Medical devices for delivering fluids during surgery and methods for their use

Abstract

Provided is a surgical applicator and applicator tip configured to attach in fluid communication, for the delivery of beneficial fluids. The applicator tip may also be configured to reversibly attach, in fluid communication, with a pledget. For example, the applicator tip may include male or female threads, and the pledget has threads that are complementary to the thread configuration of the tip. The applicator tip may further comprise at least one fluid transfer lumen for transfer of a fluid from the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment of the invention, the tip includes male threads and the pledget includes a pledget attachment portion. There are also provided methods for connecting the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment, a tip comprising male threads is attached to the pledget, comprising a pledget attachment portion, by tapping or pressing the tip into the pledget attachment portion. There are also provided methods of use for the attached tip and pledget, including debridement, tissue translocation, delivery of fluid substances, absorption of fluid substances and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the applicator places a thrombin solution into the attached pledget for delivery of an active hemostatic agent to a tissue site.