Trocar assembly for adapter assembly of surgical suturing instrument

Abstract

The present invention relates to a trocar assembly for an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument. The trocar assembly for releasably engaging with the adapter assembly of the surgical suturing instrument comprises a trocar mechanism including a trocar member capable of at least one of rotational or articulated motion relative to a housing of the trocar assembly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 834,493, 62 / 834,483, 62 / 834,486, 62 / 834,490, and 62 / 834,502, all filed on April 16, 2019, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to circular stapling instruments. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a trocar assembly for use in an adapter assembly of a circular stapling instrument. Background Art

[0004] Surgical instruments for applying staples, clips or other fasteners to tissues are well known. Typically, an endoscopic suturing instrument comprises an actuating unit, such as a handle assembly for actuating the instrument, an elongated shaft for entering a body cavity, and a tool assembly disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft.

[0005] The adapter assembly used with the circular suturing tool assembly comprises a trocar assembly, which is used to selectively position anvil (anvil, base) assembly relative to the box assembly. In order to help the anvil assembly to be stable relative to the box assembly, it is beneficial to have a trocar assembly that can rotate and / or articulate trocar members. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a trocar assembly for releasably engaging with an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument is provided. The trocar assembly includes: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis; and a trocar mechanism supported within the housing and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The trocar mechanism includes a tubular member and a trocar member rotatably supported at a distal end of the tubular body so that the trocar member can be articulated at multiple rotational orientations through multiple angles relative to the tubular body.

[0007] The trocar member may include a spherical proximal portion, and the distal portion of the tubular body defines a hemispherical recess for receiving the spherical proximal portion of the trocar body.

[0008] The spherical proximal portion of the trocar member may be secured within a hemispherical recess in the tubular body by a snap ring.

[0009] A support member is received between the ball-shaped proximal portion of the trocar member and the snap ring to facilitate articulation of the trocar member relative to the tubular member.

[0010] The spherical proximal portion of the trocar member defines a cylindrical recess.

[0011] The trocar mechanism may further include a locking member slidably disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member and movable between a locked or distal position and an unlocked or proximal position. The locking member may include a cylindrical body and a locking protrusion extending distally from the cylindrical body.

[0012] When the locking member is in the locked position, the locking projection of the locking member is received within the cylindrical recess of the spherical proximal portion of the trocar member to secure the trocar member in longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0013] The ball-shaped proximal portion of the trocar member may include a tapered surface surrounding the cylindrical recess to facilitate receipt of the locking projection within the cylindrical recess.

[0014] The free end of the locking projection may include a tapered surface to facilitate receipt of the locking projection within the cylindrical recess of the trocar member.

[0015] The locking member may include a pair of tabs extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical body, and the tubular body may define a pair of slots for receiving the pair of tabs of the locking member.

[0016] The locking member may be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by utilizing the engagement of the pair of tongues.

[0017] The trocar assembly may also include a drive member rotatably supported within the housing and configured to cause longitudinal translation of the trocar mechanism.

[0018] The drive member may be configured to engage the locking member when the trocar mechanism is moved to the retracted position to move the locking member to the locked position.

[0019] The trocar assembly may further include a bearing assembly disposed at the proximal end of the housing.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a trocar assembly for releasably engaging with an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument is provided. The trocar assembly includes: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis, the housing also including an end cap disposed at the distal end of the tubular body, the end cap including a flat inner surface; and a trocar mechanism, the trocar member being supported within the housing and received by the end cap, the trocar member including a flat surface corresponding to the flat inner surface of the end cap, and a stop surface disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the flat surface. The trocar member is movable between an advanced position and a retracted position, and is rotationally fixed relative to the end cap by engagement of the flat surface of the trocar member with the flat inner surface of the end cap. The stop surface of the trocar member engages the end cap to prevent the trocar member from overextending from the housing.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a trocar assembly for releasably engaging with an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument is provided. The trocar assembly includes: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion of the tubular body including a threaded inner surface; a trocar mechanism supported in the housing and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position, the trocar mechanism including a tubular member and a trocar member extending from the tubular member, the tubular member having a proximal section with a threaded inner surface; a drive member rotatably supported in the housing, the drive member including a threaded proximal portion configured to engage with the threaded inner surface of the housing, and a threaded distal portion configured to engage with the threaded inner surface of the tubular member; and a drive connector in a fixed rotational relationship and a dynamic longitudinal relationship with the drive member.

[0022] During advancement of the trocar mechanism, the drive connector may be maintained in a proximal position by the plunger member and the spring.

[0023] The drive connector may include a sealing member, and the drive connector may be biased in a proximal direction by a pressurized fluid.

[0024] The drive connector may include a detent for engaging a drive shaft of the handle assembly.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a trocar assembly for releasably engaging with an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument is provided. The trocar assembly includes: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis; a trocar member supported in the housing and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position, the trocar mechanism including a tubular member and a trocar member extending from the tubular member, the tubular member having a proximal section with a threaded inner surface; a drive member rotatably supported in the housing, the drive member including a threaded distal portion configured to engage with the threaded inner surface of the tubular member, the threaded distal portion defining an annular groove; and a snap ring received in the annular groove, wherein the drive member is prevented from further rotating during engagement of the threaded inner surface of the tubular member by the snap ring.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a trocar assembly for releasably engaging with an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument is provided. The trocar assembly includes: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis, the tubular body defining at least one arcuate slot extending circumferentially around a distal portion of the tubular body; an end cap rotatably supported on a proximal portion of the tubular body, the end cap including at least one post configured to be received in the arcuate slot of the tubular body to limit the rotation of the end cap; and a trocar mechanism supported in the housing and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The trocar mechanism includes a tubular member and a trocar member pivotably secured to the tubular member. The trocar mechanism and the end cap are rotationally fixed relative to each other so that rotation of the end cap along the longitudinal axis causes rotation of the trocar mechanism along the longitudinal axis.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a trocar assembly for releasably engaging with an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument is provided. The trocar assembly includes: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis; an end cap supported on a proximal portion of the tubular body, the end cap defining a longitudinal passage and including at least a first nub extending radially into the longitudinal passage; and a trocar mechanism supported within the housing and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The trocar mechanism includes a tubular member and a trocar member pivotably secured to the tubular member. The tubular member defines at least one flat portion corresponding to the at least first nub, wherein when the tubular member is received in the longitudinal passage of the end cap, the at least one nub is aligned with the at least one flat portion to allow the trocar mechanism to rotate within the end cap along the longitudinal axis.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a trocar assembly for releasably engaging with an adapter assembly of a surgical suturing instrument is provided. The trocar assembly includes: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis, the tubular body defining a longitudinal slot having a narrow proximal portion and a wide narrow portion; and a trocar mechanism supported in the housing and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The trocar mechanism includes a tubular member and a trocar member pivotably secured to the tubular member. The trocar mechanism also includes a column extending radially outward from the tubular member, the column being receivable in a longitudinal slot in the housing, wherein when the column is disposed in the wide distal portion of the longitudinal slot, the trocar mechanism is allowed to rotate about the longitudinal axis, and when the column is disposed in the narrow proximal portion of the longitudinal slot, the trocar mechanism is prevented from rotating. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the general description of the present disclosure given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surgical suturing instrument including a trocar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the distal end of the surgical stapling instrument shown in , the distal end including a loading unit, a trocar assembly and an anvil assembly;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a trocar assembly of the adapter assembly shown in;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the housing assembly and trocar mechanism of the trocar assembly shown in ;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the trocar mechanism shown in ;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly of the trocar mechanism shown in ;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 a perspective end view of a trocar member of the trocar assembly shown in;

