Importance

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Abstract

A method and device for reducing the size of tissues and/or other materials contained within an intracorporeally positioned organ or artificial containment sac. In one embodiment, the device comprises an elongate cutting tool having a rotatable cutting head or impactor positioned on the distal end of the tool and, optionally, having one or more aspiration/infusion lumens extending longitudinally through the elongate shaft of the tool. In a second embodiment, the device may comprise (a) a separate guide/aspiration/infusion cannula initially insertable into the organ or sac and (b) a separate elongate cutting device which is insertable through and extractable from the prepositioned guide/aspiration/infusion cannula. An automatically deployable protective assembly may be positioned at the distal tip of either embodiment of the device so as to form a protective cage around the rotatable cutting head or impactor. Such protective cage is configured to prevent the cutting head or impactor from causing damage to the surrounding organ or sac. This invention also includes an artificial containment sac which may be inserted into a body cavity through a natural opening or small incision and which may subsequently be utilized as a bag-like container for tissues, organs, tumors, calculi or other materials which are to be treated by the device of the invention and removed from the body.

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First Claim