Surgical instrument having a cutting assembly with a grip

Abstract

A cutting assembly for a surgical instrument. The cutting assembly includes a tube assembly having an inner tube adapted to be rotated by a drive assembly and an outer tube disposed on the inner tube. A hole in each of the inner tube and the outer tube may define a cutting window adapted to be applied to a surgical site of a patient. A grip is coupled to the tube assembly and is configured to be engaged by a hand of a user. A manually movable member may be provided for rotating the outer tube, and when the grip is engaged by the base of the hand, the manually movable member is rotated using an index finger or thumb of the hand. The base of the hand portion of the grip may be engaged by the base of the hand without being engaged by the palm of the hand. A method of holding the cutting assembly is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with an application date of March 24, 2017, application number 201780031602.5, and name “Surgical instrument with a cutting assembly with a handle”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This patent application claims priority to and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 312,675, filed on March 24, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to surgical instruments, and more particularly to a surgical instrument having a cutting assembly with a handle. Background Art

[0005] As is well known, physicians have found it useful to use surgical instruments to assist in the completion of surgical operations. Surgical instruments are designed to be applied to a surgical site on a patient. The physician is able to position the surgical instrument at the site on the patient where the instrument will perform a medical or surgical operation. Endoscopic surgical operations are routinely performed to complete various surgical tasks. In endoscopic surgery, the surgical site can be accessed via small incisions called portals formed in the patient's body or through natural openings in the patient's body (e.g., the nasal cavity in the case of sinus surgery). An endoscope, as a device that allows medical personnel to observe the surgical site, is inserted into one of the portals or nasal cavities. The surgical instruments used to perform specific surgical tasks are inserted with the endoscope or through other portals. The surgeon observes the surgical site through the endoscope to determine how to manipulate the surgical instrument in order to complete the surgical operation. The advantage of performing endoscopic surgery is that the amount of damage to the surrounding tissue caused to enter the surgical site is minimized, and therefore the amount of body that needs to heal after the surgery is minimized. In addition, during endoscopic surgical procedures, only a relatively small portion of the patient's internal organs and tissues are exposed to the open environment. This minimal opening of the patient's body reduces the extent to which the patient's organs and tissues become infected.

[0006] The ability to perform endoscopic surgical procedures has been enhanced by the development of powered surgical tools specifically designed to perform endoscopic surgical procedures. For example, one such tool is sold by the applicant's assignee under the trademark ESSx. This tool is in the form of a cylindrical handpiece designed to be held in the surgeon's hand. Inside the handpiece, there is a motor. The front end of the handpiece is provided with a coupling assembly for releasably holding a cutting attachment. Types of cutting attachments attached to these handpieces include razors and drills. Integral to the motor and coupling assembly is a mechanism for transmitting the rotational power generated by the motor to the cutting attachment. Typically, the handpiece is not comfortable for the user, and in many cases easy rotation of the cutting window of the cutting attachment cannot be achieved. A surgical instrument designed to overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages is desired. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a cutting assembly for a surgical instrument includes a drive assembly having a motor. The cutting assembly is configured to be detachably coupled to the drive assembly of the surgical instrument. The cutting assembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis defined between opposite proximal and distal ends. The cutting window of the tube assembly is located at the distal end and is suitable for application to a surgical site of a patient. The inner tube of the tube assembly is suitable for rotation by the drive assembly and includes an inner tube hole. The tube assembly further includes an outer tube, which is disposed on the inner tube and includes an outer tube hole. The inner tube hole and the outer tube hole define the cutting window of the tube assembly. The cutting assembly includes a grip, which is coupled to the tube assembly and is configured to be engaged by a portion of a user's hand. A manually movable member is coupled to the outer tube and is suitable for being rotated by a user to rotate the outer tube hole around the longitudinal axis. The manually movable member is suitable for being rotated by an index finger or thumb of a hand when the grip is engaged by the base of the hand.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a cutting assembly for a surgical instrument includes a drive assembly including a motor and a housing coupled to the motor. The cutting assembly is configured to be detachably coupled to the drive assembly of the surgical instrument. The cutting assembly includes a tube assembly having an inner tube adapted to be rotated by the drive assembly and an outer tube disposed on the inner tube. A grip is coupled to the tube assembly and is configured to be engaged by a portion of a hand. The grip includes a finger portion adapted to be engaged by an index finger or a minor finger of a hand and a thumb portion adapted to be engaged by the thumb of a hand rather than by the palm of the hand.

[0009] The present invention provides a method for holding a cutting assembly using at least a portion of a user's hand. The cutting assembly includes: a tube assembly having an inner tube rotatably disposed within an outer tube; a grip, which is coupled to the tube assembly and includes a finger portion and a thumb portion; and a manually movable member, which is coupled to the outer tube of the tube assembly. The finger portion of the grip engages with a finger of a hand. The manually movable member engages with the finger, thumb, or index finger of the hand. The thumb portion of the grip engages with a thumb between the thumb and index finger of the hand. While the thumb of the hand remains engaged with the thumb portion and the fingers of the hand remain engaged with the finger portion, the manually movable member is moved with the thumb or index finger to rotate the outer tube of the tube assembly. A drive assembly including a motor may be provided, and the drive assembly may be detachably coupled to the cutting assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a front view of a surgical instrument according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a surgical instrument according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The drive assembly is shown in phantom.

[0012] Figure 2 The drive assembly was disassembled Figure 1 Perspective view of surgical instruments.

[0013] Figure 3 The drive assembly was disassembled Figure 1 and Figure 2 Right side elevation view of a surgical instrument.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A bottom plan view of a surgical instrument.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Left side elevation view of a surgical instrument.

[0016] Figure 6 Viewed from the proximal end Figure 2 Front view of surgical instruments.

[0017] Figure 7 Observed from the distal end Figure 2 Front view of surgical instruments.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A top plan view of surgical instruments.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8A cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9.

[0020] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with a drive assembly disassembled and a tracking element coupled to a cutting assembly of the surgical instrument.

[0021] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Perspective view of surgical instruments.

[0022] Fig.12 is a front view of a surgical instrument according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with a drive assembly disassembled.

[0023] Fig.13 It shows the operation relationship with the user's hand. Figure 1A Perspective view of surgical instruments.

[0024] Fig.14 It shows the operation relationship with the user's hand. Figure 1A Front view of surgical instruments.

[0025] Fig.15 yes Figure 1A Perspective view of surgical instruments.

[0026] Fig.16 The drive assembly is disengaged from the cutting assembly. Figure 1A Perspective view of surgical instruments.

[0027] Fig.17 The housing of the drive assembly is shown in dotted lines. Figure 1A Perspective view of surgical instruments.

[0028] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a drive assembly and a cutting assembly Figure 1A Front view of surgical instruments.

[0029] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A magnified view of a portion of .

[0030] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 A cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a cutting assembly.

[0031] Fig.21 is a perspective view of the connecting hub of the cutting assembly.

[0032] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the drive assembly.

[0033] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22Exploded view of the drive assembly.

[0034] Fig.24 yes Fig. 22 A top plan view of the drive assembly.

[0035] Fig.25 It is along Fig.24 A cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25.

[0036] Fig.26A is a partial perspective view of the drive assembly.

[0037] Fig.26B yes Fig.26A A partial perspective view of a portion of a drive assembly.

[0038] Fig. 27 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the cutting assembly.

[0039] Fig.28A is a perspective view of the cutting assembly.

[0040] Fig.28B yes Fig.16 A perspective view of a manually movable member of a cutting assembly.

[0041] Fig.29A is a front cross-sectional view of a cutting assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cutting assembly has a tube assembly with a straight tube.

[0042] Fig.29B is a front cross-sectional view of a cutting assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cutting assembly has a rotatable end effector.

[0043] Fig.30 is an exploded view of a portion of a cutting assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cutting assembly has a tube assembly adapted to be manually rotated relative to a handle.

[0044] Fig.31 is a cross-sectional view of a tube assembly having an inner tube and an outer tube.

