Tilting the Tongue Cannula Depth Limiter

Abstract

A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula includes an annular base having a boss extending about a longitudinal axis, the boss having a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula. A latch arm coupled to the annular base overlies the boss and includes an arm opening configured to align with the boss lumen and receive the surgical cannula. The latch arm is movable relative to the annular base between a released position and a locked position. In the released position, the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen, such that the latch arm is configured to allow longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula. In the locked position, the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen, such that the latch arm is configured to prevent longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Priority) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 018,652, filed May 1, 2020, and entitled “Tilting Tang Cancula Depth Limiter.” [Background technology]

[0002] Some surgical procedures may require a clinician to access a surgical site through a patient's abdominal cavity. To gain such access, an opening is first made through the abdominal wall tissue overlying the abdominal cavity. In some surgical procedures (referred to as "laparoscopic" or "endoscopic" procedures), a relatively small opening is made through the abdominal wall tissue and then the surgical site is accessed with an elongated instrument inserted through an access device, commonly referred to as a "trocar," positioned within the opening. A conventional trocar generally includes a cannula assembly and an obturator that is removably received within a working channel of the cannula assembly. In use, the obturator is mated with the cannula assembly and the combined structure (i.e., the trocar) is directed by the clinician downward through the patient's abdominal wall such that the distal end of the obturator and cannula assembly extend into the abdominal cavity. The clinician then withdraws the obturator from the cannula assembly so that a surgical instrument may be directed downward through the working channel of the cannula assembly to access the surgical site.

[0003] Trocars, merely exemplary variations of their components, and other types of surgical access devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,981,092, entitled "Vibratory Trocar," issued on July 19, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,553, entitled "Access Device with Insert," issued on July 24, 2012; U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,900, entitled "Surgical Access Devices and Methods Providing Seal Movement in Predefined Paths," issued on August 28, 2012; U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,807, entitled "Absorbing Fluids in a Surgical Access Device," issued on November 12, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,362, entitled "Surgical Access Device with Sorbents," issued on October 29, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,807, entitled "Surgical Access Device with Sorbents," issued on January 28, 2014; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,686 entitled "Gas Jet Fluid Removal in a Trocar" which issued on April 8, 2014, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0000496 entitled "Method of Suturing a Trocar Path Incision," which published on January 3, 2019. The disclosures of each of the above-cited U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] In some procedures, it may be desirable to limit the depth to which the trocar is inserted into the wall of a patient's body cavity. It may be further desirable to have one depth limiter that is reusable and can be used with both reusable and disposable trocars. Although various types of surgical instruments, including surgical access devices and end effectors, and other related components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the present inventors has made or used the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary trocar with a cannula assembly and obturator shown in an assembled state. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the cannula assembly and obturator of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state. [Figure 3A] 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the trocar of FIG. 1 being manipulated by a clinician through a tissue layer of the abdominal wall. [Figure 3B] 3B illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the trocar of FIG. 1 showing the distal end of the trocar received within the abdominal cavity of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] 3B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cannula assembly of FIG. 1 , showing the cannula assembly remaining positioned within the abdominal wall of FIG. 3A after disengagement and removal of the obturator. [Figure 3D] 3B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cannula assembly of FIG. 1 being withdrawn proximally from the abdominal wall of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates another perspective view of an exemplary trocar with a cannula assembly and obturator shown in an assembled state. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of the cannula assembly and obturator of FIG. 4 in an exploded state, showing the reusable cannula and the disposable seal assembly of the cannula assembly separated from one another, and showing the obturator in an exploded state. [Figure 6] 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary depth limiter coupled to a cannula tube of the cannula assembly of FIG. 4, showing the latch arm of the depth limiter in an initial locked position that prevents relative translation between the depth limiter and the cannula tube. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the depth limiter of FIG. 6 showing the latch arm in an initial latched position. [Figure 8A] FIG. 7 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter and cannula tube of FIG. 6 showing the latch arm in a fully locked position preventing relative translation between the depth limiter and the cannula tube. [Figure 8B] FIG. 7 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter and cannula tube of FIG. 6, showing the latch arm in a released position allowing relative translation between the depth limiter and the cannula tube. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary depth limiter, showing the latch arm of the depth limiter in an initial locked position that prevents relative translation between the depth limiter and the cannula tube. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter of FIG. 9 showing the latch arm in an initial locked position. [Figure 11] 13 illustrates a perspective view of a third exemplary depth limiter, showing the latch arm of the depth limiter in a released position that allows relative translation between the depth limiter and the cannula tube of the trocar. [Figure 12A] 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter of FIG. 11 coupled with the cannula tube of FIG. 4, showing the latch arm in a released position to allow relative translation between the depth limiter and the cannula tube. [Figure 12B] 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter of FIG. 11 and the cannula tube of FIG. 4 showing the latch arm in a locked position preventing relative translation between the depth limiter and the cannula tube. [Figure 13] 13 shows a perspective view of a fourth exemplary depth limiter including four legs. [Figure 14A] 14 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter of FIG. 13 coupled with a cannula tube of the cannula assembly of the trocar of FIG. 1 , with the legs of the depth limiter in a non-deployed configuration when the distal end of the trocar is received within the abdominal cavity. [Figure 14B]14 shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter of FIG. 13 coupled with the cannula tube of the cannula assembly of FIG. 1 of the obturator after disengagement and removal of the obturator, with the legs of the depth limiter in a deployed configuration with the distal end of the cannula tube received within the abdominal cavity. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a fifth exemplary depth limiter including two legs. [Figure 16] 13 shows a perspective view of a sixth exemplary depth limiter including three legs. [Figure 17] 13 shows a perspective view of a seventh exemplary depth limiter including a hub with a notch. [Figure 18A] 18 illustrates a top view of the depth limiter of FIG. 17 coupled with the cannula tube of the cannula assembly of FIG. 5, with the hub of the depth limiter in a movable configuration. [Figure 18B] 18 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the depth limiter of FIG. 17 coupled with the cannula tube of the cannula assembly of FIG. 5 after disengagement and removal of the obturator, with the legs of the depth limiter in a locked configuration. [Figure 19A] 18 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the depth limiter of FIG. 17 coupled with the cannula tube of the cannula assembly of FIG. 5, with the legs of the depth limiter in a deployed configuration. [Figure 19B] 18 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the depth limiter of FIG. 17 coupled with the cannula tube of the cannula assembly of FIG. 5 of the obturator, after disengagement and removal of the obstruction, with the legs of the depth limiter in a deployed configuration. [Figure 20] 13 shows a top cross-sectional view of an eighth exemplary depth limiter including a fluid chamber and four legs.

[0006] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any manner, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other various ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The following description of a specific embodiment of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present invention by way of example. As will be understood, the present invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, none of which departs from the present invention. Thus, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

[0008] For clarity of this disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a surgeon or other operator grasping a surgical device. The term "proximal" refers to the location of an element disposed closer to the surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to the location of an element disposed further away from the surgeon. Also, to the extent that spatial terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be understood that such terms are used for illustrative descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that surgical instruments such as those disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positions, not limited to those shown and described herein.

[0009] Additionally, terms such as "about," "approximately," and the like, as used herein in connection with any numerical value or range of numerical values, are intended to encompass the exact value referenced, as well as a suitable tolerance that enables the referenced feature, or combination of features, to function for the intended purpose described herein.

[0010] I. Exemplary Single-Use and Reusable Trocars 1-5 illustrate exemplary surgical access devices in the form of a single-use first trocar (10) and a reusable second trocar (110), each configured to provide access to a surgical site in a laparoscopic surgical procedure. Each trocar (10, 110) includes a cannula assembly (12, 112) having a working channel (14, 114) and an obturator (16, 116) configured to be coaxially inserted into the working channel (14, 114) so ​​that the assembled trocar (10, 110) may be directed distally through a patient's abdominal wall, for example, as described below in connection with Figures 3A-3D.

[0011] A. Exemplary Single-Use Trocar As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the cannula assembly (12) of the single-use trocar (10) includes a cannula (20) and a seal housing (30). The cannula (20) and the seal housing (30) cooperate to define a working channel (14) extending longitudinally along a central axis (A) of the trocar (10). In particular, the working channel (14) is defined by a lumen of the cannula (20) that communicates with a hollow interior of the seal housing (30). The cannula assembly (12) is configured to receive an elongated surgical instrument distally through the working channel (14) to provide access to a surgical site within the patient's abdominal cavity. As described in more detail below, the seal housing (30) houses a pair of seal structures that define a seal assembly configured to maintain insufflation of the patient's abdominal cavity while permitting passage of surgical instruments and tissue fragments along the working channel (14).

[0012] The cannula (20) of this variation may include a bell-shaped hub (not shown) at its proximal end and an elongated cylindrical cannula tube (22) extending distally from the hub and terminating in an angled cannula tip (24). The exterior surface of the cannula tube (22) includes a plurality of tissue-gripping features in the form of annular ribs (26) disposed axially along an interior portion of the cannula tube (22). The ribs (26) are configured to grasp a layer of abdominal wall tissue through which the cannula (20) is inserted, thereby assisting in axially and radially stabilizing the cannula (20) while it is positioned within an opening formed in a patient's abdominal wall.

