 246 of the piston 240. The raised rims 308, 310 slide along the inner surface 243 so as to contact the inner surface 243. Piston 300 can be made of any suitable material, for example, an injection molded elastomer. The piston 300 may be formed from raised rims 308, 310 and an inner surface 243. It is designed to create a seal between the

[0042] 11A-11E and 12A-12E, a tissue trap 350 is shown. The tissue trap 350 is generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes, such as round or oval, may also be used. A rectangular or square shape may be used. The tissue trap 350 may be made of any suitable material. materials, for example, formed from low durometer plastics or thermoplastic elastomers; The tissue trap 350 may be made up of five outer panels, i.e., parallel spaced apart. The panels 352, 353 are parallel and spaced apart from each other and oriented in a generally vertical direction. vertically oriented front panel 354 and back panel 355 and a horizontally oriented bottom panel 3 56. A notch 357 is located in the panel 355. The lunge 358 extends from the front panel 354 and the panels 352, 353, 354, and 356 in a circumferential direction. The tissue trap 350 defines a cavity 360.

[0043] A pair of oppositely spaced apart central features 362, 364 are positioned at the sides or edges 355 A central feature 362 is located near the side or end 353 and extends distally from the The central feature 364 is located near the side or edge 352. 2,364 secures the tissue trap 350 during insertion into the bore 246 (FIG. 7) of the sleeve 240. The opening 366 is located adjacent to the interior of the panel 355 and is connected to the bottom panel. An opening 366 is defined in the inner wall 356. The opening 366 is in fluid communication with the cavity 360.

[0044] The L-shaped screen 368 rotates around the tissue trap 350 by a living hinge 374. The screen 368 has a rectangular bottom section 369 and rectangular side sections 368a, 368b, 368c, 368d, 368e, 368f, 368g, 368h ... The bottom section 369 is perpendicular to the side sections 370. The screen 368 has a number of holes 372 defined therethrough. The screen 368 is centered around a hinge 374. 11A-11E and the closed position in cavity 360 as shown in FIGS. 12A-12E. 12E. The slit 364 is rotatable between an open position outside the cavity 360 as shown in FIG. 12E.

[0045] An identification device 376 (best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6) is attached to the tissue trap 35 0 side 352. Identification device 376 may be any suitable identification device. devices, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or devices, bar codes, magnetic strips, or The identification device may be a storage device or other storage device. It may contain information such as control information for use or reprocessing.

[0046] Another identification device 378 (best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) is provided for cassette 20 0 cover 224. Identification device 378 may be any suitable identification devices, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, bar codes, magnetic strips, or other The identification device may be a storage device. The identification device may store setting information, expiration information, and information about reusability or may contain information such as control information for reprocessing.

[0047] 13 and 14 show a sample container or sample bottle 380. The vial 380 has a generally cylindrical shape with an outer panel 382 and a bottom panel 383 . Two oppositely facing, spaced apart, flat gripping areas 384 are attached to the outer panel of the sample container 380. 382. A compartment 388 is defined within the sample container 380. In this embodiment, compartment 388 contains a preservative solution 389, such as formalin or other suitable preservative solution. In other embodiments, the preservative solution is omitted. It is made of a transparent material so that the contents of picture 388 can be observed by the user.

[0048] A tubular flange 386 extends circumferentially outward above the panel 382. 387 is defined on the outer surface of flange 386. Circular cap 390 is attached to the tubular threads. The cap 390 has a rotatable member 391 for rotating the cap 390 relative to the sample container 380. The sample container 380 is attached by fitting the screw portions 387 and 391 together. It is now possible to do this.

[0049] The cap 390 is removably attached to the sample container 380 by a cap retainer 392. The cap retainer 392 has an elongated arm 395. The shaft 395 has a proximal end 396 removably attached to the flange 386 and an arcuate The distal end 397 is attached to a rib 393. The rib 393 is secured by a tab 394. The tab 394 is connected to the rib 393 and the cap 390. This creates a weak connection between them.

[0050] The user places the cap 390 on the sample container 380. 2 is aligned with the threads 387 and 391. When rotated relative to the cap, tab 394 breaks, releasing cap 390 from cap retainer 392. The user then pulls the arm 395 to separate the cap retainer 392. It can be removed from the sample container 380.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 14, the user places the tissue trap 398 containing the tissue sample 398. 50 is placed in compartment 398, thereby accessing tissue trap 350 and tissue sample 3 The tissue sample 398 may be immersed in a preservative solution 389. For example, the tissue sample 398 may be a biopsy sample from a part of the body. The cap 390 may be a stencil or a polyp from the colon. 380, thereby securing the tissue sample 398 and tissue trap 350. is sealed in the sample container 380.

[0052] C. Operation of the First Embodiment 1 to 14, the movable unit 30 (FIG. 1) is configured to allow a user to insert the cassette 200 a complementary receptacle 102 of the manifold assembly 100 associated with the canister 38 This step is done by inserting the rear panel 2 15 to open the door 136 and insert the cassette 102 into the receptacle 102. When the door 136 is opened, the foot 141 passes through the opening 124. The cassette 200 slides into the passage 118 until the rear panel 215 contacts the rear panel 110. In this position, the cassette ejection port 250 (FIG. 8) is in communication with the aspiration conduit 59. The curved tube section 284 is seated on the peristaltic pump rollers 59 and is in fluid communication with the suction conduit 59. 74, whereby the rotation of roller 74 forces the irrigation fluid through pump tube 2. It will be sent to within 80.

[0053] The RFID reader 194 recognizes the RFID tag 376 of the inserted cassette 200, When the cassette 200 is seated in the receptacle 102, the movable unit 30 can be operated. The cassette 200 is inserted into the receptacle 102. After insertion, the controller 192 activates the light source 129, and the piston 300 and The tissue trap 350 is illuminated.

[0054] An irrigation line 162 is connected between the irrigation fluid source 72 and the irrigation coupler 150 . The irrigation coupler 150 is inserted into the slot 132. The user grasps the handle 154 and , and rotate the distal end 153 toward the slot 132 so that the beveled side 156 engages the groove 135. The irrigation coupler 150 can be inserted by guiding the handle 154. Continual manual pressure on the receptacle 102 will cause the irrigation coupler 150 to slide into the slot. sliding the beveled side 156 along the groove 135 until it is fully seated within 132; In this position, the outlet fitting 158 is connected to the pump via the irrigation connector 260. The outlet fitting 158 thus provides a connection to the tubing 280. It will be in fluid communication with the tube 280.

[0055] The mobile unit 30 attaches the suction line 50 to the fitting 180 and the irrigation line 51 By attaching the attachment 181 to the attachment 181, an application device 52 such as a colonoscope can be connected to the unit. This completes the preparation for use.

[0056] The mode of operation of cassette 200 is determined by the positioning of piston 300 within sleeve 240. The piston 300 is initially positioned in the sleeve 2. 3 at the distal end 244 of the 40. This is the bypass position. In the bypass position, the piston 300 is in the following position: the recess 312 is in the mounting position. 180 so that the hole 314 is aligned with the cassette ejection port. The piston 300 is oriented such that it allows fluid to flow through the piston 300 .

[0057] The movable unit 30 operates the suction pump 58 and the peristaltic pump 70. , is activated. Operation of the aspiration pump 58 draws the waste stream away from the surgical site into aspiration fluid communication. The fluid is drawn into the applicator 52 along the passage 184 and then removed through the suction line 50. From the fitting 180, the waste stream passes through the piston. Specifically, through recess 312 into hole 314, and then through hollow interior cavity 301. The waste material then travels through the piston hole 316 and the cassette ejection port 250. From conduit 59, the waste stream is directed into canister 38. This mode of operation allows the suction communication path 184 to bypass the tissue trap 350. That's why it's called bypass mode.

[0058] The liquid and solid components of the waste stream entering canister 36 or 38 settle out of the stream. The liquid falls and is retained in the canisters 36, 38, which are ultimately disposed of.

[0059] Operation of the peristaltic pump 70 pumps irrigation fluid from the irrigation source 72 through the irrigation fluid communication path 18. 2 along with irrigation line 162, irrigation connector 150, pump tubing 280, irrigation attachment The device 181 is delivered through the irrigation line 51 into the application device 52 for application to the surgical site. It has become common to do so.

[0060] The user may use cassette 200 to collect tissue samples such as polyps. The cassette 200 includes a piston 300 within the sleeve 240. , so that it is placed in tissue collection mode.

[0061] The user manually inserts the tissue trap 350 into the sleeve 240. , the piston 300 is pushed distally from the screen 350, i.e., the sleeve 24 The central features 362 and 364 move further into the tissue trap 350. The piston 300 is guided into the flange 300 of the piston 300 and brought into contact with the panel 306. be.

[0062] This position is shown in Figure 2. In this position, the piston 300 is The tissue trap 350 is located toward the proximal end 245 of the sleeve 240. When inserted into the cassette, flange 358 abuts against cassette proximal end 244. This allows tissue collection In the tissue collection position, the tissue trap 350 is positioned such that the cavity 360 is in the open position of the fixture 180. The cassette ejection port 250 is positioned below the nozzle and oriented so that the hole 366 is aligned with the cassette ejection port 250. , which allows flow through the piston tissue trap 350. Tissue Collection In this position, the piston 300 is not part of the communication path.

[0063] When the system is in tissue collection mode, the waste stream is directed away from the surgical site through the suction communication path 18. 4 into the applicator 52 and then through the suction line 50 to the fitting 180 This waste stream is directed into the suction applicator 52 as a result of the suction through the applicator 52. 52. From fixture 180, the waste stream is through cavity 360, screen 368, holes 366, and holes 250 into conduit 59 From conduit 59, the waste stream is directed into canister 38. Tissue sample 398 is captured by the screen 368 within the tissue trap 350. This mode of operation is This is called the tissue collection mode because the suction communication path 184 passes through the tissue trap 350. To collect a sample using the tissue collection mode, the suction line 50 is shut off or Note that there is no need to reconnect.

[0064] The plastic forming the tissue trap 350 allows the user to observe the tissue sample 398. The tissue sample 398 is at least partially transparent to allow for Light source 129 provides illumination within tissue trap 350 .

[0065] The tissue trap 350 is activated by the user by actuating the linear actuator 80. , and is adapted to be removed from sleeve 240. Alternatively, tissue trap 350 may be The tissue trap 350 can be manually pulled out by the user, or by a lever or Alternatively, the device may be detached by using a spring mechanism (not shown). To activate the actuator 80, the user presses one of the buttons on the control panel 196. The actuator 80 pushes the shaft 82. The piston 300 is driven to push linearly against the sleeve 24. The piston 300 can be moved from the proximal end 245 to the distal end 244. This movement moves the tissue trap 350 out of the hole 246 of the sleeve 240. This allows the user to grasp the tissue trap 350. When the piston returns to the proximal position, The system is considered to have returned to bypass mode.

[0066] If it is beneficial for the practitioner to collect other tissue samples at later times during surgery, If you think that this is the case, you can place another trap 350 in sleeve 2 to collect another tissue sample. 40 holes 246. Multiple tissue traps 350 can be used to Tissue samples can be collected. Disconnect or reconnect the suction line 50 during surgery. Large numbers of tissue samples can be collected without the need for a separate sample.

[0067] Another feature of the present invention is that the system has a bypass mode of operation and a tissue collection mode of operation. The changeover can be done without stopping the suction pump during this transition. It should be understood that when using the present invention to perform tissue collection, the overall length of time to perform the procedure may be significantly reduced. is not prolonged by the time required to repeatedly activate and deactivate the suction pump 58. This means that...

[0068] After removing the tissue trap 350 from the cassette 200, the user 50 is placed in a sample container 380. In the sample container 380, the tissue trap 350 is As shown in FIG. 14, the tissue sample is immersed in a preservative solution 389, which The sample container 398 is then covered with the preservative solution 38. The cap 390 is placed in place by the cap retainer 392. The cap retainer 392 is aligned with the threaded portions 391 and 387. When the cap 390 is rotated relative to the sample container 389, the tab 3 94 breaks, and the cap 390 separates from the cap retainer 392. The operator pulls the arm 395 to remove the cap retainer 392 from the sample container 380. The sample container 380 can be sent to a pathology lab for analysis.

[0069] Once the medical / surgical procedure is completed and the use of the mobile unit 30 is no longer required Then, the suction line 50 and the irrigation line 51 are spaced apart from the fittings 180 and 181, respectively. The irrigation coupler 150 may be disengaged from the receptacle 102. The cassette 200 is removed from the receptacle 102. When removed from 102, door 136 closes passageway 118. When door 136 is in the closed position When in position, the foot 141 covers the conduit 59, thereby sealing the entrance to the conduit 59. The closure of passage 118 prevents leakage of waste material remaining within receptacle 102. The cassette 200 can be disposed of as medical waste. become.

[0070] After use, the mobile unit 30 is attached to a drive (not shown and not part of the invention). The waste material in the canister 36 or 38 is then transported to the dock. The waste is then sent to a treatment facility via a car.

[0071] The outlet fitting 158 cooperates with the body 262 to form a seal against the inlet port 268. When these components are mated together, the feet 264 apply a spring force to the body 262, This allows for a tubular casing 266 sized and configured to bias the inlet port 268 toward the outlet fitting 158. The compression of these two components against each other creates a substantial gap between them. Therefore, the use of an O-ring or other sealing element is not recommended. This simplifies the manufacture of the cassette 200.

[0072] Similarly, in an embodiment of the present invention, tissue trap 350 and sample reservoir 380 are formed It should also be understood that the plastic is at least partially transparent. This provides healthcare workers with a quick means of verifying that samples have been collected. The cassette 200 is at least partially formed from a transparent material. A quick check to ensure the container has not been used before and does not contain any collected waste This will provide medical professionals with the tools they need.

[0073] [III. Second embodiment] [A. Receptacle] 15-17, a waste and tissue collection system for use as part of the present invention is shown. 3 shows the details of the second manifold assembly 400 that can be used. The assembly 400 includes a receptacle 410, a cassette 420, and a tissue trap 598. The tissue trap 598 includes a sample container 650 and is assembled within the sample container 650. The receptacle 402 has a woven filter 600 seated therein. The receptacle 410 in the second embodiment is similar to the receptacle 102 described above. , has dimensions including height, length, and width different from the receptacle 102. The receptacle 410 includes a curved rear panel 402, and a distal end of the rear panel 402. The door 136 of FIG. 15, which defines the recess 404, is shown in the receptacle 102 of FIG. It does not have the legs 141 shown.

[0074] 1A and 15B, the canister cap 42 of the canister 38 Attached to the manifold assembly 400 is a manifold assembly 400. The bridge 400 includes a receptacle 410 and a cassette 420. The cassette is removably seated within a receptacle 410. As described below, the cassette The set 420 is formed with a number of attachments 490, 181. The attachments 490 are suction The fitting 181 is adapted to receive the irrigation line 51. The distal end of each of the suction line 50 and the irrigation line 51 is adapted to provide suction. Attached to the device (colonoscope) 52 (where "distal" refers to the end where suction is applied). "Proximal" refers to the side toward the surgical site, and "proximal" refers to the side away from the surgical site. In FIG. 1A, suction application device 52 is specifically designed only for applying suction and irrigation. While the handpiece is shown generally as a sized handpiece, this is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that the suction application device 52 is not intended to be a single unit. In some cases, the suction application device 52 may be configured to provide both suction and irrigation. Other surgical tools that are applied to the surgical site to perform tasks other than providing a note, e.g., a colonoscopy It may be incorporated into a speculum biopsy tool or a cauterization tool.

[0075] A conduit 59 is provided inside the cap 42. The conduit 59 is connected to the receptacle 41. 0 into the canister 36 or 38 associated with the receptacle. The suction fluid passage 454 in the cassette 420 is located at the rear and and exits the receptacle through a horizontally oriented conduit 59 located behind the cavity 64. I am doing this.

[0076] A suction pump 58 and a peristaltic pump 70 are also part of the mobile unit 30. Conduits 59 and 60 (shown by dashed lines) connect canisters 36 and 38, respectively. It is connected to the inlet port of the pump 58. When the suction pump 58 is activated, the suction generated into the quality application device 52, and then the associated suction line 50, cassette, and receptacle. This will pull the device into the loop.

[0077] A continuous suction fluid communication path 184 is formed from the applicator 52 to the suction pump 58. The waste stream is directed from the receptacle 410 to an associated canister 36. The liquid material and small pieces of solid material entrained in this stream are transported from this stream to the canister. This waste material will then settle into canister 38. This waste material will therefore remain in the canister until it is emptied. The gas and particles entrained in this stream are collected in the canister 36. The liquid flows from the starter towards the suction pump 58.

[0078] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the cap 42 has a center portion that protrudes upward from the top surface of the base of the cap. The cap head 63 is formed to have a cavity 64. The receptacle 410 is mounted within the cavity 64. The receptacle 410 has a panel that is connected to the inner panel of the cap head 63. The cassette 420 is secured in the cavity 64 so that it contacts the receptacle 410. The irrigation fitting 180 and the suction fitting 490 are removably held in the cassette. 420 and extending distally therefrom.

[0079] The peristaltic pump 70 pumps irrigation fluid as follows: flows from irrigation fluid source 72 through irrigation line 162, cassette 200, and irrigation line 51. , delivered to the applicator 52 where it is delivered to the surgical site. The peristaltic pump 70 is connected to the line 51. The peristaltic pump 70 is a rotary motor connected to an eccentric roller 74. The peristaltic pump 70 is equipped with a motor 71. The peristaltic pump 70 is used to pump irrigation fluid, as will be described in more detail below. Fluid can be supplied to the applicator 52. Continuous irrigation fluid communication A passage 182 is formed from the irrigation fluid source 72 to the applicator 52 .

[0080] [B. Cassette] 18A-18F and 19, the cassette 420 has a generally square shape. The housing 422 has two parts: That is, it has an upper housing 424 and an opposing lower housing 426. Although shown as using two pieces, ring 422 is formed as a single, integral piece. It is also anticipated that the upper housing 424 and the lower housing 42 6 are fitted together to form a housing 422. A cavity 423 is formed in the upper housing 4 24 and the lower housing 426. The side housing 424 includes a flat top panel 427, a front panel 428, and a curved rear panel 43. 0, and side panels 432, 434. Panels 428, 430, 432, 43 4 extends perpendicularly away from the top panel 427. The nose portion 435 extends perpendicularly away from the front panel Extending outward from the center of 428 is a U-shaped opening 436 adjacent to panel 432. The U-shaped opening 437 is located near the panel 434. A U-shaped opening 438 is disposed in the nose portion 435. The U-shaped opening 439 is located in the rear panel 430. The housing may be made from any suitable material, such as injection molded plastic.

[0081] The lower housing 426 includes a flat bottom panel 442, a front panel 444, and a curved rear panel 446. 446, a rear panel 450, and side panels 447, 448. 446, 447, and 448 extend perpendicularly away from the bottom panel 442, and each All but the rear panel 446 have chamfered edges 449 .

