Threaded cannula depth limiter

Abstract

A surgical access device assembly includes a cannula having a working channel and a helical tissue-engaging feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula and configured to stabilize the cannula against a wall of a patient's body cavity. The assembly also includes a depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula. The depth limiter includes a body portion extending about a central axis of the depth limiter and including a protrusion extending radially inward relative to the central axis. The body portion is angularly movable relative to the cannula between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration. In the fine adjustment configuration, the protrusion is configured to selectively threadably engage the helical tissue-engaging feature. In the coarse adjustment configuration, the protrusion is configured to selectively unthread the helical tissue-engaging feature such that the depth limiter is axially movable along the cannula.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Priority) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 018,650, entitled "Threaded Cannula Depth Limiter," filed on May 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Some surgical procedures may require a clinician to access a surgical site through a patient's abdominal cavity. To obtain such access, first, an opening is formed through the abdominal wall tissue above the abdominal cavity. In some surgical procedures (referred to as "laparoscopic" or "endoscopic" surgery), 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. Conventional trocars generally include a cannula assembly and an obturator removably received within the 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 downward by the clinician through the patient's abdominal wall, such that the distal ends of the obturator and the cannula assembly extend into the abdominal cavity. The clinician then withdraws the obturator from the cannula assembly so that a surgical instrument can be directed downward through the working channel of the cannula assembly and access the surgical site.

[0003] A trocar, merely exemplary variations of its components, and other types of surgical access devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,981,092 entitled "Vibratory Trocar" issued on July 19, 2011, U.S. Patent No. 8,226,553 entitled "Access Device with Insert" issued on July 24, 2012, U.S. Patent No. 8,251,900 entitled "Surgical Access Devices and Methods Providing Seal Movement in Predefined Paths" issued on August 28, 2012, U.S. Patent No. 8,579,807 entitled "Absorbing Fluids in a Surgical Access Device" issued on November 12, 2013, U.S. Patent No. 8,568,362 entitled "Surgical Access Device with Sorbents" issued on October 29, 2013, U.S. Patent No. 8,636,686 entitled "Surgical Access Device" issued on January 28, 2014, U.S. Patent No. 8,690,831 entitled "Gas Jet Fluid Removal in a Trocar" issued on April 8, 2014, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0000496 entitled "Method of Suturing a Trocar Path Incision" published on January 3, 2019. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Various types of surgical instruments, including surgical access devices and end effectors, and other related components have been made and used, but prior to the present inventors, no one is believed to have made or used the inventions recited 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 above and the detailed description of the embodiments below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

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[0006] The drawings are not intended to limit in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate some aspects of the present invention and serve, together with the description, to explain the principles of the present invention. However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact arrangements shown.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] The following description of specific embodiments 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 practicing the present invention by way of example. As will be understood, the present invention is capable of other different and distinct aspects without departing from the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature.

[0008] For the sake of clarity in this disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein with respect to a surgeon or other operator holding a surgical device. The term "proximal" refers to the position of an element that is closer to the surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to the position of an element that is farther away from the surgeon. Also, to the extent that spatial terms such as "upper", "lower", "upper side", "lower side", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. 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 any way. In that regard, it will be understood that surgical instruments such as those disclosed herein may be used in various orientations and positions not limited to those illustrated and described herein.

[0009] Furthermore, terms such as "about," "substantially," etc., as used herein in relation to any numerical value or range of numerical values, are intended to encompass the exact value being referenced, as well as a reasonable tolerance within which the referenced feature, or combination of features, can function for the intended purposes described herein.

[0010] I. Exemplary Single-Use and Reusable Trocars Figures 1-5 illustrate exemplary surgical access devices in the form of a first single-use trocar (10) and a second reusable 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 removably inserted coaxially into the working channel (14, 114), such that the assembled trocar (10, 110) can be directed distally through the patient's abdominal wall, as described below in connection with FIGS. 3A-3D, for example.

[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) that extends longitudinally along the central axis (A) of the trocar (10). In particular, the working channel (14) is defined by the lumen of the cannula (20) that communicates with the hollow interior of the seal housing (30). The cannula assembly (12) is configured to receive a distal elongate surgical instrument through the working channel (14) and 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 allowing passage of surgical instruments and tissue fragments along the working channel (14).

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

[0013] More specifically, the tissue gripping ribs (26) of the present embodiment are formed as annular scallops in the side wall of the cannula tube (22) such that each rib (26) tapers radially inwardly in the distal direction from the outermost edge of the rib (26) in the radial direction. Thus, the outermost edge of the rib (26) in the radial direction is generally coplanar with the non-ribbed proximal and distal portions of the cannula tube (22). The resulting configuration of the rib (26) facilitates the advancement of the cannula tube (22) through the tissue layer in the distal direction and resists the withdrawal of the cannula tube (22) through the tissue layer in the reverse proximal direction. Advantageously, this configuration prevents the cannula tube (22) from being inadvertently withdrawn from the patient's abdominal wall during a surgical procedure. However, it will be understood that the cannula tube (22) may be provided with various other types of tissue gripping features in other variants of the trocar (10). For example, the cannula tube (22) may include tissue gripping features in the form of one or more helical ribs extending around at least an inner portion of the cannula tube (22) and being scallop-shaped similar to the rib (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 proximal head (36) and a distal base (38) fixed to each other. The distal housing portion (34) includes a distal shroud (40) surrounding a proximal hub (not shown) of the cannula (20), a cap plate (42) fixed to the 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 about the central axis (A) of the trocar (10) via the tabs (46) 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 provide direct access to a distal seal structure (not shown) housed 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 of which are 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 the 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 sealed working channel (14) described in the absence of a surgical instrument shaft.

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

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the obturator (16) of the trocar (10) includes a proximal head (60), an elongated cylindrical shaft (62) extending distally from the head (60), and a tapered distal 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 domed upper body (66), a base plate (68), and an operable 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 the upper surface of the seal housing head (36) for coupling the obturator (16) to the cannula assembly (12). The latch buttons (74) are operable to release the latch arms (72) from the slots, thereby enabling separation of the obturator (16) from the cannula assembly (12). The obturator (16) further includes a central passageway (76) that extends longitudinally through the obturator head (60) and obturator shaft (62) and is configured to receive an endoscope (not shown) therein to provide visualization during insertion of the trocar (10) through the patient's abdominal wall. The clamp lever (78) of the obturator head (60) is pivotable to selectively secure the endoscope within the central passageway (76). The central passageway (76) and clamp lever (78) are merely optional features and may be omitted from the obturator (16) in other variations.

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

[0019] B. Exemplary Deployment of the Trocar into the Patient's Abdomen Figures 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 appreciated that the abdominal wall (2) includes an outer surface layer and an inner deep layer. Generally, the surface layer includes an outer layer of skin (3) and an inner layer of fat (4). On the other hand, the deeper layer includes an alternative layer of muscle (5) and fascia (6), which is more highly tensioned, fibrous, and flexible than the surface layer.

[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 the seal housing (30), pressing the obturator tip (64) inwardly against the skin (3) and directed towards the abdominal cavity (1) while rotating the trocar (10) back and forth. As shown in Figure 3B, by continuing to press the trocar (10) inwardly, the obturator tip (64) and the cannula tip (24) are directed further distally through the layer of fat (4) and fascia (5) and into the cavity (1). As described above, this step can be facilitated by visualization provided by an endoscope (not shown) mounted within the obturator (16). When the cannula (20) reaches 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, as shown in Figure 3C, withdraws the obturator (16) proximally from the cannula assembly (12). This allows the working channel (14) of the cannula assembly (12) to receive surgical instruments distally therethrough for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures. As described above, the tissue engagement ribs (26) provided on the cannula tube (22) grip the layers of tissue (3, 4, 5) of the abdominal wall (2), thus providing the cannula assembly (12) with at least a minimal stability with respect to the abdominal wall (2). At the completion of the laparoscopic surgical procedure, the clinician, as shown in Figure 3D, grips the seal housing (30) and withdraws the cannula assembly (12) proximally from the abdominal wall (2).

[0021] C. Exemplary Reusable Trocar with a Disposable Seal Assembly In some cases, it may be desirable to configure the trocar such 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. FIGS. 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 separately below.