[0013] More specifically, the tissue gripping ribs (26) of this embodiment are formed as annular scallops in the sidewall of the cannula tube (22) such that each rib (26) tapers radially inwardly in a distal direction from the radially outermost edge of the rib (26). Thus, the radially outermost edge of the rib (26) is generally flush with the non-ribbed proximal and distal portions of the cannula tube (22). The resulting configuration of the ribs (26) facilitates advancement of the cannula tube (22) through the tissue layers in a distal direction and resists retraction of the cannula tube (22) through the tissue layers in a reverse proximal direction. Advantageously, this configuration protects against unintentional withdrawal of the cannula tube (22) from the patient's abdominal wall during a surgical procedure. However, it will be understood that the cannula tube (22) may include various other types of tissue gripping features in other variations of the trocar (10). For example, cannula tube (22) may include tissue gripping features in the form of one or more helical ribs that extend around at least an inner portion of cannula tube (22) and may be scalloped similar to ribs (26).

[0014] The seal housing (30) of the cannula assembly (12) includes a proximal housing portion (32) and a distal housing portion (34) to which the proximal housing portion (32) is removably attached. The proximal housing portion (32) includes a seal housing head (36) and a distal base (38) that are fixed to one another. The distal housing portion (34) includes a distal shroud (40) that surrounds a proximal hub (not shown) of the cannula (20), a cap plate (42) that is fixed to a proximal end of the distal shroud (40), and a latch ring (44) rotatably disposed therebetween and having radially outwardly projecting tabs (46). The latch ring (44) is selectively rotatable via the tabs (46) about the central axis (A) of the trocar (10) between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the latch ring (44) locks the proximal housing portion (32) to the distal housing portion (34). In the unlocked position, the latch ring (44) allows the proximal housing portion (32) to be separated from the distal housing portion (34), for example, to directly access a distal seal structure (not shown) contained within the distal housing portion (34). In some variations, the distal shroud (40) may be integrally formed with the proximal end of the cannula tube (22), such that the distal shroud (40) is a component of the cannula (20).

[0015] Although not shown, the proximal housing portion (32) houses a proximal (or "outer") seal structure and the distal housing portion (34) houses a distal (or "inner") seal structure, both disposed along the central axis (A) of the trocar (10). The proximal and distal seal structures cooperate to define a seal assembly that allows passage of surgical instruments and tissue fragments along the working channel (14) while maintaining insufflation of the patient's abdominal cavity during a surgical procedure. For example, the proximal seal structure may include an annular seal member configured to sealingly engage a shaft of a laparoscopic surgical instrument directed through the working channel (14). The distal seal structure may include a duckbill seal member configured to maintain the described sealed working channel (14) in the absence of a surgical instrument shaft.

[0016] Cannula assembly (12) further includes an insufflation port (50) operably coupled to the proximal end of cannula (20) and having an adjustable valve in the form of a stopcock (52). Insufflation port (50) is configured to direct an insufflation fluid, such as carbon dioxide, from a fluid source (not shown) distally through working channel (14) and into the patient's abdominal cavity, thereby expanding (or "insufflating") the cavity with the fluid. This expansion of the abdominal cavity creates additional space for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with improved ease.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the obturator (16) of the trocar (10) includes an obturator head (60), an elongated cylindrical obturator shaft (62) extending distally from the head (60), and a tapered distal obturator tip (64). The obturator shaft (62) is configured to be received within the working channel (14) of the cannula assembly (12) such that the obturator tip (64) extends distally through the cannula tip (24). The obturator head (60) includes a dome-shaped upper body (66), a base plate (68), and an actuatable latch member (70) including a pair of latch arms (72) and a corresponding pair of latch buttons (74). The latch arms (72) are configured to be captured within respective slots (not shown) formed in an upper surface of the seal housing head (36) to couple the obturator (16) with the cannula assembly (12). The latch button (74) is operable to release the latch arms (72) from the slots, thereby permitting separation of the obturator (16) from the cannula assembly (12). The obturator (16) further includes a central passage (76) extending longitudinally through the obturator head (60) and the obturator shaft (62) and configured to receive an endoscope (not shown) therein to provide visualization during insertion of the trocar (10) through the patient's abdominal wall. A clamp lever (78) on the obturator head (60) is pivotable to selectively secure the endoscope within the central passage (76). The central passage (76) and clamp lever (78) are merely optional features and may be omitted from the obturator (16) in other variations.

[0018] Cannula assembly (12) and obturator (16) may be configured to be disposed of after a single use with a patient. In other variations, one or more components of trocar (10) may be suitably configured to withstand sterilization and multiple reuses, for example, as described in more detail below in connection with trocar (110) of Figures 4-5.

[0019] B. Exemplary deployment of trocars within the patient's abdominal cavity. 3A-3D illustrate an exemplary method of accessing a patient's abdominal cavity (1) through the patient's abdominal wall (2) using the trocar (10) described above. It will be understood that the abdominal wall (2) includes an outer superficial layer and an inner deep layer. The superficial layer generally includes an outer layer of skin (3) and an inner layer of fat (4), while the deeper layers include an alternative layer of muscle (5) and fascia (6), which is more tensile, fibrous and flexible than the superficial layers.

[0020] As shown in FIGURE 3A, with the obturator (16) received within the cannula assembly (12) and connected to the seal housing (30), the clinician manipulates the trocar (10) via the obturator head (60) and seal housing (30) to press the obturator tip (64) inwardly against the skin (3) and toward the abdominal cavity (1) while rotating the trocar (10) back and forth. Continued inward pressure of the trocar (10) further directs the obturator tip (64) and cannula tip (24) distally through the layer of fat (4) and fascia (6) and into the cavity (1). As mentioned above, this step may be facilitated by visualization provided by an endoscope (not shown) mounted within the obturator (16). Once the cannula (20) has reached the desired insertion depth into the cavity (1), the clinician releases the obturator head (60) from the seal housing (30) via depression of the latch button (74) and then withdraws the obturator (16) proximally from the cannula assembly (12), as shown in FIG. 3C. This causes the working channel (14) of the cannula assembly (12) to be able to receive surgical instruments distally therethrough to perform the laparoscopic surgical procedure. As mentioned above, the tissue gripping ribs (26) on the cannula tube (22) grip the layers of tissue (3, 4, 5, 6) of the abdominal wall (2), thus providing the cannula assembly (12) with at least a minimum degree of stability relative to the abdominal wall (2). Upon completion of the laparoscopic surgical procedure, the clinician grasps the seal housing (30) and withdraws the cannula assembly (12) proximally from the abdominal wall (2), as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0021] C. An exemplary reusable trocar having a disposable seal assembly In some cases, it may be desirable to configure a trocar so that one or more of its components can be sterilized and reused for multiple surgical procedures, while one or more other components can be easily and economically disposed of and replaced after each procedure. Figures 4-5 show another exemplary trocar (110) configured in such a manner, which is similar in structure and function to the trocar (10) described above, except as otherwise described below.

[0022] Similar to trocar (10), trocar (110) includes a cannula assembly (112) having a working channel (114) and an obturator (116) configured to be inserted into the cannula assembly (112) coaxially along the working channel (114). Cannula assembly (112) includes a cannula (120) having a bell-shaped proximal hub (122) at its proximal end and an elongated cylindrical cannula tube (124) extending distally from the proximal hub (122) and terminating in an angled cannula tip (126). The exterior surface of cannula tube (124) includes a plurality of tissue-grasping features in the form of annular ribs (128) disposed axially along an inner portion of cannula tube (124) that are similar to ribs (26) described above.

[0023] The cannula assembly (112) further includes a seal assembly (130). Unlike the seal assembly defined by the seal housing (30) of the trocar (10), the seal assembly (130) is configured as a modular, replaceable unit configured to releasably mate with the proximal hub (122) of the cannula (120). As best shown in FIG. 5, the seal assembly (130) of this embodiment generally includes an upper frame member (132), a middle frame member (134), and a lower frame member (136) secured to one another in a coaxial arrangement. Although not shown, a proximal (or "outer") seal structure is supported within the upper frame member (132) and a distal (or "internal") seal structure is supported within the lower frame member (136). Such seal structures may be similar in structure and function to the proximal and distal seal structures of the trocar (10) described above. The seal assembly (130) further includes an insufflation port (140) having an adjustable valve in the form of a stopcock (142).

[0024] A lower portion of the seal assembly (130), distal to the insufflation port (140), is configured to seat within the proximal hub (122) of the cannula (120) such that an annular seal member (144) disposed circumferentially about the lower portion is in sealing engagement with an inner surface of the proximal hub (122). In this manner, the interior of the seal assembly (130) is in fluid communication with the lumen of the cannula (120) to define a working channel (114) of the cannula assembly (112) through which insufflation fluid, surgical instruments, and tissue fragments may be directed in the manner generally described above in connection with the trocar (10). The seal assembly (130) may be further configured according to one or more of the teachings of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0090905, entitled "Trocar Seal Assemblies," published on March 28, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0380742, entitled "Asymmetric Shaft Seal," published on December 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] As best shown in FIGURE 5, the obturator (116) of the trocar (110) includes a proximal obturator head (150), an elongated cylindrical shaft (152) extending distally from the obturator head (150), and a tapered distal tip (154) at the distal end of the shaft (152). The obturator head (150) includes a dome-shaped upper body (156), a base plate (158), and an actuatable latch member (160) including a pair of latch arms (162) and a corresponding pair of downwardly extending latch buttons (164). The latch arms (162) are configured to be captured within respective slots (138) formed in an upper surface of the upper frame member (132) of the seal assembly (130) to couple the obturator (116) with the cannula assembly (112). The latch button (164) is operable to release the latch arm (162) from the slot (138), thereby permitting separation of the obturator (116) from the cannula assembly (112).

