Importance

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Abstract

A multifunctional tissue dissecting instrument for use in a surgical procedure includes a blunt dissector, a probe disposed within the blunt dissector and a handle coupled with the probe at a proximal end of the blunt dissector and operable to move a tip of the probe between a retracted position within the blunt dissector and an extended position protruding from the blunt dissector. The blunt dissector preferably includes an elongate tubular member and an absorbent body of material disposed on the distal end of the tubular member. The absorbent body at the distal end of the tubular member is configured to contact tissue for blunt dissection and, when other functions are desired or required as part of the surgical procedure, the probe tip can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position, for example to cut or penetrate tissue for sharp dissection, to transmit energy, to manipulate or pull the tissue or to otherwise treat the tissue. The body of absorbent material can also be used to absorb body fluids at the operative site and, if an operating channel is defined through the instrument in communication with the absorbent body, the operating channel can be used to provide fluid for irrigation, to create suction for aspiration and to administer medicaments at the operative site. Furthermore, the probe can be made hollow to define an operating channel through the instrument through which additional instruments can be introduced at the operative site or through which the functions of irrigating, aspirating and administering medicaments can be performed.

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First Claim