Abstract: A saw blade for medical, in particular surgical, applications having a recess for mounting the saw blade inside a saw which exerts an saw movement, especially an oscillating saw movement, to the saw blade. In order to improve the dynamic behavior of the saw blade, longitudinal flat areas of a surface of the saw blade are provided with a plurality of superficial impressions of a defined contour that are aligned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the saw blade.

Abstract: A percutaneous cellulite removal needle of the present invention can be used to make the appearance of cellulite less obvious by cutting the fibrous bridges that connect the skin to muscle/fascia or fibrous septae in the subcutaneous fat in a minimally invasive manner. The percutaneous cellulite removal needle of the present invention preferably includes a body having an internal chamber that ends at a laterally disposed aperture. A cutting mechanism is substantially positioned within the internal chamber in a retracted position and at least partially protrudes through the laterally disposed aperture in a cutting position. A situating mechanism transitions the cutting mechanism between the retracted position and the cutting position. The present invention also includes a method in which the percutaneous cellulite removal needle is inserted through the skin with the cutting mechanism in the retracted position. The cutting mechanism is then extruded so that the cutting mechanism is in the cutting position.

Abstract: The present invention features an ultrasonic surgical system including an ultrasonically vibrating blade, and retractable grasper. The grasper includes a grasping jaw or clamp that is movable, in a direction perpendicular to the primary vibratory mode of the ultrasonic blade element, from an open, extended position to a closed position in which tissue is grasped between the jaw and the vibrating blade, and to a retracted position for storage. The jaw is preferably hinge-actuated.

Abstract: A method of controlling a surgical cutting device, the device including a hollow needle with a port for tissue entry and a moveable cutting blade for severing tissue entering the needle through the port, the blade being movable between a first portion enabling tissue entry through the port and a second portion closing the port, the tissue entering the needle being severed as the blade moves between the first and second portions, the method includes the steps: a) providing vacuum to the hollow needle to cause tissue entry into the needle through the port; b) moving the blade from the first portion to the second position to sever the tissue entering the needle; c) evacuating severed tissue from the needle by vacuum; d) reducing vacuum to the needle before moving the blade from the second position to the first position; and repeating steps (a) through (d).

Abstract: A vitreous cutter 10 includes a plurality of vanes 14 rotatably attached within a housing 12. An inlet 16 receives pressurized fluid, which causes rotation of the vanes 14. An outlet 20 allows the pressurized fluid to exit the cutter 10. A cam 24 rotates upon rotation of the vanes 14, which causes reciprocal movement of a vitrectomy probe 28.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of a portion of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly has a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with either the cannula so that the cannulas can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the housing. As the cannula is caused to reciprocate relative to the housing, the aspiration aperture formed through the distal end of the cannula assembly is caused to undergo periodic displacement.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument for dissection and coagulation of tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes a vibration coupler supported within a housing and operably connected to an ultrasonic generator. An angled blade member is connected to the distal end of the vibration coupler to conduct high frequency vibration from the ultrasonic generator to the blade member. A clamp member is positioned adjacent to the blade member and is movable from a first position to a second approximated position. The clamp member and angled blade member combine to enhance contact between the tissue and the blade member during operation of the instrument to improve the performance of the instrument.

Abstract: A disposable tissue removal device comprising a cutting element mounted to a handpiece. The cutting element includes an outer cannula defining a tissue-receiving opening and an inner cannula concentrically disposed within the outer cannula. The outer cannula has a trocar tip at its distal end and a cutting board snugly disposed within the outer cannula. The inner cannula defines an inner lumen that extends the length of the inner cannula and terminates in an inwardly beveled, razor-sharp cutting edge. The inner cannula is driven by both a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. At the end of its stroke, the inner cannula makes contact with the cutting board to completely sever the tissue. An aspiration vacuum is applied to the inner lumen to aspirate excised tissue through the inner cannula and into a collection trap that is removably mounted to the handpiece. The rotary and reciprocating motors are hydraulically powered through a hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for performing at least one of sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member, the first jaw member attached to the shaft and being relatively movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a drive rod assembly for imparting movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions and a rotating assembly attached to the housing for rotating the jaw members about the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also attached to the housing for separating tissue grasped between the jaw members and a handle assembly is attached to the housing for actuating the drive rod assembly.

