Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for cutting a cranial disc from a skull cap. A cylindrical trepanning cutter is provided with teeth on its frontal edge. The teeth cut in both peripheral directions. A driving means drives the trepanning cutter with a periodically altering direction of rotation through an angle of rotation of substantially less than 360.degree.. The angle is at least large enough for the teeth to be displaced by one tooth spacing along the frontal edge of the cylindrical trepanning cutter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device for treatment of disease in biological conduits. The device has inner and outer coaxial catheter members, each having an inflatable balloon attached near its distal end. When the balloons are inflated, a sealed treatment chamber is created between the balloons. The length of the treatment chamber is adjustable by sliding the coaxial catheter members with respect to each other to obtain a desired separation between the attached balloons before inflation. Biological debris is trapped within the chamber and removed by infusion and aspiration of a flushing fluid, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. Adjunctive treatment devices can be inserted into the sealed treatment chamber through a lumen of the outer coaxial member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for extracting and collecting bone marrow from the jawbone of a patient before, during, or after dental procedures. The method and apparatus further provides a readily accessible, and easily harvested, source of bone marrow without the drawbacks of current extraction methods.

Abstract: A surgical reamer, intended in particular for the shaping of the cotyloid cavity in the event of a replacement of a hip joint by total prosthesis. It is in the form of a hollow body of rotation equipped with fixing means (3, 4) for attachment to a reamer spindle in order to be driven in rotation. The hollow body (1) is supported by a bar (2) whose axis coincides at least approximately with the axis of rotation of the reamer and it extends essentially on one side of a plane containing the axis of the bar (2), at least part of the length of the rim of the hollow body forming a cutting edge (5). Such a reamer makes it possible to shape accurately a cavity of hemispherical or other shape, according to the shape of the hollow body.

Abstract: An atherectomy burr has an operating diameter that is larger than the diameter of a catheter in which the burr is routed. The burr may include a polymeric balloon that is coated with an abrasive and that expands when the burr is rotated. Alternatively, the burr may include a polymeric tube that is coated with an abrasive and secured to the proximal end of the burr. When the burr is rotated, the polymeric tube expands by centrifugal force. Alternatively, the burr may comprise a metallic strip wound over a mandrel. When the strip is tightly coiled to the mandrel, its outer diameter decreases. The outer diameter of the burr increases as the metallic strip expands. In addition, the burr can be formed as a wire spring wound over a drive tube. The distal end of the spring is coupled to a nose cone that can move within a distal lumen in the drive tube. The maximum expansion of the burr is controlled by the distance that the nose cone can be retracted into the lumen.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece (940) for actuating a cutting attachment (944). The handpiece includes a housing (942) which contains a motor (52) for driving the cutting attachment. A coupling assembly (948) releasably holds the cutting attachment to the housing and connects the attachment to the motor. A state marker, such as a magnet (1012), is disposed in the housing. The state marker is connected to the coupling assembly to undergo physical displacement when the coupling assembly is transitioned from the run state to the attachment release state. A sensor (960) monitors the physical displacement of the state marker. Whenever the state marker undergoes physical displacement, the output signal from the sensor changes. Thus, an external device can monitor when the handpiece coupling assembly (948) is transitioned from the run to the release state by monitoring the output signal from the sensor (960).

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into a bore of a surgical handpiece and a latch that includes a resilient member connected to the body. The resilient member has a latching structure configured to latchingly engage a surface of the surgical handpiece within the bore.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for excising a targeted tissue mass to be biopsied from adjacent bodily tissue on a surgical patient is disclosed. The instrument has an elongated tube and a tissue penetrating spiral having a spiral lumen therethrough mounted within the elongated tube for rotational movement. When the spiral is rotated, it penetrates distally into the targeted tissue mass. The mass is received in the spiral lumen for subsequent excision of the mass to be biopsied. A large biopsy sample can be obtained because of the ample space within the lumen of the tissue penetrating spiral. Since a large biopsy sample can be taken, the number of samples which need to be taken is minimized, and the consequent trauma to the patient is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A medical punch having a plurality of cutting edges. The fact that the medical punch has a plurality of cutting edges provides, for example, that the medical punch can be used to achieve a clean and accurate cut, and provides that an excessive amount of hand pressure need not be employed to effect the cut.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device having a handle housing and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge. The handle housing includes a rotatable prime mover carried by a prime mover carriage which is longitudinally movable with respect to the handle housing. The exchangeable drive shaft cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a longitudinally extendable tube, a catheter and a rotatable drive shaft which, near its distal end, has an abrasive tissue removal implement. The cartridge housing may be attached to and detached from the handle housing, the longitudinally extendable tube may be attached to and detached from the prime mover carriage, and the drive shaft together with its tissue removal implement may be attached to and detached from the prime mover, thereby permitting the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge to be selectively attached to and detached from the handle housing.

