Trocar system and method of use

Abstract

A trocar system including a cannula and an obturator assembly being at least partially insertable through the cannula. The obturator assembly including a housing, a penetrating tip disposed at a distal end, an elongated shield including a guard extending from a shaft are movable relative to the penetrating tip, and a latch mechanism disposed generally within the housing. The latch mechanism facilitates changing the configuration of the obturator assembly between a fixed-shield orientation, wherein at least a portion of the guard is maintained to extend at least partially distal of the penetrating tip to prevent puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip, to a non-fixed shield orientation whereby upon application of force to the distal end of the obturator assembly, the guard and penetrating tip are permitted to move relative one another to facilitate puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present disclosure relates to trocar systems for inserting cannulas into patients, and more particularly to modular trocar systems and methods of assembly of trocar systems. [0003] 2. Background of Related Art [0004] Minimally invasive procedures are continually increasing in number and variation. Forming a relatively small diameter temporary pathway to the surgical site is the key feature of most minimally invasive surgical procedures. The most common method of providing such a pathway is by inserting a trocar assembly through the skin. In many procedures the trocar is inserted into an insufflated body cavity of a patient. In such procedures, trocar assemblies with seal mechanisms are utilized to provide the necessary pathway to the surgical site while minimizing leakage of insufflation gases through the inserted cannula. [0005] Trocar assemblies typically include an obturator removably inserted through a cannula assembly. The obturat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present disclosure provides a modular trocar system which overcomes disadvantages associated with previous trocar systems. The presently disclosed modular trocar system satisfies the need for more reliable trocar assemblies while improving manufacturing efficiencies.

[0008] In particular, the present disclosure provides trocar system including a cannula and an obturator assembly being at least partially insertable through the cannula. The obturator assembly including a housing, a penetrating tip disposed at a distal end, an elongated shield including a guard extending from a shaft are movable relative to the penetrating tip, and a latch mechanism disposed generally within the housing. The latch mechanism facilitates changing the configuration of the obturator assembly between a fixed-shield orientation, wherein at least a portion of the guard is maintained to extend at least partially distal of the penetrating tip to prevent puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip, to a non-fixed shield orientation whereby upon application of force to the distal end of the obturator assembly, the guard and penetrating tip are permitted to move relative one another to facilitate puncturing of tissue by the penetrating tip.

Problems solved by technology

Minimally invasive procedures are continually increasing in number and variation.

Such mechanisms can be complex and often require numerous moving parts to accomplish the release and resetting of a the safety shield lock feature so as to permit the obturator's penetrating tip to function only when desired to facilitate insertion of the trocar assembly and placement of the cannula portion thereof.

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