Abstract: An improved method and devices for preventing restenosis are provided. The method may include delivering a stent configured to contain a stenosis to a body vessel. The method may also include using atherectomy at the site prior to stent delivery. In one embodiment, the stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and a center portion arranged such that the diameters of the proximal and distal ends are greater than the diameter of the center portion. In one embodiment, the atherectomy device includes a housing to prevent injury to the unaffected areas of the body vessels but the cutter is extendible beyond the housing. In one embodiment, the stent may be impregnated with at least one drug after stent deployment.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument useful in harvesting blood vessels such as veins and arteries. The instrument has a pair of jaws and a central cutting element displaceable distally and proximally to dissect tissue contained between the jaws. The instrument has offset electrodes.

Abstract: An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy and contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue.

Abstract: The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the lumen of a mammalian subject and operably connected to system controls. The cutter assembly is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. One cutter assembly comprises an adjustable cutter that is adjustable between a smaller diameter condition and a larger diameter condition by rotation of the drive shaft in opposite directions. The cutter may thus be introduced to and withdrawn from the material removal site in a retracted, smaller diameter condition that facilitates translation and navigation of the device through various lumens. The adjustable cutting assembly may be selectively expanded at the material removal site to facilitate cutting, removal and aspiration of the occlusive material. One composite cutter assembly comprises both a distal, fixed diameter cutter and a proximal adjustable diameter cutter.

Abstract: A vitreous removing apparatus for intraocular surgery comprising an outer tube and an inner tube concentric with the outer tube. The outer tube includes a tubular body and a tubular cutting-zone section. The tubular body has a larger internal diameter than an internal diameter of the cutting-zone section. The inner tube has an inner body and a distal cutting end. The inner body has an outer diameter which is essentially equal to an outer diameter of the distal cutting end. A method for performing intraocular surgery comprising reciprocating a distal cutting end of an inner tubular body within a tubular cutting-zone section of an outer tubular body.

Abstract: A rotational ablation atherectomy device including a flexible drive shaft and a compressible burr that may be inserted and extracted from a patient using a catheter having a diameter that is smaller than the operational diameter of the burr. In one embodiment, the burr includes a nose portion coupled to the drive shaft and one or more flexible abrasive disks disposed rearwardly from the nose portion. The flexible disks are foldable to be slidably received within a catheter. In another embodiment, the burr includes a support member coupled to the drive shaft, the support member having a resilient panel that spirals outwardly, forming a generally cylindrical ablation surface. The flexible panel can be elastically urged toward the support member and slidably inserted into the catheter. In a third embodiment, the burr includes a plurality of struts that are coupled to the drive shaft. An elastically compressible body disposed between the struts permits the struts to flex inwardly to reduce the burr diameter.

Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit is disclosed. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument useful in harvesting blood vessels such as veins and arteries. The instrument has a pair of jaws and a central cutting element displaceable distally and proximally to dissect tissue contained between the jaws. The distal ends of the jaws form a dissecting tip.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of intraocular tissue from an eye includes an unsleeved vibrated needle insertable through a first eye incision into the intraocular tissue for emulsifying same. The needle is ultrasonically vibrated for emulsifying the intraocular tissue in a manner preventing substantial heat damage to the eye and a combined aspiration/irrigation needle or separate aspiration and irrigation needles are provided for both introducing irrigation fluid into the eye and aspirating emulsified intraocular tissue and irrigation fluid from the eye.

Abstract: The invention is an oscillating, high speed burring instrument comprised of a handpiece, an elongate arthroscopic catheter extending distally from handpiece and terminating in a flexible or hinged portion which itself terminates with an oscillating burr. At least the distal portion of torsional drive shaft is radially flexible to accommodate the flexibility of the flexible or hinged portion of the catheter. A high speed oscillation of the burr is employed effective for cutting or abrading bone, which is typically oscillated at 10 kHz or higher. The burr is oscillated over a substantial arc, namely a majority portion of a full circle. The burr is not shielded in any manner and is fully exposed to the operational theater. The burr cuts or abrades bone or hard matter, while leaving softer tissues substantially or entirely undamaged.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separating a tissue specimen from the tissue site suitable for evaluation. The device includes a probe member having an arcuate tissue-cutting RF powered electrode secured to and distally spaced from the distal end of the probe and a small dimensioned distal extremity which when an inner lumen thereof is subjected to a vacuum, secured tissue for the specimen to the surface of the distal extremity. A circular tissue-cutting blade preferably secured to the distal end of a supporting tube is configured to rotate and move longitudinally along the shaft of the probe member effective to sever a tissue specimen from tissue secured to the surface of the distal extremity of the probe member. The supporting tube covers the separated specimen, and may be disposed within an accessing cannula.

