Patent ID: 6010477
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A surgical blade assembly in combination with a powered surgical handpiece, said powered surgical handpiece including a reusable handpiece body capable of being sterilized to medical standards prior to each use, a drive unit in said handpiece body including a drive shaft and a removable non-sterile motor installed in said handpiece body to rotatably drive said drive shaft, said motor being removable from said handpiece body prior to sterilization of said handpiece body and being reinstallable in said handpiece body subsequent to sterilization of said handpiece body and without contamination of said handpiece body by said motor, said surgical blade assembly including an elongate, tubular outer blade having an open distal end for receiving anatomical tissue therein, an open proximal end releasably coupled with said handpiece body and a lumen between said distal and proximal ends of said outer blade, a hub mounting said proximal end of said outer blade, an elongate, tubular inner blade concentrically, rotatably disposed in said outer blade with said inner blade passing through said hub and having an open distal end carrying a cutting edge for cooperating with said open distal end of said outer blade to cut anatomical tissue and an open proximal end releasably coupled to said drive shaft in driving engagement therewith and a hub mounting said proximal end of said inner blade, said hub of said inner blade having a longitudinal passage extending entirely therethrough in which said proximal end of said inner blade is disposed, said hubs being releasably secured in said handpiece body to mount said inner blade for rotation relative to said outer blade when said inner blade is rotatable driven by said drive shaft.