Abstract: A method and devices are provided for performing end-to-side anastomoses between the severed end of a first hollow organ and the side-wall of a second hollow organ utilizing transluminal approach with endoscopic assistance, wherein the first and second hollow organs can be secured utilizing a biocompatible glue, clips or by suturing. In an alternative embodiment, the method utilizes a modified cutter catheter which is introduced into the first hollow organ in combination with a receiver catheter which is introduced into the second hollow organ. The distal end of the receiver catheter includes a receiver cavity and a selectively activatable magnetic material.

Abstract: A cable comprising helically wound superelastic fibers and having a drilling tip provided at its distal end is housed in an elongated holder through which the cable may be advanced, the holder having a distal end for supporting the cable during a drilling operation and through which the distal end of the cable may protrude. The holder includes contains a cable support shaped to bend the cable through a predetermined angle adjacent its distal end and to support the cable as it is rotated and advanced. A motor is attached to the cable remote from the distal end of the cable to rotate the cable in a direction tending to tighten the cable fibers.

Abstract: A resecting device for use in tissue removal is disclosed. The resecting device includes a cannula having a hollow and which is sized for introduction into a body. The cannula is formed with at least one, preferably a plurality of, cutting openings each having a cutting edge. The resecting device further includes a rotating mechanism which is connectable through a shaft to the cannula and which serves for rotating the cannula around a longitudinal axis thereof. As a result of such rotation and the cannula's construction, when the cannula is contacted with a tissue, the cutting edges of the cutting openings dissect the tissue and direct the dissected tissue through the openings into the hollow of the cannula.

Abstract: A miniaturized obstruction treatment device, e.g., a resilient brush, particularly adapted for medical use formed at the distal end of an elongated brush drive shaft having a hollow lumen formed therein for introduction over a guidewire. The brush drive shaft is enclosed in the lumen of a brush delivery catheter, and the brush is adapted to be garaged in a distal end section of the brush delivery catheter lumen. A Y-connector and a brush sub-assembly connector are attached to the proximal end of the brush delivery catheter and form a brush sub-assembly with the brush drive shaft and brush. The Y-connector allows infusion of thrombolytic agents into the brush delivery catheter lumen for emission at the distal end opening thereof adjacent the brush. In use, the brush sub-assembly connector connects the brush sub-assembly with a drive motor unit connector of a drive motor unit. The drive motor unit receives the proximal end of the drive shaft and rotates it to rotate the brush bristles.

Abstract: In a drill for surgical purposes comprising a housing with an electric motor and a drilling mechanism driven by this electric motor arranged therein, and a handle forming part of the housing and having control grips arranged thereon for controlling the speed and reversing the direction of the electric motor, and serving to accommodate a battery and the electric control member of the electric motor, to enable sterilization without causing any damage, on the one hand, and high-power operation, on the other hand, it is proposed that a power pack comprising the battery, the electric control member, switches for speed control and reversal of direction actuatable by the control grips, and electric terminals for the electric motor arranged in the housing be insertable into the handle. The present disclosure relates to the subject matter disclosed in International Application PCT/EP97/00549 of Feb. 7, 1997, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Abstract: An improved flexible shaft used in the reaming of the medullary space in bones is described. The shaft is comprised of a solid element with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. Attached to the shaft's opposite ends respectively, are a cutting head and a means of connecting the shaft to a driving mechanism.

Abstract: A trephine device for preparing apertures through a flexible material, such as skin of a patient, including a base plate having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, where the upper surface has at least one upwardly protruding skin deforming contoured surface. The base plate is adapted to be removably inserted into a pocket surgically prepared in tissue of the patient. The device can include a handle member mounted on and projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the base plate. A clamping member is connected to the trephine device in overlying relationship to the upper surface of the base plate. The clamping member facilitates deformable, clamping, sandwiched engagement of the flexible material between the upper surface of the base plate and the clamping member. When the base plate is inserted into the pocket surgically prepared in the tissue of the patient, the skin of the patient is engageable between the base plate and the clamping member.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is provided with both a rotating inner blade and a stationary outer blade at its distal end and is connected to a drive unit disposed in the proximal region. The outer blade is spaced from the inner blade to form an irrigation passage through which an irrigation liquid is passed. A flushing duct is provided for fluid communication to the distal end. Additionally, a suction passage is provided to exhaust tissue particles.