[0022] Similar to the trocar (10), the trocar (110) includes a working channel (114) and a cannula assembly (112) having an obturator (116) configured to be coaxially inserted into the cannula assembly (112) along the working channel (114). The cannula assembly (112) includes a cannula (120) having a bell-shaped hub (122) at its proximal end and an elongate cylindrical tube (124) extending distally from the hub (122) and terminating at an angled cannula tip (126). The outer surface of the cannula tube (124) includes a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of annular ribs (128) that are axially disposed along the inner portion of the cannula tube (124) and are similar to the 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 fit with the proximal hub (122) of the cannula (120). As best shown in FIG. 5, the seal assembly (130) of the present embodiment generally includes an upper frame member (132), an intermediate frame member (134), and a lower frame member (136) fixed to each other in a coaxial arrangement. Although not shown, the proximal (or "outer") seal structure is supported within the upper frame member (132), and the distal (or "inner") 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 a blowing port (140) having an adjustable valve in the form of a stopcock (142).

[0024] The lower portion of the distal seal assembly (130) of the blowing port (140) is configured to seat within the proximal hub (122) of the cannula (120), such that an annular seal member (144) circumferentially disposed around the lower portion is in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the cannula hub (122). In this way, 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 blowing fluid, surgical instruments, and tissue fragments can be directed generally in the manner described above in relation to the trocar (10). The seal assembly (130) may be constructed in accordance with one or more teachings of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0090905, published on March 28, 2019, entitled "Trocar Seal Assemblies," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0380742, published on December 19, 2019, entitled "Asymmetric Shaft Seal," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] As best shown in FIG. 5, the obturator (116) of the trocar (110) includes a proximal head (150), an elongated cylindrical shaft (152) extending distally from the head (150), and a tapered distal tip (154) at the distal end of the shaft (152). The obturator head (150) includes a domed upper body (156), a base plate (158), and an operable 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 the upper surface of the upper frame member (132) of the seal assembly (130) for coupling the obturator (116) to the cannula assembly (112). The latch buttons (164) are operable to release the latch arms (162) from the slots (138), thereby enabling separation of the obturator (116) from the cannula assembly (112).

[0026] The cannula (120) and obturator (116) of the present embodiment are preferably constructed of a robust material such as surgical steel, such that they can be sterilized and reused for a plurality of surgical procedures. In contrast, as described above, the seal assembly (130) is configured as a disposable unit intended to be separated from the cannula (120) and replaced after each procedure. For example, the seal assembly (130) can be constructed of various polymeric materials including plastics and rubbers such that the seal assembly (130) can be easily manufactured and sold at a price suitable for disposing of the seal assembly (130) after single use, similar to the trocar (10) described above.

[0027] II. Exemplary Threaded Depth Limiter In some cases, a clinician may wish to limit the depth to which a single-use or reusable trocar (10, 110) can move within the abdominal wall (2) (e.g., after inserting the trocar (10, 110) into a desired position). Limiting the depth to which the trocar (10, 110) can move within the abdominal wall (2) can help prevent the obturator (16, 116) of the cannula assembly (12, 112) and / or the distal tip (64, 154) of the cannula tip (24, 126) from inadvertently entering deeper into the abdominal cavity (1) than desired. By preventing insertion of the trocar (10, 110), unwanted contact between the distal tip (64, 154) and / or the cannula tip (24, 126) and anatomical structures contained within the abdominal cavity (1) can be reduced. Preventing over-insertion of the trocar (10, 110) can also avoid inadvertently reducing the available surgical working space within the abdominal cavity (1).

[0028] Instead of, or in addition to, limiting the depth to which a single-use or reusable trocar (10, 110) can move within the abdominal wall (2), a clinician may wish to stabilize the trocar (10, 110) with respect to the abdominal wall (2) (e.g., after inserting the trocar (10, 110) into a desired position within the abdominal cavity (1)). The clinician can stabilize the trocar (10, 110) with respect to the abdominal wall (2) by avoiding it during insertion of the trocar (10, 110). A stabilized trocar (10, 110) with respect to the abdominal wall (2) after insertion into the abdominal wall (2) can help prevent the trocar (10, 110) from inadvertently pivoting about the insertion point in the abdominal wall (2) after the clinician has released the trocar (10, 110). The stabilized trocar (10, 110) maintains the entry point of the surgical instrument into the abdominal cavity (1) at a desired position and / or orientation with respect to the abdominal cavity (1) such that the cannula tip (24, 126), and thus the surgical instrument, can be easily directed distally through the trocar (10, 110) at a convenient, selected working angle for the clinician.

[0029] Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a trocar (10, 110) with a device that provides the benefits of the depth limitation and tilt resistance described above. Further, it may be desirable to provide such a device with one or more features that enable both fine and coarse adjustment of the position of the device relative to the trocar (10, 110), or rapid repositioning.

[0030] A. Exemplary depth limiter with stabilizing threads FIG. 6 shows an alternative cannula (120a) for a trocar (110) having a bell-shaped hub (122a) at its proximal end and an elongate cylindrical tube (124a) extending distally from the hub (122a) and terminating at a cannula tip (126a). The outer surface of the cannula tube (124a) includes a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of helical ribs (128a) that extend around the inner portion of the cannula tube (124a). The ribs (128a) are configured to grip the layer of abdominal wall tissue into which the cannula (120a) is inserted, thereby assisting in axially and radially stabilizing the cannula (120a) while the cannula (120a) is positioned within the opening formed in the patient's abdominal wall (2). As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, each rib (128a) may have a radial height (H1) defined between its radially inner valley and its radially outer peak, and the main outer cross-sectional dimension (M1) of the inner portion of the cannula tube (124a) extending diametrically between the outer peaks of the ribs (128a) may collectively be formed. As best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the ribs (128a) may further collectively form the secondary outer cross-sectional dimension (M2) of the inner portion of the cannula tube (124a) extending diametrically between the inner valleys of the ribs (128a).

[0031] In the example shown, the outer surface of the cannula tube (124a) also includes a track in the form of a plane (170a) that extends longitudinally or axially along the inner and distal portions of the cannula tube (124a) such that the inner and distal portions of the cannula tube (124a) have a generally D-shaped outer profile. More specifically, the plane (170a) extends from the cannula tip (126a) to the most proximal rib (128a) along the axial length (L) such that the ribs (128a) are blocked or spaced from each other circumferentially by the width (W1) of the plane (170a), and also extends between the valleys of each rib (128a) along the generally circumferential width (W1). Thus, while the helical ribs (128a) otherwise collectively define a single continuous helical thread around the cannula tube (124a), the helical ribs (128a) of this embodiment are discontinuous with respect to each other. In one example, the plane (170a) can be machined onto the cannula tube (124a) after a single continuous helical rib has been formed thereon to divide such helical rib into the plurality of ribs (128a) shown. The cannula (120a) of this embodiment, similar to the cannulas (120) and obturators (116) described above, can be suitably constructed of a robust material such as surgical steel, such that the cannula (120a) can be sterilized and reused for multiple surgical procedures.

[0032] FIG. 6 further shows a first exemplary depth limiter (200) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124a) of the trocar (110). As will be described in more detail below, the depth limiter (200) can selectively limit the depth to which the trocar (110) can move distally into the abdominal wall (2).

[0033] As best shown in FIGS. 7-8B, the depth limiter (200) includes a body portion (202) that is rotatable relative to the cannula tube (124a) between at least one rapid (i.e., coarse) adjustment configuration (e.g., FIG. 8A) and at least one fine adjustment configuration (e.g., FIG. 8B). In one example, the body portion (202) can be molded from a polymeric material that includes one or more plastics. Such a structure can allow the depth limiter (200) to be considered a disposable unit, separated from the cannula (120a) and intended to be replaced after each procedure. For example, such a structure can enable the depth limiter (200) to be easily manufactured and sold at a price suitable for disposing of the depth limiter (200) after single use, similar to the trocar (10) and seal assembly (130) described above. In other variations, one or more portions of the depth limiter (200) can be formed from surgical steel or other materials suitable for making the depth limiter sterilizable and reusable for multiple surgical procedures.

[0034] In the example shown, the depth limiter (200) has a generally hollow and top hat-shaped outer profile. For this purpose, the body portion (202) includes a distal cylindrical hub (210) and a proximal generally annular flange (212) extending radially outward therefrom. The hub (210) defines a generally cylindrical bore (214) extending longitudinally along the central axis (C) of the depth limiter (200), and also extends radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (214) and is selectively configured to threadedly engage with the rib (128a) of the cannula tube (124a) and to slidably engage selectively with the plane (170a) of the cannula tube (124a), and includes at least one flat tooth (220). Although a single tooth (220) is shown, as described below, a plurality of teeth (220) can be arranged axially along the bore (214) (e.g., axially spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the axial spacing between the ribs (128a) such that the teeth (220) can be simultaneously threadedly engaged with the ribs (128a)) and / or circumferentially around the bore. As will be described in more detail below, the flange (212) shown is configured to provide the user with a visual and / or tactile indication of a location on the body portion (202) that is gripped for effectively and ergonomically operating the body portion (202), such as for rotating the body portion (202) between a quick adjustment and a fine adjustment configuration, and includes a pair of diametrically opposed finger grips (230).