[0045] Fig.32 is a cross-sectional view of a tube assembly having an inner tube, an outer tube, and a cover tube.

[0046] Fig.33A -E shows the repositioning of the tube assembly Fig.30 Partial view of surgical instruments.

[0047] Fig.34 is a perspective view of a cutting window for a surgical instrument. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , shows one embodiment of a surgical instrument 10 according to the present invention used in a medical procedure on a patient (not shown). As shown, the surgical instrument 10 includes a drive assembly, generally indicated at 12, and a cutting assembly, generally indicated at 14, which is removably coupled to the drive assembly 12. The drive assembly 12 is used to rotate a portion of the cutting assembly 14 to remove tissue, bone, etc. from a surgical site of the patient. It should be understood that the surgical instrument 10 can be operated by a user (not shown), such as a surgeon.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the drive assembly 12 includes an axially extending housing 15. The housing 15 is generally cylindrical in shape. The drive assembly 12 also includes a motor 16 disposed in the housing 15 and having a rotatable drive element 18 ( Fig.17 ). The motor 16 may be of electric or pneumatic type. In one embodiment, the drive element 18 is removably coupled to the cutting assembly 14, such as Fig.16 as shown in .

[0050] It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the cutting assembly 14 may not have any motor. Therefore, the cutting assembly 14 may be configured to be discarded after a single use or a series of uses. It should also be appreciated that because the cutting assembly 14 may not include any motor, the cost of the cutting assembly 14 may be reduced.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 9 , the cutting assembly 14 includes a plurality of tubes or tube assemblies, generally indicated at 20, extending axially, having a window 22 (e.g., a cutting window) at a distal end 23 adapted to be applied to a surgical site of a patient. The tube assembly 20 has a longitudinal axis 24 defined between the distal end 23 and a proximal end. In one embodiment, the tube assembly 20 includes a first tube or outer tube 26 and a second tube or inner tube 28. The inner tube 28 is removably coupled to the drive assembly 12 and adapted to be rotated by the drive assembly 12 (e.g., by the drive element 18). The rotation of the inner tube 28 achieved by the drive element 18 is relative to the outer tube 26.

[0052] Each of the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 is generally a hollow cylinder and has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The diameter of the outer tube 26 is greater than the diameter of the inner tube 28, so that the inner tube 28 is disposed inside the outer tube 26. In other words, the outer tube 26 is disposed on the inner tube 28. The inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 extend axially between a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, the axial length of the inner tube 28 may be longer than the axial length of the outer tube 26, so that when the inner tube 28 is disposed inside the outer tube 26, the inner tube 28 extends beyond the proximal end of the outer tube 26. In another embodiment, the outer tube 26 may have a bend 29 near its distal end 23, such as Fig.12 The bend 29 is provided between the distal end 23 and the proximal end of the outer tube 26 .

[0053] In one embodiment, the tube assembly 20 can further include a non-rotatable sheath or cover tube 30 disposed around a portion of the outer tube 26. The axial length of the cover tube 30 is less than the axial length of the outer tube 26. The cover tube 30 can be angled, straight, or extendable. It should be understood that the cover tube 30 is optional. In addition, it should be understood that the cover tube 30 can be coupled to the grip 40 so that the cover tube 30 is stationary relative to the grip 40. Furthermore, it should be understood that any suitable tube construction can be utilized so long as the cutting assembly 14 defines a window and can be driven by the drive assembly 12.

[0054] Depending on the application, the inner tube 28 and / or the outer tube 26 are made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or a non-metallic material such as a composite material. Depending on the application, the cover tube 30 can be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material such as a composite material. It should be understood that the wall thickness of the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 is relatively thin, such as about 0.1 to about 0.5 millimeters (mm), to allow the tube assembly 20 to have a relatively small diameter and also be light in weight. It should also be understood that the diameter of the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 has a relatively small diameter, such as about 2.0 mm to about 5.0 mm, so as to work in a small opening of the patient's nasal or oral cavity and prevent the user's line of sight from being obstructed. It should also be understood that, depending on the application, the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 can be scaled up or down.

[0055] like Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.34As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer tube 26 includes an outer opening or outer hole 32, and the inner tube 28 includes an inner opening or inner hole 34. The outer hole 32 and the inner hole 34 are generally located at or slightly proximate to the distal end 23 of the tube assembly 20. The outer hole 32 and the inner hole 34 define the cutting window 22, so that the window 22 extends straight through the wall on one side of the tube assembly 20, near the distal end 23 thereof. Although the openings 32 and 34 are generally elongated in shape, they can be any suitable shape. The outer opening 32 can include at least one serrated edge, blade edge, or cutter edge 36. The inner opening 34 is axially aligned with the outer opening 32 and is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 24 when the drive assembly rotates the inner tube 28. The inner opening 34 can include at least one serrated edge, blade edge, or cutter edge 38. It should be understood that the serrated edges 36 and 38 allow the window 22 to cut.

[0056] The cutting assembly 14 also includes a handle, generally indicated at 40, adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of a user's hand. Fig.14 , the user's hand H includes a thumb TH, an index finger IF, minor fingers SF, a palm P, and a web of thumbs located between the thumb TH and the index finger IF. The minor fingers SF are the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger of the hand H. The web of thumbs W can generally be characterized as a relatively small portion of the palm surface and the lateral surface of the hand H located between the thumb TH and the index finger IF. Alternatively, the web of thumbs W can be characterized as the area between the thumb TH and the index finger IF, which is defined by an imaginary line IL (at Fig.14 In certain features, the palm P of the hand H can be characterized as the horizontal plane of the superficial palmar arch, as commonly referred to in the medical literature and described in Fig.14 The palm of hand P does not include the palm of hand H, and the palm of hand P does not include the palm of hand H.

[0057] The grip 40 may also support the tube assembly 20. The grip 40 may include a hub or nose portion 42 having a hole 43 extending axially therethrough to receive the tube assembly 20. The grip 40 also includes a finger portion 44 extending from the nose portion 42 to support a finger of the hand different from the at least one finger. The finger portion 44 defines a front surface 46 and is sized so that the front surface 46 accommodates at least one finger of the user's hand. In some embodiments, the finger portion 44 is adapted to be engaged by the index finger IF and / or the secondary finger SF of the hand. It should be understood that in another embodiment, the nose portion 42 may not be part of the grip 40, but may be separate and different from the grip 40.

[0058] In some embodiments, the finger portion 44 extends from the nose portion 42 at an angle between at least perpendicular and obtuse relative to the nose portion 42. Thus, in those embodiments, it should be appreciated that the angle between the finger portion 44 and the nose portion 42 does not form an acute angle. It should also be appreciated that in Figure 1A In the embodiment shown in FIG. , the finger portion 44 is larger than Figure 1 The finger portion 44 of the embodiment is longer.

[0059] As used herein, the term "grip" is a portion that can be used for any type of cutting instrument, such as a drill, a razor, or any other device that can be conceived to be coupled to a handpiece including a motor. It should be understood that the term "grip" can be provided in pencil and pistol types. It should also be understood that the grip 40 can be a hybrid between a pencil grip and a pistol grip, and combines the advantages of both by providing the hand-held pencil features of a pencil grip and the hand-mouth-like pistol features of a pistol grip, respectively.

[0060] exist Figures 1 to 9 In some embodiments shown in , the grip 40 may include an intermediate portion 48 extending axially from the finger portion 44 toward the drive assembly 12. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the middle portion 48 forms an open area ledge 50 with the nose portion 42. The open area ledge 50 can be molded relative to the manually movable member generally indicated by 56 and the connecting hub generally indicated by 86 to be described. It should be understood that the size of the middle portion 48 is not particularly limited, but can be customized to fit the size of the user's hand. It should also be understood that the middle portion 48 is optional and the jaw portion 52 to be described can be directly connected to the housing 15 of the drive assembly 12.

