Dual pump arthroscopic irrigation/aspiration system with outflow control

In a fluid pump system having a first fluid pump for pumping fluid from a source to a surgical site and a second fluid pump for removing fluid from the surgical site at a first predetermined rate, wherein said fluid pump system intermittently operates in conjunction with a surgical tool which, when operational, removes fluid from the surgical site at a second predetermined rate greater than said first predetermined rate, the an improvement comprising:

• a sensor for sensing a predetermined parameter of the surgical tool and providing an output signal indicating that the surgical tool is operating;
• and a control system responsive to said output signal to actuate said second fluid pump to remove fluid from the surgical site at the second predetermined rate, wherein said surgical tool is powered through an electrical power cord and wherein said sensor is adapted to be situated adjacent to said power cord and to detect a predetermined parameter associated with the electrical current flowing therein.