Importance

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Abstract

The arthroscopic surgery instrument includes an elongated outer sheath member having substantially fully open distal and proximal ends, and an inner hollow cylindrical cutting blade member rotatable within the sheath member. The cutting blade member has a distal end that is substantially fully open. The cutting blade member and the sheath member are each provided with a pair of spaced longitudinally extending, diametrically opposed tabs at their corresponding distal ends. The spaces between the tabs on the sheath member defines oppositely disposed cutting windows. Cutting edges are formed on each of the tabs on the cutting blade member and the sheath member and extend to the free ends of each member. The cutting edges on the cutting blade member are cooperable with the corresponding cutting edges on the sheath member. A rotary drive motor rotates the cutting blade member relative to the sheath member. Tissue positioned at a selected cutting window during rotation of the cutting blade member can thus be severed as the cutting blade member passes the cutting windows. An aspirator communicates with the interior space of the cutting blade member to remove tissue severed by the cooperable cutting action of the blade and sheath members. The aspiration path is a straight line path through the interior of the cutting blade member.

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First Claim