Surgical BUR with safe dissection feature

Abstract

A surgical cutting device includes a handle and a shaft having a distal end engaged to a cutting tool. A surgical bur is engaged to a distal end of the cutting tool and is configured to cut tissue. The surgical bur includes: a cavity housing an elastomer transitionable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration; a periphery including cutting flutes disposed therearound configured to cut tissue upon rotation thereof; and pockets defined through the periphery into the cavity, each pocket supporting a ball bearing between the pocket and the elastomer. The ball bearings retract within the pockets against the elastomer when the surgical bur engages bone to expose the cutting flutes for cutting. The ball bearings extend outwardly from the pockets when the surgical bur engages tissue and the elastomer transitions to the expanded configuration to protect the tissue from the cutting flutes.

Description

SURGICAL BUR WITH SAFE DISSECTION FEATUREFIELD

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 599,122, filed 15 November 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to powered surgical cutting devices and systems and, more specifically, to surgical burs with automatically deployable soft tissue protection features for powered surgical cutting devices and systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Powered surgical cutting devices and systems are utilized in a wide variety of surgical procedures to perform various different surgical cutting functions including, for example, drilling, tapping, resection, dissection, debridement, shaving, sawing, pulverizing, and / or shaping of anatomical tissue including bone.SUMMARY

[0004] As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is farther from an operator (whether a human surgeon or a surgical robot), while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to the operator. Terms including “generally,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like, as utilized herein, are meant to encompass variations, e.g., manufacturing tolerances, material tolerances, use and environmental tolerances, measurement variations, design variations, and / or other variations, up to and including plus or minus 10 percent. To the extent consistent, any of the aspects described herein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects described herein.

[0005] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical cutting device which includes a handle and a shaft assembly having a distal end engaged to a cutting tool and a proximal end adapted to connect to a motor for driving the shaft assembly. A surgical bur is engaged to a distal end of the cutting tool and is configured to cut tissue. The surgical bur includes: an inner cavity defined therein configured to house an elastomer transitionable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration; an outer periphery including a series of cutting flutes disposed therearound and extending outwardly therefrom and configured to cut tissueupon rotation of the surgical bur; a plurality of ball bearings; and a plurality of pockets defined through the outer periphery of the surgical bur and into the inner cavity, each pocket of the plurality of pockets configured to support a corresponding ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings between the respective pocket and the elastomer disposed with the cavity.

[0006] One or more of the ball bearings of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pocket against the elastomer when the surgical bur engages bone to transition the elastomer to the contracted configuration to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting. One or more of the ball bearings of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to extend outwardly from the respective pocket when the surgical bur engages soft tissue and the elastomer transitions to the expanded configuration to protect the soft tissue from the series of cutting flutes.

[0007] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pockets against the elastomer when the surgical bur engages bone to transition the elastomer to the contracted configuration to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting.

[0008] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the series of cutting flutes are arranged in a helical pattern about the outer periphery of the surgical bur.

[0009] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the dimensions of each ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings relative to each pocket of the plurality of pockets is such that each ball bearing extends a distance from the respective pocket beyond the series of cutting flutes when forced outwardly to protect the soft tissue “ST” and each ball bearing retracts within the cavity to expose the series of cutting flutes when unbiased to allow tissue cutting.

[0010] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the elastomer is an elastic dampener.

[0011] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical cutting device which includes a handle and a shaft assembly having a distal end engaged to a cutting tool and a proximal end adapted to connect to a motor for driving the shaft assembly. A surgical bur is engaged to a distal end of the cutting tool and is configured to cut tissue. The surgical bur includes: an inner cavity defined therein dimensioned to house a cylinder configured to rotate with the shaft assembly, the cylinder including a plurality of cylinder pockets defined therein configured to support a corresponding plurality of ball bearings thereon; an outer periphery including a series of cutting flutes disposed therearound and extending outwardly therefrom and configured to cut tissue upon rotation of the surgical bur; a plurality of ball bearings; and a plurality of pocketsdefined through the outer periphery of the surgical bur and into the inner cavity, each pocket of the plurality of pockets configured to receive a corresponding ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings between the respective pocket and the cylinder pocket.

[0012] One or more ball bearings of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pocket against the cylinder when the surgical bur engages bone to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting. One or more ball bearings of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to extend outwardly from the respective pocket when the surgical bur engages soft tissue due to the centrifugal force of the rotating cylinder forcing the ball bearings outwardly therefrom to protect the soft tissue from the series of cutting flutes.

[0013] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pockets when the surgical bur engages bone against the centrifugal force of the rotating cylinder to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting.