[0061] The grip 40 also includes a thumb portion 52. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the thumb portion 52 extends from the middle portion 48 and away from the finger portion 44 to engage the thumb W of the hand H, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 . The thumb portion 52 is adapted to be engaged by the thumb W of the hand H but not by the palm P of the hand H. The thumb portion 52 has a rear surface 54 for engaging the thumb W of the hand. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the rear surface 54 may be substantially parallel to the front surface 46. It should also be appreciated that the front surface 46 may be substantially perpendicular to the proximal portion of the tube assembly 20.

[0062] In one embodiment, the nose portion 42, the finger portion 44, the middle portion 48 and the base portion 52 may be integral, unitary and formed as a single piece. Figure 1 and Figure 1A, each of the finger portion 44 and the thumb portion 52 extends away from the middle portion 48 in a direction opposite to the housing 15 or a movable member 56 to be described to define a generally U-shaped configuration of the grip 40. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the grip 40 is separable from the inner tube 28 of the tube assembly 20.

[0063] In another embodiment, the position of the jaw portion 52 is adjustable relative to the position of the finger portion 44. In such an embodiment, the jaw portion 52 extends downwardly from the middle portion 44 of the grip 40. The jaw portion 52 may be extendable or have a longer length to accommodate various hand sizes of users.

[0064] The jaw portion 52 and the finger portion 44 each have a length extending away from the tube assembly 20. In one embodiment, the length of the finger portion 44 is greater than the length of the jaw portion 52. Fig.10 In other embodiments, the length of the finger portion 44 is substantially the same as the length of the thumb portion 52, such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0065] In certain embodiments, the grip 40 may have still other configurations that allow a user to grasp the grip 40 and operate the surgical instrument 10 .

[0066] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown in FIG, the hand of a user is used to grasp or hold the grip 40. The user places the palm of the hand W on the palm portion 52 and places at least one finger of the hand H on the front surface 46 of the finger portion 44 of the grip 40. When the hand H engages with the grip 40, the palm P of the user's hand H does not engage the grip 40 as with a conventional handgrip or pistol grip. Rather, in certain embodiments, the index finger IF or secondary finger SF engaging the finger portion 44 together with the palm of the hand W of the hand H engaging the palm portion 52 provide opposing forces to the grip 40 in order to grasp the grip 40. In effect, the grip 40 is squeezed between the index finger IF or secondary finger SF and the palm of the hand W, while the palm P of the hand H does not engage the grip 40. It should be understood that the features that allow the hand H to engage the grip 40 in the manner described above are based on the design of the grip 40.

[0067] Reference Figures 1 to 14, the cutting assembly 14 further includes a manually movable member, generally indicated at 56, coupled to the tube assembly 20 and axially positioned along the grip 40. More specifically, the manually movable member 56 is coupled to the outer tube 26 and is adapted to be rotated by a user to rotate the outer tube bore about the longitudinal axis 24. When the thumb W of the hand H is engaged with the grip 40, the manually movable member 56 is positioned within the reach of the thumb TH or at least one finger of the user's hand H to allow the thumb TH or at least one finger (e.g., the index finger IF) to rotate the window 22 of the tube assembly 20 relative to the longitudinal axis 24 of the tube assembly 20. In certain embodiments, the manually movable member 56 is adapted to be rotated with the index finger IF and thumb B of the hand H when the finger portion 44 is engaged by the minor fingers SF of the hand and the thumb portion 52 is engaged by the thumb W of the hand. In one embodiment, the manually movable member 56 is axially positioned along the grip 40 and is within at least twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, or seventy percent of the axial length of the distal end of the nose portion 42. This positioning allows the user's thumb TH or index finger IF to actuate the manually movable member 56 when the web of the user's hand H engages the web portion 52 of the grip 40. It should be appreciated that the manually movable member 56 is part of the cutting assembly 14 and not part of the drive assembly 12.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the manually movable member 56 includes a rotatable wheel 58 coupled to the outer tube 26 to allow at least one finger of a user's hand H to rotate the outer tube 26 relative to the longitudinal axis 24. Although the rotatable wheel 58 is generally circular in shape, it can be any suitable shape. The rotatable wheel 58 includes a plurality of gripping members 60 that extend radially and axially and are circumferentially spaced to allow a user to rotate the rotatable wheel 58. The rotatable wheel 58 also includes a hole 62 extending axially therethrough to allow the rotatable wheel 58 to be disposed on and around the outer tube 26, such as Fig. 9 . The rotatable wheel 58 further includes an axially extending protrusion 70. The rotatable wheel 58 is made of a non-metallic material. The rotatable wheel 58 is integral, unitary, and formed as a single piece. It should be understood that the rotatable wheel 58 is coupled to the outer tube 26 by a suitable mechanism (e.g., a knurled area of ​​the hole 68) to form a friction fit, adhesive bonding, or induction bonding.

[0069] Reference Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.28AThe manually movable member 56 may include a locking assembly, generally indicated at 66, that cooperates with the grip 40 to lock the rotatable wheel 58 in position relative to the nose portion 42 of the grip 40. The locking assembly 66 includes one or more movable locking members 68 having a pin 69 at one axial end that is disposed in one or more recesses 70 spaced circumferentially around the rotatable wheel 58, as shown in FIG. Fig.28A . In one embodiment, two movable locking members 68 are provided on opposite sides of the nose portion 42 to allow a right-handed or left-handed user to operate one of the movable locking members 68. More specifically, the movable locking member 68 is adapted to be engaged by the index finger IF or thumb TH of the hand H when the grip 40 is engaged by the web of palms W of the hand H. Thus, the user can lock the manually movable member 68 from rotating relative to the grip 40 without having to use a second hand or significantly readjusting his or her grip on the cutting assembly 14. It should be appreciated that the user slides the movable member 68 distally to disengage the pin 69 from one of the recesses 70, rotates the rotatable wheel 58, and slides the movable locking member 68 proximally to engage the pin 69 with the other recess 70 to lock the rotatable wheel 58 in place. It should be appreciated that the number of recesses 70 is not particularly limited and may correspond to a plurality of predetermined positions, etc.

[0070] The cutting assembly 14 also includes a drive hub, generally indicated at 72, disposed about the proximal end of the inner tube 28 to allow the inner tube 28 to be connected to the drive element 18 to rotate the inner tube 28 about the longitudinal axis 24. The drive hub 72 includes a hub member 74 disposed about the inner tube 28. The hub member 74 extends axially and is generally cylindrical in shape. The hub member 74 has a bore 76 extending axially therethrough to receive the inner tube 28, such as Fig. 9 . The hub member 74 also includes a plurality of protrusions 78 extending radially and axially and spaced circumferentially therearound. The hub member 74 further includes a reduced diameter portion 80 adjacent to the protrusions 78. The hub member 74 also includes a flange 81 extending radially at its distal end. The hub member 74 is made of a non-metallic material. The hub member 74 is integral, unitary and formed as a single piece. The drive hub 72 includes a spring 82 disposed around the hub member 74 in the reduced diameter portion 80. It should be appreciated that the drive hub 72 allows the inner tube 28 to rotate and can allow fluid to be transmitted through the inner tube 28. It should also be appreciated that various drive coupling configurations can be used with the cutting assembly 14.

[0071] The cutting assembly 14 further includes a connecting hub, generally indicated at 86, disposed about the inner tube 28 and a portion of the drive hub 72 to allow the drive assembly 12 to be coupled to the cutting assembly 14. The connecting hub 86 includes a coupling member 88 disposed about the inner tube 28. The coupling member 88 extends axially and is generally cylindrical in shape. The coupling member 88 has a hole 90 extending axially therethrough to receive the inner tube 28. The coupling member 88 includes a first or distal cavity 92 extending axially therein to receive the projection 70 of the rotatable wheel 58 and a second or proximal cavity 94 extending axially therein to receive the distal end of the fluid coupling 72. The proximal cavity 94 includes at least one raised area 95 extending axially and radially from an axial end thereof to allow fluid to flow between the bushing 138 to be described and the connecting hub 86. The coupling member 88 also includes a plurality of recesses 96 extending circumferentially and radially and spaced circumferentially around the coupling member 88. The coupling member 88 includes a plurality of recesses 98 extending radially and circumferentially therein. The coupling member 88 also includes a flange 100 extending radially and disposed axially therewithin to serve as a stop against the rotatable member 56. The coupling member 88 includes one or more protrusions 101 extending radially from the flange 100 and spaced circumferentially from one another. The protrusions 101 are disposed in corresponding holes or recesses 101a ( Fig.30 ) to prevent the coupling member 88 from rotating. The coupling member 88 is made of a non-metallic material. The coupling member 88 is integral, unitary and formed as a single piece. It should be understood that the drive coupling 86 allows the coupling of the drive assembly 12.