[0082] A pair of interior support panels 452, 453 are positioned adjacent to and spaced from panel 448. The inner support panels 452, 454 extend between the front panel 444 and the rear panel 450. 53 are generally parallel to one another and extend perpendicularly away from the bottom panel 442. The support panels 452, 453 define a passageway 454. , respectively, have ends 456 and 457. These ends 456 and 457 are bent at 90° adjacent to and spaced some distance from panel 444; It extends parallel to the panel 444 and terminates at an end 459 near the center of the panel 444. 58 is located in the rear panel 450. This hole 458 is in fluid communication with the passage 454. A hole 478 extends through the bottom panel 442 at the end 459. The secondary suction fitting 490 extends outwardly through the front panel 444 and is in fluid communication with the passage 454. A secondary suction fitting 490 is in fluid communication with the passageway 454. 0 is connected to an optional second suction line (not shown) and can be used to The seal is provided by cap 491 (FIG. 15).

[0083] Another pair of interior support panels 460, 461 are curved back to panel 446 and panel 447. The inner support panel 447 extends in an undulating pattern between adjacent and spaced apart positions. The panels 460, 461 are spaced apart from each other at approximately equal intervals and extend in a direction away from the bottom panel 442. The interior support panels 460, 461 support a first irrigation tube passage 462. It is defined.

[0084] A further pair of interior support panels 464, 465 support the curved rear panel 446 and panel 444. 7. The interior support panels 464, 4 extend a short distance between adjacent 65 are generally parallel to one another and extend perpendicularly away from the bottom panel 442. The support panels 464, 465 define a second irrigation tube passageway 466.

[0085] The identification device 376 (FIG. 16) is attached to the top panel 427 of the upper housing 424. Identification device 376 may be any suitable identification device, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, bar code, magnetic strip, or other storage device The identification device stores configuration information, expiration information, and control information for reuse or reprocessing. It can include information including:

[0086] 19, a generally rectangular opening 468 is located in the front panel 444. Connector 470 is connected to the connector (adjacent panel 447 and opening 468) of cassette 420. An irrigation connector 470 extends upwardly from the bottom panel 442 at a right angle. A tapered nozzle 474 extends distally from the panel 472. The tapered nozzle 475 extends proximally from the panel 472 towards the opening 468. Irrigation fitting 512 extends through opening 468 and is connected to nozzle 475. are.

[0087] A circular boss 480 extends outward from the front panel 444 and downward from the bottom panel 442. The boss 480 has a generally horizontal top panel 482 and generally vertical curved sides 484. The side panel 484 is perpendicular to the top panel 482. 482 defines a tubular cavity 488 (FIG. 17) therein. Extending downward from 482 and outward from side panel 484. Tissue deposition port 489 , penetrating the upper panel 482.

[0088] Referring again to FIGS. 18A-18F, the undulating pump tube 500 has ends 502, 505. 04, sections 505, 506, and curved pump section 508. The tube 500 is disposed between the upper housing 424 and the lower housing 426. 420. The pump tube 500 may be made of any suitable material, e.g. It may be made of plastic or silicone rubber. End 504 is tapered. The area 505 is press-fit around the nozzle 474. The area 505 is the passage 4 between the panels 460, 461. 62. Area 506 is located within passage 46 between panels 464, 465. 6. The curved pump section 508 is positioned and held within the curved rear panel 446. The rotating peristaltic pump protrudes from the pump body 446. The roller 74 (FIG. 2) is curved between the pump roller 74 and the curved rear panel 446. The pump section 508 is configured to movably press and squeeze the pump section 508. O2 is press fit around a 90° elbow fitting 514. The elbow fitting 514 is The elbow fitting 514 is located adjacent to and inward of the panel 447. The pump tube 500 is turned around and passes through a hole 510 in the panel 426 (FIG. 17). , providing a fluid communication path for irrigation fluid to flow from the irrigation coupler 150 to the irrigation fitting 512. is doing.

[0089] An elongated L-shaped cover 516 is disposed on the panels 452, 453, 456, and 457. The cover 516 provides a fluid seal for the passageway 454. The cover 516 includes a top panel 517 and a side panel The side panel 518 has a side panel 518. The side panel 518 has a side panel 518. The cover 516 has a proximal end located near the rear panel 450. 519 and a distal end 520 located near the front panel 444. is located at the lower distal end 520 of the upper panel 517. The duct 522 is The duct 522 is disposed through the passage 454 and extends into the passage 454. It is passed.

[0090] The upper housing 424 and the lower housing 426 are fitted together to form the cassette 42 The housing 424 and the housing 426 form the two housings. The sections are held together by a press fit or snap fit together. Alternatively, the housings 424, 426 may be held together by adhesive or welding. When the housings 424 and 426 are pressed together, the chamfer The edge 450 presses against panels 444, 447, and 448, respectively. It is designed to be seated inside 32,434.

[0091] Cassette 420 further includes a valve assembly 530. Valve assembly 530 includes: The valve member 532 includes a ring 560 and a knurled knob 580. 20A to 20D, the valve member 532 has a top surface 534, a bottom surface 535, and a The rim 537 is formed on the inner surface of the side 536. They extend circumferentially outward from the upper surface 534 so as to diverge somewhat upward. A pair of parallel spaced apart steps 538 are defined in the bottom surface 535. The holes 540, 542 are The curved slot 54 penetrates the valve member 532 between the top surface 534 and the bottom surface 535. 4 is defined in the upper surface 534. The slot 544 is coextensive with the hole 542. are.

[0092] The bypass passage 550 extends substantially across the width of the upper surface 534. The bypass passage 550 is defined by a central groove 552 and partial holes 554, 556. The partial holes 554, 556 are defined by a hole 556 extending perpendicular to the upper surface 534 and partially extending into the valve member. The central groove 552 is coextensive with the partial holes 554 and 556. do.

[0093] Referring again to FIG. 19, the tubular ring 560 has an upper outer surface 562 and a tapered lower surface 564. It has an outer side surface 564, a rim 565, an inner surface 566, a bottom side 567, and a tubular step 569. A hole 570 is defined in the ring 580. The tubular step 568 is located within the hole 570. It extends in parts.

[0094] The knurled knob 580 includes a bottom panel 582 and an annular side panel 584. The panel 584 extends perpendicularly from the bottom panel 582. A series of knurled portions or ribs 585 extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the side panel 584. A portion or rib 585 can be manually grasped. An opening 586 is defined in the bottom panel 582. A recess 587 is defined in the front surface of the side panel 584. A notch 589 is A series of protrusions 588 are defined on the front surface of the side panel 584 above the portion 587. , extend upwardly at a right angle from the bottom panel 582 and are disposed around the opening 586. Lip 590 is flexible and slopes slightly inward toward opening 586. is located at the distal end of each protrusion 588 and extends inwardly from the protrusion 588 (see FIG. 17). A pair of spaced apart, opposing L-shaped rails 592 (shown) connect the bottom panel 582 The base extends below the bottom surface of the

[0095] 15, 17, 19 and 20A, the valve assembly 530 includes a boss 4 80. The valve member 532 has an upper surface 534 that is in contact with the bottom and bottom surfaces of the panel 482. rim 53. The rim 53 is seated in cavity 488 adjacent to the rim 53. 7 contacts the inside of the panel 484. Also, the annular step 568 of the ring 560 The inner surface of the ring 560 surrounds and contacts the annular step 538 of the material 532. 566 contacts the outside of panel 484, while bottom panel 582 contacts ring 560. The bottom surface 535 extends through the opening 586. The protrusion 588 supports the bottom 567 of the Ring 560 is gripped by lip 590 that extends over rim 565 .

[0096] Specifically, when knob 580 is pressed against ring 560, protrusions 588 flex outward. 562, 564, and then the lip 590 extends beyond the rim 565. When moved, the protrusions 588 deflect inward and grip the ring 560. 8 compresses the ring 560 against the boss 480, thereby securing the valve assembly 530. The valve member 532 can be held in the housing 422 by the user grasping the knob 580. 480. The entire valve assembly 530 is rotated by pulling the You can rotate it by

[0097] 21A-21F, a tissue filter 600 is shown. The rotor 600 is generally cylindrical. Other shapes, such as round, oval, or square, may also be used. The tissue filter 600 may be made of any suitable material, for example, low-durability The tissue may be made of a thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomer. The filter 600 is formed from a transparent material so that the contents can be observed by the user. The tissue filter 600 is defined by an upper panel 602. The side panels 604 extend perpendicularly away from the bottom of the top panel 602. The top panel 602 has a circumferentially smaller diameter than the top panel 604. The lip 611, best seen in FIG. 17, defines a flange 606. Extending circumferentially outward from the bottom of the hole 604. Arc-shaped vertically oriented side panels 608, 609 hang down from the annular side panel 604. A vertically oriented panel 610 depends downwardly from the annular side panel 604 .

[0098] Panels 608, 609, and 610 define a reservoir 612 (FIG. 22D). In an embodiment, reservoir 612 contains a preservative solution 389, such as formalin or other suitable An appropriate preservative solution may be included (FIG. 22D). In other embodiments, the preservative solution is omitted. The storage solution 389 is sealed in the reservoir by a foil or plastic seal 614. It is sealed inside 612.

[0099] The vertically oriented panels 610 are spaced apart in a U-shape to define a rectangular cavity 616. A rectangular screen 618 is mounted within the cavity 616 and defines a panel 60. The screen 618 is secured to the distal end 62 within the cavity 616. The opening 622 is located in the upper panel 602 and is spaced some distance from the cavity 6 It is consecutive with 16.

[0100] The circumferential flanges 606 are a pair of parallel flanges located on opposite sides of the upper panel 602. The edges 623, 624 and a pair of curved edges 62 located on opposite sides of the upper panel 602. Tab 630 has a flange adjacent edge 627. 606. Tabs 630 extend upward from the tissue filter 600. Tab 630 is an alignment feature that prevents backward insertion into tissue filter 30. When filter 600 is inserted into valve assembly 530, it fits into notch 589. It is.

[0101] The duct 632 has a proximal end 634 and a distal end 636. The duct 632 oriented so as to be substantially parallel to panel 609 and partially surrounded by panel 609. The proximal end 634 extends through the side panel 604 and terminates in the top panel 602. The distal end 636 extends below and somewhat beyond the end 620. The hole 638 It passes through the duct 632.

[0102] 22A-22D show a sample container or sample bottle 650. The vial 650 has a generally cylindrical shape with an outer panel 652 and a bottom panel 653 . A pair of oppositely facing, spaced apart flat gripping areas 654 are provided on opposite sides of the sample container 650. The compartment 658 is located on the opposite side of the outer panel 652. The sample container 650 is defined within the compartment 658 so that the contents of the compartment 658 can be individually filled by the user. The flat wall of the device is made of a transparent material so that it can be seen through the flat wall. This substantially eliminates visual distortion of the compartment contents.

[0103] An annular flange 666 extends upwardly and circumferentially outwardly from the panel 652. Threads 668 are defined on the outer surface of flange 666. A circular cap 680 is attached to the side panel. The cap 680 has an annular threaded portion 682 located on the inner surface of the cap 683. Rotate the cap 680 relative to the sample container 650 until the threads 668 and 682 engage with each other. 650.

[0104] The cap 680 is releasably held to the sample container 650 by a cap retainer 683. The cap retainer 683 has an elongated arm 685. 5 has a proximal end 686 removably attached to flange 666 and an arcuate rib 693 The rib 693 has a distal end 687 attached to the cap by a tab 694. The tab 694 provides a weak connection between the rib 693 and the cap 680. This results in a good connection.

[0105] The identification device 376 is attached to the cap 680. The identification device 376 , any suitable identification device, e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, a bar code The identification device may be a magnetic strip or other storage device. information, patient or specimen tracking information, and control information for reuse or reprocessing It can contain information.

[0106] The tissue sample 398 can be a variety of tissue specimens. For example, The sample 398 may be a biopsy sample from a part of the body, or a polyp from the colon. The tissue filter 600 may be separated until the lip 611 engages the side panel 652. The engagement creates a resistance force that causes the compartment 65 8 can be further inserted.

[0107] The tissue trap 598 is adapted to be removably coupled to the valve assembly 530. The trap 598 holds the tissue filter 600 and the sample container 650 horizontally in the recess 5. 87 and slide the edges 623 and 624 into the L-shaped rail 592. , is inserted. The tissue trap 598 will hang down from the valve assembly 530. The tissue trap 598 connects the tissue filter 600 and sample container 650 to the valve assembly 53 Pull horizontally away from 0 to pull edges 623 and 624 out of L-shaped rail 592. The tissue trap 598 is removed from the valve assembly 530 by The cassette 420 is inserted into and removed from the cassette 420 as a set. It is.

[0108] The user places the cap 680 over the tissue filter 600. The cap 680 is attached to the sample container 6. 50, the inner surface 696 of the cap 680 contacts the top panel 602. Rotation of the cap 680 causes the tissue filter 600 to slide downward into the compartment 658. The side panels 604 and rips move until the distal end 636 contacts the bottom panel 653. 611 flexes inward and slides along the sample container panel 652. Upon moving downward into compartment 658, sharpened tip 698 attached to bottom panel 653 The foil or plastic seal 614 is pierced, releasing the preservative solution 389, as shown in FIG. As shown, the tissue sample 398 will be covered.

[0109] When the cap 680 is rotated relative to the sample container 650, the tab 694 breaks, causing the cap to The cap 680 separates from the cap retainer 683. The user then pulls the arm 685 By pulling, the cap retainer 683 can be removed from the sample container 650. Cut.

[0110] [C.Operation] 1A to 1C and 15 to 19, the movable unit 30 (FIG. 1A) Cassette 420 is placed in a canister (where waste drawn from the surgical site will be collected). A complementary receptacle 41 of a manifold assembly 400 associated with the connector 36 or 38 0, it is ready for use. This step is 431 to open the door 136 and insert the cassette 420 into the receptacle 410. The cassette 420 is inserted by inserting the rear panel 431 into the rear panel 110. 118 until it contacts the passage 118. In this position, the duct 522 59 and is in fluid communication with the suction conduit 59 (FIG. 15B). is pressed against the peristaltic pump rollers 74, which rotates the rollers 74 to increase the irrigation flow. The body is pumped into the pump tube 500. The RFID reader 194 reads the identification device 376. For example, the RFID tag is recognized and the cassette 420 is seated in the receptacle 410. When the movable unit 30 is in the ON state, the controller 192 transmits a signal to the controller 192 to enable the operation of the movable unit 30.

[0111] An irrigation line 162 is connected between the irrigation fluid source 72 and the irrigation connector 150. The coupler 150 is inserted into the slot 132. The user grasps the handle 154 and The distal end 153 is advanced toward the slot 132 so that the grooved side 156 engages the groove 135. By inserting the handle 154, you are inserting the irrigation coupler 150. Continued pressure towards the receptacle 102 forces the beveled side 156 into the groove 13 5 so that the irrigation coupler 150 is fully seated within the slot 132. In this position, fitting 158 connects to elbow fitting 514 through hole 510. This places the outlet fitting 158 in fluid communication with the pump tubing 500. This becomes the case.

[0112] A suction line 50 with an integral suction application device 52 is attached to fitting 486. If the application device is adapted to supply irrigation fluid, irrigation line 51 , attached to fixture 512. Cassette 420 is operated by the setting of knob 580. In response to this, the valve assembly 532 will rotate. In this case, knob 580 is set so that valve member 532 rotates to the bypass position. In the pass position, the valve member 532 is oriented such that the bore 554 is aligned with the opening of the fitting 486 in the boss 480. At the same time, this causes the hole 556 in the valve member to be aligned with the boss. When suction is applied, this causes fluid to flow through fitting 4 86 and is directed through bypass passage 550.

[0113] By operating the suction pump 58, the movable unit 30 is operated. Actuation of pump 58 directs the waste stream away from the surgical site along aspiration fluid communication path 184. The fluid is drawn into the dispenser 52, passed through the suction line 50, and directed into the fitting 486. The waste stream consists of liquid waste and solid waste, which are acted upon by suction applicator 52, and applicator 5 2. When the cassette is in the bypass mode described above, the waste , which is directed from fitting 486 through bypass passage 550 and into passage 454 through hole 478 The waste stream flows through duct 522 to conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste stream flows to the canister. You will be guided into Ta38.

[0114] Operation of the peristaltic pump 70 pumps irrigation fluid from the irrigation source 72 through the irrigation fluid communication path 182. irrigation line 162, irrigation connector 150, pump tubing 500, irrigation connector 472, irrigation fitting 512, and irrigation line 51 are attached to the surgical site. The liquid is then introduced into the dispenser 52 for dispensing.

[0115] The user may use cassette 420 to collect tissue samples such as polyps. By rotating the knob 580, the cassette 420 can be adjusted to accommodate the tissue. In response to this rotation, the valve member 532 rotates. When in the tissue collection position, the aperture 540 in the valve member is aligned with the opening of the fitting 485 in the boss 480. The valve members are arranged in this position so that they are aligned in a line. The hole 542 will be aligned with the hole 478.

[0116] When the system is in tissue collection mode, waste and contaminated tissue samples are collected in the surgical department. The fluid is drawn into the applicator 52 along the suction fluid communication path 184 from the suction line 50. From the fitting 486, the waste stream is directed through holes 540, cavity 6 16, through the screen 618, the hole 638, the hole 542, the slot 545, and the hole 478, passage 4 54 and then through duct 522 into conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste stream This is introduced into the canister 38. The tissue sample 398 is then drawn into the tissue filter 600. This mode of operation allows for the suction fluid communication path to be captured by the screen 618. It is called tissue collection mode because the tissue 184 passes through the tissue filter 600. Disconnecting and reconnecting the suction line 50 to collect a sample in collection mode Note that it is not necessary.

[0117] The cassette 420 and tissue trap 598 are removed from the patient using an instrument such as forceps. To accomplish this, knob 58 may be used to collect tissue excised from the 0 is rotated to the Extraction Tissue Capture mode. Rotate the knob to the position associated with this mode. , the valve member 532 rotates so that the bore 540 is aligned with the tissue deposition port 489. At this time, the elongated hole 544 is aligned with the hole 478. The valve member hole 542 is aligned with the elongated hole 544 and aligned with the hole 478 and aligned with the tissue deposition port 489. When 32 is in this position, no suction is created through fixture 486. Suction is created through port 489 .

[0118] When the system is in the tissue extraction capture mode, the instrument used to extract the tissue is: The distal end of the instrument with the attached tissue is inserted into the tissue deposition port 489. Suction drawn through port 489 pulls the tissue away from the instrument, The tissue that is drawn into the tissue trap container 650 is Similarly, the movement of tissue out of the container is prevented by the tissue filter 600. becomes.

[0119] The tissue trap 598 is removably coupled to the valve assembly 530. Prior to removal of cap 598, knob 580 is again rotated to the bypass position, removing filter 60. 0 and the sample container 650 are removed from the suction communication path.

[0120] The tissue trap 598 is adapted to be removed from the cassette 420 as a single unit. The trap 598 connects the tissue filter 600 and the sample container 650 to the valve assembly. 530. Remove the valve assembly 530 by pulling it horizontally away from the valve assembly 530. The trap container 650 is positioned so that the edges 623 and 624 slide within the L-shaped rails 592. Another tissue trap 598 is inserted by pushing the tissue trap horizontally into the recess 587, and another tissue is inserted. Then, to collect another tissue sample, turn knob 5. 80 will be rotated back to the tissue sample collection position. Multiple tissue samples can be collected using the method.

