Patent ID: 7918835

Claim:
An aspiration instrument for removing material from a body cavity, comprising: a single elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, the elongated member having a longitudinal conduit therethrough for passage of fluids; and a protective guard disposed adjacent the distal end of the elongated member, the protective guard defining at least two passageways extending completely through the protective guard in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit to permit passage of fluids from the body cavity to the longitudinal conduit and at least one transverse bore, the protective guard comprising a relatively soft compliant material relative to the distal end of the elongated member and being adapted to substantially deform upon engagement with body tissue to substantially minimize the potential of damage to the body tissue, wherein the protective guard extends beyond the distal end of the elongated member; the elongate member further including a first side opening in alignment with the at least one transverse bore of the protective guard and a second side opening, the second side opening intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the elongate member and being located proximal of, and displaced from, the protective guard.