Abstract: A novel system and method for anchoring a suture or other cord-like element to a bone or other workpiece. The system comprises a drill for forming an undercut hole in a bone or other workpiece, an anchor for securing a suture or other cord-like element in the undercut hole in the bone or other workpiece, and an inserter for deploying the anchor in the undercut hole in the bone or other workpiece.

Abstract: A morcellator for removing large masses of tissues during laparoscopic procedures includes a rotationally fixed, axially movable inner tube disposed within a rotating cutting member. The cutting member is often disposed in the annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. A laparoscopic grasping instrument is inserted through the lumen and draws the tissue proximally through the morcellator. As the cutting member severs tissue, the tissue is drawn into the fixed lumen of the inner tube. This prevents the cutting member from twisting the severed tissue, thereby preventing any degradation of the surgeon's control. A novel valve is provided to prevent loss of insufflation gas when no instrument traverses the lumen. The inner tube can be translated distally to protect tissues and/or other surgical implements against inadvertent contact with the cutting edge of the cutting member.

Abstract: A surgical power tool is disclosed including a power console and a handheld motor unit. The power console provides controlled power and to the handheld motor unit. Pressure sensitive switching elements on the handheld unit provide signals to the power console which are transformed into operating power to the motor unit including variable speed, speed range, forward/reverse, and safety. The handheld motor unit includes a chuck or tool receptacle and a Hall effect or other radiation field detector which response to the presence of a magnet or other radiation device as a part of the surgical tool, to identify the tool installed and provide a control signal to the motor, e.g., speed range limitation. The handheld motor unit housing is sealed and autoclavable.

Abstract: A catheter in accordance with my invention comprises a temporary self-expanding cutting stent and a retractable sheath for containing the self-expanding cutting stent. The catheter is positioned such that the self-expanding cutting stent is within a stenosis or other blockage within an artery. The retractable sheath is then retracted, and the self-expanding cutting stent expands, cutting through stenotic tissue, scar tissue, or other tissue blocking the artery. A second retractable structure, such as a coil, a ring, a screw or a second self-expanding cutting stent extends through the interior of the temporary self-expanding is cutting stent, and cuts any tissue extending through the struts of the temporary self-expanding cutting stent, and pulling that tissue to a location within the sheath. The sheath is then pushed back over the self-expanding cutting stent, and the catheter is then retracted.

Abstract: A pneumatic surgical tool for cutting bone during surgical procedures includes a pneumatic motor having a rotary shaft, a resecting tool having a cutting element rotated by the motor, a chuck sleeve to surround and support the resecting tool, and anti-friction bearings for further rotatably supporting the resecting tool. The rotor and chuck sleeve are formed of an electrically nonconductive material. The resecting tool is formed of titanium. The bearings are formed of a ceramic, composite or plastic material.

Abstract: A device for removing cortical tissue from a vertebral endplate, comprising: an elongated handle; a rotatably-mounted driving rod received in said handle; a dumbbell-shaped burr connected to said driving rod; and an eccentric support having first and second opposite ends, said first end being connected to said handle and said second forming a collar around said dumbbell-shaped burr.

