Patent ID: 8118731

Claim:
An atraumatic sheath comprising: a tube characterized by a wall, a distal section, a proximal section, an outer surface, an inner surface, an inner diameter and an outer 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 outer surface of the tube has a smooth coating to allow ease of movement within a surgical site and wherein the inner surface has a non-slip coating or other high coefficient of friction coating; a plurality of ribs, each rib having an elastic flange or extension and extending inwardly from the inner surface of the tube and running longitudinally along the entire length of tube; wherein said ribs further define lumens between the outer surface of the arthroscopic instrument and inner surface of the tube and wherein said distal section further comprises a plurality of holes in a sidewall of the distal section of the tube, said holes in fluid communication with one or more outer lumens and the surgical site.