Importance

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Abstract

A surgical anti-friction device for use with highly flexible, reinforced swan neck liposuction cannulas. The flexible cannulas are constructed of metal and plastic, with the metal cannulas having diameters of between 2.0 and 3.5 mm, and with the plastic cannulas having diameters greater than 3.5 mm (i.e., 3.5 to 6.0 mm), and are inserted through the surgical anti-friction device. These long shaft flexible cannulas, when utilized in combination with a reinforced neck, allow the cannula point of entry to act as a fulcrum (with an optional interposed insert) in concert with the surgeon's guiding hand to deflect the cannulas. The surgical anti-friction device protects the incision through which the cannula passes. The long, flexible plastic cannula shafts are provided central metal 'memory' reinforcing wires of varying thicknesses along the length thereof which allow controlled rigidity of the long plastic shafts, and enable the cannulas to be bent into a semi-circle without breaking and yet return to their original shape. The surgical anti-friction device or insert is configured, for example, as a cone with rows of V-shaped cuts on the surface. The V-shaped cuts may extend in opposite directions to define a space or blank area therebetween, which may be located adjacent the skin area when inserted into an incision or opening, and functions to prevent movement of the insert in either direction.

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First Claim