Abstract: A rotatable intravascular apparatus having a flexible, elongated medical device and a mechanism for controlling the rotational orientation of the distal end of the medical device. The apparatus includes a flexible torquing sheath extending along a substantial length of the elongated medical device. The distal end of the torquing sheath is secured to the distal portion of the medical device, but not to the intermediate or proximal portions of the medical device, so that rotation of the proximal end of the torquing sheath with respect to the proximal portion of the medical device conveys torque to the distal end of the torquing sheath and, therefore, to the distal portion of the medical device, thereby rotating the distal portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transurethral resection of the prostate, which includes inserting a transurethral incisional device through the patient's urethra, incising off at least one piece of targeted prostatic tissue using the incisional device, inserting a morcellation probe through the patient's urethra, morcellating the excised piece of targeted prostatic tissue with the morcellation probe, and aspirating the morcellated prostatic tissue through the morcellation probe and out of the patient.The morcellation probe of the present invention includes an elongated inner probe tube that defines an aspiration channel therein. The inner probe tube is slidably disposed inside an outer probe tube. The outer probe tube has a first aperture with a first cutting edge for cutting tissue. The inner probe tube has a second aperture or a spiral shaped groove defining a second cutting edge that moves relative to the first cutting edge to cut tissue drawn through the first aperture.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device which includes a handle housing and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge removably attachable to the handle housing. A rotatable prime mover is carried by a prime mover carriage disposed within the handle housing, the prime mover carriage being longitudinally movable with respect to the handle housing. The exchangeable cartridge includes a cartridge housing which is removably attachable to the handle housing, a longitudinally movable tube which is removably attachable to the prime mover carriage, and a rotatable flexible drive shaft which is removably attachable to the prime mover. The rotational atherectomy device includes a cartridge latch, which removably locks the cartridge housing to the handle housing, and a tube latch which selectively locks the longitudinally movable tube against longitudinal movement with respect to the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A powered handpiece for driving a surgical blade to cut anatomical tissue includes a reusable handpiece body having a distal end for being coupled with a surgical blade, a drive shaft in the handpiece body for rotatably driving the surgical blade, a motor assembly for being installed in the handpiece body to rotatably drive the drive shaft and a suction channel in the handpiece body including a portion extending through the drive shaft parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor assembly for evacuating anatomical tissue cut by the blade from the handpiece body for external collection. The surgical blade is for use with the powered handpiece and carries a sealing arrangement facilitating irrigation and suction. The handpiece body is capable of being sterilized to medical standards prior to each use.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for intraoperatively performing surgery to create transmural channels in tissue, for example, as in transmyocardial revascularization, are provided using a device including a mechanical end effector and means for stabilizing the end effector in contact with the tissue. The end effector is adapted to cooperate with a source of suction to evacuate tissue severed during the channel forming process, and may optionally include an electrode for cauterizing the tissue surrounding the channel.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes: a surgical instrument including a housing and a cannula; and a surgical tool including a shaft, and a tip, and a longitudinal member. The longitudinal member is contained within the shaft and is extendable from an interior position to an exterior position in which it is energized in the exterior position to produce a cauterizing action at the tip.

Abstract: An irrigation surgical tool system comprises a motorized handpiece, a tool for insertion in the handpiece, a console including a mounting plate and peristaltic pump rotor and a tube set including a cassette installable on the console for peristaltic pumping of irrigation liquid to the tool. Passages in the tool allow irrigation liquid flow, between a fixed outer tube and rotating inner tube of the tool, to a surgical site, through windows in the tool inner and outer tubes. Application of suction to the tool enables withdrawal through the inner tube of irrigation and surgical debris from the surgical site.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated surgical and cauterizing apparatus, comprising a surgical instrument including a drive member, a cannula, and a tool, and the cannula attached at a proximal end to the drive member and defining at a distal end thereof an opening, and the tool including a shaft and a tip, and the shaft contained within he cannula and connecting the tip in the opening of the cannula to the drive member to produce a surgical motion of the tip; and a cauterizing instrument comprising at least one electrode, and a conductor, and at least one electrode affixed to the cannula adjacent to the distal end of the cannula and the conductor providing an electrical path from the at least one electrode for the application of electrical power to the at least one electrode to produce a cauterizing effect.

Abstract: A rotating endoscopic shaver blade assembly adapted for side-cutting and end-cutting. A pair of longitudinally extending, symmetrical fingers extends from the distal end of an elongated tubular inner member and are juxtaposed adjacent a window at the distal end of an elongated tubular outer member. Each of the fingers is provided with laterally facing and transversely facing cutting edges and has a curvilinear profile terminating at a distal tip. The distal tips of the fingers are separated by an axially aligned gap which enables limited stress-relieving radial movement of the fingers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective sheath assembly which combines the function of an introducer, the function of a protective sheath and the function of a sealing valve in an integrated assembly. The protective sheath assembly of the present invention preferably comprises a protective sheath, a strain-relief tubing, and a connecting member or a hub. These parts are mounted, removably or permanently, into an integral device. The protective sheath assembly can also be used in combination with an introducer such as a needle introducer. The protective sheath has a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated hollow body defining a lumen along the longitudinal direction of the protective sheath. A hub is provided to secure the proximal end of the protective sheath to an introducer. The lumen of the protective sheath serves to accommodate and protect a balloon catheter, as well as seal around the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating revascularization channels in tissue, such as the myocardium of the heart, mechanically cuts the channels using a hand piece with easily removable cutting tip assemblies having angled, sharpened edges to allow rapid tip replacement. The cutting tip assembly has an inner needle within an outer hollow needle with each needle attached to the hand piece for independent rotation and axial movement. The inner needle may be hollow, or formed with a pointed tip, and may rotate counter to the outer needle to enhance gripping and storage of the tissue excised by the outer needle. The hand piece may attach a cylindrical magazine of cutting tip assemblies or one cutting tip assembly. The cutting tip assembly may be heated to provide thermal damage to the heart muscle during the creation of the channel, providing some of the advantages of the laser method of TMR.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a motor which rotates a tubular shaft about an axis. The shaft drives an implement and has an aperture which contains a ball. When the implement is installed, the ball extends through the aperture to engage the implement and lock it in. The tool has an actuation sleeve which is axially movable between locked and released positions for engaging and disengaging the ball to the implement. The actuation sleeve has an axial slot and a safety sleeve located radially outward from the actuation sleeve. The safety sleeve has a pin which extends radially inward and a cylinder extending radially outward. The cylinder contains a ball which is biased inward. The outer surface of the tool has a pair of detents for receiving the ball. The safety sleeve has locked and unlocked positions. In the unlocked position, the pin is aligned with the slot and the ball engages the first detent to permit the actuation sleeve to move between the locked and released positions.

