A collection device for receiving, collecting and returning blood from a body cavity, includes a housing for collecting the blood which has an inlet for fluid communication with the body cavity, a first outlet for returning blood to the body and a second outlet for coupling to a suction source. The collection device also includes a flow member which is configured and dimensioned so as to be disposed within the housing and so as to direct at least a portion of the blood entering through the inlet into a first predetermined direction and the remaining portion of the blood entering through the inlet and the first directed portion of blood in at least a second predetermined direction within the housing. The flow member can be a plate with ribs thereon to divert the flow of blood along the direction of the fibs. The collection device can also include a filter assembly positioned within the housing and about the plate so as to filter and defoam the blood before exiting from the housing.
