Systems and methods for directing valves that control a vacuum applied to a patient are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving a first input to apply vacuum to an orifice of a device positioned within a patient, and in response to the first input, automatically directing a first valve coupled between the orifice and a vacuum source to move from a closed state to an open state. The method can further include receiving a second input to cease applying the vacuum to the orifice, and in response to the second input, automatically directing the first valve to move from the open state to the closed state, automatically directing a second valve coupled between the orifice and atmospheric pressure to move from a closed state to an open state, and automatically directing the second valve to move back from the open state to the closed state.