Spiral cut curved blade

Abstract

An arthroscopic shaver with an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member rotatably disposed within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with a cutting means on the distal end portion. The inner tubular member has a plurality of helical segments or two sliced tubes of stainless steel wound in alternating opposite directions providing a more flexible configuration and better torque capability for the inner tubular member.

1 . A method of forming an instrument for removing anatomical tissue, comprising:
 forming an inner tubular member comprising an elliptical tip and comprising at least two coaxial inner tubes operatively connected at the end, each of the coaxial inner tubes being formed by cutting the coaxial inner tubes so that the tubes are sliced in opposite directions to form a plurality of serially arranged, interconnected helical segments disposed in alternating opposite directions, wherein the helical segments extend continuously in a helical path along the two inner tubes and wherein opposite ends of the helical cuts do not meet, to provide the inner tubular member with a flexible transmission, and wherein each helical segment begins at a distance from a distal end of the elliptical tip; and   inserting the inner tubular member within an outer tubular member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a bend.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner tubular member is rotatably disposed within said outer tubular member. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tubular member includes a distal end portion having a cutting means. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein said cutting means is a shaver blade. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said inner tubular member includes a distal end portion having an abrading element. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said helical segments are formed about a central longitudinal axis of said inner tubular member. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said helical segments are laser sliced on said two tubes. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said outer and inner tubular members are stainless steel. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said outer and inner tubular members are a hollow cylindrical configuration. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein a sleeve is attached to said inner tubular member. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said sleeve is laser cut. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said sleeve is a polymer. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said sleeve is welded onto said inner tubular member.