[0035] In this regard, as best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the bore (214) can be sized such that the bore (214) movably receives at least an inner portion of the cannula tube (124a), extends diametrically through the central axis (C), and can have an internal cross-sectional dimension (D1) that is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the major outer cross-sectional dimension (M1) of the inner portion of the cannula tube (124a).

[0036] The tooth (220) is defined between its inner valley and its outer ridge such that the tooth (220) can be sized to extend radially inwards with respect to the peaks of the ribs (128a) and radially outwards with respect to the valleys of the ribs (128a), and can have a radial height (H2) that is substantially equal to or slightly lower than the height (H1) of the ribs (128a).

[0037] The tooth (220) is also defined between its proximal end and its distal end such that the tooth (220) can be sized to be received between the ribs (128a), and can have an axial thickness (not shown) that is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the axial spacing between adjacent ribs.

[0038] The tooth (220) is defined between its lateral edges such that the tooth (220) can be sized to be radially or angularly aligned with the plane (170a) outside the ribs (128a), and can further have a substantially circumferential width (W2) that is substantially equal to or narrower than the width (W1) of the plane (170a). In this way, the tooth (220) can be configured to selectively engage or screw with the ribs (128a) to convert the rotation of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a) into a relatively fine axial adjustment of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a), and can be further configured to selectively and slidably engage with the plane (170a) to allow for a relatively coarse or rapid axial adjustment of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a).

[0039] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the depth limiter (200) is in the rapid adjustment configuration, the teeth (220) can be radially aligned with and substantially parallel to the plane (170a), and the teeth (220) can be radially displaced from the rib (128a) such that the teeth (220) are slidably engaged with the plane (170a) and disengaged from the rib (128a). The interaction between the teeth (220) and the plane (170a) can be configured to enable rapid axial movement of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a), such as by enabling the depth limiter (200) to be translatable relative to the cannula tube (124a).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8B, when the depth limiter (200) is in the fine adjustment configuration, the teeth (220) can be at least partially radially aligned with the rib (128a) and at least partially radially displaced from the plane (170a) such that the teeth (220) are screwed with the rib (128a) and slidably disengaged from the plane (170a). The interaction between the teeth (220) and the rib (128a) can be configured to limit the axial movement of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a), such as by restricting the depth limiter (200) to a rotatable helical movement relative to the cannula tube (124a), and / or to enable fine axial movement of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a).

[0041] The finger grip (230) can be configured to provide the user with visual and / or tactile indications of locations on the body portion (202) that are gripped to effectively and ergonomically translate the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a) while in the rapid adjustment configuration and / or while the depth limiter (200) is moving helically relative to the cannula tube (124a). On the other hand, while in the fine adjustment configuration, in addition, visual and / or tactile indications of locations on the body portion (202) that are gripped to effectively and ergonomically rotate the body portion (202) between the rapid adjustment configuration and the fine adjustment configuration are provided to the user.

[0042] During operation, continuing to refer to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the depth limiter (200) can be initially positioned around the cannula tube (124a) of the trocar (110) such that the cannula tube (124a) is received within the bore (214) prior to deployment of the trocar (110) into the patient's peritoneal cavity (1). During deployment of the trocar (110) into the peritoneal cavity (1), the body portion (202) can be in either a quick adjustment configuration or a fine adjustment configuration, as desired.

[0043] In some cases, the clinician may desire to enable rapid axial movement of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a) of the deployed trocar (110). Accordingly, the clinician may choose to maintain the body portion (202) in the quick adjustment configuration. By maintaining the body portion (202) in the quick adjustment configuration, the teeth (220) can become unconstrained by the rib (128a). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the teeth (220) can be radially aligned with the plane (170a) to permit translation of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a) of the trocar (110).

[0044] In other cases, the clinician may wish to limit the axial movement of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a) of the trocar (110) being deployed. For example, the clinician may wish to position the depth limiter (200) at a predetermined axial location along the cannula tube (124a) corresponding to the desired insertion depth of the cannula (120a) within the cavity (1). Thus, the clinician may choose to rotate the body portion (202) relative to the cannula tube (124a) from the quick adjustment configuration towards the fine adjustment configuration. For this purpose, the clinician may operate the depth limiter (200), such as via the finger grip (230), to effectively and ergonomically rotate the body portion (202) towards the fine adjustment configuration. By rotating the body portion (202) towards the fine adjustment configuration, the teeth (220) may be restricted to a helical movement by the rib (128a). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the teeth (220) may be at least partially radially aligned with the rib (128a) to allow only a helical movement of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a). When the depth limiter (200) reaches a predetermined axial location, the clinician may release the depth limiter (200) while still in the fine adjustment configuration, thereby allowing the depth limiter (200) to be maintained at the predetermined axial location by the screw engagement between the teeth (220) and the rib (128a).

[0045] By positioning the depth limiter (200) around the cannula tube (124a) either in an axially restricted or unrestricted state, a clinician can deploy the trocar (110) into the patient's abdominal cavity (1) to position the cannula (120a) at a desired insertion depth in the cavity (1), as described above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. If the depth limiter (200) is fixed to the cannula tube (124a) during deployment at a predetermined axial location along the cannula tube (124a) corresponding to the desired insertion depth of the cannula (120a) in the cavity (1), contact between the distal hub (210) of the depth limiter (200) and the abdominal wall (2) can provide the clinician with a visual and / or tactile indication that the cannula (120a) has reached the desired insertion depth in the cavity (1). In this way, the depth limiter (200) can assist in preventing the distal tip (154) of the obturator (116) and / or the cannula tip (126a) of the cannula assembly (112) from inadvertently entering deeper into the abdominal cavity (1) than desired during deployment. In other cases, the depth limiter (200) can be fixed to the cannula tube (124a) after the cannula (120a) has been positioned at the desired insertion depth in the cavity (1).

[0046] In some cases, after the depth limiter (200) has already been fixed to the cannula tube (124a), it may be desirable to quickly adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (200) along the cannula tube (124a). Thus, the clinician can selectively operate the depth limiter (200) to rotate the body portion (202) relative to the cannula tube (124a) from a fine adjustment configuration towards a quick adjustment configuration, and then translate the body portion (202) relative to the cannula tube (124a) to a new axial location. When the depth limiter (200) reaches the new axial location, the clinician can selectively operate the depth limiter (200) to rotate the body portion (202) relative to the cannula tube (124a) from the quick adjustment configuration to the fine adjustment configuration, and then release the depth limiter (200) while in the fine adjustment configuration, thereby enabling the screwing engagement between the tooth (220) and the rib (128a) to maintain the depth limiter (200) at the new axial location.

[0047] In some cases, after the depth limiter (200) is already fixed to the cannula tube (124a), it may be desirable to finely adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (200) along the cannula tube (124a). Thus, with the depth limiter (200) in the fine adjustment configuration, the clinician can move the body portion (202) spirally relative to the cannula tube (124a) to finely adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a). During such movement, the clinician continues to carefully move the body portion (202) along a desired spiral path as the trajectory of the teeth (220) around the plane (170a) (e.g., such that the depth limiter (200) is placed in a rapid adjustment configuration for a short time), preventing the teeth (220) from inadvertently sliding axially along the plane (170a) or "skipping" over the rib (128a), thereby preventing the depth limiter (200) from suddenly translating relative to the cannula tube (124a). When the depth limiter (200) reaches the finely adjusted axial location, the clinician releases the depth limiter (200) while it is in the fine adjustment configuration, thereby enabling the screw engagement between the teeth (220) and the rib (128a) to maintain the depth limiter (200) at the finely adjusted axial location.

[0048] Thus, the clinician can adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (200) along the cannula tube (124a) and then re-fix the depth limiter (200) to the cannula tube (124a) by simply releasing the depth limiter (200) while it is in the fine adjustment configuration.

[0049] The depth limiter (200) can remain coupled to the cannula tube (124a) during the performance of a laparoscopic surgical procedure where the distal hub (210) of the depth limiter (200) is placed on the abdominal wall (2). In this way, the depth limiter (200) can assist in preventing the cannula tip (126a) of the cannula assembly (112) from inadvertently entering deeper into the abdominal cavity (1) than desired during the performance of the laparoscopic surgical procedure.

[0050] At the completion of a laparoscopic surgical procedure, the depth limiter (200) can be withdrawn proximally from the abdominal wall (2) together with the cannula assembly (112). The depth limiter (200) rotates the body portion (202) towards the quick adjustment configuration relative to the cannula tube (124a) as described above, and then the depth limiter (200) can be quickly removed from the cannula tube (124a) by translating it distally relative to the cannula tube (124a). In one example, the depth limiter (200) can simply be disposed of after completion of a single laparoscopic surgical procedure.