[0121] Remove one tissue trap 598 from the cassette 420 and install a new trap 598. During this process of attaching the suction pump 58, it is not necessary to shut it off. Without disturbing the suction applied to the device, a new tissue trap 598 is inserted into the cassette 420. It can be installed.

[0122] The user places the cap 680 over the tissue filter 600. The cap 680 is attached to the sample container 6. 50, the inner surface 696 of the cap 680 contacts the top panel 602. Rotation of cap 680 causes tissue filter 600 to slide downward into compartment 658. The side panel 604 and lip 611 deflect inward, causing the distal end 636 to move toward the bottom panel 6 The tissue filter 600 slides along the sample container panel 652 until it contacts the sample container panel 652. As it moves downward within compartment 658, a sharp point attached to bottom panel 653 698 pierces the foil or plastic seal 614, releasing the storage container 389; As shown in FIG. 17, the tissue sample 398 will be covered.

[0123] When the cap 680 is rotated relative to the sample container 650, the tab 694 breaks, causing the cap to The cap 680 separates from the cap retainer 683. The user then pulls the arm 685 By pulling, the cap retainer 683 can be removed from the sample container 650. Cut.

[0124] Once the medical / surgical procedure is completed and the use of the mobile unit 30 is no longer required Then, the suction line 50 and the irrigation line 51 are spaced apart from the fittings 486 and 512, respectively. The irrigation coupler 150 may be disengaged from the receptacle 410. The cassette 420 is removed from the receptacle 410. When removed from 410, door 136 closes passageway 118. This substantially eliminates leakage of waste material remaining in receptacle 410. Cassette 420 is to be discarded as medical waste.

[0125] The outlet fitting 158 cooperates with the bottom panel 426 to form a seal at the aperture 510. When these components are mated together, the outlet fitting 158 presses against the bottom panel 426. The compression of these two components against each other causes them to This provides a substantially liquid-tight barrier between the components. This simplifies the manufacture of the cassette 420. becomes.

[0126] Similarly, in an embodiment of the present invention, the tissue filter 600 and the sample container 650 are formed It should also be understood that the plastic used is at least partially transparent. This provides healthcare workers with a quick means of verifying that a sample has been collected. The cassette 420 is at least partially formed from a transparent material. A quick check is made to ensure that the container has not been used and does not contain any collected waste. This will provide quick access to healthcare workers.

[0127] [IV. Third Embodiment] [Receptacle] 23-25, a waste and tissue collection system according to the present invention may be used as part of the waste and tissue collection system. A third manifold assembly 700 is shown that can be used. 700 includes a receptacle 702 and a cassette 800. is shown as having a generally square shape. Other shapes, e.g., round, oval, , or a square shape may be used.

[0128] The receptacle 702 is made up of five outer panels, i.e., parallel, spaced apart, generally horizontally oriented panels. The top panel 705 and the bottom panel 706 are oriented in a generally vertical direction, and the bottom panel 706 is oriented in a generally vertical direction and parallel to each other. The panels 707 and 708 are oriented in a forward direction, and the rear panel 709 is oriented in a substantially vertical direction. The receptacle 702 has a proximal end 710 and a distal end 712. The bottom panel 706 defines a notch 714 located near the proximal end 710. Receptacle 702 may be made from any suitable material, such as injection molded plastic. It may be formed.

[0129] The receptacle 702 defines a horizontally oriented cavity or passageway 716 . A cavity or passageway 716 extends across the width of the receptacle 702 and The rear panel 709 extends through the rear panel 708. A generally circular opening 720 is provided near the rear panel 709. An opening 722 is defined in the upper panel 705 at the distal end adjacent the panel 708. At 712, a pair of parallel, opposing elongated grooves extend through the rear panel 709. 724 is defined in each of the interior surfaces of the panels 707, 708. The grooves 724 may be cavities or The upper panel 705 has a pair of proximal and lateral ends 710 facing the passageway 716. The notch 746 defines adjacent coextensive notches 746, 748. It extends somewhat deeper into the upper panel 705 than the notch 748 .

[0130] Several holes penetrate the top panel 705. These holes 760, 762, 764 , 766, 768, 770 extend through the top panel 705 into the cavity 716. A screw motor or linear actuator 80 is mounted above each of the holes 760-770. Only one of them is shown in FIG. 24B. One end of the rod 81 is connected to the actuator. The other end of the rod 81 is connected to the ethanol 80 and is located on a pinch valve 872. The rod 81 passes through the top panel 705 to contact the pinch valve 872 .

[0131] An irrigation coupler 730 provides a fluid connection between an irrigation fluid source, such as a water bottle 1500, and the cassette 800. The irrigation coupler 730 connects the bottom side (below) of the surface 706 to the panel 70. 7 and extends toward the proximal end 710. Irrigation coupler 730 is The body 732 has a generally rectangular shape with a pair of generally parallel arms 734 and a distal end 736. The shaft 738 extends toward the proximal end 734 and defines a slot 742 therebetween. The grooves 740 facing each other are arranged in such a way that they face the slots 742. A finger 744 is disposed on each arm 738, It extends into groove 740 .

[0132] [B. Cassette] 26 and 27, cassette 800 is shown in more detail. 00 is roughly rectangular and includes a housing 822. The housing 822 has three The upper housing 824, the opposing lower housing 826, and the upper A rubber sheet 1000 is disposed between the housing 824 and the lower housing 826. Although the housing 822 is shown as having two parts, it is actually a single piece. It is also anticipated that the upper housing 824 may be formed as an integral part. 1000 and the lower housing 826 are fitted together to form the housing 822. The cavity 827 is formed between the upper housing 824 and the lower housing 826. It is defined within the housing 822 .

[0133] The upper housing 824 includes a flat top panel 828, a front panel 829, a rear panel 830, and side panels 832, 834. Panels 828, 829, 830, 832, 834 extends perpendicularly away from the top panel 828. The upper housing 824 , having a proximal end 835 and a distal end 836. A tapered section 837 is formed at the distal end 836. The tapered section 831 is defined by panels 832 and 834, respectively. During insertion of the mat 800, the housing 822 is guided into the receptacle 702. Cassette 800 may be formed from any suitable material, such as injection molded plastic. In one embodiment, cassette 800 is made from a transparent material.

[0134] As shown in Figures 26, 27 and 30A-30C, flexible tab 838 A U-shaped slit 840 defines the upper panel 828. The protrusion 841 is flexible. Extending upwardly from the flexible tab 838 is a series of parallel ribs 842. The flexible tab 838 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tab 838. The inclined surface 84 is designed to be displaced somewhat by manual pressure applied by the inclined surface 84. 4 is positioned adjacent to the flexible tab 838 of the top panel 828 and faces the front panel 829. The front panel 829 slopes downwardly and terminates approximately in the center of the front panel 829 above the U-shaped opening 846 . The angled surface 844 is transparent.

[0135] Another U-shaped opening 847 is located in the front panel 829 near the panel 834. An additional U-shaped opening 848 is located in the front panel 829 near the panel 835. A shallow notch 849 is defined in the panel 829 between the openings 846 and 848. Yet another U-shaped opening 852 is located near the rear panel 834. It is located at 30.

[0136] Referring to Figures 30A-30C, six pinch valves are defined in the top panel 828. The pinch valve is flexible and is actuated by a device such as a solenoid or wax motor (not shown). The irrigation supply pinch valve 860 is configured to be pushed downwards by the positioning of the valve. An irrigation supply pinch valve 860 is defined in the upper panel 828 by a slit 862. has downwardly extending fingers 864 that point into cavity 827.

[0137] The instrument washing irrigation pinch valve 866 is defined in the upper panel 828 by a generally U-shaped slit 868. The instrument irrigation pinch valve 866 has downwardly extending fins facing towards the cavity 827. It has a gar portion 870.

[0138] The suction bypass pinch valve 872 is connected to the upper panel 828 by a generally U-shaped slit 874. The suction pinch valve 872 has downwardly extending fingers that face into the cavity 827. The tissue collection suction pinch valve 878 is provided with a generally U-shaped slit 880. , defined in the upper panel 828. A tissue collection suction pinch valve 878 is provided in the cavity 827. 882. The finger 882 extends downwardly.

[0139] Another tissue collection suction pinch valve 884 is secured to the upper panel 82 by a generally U-shaped slit 886. 8. The tissue suction pinch valve 884 is a downwardly extending flap facing the cavity 827. The pinch valve 890 has a generally U-shaped slip. The pinch valve 892 is defined in the upper panel 828. 0 has downwardly extending fingers 894 pointing into cavity 827.

[0140] A linear actuator 80 (FIG. 24B) pushes these pinch valves, In FIG. 24B, the actuator 80 is connected to the pinch valve 872. The rod 81 is shown connected to the Finger portion 876 contacts suction passage 1076. Suction passage 1076 76 and the bottom panel 932, thereby preventing fluid flow through the suction passage 1076. When the rod 81 is lifted, the finger portion 876 opens the suction passage. 1076, allowing fluid flow through the suction passage 10876.

[0141] The curved panel portion 896 of the top panel 828 defines a recess 897. Panel portion 896 begins at rear panel 830 and extends toward dome 898 A semicircular dome 898 is defined in the top panel 828. A semicircular slot 900 extends through the dome. Between the frame 898 and the curved panel portion 896, a portion defined in the upper panel 828 .

[0142] A pair of spaced apart curved panels 902, 903 extend from slot 900 to proximal end 835. The panels 902 and 903 are generally parallel to each other and extend toward the upper panel 82. 8 and extend perpendicularly away from each other, defining a passage 904. The panels 905 and 906 are disposed between the finger portions 864 and 870, respectively. Panel 905 extends perpendicularly from top panel 828 and joins the proximal end of panel 903. , forming a passageway 908. Panel 906 extends perpendicularly from upper panel 828 and curves. The panel 902 extends from the base 804 and terminates at an inclined surface 844, which cooperates with the panel 902 to form a passageway 910. 911 is disposed between panels 902 and 906 and adjacent to the inclined surface 844. Panel 911 extends perpendicularly away from upper panel 828. 1,906 defines a pair of outlets 912 adjacent to the inclined surface 844. .

[0143] An additional pair of spaced apart curved panels 914, 916 extend from the slot 900 to the fin. Extending toward the gar portion 870 and terminating at the panel 902. The panels 914 and 916 are , are generally parallel to one another and extend perpendicularly away from the upper panel 828, defining a passageway 917. The panels 918 and 919 are spaced apart and generally parallel to each other, and are positioned adjacent to the panel 834. In this position, the panel 918 extends substantially between a proximal end 835 and a distal end 836. , 919 are generally parallel to one another and extend perpendicularly away from the upper panel 828, forming the passage 9 20. The spaced apart, generally curved panels 926, 927 form a V-shape. The panels 926 and 927 are formed of a metal plate and extend substantially between the panels 919 and 917. Extending perpendicularly away from the nozzle 828, the passage 928 defines a passageway 928. The branch portion 922 extends from the passage 920 toward the finger portion 888. It is tilted.

[0144] 26, 27 and 28A to 28C, the lower housing 826 The base panel 930 has a face 932, a bottom face 934, and side faces 937, 938. The lower housing 826 has a proximal end 935 and a distal end 936. 40 extends perpendicularly from the upper surface 932 at the corner of the side surface 937 and the distal end 936. The wedge-shaped post 942 extends from the upper surface 932 at the corner of the side surface 938 and the distal end 936. The fixture 944 extends perpendicularly through the post 942. The fixture 944 is an outwardly tapered distal end including an annular groove 946 sized to receive a stud 947 It has an end 945 .

[0145] Another wedge-shaped post 948 extends from the upper surface 932 at the corner of the side surface 938 and the proximal end 935. The fitting 949 extends at a right angle to the post 948. The fitting 949 is an outwardly tapered proximal end 950 sized to receive line 50 (FIG. 1A); Additional wedge-shaped posts 952 are provided at the corners of the side surfaces 937 and the proximal end 935. Extending perpendicularly from the top surface 932. The fixture 954 passes through the post 952. 954 has an outwardly facing distal end 954 sized to receive the irrigation line 51 (FIG. 1A). 55. A series of cones or The spines 956 surround the fitting 954. The wider base of the spines 956 is positioned at the front panel 93 It is facing towards 5.

[0146] The fixture 958 extends perpendicularly from the front panel surface 935. The recess 960 allows the fixture 9 58 is defined on the upper surface 932 at a position just distal to the stopper 58. 962 extends perpendicularly from the upper surface 932 at a position adjacent to the recess 960 of the proximal end 935. The sloped panel 964 extends upward from the top surface 932 adjacent to the post 952. The sloped panel 964 is located on the bottom surface 9 The recess 963 defines a groove 990 in the bottom surface 34 below the stopper 962. It is defined in 934.

[0147] The inclined panel 967 is inclined upward from the upper surface 932. Specifically, the inclined panel 967 67 begins near the center of the lower housing 826 and terminates at a dome 968. The dome 968 extends distally from the top surface 932. The recess 969 is formed by the angled panel. 967 and dome 968 are defined in bottom surface 934. , defined in the upper surface 932. The recess 966 extends from the post 952 above the sloped panel 967. Extends around the periphery of the dome 968, extends below the sloped panel 967, and terminates at a hole 970. A hole 970 passes through the panel 930.

[0148] A pair of parallel recesses 965 are formed on the inclined panel 964 so as to extend along the width of the inclined panel 964. Another recess 972 is defined in recess 964 so as to extend between recesses 966 and 965. , defined in the upper surface 932. Holes 974, 975 extend through the panel 930. The recess 976 is defined in the panel 930 and extends between the posts 942 and 948. The recess 976 is defined in the upper surface 932. The recess 976 is coaxial with the fixtures 949 and 945. The recess 978 extends between the recess 960 and the hole 974. A recess 980 is defined in the upper surface 932. The recess 980 extends between the recess 976 and the hole 974. The recess 981 extends between the recess 976 and the hole 975. The upper surface 932 is defined so as to

[0149] The U-shaped semicircular rail 982 extends adjacent to the proximal end 935 and the side surface 938. , extending perpendicularly from below the bottom surface 934. The rails 892 are spaced apart at opposing ends 98 3 and an inwardly facing lip 984. The rail 982 and bottom surface 934 are recessed. A rounded boss 986 extends from the bottom surface 934 into the recess 985. The recess 988 surrounds the hole 975. The recess 988 is located between the rail 982 and the side surface 937. It is defined in the bottom surface 934 and surrounds the hole 970 .

[0150] 26, 27, and 29A-29C, details of flexible sheet 1000 are shown. The flexible sheet 1000 is shown with an upper housing 824 and a lower housing 826. The flexible sheet 1000 may be made of any suitable material, for example, rubber or may be made of silicone rubber.

[0151] The flexible sheet 1000 has a top surface 1032, a bottom surface 1034, and side surfaces 1037, 1038. The flexible sheet 1000 includes a base panel 1030 having a proximal end 1035 and a The sloped section 1042 has a side 1038 and a distal end 1036. The sloped area 1042 slopes distally from the top surface 1032 at the corner of the pillar 9. 42. The other sloped section 1044 is formed on the side 1038 and the proximal end 1035. The sloped area 1044 slopes distally from the top surface 1032 at the corner of the pillar. 948. Further sloped sections 1048 are provided on the sides 1037 and the proximal end. 1035. The sloped section 104 is sloped distally from the upper surface 1032 at the corner with 1035. 8 is the area for covering the pillar 952.

[0152] The inclined panel 1067 is inclined upward from the upper surface 1032. Specifically, the inclined panel The dome 1967 begins near the center of the flexible sheet 1000 and terminates at the dome 1068. The dome 1068 extends distally from the upper surface 1032. The recess 1069 , defined on the bottom surface 1034 below the inclined panel 1067 and the dome 1068 There are.

[0153] The panels 1051, 1052, 1053, and 1050 extend from the top surface 1032 to the proximal end 1035. The panel 1053 extends perpendicularly to the instrument washing chamber 1050. 1052 slopes downward from panel 1054 to panel 1051. A port 1056 is defined in the panel 1051 .

[0154] An irrigation passage 1066 is defined in the panel 1030 so as to open toward the bottom surface 934. Irrigation passageway 1066 extends from end 1069 of angled panel 1048 to angled panel 1067. Extends along the periphery of the dome 1068, around the periphery of the sloped panel 1067, and It terminates at 1070.

[0155] A pair of parallel irrigation tubes 1065 are attached to the panel 10 so as to open to the bottom surface 1034. 30. Irrigation tube 1065 extends along the width of the sloped panel 1064. and terminates in the instrument washing chamber 1050. The other irrigation tube 1072 is The panel 1030 is defined so as to open onto the face 1034. The irrigation tube 1072 is Extending between the irrigation tube 1065 and the irrigation passage 1076. , 1066, 1072 are in fluid communication with each other.

[0156] The suction tube 1076 is defined in the panel 1030 so as to open toward the bottom surface 1034. A suction tube 1076 extends between the sloped sections 1044, 1046. A suction tube 1078 is defined in the panel 1030 so as to open to the bottom surface 1034. A suction tube 1078 extends between the junction 1082 and the instrument washing chamber 1050. The suction tube 1080 is defined in the panel 1030 so as to open to the bottom surface 1034. A suction tube 1080 extends between the suction tube 1076 and a junction 1082. The instrument washing chamber 1050 and the suction tubes 1076, 1078, and 1080 are , are in fluid communication with each other. The suction tube 1081 is connected to the suction tube 1076 at junction 1 The suction tubes 1076 and 1081 are in fluid communication with each other. There are.

[0157] A generally square stopper 1086 is located adjacent to the instrument washing chamber 1050 at the proximal end 1035. The recess 1088 extends perpendicularly from the upper surface 1032 at the stopper position. Below 1086, a bottom surface 1034 is defined. The arm 1092 is connected to a position adjacent to the tilt panel 1064. 1035.

[0158] The upper housing 824 and the lower housing 826 have a rubber sheet 100 therebetween. 0 to form the housing 822 of the cassette 800. The 826 is reciprocated by press-fitting or snapping the two housing sections together. In one embodiment, the housings 824, 826 are held together by an adhesive. In the mating position, the rubber sheet 1000 is held by the upper housing 824. and lower housing 825. The compression force between the rubber sheet 1000 and the lower housing 826 causes a flow between the rubber sheet 1000 and the lower housing 826. A body passage seal is formed.