Abstract: A medical instrument for treating, in particular for removing tissue, bone cement or the like in the human or animal body, comprising a hand piece having a distal end; an application part arranged at said distal end said hand piece, said application part being axially movable to-and-fro relative to said hand piece; a drive mechanism for said application part, said drive mechanism being provided in said hand piece, said drive mechanism transferring a pressure being continuously present in said hand piece into said to-and-fro movement of said application part, wherein said application part has at least in a region of a distal end of said application part a conduit, which has, in a distal region of said conduit, at least a suction and/or irrigation aperture.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spaced-apart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween. The forceps also includes a longitudinally reciprocating knife which severs the tissue after sealing at a location which is proximate the sealing site.

Abstract: The invention relates to shielded reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue material. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard to access sites under a direct vision mechanism included in the system. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision bone and/or tissue removal. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto which connects a pair of first and second jaw members in an opposing manner relative to one another. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a handle which imparts movement of the first and second jaw members from the first and second positions and a rotating assembly for rotating the jaw members about a longitudinal axis defined through the shaft. A pair of electrical leads connect the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for delivering implants including therapeutic agents to tissues. The catheter is advanceable intra-luminally to place the implants. In one embodiment, the implants include a liquid carrier and therapeutic agent for infusion into the tissue. In another embodiment, a solid carrier includes the therapeutic agent. In yet another embodiment, the implant is formed in situ.

Abstract: Techniques are described for making one-piece tubes for surgical instruments in which an inner tube that carries a cutting implement is disposed for movement within an outer tube having a cutting window that exposes the cutting implement to tissue. Swaging is performed to close an end of a tubular member that is to serve as either the inner tube or the outer tube. Other processing steps are also performed. For example, a selected amount of a protrusion formed by the swaging is cut away, the tube material is fused together at a seam formed by the swaging, and the closed distal end of the tubular member is formed into a selected shape. For example, the selected shape is rounded so that the distal end defines convex (e.g., substantially hemispherical) interior and exterior distal surfaces. This renders the tube suitable for use in full-radius surgical instruments. Alternatively, the selected shape is flattened so that the distal end defines flattened interior and exterior distal surfaces.

Abstract: An improved, asynchronous method of operating a microsurgical instrument, such as a vitrectomy probe. The instrument includes a port for receiving tissue and an inner cutting member. A flow of tissue is induced into the port with a vacuum source. The port is at least partially occluded with the tissue. The occlusion is detected, and the inner cutting member is actuated to close the port and cut the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method of using an ultrasonic probe with a pharmacological agent to enhance an occlusion treating effect of the ultrasonic probe to effectively remove an occlusion. The pharmacological agent is released through a catheter to treat the occlusion and enhance an effect of a transverse ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic probe to effectively remove the occlusion. The pharmacological agent continues to travel downstream of the site of the occlusion and work in conjunction with the ultrasonic probe to reduce the occlusion to a size that can easily be removed from the body naturally in order to prevent reformation of the occlusion and other health risks.

Abstract: A vitreous surgical apparatus in which an inner tubular blade is moved in an axis direction with respect to an outer tubular blade by supply and exhaust of compressed air to excise a part of a vitreous body in an eyeball and aspirate and discharge the excised part out of the eyeball, the apparatus including: a plurality of solenoid valves each of which is opened and closed for performing the supply and exhaust of the compressed air; and a control unit which synchronously drives the solenoid valves to open and close in order to move the inner tubular blade at a desired cutting speed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto which connects a pair of first and second jaw members such that the jaw members are movable relative to one another to grasp tissue therebetween. The instrument also includes a four-bar handle assembly attached to the housing for actuating a drive rod assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle and a cam-like piston which cooperate to impart a uniform closure pressure against tissue grasped between the jaw members. The instrument also includes a rotating assembly for rotating the jaw members, a knife assembly for separating tissue and a pair of electrical leads connect the jaw members to a source of electrical energy. The electrical leads include slack loops disposed in the rotating assembly which permit rotation of the jaw members about the axis.

Abstract: A surgical cutting system. The cutting system includes a cutter which has an inner sleeve that moves adjacent to an aspiration port of an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is coupled to a source of vacuum that pulls tissue into the outer port when the inner sleeve is moved away from the port. The inner sleeve then moves across the outer port and severs the tissue in a guillotine fashion. The tip of the inner sleeve may exert a spring force that assist in the cutting action of the cutter. The cutter includes a motor which creates an oscillating translational movement of the sleeve. The motor can be controlled by a controller that is coupled a foot pedal. The foot pedal and controller can be configured so that the motor decreases speed as the pedal is depressed by the operator. The inner sleeve is coupled to an aspiration line that pulls the severed tissue out of the cutter. The level of the aspiration vacuum pressure can be controlled by a variable regulator valve.

