Surgical cutting assembly including an actuator assembly selectively operable in multiple modes - Patents.com

Abstract

A surgical cutting assembly having an actuator assembly operable in a first mode and a second mode. The wheel is rotatable in a first axial position to rotate the intermediate tube to orient the cutting window and is rotatable in a second axial position to rotate the intermediate tube to orient the bent portion of the tube assembly. The actuator assembly may be operably coupled to the intermediate tube and operably decoupled from the outer tube in the first mode and operably coupled to the outer tube and operably decoupled from the intermediate tube in the second mode. The actuator assembly may include a first gear, a second gear fixed to the outer tube, and a third gear fixed to the intermediate tube. The distal wheel portion and the proximal wheel portion may be separate components coupled together to define a cavity for a sub-component of the actuator assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claim This application claims priority to and the full benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 178,571, filed April 23, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Certain surgical instruments have been developed for use in surgical procedures where access, maneuverability, and visibility are limited. One example is a surgical shaver for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures, and another example is a surgical burr. These surgical instruments may include a tube assembly in which an inner tube or drive shaft is rotatably disposed within an outer tube, and a cutting window is disposed radially proximal to the distal end of the tube assembly. Thus, the tissue exposed to the cutting window is based on the orientation of the cutting window and the approach the surgeon uses to introduce the surgical instrument into the tissue. Known devices may undesirably require the surgical instrument to be removed from the tissue and reintroduced using the desired approach. Additionally, surgical instruments are often designed to be held comfortably in a specific manner, and repositioning them in the surgeon's hand can be unergonomic.

[0003] It is further known to include a bend in the tube assembly to provide better access to certain tissue. However, the presence of the bend exacerbates the aforementioned shortcomings of known devices. That is, the tissue exposed to the cutting window is further based on the orientation of the bend. For example, the bend may be oriented upward relative to the handpiece, and the cutting window may be oriented toward the concave side of the tube assembly. For a given approach by a surgeon to introduce a surgical instrument into tissue, any number of combinations of cutting window orientation and bend orientation may be preferred or may become more preferred during a surgical procedure.

[0004] Certain known devices provide for orientation of the cutting window and / or the bend. One such device is disclosed in commonly owned International Publication No. WO 2017 / 163226, published September 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is disclosed that a wheel can be rotated to orient the cutting window. It is further disclosed that a tube assembly can be operably separated from the handpiece in one of a limited number of configurations to selectively orient the bend.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a surgical cutting assembly that allows multiple components of the assembly to be selectively adjusted in an intuitive, ergonomic, and efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The presently disclosed surgical cutting assembly overcomes at least the above-mentioned shortcomings. The surgical cutting assembly includes an actuator assembly operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. A wheel may be rotatable to adjust a first subcomponent of the surgical cutting assembly in the first mode and to adjust a second subcomponent of the surgical cutting assembly in the second mode. For example, the actuator assembly orients the cutting window in the first mode and orients the bent portion of the tube assembly in the second mode. The wheel may be rotatable in a first axial position in the first mode and in a second axial position in the second mode. The second axial position may be proximal to the first axial position.

[0007] The actuator assembly may be operably coupled to the intermediate tube in a first mode and rotate the intermediate tube when the wheel rotates at a first axial position. The actuator assembly may be operably decoupled from the outer tube in the first mode and operably decoupled from the intermediate tube in a second mode. The actuator assembly may be operably coupled to the outer tube in the second mode and rotate the outer tube when the wheel rotates at a second axial position. The wheel may be axially movable relative to the housing between the first mode and the second mode. The actuator assembly may include a biasing member coupled to the wheel. The biasing member may alternatively bias the actuator assembly into the first mode or the second mode. The actuator assembly may include a first gear, a second gear fixed to the outer tube, and a third gear fixed to the intermediate tube.

[0008] In certain implementations, the actuator assembly includes a wheel, a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The first gear, the second gear, and / or the third gear may be configured to form a hilt joint. The first gear, the second gear, and / or the third gear may be a hilt joint including annularly arranged, proximally or distally oriented teeth to form a face gear with complementary engagement features. Other types of gears may include spur, helical, bevel, worm, screw, etc. Any suitable joint may be provided that selectively disengages from a rotational input and reengages to transmit a force.

[0009] The second gear may be secured to the outer tube at an interface, and the third gear may be secured to the intermediate tube at an interface. The interface may be provided by one or more of adhesives, fasteners, a friction fit, an interference fit, or the like. Rotation of the second gear rotates the outer tube, thereby correspondingly reorienting the bent portion of the tube assembly. Rotation of the third gear rotates the intermediate tube, which, because the intermediate tube defines the cutting window, correspondingly reorients the cutting window of the tube assembly. Rotation of the wheel when the actuator assembly is in a first mode is configured to rotate the third gear, and rotation of the wheel when the actuator assembly is in a second mode is configured to rotate the second gear.

[0010] The wheel may include a distal wheel portion and a proximal wheel portion. The distal wheel portion and the proximal wheel portion may be separately formed individual components secured together to form the wheel. The distal wheel portion and the proximal wheel portion may include a coupling feature configured to facilitate assembly of the wheel. The first and second cavities are sized to accommodate the subcomponents of the actuator assembly, i.e., the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, the biasing element, and the bearing, when the distal wheel portion and the proximal wheel portion are secured together. The distal wheel portion may include a contour that differs from the contour of the proximal wheel portion to form a flared surface. The flared surface may be considered more vertically oriented to provide a larger contact area when the wheel is pinched and pulled with the thumb and index finger.