[0051] B. Exemplary two-piece depth limiter with stabilizing threads In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter having a clocking mechanism to prevent inadvertent transition from the fine adjustment configuration to the quick adjustment configuration.

[0052] Figs. 9A-10B show another alternative cannula (120b) of the trocar (110) having an elongate cylindrical tube (124b) extending distally from a hub (not shown) and terminating at a cannula tip (not shown). The outer surface of the cannula tube (124b) includes a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of helical ribs (128b) extending around the inner portion of the cannula tube (124b). The ribs (128b) grip the layer of abdominal wall tissue into which the cannula (120b) is inserted, thereby assisting in axially and radially stabilizing the cannula (120b) while the cannula (120b) is positioned within the opening formed in the patient's abdominal wall (2). As best shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the ribs (128b) can each have a radial height (H1) defined between its radially inner valley and its radially outer peak, and the ribs (128b) can collectively form the main outer cross-sectional dimension (M1) of the inner portion of the cannula tube (124b) extending diametrically between the outer peaks of the ribs (128b), and further, the ribs (128b) can collectively form the secondary outer cross-sectional dimension (M2) of the inner portion of the cannula tube (124b) extending diametrically between the inner valleys of the ribs (128b).

[0053] In the example shown, the outer surface of the cannula tube (124b) also includes a track in the form of a plane (170b) that extends longitudinally or axially along at least the inner portion of the cannula tube (124b) such that at least the inner portion of the cannula tube (124b) has a generally D-shaped outer profile. More specifically, the plane (170b) extends from the cannula tip to the most proximal rib (128b) along the axial length such that the ribs (128b) are interrupted or spaced apart from each other circumferentially by the width (W1) of the plane (170b), and also extends between the valleys of each rib (128b) along the generally circumferential width (W1). In one example, the plane (170b) can be machined onto the cannula tube (124b) after forming a single continuous helical rib thereon to divide such a helical rib into the plurality of ribs (128b) shown. The cannula (120b) of the present embodiment, similar to the cannula (120b) and obturator (116) described above, can be suitably constructed of a robust material such as surgical steel, such that the cannula (120b) can be sterilized and reused for a plurality of surgical procedures.

[0054] Figures 9A - 10B further show a second exemplary depth limiter (300) that is selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124b) of the trocar (110). Similar to the depth limiter (200), the depth limiter (300) can selectively limit the depth to which the trocar (110) can move distally into the abdominal wall (2).

[0055] As shown, the depth limiter (300) is rotatable relative to the cannula tube (124a) between at least one rapid adjustment configuration (e.g., FIGS. 9B and 10B) and at least one fine adjustment configuration (e.g., FIGS. 9A and 10A), and further rotatable relative to each other between a radially aligned or "clocked" configuration (e.g., FIGS. 9B and 10B) and at least one radially offset or "unclocked" configuration (e.g., FIGS. 9A and 10A), and includes a first body portion (302) and a second body portion (304). In one example, the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) can each be molded from a polymeric material that includes one or more plastics. Such a structure allows the depth limiter (300) to be considered a disposable unit, intended to be separated from the cannula (120b) and replaced after each procedure. For example, such a structure can enable the depth limiter (300) to be easily manufactured and sold at a price suitable for disposing of the depth limiter (300) after single use, similar to the trocar (10) and seal assembly (130) described above. In other variations, one or more portions of the depth limiter (300) can be formed from surgical steel or other materials suitable for making the depth limiter sterilizable and reusable for multiple surgical procedures.

[0056] In the example shown, the depth limiter (300) has a generally hollow and top hat-shaped outer profile. For this purpose, the first body portion (302) includes a distal cylindrical hub (310) and a proximal generally annular flange (312) extending radially outward therefrom. The hub (310) defines a generally cylindrical bore (314) extending longitudinally along the central axis (C) of the depth limiter (300), and also extends radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (314) and selectively engages with the rib (128b) of the cannula tube (124b) and is selectively slidably engaged with the plane (170b) of the cannula tube (124b) and includes at least one first flat tooth (320). Although a single first tooth (320) is shown, as described below, a plurality of first teeth (320) may be axially spaced from each other along the bore (314) (e.g., by a distance corresponding to the axial spacing between the ribs (128b) such that the first teeth (320) can simultaneously engage the ribs (128b)) and / or circumferentially disposed around the bore. As will be described in more detail below, the flange (312) shown is configured to provide a user with a visual and / or tactile indication of a location on the first body portion (302) that is gripped to effectuate and ergonomically manipulate the first body portion (302), such as for rotating the first body portion (302) between a quick adjustment and a fine adjustment configuration, and includes a pair of diametrically opposed finger grips (330).

[0057] Similarly, the second body portion (304) includes a generally annular collar (340) that defines a generally cylindrical bore (342) extending longitudinally along the central axis (C) of the depth limiter (300). As best shown in FIG. 10A, the collar (340) extends radially inwardly from a semi-annular ledge (352) that extends radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (342) and includes at least one second flat tooth (350) configured to selectively threadedly engage a rib (128b) of the cannula tube (124b) and to selectively slidably engage a plane (170b) of the cannula tube (124b). Although a single second tooth (350) is shown, as described below, a plurality of second teeth (350) may be axially spaced from each other (e.g., by a distance corresponding to the axial spacing between the ribs (128b) such that the second teeth (350) can simultaneously threadedly engage the ribs (128b)) along the bore (342) and / or circumferentially arranged around the bore. As will be described in more detail below, the collar (340) shown is configured to provide a user with a visual and / or tactile indication of a location on the second body portion (304) that is gripped to effectively and ergonomically manipulate the second body portion (304), such as for rotating the second body portion (304) between a rapid adjustment and a fine adjustment configuration, and includes a pair of diametrically opposed finger grips (360).

[0058] In this regard, as best shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the bore (314) of the first body portion (302) may be sized such that the bore (314) movably receives at least an inner portion of the cannula tube (124b) and may have an internal cross-sectional dimension (D1) that is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the major outer cross-sectional dimension (M1) of the inner portion of the cannula tube (124b) and that extends diametrically through the central axis (C).

[0059] The first tooth (320) may be sized such that the first tooth (320) extends radially inwardly with respect to the crest of the rib (128b) and radially outwardly with respect to the trough of the rib (128b), and may have a radial height (H2) defined between the inner trough of the first tooth (320) and the outer crest of the first tooth (320) that is substantially equal to or slightly lower than the height (H1) of the rib (128b).

[0060] The first tooth (320) may also have an axial thickness (not shown) defined between the proximal end of the first tooth (320) and the distal end of the first tooth (320) such that the first tooth (320) may be sized to be received between the ribs (128b), and that is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the axial spacing between adjacent ribs.

[0061] The first tooth (320) may further have a generally circumferential width (W2) defined between its lateral edges such that the first tooth (320) may be sized to be radially or angularly aligned with the plane (170b) outside the rib (128b), and that is substantially equal to or narrower than the width (W1) of the plane (170b). In this way, the first tooth (320) may be configured to selectively engage or thread with the rib (128b) to convert rotation of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b) into a relatively fine axial adjustment of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b), and may be further configured to selectively and slidably engage with the plane (170b) to allow for a relatively coarse or rapid axial adjustment of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a).

[0062] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the bore (342) of the second body portion (304) extends diametrically through the central axis (C) such that the bore (342) can be sized to rotatably receive the hub (310), and may have an internal cross-sectional dimension (D2) that is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer cross-sectional dimension (D3) of the hub (310). In one example, the first body portion (302) may include a slot (not shown) that extends radially from the bore (314) through the hub (310) to its outer surface and at least partially circumferentially around it. As will be described in more detail below, such a slot allows the second tooth (350) to extend radially inwardly into the bore (314) and rotate with respect to the first tooth (320), and may be configured to rotatably receive the ledge (352) and / or the second tooth (350) of the second body portion (304).

[0063] The second tooth (350) is defined between the inner valley of the second tooth (350) and the outer peak of the second tooth (350) such that the second tooth (350) can be sized to extend radially inwardly with respect to the peak of the rib (128b) and radially outwardly with respect to the valley of the rib (128b), and may have a radial height (H3) that is substantially equal to or slightly lower than the height (H1) of the rib (128b). For example, the height (H3) of the second tooth (350) may be substantially equal to the height (H2) of the first tooth (320) such that the first tooth (320) and the second tooth (350) can occupy the same radial region when radially aligned with each other.

[0064] The second tooth (350) may also have an axial thickness (not shown) defined between the proximal end of the second tooth (350) and the distal end of the second tooth (350) such that the second tooth (350) can be sized to be received between the ribs (128b), and is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the axial spacing between adjacent ribs. For example, the thickness of the second tooth (350) may be substantially equal to the thickness of the first tooth (320).