Abstract: A liposuction cannula with abrading suction apertures and a method of using a cannula with abrading suction apertures are disclosed. The liposuction cannula comprises: a hand-holdable housing having a cavity; a cannular tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of the cannular tube being insertable within the cavity; and a plurality of abrading suction apertures about the cannular tube distal end. The abrading suction apertures can be arranged in a variety of configurations, for example, axially about the distal end of the cannular tube, radially about the distal end of the cannular tube or angularly about the distal end of the cannular tube. The abrading suction apertures include a hole, and an abrading member which may be a raised leading edge, a depressed trailing edge, or both a raised leading edge and a depressed trailing edge.

Abstract: Biliary sphincter scissors, used in a sphincterotomy, include a stationary blade and an actuated blade having dimensions which allow the scissors to pass through a channel in an endoscope. The biliary sphincter scissors include a flexible arc-shaped curvature in the distal end to allow for creation of an incision in a sphincterotomy.

Abstract: A method for removing an occlusion is provided comprising introducing a transverse mode ultrasonic probe into a blood vessel, positioning the probe in proximity to the occlusion, and transmitting ultrasonic energy to the probe, until the occlusion is removed. The probe has a small cross-sectional lumen and is articulable for navigating in a tortuous vessel path. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The probe can also be used with a balloon catheter. The probe, sheaths, and catheter can be provided in a sharps container which further provides a means of affixing and detaching the probe from an ultrasonic medical device.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter device includes a housing at the distal end of a substantially round housing torque cable. A cutter torque cable is disposed within the housing and includes a rotatable and translatable cutter at its distal end. The housing includes a window into which an atheroma protrudes. The cutter severs the atheroma. A nose cone attached to the distal end of the housing collects and stores severed atheroma. A stabilizing member is attached to the exterior of the housing opposite the window. A stabilizing member is disclosed including a balloon having an inflation lumen disposed within the housing. A mechanical stabilizing member is disclosed including a distal end attached to the distal end of the housing or to the nose cone, and a proximal end coupled to a stabilizing cable disposed within a cable lumen of the housing torque cable.

Abstract: A rongeur has one or more drainage holes through its shank into a space between its shank and crossbar to allow drainage of fluid therefrom and to enhance cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A liposuction apparatus and method optionally having a sonic or ultrasonic source with an axial lumen passage in which the shaft can be made to reciprocate (oscillate) in a non-rectilinear fashion. The apparatus may also contain the concomitant use of rectilinear reciprocation motion in addition to ultrasonic motion or energy along the shaft of the apparatus. The advantages of the liposuction apparatus are as follows: 1) non-rectilinear single shaft reciprocating cannula, 2) sonic or ultrasonic energy delivered to the distal tip, 3) rectilinear reciprocating cannula with ultrasonic energy along the shaft from the handle, and 4) any of the above reciprocating components powered by excess unused vacuum capacity in the liposuction aspirator (suction engine) apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical cutting system. The cutting system includes a cutter which has an inner sleeve that moves adjacent to an aspiration port of an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is coupled to a source of vacuum that pulls tissue into the outer port when the inner sleeve is moved away from the port. The inner sleeve then moves across the outer port and severs the tissue in a guillotine fashion. The tip of the inner sleeve may exert a spring force that assist in the cutting action of the cutter. The cutter includes a motor which creates an oscillating translational movement of the sleeve. The motor can be controlled by a controller that is coupled a foot pedal. The foot pedal and controller can be configured so that the motor decreases speed as the pedal is depressed by the operator. The inner sleeve is coupled to an aspiration line that pulls the severed tissue out of the cutter. The level of the aspiration vacuum pressure can be controlled by a variable regulator valve.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting blood vessels includes a endoscopic barrel including a plurality of lumens, one of the lumens being dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one integrated member for dissecting and cauterizing a blood vessel. The at least one integrated member includes two fingers having distally curved ends. Movement of each of the fingers is independently controlled by a control mechanism disposed within the handle. More specifically, a control rod extends between the handle and each of the fingers such that movement of the control mechanism between a first position and a second position produces a predetermined movement of the respective finger.

Abstract: The present invention includes a clot disrupting wire/catheter assembly. The clot disrupting wire/catheter assembly comprises an annular sleeve and a core wire that is positioned within the annular sleeve. The assembly also includes a distal end wire that is attached to the annular sleeve and the core wire.