[0011] According to a second aspect, an actuator assembly for a surgical instrument is provided. A wheel defines a cavity, and a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear are disposed within the cavity. The second gear is fixed to a first subcomponent, and the third gear is fixed to a second subcomponent. The first subcomponent can be the outer tube of any surgical instrument, and the second subcomponent can be a shaft, such as a solid drive shaft or another tube. The second subcomponent can be a solid shaft, and the end effector can be redirected. Examples include radially disposed electrodes for ablation, eccentrically deployed vertebroplasty balloons, radial side holes for vertebroplasty, etc. In such mechanisms, the inner tube can be optional.

[0012] The first gear may be selectively engaged with the housing. The second gear may be selectively engaged with the wheel. The third gear may be selectively engaged with the wheel. The first gear includes an engagement portion configured to engage with an engagement portion of the nose portion of the housing. The first gear may include a first ring, and the engagement portion is distally oriented teeth arranged annularly around the first ring. The first gear is dimensioned to be disposed within a first cavity defined by the distal wheel portion. The engagement portion of the first gear extends through an opening defined by a distal surface of the distal wheel portion, and the first ring is in interference engagement with an inner surface defining the first cavity. The engagement portion of the nose portion may be proximally oriented teeth arranged annularly in a manner complementary to the teeth of the first gear. With the engagement portion of the first gear extending distally from the distal face of the distal wheel portion, the complementary engagement portion is configured to selectively engage based on the axial position of the wheel.

[0013] The first and second gears may include complementary keying elements configured to prevent relative rotation but allow relative movement between the first and second gears. The keying element of the first gear may be at least one rail, and the keying element of the second gear may be at least one groove. A first ring of the first gear defines an opening, and the rail is axially disposed within the opening. The outer diameter of the neck of the second gear is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening in the first ring, and the complementary keying elements allow axial movement but not rotation between the first and second gears in each of the first and second modes.

[0014] The second gear includes an engagement portion configured to engage with the engagement portion of the distal wheel portion. The second gear may include a second ring having a neck extending distally therefrom, and the engagement portion of the second gear may be teeth arranged annularly around the second ring and directed distally. The third gear includes an engagement portion configured to engage with the engagement portion of the proximal wheel portion. The third gear may include a third ring, and the engagement portion of the third gear may be teeth arranged annularly around the third ring and directed distally.

[0015] The advantages of the present invention will be readily understood by considering the written description in conjunction with the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a surgical instrument including a surgical cutting assembly removably coupled from a main assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a partially disassembled surgical cutting assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a partially disassembled surgical cutting assembly. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a surgical cutting assembly including a housing, an actuator assembly, and a tube assembly, the actuator assembly being in a first mode with the cutting window of the tube assembly facing the convex side of the tube assembly. [Figure 5]1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical cutting assembly with the actuator assembly in a second mode, with the cutting window of the tube assembly facing toward the concave side of the tube assembly and the bent portion of the tube assembly facing downward relative to the housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the actuator assembly in a first mode, with a portion of the tube assembly shown. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the actuator assembly in a second mode, with a portion of the tube assembly shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical instrument 10 including a surgical cutting assembly 12 and a main assembly 14. The main assembly 14 includes a power line 16 configured to be placed in electrical communication with a power source, an aspiration line 18 configured to be placed in fluid communication with a suction source, and an irrigation line 20 configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid source. An electric motor (not shown) is powered by the power line 16. The geometry of the main assembly 14 (not shown) is configured to operably couple to a drive hub 22 of the cutting assembly 12, with a connection hub 24 of the cutting assembly 12 supported by and selectively locked relative to the main assembly 14. Specific details of the main assembly 14 are further disclosed in commonly owned International Publication No. WO 2021 / 224862, published November 11, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, and the aforementioned International Publication No. WO 2017 / 163226.

[0018] 2 and 3, the cutting assembly 12 includes a housing 26, a tube assembly 28, and an actuator assembly 30. The housing 26 may include opposing portions or halves 32, 34 coupled together to provide an ergonomic form factor for the surgical instrument 10 designed for easy, one-handed operation. The opposing portions 32, 34 may also allow for cost-effective fabrication of the housing 26 from lower-cost materials by reducing manufacturing complexity. Despite the advantageous functionality described, the cutting assembly 12 is a disposable component, thus avoiding the need for sterilization, reprocessing, aseptic handling, and the like.

[0019] Housing 26 may include spaced apart finger portions 36 and web portions 38 configured to ergonomically support a surgeon's hand. In particular, finger portions 36 and web portions 38 may at least partially define a cavity in which the web of the surgeon's hand may be readily supported. Modifications to housing 26 are contemplated with additional ergonomic features disclosed in the aforementioned International Publication No. WO 2017 / 163226.

[0020] The housing 26 includes a nose portion 40 and a collar 42 spaced from the nose portion 40 to define a space 44 sized to receive the actuator assembly 30. The connection hub 24 is coupled to the collar 42 and extends proximally from the collar. The collar 42 includes a lip 46 as described and further defines an opening 48 sized to receive at least an inner tube 56 of the tube assembly 28. The nose portion 40 may extend generally upward from the finger portions 36 and may include a proximal surface 50 and a distal surface 52 defining an opening 54 therebetween. The opening 54 is sized to receive the tube assembly 28. The proximal surface 50 may be flat so as to be flush with a distal wheel surface 90 of the wheel 74 of the actuator assembly 30. The distal surface 52 may be formed in any suitable manner to provide ergonomic support for the fingers of a surgeon's hand, particularly when the housing 26 is held in a pencil grip.