[0037] Figure 8 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view taken along line 8-8 shown in FIG.

[0038] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0039] Fig.10 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional top view taken along line 10-10 shown in FIG.

[0040] Fig.11 Yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the trocar mechanism shown in FIG. 1 with the trocar mechanism in an advanced position;

[0041] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0042] Fig.13 Yes Fig.12 An enlarged view of the locking mechanism in a retracted position as shown in FIG.

[0043] Fig.14 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the trocar assembly shown in with the trocar mechanism in an advanced position;

[0044] Fig.15 is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional side view taken along line 15-15 shown in FIG.

[0045] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with the trocar mechanism in an advanced position;

[0046] Fig.17 is along Fig.16 A cross-sectional side view taken along line 17-17 shown in FIG.

[0047] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 A perspective view of the trocar mechanism shown in ;

[0048] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0049] Fig. 20 Yes Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of the trocar mechanism in a retracted position as shown in FIG.

[0050] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0051] Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 A cross-sectional side view of the trocar assembly shown in;

[0053] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0054] Fig.25 Yes Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of the trocar mechanism shown in FIG. 1 with the trocar mechanism in an advanced position;

[0055] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0056] Fig. 27 yes Fig. 22 An enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of a trocar assembly shown in FIG.

[0057] Fig.28 yes Fig. 22 A perspective side view of a drive connector of a drive mechanism of a trocar assembly shown in FIG.

[0058] Fig.29 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of a drive assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A perspective side view of a drive connector of a drive assembly shown in FIG.

[0060] Fig.31 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of a drive assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Fig.32 yes Fig.31 A perspective side view of a drive connector of a drive assembly shown in FIG.

[0062] Fig.33 is a perspective side view of a trocar assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Fig.34 yes Fig.33 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0064] Fig.35 yes Fig.33A perspective view of a trocar mechanism and a drive member of a trocar assembly shown in FIG.

[0065] Fig.36 yes Fig.36 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0066] Fig.37 yes Fig.33 A cross-sectional view of the trocar assembly shown in with the trocar mechanism in an advanced position;

[0067] Fig.38 yes Fig.33 A cross-sectional perspective side view of the distal end of the housing assembly of the trocar assembly shown in FIG.

[0068] Fig.39 Yes Fig.36 A cross-sectional view of the trocar mechanism in a retracted position as shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig.40 yes Fig.39 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0070] Fig.41 is a perspective side view of a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] Fig.42 yes Fig.41 A perspective side view of a distal end of a trocar assembly shown in , the distal end including a housing assembly and a trocar mechanism extending from the housing assembly;

[0072] Fig.43 yes Fig.42 A perspective side view of the distal end of the housing assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the accessories separated;

[0073] Fig.44 is a perspective side view of a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Fig.45 yes Fig.44 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area is shown in;

[0075] Fig.46 yes Fig.44 a perspective end view of the distal end of the housing assembly of the trocar assembly shown in;

[0076] Fig.47 yes Fig.44 A perspective end view of an end cap of the housing assembly shown in FIG.

[0077] Fig.48 yes Fig.46a perspective end view of the tubular body of the housing assembly shown in;

[0078] Fig.49 is a perspective end view of a distal end of a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig.50 is along Fig.49 a cross-sectional end view taken along line 50-50 shown in FIG.

[0080] Fig.51 Yes Fig.49 a perspective end view of the distal end of the trocar assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the trocar mechanism in a rotated position;

[0081] Fig.52 is along Fig.51 a cross-sectional end view taken along line 52-52 shown in FIG.

[0082] Fig.53 is a side view of a trocar mechanism of a trocar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Fig.54 is configured with Fig.53 A side view of a housing assembly for use with the trocar mechanism shown in ;

[0084] Fig.55 is along Fig.54 a cross-sectional end view taken along line 55-55 shown in FIG.

[0085] Fig.56 is along Fig.54 a cross-sectional end view taken along line 56-56 shown in ;

[0086] Fig.57 is a perspective side view of a trocar assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] Fig.58 yes Fig.57 A perspective side view of a housing assembly of a trocar assembly shown in FIG.

[0088] Fig.59 yes Fig.57 a perspective side view of the trocar assembly shown in with the trocar mechanism in a first rotational orientation;

[0089] Fig.60 yes Fig.57 a perspective side view of the trocar assembly shown in with the trocar mechanism in a second rotational orientation;

[0090] Fig.61 yes Fig.57a perspective side view of the trocar assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the trocar mechanism in a retracted position; and

[0091] Fig.62 yes Fig.57 0026] A perspective end view of the housing assembly and distal end of the trocar mechanism of the trocar assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the trocar mechanism secured to the housing assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Embodiments of the disclosed trocar assembly will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As is common in the art, the term "proximal" refers to that portion or component that is closer to a user or operator such as a surgeon or clinician, while the term "distal" refers to that portion or component that is farther from the user.