[0159] 31 and 32, a tissue trap 1198 is shown. The plate 1198 includes a sample container 1400 in which a tissue filter 1200 is seated. The woven trap 1200 is generally cylindrical. Other shapes, such as round, oval, or A square shape may also be used. The tissue filter 1200 may be made of any suitable material, e.g. For example, they may be made from low durometer plastic or thermoplastic elastomer. The tissue filter 1200 may be made of a transparent material so that the contents can be observed by the user. It is preferable that the material be made from

[0160] The tissue filter 1200 is defined by an upper panel 1202. 12. The base 1202 has a bottom surface 1203 and a top surface 1204. The hole 1250 is formed in the recess 1252. The opening 1254 is defined in the upper panel 1202 so as to be surrounded by the opening 1254. The generally annular side panel 1206 is defined by the periphery of the top panel 1202. and extends perpendicularly away from the bottom surface 1203. The flat portion 1256 is annular. Located on opposite sides of the side panel 1206. Flexible prongs or tongues 1258 extends outwardly from each flat portion 1256, with a gap 1260 separating each flat portion. It is separated from the part.

[0161] A pair of juxtaposed elongated hollow tubes 1210, 1216 extend distally from the bottom surface 1203. The tube 1210 has a proximal end 1211 and a distal end 1212. The tube 1216 has a proximal end 1217 and a distal end 1218. 1211 and 1217 are connected to the bottom surface 1203. In one embodiment, the tube 12 10,1216 is a preservative solution 389 (FIG. 22D), such as formalin or other suitable A preservative solution may be included. In other embodiments, the preservative solution is omitted. The liquid 389 is sealed within the tubes 1210 and 1216 by foil or plastic seals 12. It is sealed by 36.

[0162] Another elongated tube 1222 extends distally from the bottom surface 1203. 222 has a proximal end 1224 and a distal end 1226. The proximal end 1224 is 1203. The bottom panel 1227 is connected to the distal end 1126 of the tube 1222. An elongated opening 1228 extending between the proximal end 1224 and the distal end 1226 The tube 1222 has a cavity 1230. The cavity 1230 is contiguous with or coextensive with the opening 1254. The clean 1234 extends across the diameter of the tube 1222 near the distal end 1226. The tissue sample 398 captured by the screen 1234 is shown in FIG. is shown in.

[0163] An elongated duct 1240 extends distally from the bottom surface 1203. has a proximal end 1242 (not shown) and a distal end 1244. The proximal end 1242 , connected to the bottom surface 1203. The distal end 1244 is connected to the end of the tubes 1210, 1216. The hole 124 extends between the distal end 1244 and the hole 1250. 6 is defined in the duct 1240.

[0164] The sample container or vial 1400 is generally square with rounded corners. The vessel 1400 has an outer panel 1402 and a bottom panel 1404. The spaced flat gripping areas 1406 are spaced apart on opposite sides of the outer panels 1402 of the sample container 1400. A compartment 1408 is defined within the sample container 1400. The container 1400 has a top end 1410 and a bottom end 1412. The sample container 1400 includes: Compartment 1408 is made of a transparent material so that the contents of compartment 1408 can be observed by the user. do.

[0165] An annular flange 1416 extends circumferentially outward from the panel 1402 at the upper end 1410. The flange 1416 has an inner surface 1418 and an outer surface 1420. A groove 1422 is defined on the outer surface 1420. Two opposing regions 1424 The step 1426 is disposed on the inner surface 1418. The step 1426 extends from the flange 1416 toward the panel 1402. It once sloped downward.

[0166] A rim 1430 extends circumferentially downward from the bottom panel 1404. The rim 1430 It has a beveled or angled edge 1432 that slopes inward from the outer panel 1402 . The boss 1436 is attached to the bottom panel 1404 adjacent one side of the rim 1430. A pointed tip 1437 extends distally from bottom panel 1404 upward into compartment 1. 408. A window 1438 is disposed in the outer panel 1402. 8 allows the user to view the contents of compartment 1408.

[0167] The circular cap 1450 has a top panel 1452 and an annular side panel 1454. The side panels 1454 extend downward at right angles from the top panel 1452. To provide a better grip on the cap, knurled ribs 1456 are provided on the outer surface of the side panel 1454. A rim 1458 extends upwardly from the top panel 1452 at a right angle. An annular threaded portion 1460 is defined on the inner surface of the side panel 1454. 2 is positioned at a distance from the side panel 1454 in a parallel relationship to the lower and upper panels 1452. A pair of opposing notches 1464 extend perpendicularly away from the flange. A slot 1466 is defined in the flange 1462 and the side panel 1454. It is defined between.

[0168] The cap 1450 is screwed onto the sample container 1400 by rotating the cap 1450 relative to the sample container 1400. The sample container 1400 is attached to the upper end 1410 by fitting the portions 1422 and 1460 together. The cap 1450 is attached to the bottom end 14 of the sample container 1400. 12, in which case the user may align rim 1458 adjacent to rim 1430. The beveled edge 1432 is then positioned against the rim 1458. 14. The cap 1450 is guided into frictional contact with the rim 1430, thereby attaching the cap 1450 to the sample. It can be held at the bottom of the container 1400 .

[0169] The identification device 376 is attached to the outer panel 1402. has the same structure as the above-mentioned identification device and performs the same function. .

[0170] The tissue sample 398 can be a variety of tissue specimens. For example, The sample 398 may be a biopsy sample from an internal location or a polyp from the colon. The tissue filter 1200 may have a prong or tang 1258 extending from the step 142. 6. The suction cup 1404 will slide into the compartment 1408 until it engages with the flat area 1424 on the suction cup 1404. At this point, stage 1426 is engaged to allow further insertion of tissue filter 1200 into compartment 1408. This will provide resistance to it.

[0171] The tissue trap 1198 is adapted to be removably coupled to the cassette 800. The trap 1190 holds the tissue filter 1200 and the sample container 1400 within the cavity 985. 1416 and threaded portion 1422 into the L-shaped rail 982. The trap 1198 is inserted by moving it and holding it at lip 984. The trap 1198 hangs below the set 800. 00 and sample container 1400 by pulling them horizontally away from cassette 800. and removed from the cassette 800. Multiple tissue traps 1200 can be used to trap multiple tissues. Fabric samples can be collected.

[0172] The user places the cap 1450 over the tissue filter 1200. 450 is rotated relative to the sample container 1400, the top surface of the cap's upper panel 1452 The upper panel 1204 of the tissue filter 1200 is in contact with the threads 1422 and 1460. Thus, rotation of the cap 1450 moves the tissue filter 1200 downward into the compartment 1408. The step 1426 allows the prongs or tongues 1258 to flex inward, causing the panel 12 The sample container slides along the sample container panel 1406 until the bottom edge of the sample container panel abuts the step 1426. As the woven filter 1200 moves downward into the compartment 1408, it attaches to the bottom panel 1404. The sharpened tip 1437 pierces the foil or plastic seal 1236 and preserves The solution 389 (FIG. 17) is released to cover the tissue sample 398 .

[0173] 33 and 34, a water bottle 1500 is shown. The water bottle 1500 is approximately It is shown as having a rectangular shape. Other shapes, e.g., round or oval, may be used. The water bottle 1500 may be made up of six exterior panels, i.e., parallel and spaced apart panels. The panels 1502 and 1504 are oriented in a generally vertical direction, and the panels 1502 and 1504 are parallel and spaced apart from each other and oriented in a generally vertical direction. and a bottom panel 1510 oriented generally horizontally. The top panel 1511 is defined by the side panels 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508, 1509, 1510, 1511a, 1510b, 1510c, 1510d, 1510e, 1510f, 1510g, 1510h, 1510hb. 6, 1508. Side panels 1502, 1504, 1506, 150 The water bottle 1500 has a top end 1514 and a bottom end 1515. It has 12.

[0174] Panels 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508, 1510, and 1511 are Aquarius 150 The water bottle 1500 defines a reservoir 1520 therein. The water bottle 1500 may be made of any suitable material, e.g. For example, it may be made from blow-molded plastic. 0 so that the contents or level of the reservoir 1520 can be observed by the user. It is made of a transparent material.

[0175] The water bottle 1500 has a neck 1524 extending away from the top wall 1511 . An annular flange 1526 surrounds the neck 1524. A threaded portion 1528 is 514 is defined in the outer surface of the neck 1524. An opening 1530 is provided to allow access to the reservoir. The elongated tube 1540 has ends 1542 and 1543 that allow access to the tubing 1520. 44. The circular cap 1560 has a threaded portion 1562, an annular flange at one end, The flange 1564 and the small diameter neck 1566 are provided with holes 1570 and 1572. It was defined in 1564.

[0176] The water bottle 1500 is filled with irrigation fluid. The water bottle 1500 is connected to the tube end 15 42 through hole 1570 in cap 1560, and tube end 1544 through opening 1530. The nozzle is then inserted into the bottle 1500 by placing the nozzle 1500 in the hole 1572. The air pressure inside the bottle 1500 and the air pressure outside the bottle 1500 are equalized, thereby No emptiness will occur inside the bottle 1500.

[0177] The water bottle 1500 is adapted to be removably coupled to the receptacle 702. The bottle 1500 is manually attached by the user to the neck 1500 by bending the arm 740. The water bottle is inserted by gripping the water bottle 566 and sliding it horizontally into the slot 742. 1500 hangs below cassette 800 supported by flange 1564. The finger portion 744 holds the water bottle 1500 so that it does not fall out of the slot 742. The water bottle 1500 is manually separated from the cassette 800 by the user. Pull horizontally toward the arm 740, thereby deflecting the arm 740 and freeing the neck 1566. It can be removed from the cassette 800 by sliding it past the finger 744. This becomes the case.

[0178] [C.Operation] 1A to 1C, 15B, and 23 to 34, the movable unit 30 ( 1A) allows the user to insert the cassette 800 (which collects waste material drawn from the surgical site) into the A complementary receptacle in the manifold assembly 700 associated with the canister 38 (which will By inserting it into the receptacle 702, it is ready for use. aligns the tapered section 837 of the cassette 800 with the groove 724 of the receptacle 702. This is done by sliding the cassette 800 into the passage or cavity 716. until the panel 830 contacts the rear panel 709 of the receptacle 702. slides along groove 724. In this position, fitting 944 seats on suction conduit 59. 15B). The flexible tabs 842 deflect downwardly beneath the leading edge 749 of the top panel 705. It will be held within the cavity or passageway 716 .

[0179] The peristaltic pump rollers 74 are inserted through the openings 720 so as to contact the irrigation passages 1076. An irrigation passage 1076 is squeezed between the peristaltic pump roller 74 and the recess 966. As a result, rotation of roller 74 forces irrigation fluid through irrigation passage 1076. The roller 74 and the pump motor 71 are arranged perpendicular to the upper panel 705. The load is mounted at an angle to the vertical axis defined by the The roller 74 can rotate freely without contacting the dome 898.

[0180] The RFID reader 194 recognizes an identification device 376, such as an RFID tag, and The port 800 allows the operation of the mobile unit 30 when seated in the receptacle 702. The controller 192 then sends a signal to the controller 192.

[0181] The water bottle 1500 has a horizontally elongated slot so that the arm 740 can flex to grip the neck 1566. 742, and is attached to the receptacle 702. 0 hangs below cassette 800 supported by flange 1564. The water bottle 1500 is held by the guard portion 744 so as not to fall out of the slot 742. In this position, the annular flange hole 1570 is pressed against the hole 970, It is in fluid communication with the irrigation passage 1066 .

[0182] The tissue filter 1200 and the sample container 1400 are Insert the container 1400 horizontally into the cavity 985 and secure the flange 1416 and threaded portion 1422. The cover is slid into the L-shaped rail 982 and held by the lip 984. The tissue filter 1200 and the sample container 1400 are attached to the set 800. It will hang below Set 800.

[0183] The mobile unit 30 is configured to attach the suction line 50 to the fitting 949 and the irrigation line 5 1 to the fixture 954, the colonoscope-like application device 52 can be attached to the unit. Once connected, the cap 1090 is ready for use. The second suction fitting 958 is disposed over the second suction fitting 95 8 is sealed.

[0184] The movable unit 30 operates the suction pump 58 and the peristaltic pump 70. The operator uses the control panel 196 to select an operating mode. When the operator selects bypass mode, the pinch valve actuator 80 , pinch valves 884 and 878 are closed, and pinch valve 872 is opened. Upon actuation, the waste stream is directed from the surgical site along the suction fluid communication path 184 to the applicator 5. 2 and directed through suction line 50 to fitting 949. The suction applicator 52 acts on the liquid waste and solid waste and is adjacent to the applicator. From the fitting 949, the waste stream passes through the recess 976, the suction tube 107, and 6, and fitting 944 into conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste stream is , into the associated canister 36 or 38. This mode of operation is The path 184 is referred to as bypass mode because it bypasses the tissue filter 1200. .

[0185] The liquid and solid components of the waste stream entering canister 36 or 38 settle out of the stream. The liquid falls and is retained in the canisters 36, 38, which are ultimately disposed of.

[0186] Operation of the peristaltic pump 70 pumps irrigation fluid from the water bottle 1500 through the irrigation fluid communication path 18. 2 along the tube 1540, the hole 970, the recess 966, the irrigation passage 1076, the fitting 95 4 and through irrigation line 51 to applicator 52 and delivered to the surgical site. This will happen.

[0187] The user may use cassette 800 to collect tissue samples such as polyps. The cassette 800 can be selected by the actuator 80. The operating mode is selected by moving the chute valve. The operator operates the control panel. 196 is used to select the operating mode. When this is selected, pinch valves 872 and 890 are closed and pinch valves 884 and 878 are opened. do.

[0188] The mobile unit 30 restarts the suction pump 58 and the peristaltic pump 70. When the system is in this mode of operation, the waste stream is The tissue sample is then drawn from the surgical site along fluid communication path 184 by application device 5. 2 and directed through suction line 50 into fitting 949. This includes liquid and solid waste and tissue samples 398 that are acted upon by the dispenser 398. It includes air adjacent to the applicator 52.

[0189] From fixture 949, the waste stream passes through recess 976 and suction tube 1076, recess 98 0 and suction tube 1080, hole 974, cavity 1230, screen 1234, hole 12 46, hole 1250, through hole 975, recess 981 and suction tube 1081, recess 9 76 and suction tube 1976, through fitting 944 and into conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste stream is directed into the associated canister 36 or 38. The tissue sample 398 is captured by the screen 1234 within the tissue filter 1200. This mode of operation is achieved by allowing the aspiration fluid communication pathway 184 to pass through the tissue filter 1200. This is called tissue collection mode because the sample is collected in tissue collection mode. Note that there is no need to disconnect or reconnect the suction line 50 to collect.

[0190] The user uses the cassette 800 and tissue trap 1198 to extract tissue with the instrument. The cassette 800 can be selected to collect an active tissue sample. The pinch valve selected by the actuator 80 is moved to activate the tissue capture mode. The operator uses the control panel 196 to place the cassette in this mode. In the tissue extraction capture mode, the pinch valves 872 and 878 are closed and the pins The valves 884 and 890 are opened. The cap 1090 is removed from the fitting 958. This will happen.

[0191] When the system is in the tissue capture mode, the waste stream is directed to the suction fluid communication path 184. The instrument is drawn along the fitting 958 into the instrument washing chamber 1050. The tissue sample 398 held by the tool (not shown) is passed through the fitting 958 to the tool cleaning device. The instrument can be delivered through the transparent ramp 844 into the instrument washing chamber 1050. The tissue sample within the 0 can be observed.

[0192] The operator can use the control panel 196 to adjust the supply of irrigation fluid. Opening pinch valve 866 with one of the actuators 80 allows irrigation fluid to enter the instrument cleaning channel. Pressurized irrigation fluid is supplied to the irrigation tube 1050 from the irrigation passage 1076. 1072, 1065 into the instrument washing chamber 1050, thereby A tissue sample placed in the washing chamber 1050 can be washed.

[0193] From fixture 949, the tissue sample and waste stream pass through recess 978 and suction tube. 1078, hole 974, cavity 1230, screen 1234, hole 1246, hole 1250, hole 975, recess 981 and suction tube 1081, recess 976 and suction tube The waste is then led through the nozzle 1076 and fitting 944 into the conduit 59. The flow is directed into the associated canister 36 or 38. The tissue sample 398 is The particles are captured by the screen 1234 within the woven filter 1200. This mode of operation is A suction fluid communication path 184 passes through the instrument washing chamber 1050 and the tissue filter 1200. This is why it is called tweezers sample collection mode.

[0194] To remove the tissue trap 1198, the operator first uses the control panel 196. Then, the operation mode of the movable unit 30 is returned to the bypass mode. The path can be removed from the tissue trap 1198. The tissue filter 1200 and sample The container 1400 is used to transfer the tissue filter 1200 and the sample container 1400 from the cassette 800. Pull horizontally away from each other to slide the sample container 1400 out along the rails 982. The tissue sample is then removed from the cassette 800 by The tissue filter 1200 and sample container 1400 are positioned along rails 982 and within cavity 985. the other tissue filter 1200 and the sample container 140 by pushing them horizontally into the 0 may be inserted. The tissue trap 1198 is inserted into the cassette 800 as a single unit. It is adapted to be inserted into and removed from the cassette 800 .

[0195] Remove one tissue trap 1198 from the cassette 800 and replace it with a new trap 1198 During this process of installing the suction pump 58, there is no need to shut it off. Without interfering with the suction applied to the suction applicator, insert a new tissue trap 1198 into the cassette. It can be installed on the 800.

[0196] To collect another tissue sample, the operator uses the control panel 196 to This will return the operational mode of unit 30 to the tissue sample collection mode.

[0197] The user places the cap 1450 over the tissue filter 1200. When the cap 450 is rotated relative to the sample container 1400, the inner surface of the cap's upper panel 1452 , contacting the upper panel 1204 of the tissue filter 1200. Thus, rotation of the cap 1450 drives the tissue filter 1200 downward into the compartment 1408. Wall 1462 allows prongs or tangs 1258 to flex inward. and slide the sample container panel 1406 along the sample container panel 1406 until the bottom edge of the panel 1206 abuts the step 1426. As the tissue filter 1200 moves downward into the compartment 1408, the bottom panel 1 A pointed tip 1437 attached to 404 holds the foil or plastic seal 1236. piercing, releasing the preservative solution 389 (FIG. 17) to cover the tissue sample 398 .

[0198] Once the medical / surgical procedure is completed and the use of the mobile unit 30 is no longer required Then, the suction line 50 and the irrigation line 51 are spaced apart from the fittings 949 and 958, respectively. Flexible tab 838 is manually depressed to manually release cassette 800 from the receiver. The cassette 800 is removed by pulling it from the receptacle 702. Set 800 is to be disposed of as medical waste.

[0199] After use, the mobile unit 30 is placed in a dock (not shown and not part of the invention). The waste material in the canister 36 or 38 is transported through the docker to the processing station. They will be sent to a facility.

[0200] Similarly, in embodiments of the present invention, the tissue filter 1200 and the sample container 1400 are formed It should be understood that the plastic used is at least partially transparent. This provides healthcare workers with a quick means of verifying that a sample has been collected. The cassette 800 is at least partially formed from a transparent material. A quick check is made to ensure that the container has not been used and does not contain any collected waste. This will provide quick access to healthcare workers.

[0201] The present invention provides a method for selectively allowing the aspiration fluid communication path to pass through the inside or outside of the tissue sample container. This allows the information to be changed to

[0202] [V. Fourth embodiment] [A. Receptacle] 35-42 illustrate alternative manifold receptors that are part of the collection system of FIG. 1A. 17 shows an alternative cassette 1700 for use with manifold 1699. Manifold receptacle 1699, sometimes called a vessel, is referred to by reference to This is disclosed in detail in US Pat. No. 7,615,037, incorporated herein by reference.