[0072] exist Fig.10 and Fig.11 In another embodiment shown in , the surgical instrument 10 may include at least one tracking element 102 coupled to the grip 40. In one embodiment, the tracking element 102 may cooperate with an integrated pattern recognition optical navigation system (per PROFESS). In another embodiment, the tracking element 102 may be used with computer-implemented techniques for determining coordinate transformations for surgical navigation as disclosed, for example, in international publication WO 2015 / 024600 to Stryker Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG. It should be appreciated that at least one tracking element 102 is optional.

[0073] Reference Figures 15 to 26B, the drive assembly 12 can be removably connected to the cutting assembly 14. The drive assembly 12 includes a motor 16 having a rotatable drive element 18 and a housing 15 for enclosing the motor 16. The housing 15 is a generally cylindrical, elongated housing. The distal end of the housing 15 is formed with a hole 126 for receiving the proximal end of the cutting assembly 14. (Throughout this document, "distal" is understood to be away from the face of the surgeon holding the drive assembly; "proximal" is understood to mean toward the surgeon's face.) The drive assembly 12 includes a latch or coupling assembly, generally indicated at 104, for removably coupling the housing 15 to the connecting hub 86 of the cutting assembly 14. The coupling assembly 104 includes a plurality of latch channels 106 extending axially into the housing 15. The coupling assembly 104 includes a generally annular collet 108 fixed to the housing 15. The coupling assembly 104 also includes a locking ring 110 movably disposed in the collet 108. The coupling assembly 104 includes a release button 112 integrally formed with the locking ring 110 to move the locking ring 110. The coupling assembly 104 includes one or more protrusions or tabs 114 on the connecting hub 86 that cooperate with the locking ring 110 to engage and disengage with the locking ring 110. It should be understood that the release button 112 is spring loaded. It should also be understood that the coupling assembly 104 is similar to the coupling assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,237,990 to Deng, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] As part of the drive assembly 12, the collet 108 is attached to the housing 15. Prior to attaching the collet 108 to the housing 15, the coil 116 is seated in the connection hub 86. The coil 116 may be a wound wire or conductive trace formed on a flexible substrate and is a coil for facilitating the transmission of an inductive signal to / from a radio frequency identification device (RFID) chip 118 disposed in the connection hub 86 between the coil seal 134 to be described and the connection hub 86 ( Fig. 20 ). It will be appreciated that the coil 116 and chip 118 are similar to the coil and chip disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,237,990 to Deng.

[0075] Reference Figures 22 to 28B, the drive assembly 12 includes an irrigation / suction connection assembly, generally indicated at 120, which is located on the housing 15 for connection to a fluid source (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the irrigation / suction connection assembly 120 includes a housing 122 and an irrigation fluid connection member 124 extending axially from the housing 122. The connection member 124 is generally a hollow cylindrical member having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The connection assembly 120 also includes a suction connection member 126 extending axially from the housing 122 for connection to a suction source.

[0076] The drive assembly 12 includes a suction passage 128 extending axially through the housing 15 between the suction connection 126 and the drive hub 72 of the cutting assembly 14. The cutting assembly 14 includes a radial seal 130 disposed about the proximal end of the drive hub 72 to prevent fluid from being discharged between the drive hub 72 and the drive element 18 when the cutting assembly 14 is coupled to the drive assembly 12. In one embodiment, the radial seal 130 can be an O-ring disposed in a groove of the drive hub 72. It should be understood that the suction source is connected to the suction connection 126 to draw fluid and tissue from the window 22 to the suction source through the inner tube 24, the connecting hub 86, the drive hub 72, the suction passage 128, and the suction connection 126.

[0077] The drive assembly 12 also includes an irrigation passage 132 extending axially through the housing 15 between the irrigation connection 124 and the cutting assembly 14. The cutting assembly 14 includes a coil seal 134 disposed between the drive hub 72 and the connection hub 86 to allow fluid to flow between the coil seal 134 and the drive hub 72. The coil seal 134 is generally cylindrical in shape and hollow. Fig. 20 , the coil seal 134 includes at least one or more internal protrusions 136, which extend radially inward to engage the flange 81 on the drive hub 72 to prevent the drive hub 72 from being accidentally removed from the cutting assembly 14. In one embodiment, two opposing internal protrusions 136 extend circumferentially for a predetermined distance. The coil seal 134 is formed of a flexible sterilizable material. It should be understood that the flushing fluid flows from the flushing channel 132 into the space between the housing 15 and the drive hub 72 and between the coil seal 134 and the drive hub 72 and into the proximal cavity 94 of the connecting hub 86.

[0078] The cutting assembly 14 can include one or more bushings 138 disposed axially between the drive hub 72 and the connecting hub 86. In one embodiment, the bushings 138 are generally planar and circular in shape. It should be appreciated that the fluid flows axially through the bushings 138 and radially between the raised portions 95 in the proximal cavity 94 of the connecting hub 86. It should also be appreciated that in one embodiment, the bushings 138 may wear due to relative rotation between the drive hub 72 and the connecting hub 86.

[0079] The cutting assembly 14 includes a radial seal 140 disposed between the manually movable member 56 and the connecting hub 86 to prevent fluid from being discharged from the irrigation channel 132 between the manually movable member 56 and the connecting hub 86. The irrigation fluid is directed through the connecting hub 86 and is directed to the window 22 between the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 of the tube assembly 20. It should be understood that when a surgical procedure is performed using the surgical instrument 10 of the present invention, the irrigation fluid is introduced into the surgical site through the irrigation connector 124, into the irrigation channel 132, and into the space between the housing 15 and the drive hub 72 and between the coil seal 134 and the drive hub 72, and into the connecting hub 86 through the bushing 138 and between the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 of the tube assembly 20 to the window 22. It should also be understood that the irrigation fluid can be introduced through a separate cannula leading to the surgical site. It should also be understood that suction force is obtained from the suction source to draw irrigation fluid and material from the window 22 to the suction source through the inner tube 24, connecting hub 86, drive hub 72, suction channel 128 and suction connection 126 to remove irrigation fluid and material entrained in the irrigation fluid.

[0080] Reference Fig.29A , shows another embodiment of a surgical instrument 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the cutting assembly 14 includes a tube assembly 20, which has a double tube structure formed by an inner tube 28 and an outer tube 26. The inner tube 28 is rotatable and connected to the drive hub 72. The outer tube 26 is also rotatable and connected to the manually movable member 56. It should be understood that in the embodiment shown, the tube assembly 20 has a straight double tube structure, but can be used with an angled tube assembly 20 having a bend 29. It should also be understood that the tube assembly 20 includes a cutting window 22 and that the tube assembly 20 is connected to the grip 40 of the cutting assembly 14, which can be a disposable part of the surgical instrument 10. It should also be understood that the cover tube is not included in the two-tube structure.