[0021] The tube assembly 28 includes an inner tube 56, an intermediate tube 58, and an outer tube 60. The intermediate tube 58 is rotatably and coaxially disposed within the outer tube 60, and the inner tube 56 is rotatably and coaxially disposed within the intermediate tube 58. The inner tube 56 may be longer than the intermediate tube 58 due to their respective connections with the described actuator assemblies 30, which may be longer than the outer tube 60. The tube assembly 28 may include a bend portion 62 and a cutting window 64 disposed distally from the bend portion 62. More specifically, the intermediate tube 58 may be flexible such that the intermediate tube 58 and the outer tube 60 include complementary bends that form the bend portion 62. Additionally, the inner tube 56 may also be flexible to accommodate the bend portion 62, for example, during high-speed rotation. The cutting window 64 may be defined by the intermediate tube 58, with the inner tube 56 including a cutting portion (not shown) configured to be rotatably disposed within the cutting window 64. The cutting portion may be a cutting window within a surgical shaver or teeth disposed around the burr head of a surgical burr. The inner tube 56 defines a suction path 66 (see FIGS. 4-7 ) in fluid communication with the cutting window 64 and configured to be disposed in fluid communication with a suction source coupled to the main assembly 14. It is further contemplated that an irrigation path 68 may be defined between the inner tube 56 and the intermediate tube 58, configured to be disposed in fluid communication with a fluid source coupled to the main assembly 14. Irrigation fluid is discharged from the irrigation path 68 adjacent the cutting window 64 at a distal end 70 of the intermediate tube 58. A distal end 72 of the outer tube 58 is disposed near the distal end 70 of the intermediate tube 58 and further distal to the bend portion 62. For purposes of convention, the bent portion 62 may be considered to divide the tube assembly 28 into a distal portion and a proximal portion, with the proximal portion defining the longitudinal axis (LA) of the cutting assembly 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0022] 2 and 3 , the actuator assembly 30 includes a wheel 74, a first gear 76, a second gear 78, and a third gear 80. The first gear 76, the second gear 78, and / or the third gear 80 may be configured to form a hilt joint. The first gear 76, the second gear 78, and / or the third gear 80 may be a hilt joint including annularly arranged, proximally or distally oriented teeth to form a face gear with complementary engagement. Other types of gears may include spur, helical, bevel, worm, screw, etc. Any suitable coupling may be provided that selectively disengages from a rotational input and reengages to transmit a force. The actuator assembly 30 may optionally include a biasing member 82, a bearing 84, and a seal 85. The bearing 84 is configured to limit friction against relative rotation between the second gear 78 and the third gear 80, and the seal 85 may be an O-ring that prevents irrigation fluid from being directed through the irrigation path between the inner tube 56 and the intermediate tube 58 and being discharged at the surgical site.

[0023] The wheel 74 is dimensioned to be rotatably disposed within the space 44 defined by the housing 26. The wheel 74 may include a distal wheel portion 86 and a proximal wheel portion 88. The distal wheel portion 86 includes a distal wheel face 90 and a first inner wheel surface 92 that defines a first cavity 94. The distal wheel portion 86 may further include an engagement portion 96 disposed within the first cavity 94. The illustrated implementation shows the engagement portion 96 as proximally oriented teeth disposed annularly within the first cavity 94 of the distal wheel portion 90. The proximal wheel portion 88 includes a proximal wheel face 98 and a second inner wheel surface 100 that define a second cavity 102. The proximal wheel portion 88 may further include an engagement portion 104 disposed within the second cavity 102. The illustrated implementation shows the engagement portion 104 as teeth arranged annularly and directed distally within a second cavity 102 of the proximal wheel portion 88 .

[0024] The distal wheel portion 86 and the proximal wheel portion 88 may be separately formed individual pieces secured together to form the wheel 74. The distal wheel portion 86 and the proximal wheel portion 88 may include a coupling configured to facilitate assembly of the wheel 74, preferably in a permanent manner such that the distal wheel portion 86 does not separate from the proximal wheel portion 88. The illustrated implementation shows the coupling as barbs 106 (identified by two) on the distal wheel portion 86 configured to resiliently deflect and engage grooves 108 (identified by two) defined by the proximal wheel portion 88. It is understood that the reverse configuration is contemplated, and that securing the distal wheel portion 86 and the proximal wheel portion 88 may be achieved by other suitable coupling means. The first cavity 94 and the second cavity 102 are sized to accommodate the subcomponents of the actuator assembly 30, namely, the first gear 76, the second gear 78, the third gear 80, the biasing member 82, the bearing 84, and the seal 85, with the distal wheel portion 86 and the proximal wheel portion 88 fixed to one another.

[0025] The actuator assembly 30 is selectively operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. Figures 4 and 6 show the actuator assembly 30 in the first mode, and Figures 5 and 7 show the actuator assembly in the second mode. Operating or actuating the actuator assembly 30 in the first mode is configured to adjust one component of the cutting assembly 12, and operating the actuator assembly 30 in the second mode is configured to adjust another component of the cutting assembly 12. An exemplary mechanism for the actuator assembly 30 orients the cutting window in the first mode and orients the bent portion of the assembly in the second mode. More specifically, the wheel 74 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis in the first mode to orient the cutting window 64 and in the second mode to orient the bent portion 62 of the tube assembly 28. A reverse mechanism is contemplated. The actuator assembly 30 can be selectively moved between the first mode and the second mode by moving the wheel 74 between a first axial position and a second axial position proximal to the first axial position.

[0026] The second gear 78 may be secured to the outer tube 60 at an interface 110, and the third gear 80 may be secured to the intermediate tube 58 at an interface 112. The interfaces 110, 112 may be provided by one or more of adhesives, fasteners, a friction fit, an interference fit, or the like. Rotating the second gear 78 rotates the outer tube 60, thus correspondingly reorienting the bent portion 62 of the tube assembly 28 (arrow 114 in FIG. 1 ). Rotating the third gear 80 rotates the intermediate tube 58, which, with the intermediate tube 58 defining the cutting window 64, correspondingly reorients the cutting window 64 of the tube assembly 28 (arrow 116 in FIG. 1 ). When the actuator assembly 30 is in the first mode, rotation of the wheel 74 is configured to rotate the third gear 80, and when the actuator assembly 30 is in the second mode, rotation of the wheel 74 is configured to rotate the second gear 78.