[0203] With particular reference to Figures 35 and 36, the manifold receptacle 1699 has three The housing 1602 receives the proximal end of the cassette 1700. The receiver adapter 1604 connects the manifold receptacle housing 1602 to the The adapter 1604 is attached to the associated canister cap 40 (FIG. 1A). serves as a flow path from the manifold housing 1602 to the associated canister 36. The lock ring 1606 is also provided with a conduit 59 for connecting the manifold housing 1602. The lock ring 1066 is attached to the distal end (front end) of the cassette 1700. When installed in the receptacle 1699, the cassette 1700 is properly aligned. The device is formed with geometric features that ensure that the

[0204] The housing 1602 has coaxial passages or holes 1610, 1611 extending through the housing 1602. 612. The spring-loaded door 1634 is formed to define the housing 160. 2. The door 1634 is selected by the insertion of the cassette 1700. It can be selectively opened by removing the cassette 1700 and selectively closed by removing the cassette 1700. are.

[0205] A conduit 59 providing a fluid communication path from the housing 1602 to the associated canister 36 The conduit 59 is elbow-shaped with an 80° to 90° bend. The distal end is adapted to extend into cassette 1700 .

[0206] The locking ring 1606 is generally ring-shaped and has a centrally located through opening 1615. A number of holes 1616 run longitudinally through the ring. The fasteners used to hold the ring 1606 to the manifold assembly 1602 The locking ring 1606 defines a pair of slots 1618, 1620. (The slot 1618 is formed in the cassette 170 in FIG. 35.) The slots 1618 and 1620 are connected to the through opening 1615. and extends radially outward from opening 1615 to the proximal end of locking ring 1606 . The slots 1618 and 1620 are diametrically opposed to each other and have different arcs. The slot 1618 has a circular profile that is larger than the arc defined by the slot 1620. The curve defines a circular arc.

[0207] The slots 1618 and 1620 each extend the length of the lock ring 1606. The locking ring 1606 is further configured to have a pair of grooves 1622 at its proximal end. Each groove is arc-shaped and is formed inside the lock ring. Each groove 1622 is connected to one of the slots 1618 and 1620. The grooves 1622 are generally diametrically opposed to one another. By abutting the distally facing surface of the housing 1602, the groove 1622 As described in more detail below, as slots through which tabs integral with cassette 1700 pass. It will work.

[0208] The valve disc 1632 normally covers the opening to the conduit 59. When not inserted, the spring-loaded door 1634 is positioned distally of the hole 1610 in the housing 1602. It spans the end opening.

[0209] The manifold receptacle 1699 is configured to accommodate the valve disc 1632 within the housing 1602. The valve disc 1632 is configured to cover the opening to the conduit 59 when in a particular rotational position. The valve disc 1632 is rotated to align the holes 1638 with the conduit 59. It is now possible to transfer.

[0210] [B. Cassette] 37-39, the major components of cassette 1700 are shown. The cassette 1700 includes a housing 1701 having a proximal shell 1750 . A cap 1702 is attached to the distal side of the proximal shell 1750. The shell 1750 and the cap 1702 are open at one end and cover the open end. Cap 1702 may be formed from any suitable material, such as injection molded plastic. The interior of the cassette 1700 and the housing 1701 may be a chamber or a vacuum. The location is 1704 (Figure 38B).

[0211] 41A to 41E, the shell 1750 has a generally cylindrical shape. The tube 1750 has a circular proximal end or base 1752 extending from the base 1752 to an annular sidewall Lip 1756 is formed at the top of sidewall 1754 so that it extends upward. A lip 1756 extends circumferentially around the open top end and projects radially outward. The two fingers 1761, 1762 and the tab 1763 extend from the top of the side wall 1754. Each finger portion 1761, 1762 has an arc-shaped cross section. The finger portion 1761 defines a relatively large arc. The gar portion 1762 defines a relatively small arc.

[0212] An opening 1770 is formed in the shell base 1752. This opening is provided for the valve disc 16 The shell is sized to receive the boss integral with 32. The shell has an opening 1770 The circular lip is formed so as to be centered on an axis that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the shell 1750. The cap 1772 extends downward from the shell base 1762 around the opening 1770. The lip 1772 extends from an annular area of ​​the shell base 1752 that defines the periphery of the opening 1770. Radially spaced apart.

[0213] A drip stopper 1774 is mounted within the manifold opening 1770. -1774 is made from a compressible elastomeric material such as polyisoprene rubber The drip stopper 1774 has a pair of lips 1775 and a slit or slot 1776. 790 is located between these lips 1775. The slot 1790 allows the conduit 59 to Droplet stopper 1774 allows fluid to enter chamber 1704 through suction fluid communication When the cassette 1700 is removed from the receptacle 1699, A drip stopper 1774 prevents any material from flowing out of the opening 1770. This will happen.

[0214] 40A to 40E show the cassette cap 1702 in detail. The cap is made from a single piece of polypropylene or similar plastic. The tube 1702 has ends 1705, 1706 and a cylindrical tubular skirt 1707. The cap 1702 is attached to the housing 1701 when the housing 1701 is placed in the receptacle 1699. and is dimensioned to allow rotation within the receptacle. At the proximal end 1705 of the cart 1707, two tabs 1708, 1709 are radially The tabs 1708 and 1709 are diametrically opposed to each other. The tabs define different arcs. Tab 1708 is relatively large. The tabs define an arc that fits into the manifold receptacle locking ring slots 161. 8. Tab 1709 defines a small arc This tab slips into the locking ring slot 1620 on the manifold receptacle. It is designed to mate.

[0215] The cap skirt 1707 is tapered at the end 1705 to an inwardly tapered rim 1706. 10. Adjacent to the rim 1710, the skirt 1707 is The skirt has an outwardly extending step 1712 that extends circumferentially around the interior of the skirt. 702, the inner diameter of the skirt 1707 on the step 1712 is approximately 0.5 mm, and the shell lip 1 The dimensions are smaller than the inner diameter of the 756. When inserted, the shell 1750 is compressed so that the lip 1756 seats on the step 1712. The cap 1702 is then inserted into the cap 1702 around the lip 1756. The compression of the inner surface of the skirt 1707 substantially reduces the loss of suction between the cap and skirt. will be systematically excluded.

[0216] A number of ribs extend inward from the inner surface of the skirt 1707 and are positioned on the steps 1712. Two pairs of adjacent ribs 1713 and another pair of adjacent ribs 1714 The ribs 1713 are provided such that the shell finger portions 1761 are positioned between the ribs 1713. The ribs 1714 are spaced apart along an arc of a circle by a sufficient distance to allow for a smooth fit. The tabs 1763 (rather than the fingers 1761) slide between the ribs 1714. Therefore, the shell fingers 1761, Tab 1763 and rib pairs 1713, 1714 are used to connect these components together. When the cassette shell 1750 and cassette cap 1702 are properly aligned, This will promote the

[0217] A half barrel 1716 extends distally from the lower half of the skirt 1707 and has a rectangular shape. A housing or box 1718 extends distally from the upper half of the skirt 1707. The semicircular surface 1719 extends to the top of the skirt 1707, and the other semicircular surface 1720 The face 1720 extends to the top end of the half barrel 1716. The face 1720 is connected to the centrally located hole 172 1 and a fixture 1734 located near the bottom of surface 1720. The fitting 1734 has a through-hole 1722 in fluid communication with the chamber 1704. A flat wall 1724 (best seen in FIG. 38B) extends between faces 1719 and 1720. A circular hole 1725 (FIG. 38B) is formed in the wall 1724 adjacent to the surface 1720. It penetrates through.

[0218] The housing or box 1718 has a rectangular slit defining a closed end bore 1727. The base of the sleeve 126 is defined by a wall 1724. An opening 1729 is formed in the face of the end cap 1706, and the sleeve defining the hole The end cap 1726 extends inwardly from the end cap. The hole 1728 in the fitting 1738 is in fluid communication with the hole 1727. Specifically, the hole 1728 is in fluid communication with the surface of the wall 1724 of the sleeve 1726. The semicircular rim 1730 extends radially outward from the housing 1718. The rim 1730 is coplanar with and contiguous with the plane of the cap end 1706. It continues.

[0219] Fittings 1732, 1734 are sized to receive suction line 50. .

[0220] A generally U-shaped half flange 1736 extends away from the end of the barrel 1716 . Post 1738 extends perpendicularly away from the top of box 1718 and is 730 and some distance from the fixture 1734.

[0221] 37A and 37B, a removable cap 1740 is attached to the fitting 17 32, 1734. A removable cover 1741 is provided for the sleeve 17 The cover 1741 is provided to cover the opening 1729 of the 26. It has a handle 1742 that can be grasped and a portion that fits within the sleeve 1726. The fitting cap 1740 and the cover 1741 each have several arms 1746. The cassette cap 1702 is integrally attached to the cassette cap 1702 by a tether 1744 having Arm 1746 is moored to post 1738.

[0222] Cassette 1700 is a frame as described below with reference to Figures 38B, 38C and 38D. The flapper valve unit 1800 is made of a compressible flexible material. The elastomeric material may be formed from a single piece of elastomer, such as polyisoprene or other elastomeric material. The flapper valve unit 1800 has a disk-shaped hub 1802. A central through hole 1804 is formed.

[0223] The flapper valve unit 1800 is attached to the surface 1720 of the cassette cap 1702. Post 1806 is inserted through hole 1804 into hole 1721 in surface 1720. Post 1806 is thermally bonded to surface 1720, thereby forming a flapper valve unit. The cassette 1800 can be held in the cassette cap 1702.

[0224] The flapper unit hub 1802 also has a number of annular ribs 1810 and 1812. One rib 1810 is provided on each of the distal and proximal sides of the hub 1802. One rib 1812 also extends outward from each of the two faces of the hub 1802. The rib 1810 is located near the hub through-hole 1804. 2 surrounds the rib 1810. Each rib 1810, 1812 has an inwardly sloping cross section. Thus, each rib 1810, 1812 extends outward from the hub face. and is inclined so as to face the long axis passing through the hub hole 1804.

[0225] A flapper valve 1814 is pivotally connected to and extends from the hub 1802. Flapper valve 1814 covers fitting port 1722 and bore 1725, respectively. A hinge 1816, which is an integral part of the flapper valve unit 1800, secures each flapper A valve 1814 is pivotally connected to the hub 1802. A hinge 1816 forms the valve. It is formed from a single piece of material that is thinner than the adjacent hub 1802 and flapper valve 1800. The valve 1814 covering the port 1722 is generally flush with the hub 1802. It should be understood that the valve 1814 covering the hole 1725 is angled relative to the hub 1802. , here inclined at right angles.

[0226] Each flapper valve 1814 is generally disk-shaped. The holes 1722 and 1725 are covered with a metal plate 1726 and are arranged to abut the area surrounding the port. Generally, each flapper valve 1814 is sized to connect to an associated port 1722. and has a diameter that is approximately 4 mm larger than the inner diameter of the hole 1725. Flapper valve 1814 abuts surface 1720 and other flapper valves 1814 are positioned on wall 1724. The flapper valve 1814 is connected to the port 1722 and the hole 1725. Allows fluid flow into chamber 1704 while allowing fluid flow from chamber 1704 to port 172 2 and acts as a one-way valve to prevent fluid flow to holes 1725.

[0227] Referring to Figures 39A, 39B, 42A-42E, and 43, the tissue trap 18. The tissue trap 1850 is generally rectangular in shape. Other shapes, For example, round, oval, or square shapes may be used. The material may be any suitable material, e.g., low durometer plastic or thermoplastic elastomer. The tissue trap 1850 may be made of a holder 1852 and a and a catch tray 1880. The holder 1852 has four panels: , and side beams 1854, 1856 that are spaced apart parallel to each other and oriented generally perpendicularly, a front beam 1858 and a rear beam 1860 that are parallel, spaced apart, and oriented generally vertically; The side beams 1854, 1856 are defined by a The circular flange 1862 extends from the front beam 1858 to the top end 1857. The holder extends circumferentially outward from the holder and has a flat area or edge 1863 at its lower portion. Holder 1852 defines a hollow slot 1864 extending therethrough. and Catch Tray 1880 are both made from injection molded plastic. In one embodiment, the plastic allows the user to easily remove the contents of the tissue trap 1850. It may be transparent to allow observation of the

[0228] A circular O-ring 1866 abuts the proximal face of flange 1862. O-ring 18 66 is a flange 1862 and a cap when the tissue trap 1850 is inserted into the hole 1727. The O-ring 18 provides a seal between the cap end 1706 and the O-ring 18. 66 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the seal is formed between the flange 1862 and the cap end. It is designed to be formed directly between 1706.

[0229] The holder 1852 includes a pair of side-by-side rails 1868. extends perpendicularly inward from the bottom inner surface of the side panels 1854, 1856 into the slots 1864. There are.

[0230] The filter or catch tray 1880 is removably connected to the tissue trap 1850. The catch tray 1880 is generally rectangular with four walls and a bottom mesh. The catch trays 1880 are spaced apart parallel to one another and are generally vertically and parallel spaced apart, generally vertically oriented side walls 1882, 1884. a front wall 1886 and a rear wall 1888. A bottom mesh or screen 189 0 is attached to the bottom of walls 1882-1888. Clean 1890 is an open-ended shell (not numbered) that defines a cavity 1894. The mesh 1890 contains holes that allow fluid to pass through the mesh. Lip 1892 is located at the top of walls 1882-1888. Extending outward in the circumferential direction from

[0231] The filter or catch tray 1880 is insertable into the holder 1852. and can be removed from the holder 1852. The tray 1880 is inserted into the slot 1864 and the walls 1882-1883 are closed. The bottom of 888 abuts against rail 1868 and lip 1892 is attached to the top of walls 1882-1888. 18. Push the catch tray 1880 in until it is positioned within the holder 1852. The filter or catch tray 1880 is placed in the It is removed from holder 1852 by lifting it through hole 1864 .

[0232] The identification device 1896 is attached to the rear panel 1860 of the tissue trap 1850. The identification device 1896 may be any suitable identification device, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) The tag or device may be a FID (Fiber Identification Number) tag or device, a bar code, a magnet, or other device. The presence of the identification device 1896 is detected by a sensor 189 mounted within the receptacle 1699. 7 (FIG. 36). In one embodiment, the sensor 1897 is a Hall effect The sensor 1897 can be used to detect tissue tracking into the cassette 170. A light source 1898 is provided to detect the insertion of the tissue trap 1850 and to illuminate the interior of the tissue trap 1850. (Figure 36) is turned on.

[0233] Alternative aspects or embodiments of tissue trap 1900 are shown in FIGS. 44 and 45A-45 E. The tissue trap 1900 is a single, integral piece. 0 is generally rectangular. Other shapes, such as round, oval, or square, may also be used. The tissue trap 1900 may be made of any suitable material, for example, a low durometer It may be made from a hard plastic or a thermoplastic elastomer. The tissue trap 1900 is made up of four panels, spaced apart and parallel to one another and generally vertically oriented. oriented side panels 1902, 1904 and parallel, spaced apart, generally vertically oriented The front panel 1906 and the rear panel 1908 are defined by a circular flange. 1910 extends circumferentially outward from the front panel 1906 and has a flat area or edge at the lower portion. 1912. In an embodiment of the tissue trap 1900, the use of an O-ring is omitted. The screen 1914 is attached to the bottom of the panels 1902 to 1908. , forming the bottom of the tissue trap 1900. The screen 1914 contains holes, This allows fluid to pass through the screen 1914. Panels 1902-1 908 and screen 1914 define a cavity 1916. Identification device 189 6 is attached to the rear panel 1908 of the tissue trap 1900.

[0234] In these versions of the invention, flange 1910 defines opening 172 in the manifold. In these aspects of the invention, the sample is When collection is not required, the cap, i.e. (essentially the screen 1914) is attached. The (uncut) flange 1910 will seat within the outlet opening. The fluid flows from the outlet opening through the space 1727 without filtering or collecting contaminating tissue. At the time of surgery when it is beneficial to collect a sample, the tissue trap 190 0 will be inserted into the void. Tissues entrained in the waste stream will be removed by the screen 19. 14.

[0235] C. Operation of the Fourth Embodiment 1A to 1C, 35 to 38, and 43, the movable unit 30 (Fig. 1A) allows the user to insert the cassette 1700 into a complementary receptacle associated with the canister 36. By inserting it into the cap, the device is ready for use. 1702 and insert the cassette 1700 into the receptacle 1699. The shell base 1752 then opens the door 1634 and slides into the chamber 1610. The base of the valve is directed toward the valve disc 1632. The valve disc boss 1636 must seat within the shell opening 1770. The ring slots 1618, 1620 and the manifold tabs 1708, 1709 cooperate to , ensuring this alignment of cassette 1700 to valve disc 1632. Essentially, once these components are in place, manifold tabs 170 into slots 1618. 8 is positioned so that the shell opening 1770 is aligned with the valve disc boss 1636. The cassette 1700 is rotatably positioned as shown. After the cassette 1700 is inserted into the receptacle 1699, the shell base 1752 will fit around the valve disc boss 1636.

[0236] Cassette 1700 is then rotated, thereby removing valve disc boss 1636 and The valve disc 1632 is rotated in the same manner. This rotation opens the valve orifice 1638 to the conduit 5. 9, thereby providing fluid communication between chamber 1704 and conduit 59. It will be possible to bring about communication.

[0237] When the cassette is seated in the receptacle 1699, the distal end of the cassette shell The valve seat 1636 is seated on the valve boss 1636. More specifically, the boss 1636 then seats against the shell opening. 1770. This allows the boss 1636 and the shell (which defines the opening 1770) to interlock. The drip stopper 1774 forms a liquid-tight barrier between the surrounding area of ​​the base 1750. becomes.

[0238] Two suction lines can be attached to the cassette 1700. If suction is to be introduced, If tissue needs to be collected from the fluid flow but not from the suction line through which this flow passes, The nozzle is attached to fitting 1732. This is suitable for, for example, a suction pump used by an anesthesiologist. A fitting to which a tube is attached. Used when it is desired to collect a portion of tissue. The suction line to be used is attached to fitting 1732. If the suction line is If not installed in one of the 32 or 1734, a cap must be placed over the fixture. It should be understood that the cap remains in place, thus allowing suction through the fitting. This will prevent unnecessary losses.

[0239] The movable unit 30 is operated by operating the suction pump 58. The force is sufficient to deflect each of the flapper valves 1814 to their open state. If an intake was attached to fitting 1732, fluid flow would occur through this intake line. The fluid flow is drawn into cassette chamber 1704. From chamber 1704, the fluid flow is It is led through a conduit 59 into an associated canister.

