Patent ID: 6656195
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A flexible inner tubular member for being rotated in an outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue, said flexible inner tubular member comprisingan elongate inner tube of integral one-piece construction having a central longitudinal axis, a rotatably driveable proximal end, a distal end at which a cutting member is disposed to cut anatomical tissue, a cylindrical wall defining a lumen in said inner tube, and a helical cut formed in said inner tube extending lengthwise along said cylindrical wall in a helical path about said central longitudinal axis and extending radially through said cylindrical wall, said helical cut extending around said central longitudinal axis in a first direction, said helical cut defining a plurality of serially arranged helical tube segments with adjacent ones of said tube segments being integrally, unitarily connected to each other, said helical cut being formed in a dovetail pattern with adjacent ones of said segments interlocked by at least one tenon in interlocking engagement with at least one mortise, said helical cut defining a helix angle of about 70Â° with said central longitudinal axis; and a spiral wrap disposed over said helical cut including a strip of material wound over said inner tube in a second direction, opposite said first direction, and having ends secured to said inner tube, said spiral wrap being oriented on said inner tube at an angle of about 110Â° supplementary to said helix angle, said helical cut and said spiral wrap defining a flexible region in said inner tubular member allowing said inner tubular member to be rotated within the outer tubular member while conforming to the shape of the outer tubular member.