Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for one or more of reducing, removing, or preventing growth of bacterial biofilms are provided, including an endoscopic procedure using a surgical instrument adapted to dispense a pressurized flow of irrigant through a nozzle to substantially remove a layer of bacterial biofilm.

Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece for use with a micro-cutting instrument, includes a motor contained within a housing. The housing includes a motor enclosure surrounding the motor and a sleeve placed about the motor enclosure. An internal passage is formed entirely between the sleeve and the motor enclosure. Finally, the sleeve defines a handling region and forms inlet and outlet ports proximal the handling region which are fluidly connected to the internal passage. During use, a cooling fluid, flows through the internal passage as the cooling fluid circulates from the inlet port to the outlet port. The motor is sealed relative to the cooling fluid by the motor enclosure. Thus, the cooling fluid does not directly contact the motor, but instead serves as a heat exchange medium through which heat generated by the motor is thermally transferred to the cooling fluid via the motor enclosure.

Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece for use with a micro-cutting instrument, especially a bone-drilling device useful for ENT/head/neck procedures. The powered surgical handpiece includes a motor contained within a housing. The housing includes a motor enclosure surrounding the motor and a sleeve placed about the motor enclosure. At least a portion of the sleeve has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of a corresponding portion of the motor enclosure, such that the housing defines an internal gap or internal passage. Finally, the sleeve forms inlet and outlet ports that are fluidly connected to the internal passage. During use, a cooling fluid, such as de-ionized water or saline, is forced into the internal passage via the inlet port. The motor is sealed relative to the cooling fluid by the motor enclosure.

Abstract: A wire driver collet mechanism for selectively enabling the repositioning of a wire within a wire driver. The adjustable collet mechanism enables the wire to be repositioned under its own weight so that a user is not required to grasp the wire, thereby enabling one-handed operation of the wire driver. A method of adjusting a wire within a wire driver utilizes the steps of positioning the tip of a wire against a surface and allowing the wire to move under its own weight while moving the wire driver to position the wire as desired. The release of the wire is under the control of the hand holding the wire driver.

Abstract: A wire driver collet mechanism for selectively enabling the repositioning of a wire within a wire driver. The adjustable collet mechanism enables the wire to be repositioned under its own weight so that a user is not required to grasp the wire, thereby enabling one-handed operation of the wire driver. A method of adjusting a wire within a wire driver utilizes the steps of positioning the tip of a wire against a surface and allowing the wire to move under its own weight while moving the wire driver to position the wire as desired The release of the wire is under the control of the hand holding the wire driver.

Abstract: An improved rotary tool head includes a modular embodiment having a shaft with a tapered insertion end to ease insertion into a handpiece socket and to cause self-alignment of the shaft with the socket. Another embodiment of the improved rotary tool head includes a collet with nonlinear slots separating the collet tangs. The nonlinear slots cause a wire or shaft inserted into the collet to be centralized in the collet and prevent the wire or shaft from protruding between the tangs.