[0093] First reference Figure 1 , an adapter assembly, generally shown as an adapter assembly 20, suitable for use with a detachable trocar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a component of a surgical suturing instrument 10. The surgical suturing instrument 10 also includes a motorized handle assembly 30, a loading unit 40, and an anvil assembly 50. Although shown and described with reference to the surgical suturing instrument 10, aspects of the present disclosure may be modified for use with surgical suturing instruments having alternative configurations. For a detailed description of an exemplary motorized surgical suturing instrument, reference is now made to co-owned U.S. Patents 9,023,014 and 9,055,943 ("the '014 patent" and "the '943 patent," respectively), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0094] The adapter assembly 20 of the surgical stapling instrument 10 will be described only to the extent necessary to fully disclose aspects of the present disclosure. For a detailed description of an exemplary adapter assembly, reference is made to co-owned U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016 / 0106406 ("the '406 Publication") and 2017 / 0086879 ("the '879 Publication"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0095] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the adapter assembly 20 includes: a proximal portion 22, which is configured to be connected to the handle assembly 30 ( Figure 1 ) is operably connected; and a distal portion 24, the distal portion being configured to be connected to the loading unit 40 ( Figure 1 ) are operably connected. Although shown and described as forming an integral unit, it is contemplated that the proximal and distal portions 22, 24 may be formed as separate units that are releasably secured to one another.

[0096] In addition, refer to Figure 3 , a removable trocar assembly, generally shown as a trocar assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure extends distally from a distal portion 24 of an adapter assembly 20 of a surgical stapling instrument 10. The trocar assembly 100 is releasably secured to the distal portion 24 ( Figure 1 For a detailed description of an exemplary locking mechanism for securing trocar assembly 100 within distal portion 24 of adapter assembly 20, reference is made to the '879 publication, the contents of which were previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0097] Reference now Figures 3 to 7 , the trocar assembly 100 of the adapter assembly 20 of the surgical suturing instrument 10 ( Figure 2 ) includes: a housing assembly 110; a support assembly 120, which is supported at the proximal end of the housing assembly 110; a trocar mechanism 130, which is slidably disposed in the housing 110 and extends from the housing; and a drive member 160, which is rotatably supported in the housing assembly 110 through the support assembly 120, so as to move the trocar mechanism 130 longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 110.

[0098] The housing assembly 110 of the trocar assembly 100 includes a tubular body 112 having proximal and distal portions 112a, 112b. In an embodiment, the tubular body 112 defines a pair of notches 111 to facilitate releasable attachment of the trocar assembly 100 to the distal portion 24 ( Figure 1 ). Alternatively, the tubular body 112 of the housing assembly 110 can include tabs, slots and tabs, threads, or other suitable configurations for releasably attaching the trocar assembly 100 to the adapter assembly 20. The end cap 114 is disposed on the distal portion 112b of the tubular body 112. The support assembly 120 of the trocar assembly 100 is disposed on the proximal portion 112a of the tubular body 112. The support assembly 120 and / or the end cap 114 can be secured to the tubular body 112 using an adhesive, welding, a friction fit, a mechanical interface such as a threaded or bayonet coupling, or in any other suitable manner.

[0099] Bearing assembly 120 of trocar assembly 130 is configured to rotatably support drive member 160. An exemplary bearing assembly is shown and described in the '406 publication, the contents of which were previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0100] Now special reference Figures 4 to 10The trocar mechanism 130 of the trocar assembly 100 is configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 110 of the trocar assembly 100. The trocar mechanism 130 includes: a tubular member 132, which is slidably disposed within the housing assembly 110; a trocar member 134, which extends distally from the tubular member 132; and an articulation mechanism 140, which is operably disposed within the tubular member 132 and is configured to allow the trocar member 134 to be selectively articulated relative to the tubular member 132.

[0101] The tubular member 132 of the trocar mechanism 130 includes a proximal section 132a and a distal section 132b. The proximal and distal sections 132a, 132b may be secured together in any suitable manner, including using adhesives, welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. In an embodiment, the proximal and distal sections 132a, 132b of the tubular member 132 are integrally formed. The inner surface 133a ( Figure 8 ) is threaded. The threaded inner surface 133a is configured to engage the threaded portion 162c of the drive member 160. The distal section 132b of the tubular member 132 is configured to operably hold and support the proximal end of the cannula needle member 134 and the articulation mechanism 140. More specifically, the distal section 132b of the tubular member 132 defines: a hemispherical recess 131a for receiving the spherical portion 134a of the cannula needle member 134; and a narrow groove 131b ( Fig.10 ), the narrow slot is used to receive the tongue portion 152 extending outwardly from the locking member 142 of the hinge mechanism 140.

[0102] Special References Figure 7 The trocar member 134 includes: a spherical portion 134a; a flange or intermediate portion 134b; and a tapered or distal portion 134c. The spherical portion 134a of the trocar member 134 is configured to be received within the hemispherical recess 131a in the distal section 132b of the tubular member 132 of the trocar mechanism 130. The spherical portion 134a defines a cylindrical recess 135 ( Figure 8 ), the cylindrical recess extending along the longitudinal axis "x" of the cannula needle member 134. As will be described in further detail below, the cylindrical recess 135 in the spherical portion 134a of the cannula needle member 134 receives the locking protrusion 154 of the locking member 142 of the hinge mechanism 140 to orient and secure the cannula needle member 134 in a longitudinally aligned configuration. The spherical portion 134a of the cannula needle member 134 includes a tapered surface 135a ( Figure 8), the tapered surface is formed around the entrance of cylindrical recess 135 to facilitate receiving locking protrusion 154 of locking member 142 within cylindrical recess 135a. Flanged intermediate portion 134b of trocar member 134 is configured to operably engage an anvil assembly, such as anvil assembly 50 ( Figure 1 ). Tapered distal portion 134 c of trocar member 134 is configured to penetrate tissue and facilitate engagement of trocar member 134 with anvil assembly 50 .

[0103] Now special reference Figures 5 to 10 , the hinge mechanism 140 of the trocar mechanism 130 includes: a locking member 142, a support member 144 and a snap ring 146. As shown, the support member 144 includes first and second support halves 144a, 144b, but other configurations are contemplated. The support member 144 of the hinge mechanism 140 rotatably supports the spherical portion 134a of the trocar member 134 in the hemispherical recess 131a in the distal section 132b of the tubular member 132, and the support member is operably retained in the hemispherical recess 131a by the snap ring 146.