[0081] Reference Fig.29B, shows yet another embodiment of a surgical instrument 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the cutting assembly 14 includes a tube assembly 20 having a double tube structure formed by an inner tube 28 and an outer tube 26. The tube assembly 20 is connected to a grip 40 of the cutting assembly 14, which can be a disposable portion of the surgical instrument 10. The inner tube 28 is rotatable and connected to the drive hub 72. The outer tube 26 is fixed and connected to the grip 40. The cutting assembly 14 also includes a rotatable end effector, such as a drill, generally indicated by 142. The rotatable end effector 142 includes a head 144 at its distal end and a shaft 146 extending from the head 144 to the proximal end coupled to the inner tube 28. Although the head 144 is generally spherical in shape, it can be any suitable shape. The head 144 can be grooved or coated with diamond grit to enable bone cutting. Although the shaft 146 is generally cylindrical and circular in shape, it can be any suitable shape. The tube assembly 20 includes a distal bearing 148 disposed in the distal end of the inner tube 28, and the shaft 146 is coupled to the distal bearing 148. The shaft 146 may also include radially and circumferentially extending notches 150 for suction. It should be appreciated that other end effectors besides rotatable end effectors are also contemplated, such as any rotatable cutting element or tool. It should also be appreciated that while the tube assembly 20 has a straight double tube configuration, it may be used with an angled tube assembly 20 having a bend 29. It should also be appreciated that in this embodiment, there are no rotatable wheels.

[0082] Reference Figure 30 to Figure 32 , show some other embodiments of the surgical instrument 10 according to the present invention. These embodiments can also be used without a bend and without a rotatable wheel to simply reorient the cutting window 22. In these embodiments, the cutting assembly 14 includes a tube assembly 20 having a curved tube configuration. Fig.31 In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the tube assembly 20 has a double tube construction formed by an inner tube 28 and an outer tube 26. The outer tube 26 has a bend 29 between its proximal and distal ends. The inner tube 28 is rotatable and connected to the drive hub 72 (not shown in this figure). The outer tube 26 is connected to the nose portion 42 of the grip 40. The cutting assembly 14 includes a repositioning assembly, generally indicated at 150, which allows the surgeon to reposition the bend 29 in multiple orientations. In one embodiment, the bend 29 is repositioned to four different orientations at 90 degrees from each other, for example, 12 o'clock ( Fig.33C )、3 o'clock( Fig.33A and Fig.33B ), 6 o'clock (with Fig.33C Opposite) or 9 o'clock ( Fig.33D and Fig.33E ).

[0083] exist Fig.32 In the embodiment shown in , the tube assembly 20 has a three-tube structure formed by an inner tube 28, an outer tube 26 and a cover tube 30. The cover tube 30 has a bend 29 between its proximal end and the distal end. The inner tube 28 is rotatable and connected to the drive hub 72 (not shown in this figure). The outer tube 26 is also rotatable and connected to the manually movable member 56. The cover tube 30 is connected to the nose portion 42 of the grip 40. The cutting assembly 14 includes a repositioning assembly 150, which allows the surgeon to reposition the bend 29 in multiple orientations. In one embodiment, the bend 29 is repositioned to four different orientations of 90 degrees to each other, for example, 12, 3, 6 or 9 o'clock. It should be understood that in one embodiment of the double-tube structure, the inner tube 28 has a flexible area corresponding to the bend 29 in the outer tube 26. It should also be understood that in another embodiment of the three-tube structure, both the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 have a flexible area corresponding to the bend 29 in the cover tube 30.

[0084] Reference Figure 30 to Figure 33E , the repositioning assembly 150 includes a cavity 152 within the nose portion 42 of the grip 40 and distal to the hole 43. The repositioning assembly 150 includes a plurality of protrusions 154 extending axially and radially and disposed circumferentially around the hole 43. In one embodiment, the protrusions 154 are spaced 90 degrees apart from each other around the hole 43.

[0085] The repositioning assembly 150 also includes an outermost tube, outer tube 28 ( Fig.31 ) or covering tube 30 ( Fig.32 ) to have a plurality of recesses 156 extending axially into the distal end and disposed circumferentially thereabout. Because the grip 40 is secured to the cutting assembly 14, the recesses 156 allow the outermost tube to be reoriented relative to different orientations of the user's hand. In one embodiment, the recesses 156 are generally pentagonal in shape and are spaced 90 degrees apart from one another. The repositioning assembly 150 includes a flange or ring 158 on the outer tube 28 or the cover tube 30. The repositioning assembly 150 also includes a biasing assembly having a floating washer 160 disposed in the cavity 152 of the nose portion 42 and surrounding the outer tube 28 or the cover tube 30. The biasing assembly also includes a spring 162 disposed in the cavity 152 of the nose portion 42 and surrounding the outer tube 28 or the cover tube 30, between the ring 158 and the floating washer 160. It should be appreciated that the protrusions 154 and recesses 156 are shaped to allow for easy seating and self-guiding. It should also be understood that the nose portion 42 can be molded so that it is a two-piece component, with the finger portions 44, the middle portion 48, the base of the thumb portion 52 and half of the nose portion 42 being one molded piece and the top cover of the nose portion 42 (which may include the tracking element 102) being another molded piece to allow assembly of the repositioning assembly 150.

[0086] Reference FIG. 33A to FIG. 33E In operation of the repositioning assembly 150, the operator grasps the outer tube 28 near the nose portion 42 of the grip 40 ( Fig.31 ) or covering tube 30 ( Fig.32 ) and pulls axially. Ring 158 moves axially and compresses spring 162. Recess 156 disengages protrusion 154. The operator then moves outer tube 28 ( Fig.31 ) or covering tube 30 ( Fig.32 ) is rotated 90 degrees. The operator releases the outer tube 28 ( Fig.31 ) or covering tube 30 ( Fig.32 ), and the spring 162 expands and forces the recess 156 to engage the protrusion 154 to lock back into place. It should be understood that FIG. 33A to FIG. 33E Redirection is shown.

[0087] The present disclosure further provides a method for holding the cutting assembly 14 with at least a portion of a user's hand H. In one exemplary method, the cutting assembly 14 includes: a tube assembly 20 having an inner tube 28 rotatably disposed within an outer tube 26; a grip 40 coupled to the tube assembly 20 and including a finger portion 44 and a thumb portion 52; and a manually movable member 56 coupled to the outer tube 26 of the tube assembly 20. The finger portion 44 of the grip 40 engages with a finger of a hand. The manually movable member 56 engages with the finger, thumb TH, or index finger IF. The thumb portion 52 of the grip 40 engages with a thumb W located between the thumb TH and index finger IF of the hand. When the thumb W of the hand H remains engaged with the thumb portion 52 and the finger of the hand H remains engaged with the finger portion 44, the manually movable member 56 moves together with the thumb TH or index finger IF to rotate the outer tube 26 of the tube assembly 20. A drive assembly 12 including a motor 16 may be provided and may be removably coupled to the cutting assembly 14 .

[0088] According to another exemplary method for holding the cutting assembly 14, the cutting assembly 14 includes an inner tube 28 and an outer tube 26, wherein a window 22 is provided at the distal end for application to a surgical site on a patient; a grip 40 adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of a user's hand and to support the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26, wherein the grip 40 includes: a nose portion 42 having a hole 43 extending axially therethrough to allow the inner tube 28 and the outer tube 26 to extend axially therethrough; and a finger portion 44 extending from the nose portion 42 to support a finger of a hand H; and a manually movable member 56 connected to the outer tube 26 and positioned axially along the grip 40 within reach of at least one finger or thumb of the user when the hand H is engaged with the grip 40. The method includes the steps of placing fingers of the hand H on the finger portion 44; placing the thumb of the hand H or at least another finger other than the finger received by the finger portion 44 on the manually movable member 56; and placing the base of the hand H between the thumb and index finger of the hand H on the base portion 52. The method also includes the steps of moving the manually movable member 56 with the thumb or the at least another finger to rotate the window 22 of the outer tube 26 relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube 26 while the hand H is engaged with the grip 40. It should be understood that in one embodiment of the razor, the inner tube 28 rotates clockwise and then counterclockwise in an oscillating manner as tissue is cut.

