US 5,944,686 A · Instrument for creating a fluid jet

Abstract

An instrument for delivering a variable pressure stream of fluid as a coherent jet. The instrument may be configured for holding in the hand of a user or for manipulation by machine control. The orifices may be oriented axially, transversely or obliquely. A deflector may be provided opposite the orifice to transform the jet stream into a harmless spray. The deflector may be slidable (in the axial mode) or pivotable (in the transverse mode) to ensure a small instrument profile. The instrument may be moldable allowing the user to reshape the jet tip into a desired configuration. The instrument may be remotely steerable and enable a user to selectively alter the direction of the jet without having to remove the instrument from the surgical site.

Claims29

Dependent claims

An instrument for creating a fluid jet, comprising:

a body including a lumen for conducting a high pressure fluid and at least one jet opening, in communication with said lumen, for forming a cutting jet as high pressure fluid streams therethrough;
and
a deflector supported by said body and locatable opposite said at least one jet opening for transforming the cutting jet into a harmless spray;
wherein said deflector and said at least one jet opening are moveable longitudinally relative to one another.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Instrument for creating a fluid jet

Life of this patent

Instrument for creating a fluid jet

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29