Patent ID: 6036710
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming a non-circular opening in tissue, which comprises:a) an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion having a first tissue engaging edge associated therewith;b) a punch head disposed adjacent the distal end portion of the elongate body, the punch head defining a second tissue engaging edge associated therewith;c) the first and second tissue engaging edges each defining a general racetrack configuration characterized by first and second opposed straight edge portions interconnected by generally arcuate edge portions;d) at least one of the first and second tissue engaging edges being adapted to cut tissue; ande) the elongate body and the punch head adapted for relative movement such that the first and second tissue engaging edges cooperate to cut tissue disposed therebetween to thereby form a general racetrack-shaped opening in tissue.