Patent ID: 8465513
Filing Date: 2013-06-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical micro-resecting instrument coupleable with a motorized handpiece and an evoked potential monitoring device having an energy source for applying a stimulation energy to evaluate a proximity of the instrument to a bodily structure of interest, comprising: an outer tubular member having a lumen, a proximal section, and a distal section forming a cutting window fluidly connected to the lumen; an inner member rotatably disposed within the lumen and having a proximal portion and a distal portion including a cutting tip positioned at the cutting window upon final assembly; a hub assembly maintaining the proximal section and the proximal portion and configured to electrically isolate the micro-resecting instrument from the motorized handpiece; an electrically non-conductive material covering a region of the outer tubular member distal the hub assembly; wiring electrically connected to the outer tubular member and configured to be coupled to the evoked potential monitoring device; where the instrument defines a probe surface proximate the cutting window, the probe surface characterized by the absence of the non-conductive material; an electrical coupling establishing a continuous electrical communication between the wiring and the inner tubular member; and further wherein an electrical pathway is established from the wiring to the probe surface.