Irrigation tubing set having compliant sections

Claim 2

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in both the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means; the inline compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a substantial portion of the aforesaid at least one of the inflow and outflow lines, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment and thereby to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site.

Claim 3

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in at least one of the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means; the inline compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a substantial portion of the aforesaid at least one of the inflow and outflow lines, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment and thereby to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the resilient tubing segment having a length within the range of approximately 60-90 centimeters.

Claim 4

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in at least one of the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means; the inline compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a substantial portion of the aforesaid at least one of the inflow and outflow lines, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment and thereby to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the resilient tubing segment having a length within the range of approximately 60-90 centimeters.

Claim 5

A tubing set according to claim 2 wherein the compliance means is provided in the inflow line.

Claim 6

A tubing set according to claim 1 wherein the resilient tubing segment has a generally rectangular cross section when not expanded.

Claim 7

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in both of the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the compliance means comprising: a first resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the inflow line, the first tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded, the cross section of the tubing segment being resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and a second resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the outflow line, the second tubing segment having a cross section that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the second tubing segment.

Claim 8

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in both of the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the compliance means comprising: a first resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the inflow line, the first tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded, the cross section of the tubing segment being resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and a second resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the outflow line, the second tubing segment having a cross section that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the second tubing segment.

Claim 9

A tubing set according to claim 5 wherein the first tubing segment has a length along the inflow line approximately fifty percent longer than the length of the second tubing segment along the outflow line.

Claim 10

A tubing set according to claim 5 wherein the amount of the increase in volume within the first tubing segment is approximately fifty percent greater than the amount of the increase in volume within the second tubing segment in response to the same increase in pressure within the first and second tubing segments.

Claim 11

A tubing set according to claim 5 wherein the resilient tubing segment is formed of elastomeric material have a durometer of less than about 60 on the Shore A scale.

Claim 12

A tubing set according to claim 8 wherein the material of the resilient tubing segment has a durometer of approximately 50-60 on the Shore A scale.

Claim 13

A tubing set according to claim 9 wherein the elastomeric material is a polyvinyl chloride compound.

Claim 14

A tubing set according to claim 5 further comprising means associated with the tubing set for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site.

Claim 15

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; inline compliance means provided in the inflow line for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the inflow line, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded, the cross section of the tubing segment being resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and means associated with the tubing set for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site; the inflow line, outflow line and means for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site being joined along a portion thereof in substantially parallel, non-communicating relationship.

Claim 16

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; inline compliance means provided in the inflow line for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the inflow line, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded, the cross section of the tubing segment being resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and means associated with the tubing set for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site; the inflow line, outflow line and means for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site being joined along a portion thereof in substantially parallel, non-communicating relationship.

Claim 17

A tubing set according to claim 12 wherein the means for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site comprises a fluid pressure sensing line adapted to be connected in fluid communication with one of a pressure sensing inflow cannula, pressure sensing outflow cannula or a separate pressure sensing cannula; the pressure sensing line including: an elongate tubular pressure chamber in the pressure sensing line having a distal end adapted to be connected to one of the pressure sensing inflow cannula, pressure sensing outflow cannula or a separate pressure sensing cannula, and a proximal end mounted in pressure transmitting communication with the remainder of the pressure sensing line; and a pressure transmitting resiliently flexible diaphragm within the pressure chamber, the diaphragm defining a fluid seal within the pressure chamber precluding passage of fluid from the surgical site through the proximal end of the pressure chamber; the remainder of the pressure sensing line defining a column of pressure transmitting fluid responsive to but segregated from the fluid from the surgical site; and the end of the pressure sensing line opposite the pressure chamber being adapted to be connected in fluid communication with a mechanism for sensing pressure.

Claim 18

An irrigation system for supplying fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, the system comprising: a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in both the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the inline compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a substantial portion of the aforesaid at least one of the inflow and outflow lines, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and a pump adapted to receive a portion of the inflow line to pump fluid through the inflow line.

Claim 19

An irrigation system for supplying fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, the system comprising: a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in both the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the inline compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a substantial portion of the aforesaid at least one of the inflow and outflow lines, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and a pump adapted to receive a portion of the inflow line to pump fluid through the inflow line.

Claim 20

An irrigation system according to claim 14 wherein the pump is a positive displacement pump.

Claim 21

An irrigation system for supplying fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, the system comprising: a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in at least one of the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the inline compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a substantial portion of the aforesaid at least one of the inflow and outflow lines, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment, the resilient tubing segment having a length within the range of approximately 60-90 centimeters; and a pump adapted to receive a portion of the inflow line to pump fluid through the inflow line.

Claim 22

An irrigation system for supplying fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, the system comprising: a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in at least one of the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means, the inline compliance means comprising a resilient tubing segment defining a substantial portion of the aforesaid at least one of the inflow and outflow lines, the tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment, the resilient tubing segment having a length within the range of approximately 60-90 centimeters; and a pump adapted to receive a portion of the inflow line to pump fluid through the inflow line.

Claim 23

An irrigation system according to claim 16 wherein the compliance means is provided in the inflow line.

Claim 24

An irrigation system according to claim 16 wherein the resilient tubing segment has a generally rectangular cross section when not expanded.

Claim 25

An irrigation system for supplying fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, the system comprising: a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in both the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means; and a pump adapted to receive a portion of the inflow line to pump fluid through the inflow line; the compliance means of the tubing set comprising: a first resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the inflow line, the first tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and a second resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the outflow line, the second tubing segment having a cross section that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the second tubing segment.