[0026] The cannula (120) and obturator (116) of this embodiment are preferably constructed of robust materials, such as surgical steel, so that they may be sterilized and reused for multiple surgical procedures. In contrast, as described above, the seal assembly (130) is constructed as a disposable unit that is intended to be separated from the cannula (120) and replaced after each procedure. For example, the seal assembly (130) may be constructed of a variety of polymeric materials, including plastic and rubber, such that the seal assembly (130) may be easily manufactured and sold at a price that makes the seal assembly (130) suitable for disposal, similar to the trocar (10) described above.

[0027] II. Exemplary Cannula Depth Limiters In some cases, a clinician may wish to limit the depth to which a single-use or reusable trocar (10, 110) may travel into the abdominal wall (2) (e.g., after inserting the trocar (10, 110) into a desired location). Limiting the depth to which the trocar (10, 110) may travel into the abdominal wall (2) may help prevent the obturator distal tip (64) from inadvertently advancing deeper than desired into the abdominal cavity (1). Preventing over-insertion of the trocar (10, 110) may also avoid inadvertently reducing the available working space within the abdominal cavity (1).

[0028] Alternatively, or in addition, the clinician may wish to stabilize the trocar (10, 110) against the abdominal wall (2) (e.g., after inserting the trocar (10, 110) into the desired location in the abdominal cavity (1). The clinician may stabilize the trocar (10, 110) against the abdominal wall (2) by ducking under insertion of the trocar (10, 110). Stabilizing the trocar (10, 110) against the abdominal wall (2) after insertion into the abdominal wall (2) may help prevent the trocar (10, 110) from inadvertently pivoting about its insertion point in the abdominal wall (2) after the clinician releases the trocar (10, 110). The stabilizing trocar (10, 110) maintains the entry point of the surgical instruments into the abdominal cavity (1) at a desired location and / or orientation relative to the abdominal cavity (1) so that the cannula tubes (22, 124), and therefore the surgical instruments, may be easily directed distally through the trocar (10, 110) at a selected working angle that is convenient for the clinician. It may also be desirable to design a reusable depth limiting device with a limited number of voids and recesses. This design simplifies the manufacturing process and aids in disinfecting and cleaning the surgical instruments.

[0029] A. First Exemplary Depth Limiter with Spring Latch Arm 6 shows one example of a depth limiter (200) coupled to the cannula tube (124) of the trocar (110). Although not shown, it will be understood that the depth limiter (200) may also be used with the trocar (10). As will be described in more detail below, the depth limiter (200) may selectively limit the depth to which the trocar (10, 110) may travel distally into the abdominal wall (2).

[0030] As best seen in Figures 7-8B, the depth limiter (200) of this variation includes a latch arm (218) integrally coupled to an annular base (220). The annular base (220) is relatively rigid relative to the latch arm (218), which is flexible and has elastic properties. In particular, the latch arm (218) is in the form of a spring arm that is elastically biasable relative to the base (220) between an initial locked position shown in Figures 6-7, a fully locked position shown in Figure 8A, and a released position shown in Figure 8B.

[0031] In each of the initial and fully locked positions, the latch arm (218) is configured to frictionally engage an outer surface (e.g., annular rib (128)) of the cannula tube (124), thereby preventing relative translation between the depth limiter (200) and the cannula tube (124). In contrast, the latch arm (218) in the released position is configured to allow relative translation between the depth limiter (200) and the cannula tube (124). As described below, the fully locked position provides a greater frictional engagement between the latch arm (218) and the cannula tube (124) than the initial locked position, and therefore provides a greater resistance to relative axial loads applied between the depth limiter (200) and the cannula tube (124). The latch arm (218) in this embodiment is resiliently biased such that the latch arm (218) can be biased by a user downward (i.e., distally) toward the base (220) toward a fully locked position, toward an initial locked position, or upward (i.e., proximally) from the base (220) toward a released position.

[0032] The depth limiter (200) may be constructed of any one or more suitable materials. For example, the depth limiter (200) may be constructed of a surgically safe metal, such as surgical stainless steel, or alternatively, a polymeric material. It will be appreciated that a metallic construction would render the depth limiter (200) sterilizable and reusable for multiple surgical procedures. In comparison, a plastic construction may provide the depth limiter (200) suitable for disposal after a single use, similar to the trocar (10) and seal assembly (130) described above. In this embodiment, the annular base (220) and latch arm (218) are formed together as a unitary piece. This unitary piece may be formed by one or more suitable manufacturing processes, such as, for example, metal stamping, additive manufacturing, die casting, or injection molding. In other variations of the depth limiter (200), one or more components may be formed separately and then bonded together.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the annular base (220) includes a cylindrical central boss (222) and an annular hub (224) that extends radially outward from and circumferentially around the central boss (222). The central boss (222) includes a boss lumen (226) and is oriented along a central axis (A) of the base (220). 中心 Extending distally from the proximal face (228) along a central axis (A) to an outwardly flared distal portion (230), which may not flare in other variations. 中心) and serves as a stop for latch arm (218) in a fully locked position, as shown in FIG. 8A. In particular, proximal surface (228) prevents latch arm (218) from being deflected distally beyond a maximum deflection angle (MA), thereby preventing unwanted plastic deformation of latch arm (218) and / or excessive frictional engagement and resulting damage to cannula tube (124) or latch arm (218). It will be appreciated that the axial height of central boss (222) and the angle of proximal surface (228) may be selected to enable a predetermined maximum deflection angle (MA) of latch arm (218) and / or a predetermined frictional engagement with cannula tube (124), which criteria may be selected based at least in part on the material composition of depth limiter (200) and / or cannula tube (124). The boss lumen (226) is sized to slidably receive the cannula tube (22, 124) of the cannula assembly (12, 112). The annular hub (224) extends outwardly from the distal portion (230) of the central boss (222) to an outer edge (234), which may be rounded proximally as shown to ensure atraumatic interaction with the patient's abdominal wall (2).

[0034] Although the annular base (220) shown in this variation has a generally circular shape, the annular base (220) may be formed in a variety of other shapes, such as, for example, oval, rectangular, or triangular, in other variations. The annular hub (224) has a lower surface (232) that is generally planar and has a base diameter (DB) that is greater than the central boss diameter (CB). The base diameter (DB) is appropriately sized to prevent the depth limiter (200) from passing distally through the trocar pathway incision in the patient's abdominal wall (2). The lower surface (232) may be smooth, as shown, or may be configured with a texture (not shown) or another surface effect (not shown) to further aid in maintaining the cannula tube (22, 124) upright within the abdominal wall (2).

[0035] In the illustrated example, the outer edge (234) of the annular base (220) is located radially outward from the central boss (222) and is curled (or "rolled") away from the patient's skin and toward the latch arm (218). Thus, the outer edge (234) can increase the rigidity of the annular base (220) and provide a smooth contour for patient comfort. Additionally, the curved portion (236) of the outer edge (234) can function as a user gripping feature so that a clinician can more easily grip the outer edge (234). The outer edge (234) includes a pair of relief cut features (238) located on either side of the first bend (244) of the latch arm (218). The relief cut features (238) facilitate elastic deflection of the first bend (244) of the latch arm (218) relative to the base (220). The relief cut feature (238) allows the latch arm (218) to have additional flexibility because the latch arm (218) does not abut against the outer edge (234) which adds stiffness to the latch arm (218).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, the latch arm (218) has a first arm portion (240) and a second arm portion (242). The first arm portion (240) is attached to the annular base (220) at a first bend (244) between the pair of relief cut features (238). The first bend (244) is oriented about a central axis (A 中心 ) and perpendicular to a plane defined by the annular base (220). The first arm portion (240) extends proximally from a first bend (244) to a second bend (246).

[0037] The second bend (246) joins the first arm portion (240) with a second arm portion (242) that extends generally perpendicular to the first arm portion (240). Specifically, the second arm portion (242) extends along a central axis (A) to a free end (248) that has a tang (252) that curves proximally away from the base (220). 中心), which is used to bias the latch arm (218) relative to the base (220). As shown, the second arm portion (242) rests on the proximal face (228) of the central boss (222) and includes an arm opening (250) configured to coaxially align with the boss lumen (226) in the released position of the latch arm (218).

