US Patent 7699849 Diskectomy instrument with disposable blade head

A diskectomy instrument includes a blade housing assembly having a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The second portion is fixedly attached to a probe body, and the first portion is releasably connectable to the second portion. At least one blade opening is provided, and at least one blade is movably mounted at least partially within the blade housing for movement through the at least one blade opening between an extended position and a retracted position. A drive stem is movably mounted for linear movement within the probe body and is operatively connected to an actuator. The drive stem engages the at least one blade to move the blade between the extended position and the retracted position. A removal tool is provided to permit the first housing portion to be removed from the second housing portion.