[0104] The locking member 142 of the hinge mechanism 140 of the cannula needle assembly 100 is slidably disposed within the distal section 132b of the tubular member 132. The locking member 142 includes: a generally cylindrical body 150; a tongue portion 152 extending radially outward from the cylindrical body 150; and a locking protrusion 154 extending distally from the cylindrical body 150. The cylindrical body 150 defines a recess 151 for receiving the distal end of the drive member 160. The tongue portion 152 is received in the narrow slot 131b in the distal section 132b of the tubular member 132 of the cannula needle mechanism 130, and allows the locking member 142 to be in a locked or initial position ( Fig. 9 ) and the unlocked or retracted position ( Fig.13 ) between the longitudinal movement. The locking projection 154 includes a tapered free end 154a that is configured to facilitate receiving the locking projection 154 within the cylindrical recess 135 of the spherical portion 134a of the cannula needle member 134.

[0105] The drive member 160 of the trocar assembly 100 includes an elongated body 162 having a proximal or engagement portion 162a, an intermediate support portion 162b, and a threaded or distal portion 162c. The proximal engagement portion 162a of the drive member 160 is configured to operably engage a drive screw (not shown) disposed within the adapter assembly 20. The support portion 162b of the drive member 160 rotatably engages the support assembly 120 to allow the elongated body 162 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The threaded portion 162c operably engages the internally threaded portion 133a of the proximal section 132a of the tubular member 132 to cause longitudinal movement of the trocar mechanism 130 relative to the housing assembly 110.

[0106] Now refer to Figures 8 to 15 The operation of the trocar assembly 100 is described. Figures 8 to 10 , whether to provide the clinician with a pre-loaded adapter assembly 20 ( Figure 1 ), or whether the trocar assembly 100 is provided to the clinician separately from the adapter assembly 20 and thus needs to be loaded within the adapter assembly 20, the trocar assembly 100 provided to the clinician is provided with the trocar mechanism 130 in the retracted position and the locking member 142 of the articulation mechanism 140 in the locked position. When the trocar mechanism 130 is in the retracted position, the distal end of the drive member 160 is received in a recess 151 formed in the cylindrical body 150 of the locking member 142. When the locking member 142 of the articulation mechanism 140 is in the locked position, the trocar member 134 is fixed in longitudinal alignment with the elongated body 162 of the drive member 160. When in the longitudinally fixed position, the trocar member 134 can be used in a conventional manner, for example, to puncture tissue.

[0107] Steering Fig.11 and Fig.12 , as by Fig.11 As indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 1 , drive member 160 rotates in a first direction, causing trocar member 134 to move distally, e.g., forward, as Fig.1114. During advancement of the trocar member 134, the locking member 142 remains in the locked position, wherein the locking projection 154 is received within the cylindrical opening 135 in the spherical portion 134a of the trocar member 134. In this manner, the trocar member 134 remains longitudinally aligned with the elongated body 162 of the drive member 160. In an embodiment, the locking member 142 may be keyed to the drive member 160 such that retraction of the drive member 160 causes retraction of the locking member 142. In this manner, retraction of the drive member 160 disengages the locking member 142 from the trocar member 134, thereby allowing the trocar member 134 to articulate relative to the housing assembly 110. Alternatively, the locking projection 154 may be formed directly on the drive member 162.

[0108] Steering Figures 13 to 16 To disengage locking member 142 from trocar member 134, the clinician engages tongue 142a of locking member 142 through slot 131b in distal section 132b of tubular member 132 of trocar mechanism 130 and moves locking member 142 in a proximal direction to an unlocked position, e.g., retracts to the unlocked position, as by Fig.13 The proximal movement of locking member 142 causes locking projection 154 of locking member 142 to be withdrawn from cylindrical opening 135 in spherical portion 132a of trocar member 132.

[0109] When the locking member 142 of the hinge mechanism 140 is in the unlocked position, the cannula needle member 134 can be freely hinged in any direction relative to the end cap 114 of the housing assembly 110. In this way, the cannula needle member 134 can be relative to the housing assembly 110 ( Figure 2 and Fig.14 ) can be oriented at any angle to facilitate positioning of the anvil assembly 50 ( Figure 2 ) is attached to the cannula needle assembly 134.

[0110] After the anvil assembly 50 is attached to the trocar member 134, the trocar member 134 is retracted by rotating the drive member 160 in the opposite second direction. As the trocar member 134 is retracted into the housing assembly 110 of the trocar assembly 100, the trocar member 134 engages the end cap 114 of the housing assembly 110 to realign the trocar member 134 with the elongated body 162 of the drive member 160. Continued retraction of the trocar member 134 causes the distal end 162b of the elongated body 162 of the drive member 160 to engage the locking member 142. As the trocar member 134 continues to retract, the locking projection 154 of the locking member 142 engages the spherical portion 134a of the trocar member 134. The tapered surface 135a surrounding the open end of the cylindrical recess 135 in the spherical portion 134a of the trocar member 134 , and the tapered free end 154a of the locking projection 154 , facilitates receiving the locking portion 144 of the locking member 142 within the cylindrical recess 135 .

[0111] As described above, receiving locking projection 154 of locking member 152 within cylindrical recess 135 in spherical portion 134a of trocar member 134 longitudinally aligns trocar member 134 with elongated body 162 of drive member 160. Surgical stapling instrument 10 ( Figure 1 ) The suturing procedure is completed in the traditional way.

[0112] Reference now Figures 16 to 21 , a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally shown as trocar assembly 200. Trocar assembly 200 is substantially similar to trocar assembly 100 described above, and only the differences therebetween will be described in detail.

[0113] The trocar assembly 200 includes: a housing assembly 210; a support assembly 220, which is supported on the proximal end of the housing assembly 210; a trocar mechanism 230, which is slidably disposed in the housing assembly 210; and a drive member 260, which is rotatably supported in the housing assembly 210 through the support assembly 220, and is used to move the trocar mechanism 230 longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 210.

[0114] The trocar mechanism 230 of the trocar assembly 200 is configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 210 of the trocar assembly 200. The trocar mechanism 230 is secured within the tubular body 212 of the housing assembly 210 by the end cap 214. The end cap 214 includes a flat inner surface 214a ( Fig.19 The trocar mechanism 230 includes a tubular member 232 slidably disposed within the housing assembly 210 and a trocar member 234 secured to the tubular member 232 and extending distally therefrom.

