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Flexible inflow/outflow cannula

  • US 5,800,409 A
  • Filed: 01/26/1996
  • Issued: 09/01/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/12/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A cannula for directing a liquid to or from a site during arthroscopic surgery comprised of an elongated hollow tube, the elongated hollow tube comprising:

  • a distal end;

    a rigid segment that does not include the distal end;

    a flexible segment that abuts the rigid segment and includes the distal end, the flexible segment laving a length "f" and an outer diameter "d" and being tapered along the length "f" such that the outer diameter "d" continuously decreases in the direction of the distal end, the flexible segment being sufficiently flexible to bend through an angle of approximately ninety degrees and then return to an approximately straight position while the flexible segment is at least partially inserted inside of a living human being, the rigid segment being substantially unbendable relative to the flexible segment;

    the flexible segment having a first wall thickness measured at a location on the flexible segment that is proximal to the distal end,and a second wall thickness, measured at the distal end, with the first wall thickness being greater than the second wall thickness; and

    a lumen beginning at the distal end and extending longitudinally completely through the flexible segment and the rigid segment for providing a passageway for the flow of a liquid through the elongated hollow tube, the lumen remaining, open to the flow of the liquid when the flexible segment is bent through an angle of approximately ninety degrees and then returned to an approximately straight position, while the flexible segment is at least partially inserted inside of a living human being.

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