[0089] Therefore, in certain embodiments, the surgical instrument 10 provides a more comfortable grip and an easy window rotation mechanism for reorienting the window 22 of the tube in operation to perform surgical tasks. The surgical instrument 10 of the present invention includes a manually movable member 56 connected to a grip 40, which can be provided on a disposable portion of the surgical instrument 10. The surgical instrument 10 can cut and extract tissue using suction, irrigation, and motor rotation according to current razor systems, and the cutting window 22 is turned to reorient the window 22. It should be understood that in another embodiment, the surgical instrument 10 can be used with a surgical tool or is a dedicated tool or instrument.

[0090] It should be further understood that the terms “include”, “includes”, “including”, “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising” have the same meaning as the terms “comprises”, “comprising”.

[0091] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It should be understood that the terms used are intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are feasible. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented in a manner different from that specifically described.

[0092] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with reference to the following exemplary clauses:

[0093] Item 1 - A surgical instrument for use on a patient, the surgical instrument comprising: a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a motor having a rotatable drive element; a cutting assembly, the cutting assembly being configured to be removably coupled to the drive element, the cutting assembly including a plurality of tubes extending axially, wherein at the distal ends of at least two of the plurality of tubes have windows suitable for application to a surgical site on the patient, one of the plurality of tubes being stationary and another of the plurality of tubes being capable of rotating relative to the one of the plurality of tubes; a grip, the grip being adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of a palm of a user's hand and supporting the one of the plurality of tubes; and a manually movable member, the manually movable member being coupled to the one of the plurality of tubes and being positioned axially along the grip within reach of a thumb or at least one finger of the user's hand when the hand is engaged with the grip to allow the at least one finger to rotate the window of the one of the plurality of tubes relative to the longitudinal axis of the plurality of tubes.

[0094] Clause 2—The surgical instrument of Clause 1 , wherein the grip includes a nose portion having a hole extending axially therethrough to allow the at least one of the plurality of tubes to extend axially therethrough.

[0095] Clause 3 - A surgical instrument as described in Clause 2, wherein the grip further includes a finger portion extending from the nose portion to support a finger of the hand other than the at least one finger.

[0096] Clause 4—A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 3, wherein the finger portion extends from the nose portion at an angle at least between perpendicular and an obtuse angle relative to the nose portion.

[0097] Clause 5—The surgical instrument of Clause 3, wherein the grip further comprises an intermediate portion extending axially from the finger portion toward the drive assembly.

[0098] Clause 6—A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 5, wherein the grip includes a palm portion extending from the middle portion and away from the finger portion to engage the palm between the thumb and index finger of the hand.

[0099] Clause 7 - A surgical instrument according to Clause 6, wherein the position of the base portion is adjustable relative to the position of the finger portions.

[0100] Clause 8—The surgical instrument of Clause 1 , wherein the plurality of tubes includes an outer tube coupled to the manually movable member and an inner tube coupled to the drive element and rotatable relative to the outer tube by the drive element.

[0101] Clause 9—The surgical instrument of Clause 8, wherein the outer tube includes an outer opening forming the window.

[0102] Clause 10—The surgical instrument of Clause 9, wherein the inner tube has an inner opening aligned with the outer opening.

[0103] Clause 11 - A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 8, wherein the manually movable member comprises a rotatable wheel coupled to the outer tube to allow the at least one finger of the user's hand to rotate the outer tube relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0104] Clause 12—The surgical instrument of Clause 11, wherein the rotatable wheel is disposed about and attached to the outer tube, wherein the rotatable wheel includes an axially extending protrusion.

[0105] Clause 13 - A surgical instrument according to clause 12, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a drive hub disposed about a proximal end of the inner tube to allow the inner tube to be connected to the drive element to rotate the inner tube about the longitudinal axis.

[0106] Clause 14 - The surgical instrument of clause 13, further comprising a connecting hub disposed about the inner tube and the drive hub for connection to the drive assembly.

[0107] Clause 15—A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 14, wherein the connecting hub includes a distal cavity extending axially therein to receive the protrusion.

[0108] Clause 16—The surgical instrument of Clause 6, wherein the jaw portion and the finger portion each include a length extending away from the plurality of tubes, wherein the finger portion has a length greater than the jaw portion.

[0109] Clause 17—The surgical instrument of Clause 8, wherein the plurality of tubes includes a cover tube disposed about the outer tube and coupled to the grip so as to be stationary relative to the grip.

[0110] Clause 18—A surgical instrument according to Clause 17, wherein the cover tube has a bend disposed between the grip and its distal end.

[0111] Clause 19—A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 1 , wherein the grip is detachable from at least one of the plurality of tubes.

[0112] Clause 20—The surgical instrument of Clause 16, wherein the drive assembly includes a housing for enclosing the motor and a latch assembly for removably connecting the housing to the connecting hub of the cutting assembly.

[0113] Clause 21 - The surgical instrument of Clause 20, wherein the drive assembly includes an irrigation connection on the housing for connection to a fluid source.

[0114] Clause 22—The surgical instrument of Clause 21, wherein the drive assembly includes an irrigation passage extending through the housing between the irrigation connection and the cutting assembly.

[0115] Clause 23—A surgical instrument according to clause 22, wherein the cutting assembly includes a coil seal disposed between the drive hub and the connecting hub to allow fluid to flow between the coil seal and the drive hub.

[0116] Clause 24—A surgical instrument according to clause 23, wherein the coil seal includes at least one internal protrusion, the at least one internal protrusion being configured to engage the drive hub to prevent accidental removal of the drive hub from the cutting assembly.

[0117] Item 25 - A surgical instrument according to Item 24, wherein the cutting assembly includes a first radial seal disposed between the manually movable member and the connecting hub to prevent fluid from being discharged from the flushing channel between the manually movable member and the connecting hub.

[0118] Clause 26—The surgical instrument of Clause 24, wherein the irrigation channel passes through the coil seal and through the connecting hub between the connecting hub and the plurality of tubes.

[0119] Clause 27 - A surgical instrument according to Clause 25, wherein the cutting assembly includes a second radial seal disposed about the proximal end of the drive hub to prevent fluid from being discharged between the drive hub and the drive element when the cutting assembly is coupled to the drive assembly.

[0120] Clause 28—The surgical instrument of Clause 27, wherein the cutting assembly comprises at least one bushing disposed axially between the drive hub and the connecting hub.

[0121] Clause 29—The surgical instrument of Clause 27, wherein the connecting hub includes at least one aperture extending radially through a proximal end thereof to engage the coil seal.

[0122] Item 30 - A surgical instrument according to Item 28, wherein the connecting hub includes a proximal cavity extending axially therein and at least one raised area extending axially and radially from an axial end of the proximal cavity to allow fluid to flow from the at least one hole into the proximal cavity and between the sleeve and the connecting hub.

[0123] Clause 31 - A surgical instrument according to clause 30, wherein the drive assembly includes a suction connection located on the housing for connecting to a suction source.

[0124] Clause 32—A surgical instrument according to clause 31, wherein the drive assembly includes a suction channel extending through the housing between the suction connection and the cutting assembly.

[0125] Clause 33—A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 20, wherein the latch assembly comprises a plurality of latch channels extending axially into the housing.

[0126] Clause 34—A surgical instrument according to Clause 23, wherein the surgical instrument includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) disposed between the coil seal and the connecting hub.

[0127] Clause 35—The surgical instrument of Clause 23, wherein the surgical instrument comprises a cutter drive spring disposed about the drive hub.

[0128] Clause 36—A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 18, wherein the surgical instrument comprises a repositioning assembly to allow the user to reposition the bend of one of the plurality of tubes to one or more different orientations.

[0129] Item 37 - A surgical instrument according to Item 36, wherein the repositioning assembly includes a plurality of recesses in the distal end of one of the plurality of tubes and a plurality of protrusions in the hole of the nose portion, the recesses and protrusions engaging and disengaging one another in a cooperative manner.

