Abstract: An arthroscopic sealing cannula having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs is described herein. In particular, the present invention describes arthroscopic sealing cannulae in which the conventional thermal and chemical bonding means are eliminated and replaced with a mechanical joining system that utilizes mating fastener pairs integrally molded into the distal and proximal elements of a cannula so as to thereby provide a strong reliable joining of the elements. Such a mechanical system eliminates the need for costly capital equipment and specializing tooling as well as the material and environmental handling problems associated with conventional bonding techniques. Furthermore, in that the join may be readily confirmed through simple visual examination, the present invention also eliminates the need for complex, costly, and time-consuming validation procedures mandated by regulations in place to ensure proper integrity, strength, and reliability of the bond.

Abstract: Minimally invasive endoscopic cutting instruments having improved efficiency, access and reduced manufacturing costs are described herein. In particular, the present invention describes means for eliminating or modifying the distal end axial bearing surfaces so as to reduce manufacturing costs as well as the opportunity for galling and metal shedding. The present invention further describes an improved hub attachment method that may further or alternatively reduce overall manufacturing costs. The present invention yet further describes means and methods for improved bendability in the field, which, in turn, enables improved access to remote surgical targets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic surgical assembly having improved cutting efficiency. In particular, the present invention provides an endoscopic shaver assembly configured for automated axial as well as rotational motion so as to enhance tissue resection.

Abstract: An rotary shaver having an attachment device for coupling a flexible transmission shaft to rigid ends. In at least one embodiment, the rotary shaver may be a curved rotary shaver. The inner shaft may be formed from rigid ends connected together with the flexible transmission shaft via an attachment device. The attachment device may include a collar protruding from an outer surface to penetrate an inner surface of the flexible transmission shaft. The attachment device may also include one or more grooves or protrusions for the transmission of torque.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic surgical assembly having improved cutting efficiency. In particular, the present invention provides an endoscopic shaver assembly configured for automated axial as well as rotational motion so as to enhance tissue resection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic surgical assembly having improved cutting efficiency. In particular, the present invention provides an endoscopic shaver assembly configured for automated axial as well as rotational motion so as to enhance tissue resection.

Abstract: An endoscopic rotary abrader allowing for increased burr size while maintaining the required minimum clearance between the burr and the hood. This is accomplished either by an offset configuration of non-concentric inner and outer tubes, where the inner tube is shifted laterally away from the hood, or by employing an enlarged hood.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: An rotary shaver having an attachment device for coupling a flexible transmission shaft to rigid ends. In at least one embodiment, the rotary shaver may be a curved rotary shaver. The inner shaft may be formed from rigid ends connected together with the flexible transmission shaft via an attachment device. The attachment device may include a collar protruding from an outer surface to penetrate an inner surface of the flexible transmission shaft. The attachment device may also include one or more grooves or protrusions for the transmission of torque.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic surgical assembly having improved cutting efficiency. In particular, the present invention provides an endoscopic shaver assembly configured for automated axial as well as rotational motion so as to enhance tissue resection.

Abstract: Described herein is a ventilated, non-slip sleeve which may be applied to an irregularly shaped object, for example a body part such as a limb or extremity, as well as methods for making and using such a non-slip sleeve. In one particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a ventilated, non-slip sock for an animal, and a method for making the sock from a non-slip material. The ventilated, non-slip sock of the instant invention finds particular utility as a mobility aid for injured and/or aged animals, to facilitate ambulation over slippery surfaces or floors.

Abstract: An end-cutting arthroscopic shaver blade having a tubular inner member rotatable within a tubular outer member. The distal ends of each of the tubular members are provided with at least two notches each of which has longitudinally extending sides provided with cutting edges. In one of the embodiments the outer tubular member is provided with an arcuate extension in order to guide tissue toward the notches.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously shaping and sharpening a cutting widow at the distal end of a tubular member of a rotary blade assembly. The assembly is provided with a stationary elongated outer tube, having a cutting window at its distal tip and includes a rotatable elongated inner tube having a cutting means at its distal tip. The window in the outer tube has a curvilinear profile defined by a peripheral rim surrounded entirely by a land surface which is inclined relative to the rim. The inclination of the land produces an area which tapers from a full thickness, where the land is adjacent to the cylindrical wall of the outer tube, to a sharp edge around the periphery of the window. The curvilinear window is produced by a manufacturing process which creates the window opening with a sharpened periphery at the same time that the land surrounding the opening is inclined.

Abstract: A rotating endoscopic shaver blade assembly adapted for side-cutting and end-cutting. A pair of longitudinally extending, symmetrical fingers extends from the distal end of an elongated tubular inner member and are juxtaposed adjacent a window at the distal end of an elongated tubular outer member. Each of the fingers is provided with laterally facing and transversely facing cutting edges and has a curvilinear profile terminating at a distal tip. The distal tips of the fingers are separated by an axially aligned gap which enables limited stress-relieving radial movement of the fingers.

Abstract: A rotary blade assembly is provided with a stationary outer tube having a cutting window at its distal tip. The window has a curvilinear profile defined by a peripheral rim surrounded entirely by a land surface angled relative to the rim. The inclination of the land produces a sharp edge around the periphery of the window of the outer member. The curvilinear window is produced by a single step manufacturing process which creates the window opening at the same time that the land surrounding the opening is inclined.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously shaping and sharpening a cutting widow at the distal end of a tubular member of a rotary blade assembly. The assembly is provided with a stationary elongated outer tube, having a cutting window at its distal tip and includes a rotatable elongated inner tube having a cutting means at its distal tip. The window in the outer tube has a curvilinear profile defined by a peripheral rim surrounded entirely by a land surface which is inclined relative to the rim. The inclination of the land produces an area which tapers from a full thickness, where the land is adjacent to the cylindrical wall of the outer tube, to a sharp edge around the periphery of the window. The curvilinear window is produced by a manufacturing process which creates the window opening with a sharpened periphery at the same time that the land surrounding the opening is inclined.

Abstract: A rotating endoscopic shaver blade assembly adapted for side-cutting and end-cutting. A pair of longitudinally extending, symmetrical fingers extends from the distal end of an elongated tubular inner member and are juxtaposed adjacent a window at the distal end of an elongated tubular outer member. Each of the fingers is provided with laterally facing and transversely facing cutting edges and has a curvilinear profile terminating at a distal tip. The distal tips of the fingers are separated by an axially aligned gap which enables limited stress-relieving radial movement of the fingers.