Arthroscopic surgical apparatus and method

Abstract

Surgical apparatus includes a first and second inserter each having a handle and a shaft secured to and extending away from the handle. A collar is secured to the distal end of the shafts. The first inserter has an elongated blade secured to and extending away from the collar and the shaft. The second inserter has an elongated blunt member secured to and extending away from the collar and the shaft. The surgical apparatus includes a sleeve member having a head sized to be grasped by the fingers of the user and having a hollow cannula extending away from the head. An aperture is formed in the head to correspond with the channel in the hollow cannula. The blade of the first inserter is positioned through the channel with the head abutting the collar. The blade extends beyond the distal end of the cannula and is inserted through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia of a patient at a preselected location proximate an articulate joint. Thereafter the first inserter is removed while the sleeve is held in place by grasping the head with the fingers. The second inserter is then positioned through the channel with the head abutting the collar and the blunt end extending beyond the distal end of the cannula. Thereafter the second inserter is inserted to penetrate the synovial lining proximate the joint. Then the second inserter is withdrawn leaving the sleeve member in position. Surgical instruments may be inserted through the sleeve members.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.