[0027] Several components of the actuator assembly 30 include engagement portions, as described, that are configured to facilitate selective engagement and disengagement of the sub-components between the first and second modes. With reference to FIGS. 2-7 , the first gear 76 includes an engagement portion 118 configured to engage with an engagement portion 120 on the nose portion 40 of the housing 26. The first gear 76 may include a first ring 122, with the engagement portion 118 being distally toothed and annularly disposed around the first ring 122. The first gear 76 is dimensioned to be disposed within the first cavity 94 defined by the distal wheel portion 86. More specifically, the engagement portion 118 of the first gear 76 extends through an opening 124 defined by the distal face 90 of the distal wheel portion 86, and the first ring 122 interference-engages with the inner surface defining the first cavity 94 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The engagement portion 120 of the nose portion 40 may be teeth oriented annularly in a proximal direction and arranged in a complementary manner to the teeth of the first gear 76. The complementary engagement portions 118 and 120 are configured to selectively engage based on the axial position of the wheel 74, with the engagement portion 118 of the first gear 76 extending distally from the distal surface 90 of the distal wheel portion 86. FIG. 4 illustrates the actuator assembly 30 in a first mode, with the wheel 74 in a first axial position and the complementary engagement portions 118 and 120 engaged to prevent rotation of the first gear 76 relative to the housing 26. FIG. 5 illustrates the actuator assembly 30 in a second mode, with the wheel 74 in a second axial position. A gap is observed between the proximal surface 50 of the nose portion 40 and the distal surface 90 of the distal wheel portion 86, with the complementary engagement portions 118 and 120 disengaged from each other. Taken together, first gear 76 is configured to engage housing 26 in a first mode and disengage from housing 26 in a second mode.

[0028] The first gear 76 and the second gear 78 may include complementary key portions 126, 128 configured to prevent relative rotation but allow relative movement between the first gear 76 and the second gear 78. The key portion 126 of the first gear 76 may be at least one rail, and the key portion 128 of the second gear 78 may be at least one groove. The reverse configuration is also contemplated. The illustrated implementation shows two opposed rails slidably disposed within two opposed grooves defined by the neck 130 of the second gear 78. The first ring 122 of the first gear 76 defines an opening, and the rails are axially disposed within the opening. The outer diameter of the neck 130 of the second gear 88 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening in the first ring 122, and complementary keys 126 and 128 allow axial movement but not rotation between the first gear 76 and the second gear 78 in each of the first and second modes.

[0029] The second gear 78 includes an engagement portion 132 configured to engage the engagement portion 96 of the distal wheel portion 86. The second gear 78 may include a second ring 134 having a neck 130 extending distally therefrom, and the engagement portion 132 of the second gear 78 may be distally oriented teeth arranged annularly around the second ring 134. FIG. 4 illustrates the actuator assembly 30 in a first mode, with the wheel 74 in a first axial position and the complementary engagement portions 96 and 132 axially spaced apart. FIG. 5 illustrates the actuator assembly 30 in a second mode, with the wheel 74 in a second axial position and the complementary engagement portions 96 and 132 engaged with one another. Viewed together, the second gear 78 is configured to disengage from the distal wheel portion 86 in the first mode and engage with the distal wheel portion 86 in the second mode.

[0030] The third gear 80 includes an engagement portion 136 configured to engage the engagement portion 104 of the proximal wheel portion 88. The third gear 80 may include a third ring 138, and the engagement portion 136 of the third gear 80 may be distally oriented teeth arranged annularly around the third ring 138. FIG. 4 illustrates the actuator assembly 30 in a first mode, with the wheel 74 in a first axial position and the complementary engagement portions 104 and 136 engaged, so that rotation of the wheel 74 rotates the third gear 80. FIG. 5 illustrates the actuator assembly 30 in a second mode, with the wheel 74 in a second axial position and the complementary engagement portions 104 and 136 disengaged from each other. Viewed together, the third gear 80 is configured to engage the proximal wheel portion 88 in the first mode and disengage from the proximal wheel portion 88 in the second mode.

[0031] Third gear 80 includes a proximal face 139 disposed in abutting relationship with a boss 140 extending distally from collar 42 of housing 26 (see FIG. 3 ). Proximal wheel portion 88 of wheel 74 defines an opening 142 dimensioned to be slidably disposed over boss 140, with boss 140 abutting proximal face 139 of third gear 80 in the first and second modes. In other words, engagement between boss 140 of housing 26 and third gear 80 can be considered to provide a reference plane for axial stacking of sub-components of actuator assembly 30. Moving distally in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 , the axial stacking includes bearing 84 disposed between boss 140 and third gear 80. The axial stack further includes a seal 85 disposed between the third gear 80 and the second gear 78, sealing between the boss 140 and the proximal face 139 of the third gear 80. Consequently, the second gear 78 is axially fixed relative to the third gear 80. The axial stack further includes a biasing member 82 disposed between the first gear 76 and the second gear 78. The second gear 78 may define an annular recess between the engagement portion 132 and the neck 130, and the biasing member 82 is a coil spring having a diameter sized to be disposed within the recess. An opposite end of the coil spring may abut the proximal face of the first gear 76, and the coil spring is configured to bias the first gear 76 distally relative to the second gear 78. More particularly, biasing member 82 is configured to bias first ring 122 into interference engagement with distal wheel portion 86 for the functionality previously described. Figure 6 shows distal surface 144 of neck 130 of second gear 78 spaced from proximal surface 146 of first gear 76, and Figure 7 shows distal surface 144 of neck 130 engaging proximal surface 146 of first gear 76 against the spring bias of biasing member 82.