[0038] In this embodiment, the arm opening (250) has the same cross-sectional shape as the boss lumen (226) and the cannula tube (22, 124). As shown, both the boss lumen (226) and the arm opening (250) have circular cross-sectional shapes in this variation. In some other variations, the boss lumen (226) and the arm opening (250) may have different cross-sectional shapes.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the arm opening (250) is perpendicular to the second arm portion (242) and has an arm axis (A) located concentrically within the arm opening (250). アーム). The arm opening (250) includes an engagement feature in the form of an inner edge (254) of the arm opening (250). The engagement feature facilitates frictional engagement of the arm opening (250) with the ribs (26, 128) of the cannula tube (22, 124) when the latch arm (218) is in one of the initial locked position or the fully locked position, thereby preventing relative longitudinal movement between the depth limiter (200) and the cannula tube (22, 124). In some cases, the engagement feature may further include a complementary geometry to the ribs (26, 128). For example, the engagement feature may further include a raised portion (not shown) that mates with a recess in the ribs (26, 128), or the engagement feature may have a recess (not shown) that mates with the raised portion in the ribs (26, 128). In some variations, the engagement feature may include an annular band (not shown) that mates with rib (26, 128). In yet other variations, the engagement feature may include a geometry complementary to a helical rib (not shown) formed on the cannula tube (22, 124). It will be appreciated that the latch arm (218) of this embodiment in the locked position is also suitably configured to frictionally engage a cannula tube having a smooth outer surface (e.g., similar to rib (26, 128)) that lacks one or more tissue-engaging features.

[0040] As noted above, the latch arm (218) in this example is resiliently biased from a released position toward an initial locked position. The released position is a proximal position, and the initial locked position is a distal position. The latch arm (218) may be in the form of a spring arm as shown. In other embodiments, the latch arm (218) may be biased toward the initial locked position or alternatively the fully locked position by a separate biasing member such as a spring (not shown) or another feature that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In yet other embodiments (not shown), the latch arm (218) may be biased toward the released position. The illustrated latch arm (218) is shown having a flat rectangular cross-sectional profile. In some variations, the latch arm (218) may have an arcuate cross-sectional profile, such as a curved rectangular cross-sectional profile. In such variations, the latch arm (218) may have an increased stiffness and therefore an increased resilient bias toward its rest position (e.g., the initial locked position).

[0041] FIG. 8A shows that the latch arm (218) has been pushed distally into a fully locked position, thereby engaging the cannula tube (22, 124) with a maximum degree of frictional engagement. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the latch arm (218) is in the fully locked position, the arm opening (250) is aligned with a corresponding axis (A アーム , A 中心 ) are non-coaxial with respect to the boss lumen (226). In addition, as described above, the underside of the second arm portion (242) directly contacts the proximal face (228) of the central boss (222).

[0042] FIG. 8B shows the latch arm (218) being lifted via the tang (252) to actuate the latch arm (218) from a locked position (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-8A) proximally away from the annular base (220) to a released position. During this transition, the latch arm (218) deflects relative to the annular base (220) via deflection at and about the first bend (244) and / or the second bend (246). The arm axis (A アーム ) is the central axis (A 中心) so that the arm opening (250) is coaxially aligned with the boss lumen (226), the latch arm (218) is in the released position (see FIG. 8B). In the released position, the second arm portion (242) is generally aligned with the central axis (A 中心 ) and therefore generally parallel to the annular base (220), and the depth limiter (200) is free to translate along the cannula tube (22, 124).

[0043] Once the depth limiter (200) has been positioned by the clinician at a desired longitudinal position along the cannula tube (22, 124), the clinician may release the tang (252). In response, the latch arm (218) resiliently returns toward the annular base (220) to the initial locked position (see FIG. 6), thereby frictionally engaging the cannula tube (22, 124) and the depth limiter (200) against the cannula tube (22, 124) at the selected longitudinal position. If the clinician desires to more securely lock the depth limiter (200) at the selected longitudinal position, the clinician may then press the tang (252) downwardly to depress the latch arm (218) into the fully locked position shown in FIG. 8A and described above.

[0044] The latch arm (218) can have various degrees of locking between an initial locking position (see FIGS. 6-7) and a fully locked position (see FIG. 8A). To translate the depth limiter (200) distally from a first locking position (e.g., the initial locking position) to a second locking position (e.g., the fully locked position), the clinician applies a distal force to the tang (252), thereby increasing the degree of frictional engagement between the latch arm (218) and the cannula tube (22, 124) and therefore the locking force.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the degree of frictional engagement between the latch arms (218) and the cannula tubes (22, 124) in the initial locked position is high enough to resist low relative axial loads applied between the depth limiter (200) and the cannula tubes (22, 124), for example, during distal insertion of the corresponding cannula assembly (12, 112) through the patient's abdominal wall (2). In some variations, this degree of frictional engagement in the initial locked position may also be low enough to allow a clinician to intentionally pull the depth limiter (200) from the cannula tube (22, 124) without first lifting the latch arms (218) to the release position. For example, a clinician can remove the depth limiter (200) by grasping the cannula assembly (12, 112) with one hand and the annular base (220) of the depth limiter (200) with the other hand, pulling the cannula assembly (12, 112) proximally from the cannula tube (22, 124) while simultaneously pulling the annular base (220) distally. This process automatically depresses the latch arm (218) to the release position, thus allowing the depth limiter (200) to translate distally along the cannula tube (22, 124).

[0046] B. Second Exemplary Depth Limiter with Spring Latch Arm In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a variation of the cannula depth limiter (200) in which the latch arms (218) are not limited to a maximum deflection angle (MA) by the proximal face (228) of the central boss (222). Figures 9-10 show another exemplary depth limiter (300) exhibiting such a configuration. As described in more detail below, the depth limiter (300) may selectively limit the depth to which the trocar (10, 110) may travel distally into the abdominal wall (2). The depth limiter (300) is substantially similar to the depth limiter (200) described above, except as expressly described herein.

[0047] Similar to depth limiter (200), depth limiter (300) includes a latch arm (318) pivotally coupled to an annular base (320). The latch arm (318) is flexible relative to the annular base (320) and may be moved from a released position to at least one initial locked position and then to a fully locked position. The annular base (320) is relatively rigid and includes a central boss (322) and an annular hub (324). The central boss (322) extends along a central axis (A) from a proximal face (328) to a distal portion (330). 中心 Annular hub (324) defines a boss lumen (326) extending distally along an outer edge (334). Annular hub (324) includes an undersurface (332) extending radially to an outer edge (334) having a pair of relief cut features (338) proximal to latch arms (318).

[0048] The latch arm (318) is operably attached to the outer edge (334) between a pair of relief cut features (338) at a first bend (344). The first bend (344) attaches a first arm portion (340) to the annular base (320). The first arm portion (340) extends proximally to a second bend (346). The second bend (346) is oriented about a central axis (A 中心 ) and is attached to a second arm portion (342). The second arm portion (342) is curved across the central axis (A 中心 ) and rests on the central boss (322). The second arm portion (342) defines an arm opening (350) and includes a tang (352). The arm opening (350) is centered within the arm opening (350) and is aligned with an arm axis (A アーム ). Arm opening (350) has an inner edge (354) that may have an engagement feature (not shown). Like latch arm (218), latch arm (318) is resiliently biased toward an initial locked position shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0049] Depth limiter (300) differs from depth limiter (200) in that central boss (322) is formed with a shorter axial height than central boss (222) and a proximal face (328) that is generally parallel to annular base (332). As a result, proximal face (328) of central boss (322) does not limit latch arm (318) to a maximum deflection angle (MA) when depth limiter (300) is coupled with cannula tube (22, 124). Specifically, latch arm (318) is not configured to engage proximal face (328) in a fully locked position. Latch arm (318) is configured to engage arm axis (A) axially relative to an annular base (332). アーム ) may be at a maximum deflection angle (MA), but the maximum deflection angle (MA) is not defined by the proximal surface (328). Rather, the maximum deflection angle (MA) of the latch arm (318) in use may be defined by the point at which the latch arm (318) achieves the maximum possible frictional engagement with the outer surface of the cannula tube (22, 124). This configuration of depth limiter (300) may function substantially similarly to depth limiter (200), but is easier to manufacture due to the simplified shape of central boss (322).

[0050] C. Third Exemplary Depth Limiter with Pivotable Latch Arm In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter having a housing that is distally tapered, rigid, and includes a latch arm that is resiliently biased toward a locked position. Figures 11-12B show an exemplary depth limiter (400) configured in this manner. As described in more detail below, the depth limiter (400) may selectively limit the depth to which the trocar (10, 110) may travel within the abdominal wall (2). Similar to the depth limiters (200, 300), the depth limiter (400) includes a latch arm (418) pivotally coupled to the housing (420), the latch arm (418) being resiliently biased toward a locked position. The latch arm (418) includes an arm opening (450) having an inner edge (454) similar to the inner edge (254) of the depth limiter (200). In some variations, the inner edge (454) may include a locking mechanism (not shown) having complementary geometric features to the ribs (26, 128) of the cannula tube (22, 124). The latch arm (418) may be manipulated with a thumb or finger to translate between a released position (see FIG. 12A) in which the latch arm (418) allows relative longitudinal movement between the depth limiter (400) and the cannula tube (22, 124) and at least one locked position (see FIG. 12B) in which the latch arm (418) prevents relative longitudinal movement between the depth limiter (400) and the cannula tube (22, 124).

