Irrigation system for endoscopic surgery

Abstract

An irrigation system for use during endoscopic or minimally invasive surgery is shown. Both vacuum and a pressurized irrigation fluid are continually provided to a trumpet valve for immediate use during surgery. A pump that provides the pressurized irrigation fluid has a reusable motor, but a disposable head that can be replaced between procedures. A control circuit automatically reduces the voltage being supplied to the pump if there had not been a request for irrigation fluid for a first time period. If a second time period, which is longer than the first time period, passes and (a) there is no demand for irrigation and (b) the voltage to the pump has not been reduced, either the voltage to the pump will be reduced or the pump shut OFF. The irrigation system is provided in kit form with parts having to be replaced between procedures contained therein.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.