Abstract: A cannula and method provide manually manipulable orientation of a dissection probe carried eccentricity on the cannula for rotational and translational positioning relative to the field of view of an endoscope at a distal end of the cannula. Rotation of the cannula at fixed axial position relative to the endoscope, and rotational and translational positioning of the dissection probe relative to the distal end of the cannula provide wide-area access within the surgical site for bluntly dissecting connective tissue surrounding a vessel of interest being harvested.

Abstract: A rotary cutter having two telescopically related tubes with cutting edges on the distal ends thereof. Handles are attached to the tubes for relative rotation of the tubes and thereby effect cutting by the cutting edges. The cutting edges are circular and overlap each other for shearing cutting action upon rotation.

Abstract: A microkeratome and related surgical methods for performing lamellar keratotomies are provided. The microkeratome includes a guide ring assembly for placement on the eyeball, or ocular globe such that the globe's cornea protrudes therethrough. The guide ring can be temporarily fixed to the ocular globe, immobilizing the eyeball relative to the instrument. A cutting blade suitable for corneal resections is carried in a cutting head over the guide ring through a cutting path defined by the guide ring. An adjustable float head, also generally known as a plaque, is connected to the cutting head for at least partially compressing the cornea ahead of the blade, so as to set the desired thickness of the corneal resection. The cutting head and float head can be driven across the guide ring, whereby the blade cuts at least partially through the cornea to perform the lamellar keratotomy.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved rotational ablation devices for use in medical applications designed to ablate a circular opening in a stenotic blood vessel wherein the rotational ablation device is provided with a replaceable cutting burr which allows the user to employ burrs of multiple sizes and configurations on a single rotational ablation device. The present invention also provides for a unique applicator tool which allows the user to readily remove and replace the novel cutting burrs of the present invention on a single rotational ablation device.

Abstract: A semi-automatic cardiac tissue removal device for obtaining biopsy samples and/or creating revascularization pathways in the myocardium of the heart, mechanically cuts the pathways using a handpiece with a cutting tip assembly having a hollow needle with an angled, sharpened edge rotatable mounted around a separately advancable stylet. The stylet defines a piercer to spread the myocardium prior to insertion of the needle and to allow creation of a pathway only within the myocardium. The stylet further defines a plug at the cutting edge of the needle to finish the cutting cleanly and to plug the hollow needle thereby forming a closed chamber for excised tissue. A single button on the left or right handed handpiece actuates movement of the stylet into the myocardium, movement of the needle into the path produced by the piercer, and rotation of the needle to cut tissue.