[0051] Depth limiter (400) differs from depth limiter (200) in that depth limiter (400) includes a housing (420) that at least partially houses latch arm (418), with biasing of latch arm (418) provided by an independent biasing member shown in the form of a compression spring (460). Housing (420) may have any suitable shape capable of supporting latch arm (418) relative to cannula tube (22, 124). In the example shown, housing (420) includes a distal frusto-conical portion (462) and a proximal cylindrical portion (464). The proximal end of proximal cylindrical portion (464) may be suitably contoured to mate with the distal end of a trocar cannula hub, such as hub (122) of reusable cannula assembly (112), or otherwise mate with the distal end of a trocar seal assembly, such as seal assembly (30) of disposable cannula assembly (12).

[0052] The frusto-conical portion (462) includes a truncated distal surface (466) and a conical portion (468). The truncated surface (466) opens into the interior of the body defined by the housing (420) and is aligned along a central axis (A 中心 ) and defines a distal bore (470) sized to slidably receive the cannula tube (22, 124) of the trocar (10, 110). The conical portion (468) extends from the truncated surface (466) to the central axis (A 中心 ) and extends proximally along a central axis (A). The conical portion (468) tapers from a distally located first diameter (472) to a proximally located second diameter (474). The first diameter (472) is smaller than the second diameter (474). The cylindrical portion (464) includes an outer wall (476), an inner wall (478), a pivot point (480), and a proximal face (482). The outer wall (476) extends from the second diameter (474) of the conical portion (468) to a central axis (A). 中心) to a proximal face (482). Outer wall (476) has a second diameter (474) along its entire length. Proximal face (482) partially covers the top of cylindrical portion (464) and includes a spring retainer (484) located inside of proximal face (482). Spring retainer (484) may include a central pin (486), an annular recess (488), or a locking tab (not shown) for securing spring (460) inside of proximal face (482). Spring retainer (484) prevents spring (460) from inadvertently being ejected from proximal face (482) of housing (420).

[0053] The cylindrical portion (464) has a central axis (A 中心 The relief slot (490) is located on a first side (S1) of the inner wall (478) of the outer wall (476). The relief slot (490) includes a pair of vertical surfaces (492) and a horizontal surface (494) extending radially from the inner wall (478) to the outer wall (476). The horizontal surface (494) connects the pair of vertical surfaces (492) distal to the proximal surface (482). The horizontal surface (494) may be tapered to engage the latch arm (418) in a fully locked position at a maximum deflection angle (MA). The relief slot (490) is sized to allow the latch arm (418) to pivot about a pivot point (480) radially outward through a circle defined by the inner wall (478) and further through a circle defined by the outer wall (476). The relief slot (490) is sized to receive the latch arm (418) through its full range of motion from the released position (see FIG. 12A) to the locked position (see FIG. 12B).

[0054] The pivot point (480) is located on the first side (S1) and on the opposite central axis (A) of the relief slot (490). 中心) to latch arm (418) at a second side (S2) of inner wall (478). Pivot point (480) is operatively attached to inner wall (478). In this variation, pivot point (480) is integral with inner wall (478). Pivot point (480) may include a snap fitting (not shown), a pin (not shown), a lateral bore (not shown), a living hinge (not shown), or any other structure capable of pivotally coupling a planar movement part to a rigid housing apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0055] The latch arm (418) has a first arm portion (440) and a second arm portion (442). The first arm portion (440) includes a pivot feature (496), a spring engagement feature (498), an arm opening (450), and a first bend (444). The pivot feature (496) is pivotally coupled to a pivot point (480). The first arm portion (440) extends from the pivot feature (496) to a free end (448). The first arm portion (440) defines a circular arm opening (450) above the distal bore (470). The arm opening (450) is oriented around an arm axis (A) centrally located within the arm opening (450). アーム ).

[0056] The spring engagement feature (498) (see FIGS. 12A-12B) is aligned with the central axis (A) of the upper portion of the first arm portion (440) corresponding to the location of the spring (460). 中心 ) of the depth limiter (400). In this variation, the depth limiter (400) is biased to an initial locked position (see FIG. 12A). The spring engagement feature (498) may include a central pin, an annular recess (not shown), a locking tab (not shown), or any other structure that may secure the spring (460) as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] In other variations, the spring engagement feature (498) may be located on the bottom of the first arm portion (440) and correspond to a similarly located spring retainer (484) for biasing the depth limiter (400) to the released position. In yet other variations, the spring engagement feature (498) may be located on the bottom of the first arm portion (440) and correspond to a similarly located spring retainer (484) for biasing the depth limiter (400) to the released position. 中心 ) may be disposed on a first side (S1).

[0058] The second arm portion (442) extends proximally from the first bend (444) to a free end (448). The second arm portion (442) may have a cross-section that is arcuate or flat. If the second arm portion (442) has an arcuate cross-section, the horizontal plane (494) is also arcuate. The free end (448) includes a tang (452) that has a slight bend relative to the second arm portion (442).

[0059] FIG. 12A shows the latch arm (418) of the depth limiter (400) held in a proximal release position. From the locked position shown in FIG. 12B, the clinician uses his or her thumb or finger to rotate the tang (452) in an arcuate proximal direction about the pivot point (480) toward the cannula tube (22, 124), thereby overcoming the opposing bias of the compression spring (460). The latch arm (418) compresses the spring (460) between the spring retainer (484) and the spring engagement feature (498). When the first arm portion (440) is engaged with the central axis (A 中心 ), the arm opening (450) is pivoted to an angle approximately perpendicular to the arm axis ( アーム ) is the central axis (A 中心 ) and is concentrically aligned with distal bore (470). Inner edge (454) of arm opening (450) no longer engages cannula tube (22, 124), thereby allowing depth limiter (400) to move axially along cannula tube (22, 124).

[0060] FIG. 12B shows the latch arm (418) of the depth limiter (400) in a locked position. The latch arm (418) is transitioned from the released position of FIG. 12A to the locked position by releasing the user's thumb or finger from the tongue (452). Upon release, the spring (460) biases the spring engagement feature (498) distally, thereby rotating the first arm portion (440) about the pivot point (480). The inner edge (454) of the arm opening (450) is aligned with the arm axis (A). アーム ) is now the central axis (A 中心), thereby axially locking the depth limiter (400) relative to the cannula tube (22, 124). In some variations, the depth limiter (400) may further include one or more detent features (not shown) configured to releasably maintain the latch arm (418) in the released and / or locked position until the latch arm (418) is actuated away from the detent position by the clinician.

[0061] In some variations, the latch arm (418) may be movable relative to the housing (420) between a plurality of locked positions, such as an initial locked position and a fully locked position. For example, the position of the latch arm (418) shown in FIGS. 11 and 12B may constitute an initial locked position, and the latch arm (418) may be further transitioned to the fully locked position by pushing the tang (452) further distally and radially outward with a thumb or finger. The latch arm (418) rotates about the pivot point (480) in an arcuate manner until the second arm portion (442) engages a horizontal plane (494) at a maximum deflection angle (MA). The horizontal plane (494) prevents the inner edge (454) from over-engaging the cannula tube (22, 124). The arm axis (A アーム ) is the central axis ( 中心 ) to reduce the alignment of the arm opening (450) with the distal bore (470). 中心 ) and arm axis (A アーム ), the greater the difference in alignment between inner edge (454) of latch arm (418) and the outer surface of cannula tube (22, 124), the greater the frictional engagement and resulting locking force between the inner edge (454) of latch arm (418) and the outer surface of cannula tube (22, 124).

[0062] D. Fourth Exemplary Depth Limiter 13 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth exemplary depth limiter (1010). The depth limiter (1010) includes a hub (1012) and a plurality of legs (1014). The depth limiter (1010) may be used in combination with the depth limiters (200, 300, 400) described above. Although the hub (1012) is shown to be generally square in shape, other shapes for the hub (1012) are envisioned. As shown, the hub (1012) includes an aperture (1016) extending completely therethrough. The aperture (1016) may include a gripping surface (1018). The gripping surface (1018) may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the cannula tube (22) of the cannula (20). Although FIGS. 13-14B illustrate the depth limiter 1010 with reference to the cannula tube 22 of the trocar 10 of FIG. 1, other cannula tubes (e.g., cannula tube 124) may also be used. The gripping surface 1018 may be smooth or non-smooth. As shown in FIG. 13, the gripping surface 1018 includes a smooth surface that may frictionally engage a portion of the cannula 20, such as the rib 26. Alternatively, the gripping surface 1018 may include a non-smooth surface that may include one or more features for lockingly engaging the cannula tube 22. In other words, the depth limiter 1010 may be secured to the cannula 20 with a mating thread (such as a nut) or secured to a scalloped cannula with an appropriate amount of interference fit. Such threads of depth limiter (1010) may be helical or non-helical (e.g., scalloped). For example, gripping surface (1018) may include at least one tooth configured for locking engagement with at least one of ribs (26) of cannula (20).

[0063] The legs (1014) may have a constant cross-sectional area moving radially away from the hub (1012). However, the legs (1014) may have a non-uniform cross-section. For example, one or more ends of the legs (1014) may include a cup-shaped portion (1020) to distribute the downward force. As shown, the legs (1014) are separated by approximately 90 degrees. More or fewer legs (1014) are also envisioned.

