APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING TISSUE
Apparatus and methods for removing tissue a body cavity. Apparatus and methods comprise an inner sleeve, a middle sleeve, an outer sleeve, and an irrigation conduit.
1 . An apparatus for removing tissue from a body cavity, the apparatus comprising:
an inner sleeve;
a middle sleeve comprising an aperture that exposes a portion of the inner sleeve;
an outer sleeve; and
an irrigation conduit, wherein:
the irrigation conduit comprises a first end proximal to the aperture of the middle sleeve; and
the inner sleeve is configured to move relative to the middle sleeve.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the irrigation conduit is disposed between the middle sleeve and the outer sleeve.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the irrigation conduit is integral to the outer sleeve.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer sleeve comprises a flexible portion proximal to the aperture of the middle sleeve.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the outer sleeve comprises a continuous wall in the flexible portion.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer sleeve comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, or PTFE.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inner sleeve rotates within the middle sleeve.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inner sleeve moves axially within the middle sleeve.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inner sleeve comprises a blade exposed by the aperture.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer sleeve comprises a control member configured to articulate the outer sleeve, the middle sleeve and the inner sleeve.
11 . The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the control member is a cable, wire or ribbon.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the aperture comprises a sharp edge.
13 . A method of removing tissue from a body cavity, the method comprising:
providing an apparatus comprising:
an inner sleeve;
a middle sleeve comprising an aperture that exposes a portion of the inner sleeve;
an outer sleeve; and
an irrigation conduit, wherein:
the irrigation conduit comprises a first end proximal to the aperture of the middle sleeve; and
the inner sleeve is configured to move relative to the middle sleeve;
inserting the apparatus into the body cavity;
excising tissue by engaging tissue between the inner sleeve and the middle sleeve;
irrigating the body cavity with fluid from the irrigation conduit; and
removing the excised tissue.
14 . The method of claim 13 further comprising providing suction to the inner sleeve.
15 . The method of claim 13 wherein the body cavity is an ear, nose or throat cavity.
16 . The method of claim 13 further comprising rotating the inner sleeve relative to the middle sleeve.
17 . The method of claim 13 further comprising moving the inner sleeve axially relative to the middle sleeve.
18 . The method of claim 13 further comprising articulating the outer sleeve, the middle sleeve and the inner sleeve.
19 . The method of claim 13 wherein the outer sleeve comprises a control member, and wherein the outer sleeve, the middle sleeve and the inner sleeve are articulated via the control member.
20 . The method of claim 19 wherein the control member comprises a cable, wire or ribbon.