[0032] Operation of the actuator assembly 30 in the first mode will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 6. Complementary engagement portions 118 and 120 engage the first gear 76 to engage the housing 26. Rotation of the first gear 76 relative to the housing 26 is prevented. Complementary key portions 126 and 128 prevent relative rotation between the first gear 76 and the second gear 78, thereby preventing rotation of the second gear 78 relative to the housing 26. Engagement portion 132 of the second gear 78 disengages from engagement portion 96 of the distal wheel portion 86. Engagement portion 136 of the third gear 80 engages with engagement portion 104 of the proximal wheel portion 88. Consequently, rotation of the wheel 74 causes a corresponding rotation of the third gear 80. The third gear 80 is fixed to the intermediate tube 58 at an interface 112, and rotation of the third gear 80 correspondingly rotates the intermediate tube 58, thereby reorienting (arrow 116) the cutting window 64 of the tube assembly 28. Figure 4 shows the cutting window 64 rotated 180 degrees relative to Figure 1 so that it is on the convex side of the bent portion 62 of the tube assembly 28.

[0033] When the bent portion 62 of the tube assembly 28 is reoriented as shown, the actuator assembly 30 is moved from the first mode to the second mode. To move the actuator assembly 30 from the first mode to the second mode, an input is provided to the wheel 74, causing the wheel 74 to move from the first axial position to a second axial position proximal to the first axial position. The input may include grasping the wheel 74 with the thumb and index finger and pulling proximally against the spring bias from the biasing member 82. To facilitate ergonomic actuation of the actuator assembly 30 from the first mode to the second mode, the distal wheel portion 86 may include a contour that differs from the contour of the proximal wheel portion to form a flared surface 148. The flared surface 148 may be considered to be more vertically oriented to provide a larger contact area when the wheel 74 is grasped and pulled with the thumb and index finger.

[0034] 5 and 7, the wheel 74 is moved proximally against the spring bias from the biasing member 82. Due to the aforementioned axial stacking of the sub-components of the actuator assembly 30, the distal wheel portion 86 and the proximal wheel portion 88, including their respective engagement portions 96, 104, are moved into and out of engagement with the second gear 78 and the third gear 80, respectively. The distal wheel portion 86, the proximal wheel portion 88, and the first gear 76 move proximally, while the second gear 78 and the third gear 80 remain stationary. The proximal side of the proximal wheel portion 88 is received by or recessed beneath the lip 46 of the collar 42. The lip 46 of the collar 42 defines a portion of the cavity 44 sized to accommodate the wheel 74 moved to the second axial position by the actuator assembly 30 in the second mode. Among other benefits, the lip 46 serves the aesthetic purpose of providing a smoother visible transition between the housing 26 and the wheel 74 by eliminating the gap between the housing 26 and the wheel 74 in the first mode, which may be considered the default mode.

[0035] Proximal movement of wheel 74 disengages first gear 76 from housing 26, engages second gear 78 with distal wheel portion 86, and disengages third gear 80 from proximal wheel portion 88. More specifically, engagement portion 118 of first gear 76 disengages engagement portion 120 of housing 26, engages engagement portion 132 of second gear 78 with engagement portion 96 of distal wheel portion 86, and disengages engagement portion 136 of third gear 80 from engagement portion 104 of proximal wheel portion 88. The disengagement and engagement can be simultaneous. Thereafter, rotation of wheel 74 causes second gear 78 to correspondingly rotate and become secured to outer tube 60 at interface 110. Thus, rotation of second gear 78 causes a corresponding rotation of outer tube 60, causing tube assembly 28 to rotate about its longitudinal axis (arrow 114), reorienting bent portion 62 of tube assembly 28 about its longitudinal axis. Figure 5 shows bent portion 62 rotated 180 degrees relative to Figure 1 so that cutting window 64 is on the convex side of bent portion 62 of tube assembly 28. It can be seen that while rotating wheel 74 in the second mode, the axial position of wheel 74 is maintained against the spring bias from biasing member 82.

[0036] Once the orientation of the bent portion 62 of the tube assembly 28 is achieved, the surgeon simply releases the input to automatically return the actuator assembly 30 from the second mode to the first mode. The biasing member 82, no longer restrained by input from the surgeon, urges the first gear 76 distally of the second gear 78, and interference engagement between the first gear 76 and the distal wheel portion 86 urges the wheel 74 from the second axial position to the first axial position. The distal wheel portion 86, the proximal wheel portion 88, and the first gear 76 move distally, while the second gear 78 and the third gear 80 remain stationary. The first gear 76 engages the housing 26, the distal wheel portion 86 disengages from the second gear 78, and the proximal wheel portion 88 engages the third gear 80. More specifically, engagement portion 118 of first gear 76 engages engagement portion 120 of housing 26, engagement portion 96 of distal wheel portion 86 disengages engagement portion 132 of second gear 78, and engagement portion 104 of proximal wheel portion 88 engages engagement portion 136 of third gear 80. Disengagement and engagement can be simultaneous. A rotational input can be immediately provided to wheel 74 to further orient cutting window 64 with a view to reorienting bent portion 62. The presently disclosed cutting assembly 12 provides an intuitive and ergonomic experience that the surgeon can efficiently accomplish with one hand without distracting from the surgical site.