[0014] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the series of cutting flutes are arranged in a helical pattern about the outer periphery of the surgical bur.

[0015] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the dimensions of each ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings relative to each pocket of the plurality of pockets is such that each ball bearing extends a distance from the respective pocket beyond the series of cutting flutes when forced outwardly to protect the soft tissue “ST” and each ball bearing retracts within the cavity to expose the series of cutting flutes when unbiased to allow tissue cutting.

[0016] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the cylinder is integrally associated with the shaft assembly.

[0017] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical cutting device which includes a handle and a shaft assembly having a distal end engaged to a cutting tool and a proximal end adapted to connect to a motor for driving the shaft assembly. A surgical bur is engaged to a distal end of the cutting tool and is configured to cut tissue. The surgical bur includes: an outer periphery including a series of cutting flutes disposed therearound and extending outwardly therefrom and configured to cut tissue upon rotation of the surgical bur; an inner cavity defined therein including a plurality of pockets extending to the outer periphery; and a passage defined through the shaft assembly and extending into the cavity configured to deliver air or fluid into the cavity under pressure which is forced through the plurality of pockets.

[0018] During use, when the surgical bur is contacting bone, the cutting forces required to cut bone are higher than the force of the air or fluid exiting the plurality of pockets allowing the series of cutting flutes to maintain contact with the bone during rotation to cut bone. Upon contact with soft tissue, there is less resistance to the air or fluid exiting the plurality of pockets and the soft tissue is forced away from the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur and away from the series of rotating cutting flutes.

[0019] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the series of cutting flutes are arranged in a helical pattern about the outer periphery of the surgical bur.

[0020] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the passage is adapted to connect to a fluid source configured to deliver fluid to the surgical bur.

[0021] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the passage is adapted to connect to air source configured to deliver air to the surgical bur.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in view of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical system provided in accordance with the present disclosure including a console, a footswitch, and a powered surgical cutting device;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates various different rotational cutting tips configured for use with the surgical cutting device of FIG. 1 ;

[0025] FIG. 3 A is an enlarged, perspective view of one embodiment of a surgical bur for use with the powered surgical cutting device of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGS. 3B-3G are enlarged internal and external views of the surgical bur of FIG. 3A having an internal dampening system that protects underlying soft tissue during bone resection;

[0027] FIG. 4A is an enlarged, perspective view of another embodiment of a surgical bur for use with the powered surgical cutting device of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0028] FIGS. 4B-4G are enlarged internal and external views of the surgical bur of FIG. 4A having an internal centrifugal ball-bearing safety system that protects underlying soft tissue during bone resection;

[0029] FIG. 5A is an enlarged, perspective view of another embodiment of a surgical bur for use with the powered surgical cutting device of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIGS. 5B-5E are enlarged internal and external views of the surgical bur of FIG. 5A having an internal air pressure or irrigation-infused safety system that protects underlying soft tissue during bone resection.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Turning to FIG. 1, a surgical system 10 provided in accordance with the present disclosure includes a console 100, a footswitch 200, and one or more surgical cutting devices 300. Console 100 may include an outer housing 110 enclosing the internal operable components of console 100, a touch screen graphical user interface (GUI) 120 to receive user input and display information to the user, a plurality of device ports 130, one or more fluid pumps 140, and / or other suitable features. One or more processors and associated memory(s) (not shown) are disposed within outer housing 110 and function to provide power and control signals to devices connected to console 100; to process user inputs, feedback data, and other information received at console 100; and to control the one or more fluid pumps 140. Suitable hardware and drive mechanisms may be disposed within outer housing 110 to perform the various functions of console 100 and may include, for example, power-generating circuitry, sensor circuitry, motors, pump drivers, etc.

[0032] Footswitch 200 is configured to connect to one of the device ports 130 of console 100 and includes a base 210, a foot pedal 220 (including an underlying switch or switches (not explicitly shown), and one or more control buttons 230. A cord (not shown) having a plug at the free end is configured to connect footswitch 200 to one of the device ports 130 of console 100 such that user inputs provided to footswitch 200 are received at console 100, e.g., for controlling settings, actuating, and / or otherwise operating one or more devices associated with console 100.