[0065] The second tooth (350) may be sized such that the second tooth (350) is radially or angularly aligned with the plane (170b) outside the rib (128b), and may further have a substantially circumferential width (W3) that is substantially equal to or narrower than the width (W1) of the plane (170b). For example, the width (W3) of the second tooth (350) may be substantially equal to the width (W2) of the first tooth (320) such that the first tooth (320) and the second tooth (350) can occupy the same circumferential region when radially aligned with each other. In this way, similar to the first tooth (320), the second tooth (350) may be configured to selectively engage or thread with the rib (128b) to convert the rotation of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b) into a relatively fine axial adjustment of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b), and may also be further configured to selectively slidably engage with the plane (170b) to allow a relatively coarse or rapid axial adjustment of the depth limiter (200) relative to the cannula tube (124a). In one example, the teeth (320, 350) may be axially spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the axial spacing between the ribs (128b) such that the teeth (320, 350) can simultaneously thread the rib (128b).

[0066] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the depth limiter (300) is in the fine adjustment configuration, at least one of the first tooth (320) or the second tooth (350) can be at least partially radially aligned with the rib (128b) and at least partially radially displaced from the plane (170b) such that at least one tooth (320, 350) is screwed with the rib (128b) and disengaged slidably from the plane (170b). For this purpose, the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) are in an unlocked configuration such that the teeth (320, 350) are radially displaced from each other, thereby enabling at least one tooth (350) to be screwed with the rib (128b) while the other tooth (320) can be disengaged from the rib (128b). The interaction between at least one tooth (320, 350) and the rib (128b) can be configured to limit the axial movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b) and / or to allow for fine axial movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b), such as by restricting the helical movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10B, when the depth limiter (300) is in the rapid adjustment configuration, both teeth (320, 350) can be radially aligned with and substantially parallel to the plane (170b), and both teeth (320, 350) can be slidably engaged with the plane (170b) and radially displaced from the rib (128b) so as to be disengaged from the rib (128b). For this purpose, the first body part (302) and the second body part (304) are in a clock configuration with teeth (320, 350) radially aligned with each other, thereby enabling both teeth (320, 350) to be slidably engaged with the plane (170b). The interaction between both teeth (320, 350) and the plane (170b) can be configured to enable rapid axial movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b), such as by enabling the depth limiter (300) to be translatable relative to the cannula tube (124b).

[0068] In one example, the widths (W2, W3) of the teeth (320, 350) can be sized relative to each other and relative to the width (W1) of the plane (170b) such that when the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) are in at least one unlock configuration having teeth (320, 350) radially offset from each other, at least one tooth (320, 350) engages with the rib (128b) and is configured to be slidably disengaged from the plane (170b). For example, the widths (W2, W3) of the teeth (320, 350) can be sized such that when the teeth (320, 350) are radially offset from each other, they collectively occupy a circumferential envelope having an effective or cumulative width greater than the width (W1) of the plane (170b). In this way, placing the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) in the unlock configuration can correspond to placing the depth limiter (300) in the fine adjustment configuration. In other words, the depth limiter (300) can be prevented from being placed in the rapid adjustment configuration while the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) are in the unlock configuration. Thus, by placing the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) in the unlock configuration, the depth limiter (300) is prevented from inadvertently transitioning from the fine adjustment configuration to the rapid adjustment configuration, thereby preventing the depth limiter (300) from suddenly translating relative to the cannula tube (124b) during the helical movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b), such as by preventing the tooth (320, 350) from inadvertently sliding axially along the plane (170b) or "skipping" over the rib (128b) while the tooth (320, 350) rotates around between the ribs (128b).

[0069] The widths (W2, W3) of the teeth (320, 350) can also be sized relative to each other and relative to the width (W1) of the plane (170b) such that when the teeth (320, 350) are in a clocked configuration where the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) are radially aligned with each other, both teeth (320, 350) are configured to slidably engage the plane (170b). For example, as described above, the widths (W2, W3) of the teeth (320, 350) may be equal to each other. Similarly, the heights (H2, H3) of the teeth (320, 350) are such that when the teeth (320, 350) are radially aligned with each other as described above, the teeth (320, 350) lie axially on top of each other, thereby occupying a circumferential envelope having a width less than one or both of the widths (W2, W3) of the teeth (320, 350) and thus less than the width (W1) of the plane (170b). In this way, placing the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) in a clocked configuration may enable the depth limiter (300) to be placed in a quick adjustment configuration.

[0070] In one example, the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) may be biased relative to each other toward an unclocked configuration such that the teeth (320, 350) are naturally radially displaced from each other. In this regard, the depth limiter (300) may include an elastic biasing member, such as a torsion spring (not shown), positioned between the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) and configured to bias the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) toward an unclocked configuration. Alternatively, the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) may include a cam surface (not shown) configured to bias the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) toward an unclocked configuration. In either case, such biasing of the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) may assist in preventing an inadvertent transition of the depth limiter (300) from a fine adjustment configuration to a quick adjustment configuration by effectively biasing the depth limiter (300) toward a fine adjustment configuration.

[0071] The finger grips (330, 360) provide visual and / or tactile indication of locations on the body portions (302, 304) that are gripped to rotationally move the body portions (302, 304) relative to each other between a clocked configuration and an unclocked configuration and / or collectively effectively and ergonomically between a rapid adjustment configuration and a fine adjustment configuration, and, while in the rapid adjustment configuration, to effectively and ergonomically translate the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b), and / or, while in the fine adjustment configuration, to helically move the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b).

[0072] During operation, with continued reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the depth limiter (300) may initially be positioned around the cannula tube (124b) of the trocar (110) such that the cannula tube (124b) is received within the bore (314) prior to deployment of the trocar (110) into the patient's peritoneal cavity (1). During deployment of the trocar (110) into the peritoneal cavity (1), the body portions (302, 304) may be in either the rapid adjustment configuration or the fine adjustment configuration and / or either the clocked configuration or the unclocked configuration, as desired.

[0073] In some cases, the clinician may wish to enable rapid axial movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b) of the trocar (110) during deployment. Thus, the clinician may choose to maintain the body portions (302, 304) in the clock configuration and the rapid adjustment configuration. By maintaining the body portions (302, 304) in the clock configuration and the rapid adjustment configuration, both teeth (320, 350) may become unconstrained by the rib (128b). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, both teeth (320, 350) may be radially aligned with the plane (170b) to permit translation of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b) of the trocar (110).

[0074] In other cases, the clinician may wish to limit the axial movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b) of the trocar (110) during deployment. For example, the clinician may wish to position the depth limiter (300) at a predetermined axial location along the cannula tube (124b) corresponding to the desired insertion depth of the cannula (120b) within the cavity (1). Accordingly, the clinician may choose to rotate at least one body portion (302, 304) relative to the cannula tube (124b) from a quick adjustment configuration towards a fine adjustment configuration. For this purpose, the clinician may operate the depth limiter (300), such as via finger grips (330, 360), to effectively and ergonomically rotate at least one body portion (302, 304) towards the fine adjustment configuration. In one example, such an operation may include rotating the body portions (302, 304) relative to each other to an unlocked configuration. By rotating at least one body portion (302, 304) towards the fine adjustment configuration, at least one tooth (320, 350) may be restricted to helical movement by the rib (128b). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, at least one tooth (320, 350) may be at least partially radially aligned with the rib (128b) to allow substantially only helical movement of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b). When the depth limiter (300) reaches a predetermined axial location, the clinician may release the depth limiter (300) while still in the fine adjustment configuration, thereby allowing the thread engagement between at least one tooth (320, 350) and the rib (128b) to maintain the depth limiter (300) at the predetermined axial location. In one example, biasing the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) towards the unlocked configuration may assist in maintaining the depth limiter (300) in the fine adjustment configuration when released by the clinician.

[0075] By positioning the depth limiter (300) around the cannula tube (124b) either in an axially restricted or unrestricted state, the clinician can deploy the trocar (110) into the patient's abdominal cavity (1) to position the cannula (120b) at a desired insertion depth in the cavity (1), as described above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. When the depth limiter (300) is fixed to the cannula tube (124b) at a predetermined axial location along the cannula tube (124b) corresponding to the desired insertion depth of the cannula (120b) in the cavity (1), contact between the distal hub (310) of the depth limiter (300) and the abdominal wall (2) can provide the clinician with a visual and / or tactile indication that the cannula (120b) has reached the desired insertion depth in the cavity (1). In this way, the depth limiter (300) can assist in preventing the distal tip (154) of the obturator (116) and / or the cannula tip (not shown) of the cannula assembly (112) from inadvertently entering deeper into the abdominal cavity (1) than desired during deployment. In other cases, the depth limiter (300) can be fixed to the cannula tube (124b) after the cannula (120b) has been positioned at the desired insertion depth in the cavity (1).

