SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CABLE-BASED DEBRIDEMENT

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide systems and methods for cable-based debridement.SOLUTION: Systems and methods for treating disc herniation include surgical and endoscopic access and removal of disc tissue. Tissue removal devices that may be used include flexible elongate members, such as a cable, that may be inserted into a vertebral disc and rotated to pulverize the disc material and facilitate its removal. According to one embodiment, a tissue removal system comprises a handheld housing with a power supply, an adjustment assembly and a motor configured to rotate at a speed of at least about 7,000 rpm, an outer shaft attached to the handheld housing and having a length of about 10 cm to about 30 cm and an average diameter of less than about 2 mm, an inner shaft located within the outer shaft and coupled to the motor, and a tubular core attached to the inner shaft.