[0033] The one or more surgical cutting devices 300 may define any suitable configurations for use in performing various different surgical tasks, for use in various different procedures, etc. One example of a suitable surgical cutting device, surgical cutting device 300, generally includes a handle 310, a shaft assembly 320 extending distally from handle 310 (releasably or integrally connected thereto), a cutting tool 330 extending distally from shaft assembly 320, a motor 340 disposed within handle 310 and operably coupled to cutting tool 330 to drive rotation and / or reciprocation of cutting tool 330 relative to shaft assembly 320 to cut tissue, and a cord 350 toconnect motor 340 to console 100 to enable console 100 to power and control motor 340, thereby controlling cutting tool 330. Motor 340 may be an electric motor, pneumatic motor, ultrasonic transducer, or other suitable motor configured to drive cutting tool 330 to rotate and / or reciprocate for cutting tissue. In aspects, surgical cutting device 300 may further include additional features such as, for example, hand control(s), navigation, articulation, etc.

[0034] Cutting tool 330 may define any suitable configuration and may be integrated with surgical cutting device 300 or removable therefrom. More specifically, and with additional reference to FIG. 2, various different rotational cutting tips 335 may include respective shafts configured for releasable attachment with surgical cutting device 300. In aspects, rotational cutting tips 335 and shafts 332 are releasably engageable with shaft assembly 320 (which, in turn, may be releasably or integrally connected to handle 310). Alternatively, rotational cutting tips 335 may be integral with corresponding shaft assemblies 320 that are, in turn, releasably engageable with handle 310. In either configuration, surgical cutting device 300 is thus capable of being interchangeably customized with a particular rotational cutting tool tip 335, depending upon a particular purpose, e.g., a reciprocating cutting tool and / or cutting tip configured for both rotation and reciprocation are also contemplated.

[0035] Turning briefly to FIG. 3A, surgical cutting device 300 may be configured to releasably engage a surgical bur 435 configured to resect bone “B”. More particularly, surgical bur 435 is operably coupled to a distal end of shaft 432 which, in turn, releasably or integrally connects to handle 310. Surgical bur 435 includes a series of cutting flutes 437a-437c disposed about an outer peripheral surface thereof in a generalized helical pattern for example. A cavity 433 is defined within the surgical bur 435 and extends to a distal-most tip 431 having an exposed pocket 439 defined therein. Cavity 433 is configured to house a dampening system 425 including an elastomer 425’ (or other type of deforming element) and a plurality of ball bearings 438 disposed between an outer periphery of the elastomer 425’ and plurality of corresponding pockets 435’ defined in the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 435. A distal-most ball bearing 436 is disposed within pocket 439 and against the distal tip of the elastomer 425’.

[0036] During use and as shown in FIGS. 3B-3G, the surgical bur 435 utilizes the combination of the elastomer 425’ and ball bearings 438, 436 to shield the soft tissue “ST” from the rotating cutting flutes 437a-437c upon contact with soft tissue “ST”. More particularly, upon initial contact with bone “B”, the ball bearings 436, 438 are pushed into the cavity 433 in the direction “R” andagainst the bias of the elastomer 425’ such that the cutting flutes 437a-437c on the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 435 are raised or exposed relative to the ball bearings 436, 438. As the surgical bur 435 rotates, bone may be resected and removed in accordance with the geometric profile of the surgical bur 435 (FIGS. 3B-3E).

[0037] Once the surgical bur 435 breaks through bone “B” and into soft tissue “ST”, the bias of the ball bearings 436, 438 against the elastomer 425’ is released in the direction “E” forcing the ball bearings 438 from cavity 433 and through the corresponding pockets 435’ defined in the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 435 and the distal-most ball bearing 436 distally through pocket 439. The ball bearings 436, 438 are forced outwardly beyond the exposed depth of the cutting flutes 437a-437c thereby shielding the soft tissue “ST”.

[0038] The dimensions of each ball bearing 436, 438 relative to each respective pocket 439, 435’ is such that the ball bearings 436, 438 extend a distance from the respective pocket 439, 435’ beyond the cutting flutes 437a-437c when biased outwardly to protect the soft tissue “ST” and retract within the cavity 433 to expose the cutting flutes 437a-437c when unbiased to cut tissue.

[0039] Similarly and with respect to FIG. 4 A, surgical cutting device 300 may be configured to releasably engage a surgical bur 535 configured to resect bone “B”. Similar to above, surgical bur 535 is operably coupled to a distal end of shaft 532 which, in turn, releasably or integrally connects to handle 310 and includes a series of cutting flutes 537a-537c disposed about an outer peripheral surface thereof in a generalized helical pattern. A cavity 533 is defined within the surgical bur 535 and extends to a distal-most tip 531 having an exposed pocket 539 defined therein. Cavity 533 is configured to house a ball bearing support cylinder 525 including a plurality of pockets 525’ configured to support a corresponding plurality of ball bearings 538 disposed between the cylinder 525 and a plurality of corresponding pockets 535’ defined in the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 535. A distal-most ball bearing 536 is disposed within pocket 539 and against the distal tip of the cylinder 525.