[0240] The suction by pump 58 also directs the fluid flow to a suction chamber attached to fitting 1734. It can also be pulled in through the pull line. The flange 1862 of the trap 1850 The flange 186 acts as a cap that is removably fitted to the flange opening 1729. When the cassette 2 is in place, the O-ring 1866 contacts the front end of the cassette with the trap flange 18 This prevents loss of suction at the outer interface between the flow and the material. If collection is not of interest, the filter 1880 is placed in the trap holder 1852. The fluid flow is not filtered through the cassette but is directed out over conduit 59. This will be the case.

[0241] Alternatively, when the cassette is operated in this bypass mode, the trap 1850 In this case, the cover 1741 is attached to the cassette opening. The cover 1741 is attached to the opening 1729. The cover 1741 includes a layer of elastomeric material. This elastomeric layer prevents loss of suction at the interface between the cassette and the cover. Acts as a seal.

[0242] The user can use the cassette 1700 to collect tissue samples such as polyps. If cover 1741 is in place, grasp handle 1742 and manually The cover is removed by pulling the cover 1741 with the catch tray. A tissue trap 1850 with a tissue trap 1880 is inserted into the sleeve 1726. The user grasps flange 1862 and slides proximal panel 1860 through opening 1729 and sleeve 1862. 726 and hole 1727. The tissue trap 1850 is secured by an O-ring 1866. The O-ring 1866 slides into the sleeve 1726 until it abuts the cap end 1706. This provides a suction seal between flange 1862 and cap end 1706. The trap 1850 is a tissue sample collection model since the aspiration fluid communication path is through the tissue trap 1850. It is called a code.

[0243] Alternatively, if the cover is not in place, place the trap without the filter in the cassette. The filter 1880 can be easily removed from the trap holder 1852. The trap can then be reseaten within the sleeve 1726.

[0244] This process of inserting the trap with the filter into the cassette is performed by the suction application device. It should be understood that this interrupts the drawing of suction at the head. If the organization intending to collect the waste inadvertently drops it through the cassette into the waste collection canister, This function effectively eliminates the possibility of the device being drawn into the device.

[0245] When the tissue trap 1850 is seated within the sleeve 1726, the sensor 1897 detects the tissue The sensor 1897 detects the presence of the trap 1850 and recognizes the identification device 1896. , which is in communication with the controller 192 (FIG. 1B). To illuminate the interior of 1850, light source 1898 can be illuminated.

[0246] In tissue sample collection mode, the waste stream is directed from the surgical site through aspiration fluid communication pathway 18. 4 into applicator 52 and through suction line 50B into fitting 1734. This waste stream is drawn through the applicator as a result of the suction. The waste material is then removed from the attachment 1734, including the tissue sample 398 entrapped within the dispenser 52. The flow is through the port 1728, the cavity 1894, the bottom mesh 1890, the holes 1725, and the flapper valve. 1814, through chamber 1704 and into conduit 59. From conduit 59, a waste stream This is led into the canister 36 .

[0247] The tissue sample 398 is placed in the tissue trap 1850 at the bottom of the catch tray 1880. This mode of operation is achieved by incorporating the suction fluid communication path 184. This is called tissue collection mode because the tissue passes through the tissue trap 1850. There is no need to disconnect or reconnect the suction line 50B to collect a sample at Please note that

[0248] The plastic forming the cap 1702 and tissue trap 1850 is at least Both are partially transparent, allowing the user to see the tissue trap 3 within cavity 1894. 98 can be observed. The tissue sample 398 is , illuminated by a light source 1898.

[0249] The tissue trap 1850 is attached to the cassette 170 by a user manually attaching the flange 1862 to the cassette 170. It can be removed from the sleeve 1726 by pulling in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis of the After the tissue trap 1850 is removed from the sleeve 1726, the tissue sample The catch tray 1880 containing the 398 is removed from the holder 1852. The lip 1892 of the catch tray 1880 at the lower edge 1857 of the holder 1852 By grabbing the lip 1892 and lifting it, you can release the catch tray 1880. It can be separated from Dar 1852.

[0250] With additional reference to FIG. 14, after removing the tissue catch tray 1880, the user Place the catch tray 1880 into the sample container 380 (FIG. 14). In this step, the catch tray 1880 is immersed in a preservative solution 389, thereby The tissue sample 398 is then covered with the preservative solution 389. The user A cap 390 is placed on the cap 380. The cap retainer 392 has threads 391 and 392. 87. When the cap 390 is rotated relative to the sample container 380, , the tab 394 breaks, separating the cap 390 from the cap retainer 392. The user can then pull the arm 395 to attach the cap retainer 392 to the sample container. The sample container 380 can be removed from the pathology lab for analysis. Door 1741 is then opened to open sleeve 1726 to prevent loss of suction. They will be reassigned to the 729.

[0251] This process of re-detaching the tissue trap 1850 involves removing the suction in the head of the suction applicator. It should be understood that this interrupts the withdrawal of the pull. This allows the practitioner to To ensure that the entire sample desired is actually collected, If the practitioner decides to continue collecting this sample, If deemed necessary, the practitioner may reseat the current filter in the cassette. Or a new filter can be placed in the cassette.

[0252] If it is beneficial for the practitioner to collect other tissue samples at later points during the procedure, If you think that this is the case, you can use another catch tray 1880 to collect other tissue samples. 1726 and the tissue trap 1850 into the sleeve 1726 and the hole 1727. By using multiple screens 1880, multiple Tissue samples can be collected. The suction line 50B can be disconnected or reconnected during surgery. Large numbers of tissue samples can be collected without the need for a separate sample.

[0253] Once the medical / surgical procedure is completed and the use of the mobile unit 30 is no longer required If so, suction lines 50A and 50B are removed from fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively. Caps 1740 may then be repositioned on fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively. The cassette 1700 is then placed in the receptacle and the door 1741 is repositioned in the opening 1729. The tabs 1708 and 1709 are then removed from the slots 1618 and 1619, respectively. Rotate cassette 1700 so that it is aligned with 1620. As a result of this rotation, the valve disc 1632 rotates in the same manner. Rotation of the disc reorients the disc so that it again covers the open end of the receiver adapter conduit 59. becomes.

[0254] Once the cassette 1700 is properly positioned, the cassette 1700 is The door 1634 is manually pulled out of the socket 1699, thereby closing the door 1634. When the drip stopper 1774 passes the distal end of the valve disc boss 1632, the drip stop The opposing areas of the topper (which define slots 1790) come together to form opening 177 The closure of opening 1770 closes the waste material remaining in the cassette. The cassette 1700 and holder 1852 are configured to substantially eliminate leakage of material. , and will be disposed of as medical waste.

[0255] After use, the mobile unit 30 is retracted (not shown and not part of the present invention). The waste material in the canister 36 is transported through the docker to a processing facility. It will flow.

[0256] Similarly, in an embodiment of the present invention, the cassette 1700 and tissue trap 1850 are formed It should also be understood that the plastic is at least partially transparent. This provides healthcare professionals with a quick means of verifying that the data has been collected. This ensures that the cassette has never been used and does not contain any collected waste. This will provide healthcare professionals with a rapid means of identifying potential causes of death.

[0257] The cassette 1700 is angled upwards somewhat when seated in the receptacle 1699. The tissue trap 1850 is also angled upwards somewhat. The liquid waste adhering to the tissue trap 1850 is removed by the tissue trap 1850. When released, waste material does not escape into the surgical environment by flowing into the sleeve 1726. This can be prevented in such a way.

[0258] The angled orientation of the cassette 1700 allows the proximal shell 1704 to be positioned during actuation of the mobile unit 30. The base opening 1770 is located below the inlet ports 1722, 1728, i.e., This ensures that the waste material in the cassette is in the force orientation. This eliminates the possibility of the material flowing upstream towards the tissue trap 1728 or tissue trap 1850. do.

[0259] Also, the flapper valve unit 1800 allows the cassette 1700 to be connected to the suction line 50A. The individual flapper valves 1814 prevent the leakage of waste into the 50B. Normally, port 1722 and hole 1725 are covered, and suction pump 58 is activated and fitting When the cap 1740 is removed, the suction created by the pump causes the flapper valve A sufficient pressure head will be created to deflect 1814 to the open position. The material flow will be directed into the cassette chamber 1704. If the pump stops working, When the hinge 1816 has sufficient elasticity, the flapper valve 1814 can be moved against an adjacent surface or wall. The valve will return to the closed position.

[0260] Using the Tissue Trap 1900, the same procedure as described using the Tissue Trap 1850 was used. The tissue trap 1900 is a single, integrated piece. Since there is no separate screen, the tissue sample is trapped by the tissue trap 1900. After collection and removal of the tissue trap 1900 from the sleeve 1726, the tissue trap The entire 1900 will be placed in the storage container 380. Another unused tissue trap 1900 is inserted into the sleeve 1726 for collection. That's fine.

[0261] [VI. Fifth Embodiment] [A. Cassette] 46-48, another embodiment of the cassette 2000 is shown. The receptacle 2000 is designed to be used in conjunction with the receptacle 1699 of FIGS. 35 and 36. The Cassette 2000 shares some common components with the Cassette 1700. Cassette 2000 Shell 1750 and Tissue Trap 185 share the same name and characteristics. 0, 1900 are the same as those previously described for cassette 1700. Cap 200 The internal features of cap 1702 are the same as those previously described for cap 1702. The casing or box 2018 is removable from the cap 2002. The housing or box 2018 of the cap 2000 is separate from the rest of the cap 2002. The housing or box 1718 of the cap 1702 is a single, integral It is a product.

[0262] The cassette 2000 includes a housing 2001. The housing 2001 includes a distal The proximal shell 1750 has a cap 2002 attached to the side, and a removable sample holder. The housing or box 2018 includes a cap 2002 and a sample holder. The housing 2018 can be made from any suitable material, for example, injection molded plastic. It may be done.

[0263] The cap 2002 has the same ends 1705, 1706 and skirt as the cap 1702. The cap 2002 is configured to allow the housing 1701 to be disposed within the receptacle 1699. and can be rotated within the receptacle 1699. At the proximal end 1705 of the skirt 1707, two Tabs 1708, 1709 project radially outward (only tab 1708 is shown in FIG. 47). Tabs 1708 engage manifold receptacle locking ring slots 161. 8. Tabs 1709 are designed to fit snugly into manifold receptor 8. The lock ring is designed to fit snugly within the lock ring slot 1620 of the drive shaft.

[0264] A half barrel 1716 extends distally from the lower half of the skirt 1707. 719 extends over the proximal end 1707 of the skirt 1707 and is connected to another semicircular surface 172 0 extends over the proximal end of barrel 1716. Flat wall 1724 faces surface 1719. A flat wall 1724 extends between the surfaces 1719 and 1720. A pair of L-shaped rails 2004 are spaced apart parallel and facing away from each other. The rails 2004 are provided with elongated slots 2006 extending upwardly at right angles from the wall 1724. The holes 1725 are located between the centers of the rails 2004 and along the length of the rails 2004. It penetrates wall 1724 at a location spaced from 720 .

[0265] A generally U-shaped half flange 1736 extends distally from face 1720. The fixture 1732 integral with 1700 is again integral with cassette 2000. Similar to cassette 170, this fixture 1732 is suitable for use in tissue collection applications where tissue collection is not required. It acts as a fitting that allows fluid flow to be drawn into the cassette 2000. be.

[0266] With additional reference to Figures 49A-49E, a removable housing or box 2 The 018 is generally rectangular in shape and has five sides or walls, i.e., parallel to each other and spaced apart, approximately horizontal. A top wall 2040 and a bottom wall 2042 are oriented horizontally, and parallel, spaced apart, generally vertically. The side walls 2044, 2046 are oriented in a generally vertical direction. and a rear wall 2048 (perpendicular to the end 2036). 2038. A semicircular flange 2050 extends from the end 2036 of the walls 2040-2046. The elongated raised splines 2054 extend radially outward from the sidewalls 2044, 2056. 46 along the length of each of the side walls 2044, 2046 and away therefrom. The sample housing 2018 is attached to the cap 2002. When the spline 2054 slides into the slot 2006 of the rail 2004, the slot 200 It will be mated with 6.

[0267] An elongated rectangular inner sleeve 2026 having a hole 2027 is enclosed by walls 2040-2046. The sleeve 2026 is defined within the housing 2018 by a flange 2050. At the point where it terminates, an opening 2030 is defined. It penetrates.

[0268] The fixture 1734 extends perpendicularly away from the top wall 2040. The fixture 1734 The fitting 1734 is in the form of a hollow tube. The fitting 1734 is sized to receive the suction line 50B. (FIG. 36) A port 1728 is defined through the fitting 1734. This port 1728 is in fluid communication with the hole 2027.

[0269] The post 1738 is positioned some distance from the flange 2050 and the fixture 1734. 2040. The removable cap 1740 extends perpendicularly away from the top wall 2040. are provided for the fixtures 1732 and 1734. A removable cover 1741 is The cover 1741 is provided to cover the opening 2030 of the sleeve 2026. a handle 1742 that is grasped by the user, and a portion that fits within the sleeve 1726. Each of the mounting cap 1740 and cover 1741 has several arms. 1746. The sample housing 2018 is integrally attached to the sample housing 2018 by a tether 1744 having a Arm 1746 is anchored to post 1738.

[0270] The sample housing 2018 is attachable to the cap 2002. Grasp the housing 2018 and align the spline 2054 with the slot 2006 of the rail 2004. Orient the housing 2018 in a line. Move the housing 2018 proximally toward the surface 1719. Spline 2054 is then pushed against rail 200 until rear wall 2048 contacts surface 1719. 4. In this position, the axis of the hole 2052 in the housing 2018 is Port 1728, hole 2027, and hole 1725 of cap 2002 are aligned in a straight line. 2052, 1725, and chamber 1704. becomes.

[0271] The sample housing 2018 may be the tissue trap of FIGS. 42A-42E or the tissue trap of FIGS. It can be used with any of the tissue traps 1900 of FIG. After the tissue trap 1850 or 1900 is removed from the opening 2030, , inserted into hole 2027, thereby connecting cassette 200 together with receptacle 1699. It will be ready for use in

[0272] B. Operation of the Fifth Embodiment 1A to 1C, 36, 38B, and 46 to 49, the movable unit Cassette 30 (FIG. 1A) is operated with cassette 2000 in the same manner as cassette 1700. The movable unit 30 is configured such that the user can The cassette 2000 is inserted into a complementary receptacle 1699 associated with the canister 36. By inserting the cap 2002, the device is ready for use. and inserting the cassette 2000 into the receptacle 1699, thereby 752 opens the door 1634 and slides into the chamber 1610. The shell base 1 752 seats on the valve disc 1732 and the cap 2002 is attached in the same manner as previously described. , held in a receptacle 1699.

[0273] Operation of the suction pump 58 draws fluid flow through the fittings 1732, 1734. The fluid flow drawn through the fitting 1734 flows through the box sleeve 2026 and through box holes 2052. From box holes 2052, the fluid flow passes through the cassette Cassette holes 1725 actually flow through box holes 2052. and extends radially beyond the entire circumference of the box hole 2052. This relative sizing and positioning of these holes allows Box 20 Fluid leakage between 18 and the adjacent surfaces of the cassette can be substantially eliminated.

[0274] The user uses the Cassette 2000 to collect tissue samples such as polyps. The user can select to manually remove the cover by grasping the handle 1742. Remove cover 1741 from sleeve 2026 by pulling 1741. Tissue trap 1850 with catch tray 1880 (FIGS. 42A-42E) is inserted into sleeve 2026. The user grasps flange 1862 and removes proximal end 1 860 can be placed through opening 2030 into sleeve 2026 and hole 2027. The tissue trap 1850 slides until the O-ring 1866 abuts the flange 2050. The O-ring 1866 slides into the sleeve 2026. The O-ring 1866 connects the flange 1862 and the flange 205 This mode of operation provides a suction seal between the suction fluid communication path and the This is called the tissue sample collection mode because the blood passes through the tissue trap 1850.

[0275] When the system is in tissue sample collection mode, the waste stream is aspiration fluid from the surgical site. The fluid is drawn into the applicator 52 along the communication path 184, passes through the suction line 50B, and is attached to the This waste stream is directed into the device 1734. As a result of the extraction, the tissue sample 398 may be entrained within the applicator. From 1734, the waste stream is directed through port 1728, cavity 1894, bottom mesh 1890, and holes. 2052, through the hole 1725, the flapper valve 1814, the chamber 1704, and into the conduit 59. From conduit 59, the waste stream flows into canister 36.

[0276] The tissue sample 398 is placed in the tissue trap 1850 at the bottom of the catch tray 1850. This mode of operation is achieved by incorporating the suction fluid communication path 184. This is called tissue collection mode because the tissue passes through the tissue trap 1850. There is no need to disconnect or reconnect the suction line 50B to collect a sample at Please note that

[0277] The tissue trap 1850 is attached to the cassette 200 by the user manually attaching the flange 1862. 20. The connector 20 is removed from the sleeve 2026 by pulling in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis of the connector 20. After the tissue trap 1850 is removed from the sleeve 2026, it contains the tissue sample 398. The catch tray 1880 containing the holder 1852 is removed from the holder 1852. Grasp the lip 1892 of the catch tray 1880 at the lower edge 1857 of the catch tray 1852, Lift the lip 1892 to remove the catch tray 1880 from the holder 1. It can be separated from 852.

[0278] After removing the tissue catch tray 1880, the user must remove the catch as previously described. The tray 1880 can be placed within the sample container.

[0279] If it is beneficial for the practitioner to collect other tissue samples at later points during the procedure, If you think this is necessary, you can use another catch tray 1880 to collect other tissue samples. 18, inserting the tissue trap 1850 into the sleeve 2026 and the hole 2027. Multiple screens 1880 can be used to sample multiple tissue samples. can be collected without disconnecting or reconnecting the suction line 50B during the procedure. Multiple tissue samples can be collected.

[0280] As previously described with the tissue trap 1900 having cassette 1700, cassette 2 Tissue samples can be collected in the same manner using a tissue trap 1900 having a can.

[0281] In some instances where the mobile unit 30 is used during several surgical procedures in one day, To reduce the cost and volume of medical waste generated during multiple surgeries, 2000 cassettes were used. It should be noted that it may be advantageous to reuse a portion of the cassette 2000. The cap 2002 and shell 1750 are reused throughout the day and the tissue housing 2 018 will be replaced with each new patient with whom the mobile unit 30 is used.

[0282] The sample housing 2018 is removable from the cap 2002. Aspiration line 50A and 50B are isolated from the fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively. 40 are repositioned in the fixtures 1732 and 1734, respectively, and the door 1741 is repositioned in the opening 20. 30. The user can grab the housing 2018 and pull the housing 2018. This tends to move the housing 2018 distally away from the surface 1719. The spline 2054 is pressed against the rail 2004 until it separates from the rail 2004. The sample housing 2018 slides along the guide 2004. The sample housing 2018 is disposed of as medical waste. Then, as previously described, another sample housing 2018 is placed in the It can be attached to Cup 2002.

[0283] At the end of the day when the medical / surgical procedure is over and the mobile unit 30 is no longer needed, Pull lines 50A and 50B may be disconnected from fittings 1732 and 1734, respectively. The caps 1740 are replaced on the fittings 12732 and 1734, respectively, and the door 17 41 is repositioned in the opening 2030. The cassette 2000 is then repositioned in the same manner as described above. The cassette 2000 and holder 1852 are removed from the receptacle 1699 as shown. will be disposed of as medical waste.

