International Classification:
A61M 3100, A61M 500
Abstract:
A cannula is provided with a guide bar extending in spaced, parallel relationship to the cannula. Adjacent and overlying a hole formed in the cannula tip through which suction is applied to surgically aspirate fatty tissue is a guide surface adapted to contact and slide against the skin of a patient while the cannula tip is manually directed by the surgeon through the fatty tissue in reciprocating strokes. The guide surface, which may be a pair of wheels, maintains the tip at a constant depth within the tissue so that, upon completion of suction lipectomy, a desired amount of fatty tissue is surgically aspirated while leaving an even thickness layer of tissue in tact. A new surgical procedure for performing suction lipectomies with the guided cannula of the invention is also disclosed. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the guide bar includes an elevated portion spaced a greater distance from the cannula and a forward end of the guide bar having the guide surface. The elevated portion is manually engageable to permit two-handed reciprocating movement of the cannula by the surgeon and to allow the surgeon to contact the patient's skin beneath the elevated portion to assist the cannula in the surgical procedure.