[0076] In some cases, after the depth limiter (300) is already fixed to the cannula tube (124b), it may be desirable to quickly adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (300) along the cannula tube (124b). Thus, the clinician can selectively operate the depth limiter (300) to rotate the body portions (302, 304) relative to each other from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration and relative to the cannula tube (124b) from a fine adjustment configuration to a quick adjustment configuration, and then translate the body portions (302, 304) relative to the cannula tube (124b) to a new axial location. When the depth limiter (300) reaches the new axial location, the clinician can selectively operate the depth limiter (300) to rotate the body portions (302, 304) relative to the cannula tube (124b) from the quick adjustment configuration to the fine adjustment configuration and rotate the body portions (302, 304) relative to each other from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, and then release the depth limiter (300) while in the fine adjustment configuration, whereby the engagement between at least one tooth (320, 350) and the rib (128b) can enable the depth limiter (300) to be maintained at the new axial location. In one example, biasing the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) toward the unlocked configuration can automatically shift the depth limiter (300) from the quick adjustment configuration to the fine adjustment configuration when released by the clinician.

[0077] In some cases, after the depth limiter (300) has already been fixed to the cannula tube (124b), it may be desirable to finely adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (300) along the cannula tube (124b). Thus, with a depth limiter (300) in a fine adjustment configuration that may include a first body portion (302) and a second body portion (304) in an unlocked configuration, a clinician can move the body portions (302, 304) spirally relative to the cannula tube (124b) to finely adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (300) relative to the cannula tube (124b). During such movement, the body portions (302, 304) are in an unlocked configuration as a track for at least one or both of the teeth (320, 350) around the plane (170b), preventing the depth limiter (300) from being placed in a rapid adjustment configuration for a short time, and thus preventing the teeth (320, 350) from inadvertently sliding axially along the plane (170b) or "skipping" the rib (128b), thereby preventing the depth limiter (300) from suddenly translating relative to the cannula tube (124b). When the depth limiter (300) reaches the finely adjusted axial location, the clinician can release the depth limiter (300) while it is in a fine adjustment configuration that may include a first body portion (302) and a second body portion (304) in an unlocked configuration, thereby enabling the screw engagement between at least one of the teeth (320, 350) and the rib (128b) to maintain the depth limiter (300) at the finely adjusted axial location. In one example, biasing the first body portion (302) and the second body portion (304) towards the unlocked configuration can assist in maintaining the depth limiter (300) in the fine adjustment configuration when released by the clinician.

[0078] Thus, a clinician can adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (300) along the cannula tube (124b) and then re-fix the depth limiter (300) to the cannula tube (124b) by simply releasing the depth limiter (300) while it is in a fine adjustment configuration and / or an unlocked configuration.

[0079] During the performance of a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which the distal hub (310) of the depth limiter (300) is placed on the abdominal wall (2), the depth limiter (300) can remain coupled to the cannula tube (124b). In this way, the depth limiter (300) can assist in preventing the cannula tip (not shown) of the cannula assembly (112) from inadvertently entering deeper into the abdominal cavity (1) than desired during the performance of the laparoscopic surgical procedure.

[0080] At the completion of the laparoscopic surgical procedure, the depth limiter (300) can be proximally withdrawn from the abdominal wall (2) together with the cannula assembly (112). The depth limiter (300) can be rotated relative to each other towards the clock configuration and relative to the cannula tube (124b) towards the rapid adjustment configuration as described above, and then the depth limiter (300) can be rapidly removed from the cannula tube (124b) by translating it distally relative to the cannula tube (124b). In one example, the depth limiter (300) can simply be disposed of after the completion of a single laparoscopic surgical procedure.

[0081] C. Exemplary Depth Limiter with Two Stabilizing Threaded Teeth In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter having improved stability and reduced degrees of rotation for rotation relative to the cannula tube to transition the depth limiter to the rapid adjustment configuration.

[0082] FIG. 11 shows another alternative cannula (120c) of the trocar (110) having an elongated cylindrical tube (124c) terminating at the cannula tip (126c) and including a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of helical ribs (128c). The cannula tube (124c) is substantially similar to the cannula tube (124a), except that the cannula tube (124c) includes a pair of tracks in the form of diametrically opposed planes (170c).

[0083] FIG. 11 further shows a third exemplary depth limiter (400) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124c) of the trocar (110) for selectively limiting the depth to which the trocar (110) can distally enter the abdominal wall (2). The depth limiter (400) is substantially similar to the depth limiter (200) and includes various similar features. Therefore, only the different features will be described below.

[0084] The depth limiter (400) of this variant includes a body portion (402) including a distal cylindrical hub (410) and a proximal substantially annular flange (212) extending radially outward therefrom. The hub (410) defines a generally cylindrical bore (414), and the hub (410) is substantially similar to the hub (210) except that it includes a pair of diametrically opposed flat teeth (420) extending radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (414) and selectively screwing into the rib (128c) of the cannula tube (124c) and being selectively slidably engaged with the plane (170c) of the cannula tube (124c).

[0085] By providing the plane (170c) and the pair of teeth (420), the cannula tube (124c) and the depth limiter (400) cooperate to provide improved stability of the depth limiter (400) relative to the cannula tube (124c) and a reduced relative rotational degree between the depth limiter (400) and the cannula tube (124c) for transitioning the depth limiter (400) from a fine adjustment configuration to the rapid adjustment configuration shown.

[0086] D. Exemplary Depth Limiter with Three Stable Threaded Teeth In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter having further improved stability of rotation and further reduced rotational degree with respect to the cannula tube for transitioning the depth limiter to a rapid adjustment configuration.

[0087] FIG. 12 shows another alternative cannula (120d) of the trocar (110) having an elongated cylindrical tube (124d) that terminates at the cannula tip (126d) and includes a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of helical ribs (128d). The cannula tube (124d) is substantially similar to the cannula tube (124a), except that the cannula tube (124d) includes a track in the form of three planes (170d) that are circumferentially equally spaced.

[0088] FIG. 12 further shows a fourth exemplary depth limiter (500) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124d) of the trocar (110) for selectively limiting the depth to which the trocar (110) can distally enter into the abdominal wall (2). The depth limiter (500) is substantially similar to the depth limiter (200) and includes various similar features. Accordingly, only the different features will be described below.

[0089] The depth limiter (500) of this variant includes a body portion (502) including a distal cylindrical hub (510) and a proximal substantially annular flange (212) extending radially outward therefrom. The hub (510) defines a substantially cylindrical bore (514), and the hub (510) is substantially similar to the hub (210), except that it includes three pairs of diametrically opposed flat teeth (520) that are circumferentially equally spaced, extend radially from the peripheral edge of the bore (514), and are selectively configured to threadedly engage the ribs (128d) of the cannula tube (124d) and selectively slidably engage the planes (170d) of the cannula tube (124d).

[0090] By providing three sets of planes (170d) and teeth (520), the cannula tube (124d) and the depth limiter (500) can cooperate to provide further improved stability of the depth limiter (500) relative to the cannula tube (124d) and provide a further reduced relative rotational degree between the depth limiter (500) and the cannula tube (124d) for transitioning the depth limiter (500) from a fine adjustment configuration to the rapid adjustment configuration shown.

[0091] Teeth (220, 320, 350, 420, 520) selectively thread into ribs (128a, 128b, 128c, 128d) of the cannula tubes (124a, 124b, 124c, 124d) and selectively slidably engage a flat surface (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) of the cannula tubes (124a, 124b, 124c, 124d). It will be understood that any suitable number of flat surfaces (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) and teeth (220, 320, 350, 420, 520) may be provided. For example, the flat surfaces (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) and teeth (220, 320, 350, 420, 520) may be provided in a ratio of 3:3, 3:1, 2:2, 2:1, or 1:1, or any other suitable ratio.

[0092] E. Exemplary Threaded Depth Limiter with a Living Hinge In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter with a quick adjustment configuration different from the quick adjustment configurations of the depth limiters (200, 300, 400, 500) described above.