[0037] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to any particular form. The terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described. One modification may include adjusting other characteristics of the cutting assembly 12 via a rotatable input in a first mode or a second mode. An example includes adjusting the curvature of the tube assembly via actuation of the actuator assembly 30 in a first mode, a second mode, or another mode. It is further understood that the actuator assembly 30 may be designed to be operable in more than two modes. Another modification may include adjusting a component of a surgical instrument via a rotatable input in a first mode or a second mode.

[0038] In certain implementations, the cutting assembly 12 may include an auditory indicator configured to provide auditory feedback (and in some cases tactile feedback) to the surgeon when the actuator assembly 30 moves between the first and second modes. The auditory indicator may be configured to provide a “click” sound when the wheel 74 returns to the first axial position under the spring bias from the biasing member 82 and / or when the wheel 74 is moved to the second axial position against the spring bias from the biasing member 82. The click sound indicates to the surgeon that the actuator assembly 30 has fully returned to the first mode or successfully transitioned to the second mode. Examples of auditory indicators may include the housing 26 and wheel 74 having features or components for providing a defeatable interference engagement with one another, such as resiliently deflectable arms, detents, radial springs, cams, snaps, etc. The engagement and disengagement of the defeatable features or components may provide the click sound. In one variation, the biasing member 82 is optional, and the actuator assembly 30 is configured to snap-lock into the first and second modes. For example, the actuator assembly 30 may provide a defeatable interference fit between the housing 26 and the wheel 74 in the first and second axial positions. When the actuator assembly 30 is in the first mode, for example, sufficient force may be applied to the wheel 74 to overcome the first defeatable feature. The wheel 74 may be freely movable over most of the distance between the first and second axial positions. Once the second defeatable feature associated with the second axial position is encountered, sufficient force is again applied to the wheel 74. The wheel 74 snap-locks into the second axial position. The actuator assembly 30 snap-locking into the first and second modes may be provided with a clicking sound. In yet another example, a button or other input may be provided on the housing 26 and / or the wheel 74 to disengage the disableable feature and allow movement of the wheel 74 between the first axial position and the second axial position.Such a mechanism avoids the need for the surgeon to maintain wheel 74 against the spring bias of biasing member 82, thereby resulting in a shorter interaction and reducing fatigue on the surgeon's fingers.

[0039] In certain implementations, a locking mechanism may be provided to selectively prevent rotation of the wheel 74 relative to the housing 26. For example, the housing 26 may include a locking pin or keyed coupling that requires a user input to disengage the locking mechanism from the wheel 74. One exemplary locking mechanism is disclosed in the aforementioned International Publication No. WO 2017 / 163226. In certain implementations, visual indicators, such as laser markings, may be provided on the wheel 74, the housing 26, and / or the tube assembly 28 to provide visual information regarding the orientation of the bending portion 62 and / or the orientation of the cutting window 64. For example, the distal wheel portion 86 may be rotatable relative to the proximal wheel portion 88, with the distal wheel portion 86 including a first indicator indicating the orientation of the bending portion 62 and the proximal wheel portion 88 including a second indicator indicating the orientation of the cutting window 64. The first indicator may be an alignment arrow or an arc shape pictorially representing the bent portion 62 of the tube assembly 28, and the second indicator may be an oval shape pictorially representing the alignment arrow or the shape of the cutting window 64. In certain implementations, the actuator assembly 30 may be machined into separate pieces or molded together. An example includes having the distal wheel portion 86 and the proximal wheel portion 88 integrally formed by a suitable manufacturing process. It is further contemplated that the housing 26 and the wheel 74 may include distinct finishes and / or textures to provide a comfortable feel as well as visual indication of the actuatable components of the cutting assembly 12. An exemplary navigation-assisted surgical system suitable for the cutting assembly 12 is disclosed in commonly owned International Publication No. WO 2016 / 066287, published May 6, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0040] Additionally, certain inventive aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following exemplary clauses.

[0041] Clause 1 - A method of operating a surgical cutting assembly including a housing, a tube assembly coupled to the housing including a bent portion, a cutting window disposed distally of the bent portion, an actuator assembly including a wheel, and a biasing member, the method comprising the steps of supporting the housing of the surgical cutting assembly, moving the wheel proximally against a spring bias from the biasing member to move the actuator assembly from a first mode to a second mode, and rotating the wheel with the actuator assembly in the second mode to orient the bent portion of the tube assembly.

[0042] Clause 2 - The method of clause 1, wherein the step of rotating the wheel further comprises the step of rotating the wheel while maintaining an axial position of the wheel against a spring bias from a biasing member.

[0043] Clause 3 - The method of clause 1 or 2, further comprising the step of releasing the wheel to return the actuator assembly from the second mode to the first mode under spring bias from the biasing member.

[0044] Clause 4 - The method of clause 3, wherein the surgical cutting assembly includes an audible indicator, further comprising the step of detecting a click from the audible indicator when the actuator assembly is returned to the first mode.

[0045] Clause 5 - A method of operating a surgical cutting assembly including a housing, a tube assembly coupled to the housing and including a bent portion, a cutting window disposed distally of the bent portion, an actuator assembly including a wheel, a first interference, and a second interference, the method comprising the steps of supporting the housing of the surgical cutting assembly, disengaging the first interference from the actuator assembly in a first mode, moving the wheel proximally to move the actuator assembly from the first mode to a second mode, engaging the second interference to selectively lock the actuator assembly in the second mode, and rotating the wheel with the actuator assembly in the second mode to orient the bent portion of the tube assembly.

[0046] Clause 6 - The method of clause 5, wherein the step of disengaging the first interference portion and engaging the second interference portion further includes the step of applying a force to the wheel sufficient to overcome the first interference portion and the second interference portion.

[0047] Clause 7 - The method of clause 5 or 6, wherein the wheel is freely movable except when the actuator assembly is locked in the first mode and the second mode.

