An assembly of pneumatically-powered devices, which includes a surgically invasive component, designed to aspirate debris/tissues/fluids from body cavities/wounds during a surgical procedure; it may in addition have non-surgical applications. It is connected to the wall outlet of a compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen) supply whereby positive gas pressure is converted into negative pressure/suction (the Venturi principle). The system includes a pneumatic suction regulator which controls the degree of negative pressure for the aspiration, collection containers, and patient contact devices (e.g., handpiece/tip); it typically also includes tubing and microbial/hydrophobic filters.