Patent ID: 6358251
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for percutaneously forming an internal cavity in a body part, comprising:a cavity cutting bit having an elongated shaft having an axis of rotation and a forward end; a cutting tip member having a cutting end and a mounting end; a hinge connecting the mounting end of the cutting tip member to the forward end of the elongated shaft, for free rotation of the cutting tip member relative to the shaft between a position in which the cutting tip member is coaxial with the shaft and a position in which the cutting tip member extends at an angle from the shaft; a cutting-bit guide member having a forward end surface that is adapted to be placed against an outer surface region on a body part and a guide passageway that is adapted to receive the cutting tip member and the shaft, in that order; an abutment on the shaft spaced a predetermined distance rearwardly from the cutting tip member; and a stop member spaced rearwardly of the forward end surface of the guide member and having a stop surface that is at a predetermined fixed position relative to the forward end surface of the guide member, the guide member extending forwardly from the stop member, wherein the forward end surface of the guide member can be placed against the outer surface region of the body part and the cutting tip member and shaft can be inserted into the guide passageway and moved into the body part to where a cavity is to be formed, and the shaft can be moved endwise until the abutment is against the stop surface, and the shaft can be rotated to cause the cutting tip member to swing outwardly and form the cavity, and wherein movement of the abutment against the stop surface prevents further endwise movement of the cutting tip member and establishes a predetermined end boundary for the cavity.