[0130] Item 38 - A surgical instrument according to Item 37, wherein the repositioning assembly includes: a cavity located in the nose portion; a ring surrounding and fixed to the one of the plurality of tubes and disposed in the cavity; a floating gasket disposed around the one of the plurality of tubes and axially spaced from the ring and disposed in the cavity; and a spring disposed around the one of the plurality of tubes and axially spaced between the floating gasket and the ring and disposed in the cavity.

[0131] Clause 40—A surgical instrument according to clause 11, wherein the surgical instrument includes a locking assembly that cooperates with the grip to lock the rotatable wheel in an appropriate position relative to the grip.

[0132] Item 41 - A surgical instrument according to Item 40, wherein the locking assembly includes one or more movable members having a pin at one axial end and one or more recesses arranged circumferentially around the rotatable wheel to receive the pin.

[0133] Item 42 - A cutting assembly of a surgical instrument for use on a patient, the cutting assembly being configured to be connected to a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a motor having a rotatable drive element enclosed in a housing, and the cutting assembly comprising: a plurality of tubes, one of the plurality of tubes being a rotatable inner tube adapted to be rotated by the drive element, another of the plurality of tubes being a rotatable outer tube disposed on the inner tube, wherein a window is provided at a distal end thereof for application to a surgical site on the patient; a grip supporting the outer tube, the grip being configured to be engaged by at least a portion of a palm of a user's hand; and a manually movable member connected to the outer tube and positioned axially along the grip within the reach of at least one finger of the user's hand when the portion of the hand is engaged with the grip to allow the at least one finger to rotate the window of the outer tube relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube.

[0134] Item 43 - A cutting assembly according to Item 42, wherein the grip includes a nose portion having: a hole extending axially therethrough to allow the outer tube to extend axially from the hole; and a finger portion extending from the nose portion to support a finger of the hand other than the at least one finger.

[0135] Clause 44—A cutting assembly according to clause 43, wherein the finger portion extends from the nose portion at an angle at least between perpendicular and an obtuse angle relative to the nose portion.

[0136] Item 45 - A cutting assembly according to Item 43, wherein the grip further includes: a middle portion extending axially from the finger portion; and a thumb portion extending from the middle portion and spaced apart from the finger portion to support the thumb between the thumb and index finger of the hand.

[0137] Clause 46—The cutting assembly of clause 43, wherein said plurality of tubes comprises a cover tube disposed about said outer tube and coupled to said grip so as to be stationary relative to said grip.

[0138] Clause 47—The cutting assembly of clause 46, wherein one of the cover tube and the outer tube has a bend disposed between a distal end thereof and the grip.

[0139] Item 48 - A cutting assembly according to Item 45, wherein the manually movable member is within the reach of the index finger or thumb of the hand when the base of the hand and a finger other than the index finger of the hand are engaged with the base of the hand and the finger portion, respectively.

[0140] Item 49—The cutting assembly of Item 45, wherein the jaw portion and the finger portion each include a length extending away from the outer tube, wherein the length of the finger portion is greater than the length of the jaw portion.

[0141] Clause 50—The cutting assembly of clause 42, wherein the finger portion defines a front surface and is sized such that the front surface receives at least one finger of the hand of the user.

[0142] Clause 51 - A cutting assembly according to clause 42, wherein the cutting assembly is devoid of a motor.

[0143] Clause 52—The cutting assembly of clause 42, wherein the cutting assembly further comprises at least one tracking element coupled to the handle.

[0144] Clause 53—The cutting assembly of clause 42, wherein the manually movable member is positioned axially along the grip and within at least forty percent of the length of the finger portion.

[0145] Clause 54—A cutting assembly as described in clause 47, wherein the cutting assembly includes a repositioning assembly to allow the user to reposition the bend in one of the plurality of tubes to one or more different orientations.

[0146] Item 55 - A cutting assembly according to Item 48, wherein the repositioning assembly includes a plurality of recesses in the distal end of the one of the plurality of tubes and a plurality of protrusions in the hole of the nose portion, the recesses and the protrusions engaging and disengaging each other in a cooperative manner.

[0147] Item 56 - A cutting assembly according to Item 55, wherein the repositioning assembly includes: a cavity located in the nose portion; a ring surrounding and fixed to the one of the plurality of tubes and disposed in the cavity; a floating washer disposed around the one of the plurality of tubes and axially spaced from the ring and disposed in the cavity; and a spring disposed around the one of the plurality of tubes and axially spaced between the floating washer and the ring and disposed in the cavity.

[0148] Clause 57—A cutting assembly according to clause 42, wherein the cutting assembly includes a locking assembly that cooperates with the handle to lock the manually movable member in an appropriate position relative to the handle.

[0149] Item 58 - A cutting assembly according to Item 51, wherein the locking assembly comprises one or more movable members having a pin at one axial end and one or more recesses circumferentially arranged around the manually movable member to receive the pin.

[0150] Item 59 - A surgical instrument for use on a patient, the surgical instrument comprising a cutting assembly and a drive assembly, the drive assembly being configured to be connected to the cutting assembly, the drive assembly comprising: a motor having a rotatable drive element; a housing for enclosing the motor; a latch assembly cooperating with the housing for removably connecting the housing to the cutting assembly; an irrigation connection located on the housing for connection to a fluid source; an irrigation channel extending through the housing between the irrigation connection and the cutting assembly; a suction connection located on the housing for connection to a suction source; and a suction channel extending through the housing between the suction connection and the cutting assembly.

[0151] Item 60 - A surgical instrument according to Item 59, wherein the surgical instrument includes a coil seal adapted to be disposed between a drive hub and a connecting hub of the cutting assembly to allow fluid to flow between the coil seal and the drive hub.

[0152] Clause 61 - A surgical instrument according to clause 60, wherein the coil seal includes at least one internal protrusion, wherein the at least one internal protrusion is adapted to engage the drive hub to prevent accidental removal of the drive hub from the cutting assembly.

[0153] Item 62 - A surgical instrument according to Item 60, wherein the surgical instrument includes a radial seal adapted to be disposed between a manually movable member of the cutting assembly and the connecting hub to prevent fluid from being discharged from the flushing channel between the manually movable member and the connecting hub.

[0154] Clause 63—A surgical instrument as recited in Clause 60, wherein the irrigation channel passes through the coil seal and through the connecting hub between the connecting hub and at least one tube of the cutting assembly.

[0155] Item 64 - A surgical instrument according to Item 63, wherein the surgical instrument includes a radial seal adapted to be disposed about a proximal end of the drive hub to prevent fluid from being discharged between the drive hub and the drive element when the cutting assembly is coupled to the drive assembly.

[0156] Clause 65 - A surgical instrument according to Clause 63, wherein the surgical instrument includes a bushing adapted to be axially disposed between the drive hub and the connecting hub to prevent fluid in the flushing channel from being radially discharged between the drive hub and the connecting hub.

[0157] Item 66 - A surgical instrument comprising: a cutting assembly comprising a plurality of axially extending tubes having windows at distal ends suitable for application to a surgical site on a patient; a grip adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of a palm of a user's hand and to support the plurality of tubes; and a manually movable member coupled to at least one of the plurality of tubes and positioned axially along the grip within reach of a thumb or at least one finger of the user's hand when the hand is engaged with the grip to allow the at least one finger to rotate the at least one of the plurality of tubes relative to a longitudinal axis of the plurality of tubes. a window; and a drive assembly comprising: a motor having a rotatable drive element; a housing for enclosing the motor; a latch assembly cooperating with the housing for removably coupling the housing to the cutting assembly; an irrigation connection located on the housing for connection to a fluid source; an irrigation channel extending through the housing between the irrigation connection and the at least one tube to a distal end thereof; a suction connection located on the housing for connection to a suction source; and a suction channel extending from the window through the multiple tubes and through the housing to the suction connection.

[0158] Item 67 - A cutting assembly of a surgical instrument for use on a patient, the cutting assembly being configured to be connected to a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a motor having a rotatable drive element enclosed in a housing, and the cutting assembly comprising: a rotatable inner member adapted to be rotated by the drive element; and an outer tube disposed on the inner member; and a grip supporting the outer tube, the grip being configured to be engaged by at least a portion of a palm of a user's hand and fingers of the hand, wherein the grip includes a nose portion having a hole extending axially therethrough to allow the inner member to extend axially therethrough, wherein the grip further includes a finger portion extending from the nose portion to support the fingers of the hand.

