Patent ID: 6589240
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A surgical apparatus for removing a portion of tissue comprising an elongated body having a distal edge and a retaining groove, a collapsible cutting member having an opening therethrough, the collapsible cutting member mounted to the elongated body and captured within the retaining groove such that a distal surface of the cutting member extends distally of the distal edge of the elongated body so the distal surface is exposed to transmit electrical energy to tissue and a proximal surface is insulated, the cutting member having a closed loop conductive surface and movable from a first loop configuration to a second smaller loop configuration, the cutting member resecting a tubular region of tissue as the apparatus is advanced through tissue and the resected tissue extending through the opening in the cutting member for containment within the elongated body, and the cutting member movable out of the retaining groove to the second loop configuration to further sever the tissue.