Patent ID: 8834497
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A device for cutting suture arthroscopically, the device comprising: an outer tube having a distal end configured for arthroscopic insertion; an inner rod within the outer tube, wherein the outer tube slides longitudinally with respect to the inner rod, the inner rod comprising an outer surface and an aperture, the aperture comprising a first distal opening and a second distal opening, wherein a distalmost edge of the second distal opening is located distally of a distalmost edge of the first distal opening, wherein the outer surface at least partially separates the first and second distal openings, and wherein the inner rod is configured to receive a suture extending through the first and second distal openings; wherein in a loading position, the inner rod extends distally of the distal end of the outer tube to permit the inner rod to receive the suture extending through the first and second distal openings; wherein in an intermediate position, the first and second distal openings are closer to the distal end of the outer tube than in the loading position, such that the suture is permitted to slide through the aperture without being released by the aperture; and wherein in a cut position, the distalmost edges of the first and second distal openings are both within the outer tube, and wherein the outer tube and the inner rod are arranged such that moving the inner rod and outer tube from the intermediate position to the cut position draws the suture between the outer tube and a portion of the inner rod distal to the distalmost edge of the first distal opening, thereby urging the inner rod at least partially in a radial direction toward the second distal opening, cutting the suture between the outer tube and the distalmost edge of the second distal opening at a location where the distalmost edge of the second distal opening meets the outer tube.