Trocars

Abstract

One aspect of the invention provides a trocar including: a central cylinder defining a central channel and having a distal end adapted and configured for insertion within a subject; one or more gas outlets located within the central cylinder proximate to the distal end of the trocar; and one or more liquid outlets located within the central cylinder on a proximal side of the one or more gas outlets. The one or more liquid outlets are adapted and configured to dispense a liquid when an endoscope is withdrawn from a fully extended position within the central channel of the trocar to a position proximate to the one or more liquid outlets. Distal advancement of the endoscope to a position adjacent to the one or more gas outlets removes liquid from a distal end of the endoscope.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 094,754, filed Oct. 18, 2018, which is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT / US2017 / 027320, filed Apr. 13, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 325,742 filed Apr. 21, 2016. The entire contents of each application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Surgical endoscopic camera devices, or endoscopes, are utilized in minimally invasive surgery to visualize the operative field. The endoscope is inserted into a body cavity through a trocar that is employed as a portal for surgical instruments. Carbon dioxide insufflation is often delivered through these trocars into the body cavity to facilitate expansion of the body cavity, thereby providing working room for the operation. Endoscopes typically contain a means of illumination such as a fiber op...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The trocar system significantly reduces the need for manual cleaning, maintaining continuous visualization and reducing operative time by enabling automatic lens cleaning within the surgical field.

Problems solved by technology

During minimally invasive surgical procedures utilizing endoscopes, the lens of the endoscope will often encounter blood, cautery smoke, or debris, decreasing visualization of the operative field.

This exercise, which is often performed countless times during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, results in repeated loss of visualization of the operative field, significantly increased operative time, increased surgeon frustration, and increased possibility of untoward surgical outcomes.

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