Importance

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Abstract

There is disclosed to a surgical instrument and methods for its use, for cutting tissue that has a positioning tube having a longitudinal axis, a cutting blade, that is at least substantially continuous, typically a ring, and a shaft. The shaft includes a distal end, that typically extends into the cutting blade, and engages the cutting blade in a rotational engagement, so as to confine its position while allowing it to rotate, upon the shaft rotating. At least a portion of the shaft is housed within the positioning tube. A frame is configured for receiving the proximal end of the shaft such that the shaft can rotate while being held in the frame. This reception and retention of the shaft by the frame is such that movement of the frame along the longitudinal axis moves the shaft and the cutting blade along the longitudinal axis. The cutting blade typically includes a sharpened edge, typically at its proximal end. This instrument is such that the cutting blade can also be used for cauterization of tissue, eliminating any need for separate cutting and cauterizing instruments, thus minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure.

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First Claim