Suction device for surgical applications

A suction device for applying vacuum to a tissue surface, the suction device comprising:

• a vacuum inlet portion having an inlet for attachment to a vacuum source;
• a suction cup portion connected to the vacuum inlet portion, the suction cup portion having a wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the inlet and an engagement surface for engaging the tissue surface;
• and
• an elastic mesh disposed in the cavity of the suction cup portion such that it engages the tissue surface and thereby minimizes injury to the tissue surface caused by the applied vacuum.

A suction device for applying vacuum to a tissue surface, the suction device comprising:

• a vacuum inlet portion having an inlet for attachment to a vacuum source;
• a suction cup portion connected to the vacuum inlet portion, the suction cup portion having a wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the inlet;
• and
• a closed cell foam member disposed on the suction cup portion such that it engages the tissue surface and thereby minimizes injury to the tissue surface caused by the applied vacuum.

A surgical retractor comprising:

• means for retracting tissue surrounding an opening;
• at least one attachment member for mounting of accessories for use with the surgical retractor;
• and
• a suction device disposed on the attachment member for applying vacuum to a tissue surface, the suction device comprising:
• a vacuum inlet portion having an inlet for attachment to a vacuum source;
• a suction cup portion connected to the vacuum inlet portion, the suction cup portion having a wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the inlet and an engagement surface for engaging the tissue surface;
• and
• means for minimizing injury to the tissue surface caused by the applied vacuum, the means comprising at least one of:
• a plurality of channels formed in the cavity on an inner surface of the wall for allowing the applied vacuum to be distributed over the tissue surface and thereby minimizing injury thereof;
• an elastic mesh disposed in the cavity of the suction cup portion such that it engages the tissue surface;
• and
• a closed cell foam member disposed on the suction cup portion such that it engages the tissue surface.