title: A rubber band powered, piston-valve aspirator.
abstract: A new valved surgical aspirator is described which overcomes the shortcomings of conventional, valve-less suction devices. The valve piston which controls the flow of fluid is retained in the valve body by an ordinary rubber band. When the valve is opened by depressing the piston, the rubber band is stretched. When the piston is released, the rubber band shortens, automatically returning the valve to the closed position. Occluding the flow of air through a surgical aspirator between actual usages reduces the risk of bacterial wound contamination and reduces noise levels in the operating room. The rubber band powered, piston-valve aspirator is simple and efficient, and therefore it is suitable for hospital use.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*