[0159] Clause 68—A cutting assembly according to clause 67, wherein the finger portion extends from the nose portion at an angle at least between perpendicular and an obtuse angle relative to the nose portion.

[0160] Clause 69—A cutting assembly as described in clause 67, wherein the grip further includes an intermediate portion extending axially from the finger portion.

[0161] Clause 70—A cutting assembly according to clause 69, wherein the grip includes a palm portion extending from the middle portion and away from the finger portion to engage the palm between the thumb and index finger of the hand.

[0162] Item 71 - A cutting assembly according to Item 70, wherein the position of the thumb portion is adjustable relative to the position of the finger portion.

[0163] Clause 72—The cutting assembly of clause 67, wherein the outer tube comprises a cutting window at the distal end, the cutting window being adapted for application to a surgical site of a patient.

[0164] Clause 73—A cutting assembly according to clause 67, wherein the cutting assembly includes a drill bit coupled to the distal end of the inner member.

[0165] Item 74 - A method for holding a cutting assembly, the cutting assembly comprising: an inner tube and an outer tube, the outer tube having a window at a distal end suitable for application to a surgical site on a patient; a grip adapted to be engaged by at least a portion of a hand of a user and to support the inner tube and the outer tube, wherein the grip comprises a nose portion having a hole extending axially therethrough to allow the inner tube and the outer tube to extend axially therethrough and a finger portion extending from the nose portion to support a finger of the hand; and a manually movable member coupled to the outer tube and adapted to be engaged by the hand when the hand engages the grip. The manually movable member is axially positioned along the grip within the reach of at least one finger or thumb of the user's hand, the method comprising the steps of: placing a finger of the hand on the finger portion; placing the thumb of the hand or at least another finger of the hand other than the finger accommodated by the finger portion on the manually movable member; placing the base of the hand located between the thumb and index finger of the hand on the base of the hand portion; and when the hand is engaged with the grip, moving the manually movable member with the thumb or the at least another finger to rotate the window of the outer tube relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube.

[0166] Item 75 - A surgical instrument comprising: a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a motor having a rotatable drive element and a housing connected to the motor; a cutting assembly, the cutting assembly including an inner tube suitable for being rotated by the drive assembly, an outer tube arranged on the inner tube, a drive hub for connecting the inner tube to the rotatable drive element, a connecting hub for connecting the cutting assembly to the drive assembly, and a manually movable member connected to the cutting assembly and suitable for being rotated by the user to rotate the outer tube; a flushing connection, the flushing connection being arranged on the housing for connecting to a fluid source; a flushing channel, the flushing channel extending through the housing between the flushing connector and the cutting assembly; a suction connector disposed on the housing for connection to a suction source; a suction channel extending through the housing between the suction connector and the cutting assembly; a coil seal disposed between the drive hub and the connecting hub of the cutting assembly to allow fluid to flow between the coil seal and the drive hub; and a radial seal disposed between the manually movable member and the connecting hub to prevent fluid from being discharged from the flushing channel between the manual member and the connecting hub.

Claims

1. A cutting assembly configured to be removably coupled to a drive assembly including a motor and a housing, the cutting assembly comprising: a tube assembly including an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being configured to be rotated within the outer tube by a motor via the drive assembly; a manually movable member coupled to the outer tube and configured to be rotated to rotate the outer tube about a longitudinal axis; a connecting hub including a coupling member defining a bore configured to receive the inner tube, wherein the connecting hub is configured to be removably coupled to a housing of the drive assembly; and a grip comprising: a nose portion defining an aperture, the tube assembly extending distally from the aperture of the nose portion; a finger portion extending from the nose portion; and a middle portion extending proximally from the nose portion or the finger portion to form an open area rim with the nose portion, the open area rim being sized to accommodate at least a portion of the connection hub, Wherein, the coupling member includes a flange disposed within the open area wall edge, and the manually movable member is positioned between the nose portion and the flange.

2. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The flange is coupled to the intermediate portion.

3. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The contour of the open area wall edge matches the contour of the connecting hub.

4. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The contour of the open area wall edge conforms to the contour of the manually movable member.

5. The cutting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The grip also includes a thumb portion extending from the middle portion, the finger portions, the middle portion, and the thumb portion collectively defining a cavity sized to receive a portion of the hand.

6. The cutting assembly of claim 5, wherein: Each of the finger portion and the base portion extends a respective length away from the middle portion, and the length of the finger portion is greater than the length of the base portion.

7. The cutting assembly of claim 5, wherein: The manually movable member is positioned axially along the grip distal to the jaw portion.

8. The cutting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The manually movable member is positioned adjacent to the nose portion and the connecting hub is positioned adjacent to the manually movable member.

9. The cutting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The connecting hub defines a distal lumen that receives a portion of the manually movable member.

10. The cutting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The manually movable member includes a gripping surface positioned radially outwardly relative to both sides of the nose portion.

11. The cutting assembly of claim 10, wherein: The gripping surface is positioned radially outwardly relative to both sides of the flange.

12. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The grip also includes a thumb portion extending from the middle portion, the finger portions, the middle portion, and the thumb portion collectively defining a cavity sized to receive a portion of the hand.

13. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting assembly has no motor.

14. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting assembly also includes a locking assembly that cooperates with the handle to lock the manually movable member in position relative to the handle.

15. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting assembly also includes at least one tracking element coupled to the handle.

16. The cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein: The cutting assembly also includes a repositioning assembly to allow a user to reposition the curved portion of the tube assembly to one or more different orientations.

17. A cutting assembly configured to be removably coupled to a drive assembly including a motor and a housing, the cutting assembly comprising: a tube assembly, the tube assembly comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube being configured to be rotated within the outer tube by a motor of the drive assembly; a connecting hub including a coupling member defining a bore configured to receive the inner tube, the connecting hub configured to be removably coupled to a housing of the drive assembly; and a grip comprising: a nose portion defining an aperture, the tube assembly extending distally from the aperture of the nose portion; a finger portion extending from the nose portion; and a middle portion extending proximally from the nose portion or the finger portion to form an open area rim with the nose portion, the open area rim being sized to accommodate at least a portion of the connection hub, Wherein, the coupling member comprises a flange disposed within the wall edge of the open area, and the flange is coupled to the middle portion.

18. The cutting assembly of claim 17, wherein: The contour of the open area wall edge matches the contour of the connecting hub.

19. The cutting assembly of claim 17, wherein: The cutting assembly also includes a manually movable member connected to the outer tube and configured to be rotated to rotate the outer tube about the longitudinal axis, the manually movable member being positioned near the nose portion, and the connecting hub being positioned near the manually movable member.

20. The cutting assembly of claim 19, wherein: The coupling member includes a flange disposed within the open area wall edge, and the manually movable member is positioned between the nose portion and the flange.

21. The cutting assembly of claim 19, wherein: The contour of the open area wall edge conforms to the contour of the manually movable member.

22. The cutting assembly of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The grip also includes a thumb portion extending from the middle portion, the finger portion, the middle portion and the thumb portion jointly defining a cavity, the size of the cavity being designed to accommodate a portion of a hand, and the manually movable member being positioned distally of the thumb portion along the axial direction of the grip.

23. The cutting assembly of claim 17, wherein: The cutting assembly has no motor.

24. The cutting assembly of claim 19, wherein: The cutting assembly also includes a locking assembly that cooperates with the handle to lock the manually movable member in position relative to the handle.

25. The cutting assembly of claim 17, wherein: The cutting assembly also includes at least one tracking element coupled to the handle.

26. The cutting assembly of claim 17, wherein: The cutting assembly also includes a repositioning assembly to allow a user to reposition the curved portion of the tube assembly to one or more different orientations.

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