Patent attributes
An apparatus for abrading tissue includes a bearing tube having distal and proximal ends, and a suction port formed distally in a sidewall of the bearing tube. An inner tube disposed within the bearing tube has a distal opening, the distal opening being located proximal of the suction port in the sidewall of the bearing tube. A solid transition region extending distally from the inner tube is disposed distal to the distal opening. An abrading element supported distally by the solid transition region is used to perform orthopedic abrading procedures. The outer diameter of the abrading element is greater than the inner diameter of the bearing tube. Debris generated by abrading procedures is aspirated through the suction port formed in the sidewall of the bearing tube and into the lumen of the inner tube. A hooded sheath extends distally from the bearing tube, or optionally from a sheath tube provided over the bearing tube.
