SPINAL DISC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

摘要

The surgical instrument of the present invention includes a cannula shaft terminating in a cutting window at the distal end of the cannula shaft. The proximal end of the cannula shaft is supported by a handle having an axial bore extending therethrough. A flexible drive shaft, connected at one end to an external drive mechanism, extends through the handle and the cannula shaft. A cutting head is mounted to the distal end of the drive shaft and positioned for cooperative cutting action with the cutting window of the cannula shaft. A non-rotating idler shaft is journaled about the drive shaft. Severed tissue is removed or evacuated from the surgical site through an annular passage formed by the cannula and idler shafts. An irrigation tube through the cannula shaft provides a clean surgical site. The irrigation tube is preferably large enough to accept a fiberoptic element that may then be directed to the surgical site. The instrument further includes an ultrasonic array on the tip of the instrument to assist in directing the cutting element and to view tissue around the tip of the instrument. The handle of the instrument contains the power means, including a motor and a battery pack, and provides a swivel means to give a clear view of the surgical site.