[0040] During use and as shown in FIGS. 4B-4G, the surgical bur 535 utilizes a combination of centrifugal force and ball bearings 538, 536 to shield the soft tissue “ST” from the rotating cutting flutes 537a-537c upon contact with soft tissue “ST”. More particularly, upon initial contact with bone “B”, the ball bearings 536, 538 are pushed into the cavity 533 in the direction “R” overcoming the centrifugal force associated with the spinning cylinder 525 such that the cutting flutes 537a-537c on the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 535 are raised or exposedrelative to the ball bearings 536, 538. As the surgical bur 535 rotates, bone may be resected and removed in accordance with the geometric profile of the surgical bur 535 (FIGS. 4B-4E).

[0041] Once the surgical bur 535 breaks through bone “B” and into soft tissue “ST”, there is nothing to hold back the centrifugal force and the ball bearings 536, 538 are forced outwardly in the direction “E” through corresponding pockets 535’ defined in the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 535 and the distal-most ball bearing 536 distally through pocket 539. The ball bearings 536, 538 are forced outwardly beyond the exposed depth of the cutting flutes 537a-537c thereby shielding the soft tissue “ST”.

[0042] Again, the dimensions of each ball bearing 536, 538 relative to each respective pocket 539, 535’ is such that the ball bearings 536, 538 extend a distance from the respective pocket 539, 535’ beyond the cutting flutes 537a-537c when biased outwardly to protect the soft tissue “ST” and retract within the cavity 533 to expose the cutting flutes 537a-537c when unbiased to cut tissue.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 5 A, surgical cutting device 300 may be configured to releasably engage a surgical bur 635 used to resect bone “B”. Similar to above, surgical bur 635 is operably coupled to a distal end of shaft 632 which, in turn, releasably or integrally connects to handle 310 and includes a series of cutting flutes 637a-637c disposed about an outer peripheral surface thereof in a generalized helical pattern. A cavity 633 is defined within the surgical bur 635 and extends to an exposed distal-most tip 631. A plurality of pockets 635’ is defined in the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 635 in communication with the cavity 633. An air / irrigation passage 634 is defined through shaft 632 and extends into cavity 633 and is configured to deliver air or fluid into the cavity 633 under pressure which is, in turn, forced through pockets 635’ during resection. When resecting bone “B”, the cutting forces required are higher than the force of the air “A” exiting the pockets 635’ such that the cutting flutes 637a-637c maintain contact with the bone “B” during rotation of the surgical bur 635.

[0044] During use and as shown in FIGS. 5B-5E, the surgical bur 635 utilizes air “A” to shield the soft tissue “ST” from the rotating cutting flutes 637a-637c upon contact with soft tissue “ST”. More particularly, upon initial contact with bone “B”, the force of the air / fluid is overcome such that the cutting flutes 637a-637c on the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 635 (raised or exposed relative to the outer peripheral surface) maintain contact with the bone “B”. As the surgical bur 635 rotates, bone “B” may be resected and removed in accordance with the geometric profile of the surgical bur 635 (FIGS. 5B-5D).

[0045] Once the surgical bur 635 breaks through bone “B” and into soft tissue “ST”, there is less resistance to the air / fluid “A” from the soft tissue “ST”. As a result, the soft tissue “ST” is forced away from the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur 635 by the air / fluid “A” exiting the pockets 635’ and away from the rotating cutting flutes 637a-637c. Pocket 636 at the distal- most tip 631 pushes soft tissue “ST” away from the cutting tip 631 immediately upon the cutting tip 631 surgical bur 635 breaking through the bone “B” (FIG. 5D). Thus, the soft tissue “ST” is continually protected from the rotating blades 637a-637c by the force of the air “A” exiting the pockets 635’ pushing the soft tissue “ST” away from the rotating blades 637a-637c until the surgical bur 635 is removed.

[0046] While several aspects of the present disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the present disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surgical cutting device, comprising: a handle; a shaft assembly including a distal end engaged to a cutting tool and a proximal end adapted to connect to a motor for driving the shaft assembly; a surgical bur engaged to a distal end of the cutting tool configured to cut tissue, the surgical bur including: an inner cavity defined therein configured to house an elastomer transitionable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration; an outer periphery including a series of cutting flutes disposed therearound and extending outwardly therefrom and configured to cut tissue upon rotation of the surgical bur; a plurality of ball bearings; and a plurality of pockets defined through the outer periphery of the surgical bur and into the inner cavity, each pocket of the plurality of pockets configured to support a corresponding ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings between the respective pocket and the elastomer disposed with the cavity, wherein at least a distal-most ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pocket against the elastomer when the surgical bur engages bone to transition the elastomer to the contracted configuration to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting, and wherein at least the distal-most ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to extend outwardly from the respective pocket when the surgical bur engages soft tissue and the elastomer transitions to the expanded configuration to protect the soft tissue from the series of cutting flutes.

