Devices, systems, and methods for removing empyema from a pleural cavity

A device for removing empyema from a pleural cavity of a human or veterinary patient, comprising:

• a hollow elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, the hollow elongated member adapted to couple to a suction source at the proximal end and to enable suction at the distal end of the hollow elongated member, the hollow elongated member having a first opening at the distal end;
• a movable blade disposed within the hollow elongated member, the movable blade configured to move such that empyema suctioned through the first opening is cut by the blade;
• and
• an outer elongated member disposed around the hollow elongated member, the outer elongated member having a distal end extending past the distal end of the hollow elongated member such that the distal end of the hollow elongated member is within the outer elongated member and is adapted such that, in use, the outer elongated member contacts target empyema before the hollow elongated member and shields or prevents untargeted tissues from entering the opening of the hollow elongated member and contacting the movable blade;
• a second opening at the tip of the distal end of the outer elongated member, wherein the distal end of the outer elongated member is configured such that suction from the hollow elongated member is provided at the second opening;
• and
• at least one separating member extending across the second opening and attached to the perimeter of the second opening, and/or a pressure relief element comprising a notch or a protrusion on the perimeter of the second opening.