Methods of treating degenerative bone conditions

Abstract

A combination suction and irrigation device for a medical procedure. The device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end and defines an open channel that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The open channel is open at both the proximal end and the distal end. A suction port is in communication with the open channel and is connectable to a source of suction. An irrigation port is in communication with the open channel and is connectable to a source of irrigation fluid. A valve selectively opens and closes the open channel to flow relative to the suction port and to the open proximal end, and to flow relative to the irrigation port.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A combination suction and irrigation device for a medical procedure, comprising:
 an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an open channel that extends from the proximal end to the distal end, the open channel being open at both the proximal end and the distal end;   a suction port in communication with the open channel, the suction port being connectable to a source of suction;   an irrigation port in communication with the open channel, the irrigation port being connectable to a source of irrigation fluid;   a valve for selectively opening and closing the open channel to flow relative to the suction port and to the open proximal end, and to flow relative to the irrigation port.   
     
     
         2 . The combination suction and irrigation device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the suction port is located proximal of the irrigation port. 
     
     
         3 . The combination suction and irrigation device recited in  claim 1 , further including a syringe body in communication with the irrigation port. 
     
     
         4 . The combination suction and irrigation device recited in  claim 1 , further including a connector extending from the elongated body, the connector configured to mount a syringe body to the elongated body. 
     
     
         5 . The combination suction and irrigation device recited in  claim 4 , wherein the connector is located proximal of the suction port. 
     
     
         6 . The combination suction and irrigation device recited in  claim 4 , wherein the connector is located proximal of the valve. 
     
     
         7 . The combination suction and irrigation device recited in  claim 4 , wherein the valve, the suction port, the irrigation port, and the connector, are all located along a proximal portion of the elongated body, the proximal portion having a wider dimension than a distal portion of the elongated body that extends distally of the proximal portion.