Abstract: A cutting device for the cutting and reduction of matter from a surgical site having a cutting head having an entry tip and a cutting blade positioned on opposed leading edges of a window formed through the interior of the cutting head. The window includes angled walls extending from each cutting blade along the circumference of the window. The cutting head is attached to a shaft for mounting the cutting device to a rotary surgical drill. The matter is removed and further reduced as the cutting head is rotated at the surgical site. The main shaft also includes depth markings for identifying the depth of the device in the surgical site. The geometry of the cutting head and entry tip can be varied for particular surgical procedures.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument, disposed generally along a rotational axis, includes a member extending from a base. The member is rotatable to transmit torque from the base to a cutter carried at the distal end of the member. The cutter defines one cutting edge oriented in a right-handed direction, and another cutting edge oriented in a left-handed direction. The right-handed and left-handed cutting edges can be, e.g., defined by a symmetrical revolved surface, forward-swept, symmetrical, or separated by an uninterrupted circumferential band of material.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body. The instrument has an elongated proximal portion that is constructed to follow a long, torturous path to the site and a distal end constructed to remove a tissue sample from the body, including tissue specimens, polyps or the like. The instrument is constructed to take multiple biopsy samples without being withdrawn from the body by including a storage space along the axis of the device suitable for storage of multiple, successively taken samples. The instrument includes a side-facing sampling element constructed such that it can be actuated in a first, rotational motion about the device axis to separate a tissue sample from the body and a second, axial motion for disposing the sample axially to facilitate positioning the sample in the storage space.

Abstract: A surgical tool (10) for chucking in a powered surgical handpiece, comprising an outer tubular member (11) with an opening (41) at the distal portion thereof. An inner tubular member (30) is movable in the outer tubular member and comprises a bendable inner tube (36) of flexible polymer material and a tissue working tip (40) extending forward from the distal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has a radially enlarged distal opening recess (62). The tip includes a reduced outside diameter, proximally extending, annular flange fixed within the inner tube distal recess (61). The annular flange of the tip is formed with hills and valleys (63, 64). The inner wall of the inner tube that defines the recess is formed with hills (65) that seat in the valleys of the annular flange so as to lock the tip to the inner tube. The annular flange is further shaped so as to extend into the recess a distance less than the overall length of the recess.

Abstract: A powered handpiece for driving a surgical blade to cut anatomical tissue includes a reusable handpiece body having a distal end for being coupled with a surgical blade, a drive shaft in the handpiece body for rotatably driving the surgical blade, a motor assembly for being installed in the handpiece body to rotatably drive the drive shaft and a suction channel in the handpiece body including a portion extending through the drive shaft parallel to a longitudinal axis of the motor assembly for evacuating anatomical tissue cut by the blade from the handpiece body for external collection. The surgical blade is for use with the powered handpiece and carries a sealing arrangement facilitating irrigation and suction. The handpiece body is capable of being sterilized to medical standards prior to each use.

Abstract: A method for morselating and removing the morselated tissue through a small incision comprising in general inserting a tissue container into the body cavity of a patient through an incision, placing resected tissue in the vessel, inserting a morselator having a rotatable electrode thereon through the incision and into the vessel, morselating the tissue and removing the tissue from the containment vessel and the body. An apparatus for morselating and removing tissue through a small incision within the body cavity of a patient is also disclosed and may comprise a tissue container having an inner chamber for containing resected tissue, and a morselator having a proximal end and a distal end carrying an electrode wherein the distal end is insertable into the body cavity and containment vessel for morselating resected tissue.

Abstract: A method for performing transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) comprises the steps of creating an incision in an outer portion of heart tissue of a patient and creating a channel in the patient's myocardium through the incision by advancing a channel creating device into the myocardium beyond the depth of the incision to remove myocardial tissue without removing all outer portion heart tissue coinciding with the channel. As a result, the remaining outer portion tissue acts as a cap to reduce bleeding from the channel subsequent to removal of the channel creating device. The cap may be in the form of an annular flap of myocardial/epicardial tissue. The channel creating device used to create the channel with the method can be either a mechanical coring device or an advancing lasing device.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided that includes a surgical implement, e.g., a cutting tool, and an irrigation device that supplies fluid to the surgical implement during use of the device. The endoscopic surgical instrument includes a surgical implement disposed at a distal region of the surgical instrument, and an irrigation device associated with the surgical implement in a manner to define a path for conveying irrigation fluid from a proximal region of the surgical instrument to the surgical implement.

Abstract: A device for removing obstructions from vessels or small openings in the body, comprising a rotatable ablator tip which is guided to the obstruction in a reduced diameter configuration, expanded and rotated to remove the obstruction, and contracted to remove the device from the body. The variably expandable abrasive tip coil in one embodiment of the invention is actuated by a piston means disposed within the coil. A pair of collars is attached to the ends of the coil, and the piston effects relative longitudinal axial movement of the collars and, hence, the respective ends of the coil tip. When the ends of the coil tip are so moved with respect to one another, expansion and contraction of the diameter of the coil tip results. In another embodiment of the invention, the expansion tip coil is actuated by an expandable and contractible bellows means disposed within the coil, instead of the piston means.