Forward resector

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for resecting body tissues, and is especially useful in resecting body tissues in a cannulated approach into the patient. A tissue resector comprising a pair of curved cutting elements which are pivotally mounted on a distal end of a tubular member. The curve cutting elements are preferably shaped as sections of a hollow sphere which open and close to resect tissue with cutting elements articulating within the interior diameter of the tubular member. A novel system for resecting tissues wherein the cutting elements do not extend beyond the inner diameter of the tubular member to which they are attached which is inserted into the patient. An actuation mechanism is provided for opening and closing the curved cutting elements (i.e., jaws). The actuation mechanism may comprise an inner tubular member which is slidably received within a main (outer) tubular member, and a linkage which joins the distal ends of the interior tubular member with each of the curved cutting elements. Movement of the inner tubular member within the outer tubular member causes the linkage to open and close the curved cutting elements.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.