[0048] Clause 8 - The method of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the step of moving the wheel proximally further comprises the step of pinching and pulling the wheel between the index finger and thumb of the hand while supporting the housing of the surgical cutting assembly on the web of the hand.

[0049] Clause 9 - The method of clause 8, further comprising the step of operating the lancing assembly with one hand by supporting the web portion of the housing with the web of the hand.

[0050] Clause 10 - The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the step of rotating the wheel with the actuator assembly further comprises the step of orienting the cutting window of the tube assembly in a first mode.

[0051] Clause 11 - The method of any one of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising coupling a surgical cutting assembly to a main assembly including a motor.

[0052] Clause 12 - An actuator assembly for a surgical instrument including a housing, said actuator assembly comprising a wheel defining a cavity, a first gear, a second gear fixed to the first sub-component, and a third gear fixed to the second sub-component, said first gear, said second gear, and said third gear being disposed within said cavity of said wheel.

[0053] Clause 13 - An actuator assembly as described in Clause 12, wherein at least one of: (i) the first gear is configured to selectively engage with a housing; (ii) the second gear is configured to selectively engage with the wheel; and (iii) the third gear is configured to selectively engage with the wheel.

[0054] Clause 14 - An actuator assembly as described in clause 12 or 13, wherein the first gear and the second gear have complementary features configured to prevent relative rotation but allow relative movement between the first gear and the second gear.

[0055] Clause 15 - An actuator assembly as described in any one of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a biasing member disposed between the first gear and the second gear.

[0056] Clause 16 - An actuator assembly as described in any one of clauses 12 to 15, wherein the wheel further comprises a distal wheel portion and a proximal wheel portion which are separate parts joined together.

[0057] Clause 17 - An actuator assembly as described in any one of clauses 12 to 16, further comprising an audible indicator disposed on at least one of the housing and the wheel.

[0058] Clause 18 - An actuator assembly as described in any one of clauses 12 to 17, further comprising an interference portion disposed on at least one of the housing and the wheel, the interference portion configured to selectively engage and disengage to allow axial movement of the wheel. The technical concepts that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below. [Aspect 1] 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bent portion and a cutting window disposed distally from the bent portion; an actuator assembly coupled to the housing and the tube assembly, the actuator assembly comprising a wheel; Equipped with The actuator assembly is operable in a first mode in which the wheel is rotatable at a first axial position to rotate the intermediate tube to orient the cutting window, and in a second mode in which the wheel is rotatable at a second axial position to rotate the outer tube to orient the bent portion. [Aspect 2] 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bend portion and a cutting window disposed distally relative to the bend portion; an actuator assembly coupled to the housing and the tube assembly, the actuator assembly comprising a wheel; Equipped with A surgical cutting assembly, wherein the actuator assembly is operable in a first mode in which the actuator assembly is operably coupled to the intermediate tube and operably decoupled from the outer tube, and in a second mode in which the actuator assembly is operably coupled to the outer tube and operably decoupled from the intermediate tube. [Aspect 3] 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bent portion and a cutting window disposed distally from the bent portion; an actuator assembly comprising: a wheel axially movable relative to the housing and configured to move the actuator assembly in one of a first mode and a second mode; and a biasing member coupled to the wheel and configured to bias the actuator assembly into the first mode; A surgical cutting assembly comprising: [Aspect 4] 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bent portion and a cutting window disposed distally from the bent portion; an actuator assembly comprising a wheel axially movable relative to the housing and configured to move the actuator assembly in one of a first mode and a second mode, the wheel comprising a distal wheel portion and a proximal wheel portion, each of the distal wheel portion and the proximal wheel portion being separate components coupled together to define a cavity for a subcomponent of the actuator assembly; A surgical cutting assembly comprising: [Aspect 5] Aspect 5. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a first gear configured to engage the housing in the first mode and to disengage from the housing in the second mode. [Aspect 6] A surgical cutting assembly as described in aspect 5, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a second gear fixed to the outer tube and configured to disengage from the wheel in the first mode and engage with the wheel in the second mode. [Aspect 7] A surgical cutting assembly as described in aspect 6, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a third gear fixed to the intermediate tube, the third gear configured to engage with the wheel in the first mode and disengage from the wheel in the second mode. [Aspect 8] 8. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first gear and the second gear include complementary key portions configured to prevent relative rotation but allow relative movement between the first gear and the second gear. [Aspect 9] 8. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 7, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a bearing disposed between the second gear and the third gear. [Aspect 10] Aspect 10. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 5 to 9, dependent on aspect 1, 2, or 4, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a biasing member disposed between the first gear and the second gear. [Aspect 11] Aspect 11. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the housing comprises a nose portion and a collar spaced from the nose portion to define a gap dimensioned to receive the wheel, the nose portion comprising an engagement portion configured to engage the first gear when the actuator assembly is in the first mode. [Aspect 12] 12. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 11, wherein the collar includes a lip dimensioned to receive a proximal side of the wheel when the actuator assembly is in the second mode. [Aspect 13] 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bent portion and a cutting window disposed distally from the bent portion; an actuator assembly including a wheel, a first gear, a second gear secured to the outer tube, and a third gear secured to the intermediate tube; A surgical cutting assembly comprising: [Aspect 14] A surgical cutting assembly as described in aspect 13, configured to achieve at least one of the following: (i) the first gear selectively engages with the housing; (ii) the second gear selectively engages with the wheel; and (iii) the third gear selectively engages with the wheel. [Aspect 15] 15. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first gear and the second gear include complementary key portions configured to prevent relative rotation but allow relative movement between the first gear and the second gear. [Aspect 16] Aspect 16. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 13-15, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a bearing disposed between the second gear and the third gear. [Aspect 17] Aspect 17. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 13-16, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a biasing member disposed between the first gear and the second gear. [Aspect 18] Aspect 18. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 13-17, wherein the housing comprises an engagement portion configured to be selectively engaged by the first gear. [Aspect 19] Aspect 19. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 13-18, wherein the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear are disposed within the wheel. [Aspect 20] 20. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 13-19, wherein the wheel further comprises a distal wheel portion and a proximal wheel portion that are separate pieces coupled together. [Aspect 21] 21. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 19 or 20, wherein the distal wheel portion includes a contour that differs from the contour of the proximal wheel portion to form a flared surface for ergonomic movement of the wheel in the proximal direction. [Aspect 22] Aspect 22. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the tube assembly defines a suction path configured to be placed in fluid communication with a suction source and an irrigation path configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid source. [Aspect 23] Aspect 23. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 1-22, wherein the housing and the actuator assembly form a disposable component of the surgical cutting assembly. [Aspect 24] Aspect 24. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 23, further comprising an auditory indicator disposed on at least one of the housing and the wheel, the auditory indicator configured to provide auditory feedback when the actuator assembly is in one of the first mode and the second mode. [Aspect 25] Aspect 25. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 24, further comprising an interference portion disposed on at least one of the housing and the wheel, the interference portion configured to selectively engage and disengage to enable movement of the wheel between the first mode and the second mode. [Aspect 26] A surgical cutting assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 25; and a main assembly configured to be removably coupled to the surgical cutting assembly, the main assembly including a motor; A surgical instrument comprising: [Aspect 27] 27. The surgical instrument of embodiment 26, wherein the surgical instrument is a shaver or a burr.