[0064] The depth limiter (1010) may provide additional stability to the trocar (10) for tip resistance. The depth limiter (1010) may be configured to limit sudden tilt using the legs (1014), thereby stabilizing the cannula (20). The depth limiter (1010) is configured to prevent accidental over-insertion into the body, but also limits the displacement and / or rate of off-axis tilt of the trocar (10) to stabilize the trocar (10). This stabilization may be achieved using the mechanical spring effect of each leg (1014). The legs (1014) allow the legs (1014) to flex outward, causing a variable amount of spring resistance in each direction in which the trocar (10) attempts to tilt. For example, the legs (1014) may have a reduced mass portion (e.g., a living hinge portion) and / or may rely on the inherent spring force of the legs (1014). The legs (1014) can contact the patient's body wall to prevent, or at least slow, the upward tip of the cannula (120).

[0065] 14A-14B show a depth limiter (1010). However, the teachings of FIG. 14A-14B may also be applied to the depth limiters (1110, 1210) described in detail below. FIG. 14A shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter (1010) of FIG. 13 coupled with the cannula tube (22) of the cannula assembly (12) of the trocar (10) of FIG. 1, with the legs (1014) of the depth limiter (1010) in an undeployed configuration when the distal end of the trocar (10) is received within the abdominal cavity (1). In the undeployed configuration (e.g., rest configuration) of FIG. 14A, the legs (1014) may be curved downward. As the depth limiter (1010) presses against the abdominal wall (2), the legs (1014) bend flatter, providing a reactive spring force against the abdominal wall (2) and the cannula (20). The degree to which the legs (1014) bend flatter can be controlled by the user. For example, additional force (e.g., downward hand pressure by the user) can cause the legs (1014) to bend flatter until the depth limiter (1010) is disposed adjacent the abdominal wall (2). As the flatness of the legs (1014) increases, the amount of reactive force against the cannula (20) can also increase, thereby increasing the locking force. For example, when the user presses the depth limiter (1010) partially (but not completely) down into a deployed configuration, the legs (1014) can have some degree of deployment. Furthermore, if the user then applies an off-axis load, one or more of the legs (1014) may be pushed down further than the other legs (1014), but upon removal of the off-axis load, the legs (1014) can even out and return to the center home position in a controlled manner.

[0066] Figure 14B shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter (1010) of Figure 13 coupled with the cannula tube (22) of the cannula assembly (12) of Figure 1 after disengagement and removal of the obturator (16), with the legs (1014) of the depth limiter (1010) in a deployed configuration with the distal end of the cannula tube (22) received within the abdominal cavity (1). In the deployed configuration, the legs (1014) can reduce the amount of rotational displacement / tilt that the trocar (10) can achieve, and can also reduce the speed at which the trocar (10) can achieve its tilt (i.e., preventing sudden, inadvertent movement within the body). To fully deploy the depth limiter 1010 from the cannula tube 22, the user can retract the cannula 20 from the abdominal wall 2 sufficiently to reduce the compression / clamping force of the depth limiter 1010 on the abdominal wall 2 so that the user can manually pull back the depth limiter 1010. The depth limiter 1010 can be disposable or reusable.

[0067] E. Fifth Exemplary Depth Limiter 15 illustrates a fifth exemplary depth limiter (1110) similar to depth limiter (1010). Depth limiter (1110) includes a hub (1112) similar to hub (1012), legs (1114) similar to legs (1014), an aperture (1116) similar to aperture (1016), and a gripping surface (1118) of aperture (1116) similar to gripping surface (1018). Legs (1114) may include a cup-shaped portion (1120) similar to cup-shaped portion (1020). Unlike depth limiter (1010) shown to include four legs (1014), depth limiter (1110) includes two legs (1114). For example, legs (1114) may be separated by approximately 180 degrees. Legs (1114) flex in a similar manner to legs (1014) shown above with reference to Figures 14A-14B.

[0068] F. Sixth Exemplary Depth Limiter 16 illustrates a sixth exemplary depth limiter (1210) similar to depth limiters (1010, 1110). Depth limiter (1210) includes a hub (1212) similar to hub (1012), legs (1214) similar to legs (1014), an aperture (1216) similar to aperture (1016), and a gripping surface (1218) of aperture (1216) similar to gripping surface (1018). Legs (1114) may include a cup-shaped portion (1220) similar to cup-shaped portion (1020). Unlike depth limiter (1010) shown as including four legs (1014), depth limiter (1210) includes three legs (1214). For example, the legs (1214) may be uniformly spaced circumferentially by approximately 120 degrees around the hub (1212). However, the legs (1214) may be non-uniformly spaced. In some cases, the use of three or four legs (1014, 1214, 1314, 1414) may allow for additional stability and ergonomics to allow for a finger grip by the user (U). The legs (1214) may flex in a manner similar to the legs (1014) shown above with reference to Figures 14A-14B.

[0069] G. Seventh Exemplary Depth Limiter 17-19B show a seventh exemplary depth limiter (1310). In particular, FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the depth limiter (1310). As shown, the depth limiter (1310) includes a hub (1312) and a number of legs (1314) extending from the hub (1312). The depth limiter (1310) may be used in combination with any one or more of the depth limiters (200, 300, 400) described above. Although the hub (1312) is shown to be generally cylindrical, other shapes of the hub (1312) are envisioned. As shown, the hub (1312) includes an aperture (1316) and a number of notches (1318). The notches (1318) may transform the depth limiter (1310) from a movable configuration to a fixed configuration.

[0070] The aperture (1316) includes a gripping surface (1320) configured to mate with an outer surface of the cannula tube (124) in the fixed configuration. The gripping surface (1320) may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120). Although FIGS. 18A-19B illustrate the depth limiter (1310) with reference to the cannula tube (124) of the trocar (110), other cannula tubes (e.g., cannula tube (22)) may be used. The gripping surface (1320) may be smooth or non-smooth. As shown in FIG. 17, the gripping surface (1320) may include a smooth surface that frictionally engages with the ribs (128) of the cannula (120) in the fixed configuration. Alternatively, gripping surface (1320) may include a textured surface that may include one or more features for locking engagement with cannula tube (124). Hub (1312) of depth limiter (1310) may be secured to cannula (120) with mating threads (such as a nut) or may be secured to a scalloped cannula using an interference fit. The threads may be helical or non-helical (e.g., scalloped). For example, gripping surface (1320) may include at least one tooth configured to lockingly engage with at least one of ribs (128) of cannula (120). For example, notches (1318) may be formed in the hub (1312) of the depth limiter (1310) such that each leg (1314) may selectively collapse when an appropriate force is applied to its legs (1314) to cause the gripping surface (1320) to clamp more tightly on the cannula (120). Thus, the depth limiter (1310) may limit the insertion depth of the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120) and provide stable control of the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120).

[0071] The legs (1314) may have a generally tapered cross-section moving radially away from the hub (1312). For example, one or more ends of the legs (1314) may include a distal pad (1122) for distributing downward force. As shown, the legs (1314) are separated by approximately 90 degrees. The legs (1314) may be separated unevenly. Additionally, more or fewer legs (1314) are envisioned (similar to those shown in FIGS. 16-17 associated with the depth limiters (1310, 1410). The depth limiter (1310) may provide additional stability to the trocar (110) for tip resistance. The depth limiter (1310) may be configured to use the legs (1314) to limit abrupt tilting, thereby stabilizing the cannula (120). The legs (1314) can contact the body wall to prevent, or at least slow, the upward tip of the cannula (120).

[0072] Figures 18A and 19A show the depth limiter (1310) in a movable configuration. In particular, Figure 18A shows a top view of the depth limiter (1310) of Figure 17 coupled with the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of Figure 5, with the hub (1312) of the depth limiter (1310) in the movable configuration. Figure 19A shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter (1310) of Figure 17 coupled with the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of the trocar (112) of Figure 5, with the legs (1314) of the depth limiter (1310) in the movable configuration. In the movable configuration of Figures 18A and 19A, the gripping surfaces (1320) collectively define a second effective diameter (ED2) that allows axial movement of the depth limiter (1310) relative to the outer diameter of the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112). In the movable configuration, considered the resting configuration, the legs (1314) are curved downward. When pressed against the abdominal wall (2), the legs (1314) bend flatter and provide a reaction force against the abdominal wall (2) and the cannula (120).

[0073] Figures 18B and 19B show the depth limiter (1310) in a movable configuration. In particular, Figure 18B shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the depth limiter (1310) of Figure 17 coupled with the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of Figure 5 after disengagement and removal of the obturator (116) with the legs (1314) of the depth limiter (1310) in the fixed configuration. Figure 19B shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the depth limiter (1310) of Figure 17 coupled with the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of the trocar (112) of Figure 5 after disengagement and removal of the obturator (116) with the legs (1314) of the depth limiter (1310) in the fixed configuration. In the fixed configuration, the notch (1318) can be forced closed into the narrow aperture (1316). The legs (1314) can reduce the amount of rotational displacement / tilt that the trocar (110) can exhibit and can also reduce the speed at which the trocar (110) can assume that tilt (i.e., prevent sudden movement within the body). In the fixed configuration, the gripping surfaces (1320) collectively form a first effective diameter (ED1) that limits the axial movement of the depth limiter (1310) relative to the cannula (120) by directly contacting the cannula (120). The depth limiter (1310) can be disposable or reusable.