[0115] As shown, the tubular member 232 of the trocar mechanism 230 includes proximal and distal sections 232a, 232b. It is contemplated that the tubular member 232 may be unitary. The tubular member 232 includes an elongated flat surface 231a extending along a relative length of the tubular member 232; and a stop surface 231b ( Fig.19 ), the stop surface is disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated flat surface 231a. The elongated flat surface 231a of the tubular member 232 of the trocar mechanism 230 is aligned with the flat inner surface 214a of the end cap 214 of the housing assembly 210 to maintain the trocar member 232 in a fixed rotational orientation relative to the housing assembly 210.

[0116] Special reference Fig.19 During longitudinal movement, e.g., advancement, of the trocar mechanism 230 relative to the housing assembly 210, the stop surface 231 b of the tubular member 232 of the trocar mechanism 230 engages the end cap 214 of the housing assembly 210. The engagement of the stop surface 231 b of the tubular member 232 with the end cap 214 retains the trocar mechanism 230 within the housing assembly 210 and prevents the trocar member 234 from overextending from the housing assembly 210.

[0117] Special References Fig.21 The proximal facing surface 233 of the tubular member 232 of the trocar assembly 200 is configured to engage with a stop member 222 disposed between the tubular body 212 of the housing assembly 210 and the support assembly 220 of the housing assembly 210. In an embodiment, the stop member 222 comprises a snap ring. The stop member 222 limits the proximal movement of the trocar mechanism 230 to prevent the trocar mechanism 230 from being overly retracted within the housing assembly 210.

[0118] Reference now Figure 22 to Figure 28 , a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally shown as trocar assembly 300. Trocar assembly 300 is substantially similar to trocar assemblies 100, 200 described above, and will only be described in detail with respect to the differences therebetween.

[0119] The trocar assembly 300 includes a housing assembly 310 , a trocar mechanism 330 slidably disposed within the housing assembly 310 , and a drive assembly 360 rotatably supported within the housing assembly 310 for longitudinally moving the trocar mechanism 330 relative to the housing assembly 310 .

[0120] The housing assembly 310 of the trocar assembly 300 includes a tubular body 312 and an end cap 314 disposed on a distal portion 312b of the tubular body 312. The proximal portion 312a of the tubular body 312 includes a threaded inner surface 316 ( Fig.24 As will be described in further detail below, the threaded inner surface 316 of the tubular body 312 engages a threaded proximal portion 362a of a drive member 362 of the drive assembly 360 to enable longitudinal translation of the drive member 362 relative to the housing assembly 310.

[0121] The trocar mechanism 330 of the trocar assembly 300 is configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 310 of the trocar assembly 300. The trocar mechanism 330 is secured within the tubular body 312 of the housing assembly 310 by an end cap 314 on the distal portion 312b of the tubular body 312 and a drive assembly 360 on the proximal portion 312a of the tubular body 312. The trocar mechanism 330 includes a tubular member 332 slidably disposed within the housing assembly 310, and a trocar member 334 secured to and extending distally from the tubular member 332.

[0122] The drive assembly 360 of the trocar assembly 300 includes a drive member 362, a drive connector 364 extending about a threaded proximal portion 362a of the drive member 362, a plunger member 366 slidably disposed within the drive connector 364, and a spring member 368 biasing the plunger member 366. The plunger member 366 and the spring member 368 operate to maintain the drive connector 364 in a proximal position, for example, with the adapter assembly 20 ( Figure 1 ) engages with a drive shaft (not shown) within.

[0123] The drive member 362 of the drive assembly 360 includes a threaded proximal portion 362a and a threaded distal portion 362b. The threaded proximal portion 362a is threaded in a first direction, while the threaded distal portion 362b is threaded in a second direction. As described above, the threaded proximal portion 362a of the drive member 362 is configured to engage with the threaded inner surface 316 of the tubular body 312 of the housing assembly 310. Rotation of the drive connector 364 causes the drive member 362 to move longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 310. The threaded distal portion 362b of the drive member 362 engages with the threaded inner surface 333 of the proximal portion 332a of the tubular member 332. Rotation of the drive member 362 causes the trocar mechanism 330 to move longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 310.

[0124] The pitch of the threaded proximal portion 362a of the drive member 362 can be the same as or different from the pitch of the threaded distal portion 362b. By changing the pitch of the threaded proximal and distal portions 362a, 362b of the drive member 362, the rate at which the corresponding drive member 362 and the trocar mechanism 330 move in the longitudinal direction can be changed. In an embodiment, the threaded distal portion 362b of the drive member 362 is coarser (e.g., the thread pitch is relatively larger) to move the trocar mechanism 330 farther, while the threaded proximal portion 362a is finer (e.g., the thread pitch is relatively smaller) for use in both displacing and axially retaining the drive member 362 with respect to the tubular body 312 of the housing assembly 310.

[0125] The threaded proximal portion 362a of the drive member 362 of the drive assembly 360 defines a cylindrical recess 363 for receiving the drive connector 364, the plunger member 366 and the spring member 368. The spacer 365 defines a rectangular opening 365a ( Fig. 22 ), which is welded or otherwise fixedly secured into the cylindrical recess 363 of the threaded proximal portion 362a of the drive member 362 to retain the flanged distal end 364a of the drive connector 364 within the cylindrical recess 363 and to rotationally fix the plunger member 366 relative to the drive member 362. More specifically, the proximal portion 364a of the drive connector 364 includes a rectangular profile that is slidably received by the rectangular opening 365a of the washer 365. In this way, rotation of the drive connector 364 causes rotation of the drive member 362.

[0126] As described above, the plunger member 364 includes a proximal portion 364a including a rectangular profile and a flanged distal portion 364b. The rectangular profile of the proximal portion 364a fixes the drive connector 364 relative to the drive member 362 in terms of rotation, and the flange of the distal portion 364b holds the drive connector 364 within the cylindrical recess 363 of the drive member 362. The drive connector 364 defines a longitudinal cavity 367 for receiving a spring member 368 received around the plunger member 366. The spring member 366 is held around the plunger member 366 by the flanged distal portion 366b of the plunger member 366. The spring member 368 is configured to bias the plunger member 366 distally, or more particularly, to bias the drive connector 364 proximally. The plunger member 366 and the spring member 368 operate to maintain the drive connector 364 in a proximal position to ensure that the drive connector 364 is aligned with the adapter assembly 20 ( Figure 1 )'s drive shaft (not shown).

