Patent ID: 7276074
Filing Date: 2007-10-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of variably positioning a cutting window of an angled tissue cutting instrument, comprising the steps of grasping an outer member of the angled tissue cutting instrument comprising an elongate body and a distal tip mounted at a forward end of the body; effecting relative rotation between the distal tip and the body about a central longitudinal axis of the distal tip with the outer member in a longitudinally retracted position to move a cutting window of the distal tip to a selected directional position about the central longitudinal axis; advancing an inner member of the angled tissue cutting instrument distally within the outer member with the cutting window in the selected directional position to move the outer member from the longitudinally retracted position to a longitudinally extended position; preventing relative rotation between the distal tip and the body about the central longitudinal axis in response to said step of advancing; and securing the outer and inner members to maintain the outer member in the longitudinally extended position such that the cutting window is locked in the selected directional position.