Abstract: A laryngeal cutting blade has an outer blade assembly including a tubular member having a bend closer to a proximal portion than a distal end, a hollow inner blade assembly rotatably received in the outer blade assembly for mounting to a powered handpiece and having a flexible portion disposed adjacent the bend and a suction passage extending through the inner blade assembly to permit aspiration of cut tissue, the angled configuration of the laryngeal cutting blade and toothed and smooth profile cutting ends therefore are particularly effective for debulking large, firm lesions and for delicate shaving of superficial lesions of the vocal cords after removal of bulk mass.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device for cutting into a nucleus of a cataract comprises a phaco tip including a body having at a distal end thereof a solid blade with a face edge adapted to be placed in contact with the nucleus. There is no aspiration port in this face edge. An aspiration port in the body is displaced rearward from the face edge by a distance which is greater than the length of the blade. A sleeve fits over the body and has a forward section that terminates in an opening in advance of the aspiration port. The device is used alternately with a standard phaco tip to remove cataracts. A surgical instrument comprises a handpiece including phaco tip having a face edge having aspiration port therein that is adapted to be placed in communication with a source of aspiration. A control unit regulates the application of aspiration to the aspiration port, enabling aspiration at the aspiration port to be discontinued on command.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter display until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

Abstract: A tool for cutting tissue comprising a body, a handle lever, a drive rod, and a cutter beam. The drive rod constructed and arranged for longitudinal movement through the body. The handle lever being operatively engaged to the drive rod, such that when the handle lever is moved between a first position and a second position the drive rod is moved between an advanced position and a retracted position. The drive rod extending from a proximal end of the body to a distal end. The cutter beam being pivotally engaged to the distal end of the body. The cutter beam being pivotally moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position. A lower pivot member pivotally connects the distal end of the body and the cutter beam. The cutter beam being further pivotally engaged to a distal end of the drive rod.

Abstract: A high-speed pneumatic cutting system having a cutter and an actuator. The cutter is a guillotine-type, pneumatic cutter that receives a train of pressure pulses from the actuator. The actuator is designed to capture pressure pulses it receives from a pneumatic energy source in a surgical machine, such as a vitrectomy machine, or to generate its own pneumatic energy. The actuator has an accumulator coupled to the outlet of the pneumatic energy and a pressure transducer that senses the pressure level inside the accumulator. A control and display unit with a plurality of input mechanisms receives inputs from a user who selects a desired cutting rate or frequency for the cutter. The control and display unit produces an output signal based on the inputs received. The outputs from the control and display unit and the pressure transducer are sent to a waveform shaping circuit. The waveform shaping circuit produces a command signal based on the inputs that it receives.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and controlling the movement of a bone removal device, and thus of controlling the profile of material removed by the device. Also an improved drive mechanism for a bone removal device, where the drive shaft is readily removable for maintenance or replacement, without significant disassembly of the device.

Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable, rotatable and expandable cutter assembly. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the lumen of a mammalian subject and operably connected to system controls. The cutter assembly comprises a distal cutting head and an adjustable cutting assembly that is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The adjustable cutting assembly is adjustable between a smaller diameter condition and a larger diameter condition. The cutter may thus be introduced to and withdrawn from the material removal site in a retracted, smaller diameter condition that facilitates translation and navigation of the device through various lumens. The adjustable cutting assembly may be selectively expanded at the material removal site to facilitate cutting, removal and aspiration of the occlusive material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically-conductive fluid medium. The instrument comprises an instrument shaft (10), a tissue treatment electrode (12) at one end of the shaft, and removal means, the instrument having an apertured portion (20a) through which matter can be aspirated by the removal means from the region surrounding the tissue treatment electrode. The removal means comprises a channel formed within the instrument shaft (10) and leading from the apertured portion (20a). The channel is provided with agitation means (14) for preventing the build-up of sublimation products within the channel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member to simultaneously rotate and translate the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive. A method of cutting tissue includes positioning an outer member such that tissue is located within the outer member, engaging the tissue with an inner member, and simultaneously rotating and translating the inner member to cut the tissue. A tangential cutting force is applied to the tissue with the inner member to mechanically cut the tissue. The inner member is mechanically driven to undergo simultaneous rotation and translation.

Abstract: An ablative burr (100) that may be used for a medical procedure, such as an atherectomy, that does not require the user of an elongate flexible drive shaft. The burr comprises a main body (110) that is elastically connected to an abrasive shell member (130). One or more oscillatory driver(s) (150), such as a piezoelectric transducer, is disposed between the shell member and the main body to oscillate the shell with respect to the main body. Elastically compressible members (140, 142) are provided between the shell member and the main body member. The oscillatory drivers are preferably set or tuned to operate at a resonant frequency of the shell member whereby shell member amplitudes larger than the oscillatory driver amplitudes may be induced. Embodiments of longitudinally oscillatory burrs (100, 200) and rotationally oscillatory burrs (300, 400) are disclosed.