A TECHNIQUE FOR PREVENTION OF SUDDEN PRESSURE LOSS ON EMPTYING OF IRRIGATION BAGS DURING ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY USING GRAVITY-FED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Gravity-fed irrigation systems in arthroscopic surgery are safe and ch eap, but visualization can be impaired by fluctuations in in-flow pres sure, which leads to bleeding and temporary disruption of surgery. We describe a gravity-fed irrigation system using differential hydrostati c pressures in sequentially arranged irrigation bags that can be indep endently raised and lowered. This technique maintains a relatively ste ady flow and intra-articular pressure, thereby improving the quality o f irrigation without having to resort to the more expensive pressure i nfusion systems, and minimizing the need for surgery under tourniquet.