Abstract: A cutting assembly in which an inner tube is rotatably disposed within an outer tube and defines as aspiration path. The inner tube may include segments, and the segments may define a flexible region associated with a bend of the outer tube. The outer tube may define irrigation channels, and further define irrigation apertures positioned proximal to a cutting window or distal to the flexible region. The irrigation channels fluidly separate the aspiration lumen from an irrigation path so as to prevent ingress of irrigation fluid into the aspiration lumen through slots defined by the segments. An inner jacket may be coaxially disposed within the inner tube and configured to provide a seal between the aspiration path and the irrigation path. A distal end of the inner jacket may be disposed in a counterbore, and the proximal end of the inner jacket may be proximal to the inner tube.

Abstract: A cutting assembly configured to be removably coupled to a drive assembly of a surgical instrument. An inner tube is coaxially and rotatably disposed within an outer tube and defines a lumen in communication with a cutting window. A projection is disposed within the lumen of the inner tube. The projection may include a distal first portion displaced radially inward relative to an interior surface of the inner tube, and a proximal second portion angled relative to the distal first portion. A distance between a proximal boundary of the cutting window and a nearest point on the projection may be less than a diameter of the lumen. An inner surface of the projection permits cutting action to continue until the material is sufficiently reduced to pass between a proximal boundary of the cutting window and the insert. The projection may be formed by an insert secured within the inner tube.

Abstract: A cutting assembly configured to be removably coupled to a drive assembly of a surgical instrument. An inner tube is coaxially and rotatably disposed within an outer tube and defines a lumen in communication with a cutting window. A drive hub is coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube to define a suction path through the hub member and the inner tube. A hub member of the drive hub defines a first aperture, and further defines a reduced aperture. A diameter of the lumen of the inner tube is less than the inner diameter of the reduced aperture of the drive hub such that resected tissue moves from smaller to larger cross sectional portions of the suction path at an interface between the drive hub and the inner tube. The drive hub may include a lip disposed within the suction path with the inner tube abutting the lip.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a surgical instrument including an outer hub, an outer tube, a cutting implement, and a drive hub. A retention flange of the drive hub is arranged to retain the cutting shaft within the outer tube. The cutting assembly may include a seal, and the retention flange may contact the seal. An irrigation spacer may provide a stop of distal axial movement of the drive hub or permitting fluid to flow through irrigation passageways. The drive assembly may include an irrigation port and a suction port with a proximal end of the irrigation port may positioned axially distal to a proximal portion of the suction port. The irrigation port may be coupled to a handpiece, and the suction port may be coupled to a back cap. A handpiece may include a saddle region, recesses, and/or an apex region to facilitate ergonomic handling of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A cutting assembly configured to be removably coupled to a drive assembly of a surgical instrument. An inner tube is coaxially and rotatably disposed within an outer tube and defines a lumen in communication with a cutting window. A drive hub is coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube to define a suction path through the hub member and the inner tube. A hub member of the drive hub defines a first aperture, and further defines a reduced aperture. A diameter of the lumen of the inner tube is less than the inner diameter of the reduced aperture of the drive hub such that resected tissue moves from smaller to larger cross sectional portions of the suction path at an interface between the drive hub and the inner tube. The drive hub may include a lip disposed within the suction path with the inner tube abutting the lip.

Abstract: A cutting assembly including a grip. A tube assembly includes an outer tube, and an inner tube configured to be rotated by a motor of a drive assembly. The grip includes a nose portion defining an aperture from which the tube assembly extends distally, and an intermediate portion forming with the nose portion an open area ledge. The open area ledge may be sized to receive a connecting hub configured to be removably coupled to a housing of the drive assembly. A coupling member of the connecting hub may include a flange disposed within the open area ledge. A manually movable member is configured to rotate the outer tube about a longitudinal axis. The manually movable member may be positioned between the nose portion and the flange. The manually movable member may include a gripping surface positioned radially outwardly relative to sides of the nose portion.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a surgical instrument. A tube assembly includes an outer tube having an outer cutting window, and an inner tube coaxially disposed within and rotatable relative to the outer tube. The inner tube includes an inner cutting window such that the inner and outer cutting windows define a cutting window of the tube assembly. A portion of the inner tube distal a proximal boundary of the cutting window may define a distal region of the inner tube. A projection is within a lumen of the inner tube with at least a portion of the projection disposed within the distal region. The projection may be an insert. The projection occupies a volume of the distal region and/or reduces a cross-sectional area of the lumen distal to the proximal boundary. The projection reduces the size of material removed through the cutting window to reduce clogging of the tube assembly.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a surgical instrument. The cutting assembly comprises a tube assembly having an inner tube adapted to be rotated by a drive assembly, and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube. An aperture within each of the inner and outer tubes may define a cutting window adapted to be applied to a surgical site of a patient. A grip is coupled to the tube assembly and configured to be engaged by a hand of a user. A manually movable member for rotating the outer tube may be provided and rotated with an index finger or a thumb of the hand while the grip is engaged by a web of the hand. A web portion of the grip may be engaged by the web of the hand without being engaged by a palm of the hand. Methods of gripping a cutting assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing transcanal ear surgery. A volume of fluid is maintained within the ear canal to provide a flooded environment. A cutting member of a cutting instrument is submerged and operated within the flooded environment to resect tissue within the ear. A reservoir system may be coupled to the patient to facilitate providing the flooded environment. The reservoir system at least partially surrounds the auricle of the ear in fluid-tight sealing engagement with the head of the patient. An irrigation pump and a suction source on one or both of the reservoir system and the cutting instrument are operated to provide the flooded environment. The reservoir system includes an access opening sized to receive one or more surgical instruments, for example, the cutting instrument and an endoscope. The flooded environment improves cooling of the surgical site and visualization of the surgical site from the endoscope.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a surgical instrument. The cutting assembly comprises a tube assembly having an inner tube adapted to be rotated by a drive assembly, and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube. An aperture within each of the inner and outer tubes may define a cutting window adapted to be applied to a surgical site of a patient. A grip is coupled to the tube assembly and configured to be engaged by a hand of a user. A manually movable member for rotating the outer tube may be provided and rotated with an index finger or a thumb of the hand while the grip is engaged by a web of the hand. A web portion of the grip may be engaged by the web of the hand without being engaged by a palm of the hand. Methods of gripping a cutting assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a surgical instrument. A tube assembly includes an outer tube having an outer cutting window, and an inner tube coaxially disposed within and rotatable relative to the outer tube. The inner tube includes an inner cutting window such that the inner and outer cutting windows define a cutting window of the tube assembly. A portion of the inner tube distal a proximal boundary of the cutting window may define a distal region of the inner tube. A projection is within a lumen of the inner tube with at least a portion of the projection disposed within the distal region. The projection may be an insert. The projection occupies a volume of the distal region and/or reduces a cross-sectional area of the lumen distal to the proximal boundary. The projection reduces the size of material removed through the cutting window to reduce clogging of the tube assembly.