Claim 26

An irrigation system for supplying fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, the system comprising: a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and inline compliance means provided in both the inflow and outflow lines for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the compliance means including means for increasing the fluid volume within the compliance means in response to increasing fluid pressure within the compliance means; and a pump adapted to receive a portion of the inflow line to pump fluid through the inflow line; the compliance means of the tubing set comprising: a first resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the inflow line, the first tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the tubing segment; and a second resilient tubing segment defining a portion of the outflow line, the second tubing segment having a cross section that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the second tubing segment.

Claim 27

An irrigation system according to claim 19 wherein the amount of the increase in volume within the first tubing segment is approximately fifty percent greater than the amount of the increase in volume within the second tubing segment in response to the same increase in pressure within the first and second tubing segments.

Claim 28

An irrigation system according to claim 19 wherein the resilient tubing segment is formed of elastomeric material have a durometer of less than about 60 on the Shore A scale.

Claim 29

An irrigation system according to claim 21 wherein the material of the resilient tubing segment has a durometer of approximately 50-60 on the Shore A scale.

Claim 30

An irrigation system according to claim 19 wherein the tubing set further comprises means associated with the tubing set for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site.

Claim 31

An irrigation system according to claim 23 wherein the means for transmitting information about fluid pressure within the surgical site comprises a fluid pressure sensing line adapted to be connected in fluid communication with one of the inflow cannula, outflow cannula or a separate pressure sensing cannula; the pressure sensing line including: an elongate tubular pressure chamber in the pressure sensing line having a distal end adapted to be connected to one of the inflow cannula, outflow cannula or a separate pressure sensing cannula, and a proximal end mounted in pressure transmitting communication with the remainder of the pressure sensing line; and a pressure transmitting resiliently flexible diaphragm within the pressure chamber, the diaphragm defining a fluid seal within the pressure chamber precluding passage of fluid from the surgical site through the proximal end of the pressure chamber; the remainder of the pressure sensing line defining a column of pressure transmitting fluid responsive to but segregated from the fluid from the surgical site; and the end of the pressure sensing line opposite the pressure chamber being adapted to be connected in fluid communication with a mechanism for sensing pressure.

Claim 34

A method according to claim 25 wherein the resilient tubing segment has a generally flattened cross section when not expanded; the step of allowing the cross section of the resilient tubing segment to expand in response to the increasing fluid pressure within a range of expansion comprising expanding the flattened portions of the tubing segment away from each other in response to increasing fluid pressure to increase the fluid volume within the tubing segment.

Claim 35

A method according to claim 26 wherein the irrigation system further comprises a pump adapted to receive a portion of the inflow line to pump fluid through the inflow line; the step of introducing irrigation fluid into the surgical site via the inflow line and cannula including: pumping irrigation fluid through the inflow line with the pump to deliver the irrigation fluid into the surgical site.

Claim 36

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and two resilient-compliant tubing segments defining a substantial portion of each of the inflow and outflow lines, the resilient-compliant tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is expandable to increase the fluid volume within the tubing segment in response to increasing fluid pressure within the tubing segment, thereby accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site.

Claim 37

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and two resilient-compliant tubing segments defining a substantial portion of each of the inflow and outflow lines, the resilient-compliant tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is expandable to increase the fluid volume within the tubing segment in response to increasing fluid pressure within the tubing segment, thereby accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site.

Claim 38

A tubing set according to claim 28 wherein the resilient-compliant tubing segment has a generally rectangular cross section when not expanded.

Claim 39

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and a first resilient-compliant tubing segment in fluid communication with the inflow line for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the first resilient-compliant tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is expandable to increase the fluid volume within the tubing segment in response to increasing fluid pressure within the tubing segment; and a second resilient-compliant tubing segment in fluid communication with the outflow line, the second tubing segment having a cross section that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the second tubing segment.

Claim 40

For use in an irrigation system of the type that regulates the supply of fluid to an endoscopic surgical site, a tubing set comprising: an inflow line adapted for supplying fluid to the surgical site, the inflow line being adapted for mounting an inflow cannula in fluid communication with the inflow line to supply fluid to the surgical site, and adapted for connection to a source of fluid in fluid communication with the inflow line so that fluid from the source of fluid can be directed through the inflow cannula; an outflow line adapted for draining fluid from the surgical site, the outflow line being adapted for mounting an outflow cannula in fluid communication with the outflow line to drain fluid from the surgical site, the inflow and outflow lines defining a fluid pathway through the surgical site; and a first resilient-compliant tubing segment in fluid communication with the inflow line for accommodating changes in the rate of fluid flow through the surgical site to reduce variations in fluid pressure in the surgical site, the first resilient-compliant tubing segment having a generally flattened cross section when not expanded that is expandable to increase the fluid volume within the tubing segment in response to increasing fluid pressure within the tubing segment; and a second resilient-compliant tubing segment in fluid communication with the outflow line, the second tubing segment having a cross section that is resiliently expandable in response to increasing fluid pressure within a range to increase the volume of fluid within the second tubing segment.

Claim 41

A tubing set according to claim 30 wherein the resilient-compliant tubing segment is formed of elastomeric material have a durometer of less than about 60 on the Shore A scale.

Claim 42

A tubing set according to claim 31 wherein the material of the resilient-compliant tubing segment has a durometer of approximately 50-60 on the Shore A scale.