[0127] Special reference Fig.23 and Fig.24 , the trocar mechanism 330 of the trocar assembly 300 is shown in a retracted or distal position. When in the retracted position, the trocar mechanism 330 is disposed adjacent to the distal end of the threaded proximal portion 362a of the drive member 362, and the proximal end of the threaded proximal portion 362a of the drive member 362 engages with a washer 318 secured within the proximal end of the tubular body 312 of the housing assembly 310 to retain the drive member 362 within the tubular body 312 and to act as a stop for the drive member 312 to prevent the drive member 312 from being overly retracted within the housing assembly 310.

[0128] Steering Fig.25 and Fig.26 , the rotation of the drive connector 364 of the drive assembly 360 in the first direction - as determined by Fig.26 The rotation of the drive member 362 causes the drive member 362 to move longitudinally in the distal direction, e.g., to advance, as indicated by the arrow "A" in FIG. Fig.26 The rotation of the drive member 362 in the first direction also causes the cannula needle mechanism 330 to move longitudinally in the distal direction, as indicated by the arrow "B" in FIG. Fig.25 As the drive member 362 moves distally within the housing assembly 310, the spring member 368 of the drive assembly 360 biases the drive connector 364 proximally to keep the drive connector 364 in a proximal position with the adapter assembly 20 ( Figure 1 )'s drive shaft (not shown).

[0129] By rotating the drive connection in a second, opposite direction, trocar mechanism 330 is returned to the retracted position.

[0130] refer to Fig.29 and Fig.30 In another embodiment of the trocar assembly 300, the drive connector 364, the plunger member 366, and the spring member 368 are replaced by a single piston member 364'. The piston member 364' includes a flanged distal portion 364b' having a sealing member 365' received therearound. The sealing member 365' creates a fluid seal between the flanged distal portion 364b' of the piston member 364' and the drive member 362. During the longitudinal movement of the drive member 362, the pressurized fluid received in the cylindrical recess 363 of the drive member 362 biases the piston member 364' proximally to maintain the piston member 364' with the adapter assembly 20 ( Figure 1 )'s drive shaft (not shown).

[0131] refer to Fig.31and Fig.32 In another embodiment of the trocar assembly 300, the plunger member 366 and the spring member 368 are replaced by a drive connector 364" having a retaining member 365" on a proximal portion 364a" of the drive connector 364". The retaining member 365" engages the adapter assembly 20 ( Figure 1 ) of the drive shaft (not shown) to maintain engagement of the drive connector 364" with the drive shaft. Although shown as including more than one locating member 365", it is contemplated that the proximal portion 364a" of the drive connector 364" may include only one locating member 365". It is further contemplated that the drive connector 364" may be secured to the drive shaft in other suitable manners, such as a friction fit, a bayonet coupling, or a mechanical fastener.

[0132] Reference now Figures 33 to 40 , a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is generally shown as trocar assembly 400. Trocar assembly 400 is substantially similar to trocar assemblies 100, 200, 300 described above, and only the differences therebetween will be described in detail.

[0133] The trocar assembly 400 includes: a shell assembly 410; a support assembly 420, which is supported at the proximal end of the shell assembly 410; a trocar mechanism 430, which is disposed in the shell 410; and a drive member 460, which is rotatably supported in the shell assembly 410 through the support assembly 420, and is used to move the trocar assembly 430 longitudinally relative to the shell assembly 410.

[0134] The trocar mechanism 430 of the trocar assembly 400 is configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 410 of the trocar assembly 400. The trocar mechanism 430 includes: a tubular member 432 that is slidably disposed within the housing assembly 410; and a trocar member 434 that extends distally from the tubular member 432. The tubular member 432 defines an opening 433 that provides access to the distal portion 462a of the elongated body 462 of the drive member 460. The tubular member 432 includes a threaded inner surface 436 ( Fig.38 ).

[0135] The drive member 460 includes an elongated body 462 including a proximal portion 462a and a threaded distal portion 462b. The threaded distal portion 462b of the elongated body 462 is configured to engage the snap ring 464. More particularly, the distal portion 462b of the elongated body 462 defines a groove 463 for receiving the snap ring 464. Although shown as including the snap ring 464, it is contemplated that the distal portion 462b of the elongated body 462 may instead be configured to receive a pin, cap, or nut that may be bonded, welded, staked, or otherwise secured to the drive member 462. Alternatively, the threads of the distal portion 462b of the elongated body 462 of the drive member 460 may be deformed.

[0136] refer to Fig.37 and Fig.38 During advancement of the trocar mechanism 430, the snap ring 464 engages the threaded inner surface 436 of the tubular member 432 of the trocar mechanism 430 to prevent further advancement of the trocar mechanism 430. This configuration contains axial loads within the trocar mechanism 430 and the drive member 460. In this way, the housing assembly 410 of the trocar assembly 400 is not subject to axial loads and therefore does not need to be designed to be more robust.

[0137] When the retaining ring 464 engages the threaded inner surface 436 of the tubular member 432, the handle assembly 30 ( Figure 1 ) will indicate the distal home position of the trocar mechanism 430 to the handle assembly 30. This configuration allows the clinician to calibrate the handle assembly 30 without having to fully retract the previously extended trocar mechanism 430.

[0138] refer to Fig.39 and Fig.40 , the proximal-facing surface 433 of the tubular member 432 of the trocar assembly 400 is configured to engage with a stop member 422 disposed between the tubular body 412 of the housing assembly 410 and the support assembly 420 of the housing assembly 410. In an embodiment, the stop member 422 comprises a snap ring. The stop member 422 limits the proximal movement of the trocar mechanism 430 to prevent the trocar mechanism 230 from being overly retracted within the housing assembly 410.

[0139] Reference Figures 42 to 61 Embodiments of a trocar assembly having a trocar mechanism including an articulating and rotating trocar member configured as a trocar mechanism are described. Figure 41 to Figure 44 , an embodiment of a trocar assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally shown as trocar assembly 500. Trocar assembly 500 is substantially similar to trocar assembly 100 described above, and only the differences therebetween will be described in detail.

