Apparatus for removing tissue during surgical procedures

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to removal of tissue during surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for abrasion and removal of bone, cartilage, and other tissues during surgical procedures.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#Various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following specification and reference to the following drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of the apparatus for abrading tissue during surgical procedures shown in operative association with a tibia and femur according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument used for abrading tissue during a surgical procedure shown in FIG. 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#The following discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature. Accordingly, the discussion is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, the application of the invention, or the use of the invention.

#Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus for abrading tissue during surgical procedures is shown and is generally designated by the numeral 10. The apparatus 10 may be used, for example, during abrasion and removal of tissue such as cartilage and bone within the surgical site 12. The apparatus 10 includes a source 14 of sterile fluid such as saline which is provided to the surgical site 12 so as to distend the joint 16 and provide a sterile wash to the abraded tissue. The apparatus 10 also includes a fiber optic visualization instrument 18 which provides light to the surgical site 12 by means of a light source 20 and returns an image of the surgical site 12 by means of a camera 22. The image which is received by the camera 22 is in turn displayed upon screen 24 or returned to the surgeon by other means, such as through an eye piece worn by the surgeon. Guided by the image, the surgeon can move a surgical instrument 26 within the surgical site 12 during removal or abrading of the tissue from the joint 16. The apparatus 10 also includes a hand held rotary power source 28 which is used to rotate the surgical instrument 26 when the surgical instrument 26 is in the surgical site 12. The rotary power source 28 may in turn be controlled by the surgeon using a foot pedal 30. Finally, the apparatus 10 may also include a vacuum source 32 which is connected to the surgical instrument 26 for providing a vacuum for withdrawal of abraded tissue from the surgical site 12.

#As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the apparatus 10 may be used in a variety of surgical procedures including but not limited to abrasion and evacuation of fatty or diseased tissue from the body, as for example in liposuction or in surgical debridement or in removal of tumors. Further, the apparatus 10 may be used in the removal of bony protrusions such as bone spurs or vertebral protrusions. In addition, the apparatus 10 also allows for the insertion of a sterile catheter for delivery of sterile fluid including but not limited to antibiotic fluid to tissue in the joint 16. While some of the components of the apparatus 10 described above may preferably be part of a Model IES 1000 available from Arthrotek, Ontario, Calif., other suitable arthroscopic devices may be used.