[0093] FIG. 13 shows an alternative cannula (120e) for a trocar (110) having a bell-shaped hub (122e) at its proximal end and an elongated cylindrical tube (124e) extending distally from the hub (122e) and terminating at a cannula tip (126e). The outer surface of the cannula tube (124e) includes at least one tissue gripping feature in the form of a helical rib (128e) extending around an inner portion of the cannula tube (124e). The rib (128e) is configured to grip a layer of abdominal wall tissue into which the cannula (120e) is inserted, thereby assisting in axially and radially stabilizing the cannula (120e) while the cannula (120e) is positioned within an opening formed in the patient's abdominal wall (2). The outer surface of the cannula tube (124e) also includes an auxiliary helical rib (129e) extending around a proximal portion of the cannula tube (124e) and configured similarly to the rib (128e), the purpose of which will be described below. The cannula (120e) of the present embodiment can be suitably constructed of a robust material such as surgical steel, similar to the cannulas (120) and occluders (116) described above, such that the cannula (120e) can be sterilized and reused for multiple surgical procedures.

[0094] FIG. 13 further shows a fifth exemplary depth limiter (600) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124e) of the trocar (110). As will be described in more detail below, the depth limiter (600) can selectively limit the depth to which the trocar (110) can move distally into the abdominal wall (2).

[0095] As best shown in FIGS. 14-15B, the depth limiter (600) includes a first body portion (602) and a second body portion (604) pivotally coupled to each other by a first hinge (606) and a second hinge (608) such that the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) are pivotable relative to each other between at least one fine adjustment configuration (e.g., FIG. 15A) and at least one rapid adjustment configuration (e.g., FIG. 15B). In the example shown, the first body portion (602), the second body portion (604), the first hinge (606), and the second hinge (608) are integrally formed together as a single piece. For example, the first body portion (602), the second body portion (604), the first hinge (606), and the second hinge (608) can be molded together as a single component from a polymeric material including one or more plastics. Such a structure allows the depth limiter (600) to be considered a disposable unit, intended to be separated from the cannula (120e) and replaced after each procedure. For example, such a structure can enable the depth limiter (600) to be easily manufactured and sold at a price suitable for disposing of the depth limiter (600) after single use, similar to the trocar (10) and seal assembly (130) described above. In other variations, one or more portions of the depth limiter (600) can be formed from surgical steel or other materials suitable for making the depth limiter sterilizable and reusable for multiple surgical procedures. In any case, the first hinge (606) and the second hinge (608) shown include thin portions of the same material as the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604), such that the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) can bend around them, such that the first hinge (606) and the second hinge (608) can be considered "living" hinges.

[0096] In the example shown, the depth limiter (600) has a generally hollow frustoconical outer shape. For this purpose, the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) each include a first generally C-shaped proximal wall (610) and a second generally C-shaped proximal wall (612), a first generally C-shaped distal wall (614) and a second generally C-shaped distal wall (616), and a first generally C-shaped inner wall (620) and a second generally C-shaped inner wall (622). As shown, the first proximal wall (610) and the second proximal wall (612) are positioned radially outward relative to each other, the first distal wall (614) and the second distal wall (616) are positioned radially inward relative to each other, and the first inner wall (620) and the second inner wall (622) each taper radially inward in the distal direction from the first proximal wall (610) and the second proximal wall (612) to the first distal wall (614) and the second distal wall (616). The first hinge (206) and the second hinge (208) are positioned between the outer ends of the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) at respective interface surfaces between the first inner wall (620) and the second inner wall (622), collectively defining a hinge axis perpendicular to the central axis (C) of the depth limiter (600), such that when the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) are in the quick adjustment configuration, the first proximal wall (610) and the second proximal wall (612) are configured to pivot toward each other about the first hinge (206) and the second hinge (208), and the first distal wall (614) and the second distal wall (616) are configured to pivot away from each other about the first hinge (206) and the second hinge (208). In this way, the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) collectively define a deformable generally frustoconical bore (630) that extends longitudinally along the central axis (C) of the depth limiter (600), and also includes a generally cylindrical distal bore portion (632) having a relatively tightening configuration when the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) are in the fine adjustment configuration, and having a relatively non-tightening configuration when the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) are in the quick adjustment configuration.

[0097] As best shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the first distal wall (614) and the second distal wall (616) each include a first semi-helical cleat (640) and a second semi-helical cleat (642) that extend radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the distal bore portion (632) and are configured to selectively engage with the rib (128e) of the cannula tube (124e). In this regard, the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) can collectively define a helical path similar to that defined by the rib (128e) such that the cleats (640, 642) can simultaneously engage with the rib (128e) when at least the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) are in a fine-tuning configuration. The first proximal wall (610) and the second proximal wall (612) shown include a first suture knotting post and a second suture knotting post that are diametrically opposed, are located substantially centrally between the first hinge (606) and the second hinge (608), and are positioned proximally relative to each other and can each be regarded as a first finger grip (650) and a second finger grip (652), respectively. As will be described in more detail below, the first finger grip (650) and the second finger grip (652) are configured to provide the user with a visual indication and / or a tactile indication of a location on the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) that is gripped or pinched towards each other to pivot the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) towards a quick-adjustment configuration about the first hinge (606) and the second hinge (608) in an effective and ergonomic manner.

[0098] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) are in the fine adjustment configuration, the first distal wall (614) and the second distal wall (616) can collectively form a first effective cross-sectional dimension that extends diametrically through the central axis (C) such that the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) can engage with the rib (128e), and the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) are sized to be positioned at substantially the same radial distance from the rib (128e) and the central axis (C). The interaction between the cleats (640, 642) and the rib (128e) is configured to limit the axial movement of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e), such as by preventing the depth limiter (600) from moving helically relative to the cannula tube (124e), and / or to allow for fine axial movement of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e).

[0099] As shown in FIG. 15B, when the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) are in the rapid adjustment configuration, the first distal wall (614) and the second distal wall (616) can collectively form a second effective cross-sectional dimension that extends diametrically through the central axis (C) such that the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) are prevented from engaging with the rib (128e), and the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) are sized to be positioned radially outwardly relative to the rib (128e). The disengagement of the cleats (640, 642) from the rib (128e) can allow for rapid axial movement of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e), such as by allowing the depth limiter (600) to be translatable relative to the cannula tube (124e).

[0100] The finger grips (650, 652) may be configured to provide visual and / or tactile indications of locations on the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) that are gripped to effectively and ergonomically translate the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e) while the finger grips are in the quick adjustment configuration and / or while the depth limiter (600) is moving helically relative to the cannula tube (124e). On the other hand, while in the fine adjustment configuration, in addition, visual and / or tactile indications of locations on the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) that are gripped together or pinched together to effectively and ergonomically pivot relative to each other toward the quick adjustment configuration about the first hinge (606) and the second hinge (608) are provided to the user.

[0101] In some examples, the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) may be biased toward the fine adjustment configuration. For example, via a torsion spring member (not shown) incorporated into the first hinge (606) and the second hinge (608), or an external spring member (not shown) positioned directly between the first proximal wall (610) and the second proximal wall (612), the first distal wall (614) and the second distal wall (616) may be elastically biased toward each other, and the first proximal wall (610) and the second proximal wall (612) may be elastically biased away from each other. In other examples, the first hinge (606) and the second hinge (608) may be configured as living hinges each having a shape and thickness suitable for imparting an elastic biasing force thereto against the outer ends of the lateral ends of the first proximal wall (610) and the second proximal wall (612). In this way, the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) may be configured to automatically move from the quick adjustment configuration toward the fine adjustment configuration in response to no external force being applied to the first finger grip (650) and the second finger grip (652).

[0102] In one example, the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) are configured to selectively thread onto the auxiliary rib (129e) of the cannula tube (124e) for storing the depth limiter (600) in a proximal axial location along the cannula tube (124e) near the hub (122e) prior to use.

[0103] During operation, with continued reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the depth limiter (600) can first be positioned around the cannula tube (124e) of the trocar (110) such that the cannula tube (124e) is received within the bore (630) prior to deployment of the trocar (110) into the patient's abdominal cavity (1). During deployment of the trocar (110) into the abdominal cavity (1), the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) can be in either a quick adjustment configuration or a fine adjustment configuration, as may be desired.

[0104] In some cases, a clinician may wish to enable rapid axial movement of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e) of the trocar (110) being deployed. Thus, the clinician may choose to move the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) from the fine adjustment configuration towards the rapid adjustment configuration. For this purpose, as indicated by the first arrow (A1) and the second arrow (A2) in FIG. 15B, the clinician can squeeze or clamp the first finger grip (650) and the second finger grip (652) towards each other via the clinician's thumb and fingers, and thereby effectively and ergonomically move the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) towards the rapid adjustment configuration. By maintaining the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) in the rapid adjustment configuration, the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) may become unconstrained by the rib (128e). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15B, the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) are positioned radially outward relative to the rib (128e) and may enable translation of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e) of the trocar (110).