2. The surgical cutting device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pockets against the elastomer when the surgical bur engages bone to transition the elastomer to the first, contracted configuration to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting.

3. The surgical cutting device according to claim 1, wherein the series of cutting flutes are arranged in a helical pattern about the outer periphery of the surgical bur.

4. The surgical cutting device according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of each ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings relative to each pocket of the plurality of pockets is such that each ball bearing extends a distance from the respective pocket beyond the series of cutting flutes when forced outwardly to protect the soft tissue and each ball bearing retracts within the cavity to expose the series of cutting flutes when unbiased to allow tissue cutting.

5. The surgical cutting device according to claim 1, wherein the elastomer is an elastic dampener.

6. A surgical cutting device, comprising: a handle; a shaft assembly including a distal end engaged to a cutting tool and a proximal end adapted to connect to a motor for rotating the shaft assembly; a surgical bur engaged to a distal end of the cutting tool configured to cut tissue, the surgical bur including: an inner cavity defined therein dimensioned to house a cylinder configured to rotate with the shaft assembly, the cylinder including a plurality of cylinder pockets defined therein configured to support a corresponding plurality of ball bearings thereon; an outer periphery including a series of cutting flutes disposed therearound and extending outwardly therefrom and configured to cut tissue upon rotation of the surgical bur; a plurality of ball bearings; and a plurality of pockets defined through the outer periphery of the surgical bur and into the inner cavity, each pocket of the plurality of pockets configured to receive a corresponding ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings between the respective pocket and the cylinder pocket,wherein at least a distal-most ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pocket against the cylinder when the surgical bur engages bone to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting, and wherein at least the distal-most ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings is configured to extend outwardly from the respective pocket when the surgical bur engages soft tissue due to the centrifugal force of the rotating cylinder forcing the ball bearing outwardly therefrom to protect the soft tissue from the series of cutting flutes.

7. The surgical cutting device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of ball bearings is configured to retract within the respective pockets when the surgical bur engages bone against the centrifugal force of the rotating cylinder to expose the series of cutting flutes for cutting.

8. The surgical cutting device according to claim 6, wherein the series of cutting flutes are arranged in a helical pattern about the outer periphery of the surgical bur.

9. The surgical cutting device according to claim 6, wherein the dimensions of each ball bearing of the plurality of ball bearings relative to each pocket of the plurality of pockets is such that each ball bearing extends a distance from the respective pocket beyond the series of cutting flutes when forced outwardly to protect the soft tissue and each ball bearing retracts within the cavity to expose the series of cutting flutes when unbiased to allow tissue cutting.

10. The surgical cutting device according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder is integrally associated with the shaft assembly.

11. A surgical cutting device, comprising: a handle; a shaft assembly including a distal end engaged to a cutting tool and a proximal end adapted to connect to a motor for rotating the shaft assembly; a surgical bur engaged to a distal end of the cutting tool configured to cut tissue, the surgical bur including:an outer periphery including a series of cutting flutes disposed therearound and extending outwardly therefrom and configured to cut tissue upon rotation of the surgical bur; an inner cavity defined therein including a plurality of pockets extending to the outer periphery; a passage defined through the shaft assembly and extending into the cavity configured to deliver air or fluid into the cavity under pressure which is forced through the plurality of pockets, wherein the cutting forces required to cut bone are higher than the force of the air or fluid exiting the plurality of pockets allowing the series of cutting flutes to maintain contact with the bone during rotation and cut bone, and wherein upon contact with soft tissue there is less resistance to the air or fluid exiting the plurality of pockets and the soft tissue is forced away from the outer peripheral surface of the surgical bur and away from the series of cutting flutes.

12. The surgical cutting device according to claim 11, wherein the series of cutting flutes are arranged in a helical pattern about the outer periphery of the surgical bur.

13. The surgical cutting device according to claim 11, wherein the passage is adapted to connect to a fluid source configured to deliver fluid to the surgical bur.

14. The surgical cutting device according to claim 11, wherein the passage is adapted to connect to air source configured to deliver air to the surgical bur.

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