[0140] The trocar assembly 500 includes: a shell assembly 510; a support assembly 520, which is supported at the proximal end of the shell assembly 510; a trocar mechanism 530, which is slidably disposed in the shell assembly 510; and a drive member 560, which is rotatably supported in the shell assembly 510 through the support assembly 520, and is used to move the trocar mechanism 530 longitudinally relative to the shell assembly 510.

[0141] The housing assembly 510 includes a tubular body 512 and an end cap 514 that is operably supported on a distal portion 512b of the tubular body 512. More particularly, the distal portion 512a of the tubular body 512 defines a cutout 513a and an arcuate slot 513b. The cutout 513a facilitates connecting the end cap 514 to the tubular body 512, and the arcuate slot 513b receives a post 516 of the end cap 514. The end cap 514 includes a generally annular body 514a that includes opposing planar inner surfaces 514b that are configured to rotationally fix the trocar mechanism 530 relative to the end cap 514. As will be described in further detail below, the end cap 514 is configured to receive the trocar mechanism 530 therethrough and to allow the trocar mechanism 530 to rotate relative to the tubular body 512.

[0142] The trocar mechanism 530 of the trocar assembly 500 is configured to move longitudinally and rotationally and to articulate relative to the housing assembly 510 of the trocar assembly 500. The trocar mechanism 530 is prevented from over-extending from the tubular body 512 of the housing assembly 510 by the end cap 514. The trocar mechanism 530 includes a tubular member 532 slidably disposed within the housing assembly 510, and a trocar member 534 pivotably secured to the tubular member 532 and extending distally therefrom.

[0143] As shown, the tubular member 532 of the trocar mechanism 530 includes proximal and distal sections 532a, 532b. It is contemplated that the tubular member 532 may be unitary. The tubular member 532 includes an elongated flat surface 531a extending along the relative length of the tubular member 532. The elongated flat surface 531a of the tubular member 532 of the trocar mechanism 530 is aligned with the flat surface 514b of the end cap 514 of the housing assembly 510. The elongated flat surface 531a of the tubular member 532 and the flat surface 514a of the end cap 514 operate together to maintain the trocar member 532 in a fixed rotational orientation relative to the end cap 514.

[0144] As described above, the end cap 514 includes a post 516 received within an arcuate slot 513b in the distal portion 512b of the tubular body 512 of the housing assembly 510. The end cap 514 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis "x" of the trocar assembly 500. The rotation of the end cap 514, and therefore the rotation of the trocar mechanism 530 received through the end cap 514, is limited by the length of the arcuate slot 513b. The greater the length of the arcuate slot 513b, the greater the degree of rotation of the end cap 514 and the trocar mechanism 530 received through the end cap 514.

[0145] Steering Figures 44 to 48 , another embodiment of a trocar assembly is generally shown as trocar assembly 600. Trocar assembly 600 is substantially similar to trocar assembly 500 described above, and will only be described in detail with respect to the differences therebetween.

[0146] The housing assembly 610 of the trocar assembly 600 includes a tubular body 612 and an end cap 614 operably supported on a distal portion 612b of the tubular body 612. More particularly, the distal portion 612b of the tubular body 612 defines a pair of arcuate slots 613. The arcuate slots 613 receive posts 616 of the end cap 614. The end cap 614 includes a generally annular body 614a including opposing flat inner surfaces 614b.

[0147] Special References Fig.46 , the post 616 is secured to the end cap 614 after the end cap 614 is received within the distal portion 612b of the tubular body 612 of the housing assembly 610. More specifically, the post 616 is welded, glued, mechanically fastened, or otherwise secured to the annular body 614a of the end cap 614 after the annular body 614a of the end cap 614 is received within the distal portion 612b of the tubular body 612. In this manner, the post 616 operates to retain the end cap 614 within the tubular body 612 and to allow the end cap 614 to rotate about the longitudinal axis "x" of the trocar assembly 630.

[0148] Reference now Figures 49 to 52 , an embodiment of a trocar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally shown as trocar assembly 700. Trocar assembly 700 is substantially similar to trocar assemblies 500, 600 described above, and will only be described in detail with respect to the differences therebetween.

[0149] Trocar assembly (700) includes a housing assembly (710) and a trocar mechanism (730) slidably disposed within housing assembly (710).

[0150] The housing assembly 710 includes a tubular body 712 and an end cap 714 supported on a distal portion 712b of the tubular body 712. The end cap 714 includes a generally annular body 714a including a pair of protrusions 716 extending from an inner surface 714b of the annular body 714a. As will be described in further detail below, the protrusions 716 of the end cap 714 correspond with the elongated flat surfaces 731 of the tubular member 732 of the trocar mechanism 730 to allow and limit rotation of the trocar mechanism 730 relative to the tubular body 712 of the housing assembly 710 about the longitudinal axis "x" of the trocar assembly 700.

[0151] Trocar mechanism 730 of trocar assembly 700 is configured for longitudinal and rotational movement and articulation relative to housing assembly 710 of trocar assembly 700. Trocar mechanism 730 includes a tubular member 732 slidably disposed within housing assembly 710 and a trocar member 734 pivotally secured to and extending distally from tubular member 732.

[0152] The tubular member 732 of the trocar mechanism 730 includes an elongated flat surface 731a extending along the relative length of the tubular member 732. The elongated flat surface 731 of the tubular member 732 is aligned with and corresponds to the protrusion 716 of the end cap 714 of the housing assembly 710. The elongated flat surface 731 of the tubular member 732 provides a gap that allows the tubular member 732 to be received by the end cap 714. The tubular member 732 can be rotated from a first rotational orientation ( Fig.50 ) moves to a second rotational orientation relative to end cap 714 ( Fig.52 ). The engagement of the protrusion 716 of the end cap 714 with the tubular member 732 of the trocar mechanism 730 limits the rotation of the tubular member 732 about the longitudinal axis “x” of the trocar assembly 700.

[0153] Reference now Figure 53 to Figure 56 In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a trocar mechanism 830 includes a tubular member 832 that can be slidably received by a tubular body 812 of a housing assembly 810. The trocar mechanism 830 includes a pin or post 836 extending outwardly from the tubular member 832. The pin 836 is configured to be received within a longitudinal slot 813 formed in the tubular body 812 of the housing assembly 810.

