Patent ID: 8012083
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An atraumatic sheath comprising: a tube having a distal tip, said tube characterized by a distal portion, an inner surface, and an inner diameter; wherein the inner diameter of said tube is sized and dimensioned to permit fluid flow between the inner surface of the tube and an outer surface of an arthroscopic instrument when the arthroscopic instrument is disposed within the tube; wherein the distal tip expands to form a seal around the outer surface of the arthroscopic instrument when the arthroscopic instrument is disposed within the tube and wherein the distal tip is comprised of a dissimilar material from material comprising the tube, said dissimilar material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material comprising the tube; and a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the inner surface of the tube and running longitudinally along the tube; wherein said ribs form a seal between the outer surface of the arthroscopic instrument and ribs when the arthroscopic instrument is disposed within the sheath; wherein said ribs further define outer lumens between the outer surface of the arthroscopic instrument and the inner surface of the tube.