A new device with pressure regulation for microsurgical suction: technical note

Abstract

A new suction tube that allows precise control of suction pressure during microsurgical procedures is described. The new device consists of a suction tube that has a series of small holes on its proximal end. These holes can be progressively opened or closed by a laterally placed sliding bar. The surgeon can readily adjust the suction pressure by slightly moving his thumb up and down with accordance to his convenience during the operation. This creates an easy and prompt way to regulate suction pressure, thus removing the need of suction adjustment by the assistant or the scrub nurse. This new device provides an easy, precise, and quick suction regulation during the different stages of the microsurgical procedure. When the holes are totally closed, a maximum suction pressure is achieved, and when the holes are fully opened the suction pressure can be brought to zero. This device is very simple and ergonomic and allows an adjustable suction pressure mechanism that is regulated by the surgeon. By smoothly using the thumb to move the sliding bar up and down, the suction pressure may vary within the range of a maximum to zero almost instantaneously providing the appropriate suction pressure at any surgical time.