Abstract: A guard for use with a surgical cutting system. The guard includes a housing and wiring. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway, and is configured for releasable attachment to an instrument handpiece. The wiring is coupled to the housing and includes an electrically conductive wire and an insulative material. The wire defines opposing, first and second ends, with the first end being positioned within the passageway. The insulative material covers the wire apart from the first end such that the first end of the wire is exposed within the passageway. The first end of the wire establishes an electrical connection with a cutting tool shank upon placement within the passageway.

Abstract: A guard for use with a surgical cutting system. The guard includes a housing and wiring. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway, and is configured for releasable attachment to an instrument handpiece. The wiring is coupled to the housing and includes an electrically conductive wire and an insulative material. The wire defines opposing, first and second ends, with the first end being positioned within the passageway. The insulative material covers the wire apart from the first end such that the first end of the wire is exposed within the passageway. The first end of the wire establishes an electrical connection with a cutting tool shank upon placement within the passageway.

Abstract: A guard for use with a surgical cutting system. The guard includes a housing and wiring. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway, and is configured for releasable attachment to an instrument handpiece. The wiring is coupled to the housing and includes an electrically conductive wire and an insulative material. The wire defines opposing, first and second ends, with the first end being positioned within the passageway. The insulative material covers the wire apart from the first end such that the first end of the wire is exposed within the passageway. The first end of the wire establishes an electrical connection with a cutting tool shank upon placement within the passageway.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure on tissue at a target site of a patient includes providing a surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube, inner wire assembly and a cutting tip. The outer tube defines a curved segment. The inner wire assembly is rotatably disposed within the outer tube. The cutting tip is connected to the inner wire assembly and positioned at a distal end of the outer tube. The tissue at the target site is exposed and the cutting tip is deployed against the tissue. The method further includes rotating the inner wire assembly relative to the outer tube at speeds in excess of 50,000 RPM such that the cutting tip removes contacted tissue.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure on tissue at a target site of a patient includes providing a surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube, inner wire assembly and a cutting tip. The outer tube defines a curved segment. The inner wire assembly is rotatably disposed within the outer tube. The cutting tip is connected to the inner wire assembly and positioned at a distal end of the outer tube. The tissue at the target site is exposed and the cutting tip is deployed against the tissue. The method further includes rotating the inner wire assembly relative to the outer tube at speeds in excess of 50,000 RPM such that the cutting tip removes contacted tissue.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube, inner wire assembly, cutting tip, coupling chuck, and housing. The outer tube includes a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The inner wire assembly is received within the lumen. Preferably, the outer tube and inner wire assembly form a longitudinally curved segment. The cutting tip is connected to a distal section of the inner wire assembly. The coupling chuck is secured to a proximal section of the inner wire assembly. The housing maintains the outer tube and the coupling chuck. A rotating journal bearing, preferably a rotating-hydrodynamic bearing, is established between the inner wire assembly and the inner surface of the outer tube, allowing nominal rotational speeds of 80,000 RPM. Preferred embodiments of the surgical cutting instrument enhance surgeon visibility, minimize heat build-up, and provide improved stiffness and thermal protection.

Abstract: A CT scanner (10) for obtaining a medical diagnostic image of a subject includes a stationary gantry (12), and a rotating gantry (14) rotatably supported on the stationary gantry (12) for rotation about the subject. A fluid bearing is interposed between the stationary gantry (12) and the rotating gantry (14) by means of radial and axial fluid bearing pads, (100) and (102) respectively. The fluid bearing provides a fluid barrier which separates the rotating gantry (14) from the stationary gantry (12). In a preferred embodiment, the fluid bearing provides for quieter CT scanner operation at high rotational speeds. Moreover, eliminating the physical contact between the gantries minimizes wear and optimizes longevity.

Abstract: A CT scanner (10) for obtaining a medical diagnostic image of a subject includes a stationary gantry (12), and a rotating gantry (16) rotatably supported on the stationary gantry (12) for rotation about the subject. A fluid bearing (18) is interposed between the stationary and rotating gantries (12) and (16), respectively. The fluid bearing (18) provides a fluid barrier (110) which separates the rotating gantry (16) from the stationary gantry (12). In a preferred embodiment, the fluid bearing (18) provides for quieter CT scanner operation at high rotational speeds. Moreover, eliminating the physical contact between the gantries minimizes wear and optimizes longevity.