Abstract: A combined cutting and vacuum apparatus comprising a cutting device having a vacuum shroud and a remote housing having a vacuum motor disposed therein. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting device from the motor and a flexible vacuum tube produces a vacuum at the shroud. The motor includes a rotary drive shaft having a first end portion on which an impeller is secured and to which the flexible drive shaft is connected. A vacuum chamber is provided in the housing over the impeller and the rotary shaft extends therethrough. The vacuum chamber has an inlet port laterally offset from the rotary shaft. A removable filter bag is mounted within the housing between the port and the vacuum tube.In one embodiment the cutting device includes a handpiece having a rotary bur. The shroud is a tubular member having a flared open mouth. The handpiece is releasably secured within the shroud, with the abrading bur extending from the interior of the shroud to slightly outside the flared mouth.