[0284] After use, the mobile unit 30 is retracted (not shown and not part of the invention). The waste material in the canister 36 is transported through the docker to the treatment area. are sent to the facility.

[0285] Similarly, in various embodiments of the present invention, a cassette 2000 and a housing 2018 are provided. and the plastic forming the tissue filter 1850 is at least partially transparent. This provides a medical professional with a quick means of verifying that a tissue sample was collected. In addition, this is a problem for those who have not used cassettes before and are unable to collect them. This provides healthcare workers with a quick means of verifying that the product does not contain collected waste. do.

[0286] Similarly, when cassette 1700 is used to capture tissue, suction Flow is interrupted during the trap installation and removal processes This allows the tissue of interest to flow into the canister before collection. This also reduces the likelihood of unfiltered fluid flow after collection. Ensure that all of the tissue of interest is collected before it can be introduced into the canister. This provides the practitioner with an opportunity to

[0287] [VII. Irrigation Cassette] An irrigation assembly 2100 for use with the mobile unit 30 is shown in FIGS. The irrigation assembly 2100 provides a source of irrigation fluid to the surgical site. The irrigation assembly 2100 includes an irrigation cassette 2102 and a water bottle 2200 .

[0288] The water bottle 2200 is generally rectangular. Other shapes, such as round or oval, may also be used. The water bottle 2200 may be made up of six exterior panels, i.e., parallel, spaced apart, generally vertical panels. The panels 2202, 2204 are oriented perpendicularly and parallel to each other and spaced apart. oriented panels 2206, 2208 and a bottom panel 2210 oriented generally horizontally. The upper panel 2211 is defined by the panels 2202, 2204, 2206, and 2207. The side panels 2202, 2204, 2206, and 2208 are angled inward from the The water bottle 2200 has a top end 2214 and a bottom end 2212. It has.

[0289] Panels 2202, 2204, 2206, 2208, 2210, and 2211 are Aquarius 210 The water bottle 2100 may be made of any suitable material. The container may be made of a material such as a blow molded plastic. The bottle 2100 allows the contents or level of the reservoir 2120 to be observed by a user. As shown, the display panel is made of a transparent material.

[0290] The water bottle 2100 has a neck 2224 extending away from the top wall 2211 . An annular flange 2226 extends radially outward from the neck 2224 and secures the neck 2224 to the Threads 2228 are defined on the exterior surface of neck 2224 toward end 2214. An opening 2230 allows access to the reservoir 2220.

[0291] Circular cap 2260 has threads 2262 defined on the annular interior surface of the cap and a and a recessed notch 2264 defined in the outer annular surface of the cap. , and upper wall 2266. Barbed fitting 2268 is spaced from the outer surface of upper wall 2266. The barbed fitting 2268 has a hollow tube inside. Additionally, the U-shaped protrusion 2270 extends perpendicularly away from the outer surface of the top wall 2266 . Aperture 2272 is defined in protrusion 2270. Apertures 2274 and 2276 are defined in upper wall 2266. It penetrates through.

[0292] Duckbill valve 2280 is seated within bore 2276 and faces reservoir 2220. The duckbill valve 2280 is made of polyisoprene. The duckbill valve 2280 is made of a compressible elastomeric material such as polyethylene rubber. , has a pair of lips with a slit 2282 formed between them. The pump valve 2280 prevents air from being drawn into the reservoir 2220 during operation of the peristaltic pump 70. Air can be drawn into the reservoir from the ambient environment through slits 2282. The fluid pressure due to the contents of reservoir 2220 is The lip of the bill valve 2280 is pressed to hold the slit 2282 closed, thereby Therefore, the duckbill valve 2280 prevents air from entering the water. Allows flow into the bottle 2200 while preventing liquid from leaking out of the water bottle 2200 It is a one-way valve.

[0293] The irrigation cassette 2102 is removably coupled to a water bottle 2200. 2102 includes a generally Y-shaped housing 2104 and a hose or tube 2300. The housing 2104 has ends 2106, 2108, and 2110. 2, 2114, and 2116 pass through the housing 2104 and enter the interior space of the housing 2104. An inwardly curved wall 2118 extends between the ends 2108, 2110. It is extended.

[0294] The housing 2104 is made up of two halves that are snap-fit ​​together along seams 2124. The section 2122 is formed from two separate halves or sections 2122 and 2150. It has a flat wall 2123 and a curved peripheral side wall 2124 with a lip 2126. The upper section of 2123 terminates along an edge 2128. The side wall 2124 is The sections 2150 each have a flat wall 2152 and an edge 2156. The wall 2154 has a pair of curved partial outer peripheral walls 2154, 2155. 106 to end 2112. Wall 2155 extends from end 2106 to end 2114. The upper section of wall 2152 terminates along edge 2158. The wall 2118 is spaced apart from the side walls 2154 and 2155 and is disposed within the cavity 2120. The curved wall 2118 is approximately perpendicular to the wall 2152. Several U-shaped tubes are attached to the wall 2152 and extend from the wall 2152 to the cavity 2120. It extends perpendicularly into the

[0295] The sidewall 2154 and the wall 2118 define a tube passage 2160. 5 and wall 2118 define a tube passage 2162. A branch 2164 is formed between wall 21 The boss and slot 2166 extend perpendicularly inward from the edge 2158 of the wall 212. The branch 2164 extends inward at a right angle from the edge 2128 of the casing 2123. and dimensioned to accept.

[0296] The tube 2300 has ends 2302, 2303, a curved roller contact area 2306, and The tube 2300 has bends 2308, 2310, and 2312. It may be made from a suitable material, for example, an elastomer or silicone rubber.

[0297] The irrigation cassette 2102 is intended to be installed as follows: Tube 2300 has bend 2310 positioned within passageway 2160 and bend 2308 positioned through The tube 23 is disposed within the housing section 2150 so as to be located within the passage 2162. 00 indicates that the tube 2300 slides into the tube retaining flange 2119, 19 is pressed into housing section 2150. End 2302 is , positioned flush with edge 2128. Curved roller contact area 2306 The end 2304 extends through an opening 2116 into the side wall 2118. The cap 2260 then extends beyond the prongs 2164. Press fit into hole 2272 so that tube end 2302 slides over barbed fitting 2268 The housing sections 2122 and 2150 are arranged in the same manner. are fitted together to form the housing 2104. 0 means that two housing sections are connected to each other by press-fitting, snap-fitting, or welding. Other retention means such as adhesive may be used. When the regions 2122 and 2150 are mated, the branch 2164 is press-fit into the slot 2166. .

[0298] The irrigation assembly 2100 connects the cap 2260 and the irrigation cassette 2102 to the water bottle 22 00. The water bottle 2200 is filled with irrigation fluid. By rotating the cap 2260, the cap threads 2262 are threaded with the cap threads 2228. The irrigation flow is directed from the reservoir 2220 through the hole 2274, the fitting 2268, and the tube. 2300 to the tube end 2304. The tube end 2304 is connected to an irrigation line, such as irrigation line 51 in FIG. 1A. It is possible.

[0299] 1A and 51, the irrigation assembly 2100 includes a movable unit 30 The irrigation assembly is adapted to be received by an irrigation assembly receiver 2400 that is part of the irrigation assembly. The delivery assembly receptacle 2400 is disposed within the cap 42 of the mobile unit 30. The cap 42 has an upper surface 2402. A rectangular slot 2410 extends from the surface 2402. It extends into the cap 42 and has a bottom surface 2414. extends into the slot 2410. The counterbore 2420 is located above the slot 2410, Extending from the upper surface 2402 into the slot 2410 defines an annular step 2422 .

[0300] The peristaltic pump 70 includes a rotary electric motor 71 connected to the cap 42. The electric motor 71 is connected to an eccentric roller 74 by a shaft 72. The peristaltic pump rollers 74 rotate. Tube section 2306 curved against wall 2118 to push through tube 2300 The pressure is applied to the contact surface.

[0301] The irrigation assembly 2100 is configured such that the housing 2140 is manually inserted into the step 24 by the user. 12 and cap 2260 is positioned on step 2422. By inserting the bristle 2100 into the slot 2410 and the counterbore 2420, In this position, the peristaltic pump rollers 74 are positioned to 2306 and presses it against the wall 2118. 04 is connected to an irrigation line 51 which is connected to an application device 52.

[0302] By operation of the electric motor 71 and the peristaltic pump 70, the irrigation fluid is pumped through the irrigation fluid communication path 182 from the reservoir 2220 of the water bottle 2200, through the hole 2274, the fitting 2268 , and through the tube 2300, the tube end 2304, the irrigation line 51, and the applied It is directed to the delivery device 52 where it is delivered to the surgical site.

[0303] 55 and 56, an irrigation assembly for use with the mobile unit 30 An alternative embodiment of 2500 is shown in Figures 50-54. Irrigation Assembly 2500 The system includes an irrigation cassette 2502 and a water bottle 2200. The irrigation cassette 2502 includes: Instead of being placed parallel to the water bottle 2200, it is placed at a right angle to the water bottle 2200, i.e., 90° It has the same features as irrigation cassette 2102, except that it is oriented in the forward direction.

[0304] [VIII. Sixth Embodiment] 57 and 58 show an alternative cassette 2600 of the present invention. 00 is a modification of cassette 1700. Cassette 2600 includes a proximal shell 2602 Shell 2602 has a similar shape and structure to shell 1750. A cap 2610 is disposed over the distal end of the shell 2602. 40 extends forward from the cap 2610. The sleeve 2640 has a A cavity 2652 is formed extending inward from the proximal open end. 2 is configured to be slidably received within cavity 2652. The tube holder includes a catch tray 2740 with a filter or screen 2741. The support is configured to removably support the

[0305] Shell 2602 has parallel grooves (not numbered) that run along the outer wall of the shell. It will be seen that these grooves are formed so as to have the following features. Shell 2602 defines a cavity 2604. Fluid flows out of outlet 2606. The fluid will flow through the cavity 2604 before being expelled from the shell cavity 2604. A removably attached filter 2605 is shown. The means disposed within 2602 are not part of the present invention.

[0306] The cassette cap 2610 will be described below with reference to Figures 57, 59 and 60. The cassette cap 2610 is formed as a single, integral piece and has a cylindrical shell. The skirt 2612 is configured to have a distal portion of the shell 2602. The generally circular end plate 2614 is sized to extend around the open end. The end plate 2614 extends inward from the distal end of the cart 2612. The fitting 2616 extends outwardly from the cap end plate 2614. The fitting 2616 is designed to receive the suction line 50. A hole (without a part number) through fitting 2616 connects shell 2602 and cap 2604. 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 2616 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the cassette 2600 (i.e., When the cassette 2600 is in the receptacle 1699, this A position radially spaced from the central longitudinal axis (which is intended to be rotated around the longitudinal axis) It extends forward from

[0307] As best seen in Figures 57, 59 and 60, the sleeve 2640 The sleeve 2640 is integrally formed with the cap end plate 2610. 614. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the sleeve 2640 The outer body has a rectangular cross section, however, this design feature is not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that the ellipsoidal plate 2642 extends around the distal end of the sleeve 2640. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the major axis and the mounting axis pass through the face plate. The central axis through the tool 2616 is diametrically centered about the longitudinal axis through the cassette 2600. They are placed on opposite sides of each other.

[0308] The face plate 2642 has two distally (forwardly) protruding elliptical webs 2644, 2646. 48. One web 2644 is formed on the face plate 2642. A second web 2468 extends forwardly around the periphery, similar to the web 2646. A closed loop web is located inside the web 2464. The compressible seal 2646 , compressed between webs 2644 and 2648.

[0309] The sleeve 2640 is configured such that the cavity 2652 extends inwardly from the face plate 2642. The sleeve 2642 has a cavity 2652 formed therein, which defines an upper chamber 2654 and a lower chamber 2655. Upper chamber 2654 is formed to include a chamber 2656. Upper chamber 2654 is essentially The upper chamber 2654 has a rectangular cross section and terminates at the inner surface of the sleeve 2640. The sleeve lower chamber 2656 is located directly below the upper chamber 2654. The lower housing 2656 has a generally rectangular cross section. It has approximately the same length as the upper chamber 2654, but has a cross-sectional height and The cavity is located below the lower chamber 2656 and has a reduced cross-sectional width. The lower chamber 2656 also includes a groove 2658. The groove 2658 extends the length of the lower chamber 2656. The groove 2658 has a semicircular cross section. The width of the lower chamber (the portion directly connected to the lower chamber 2658) is smaller than the width of the lower chamber.

[0310] In many embodiments of the present invention, sleeve 264 (which defines the top of upper chamber 2654) 0 and a longitudinally extending inner surface (defining the base of groove 2758) The inner surfaces are parallel to each other. For manufacturing reasons, these surfaces are parallel to the sleeve face plate 2. 642. Furthermore, the sleeve cavity 265 2 does not extend perpendicular to the sleeve face plate 2642.

[0311] The cassette cap 2610 is attached to the mounting fixture 2664 as it moves away from the top surface of the sleeve 2640. The fitting 2664 is further configured to receive the suction line 50. The hole through the fixture is shaped to allow the upper chamber 2654 of the cavity 2642 to The cassette cap 2610 also has an opening 2666 at the distal end of the cavity. The opening 2666 is formed adjacent to the cap end plate 2 This provides a fluid path through 614. The opening 2666 is circular. 2610 includes groove 2658 and an adjacent proximal end of the distal chamber extending into opening 2666. The fittings 2616 and the openings 2666 are formed so that the end plate 2614 They are located on opposite sides of the cassette longitudinal axis that passes through them.

[0312] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, sleeve 2640 has a hole 2670 that is closed at one end. This hole extends forward from the cap end plate 1614. Hole 2670 is provided for manufacturing purposes and is not otherwise relevant to the present invention. It is not something to do.

[0313] The cylindrical boss 2678 extends from the proximal (inward) facing surface of the cap end plate 2614. The boss 2678 is generally cylindrical. The base extends around a portion of the base and projects outward from the end plate 2614. It has an outer diameter larger than that of the 2676.

[0314] When the cassette 2600 of the present invention is assembled, the valve assembly shown only in FIG. A valve 2682 is adapted to seat over the base 2676 and boss 2678. Assembly 2682 is essentially the same as valve assembly 1800. The valves 82 are arranged such that one of the flapper valves 1814 is seated in the proximal open end of the fitting 2616. The second flapper valve is positioned at the top of the cap 2610, which defines the opening 2666. The valve assembly 2682 is seated on the base 2676 (part number The ring 2684 press-fitted onto the boss 2678 is attached to the hub. , and more particularly, the entire valve assembly is held in place by a cap end plate 2614 .

[0315] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, cap 2610 is a tube coaxial with fitting 2616. Tube 2688 extends beyond the inner surface of end plate 2614. A tube 2690 extends proximally from around the opening 2666. The tubes 2688 and 2690 are both inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cassette 2600 (all The flapper valve 1814 has a proximal end (i.e., not perpendicular). 8, 2690. The valve assembly 2682 is seated against these proximal end openings. The resilience of the material causes the valve 1814 to move against the proximal ends of the tubes 2688, 2690. The pressure is applied so as to be pressed.

[0316] The fitting cap 2687 is molded together with the cassette cap 2610. The flexible tether 2686, which is also part of the molded assembly, is attached to the fitting cap 2686. 687 to the cassette cap 2610. It exists.

[0317] Referring to Figures 61A and 61B, a screen hole, sometimes called a tissue trap, is The screen holder 2702 is a single piece unit. The screen holder 2702 is formed so as to have a face plate 2704. The face plate 2704 is shaped such that the periphery of the proximal-facing surface of the plate is shaped like a seal 2. 646. The pull tab 2706 is shaped to seat against the plate 270. The scrub extends perpendicularly away from the distal-facing surface of the scrub (the surface that is always exposed). The lean holder 2702 is positioned such that the tab 2706 is away from the upper portion of the plate 2704. The screen holder is shaped so that the recess 2708 is in contact with the face plate 2 The recess 2708 is further shaped to extend inwardly from the exposed surface of the recess 2708. is provided for molding purposes.

[0318] The tray holder 2712 is attached to the proximal-facing surface of the face plate 2704 (the surface that is always hidden). The tray holder 2712 is in the form of a generally U-shaped beam. The opposing ends of the beam are adjacent to the face plate 2704. The 2712 tray holder has a curved semicircular section with many spaced apart fingers. The tab 2716 is formed to have finger portion 2714. The tray holder 2712 has small triangular ribs 27 18 (only one shown) extend outward from opposite sides of the holder. The tray holder is further formed such that the opposing ribs 2718 The width between the outermost surfaces is smaller than the cross-sectional width across the upper chamber 2654 in the sleeve 2640. The rim 2720 (two are shown) is formed to be approximately 0.5 mm larger. ) extends inward from the inward-facing surface of the tray holder 2712. is located adjacent the bottom edge of the tray holder 2712.

[0319] Two legs 2724, 2728 extend downward from the tray holder 2720. Of the two legs, the distal leg 2724 extends directly downward from the tray holder 2720. Although not shown in FIG. 61B, the legs 2724 are spaced proximally from the face plate 2704. The proximal leg 2728 of the two legs is positioned on the curved edge of the tray holder. Extending downward and distally (forward) from the proximal end, skid 2726 supports leg 2724. , 2728. The legs 2724, 2728 and skid 2726 , and is sized to seat within groove 2658 in sleeve 2640.

[0320] Catch tray 2740 is designed similarly to catch tray 1880. The tissue capture screen 27841 shown diagrammatically at 57 is Screen 2741 is essentially the same as Screen 1890. A set of walls 2742 extend outward from the perimeter of the screen. A rim 2744 , extending outward from the upper edge of wall 2742. The catch tray 2740 is 2720. The proximal end of the ... The catch tray 2740 is dimensioned to 27, the curved proximal sidewall 2742 at the proximal end of the tray abuts the tray holder tab 2716. However, it is further dimensioned to provide for outward deflection of the fingers 2714. The ray holder fingers 2714 and tabs 2716 return to their unbiased positions. When the tray holder finger portion 2714 and the catch tray 2740 are The force applied by the tabs 2716 allows the tray to be removed from the tray holder 2712. It acts to keep it in place.

[0321] In some embodiments of the present invention, the components forming the cassette 2600 include a catch tray. When the skid 2740 is attached to the tray holder 2712, the skid 2726 is pulled out from the bottom of the skid. The distance to the top surface of the catch tray rim 2744 is 654 and the base of the groove 2658) The thickness is also configured to be approximately 0.5 mm larger.

[0322] Cassette 2600, like cassette 1700, is a cassette Insert the plug 2600 into the receptacle 1699 and rotate it to prepare for use. The suction line 50 through which the fluid flow containing the tissue sample of interest passes is arranged. Attached to fixture 2664. Fluid that does not contain a tissue sample worth collecting. A flow-through suction line 50 is attached to fitting 2616. In this embodiment of the invention , sleeve 2640, and therefore cavity 2652, is spaced forward from the remainder of cassette 2600. I want you to understand that.