[0074] H. Eighth Exemplary Depth Limiter FIG. 20 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an eighth exemplary depth limiter (1410). The depth limiter (1410) includes a hub (1412) and a number of legs (1414) extending from the hub (1412). The depth limiter (1410) may be used in combination with any one or more of the depth limiters (200, 300, 400) described above. In some variations, the hub (1412) may be generally cylindrical in shape. As shown, the hub (1412) includes an aperture (1416) configured to receive the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120). As shown, the legs (1414) may be separated by approximately 90 degrees. However, the legs (1414) may be separated non-uniformly. Additionally, more or fewer legs (1414) are also envisioned (similar to those shown in Figures 14-15 associated with depth limiters (1110, 1210)).

[0075] The depth limiter 1410 includes a fluid chamber 1418 that may be disposed within the hub 1412 and legs 1414. For example, the fluid chamber 1418 may be completely enclosed by the hub 1412 and legs 1414. The fluid chamber may include a number of fluid passages 1420 that include narrow portions 1422. The narrow portions 1422 may be disposed generally between the hub 1412 and legs 1414. The narrow portions 1422 regulate flow between the hub 1412 and legs 1414. In other words, the fluid chamber 1418 may be integrated into the legs 1414 with the narrow portions 1422 forming a restricted area of ​​flow at the base of each leg 1414. As shown, one or more ends of the legs (1414) may include a wide portion (1424) configured to extend from a compressed configuration (C) to an expanded configuration (E). The depth limiter (1410) may provide additional stability to the trocar (110) for tip resistance. As additional tilting forces act on each independent leg (1414), fluid may be redistributed to the other legs (1414), but the fluid may be restricted by these narrow portions (1422), thus providing a damping effect on the tilting of the trocar (110). This damping effect may regulate the rate at which the trocar (110) tilts. As a result, the depth limiter (1410) may limit the sudden tilting of the trocar (110) through the restricted fluid flow between the legs (1414), thereby stabilizing the cannula (120).

[0076] The aperture (1416) includes a gripping surface (1426) that may mate with an outer surface of the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120). The gripping surface (1426) may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120). The gripping surface (1426) may be smooth or non-smooth. As shown in FIG. 20, the gripping surface (1426) may include a smooth surface that frictionally engages the ribs (128) of the cannula (120). Alternatively, the gripping surface (1426) may include a non-smooth surface that may include one or more features for lockingly engaging the cannula tube (124). For example, the hub (1412) of the depth limiter (1410) may be secured to the cannula (120) using mating threads (such as a nut) or may be secured to a scalloped cannula. The threads may be helical or non-helical (e.g., scalloped). For example, the gripping surface (1426) may include at least one tooth configured for locking engagement with at least one of the ribs (128) of the cannula (120). The depth limiter (1410) may be disposable.

[0077] III. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive methods in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims that may be presented at any time in this application or any subsequent application of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be configured and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that certain features referred to in the following examples may be omitted in some variations. Thus, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be considered critical unless later expressly so indicated by the inventors or their successors. If the claims presented in this application or any subsequent application related to this application include additional features other than those referred to below, those additional features should not be considered added for any reason regarding patentability. EXAMPLES

[0078] A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula, the depth limiter comprising: (a) an annular base including: (i) a lower surface configured to be positioned relative to a patient; and (ii) a boss extending about a longitudinal axis of the depth limiter, the boss having a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; and (b) a latch arm coupled to the annular base, the latch arm including an arm opening over the boss and configured to align with the boss lumen and receive the surgical cannula therethrough. , wherein the latch arm is selectively movable relative to the annular base between a released position and a locked position, and in the released position, the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to allow longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula, and in the locked position, the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm engages an outer surface of the surgical cannula, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula. EXAMPLES

[0079] The depth limiter of example 1, wherein the released position is a proximal position and the locked position is a distal position. EXAMPLES

[0080] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latch arm is resiliently biased away from the released position towards the locked position. EXAMPLES

[0081] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latch arm comprises a spring arm. EXAMPLES

[0082] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latch arm includes an upwardly curved lip configured to be engaged by a user to transition the latch arm from the released position to the locked position. EXAMPLES

[0083] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latch arm includes a first arm portion extending away from the annular base and a second arm portion extending from the first arm portion toward the central axis. EXAMPLES

[0084] 7. The depth limiter of example 6, wherein the second arm portion is configured to extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when the latch arm is in the released position. EXAMPLES

[0085] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the boss is configured to limit a maximum deflection angle of the latch arm in a direction toward the annular base. EXAMPLES

[0086] 9. The depth limiter of example 8, wherein the boss includes a proximal surface, the proximal surface being positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and configured to engage with the latch arm at a maximum deflection angle. EXAMPLES

[0087] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the annular base includes a pair of relief cut features adjacent a base end of the latch arm coupled to the annular base, the relief cut features configured to facilitate deflection of the latch arm relative to the annular base. EXAMPLES

[0088] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latch arm includes an edge defining a portion of the arm opening, the edge configured to engage a side of the surgical cannula thereby maintaining the latch arm in a locked position. EXAMPLES

[0089] 12. The depth limiter of example embodiment 11, wherein the edge is configured to mate with a tissue engaging feature of a surgical cannula. EXAMPLES

[0090] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the annular base includes a rounded outer edge. EXAMPLES

[0091] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the boss lumen and the arm opening each have the same cross-sectional shape. EXAMPLES

[0092] The depth limiter of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the locking position comprises a first locking position, the latch arm being biased toward the first locking position and movable toward the annular base from the first locking position to a second locking position, and in the second locking position, the arm opening is non-coaxial with the boss opening to a greater extent than when in the first locking position. EXAMPLES

[0093] 16. The depth limiter of example embodiment 15, wherein the latch arm is configured to directly contact the boss in the second locked position. EXAMPLES

[0094] 1. A surgical access device assembly comprising: (a) a cannula having a working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a longitudinal axis of the cannula; and (b) a depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, the depth limiter including: (i) a base having a passageway extending through the base along a passageway axis; and (ii) a latch arm coupled to the base, the latch arm overlying the passageway and including an arm opening having an opening axis, the cannula being slidably disposed within the passageway and the arm opening, the latch arm being selectively movable relative to the base between a released position and a locked position, wherein in the released position, the opening axis is aligned with the passageway axis such that the depth limiter is configured to be free to translate longitudinally along the cannula, and in the locked position, the opening axis is not aligned with the passageway axis such that the latch arm is configured to engage an outer surface of the cannula, thereby fixing the depth limiter longitudinally relative to the cannula. EXAMPLES

[0095] 18. The surgical access device assembly of Example 17, wherein the latch arm is resiliently biased toward the locked position. EXAMPLES

[0096] A surgical access device assembly as described in any one of Examples 17 to 18, wherein the base includes a proximal surface configured to abut the latch arm in the locked position, thereby limiting the range of motion of the latch arm in a direction toward the base. EXAMPLES

[0097] 1. A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula, comprising: (a) a base including: (i) a lower surface configured to be positioned relative to a patient; and (ii) a boss extending about a longitudinal axis of the depth limiter, the boss having a proximal surface and a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; and (b) a latch arm coupled to the base, the latch arm including an arm opening over the boss and configured to align with the boss lumen and receive the surgical cannula therethrough; a depth limiter that is selectively movable relative to the base between a proximal release position and a distal locked position, where in the proximal release position, the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to allow the depth limiter to translate along the surgical cannula, and where in the distal locked position, the latch arm is configured to abut a proximal face of the boss and the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm engages an outer surface of the surgical cannula, thereby preventing translation of the depth limiter relative to the surgical cannula.

[0098] IV.Other It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Thus, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation with respect to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0099] Additionally, any one or more of the teachings herein may be implemented using a method as disclosed herein, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. No. [Attorney Docket No. REFERENCE NO. END9247USNP7] (entitled "Two Piece Separable Obturator"), U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. REFERENCE NO. END9247USNP8] (entitled "Latchless Obturator with Interference Fit Feature"), U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. REFERENCE NO. END9247USNP9] (entitled "Balancing Feature for Reusable Trocar"), U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. REFERENCE NO. END9247USNP10] (entitled "Airflow Channels and Patterns in Lumen for Cannula"), and / or U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. REFERENCE NO. END9247USNP11] (entitled "Stabilizer for Surgical Shafts or The present invention may be combined with any one or more of the teachings disclosed in the above-mentioned US Pat. No. 6,399,363, entitled "Patent Document 1: US Pat. No. 6,399,363" and entitled "Patent Document 2: US Pat. No. 6,399,363" or "Patent Document 3: US Pat. No. 6,399,363" which are incorporated herein by reference.The disclosure of each of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0100] It is understood that all or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure referred to herein as being incorporated by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated content does not conflict with existing definitions, opinions, or other disclosures set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures explicitly set forth herein shall take precedence over any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portions thereof, that is referred to herein as being incorporated by reference but that conflicts with current definitions, opinions, or other disclosures set forth herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict occurs between the incorporated content and the current disclosures.

