Abstract: A pneumatically powered surgical handpiece suitable for a pencil-type handpiece configuration in which the pressurized fluid inlet is axially directed relative to the handpiece body. Fluid is directed through a dispersing section from an axial direction to a radially outward direction against the interior of a hollow cylindrical turbine body provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged and longitudinally extending semi-circular channels adapted to receive the fluid flow and redirect it proximally through an annular exhaust channel situated annularly about the fluid inflow conduit. An output shaft is integrally formed with the turbine body and extending distally therefrom and a surgical instrument may be attached to or integrally formed within this output shaft. The invention also resides in a method for fluidically driving a surgical handpiece and lends itself to a method of producing a disposable fluidically driven surgical instrument.

Abstract: A rotatable shaver having inner and/or outer non-metallic elongated blades for use in endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment a rotatable, elongated non-metallic inner tubular member is disclosed for use with a non-rotatable elongated metallic outer tubular member, the inner member having a flexible, non-metallic tubular body, a proximal hub and a distal tip provided with a cutting tip having a cutting edge formed therein. The elongated tubular body of the inner member is mechanically joined at its proximal end to the hub and at its distal end to the cutting tip. The mechanical connection enables the transmission of torque from the proximal end of the inner member to the distal end while sufficiently holding the tip, tube and hub assembly together to enable insertion and removal of the assembly into and from the outer member.

Abstract: An intubation device is disclosed for use with a light source for the reconstruction of the lacrimal ducts of a patient. The device comprises a first and a second base each being suitable for attachment to the light source. A first and second probe each having a proximal end and a distal end comprise light conducting means to permit the transmission of light along the interior length of the probes between the proximal ends and the distal ends. The proximal ends of the first and second probes are respectively connected to the first and second bases to permit entry of light from the light source to the proximal ends of the first and second probes. A flexible translucent tubing means having a first and a second sheath portions and an intermediate portion enables the first and second sheath portions to removably encompass the first and second probes.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgery electrode is disclosed for cooperation with an electrode holder connected to a source of electrical power. The improved electrode comprises a solid electrode shaft having a first and a second end with a shaft connector electrically connecting the first end of the electrode shaft to the electrode holder. An electrode tip is disposed on the second end of the shaft with the electrode tip having a hook terminating in a distal end extending generally perpendicular to an axis extending through the electrode shaft. A shaft insulator provides a waterproof electrical insulation between an exposed portion of the electrode tip and the shaft connector. The shaft connector may optionally enable removal or interchange of the electrodes in the electrode holder to accommodate for various types of electrosurgery techniques such as a subcutaneous lateral release or a meniscectomy procedure through an arthroscopic system.