[0323] The screen holder 2702 is seated within the sleeve cavity 2652. The width between the outer surfaces of the lower ribs 2718 is less than the width across the upper chamber 2654 of the cavity 2652. The ribs are also slightly larger, allowing the three ribs defining the chamber 2652 to This means that the screen holder 2704 is pressed against the inner surface of the screen holder 2640. This helps to keep it somewhat compressed against the sleeve 2640. During periods when samples do not need to be collected from fluid flowing through fixture 2664, the catch tray The cassette 2600 is prevented from being seated in the tray holder 2740. When actuated in this state, fluid flow is directed from the fitting 2664 through the cavity 2652 and the opening 266 From opening 2664, the fluid crosses filter 2605. The catch tray 27 is guided into the cavity 2604 and exits through the exit opening 2606. 40 is not attached to the screen holder 2704, this fluid flow is The flow is not filtered because it does not pass through sleeve cavity 2652.

[0324] During operation of the cassette 2600, the inner surface of the screen holder face plate 2704 It should be understood that the seal 2646 is positioned relative to the plate 2646. The contact of the sleeve 2640 and the screen holder 2704 causes the This prevents loss of suction.

[0325] When it is beneficial to collect a sample, the screen holder 2702 is inserted into the sleeve 264 0, thereby allowing the catch tray 2704 to be attached to the holder. This step can be performed while maintaining suction on the cassette 2600. The screen holder 2702 is removed by pulling on the tab 2706. More specifically, the positioning of tab 2706 allows the screen to be opened when the tab is pulled. The face plate 2704 of the holder faces the seal 2646 attached to the sleeve 2640. In other words, the user performing this action will The plate is held in the sleeve 2640 by using the port 2704 as a lever. It can overcome the suction force.

[0326] When the screen holder 2702 is pulled out of the sleeve 2640, The fin tray 2740 is seated in the tray holder 1712. As previously mentioned, The deflection of the fingers 2714 causes the tray holder fingers 2714 and tabs 271 6 can releasably hold the catch tray within a cavity within the tray holder 2712. The screen holder can then be reinserted into the sleeve cavity 2652. become.

[0327] The vertical height between the catch tray rim 2744 and the skid 2726 is In this embodiment of the present invention, the vertical height between the top of the bar 2654 and the base of the groove 2658 is greater than the vertical height. In this case, the tray holder legs 2724 and 2728 will bend. The resilience of the material forming tray holder 2712 allows legs 2724, 2728 to securely fasten tray holder 2712 A force is applied to the catch tray 2740 through the upper chamber 2654. This biases the catch tray rim 2744 against the inner surface of the sleeve 2640. When the fluid flows through the screen cavity 2652 again, it flows from the fitting 2666 Ensure that essentially the entire fluid flow traverses the screen integral with the catch tray 2640. Therefore, any large object within this fluid flow, ideally the practitioner Any tissue that the patient wishes to capture for study is captured in catch tray 2740. This becomes the case.

[0328] The design of cassette 2600 allows sleeve 2640 to be inserted into manifold receptacle 16 90. Typically, cassette 2600 or less In addition, the sleeve 2640 is made of a transparent material. This feature allows the healthcare worker to monitor the three fluid flows before they are directed into the waste collection unit. Flow through the cavity 2652 can be observed, allowing medical personnel to It is possible to determine when the tissue required for the procedure has been captured in the catch tray 2740. Cut.

[0329] The ability to quickly view the catch tray 2740 allows the sleeve 2640 to 0 remainder, i.e., due to the fact that it is located in front of the cassette housing. This protruding positioning of the sleeve necessarily increases the worker's The nozzles are then directed toward the sleeve and the catch tray seated within the sleeve.

[0330] In an alternative aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the catch tray is integral with the screen holder. In these aspects of the invention, an additional component, essentially a face plate 27 04 is also provided. This face plate is ejected into the cassette through fitting 2666. When it is not necessary to collect a sample from the flow, a second capillary attached to sleeve 2640 is inserted. It functions as a top.

[0331] IX. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of the present invention may be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and equivalents of the elements and features of the invention. For example, the elements and / or elements of one embodiment may be substituted with other elements. Or features may be combined with elements and / or features of other embodiments, and It is also anticipated that the following may be substituted. In addition, it is understood that the following may be substituted without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. without further elaboration, the present invention may be adapted to adapt a particular system, device, or component to the teachings of the present invention. Many modifications may be made to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention. It is not intended to be limiting to the embodiments.

[0332] For example, all embodiments of the present invention may not necessarily have all of the described features. The features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other. All aspects of the present invention are directed to the highly mobile waste collection unit described herein, i.e., For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, the waste The waste collection unit may consist of a mobile or stationary unit connected to an external suction source. The manifold receptacle and the complementary manifold may be configured as follows: The system will be attached to waste collection units.

[0333] For example, all embodiments of the present invention may be configured to provide irrigation fluid in addition to functioning as an aspiration conduit. Similarly, the system generally does not necessarily include a mechanism for disposing of medical waste. Although the present invention is designed to be used as part of a system for collecting , may not have this function. Thus, some aspects of the present invention may be Canisters, i.e. canisters capable of holding 10 litres or less of waste. In these aspects of the invention, the waste material may or may not be secondary to the primary objective of the surgery. These aspects of the present invention are intended to be collected (recovered) only as a product (tissue). Therefore, the cassette is configured to facilitate delivery of fluid to the site where suction is applied. It should also be understood that the components may not be included.

[0334] Likewise, the use of the present invention is not limited to systems for collecting tissue from the gastrointestinal tract. In another aspect of the invention, the suction application device is designed to be inserted into the esophagus. Thus, a suction application device may be used to draw material, including tissue, from the esophagus or stomach. Yet another aspect of the invention is that it may be used in conjunction with a device inserted into the pulmonary duct. These aspects of the invention allow for selective collection of tissue from these pulmonary ducts or lungs. It may also be used for

[0335] Additionally, in some aspects of the present invention, the cassette has its own filter. When the system is not in tissue collection mode, the suction application device may The fluid flow introduced into the filter will then flow through the filter. - Removes solids that may adversely affect the operation of other components of the waste collection unit. These solids act to capture the sutures and allow the practitioner to capture the material for further study. Contains tissue fragments that you do not want to store.

[0336] In this aspect of the invention, the tissue trap is optionally located upstream of the cassette filter. The cassette filter is positioned so that it is aligned with the tissue tracker. Either the positioning of the valve or the actuation of the valve will result in the removal of some of the tissue entrained in the fluid flow. When the practitioner realizes that the tissue trap is contained within the suction application device, He would be placed directly alongside Luther.

[0337] In the embodiment of the invention described with respect to Figures 35-44, the screen 1890 is always rectangular. In some embodiments of the present invention, if the screen is curved, The single wall extends around the periphery of the screen to define a cavity in which the tissue is trapped. Similarly, in all aspects of this embodiment of the invention, the second mounting The fixture 1732 may not necessarily be provided. Alternative means may be provided for releasably retaining the holder 1852. Alternative engagement mechanisms include magnets and snap-fit ​​fittings. In the embodiment of the present invention where the tray is suspended from a holder, the tray is suspended from a single bead extending from the holder. The device may be designed to hang down from the frame.

[0338] The check valves that prevent backflow through fittings 1732 and 1734 are as described. For example, a one-way valve, such as an umbrella valve, may be provided in each of the fittings 1732, 1734. They may also be attached individually.

[0339] Similarly, in some embodiments of the present invention, the cassette outlet opening 1770 Similarly, in all cassettes of the present invention, It is not necessary that the shell be designed to rotate within a complementary receptacle having a cylindrical side wall. In an alternative aspect of the invention, the shell may have a polygonal shape.

[0340] The advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the suction flow is always filtered, directing material downstream of the collection system. This prevents possible damage to the components. When it is desirable to maintain the filter, there is no need to extract it from the filled waste cassette filter. The cap 1740 is held in the fittings 1732 and 1734, and the tissue can be easily retrieved. Furthermore, in all aspects of the present invention, the cassette is The bypass fitting 1732 may not necessarily be provided. Any one of the cassettes of the present invention may be provided with multiple bypass fittings.

[0341] If a structure other than an O-ring, such as a gasket, provides a seal between the cap 1862 and the O-ring, It may be designed to be like this.

[0342] Various means may be used to control the components of the present invention. A separate foot switch assembly may be provided. One or more The device uses multiple foot switches to control the suction or irrigation pump. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to be included within the true spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover all such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. A sample collection cassette (1700) for use with a medical fluid collection system (30). So, A housing configured to be removably attached to the fluid collection system (30). Ng (1701) and a first fitting (1734) attached to said housing, said first fitting being adapted to: a first fitting (1734) to which a suction line (50) extending from the first fitting (1734) can be attached; and, An outlet opening (1770) formed in said housing, said outlet opening (177 0), fluid drawn into the fitting (1734) passes through the housing An outlet opening (177) that allows flow into the fluid collection system (30). 0) and The fitting (1) is adapted to capture material entrained in the fluid flow through the housing. 734) and the outlet opening (1770) in the housing (1701). a porous screen (1890) placed 1. A sample collection cassette comprising: The housing (1701) has a supplemental opening (1770) spaced apart from the outlet opening (1770). 1729, 2030), and the auxiliary opening is formed in the first cavity in the housing. The first fitting (1734) is open to a position (1727, 2027, 2652), The housing outlet opening (1770) opens into the first cavity and extends from the first cavity to the housing outlet opening (1770) ) the fluid path extends to A cap (1862) is adapted to be seated over the auxiliary openings (1729, 2030). and the housing (1701) is removably attached to the housing (1701), The cap has an inner surface facing the first cavity (1727, 2027) of the housing. It has The screen (1890) is removably attached to the inner surface of the cap (1862). and the first cavity (1727, 2727) of the housing. 027) so that the screen fits over the cap. and the cap is disposed over the auxiliary opening (1729, 2030). When the first fitting (1734) is inserted, the first cavity (172) of the housing Fluid flowing through the outlet opening (1770) through the screen (9, 2027) flows across the screen. A sample collection cassette characterized by being cuttable and flow-through.

2. The housing (1701) has an interior defining the first cavity (1727, 2027). a sleeve (1726, 2026) having a surface, and the first fitting (1734) ) has a hole (1728, 2052) opening in the first inner surface of the sleeve, A second inner surface (1724) of the sleeve opposite the first inner surface has a hole (1725). through said holes (1725) fluid passes through said housing to said outlet It is possible for the water to flow towards the opening. At least one wall (1882, 1884, 1886, 1888) is (1890) from the periphery of the screen and the the at least one wall together defining an open-ended cavity (1894); The screen (1890) and the at least one wall (1882, 1884, 1886) 886, 1888) are removably attached to the cap together. This allows the cap with the screen and frame attached to When installed in the housing, the cavity (1894) fits into the first mounting hole (1728). and the screen is disposed on the second inner surface of the housing sleeve.

2. The sample collection cassette of claim 1, comprising:

3. The housing has a second cavity (1727, 2027) of the housing. a wall (1724) separating the cavity (1704) from the housing outlet The opening is open to the second cavity, and a hole (1725) is formed in the wall; The fluid flows from the first cavity (1727, 2027) into the second cavity through the hole. It is possible to flow, A second fitting (1732) for receiving a suction line extends from the housing. The second fitting opens directly into the second cavity (1704) of the housing.

3. The sample collection cassette of claim 1 or 2,

4. the second cavity (1704) of the housing to the first fitting of the housing; A first check valve (1814) is provided in the housing to prevent backflow into the housing (1734). It is attached to the the second cavity of the housing to the second fitting (1732) of the housing; A second check valve (1814) is attached to the housing to prevent backflow into the 4. The sample collection cassette of claim 3,

5. The first and second check valves (1814, 1814) are a single unit (1800 5. The sample collection cassette of claim 4, wherein the sample collection cassette is formed as a

6. At least one beam (1854, 1856) is positioned within the first cavity of the housing. extending from the cap to extend into the A lip (1892) extends outwardly from the screen and secures the screen to the bead. and a beam (1854, 1856) for releasably suspending the beam from the at least one beam.

6. The sample of claim 1, wherein the sample is positioned to extend across Collecting cassettes.

7. The at least one beam (1854, 1856) forms a slot (1864). It is arranged as follows: The screen (1890) and the lip (1892) are a lip extending across said at least one slot-forming beam and seated in said slot (1864); 7. The sample collection cassette of claim 6, wherein the first and second ends are shaped together to extend along the length of the cassette.

8. The at least one beam (1854, 1856) is configured such that the slot (1864) is 8. The sample collection device of claim 7, wherein the sample collection device is configured to be completely surrounded by the beam. cassette.

9. The housing (1701) includes a base (1752) that forms the proximal end of the housing. and the base (1752) has a center, and the outlet opening (1770) is attached to the housing opening so as to have a center spaced apart from the center of the housing base. The sample collection cassette of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sample collection cassette is formed.

10. The housing (1701) has a shell (175) that forms the proximal portion of the housing. 0), the shell having a cylindrical outer wall (1754), the outlet opening (1770) is formed on the shell, Fee collection cassette.

11. The housing is configured so that the first cavity is a hole (1727, 2027) with one end closed.

11. The sample collection cassette of claim 1, wherein the sample collection cassette is configured as follows:

12. To prevent loss of suction between the housing (1701) and the cap (1862), To this end, a seal (1866) is disposed between the housing and the cap.

12. The sample collection cassette of any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 13. The sample collection cassette of claim 12, wherein the seal is attached to the cap. tt.

14. The housing includes: a body (1716, 1750) in which the outlet opening (1770) is formed, a body (1724) having a surface (1724) with holes (1725) spaced from the outlet opening; 716, 1750) and a removable member attached to said body to rest on said surface in which said holes (1725) are formed; A box (2018) attached to the device, said box having a first cavity (20 27) and said auxiliary opening (2030), and said box defines a port (20 52), the port (2052) extending from the first cavity and When the box is attached to the body, the port (2057) is ) and through the body bore (1725) into the body of the housing. The boxes are arranged as shown below. It is equipped with The fitting (1734) is adapted to open into the first cavity (2027). The sample collection cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sample collection cassette extends from a base (2018). tt.

15. A medical / physical device comprising a sample collection cassette (1700) according to any one of claims 1 to 14. A surgical acquisition system (30), comprising: a receptacle (1699) for removably receiving said cassette (1700); and, Flow through the receptacle and out of the housing outlet opening (1770) of the cassette. at least one fluid supply connected to said receptacle (1699) for receiving the fluid to be discharged; one canister (36, 38); 1. A medical / surgical acquisition system comprising:

16. A sample collection assembly (1700) for use with a medical fluid collection system (30). So, A housing configured to be removably attached to the fluid collection system (30). Ng (1701) and a first fitting (1734) attached to said housing, said first fitting being adapted to: a first fitting (1734) to which a suction line (50) extending from the first fitting (1734) can be attached; and, An outlet opening (1770) formed in the housing, the outlet opening (1770) ) through the fitting (1734) so ​​that fluid drawn into the fitting (1734) flows through the housing. an outlet opening (1770) that allows flow into the body collection system (30); The fitting (1) is adapted to capture material entrained in the fluid flow through the housing. 734) and the outlet opening (1770) in the housing (1701). a porous screen (1890) placed 1. A sample collection assembly comprising: The housing (1710) has an auxiliary opening (1770) spaced apart from the outlet opening (1770). 729, 2030), and the auxiliary opening is formed in a first cavity in the housing. (1727, 2027), and the first fitting (1734) is opening into the cavity and extending from the first cavity to the outlet opening (1770) of the housing. a fluid path extending therethrough, A first cap (1900) is seated over the auxiliary openings (1729, 2030). and adapted to be removably attached to said housing (1701) so as to The cap is adapted to occupy the first cavity (1727, 2027) of the housing. The first cap has a screen (1914) shaped like this, When the cap is placed over the auxiliary opening (1729, 2030), the first fitting ( 1734) through the first cavity (1727, 2027) of the housing Fluid flowing into the port opening (1770) will flow across the screen; A second cap (1910) is attached to the housing so as to seat over the auxiliary opening. The second cap (1910) is adapted to be removably attached to the screen. The second cap does not have a flange, thereby allowing the second cap to seat over the auxiliary opening. When the first attachment (1734) is inserted into the first cavity (172) of the housing, 7, 2027) will not be filtered in the first cavity, A second fitting (1732) to which a suction line can be attached is attached to the housing. The second attachment is attached to a cavity in the housing other than the first cavity. a sample collection assembly having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of nozzles, the nozzles being open between the nozzles and in fluid communication with the outlet opening. Li.

17. A medical waste disposal system comprising at least one canister (36, 38) for receiving the waste. A cassette (1700, 2600) for use with a waste collection system (30), comprising: The at least one canister (36, 38) is part of the system (30). a housing (1699) configured to be inserted into a receptacle (1699) connected to the 702, 1705, 2602, 2612) with proximal and distal ends facing away from each other a housing (1702, 1705) having an end and a housing cavity (2604); , 2602, 2612) and A first fitting (1734, 2664) configured to receive a suction line (50) ) wherein fluid drawn through the suction line flows into the housing cavity. a first fitting (1734, 2664) connected to the housing such that an outlet opening (1770, 1774) at the proximal end of said housing, Thus, fluid flows from the housing cavity through a receptacle (1699) to the at least The outlet openings (1770, 1777) allow flow into one canister. 4) and In a cassette comprising: A sleeve (1726, 2640) is disposed adjacent the proximal end of the housing. The casings (1702, 1705, 2602, 2612) are attached to the When the housing is inserted into the receptacle (1699), the sleeve is located in front of the receptacle so as to be visible to the naked eye, and the sleeve The sleeve cavity (1727, 2652) and the first sleeve opening between the outside and the cavity. a second sleeve opening between the sleeve cavity and the housing cavity; (1725, 2666), and the sleeve is configured to have the cavity is at least partially formed from a transparent material so that the cavity is visible to the naked eye; The first fitting (1734, 2666) is configured such that the first fitting is inserted into the sleeve cavity ( 1727, 2652) and further attached to the sleeve so as to open into the A screen (1890, 2741) is passed through the first opening of the sleeve. a first fitting removably inserted into the sleeve cavity and extending through the first fitting into the sleeve cavity; The fitting and the sleeve are arranged so that fluid entering therein flows across the screen. configured to be positioned between the second opening and the A cap (1862, 2704) is provided to cover the first opening of the sleeve. A cassette characterized in that it is configured to be removably attached to a sleeve. to.

18. The housing (2602, 2612) has a plate (2602, 2612) that forms the distal end of the housing. (2614), The sleeve (2640) extends forward from the plate (2614) 18. The cassette of claim 17 attached to the housing.

19. The screen (1890, 2741) is attached to the cap (1862) , 2704), and when the cap is attached to the sleeve, the screen The cap (1727, 2652) is positioned within the sleeve cavity (1727, 2652). 17 or 18, adapted to be removably attached to a The cassette described in

20. The screen (2741) has a wall (2742) extending around the screen.

20. Any of claims 17, 18 or 19, wherein the catch tray (2740) is part of 1. The cassette described in Item 1.

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