[0101] Variations of the above devices may be applied not only to traditional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also to robotic-assisted medical procedures and surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California). Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various teachings herein can be readily combined with the various teachings of any of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135, entitled "Articulated Surgical Instrument For Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery With Enhanced Dexterity and Sensitivity," issued Aug. 11, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,541, entitled "Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System," issued July 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969, entitled "Drive Interface for Operably Coupling a Manipulatable Surgical Tool to a Robot," issued July 9, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969, entitled "Robotically-Controlled Cable-Based Surgical End Effector System," issued Aug. 12, 2014; No. 8,800,838, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effectors” (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference), and / or U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,465, issued on November 5, 2013, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System with Rotary Actuated Closure Systems” (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0102] The device variations described above can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. The variations, in either or both cases, can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some device variations can be disassembled and any number of particular portions or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of particular parts, some device variations can be reassembled for subsequent use at a reconditioning facility or by a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0103] By way of example only, the variations described herein may be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0104] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by those skilled in the art through appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although some of such possible modifications have been mentioned, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the above examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, etc. are illustrative and not required. Thus, it is understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in relation to the following claims and is not limited to the details of construction and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0105] [Embodiment] (1) A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula, comprising: (a) an annular base, (i) a lower surface configured to be positioned relative to a patient; (ii) a boss extending about a longitudinal axis of the depth limiter, the boss having a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; and (b) a latch arm coupled to the annular base, the latch arm overlying the boss and including an arm opening configured to align with the boss lumen and receive the surgical cannula therethrough; the latch arm is selectively movable relative to the annular base between a released position and a locked position; in the released position, the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to permit longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula; a depth limiter configured such that in the locked position, the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm engages an outer surface of the surgical cannula, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula. (2) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the release position is a proximal position and the locking position is a distal position. (3) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the latch arm is resiliently biased away from the released position toward the locked position. (4) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the latch arm comprises a spring arm. (5) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the latch arm includes an upwardly curved lip configured to be engaged by a user to transition the latch arm from the released position to the locked position.

[0106] (6) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the latch arm includes a first arm portion extending away from the annular base and a second arm portion extending from the first arm portion toward the central axis. (7) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 6, wherein the second arm portion is configured to extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when the latch arm is in the released position. (8) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the boss is configured to limit a maximum deflection angle of the latch arm in a direction toward the annular base. (9) The depth limiter of embodiment 8, wherein the boss includes a proximal surface, the proximal surface being positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and configured to engage with the latch arm at the maximum deflection angle. (10) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the annular base includes a pair of relief cut features adjacent a base end of the latch arm coupled to the annular base, the relief cut features configured to facilitate deflection of the latch arm relative to the annular base.

[0107] (11) The depth limiter of embodiment 1, wherein the latch arm includes an edge defining a portion of the arm opening, the edge configured to engage a side of the surgical cannula thereby maintaining the latch arm in the locked position. (12) The depth limiter of embodiment 11, wherein the edge is configured to mate with a tissue engaging feature of the surgical cannula. (13) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein the annular base includes a rounded outer edge. (14) A depth limiter as described in embodiment 1, wherein each of the boss lumen and the arm opening has the same cross-sectional shape. (15) The depth limiter of embodiment 1, wherein the locking position comprises a first locking position, the latch arm is biased toward the first locking position and is movable toward the annular base from the first locking position to a second locking position, and in the second locking position, the arm opening is non-coaxial with the boss opening to a greater extent than when in the first locking position.

[0108] (16) The depth limiter according to embodiment 15, wherein the latch arm is configured to directly contact the boss in the second locking position. (17) A surgical access device assembly, comprising: (a) a cannula having a working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a longitudinal axis of the cannula; (b) a depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, (i) a base having a passageway extending through the base along a passageway axis; (ii) a latch arm coupled to the base, the latch arm overlying the passage and including an arm opening having an opening axis, the cannula being slidably disposed within the passage and the arm opening; the latch arm is selectively movable relative to the base between a released position and a locked position; and wherein in the released position, the opening axis is aligned with the passageway axis such that the depth limiter is configured to be free to translate longitudinally along the cannula; the opening axis is not aligned with the passage axis such that in the locked position, the latch arm is configured to engage an outer surface of the cannula, thereby securing the depth limiter longitudinally relative to the cannula. (18) The surgical access device assembly of claim 17, wherein the latch arm is resiliently biased toward the locked position. (19) The surgical access device assembly of claim 17, wherein the base includes a proximal surface configured to abut the latch arm in the locked position, thereby limiting the range of motion of the latch arm in a direction toward the base. (20) A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula, comprising: (a) a base, (i) a lower surface configured to be positioned relative to a patient; (ii) a boss extending about a longitudinal axis of the depth limiter, the boss having a proximal surface and a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; (b) a latch arm coupled to the base, the latch arm overlying the boss and including an arm opening configured to align with the boss lumen and to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; the latch arm is selectively movable relative to the base between a proximal released position and a distal locked position; in the proximal release position, the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to permit the depth limiter to translate along the surgical cannula; a depth limiter, wherein in the distal locked position, the latch arm is configured to abut the proximal surface of the boss and the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm engages an outer surface of the surgical cannula, thereby preventing translation of the depth limiter relative to the surgical cannula.

Claims

1. 1. A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula, comprising: (a) an annular base, (i) a lower surface configured to be positioned against a patient; (ii) a boss extending about a longitudinal axis of the depth limiter, the boss having a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; and (b) a latch arm coupled to the annular base, the latch arm overlying the boss and including an arm opening configured to align with the boss lumen and to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; the latch arm is selectively movable relative to the annular base between a released position and a locked position; in the released position, the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to permit longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula; a depth limiter configured such that in the locked position, the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm engages an outer surface of the surgical cannula, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the depth limiter along the surgical cannula.

2. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein the released position is a proximal position and the locked position is a distal position.

3. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein said latch arm is resiliently biased away from said released position toward said locked position.

4. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein the latch arm comprises a spring arm.

5. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein the latch arm includes an upwardly curved lip configured to be engaged by a user to transition the latch arm from the released position to the locked position.

6. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein the latch arm includes a first arm portion extending away from the annular base and a second arm portion extending from the first arm portion toward the longitudinal axis.

7. The depth limiter of claim 6 , wherein the second arm portion is configured to extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when the latch arm is in the released position.

8. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein the boss is configured to limit a maximum angle of deflection of the latch arm in a direction toward the annular base.

9. The depth limiter of claim 8 , wherein the boss includes a proximal surface, the proximal surface positioned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and configured to engage the latch arm at the maximum deflection angle.

10. 2. The depth limiter of claim 1, wherein the annular base includes a pair of relief cut features adjacent a base end of the latch arm coupled to the annular base, the relief cut features configured to facilitate deflection of the latch arm relative to the annular base.

11. 2. The depth limiter of claim 1, wherein the latch arm includes an edge defining a portion of the arm opening, the edge configured to engage a side of the surgical cannula thereby maintaining the latch arm in the locked position.

12. The depth limiter of claim 11 , wherein the edge is configured to mate with a tissue engaging feature of the surgical cannula.

13. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein the annular base includes a rounded outer edge.

14. The depth limiter of claim 1 , wherein the boss lumen and the arm opening each have the same cross-sectional shape.

15. 2. The depth limiter of claim 1, wherein the locked position comprises a first locked position, the latch arm being biased toward the first locked position and movable toward the annular base from the first locked position to a second locked position, and in the second locked position, the arm opening is non-coaxial with the boss lumen to a greater extent than when in the first locked position.

16. The depth limiter of claim 15 , wherein the latch arm is configured to directly contact the boss in the second locked position.

17. 1. A surgical access device assembly comprising: (a) a cannula having a working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a longitudinal axis of the cannula; (b) a depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, (i) a base having a passageway extending through the base along a passageway axis; (ii) a latch arm coupled to the base, the latch arm overlying the passage and including an arm opening having an opening axis, the cannula being disposed within the passage and the arm opening; the latch arm is selectively movable relative to the base between a released position and a locked position; and wherein in the released position, the opening axis is aligned with the passageway axis such that the depth limiter is configured to be free to translate longitudinally along the cannula; the opening axis is not aligned with the passage axis such that in the locked position, the latch arm is configured to engage an outer surface of the cannula, thereby securing the depth limiter longitudinally relative to the cannula.

18. The surgical access device assembly of claim 17 , wherein the latch arm is resiliently biased toward the locked position.

19. The surgical access device assembly of claim 17 , wherein the base includes a proximal surface configured to abut the latch arm in the locked position, thereby limiting the range of motion of the latch arm in a direction toward the base.

20. 1. A depth limiter configured for use with a surgical cannula, comprising: (a) a base, (i) a lower surface configured to be positioned against a patient; (ii) a boss extending about a longitudinal axis of the depth limiter, the boss having a proximal face and a boss lumen configured to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; and (b) a latch arm coupled to the base, the latch arm overlying the boss and including an arm opening configured to align with the boss lumen and to receive the surgical cannula therethrough; the latch arm is selectively movable relative to the base between a proximal released position and a distal locked position; in the proximal release position, the arm opening is positioned coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm is configured to permit the depth limiter to translate along the surgical cannula; a depth limiter, wherein in the distal locked position, the latch arm is configured to abut the proximal surface of the boss and the arm opening is positioned non-coaxially with the boss lumen such that the latch arm engages an outer surface of the surgical cannula, thereby preventing translation of the depth limiter relative to the surgical cannula.

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