[0154] Special References Fig.54 , the longitudinal slot 813 in the tubular body 812 of the housing assembly 810 includes a narrow proximal portion 813a and a wide distal portion 813b. The longitudinal slot 813 is configured to receive the pin 836 of the trocar mechanism 830 when the trocar mechanism 830 is received in the tubular body 812.

[0155] Steering Fig.55 , when the pin 836 of the tubular member 832 of the trocar mechanism 830 is received within the tubular body 812 of the housing assembly 810, the trocar mechanism 830 is prevented from rotating by the engagement of the pin 836 with the wall of the tubular body 812 defining the narrow proximal portion 813a of the longitudinal slot 813. In contrast, the trocar mechanism 830 is permitted to rotate due to the spacing between the walls of the tubular body 812 defining the wide distal portion 813b of the longitudinal slot 813. In this manner, when the trocar mechanism 830 is in the retracted position within the tubular body 812 of the housing assembly 810, for example, when the pin 836 is disposed within the narrow proximal portion 813a of the longitudinal slot 813 ( Fig.55 ), the trocar mechanism 830 is fixed against rotational movement, and when the trocar mechanism is in an advanced position within the tubular body 812, for example, when the pin 836 is disposed within the wide proximal portion 813b of the longitudinal slot 813 ( Fig.56 ), the trocar mechanism 830 can rotate freely relative to the tubular body 812.

[0156] refer to Figure 57 to Figure 62 , another embodiment of a trocar assembly according to the present disclosure is generally shown as trocar assembly 900. Trocar assembly 900 is similar to the trocar assemblies described above, and only the differences therebetween will be described in detail.

[0157] The trocar assembly 900 includes: a housing assembly 910; a trocar mechanism 930, which is slidably disposed within the housing assembly 910; and a drive member 960, which is rotatably supported within the housing assembly 910 via a support assembly 920 and is used to move the trocar mechanism 930 longitudinally relative to the housing assembly 910.

[0158] Special References Fig.58 , the housing assembly 910 of the trocar assembly 900 includes a tubular body 912. The tubular body 912 includes a longitudinal cutout 913 having a narrow proximal portion 913a, a tapered middle portion 913b, and a wide distal portion 913c. As will be described in further detail below, the longitudinal cutout 913 allows the trocar mechanism 930 to rotate along the longitudinal axis "x" of the trocar assembly 900. The distal portion 912b of the tubular body 912 defines a notch 915 to facilitate loading of the trocar mechanism 930 within the tubular body 912 of the housing assembly 910.

[0159] The trocar mechanism 930 of the trocar assembly 900 is configured for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the housing assembly 910 of the trocar assembly 900. The trocar mechanism 930 includes a tubular member 932 that is slidably disposed within the housing assembly 910, and a trocar member 934 that is secured to and extends distally from the tubular member 932. The trocar mechanism 930 is secured within the tubular body 912 of the housing assembly 910 by a pin or post 936 that extends outwardly from the tubular body 912. The pin 936 is configured to be received within the longitudinal slot 913 of the tubular body 912.

[0160] The drive member 960 of the trocar assembly 900 includes an elongated body 962 having a threaded or distal portion 962b. The threaded portion 962b threadably engages the tubular member 932 of the trocar mechanism 930. The tubular member 932 of the trocar mechanism 930 is secured within the tubular body 912 of the housing assembly 910 by the engagement of the elongated body 962 of the drive member 960.

[0161] like Fig.59 and Fig.60 As shown, when the trocar mechanism 930 is in the extended or advanced position, the pin 936 extending from the tubular member 932 of the trocar mechanism 930 is disposed within the wide distal portion 913c of the longitudinal slot 913 in the tubular body 912 of the housing assembly 910. When the pin 936 is disposed within the wide distal portion 913c of the longitudinal slot 913, the trocar mechanism 930 is permitted to be moved about the longitudinal axis "x" of the trocar assembly 900 from the first position ( Fig.59 ) rotates to the second position ( Fig.60 ).

[0162] When the trocar mechanism 930 is retracted into the tubular body 912 of the housing assembly 910, for example, when the drive member 960 is rotated in the first direction, the pin 936 of the trocar mechanism 930 passes through the tapered middle portion 913b of the longitudinal slot 913 and is guided into the narrow proximal portion 913a of the longitudinal slot 913. When the pin 936 is disposed within the tapered middle portion 913b of the longitudinal slot 913, the extent of rotation of the trocar mechanism 930 is limited by the walls of the tubular body 912 defining the longitudinal slot 913. When the pin 936 of the trocar mechanism 930 is received within the narrow proximal portion 913a of the longitudinal slot 913, the trocar mechanism 930 is prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis "x".

[0163] Reference now Fig.62 , the tubular body 912 of the cannula assembly 910 is shown as the tubular member 932 of the cannula needle mechanism 930 passes through the notch 915 ( Fig.58) is received in the distal portion 912b of the tubular body 912. After the tubular member 932 of the trocar mechanism 930 is received by the notch 915, the tubular member 932 is aligned with and engaged with the drive member 960 and threadedly engaged by the drive member 960 to retain the trocar mechanism 930 within the tubular body 912 of the housing assembly 910. The trocar assembly 900 then operates in a conventional manner.

[0164] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an illustration of the present disclosure. Without departing from the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may design various substitutions and modifications. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to encompass all such substitutions, modifications and variations. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are presented only to illustrate certain examples of the present disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are substantially different from those described above and / or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A trocar assembly for releasably engaging an adapter assembly of a surgical stapling instrument, the trocar assembly comprising: a housing including a tubular body and defining a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion of the tubular body including a threaded inner surface; a trocar mechanism supported within the housing and movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an advanced position, the trocar mechanism comprising a tubular member and a trocar member extending from the tubular member, the tubular member having a proximal section with a threaded interior surface; a drive member rotatably supported within the housing, the drive member comprising: a threaded proximal portion configured to engage with a threaded inner surface of the housing; and a threaded distal portion configured to engage with the threaded inner surface of the tubular member; and A drive connector is in a fixed rotational relationship and in a dynamic longitudinal relationship with the drive member.

2. The trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: During advancement of the trocar mechanism, the drive connector is held in a proximal position by a plunger member and a spring.

3. The trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The drive connector includes a sealing member and is biased in a proximal direction by a pressurized fluid.

4. The trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The drive connector includes a locating member for engaging a drive shaft of the handle assembly.

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