Claims

1. 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bent portion and a cutting window disposed distally from the bent portion; an actuator assembly coupled to the housing and the tube assembly, the actuator assembly including a wheel and a biasing member; Equipped with 1. A surgical cutting assembly, wherein the actuator assembly is operable in a first mode in which the wheel is rotatable at a first axial position to rotate the intermediate tube to orient the cutting window, and a second mode in which the wheel is rotatable at a second axial position to rotate the outer tube to orient the bent portion, and the biasing member biases the actuator assembly toward the first axial position.

2. 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bend portion and a cutting window disposed distally relative to the bend portion; an actuator assembly coupled to the housing and the tube assembly, the actuator assembly including a wheel and a biasing member; Equipped with a first mode in which the actuator assembly is operably coupled to the intermediate tube and operably decoupled from the outer tube, and a second mode in which the actuator assembly is operably coupled to the outer tube and operably decoupled from the intermediate tube, and the biasing member biases the actuator assembly toward the first mode.

3. 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bent portion and a cutting window disposed distally from the bent portion; an actuator assembly comprising: a wheel axially movable relative to the housing and configured to move the actuator assembly in one of a first mode and a second mode; and a biasing member coupled to the wheel and configured to bias the actuator assembly into the first mode; A surgical cutting assembly comprising:

4. 4. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a first gear configured to engage the housing in the first mode and to disengage from the housing in the second mode.

5. 5. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 4, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a second gear secured to the outer tube and configured to disengage from the wheel in the first mode and to engage with the wheel in the second mode.

6. 6. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 5, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a third gear secured to the intermediate tube, the third gear configured to engage the wheel in the first mode and disengage from the wheel in the second mode.

7. 6. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 5, wherein the first gear and the second gear include complementary keying portions configured to prevent relative rotation but allow relative movement between the first gear and the second gear.

8. 5. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 4, wherein the housing comprises a nose portion and a collar spaced from the nose portion to define a gap sized to receive the wheel, the nose portion comprising an engagement portion configured to engage the first gear when the actuator assembly is in the first mode.

9. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 8, wherein the collar includes a lip dimensioned to receive a proximal side of the wheel with the actuator assembly in the second mode.

10. 1. A surgical cutting assembly comprising: Housing and a tube assembly coupled to the housing, the tube assembly including an outer tube extending from the housing, an intermediate tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the outer tube, and an inner tube coaxially and rotatably disposed within the intermediate tube, the tube assembly further including a bent portion and a cutting window disposed distally from the bent portion; an actuator assembly including a wheel, a first gear, a second gear fixed to the outer tube, a third gear fixed to the intermediate tube, and a biasing member disposed between the first gear and the second gear; A surgical cutting assembly comprising:

11. 11. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 10, configured to achieve at least one of: (i) the first gear selectively engages the housing; (ii) the second gear selectively engages the wheel; and (iii) the third gear selectively engages the wheel.

12. 12. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein the first gear and the second gear include complementary keying portions configured to prevent relative rotation but allow relative movement between the first gear and the second gear.

13. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a bearing disposed between the second gear and the third gear.

14. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 10, wherein the housing includes an engagement portion configured to be selectively engaged by the first gear.

15. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 10, wherein the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear are disposed within the wheel.

16. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 10, wherein the wheel further comprises a distal wheel portion and a proximal wheel portion that are separate pieces joined together.

17. 11. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 1, wherein the tubing assembly defines an aspiration path configured to be placed in fluid communication with a suction source and an irrigation path configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid source.

18. 11. The surgical cutting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 10, wherein the housing and the actuator assembly form a disposable component of the surgical cutting assembly.

19. 4. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 1, further comprising an auditory indicator disposed on at least one of the housing and the wheel, the auditory indicator configured to provide auditory feedback when the actuator assembly is in one of the first mode and the second mode.

20. 4. The surgical cutting assembly of claim 1, further comprising an interference disposed on at least one of the housing and the wheel, the interference configured to selectively engage and disengage to enable movement of the wheel between the first mode and the second mode.

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