Irrigation and suction valve and method therefor

Abstract

The in-line hand operated valve controls the flow of at least one, and preferably both, irrigation fluid and suction respectively to and from a surgical site via a delivery line. In one working embodiment, suction fluid is supplied to the valve via a first source line and suction is supplied to the valve via a second source line. The valve body defines, source ports in fluid communication with the source lines and a delivery port in fluid communication with the delivery line. The valve body includes at least one, and preferably two, collapsible internal fluid carrying channels in fluid communication with the respective source port and the delivery port. Each valve mechanism includes an operator control surface, a stem, and a compressor member acting on and closing and opening the collapsible segment of the fluid carrying channel or body. A biasing element (such as a spring or other resilient body) keeps the valve stem and the compressor element in either an open or a closed state. A two position interlocking mechanical switch is coupled to the valve stem. In one position, the compressor element is extended and is the ON valve position and in a second position, the compressor element is withdrawn to achieve the OFF valve position. Preferably, operator control surfaces are disposed on opposing side wall surfaces of the generally cylindrical or torpedo shaped valve body. When closed, and the operator control surfaces are substantially co-extensive with the cylindrical or torpedo shaped valve body. The method of providing a valve control utilizes these shape and click open and click close systems.