[0105] In other cases, the clinician may wish to limit the axial movement of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e) of the trocar (110) being deployed. For example, the clinician may wish to position the depth limiter (600) at a predetermined axial location along the cannula tube (124e) corresponding to the desired insertion depth of the cannula (120e) within the cavity (1). Accordingly, the clinician may choose to move the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) from the quick adjustment configuration towards the fine adjustment configuration. In one example, biasing the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) towards the fine adjustment configuration may assist in such movement. By moving the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) towards the fine adjustment configuration, the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) may be restricted to helical movement by the rib (128e). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15A, the first cleat (640) and the second cleat (642) are positioned at a substantially the same radial distance from the rib (128e) and the central axis (C) to allow only a helical movement of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e). When the depth limiter (600) reaches the predetermined axial location, the clinician may release the depth limiter (600) while still in the fine adjustment configuration, thereby allowing the screw engagement between the cleats (640, 642) and the rib (128e) to maintain the depth limiter (600) at the predetermined axial location.

[0106] The depth limiter (600) is positioned around the cannula tube (124e) either in an axially restricted or unrestricted state, enabling the clinician to deploy the trocar (110) into the patient's abdominal cavity (1) to position the cannula (120e) at a desired insertion depth in the cavity (1), as described above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. At a predetermined axial location along the cannula tube (124e) corresponding to the desired insertion depth of the cannula (120e) in the cavity (1), when the depth limiter (600) is secured to the cannula tube (124e), contact between the distal walls (614, 616) of the depth limiter (600) and the abdominal wall (2) can provide the clinician with a visual and / or tactile indication that the cannula (120e) has reached the desired insertion depth in the cavity (1). In this way, the depth limiter (600) can assist in preventing the distal tip (154) of the obturator (116) and / or the cannula tip (126e) of the cannula assembly (112) from inadvertently entering deeper into the abdominal cavity (1) than desired during deployment. In other cases, the depth limiter (600) can be secured to the cannula tube (124e) after the cannula (120e) has been positioned at the desired insertion depth in the cavity (1).

[0107] In some cases, after the depth limiter (600) has already been fixed to the cannula tube (124e), it may be desirable to quickly adjust the axial location of the depth limiter (600) along the cannula tube (124e). Accordingly, the clinician can selectively operate the depth limiter (600) to pivot the body portions (602, 604) relative to each other from a fine adjustment configuration to a quick adjustment configuration, and then translate the body portions (602, 604) relative to the cannula tube (124e) to a new axial location. When the depth limiter (600) reaches the new axial location, the clinician can selectively operate the depth limiter (600) to rotate the body portions (602, 604) relative to each other from the quick adjustment configuration to the fine adjustment configuration, and then release the depth limiter (300) while in the fine adjustment configuration, thereby enabling the screwing engagement between the cleats (640, 642) and the ribs (128e) to maintain the depth limiter (600) at the new axial location. In one example, biasing the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) toward the fine adjustment configuration can automatically shift the depth limiter (600) from the quick adjustment configuration to the fine adjustment configuration when released by the clinician.

[0108] In some cases, after the depth limiter (600) has already been fixed to the cannula tube (124e), it may be desirable to finely adjust the axial position of the depth limiter (600) along the cannula tube (124e). Thus, with the depth limiter (600) in the fine adjustment configuration, the clinician can move the body portions (602, 604) spirally relative to the cannula tube (124e) to finely adjust the axial position of the depth limiter (600) relative to the cannula tube (124e). When the depth limiter (600) reaches the finely adjusted axial position, the clinician can release the depth limiter (600) while it is in the fine adjustment configuration, thereby enabling the screwing engagement between the cleats (640, 642) and the rib (128e) to maintain the depth limiter (600) at the finely adjusted axial position. In one example, biasing the first body portion (602) and the second body portion (604) toward the fine adjustment configuration can assist in maintaining the depth limiter (600) in the fine adjustment configuration when released by the clinician.

[0109] Thus, the clinician can adjust the axial position of the depth limiter (600) along the cannula tube (124e) and then, while in the fine adjustment configuration, re-fix the depth limiter (600) to the cannula tube (124e) simply by releasing the depth limiter (600).

[0110] The depth limiter (600) can remain coupled to the cannula tube (124e) during the performance of a laparoscopic surgical procedure where the distal walls (614, 616) of the depth limiter (600) are placed against the abdominal wall (2). In this way, the depth limiter (600) can assist in preventing the cannula tip (126e) of the cannula assembly (112) from inadvertently entering deeper into the abdominal cavity (1) than desired during the performance of a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

[0111] At the completion of a laparoscopic surgical procedure, the depth limiter (600) can be withdrawn proximally from the abdominal wall (2) together with the cannula assembly (112). The depth limiter (600) can be quickly removed from the cannula tube (124e) by rotating the body portions (602, 604) relative to each other towards the quick adjustment configuration as described above and then translating the depth limiter (600) distally relative to the cannula tube (124e). In one example, the depth limiter (600) can simply be disposed of after completion of a single laparoscopic surgical procedure.

[0112] F. Exemplary depth limiter and cannula tube with a half-serrated blade stabilizing thread In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter that has a reduced degree of rotation relative to the cannula tube for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter when in the fine adjustment configuration and has a holding force greater than the insertion force applied to the depth limiter by the cannula tube.

[0113] Figures 16 and 17 show another alternative cannula tube (124f) of the trocar (110) that terminates at the cannula tip (126f) and includes a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of helical ribs (128f). For example, the cannula tube (124f) is substantially similar to the cannula tube (124a) except that the cannula tube (124f) includes a track in the form of a pair of diametrically opposed channels (170f) (one shown) configured to provide a visual indication of the insertion depth of the cannula tube (124f) into the cavity (1) with a depth identification display (172f) provided thereon. The channels (170f) function substantially similar to the planes (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) described above. Further, the ribs (128f) have a two-strand configuration such that the alternating ribs (128f) are offset 180 degrees from each other and are offset from each other by 1 / 2 pitch. As best shown in Figure 17, each rib (128f) has a half-serrated blade configuration.

[0114] Figures 16 and 17 further illustrate a sixth exemplary depth limiter (700) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124f) of the trocar (110) for selectively limiting the depth to which the trocar (110) can distally enter into the abdominal wall (2). The depth limiter (700) is substantially similar to the depth limiter (200) and includes various similar features. Accordingly, only the different features will be described below.

[0115] The depth limiter (700) of this variant defines a generally cylindrical bore (714) and includes a plurality of teeth (720) extending radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (714), and is configured to selectively threadedly engage with the alternating ribs (128f) of the cannula tube (124f) and to selectively slidably engage with the channel (170f) of the cannula tube (124f), and includes a cylindrical hub (710).

[0116] By providing a pair of channels (170f) and a plurality of teeth (720), the cannula tube (124f) and the depth limiter (700) cooperate to provide improved stability of the depth limiter (700) relative to the cannula tube (124f) and to provide a reduced relative rotational degree between the depth limiter (700) and the cannula tube (124f) for transitioning the depth limiter (700) from the illustrated fine adjustment configuration to the quick adjustment configuration. By providing a two - stripe configuration and teeth (720) configured to threadedly engage with the alternating ribs (128f), the cannula tube (124f) and the depth limiter (700) cooperate to provide a reduced relative rotational degree (e.g., increased axial adjustment per revolution) between the depth limiter (700) and the cannula tube (124f) for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter (700) when in the fine adjustment configuration. By providing ribs (128f) having a semi - saw - blade configuration, the cannula tube (124f) can apply a holding force greater than the insertion force on the depth limiter (700).

[0117] G. Exemplary Depth Limiter and Cannula Tube with Multiple Offset Stabilizing Threads In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter that has a further reduced rotational degree with respect to the cannula tube for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter and has a retaining mechanism for preventing inadvertent disengagement of the depth limiter from the cannula tube.

[0118] FIG. 18 shows another alternative cannula tube (124g) for a trocar (110) that terminates at a cannula tip (126g). The cannula tube (124g) is substantially similar to the cannula tube (124a), except that the cannula tube (124g) omits a plane and includes a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of four helical ribs (128g) that are offset 90 degrees from each other and are 1 / 4 pitch offset from each other. Further, the cannula tube (124g) includes four insertion ramps (131g) that taper radially inwardly in the distal direction from the major outer cross-sectional dimension of the rib (128g) and are spaced apart from each other by respective notches (133g). Each notch (133g) is substantially radially aligned with the distal strip of the corresponding rib (128g).

[0119] FIG. 18 further shows a seventh exemplary depth limiter (800) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124g) of the trocar (110) for selectively limiting the depth to which the trocar (110) can distally enter into the abdominal wall (2). The depth limiter (800) is substantially similar to the depth limiter (200) and includes various similar features. Accordingly, only the different features will be described below.

[0120] As best shown in FIG. 17, the depth limiter (800) of this variant defines a generally cylindrical bore (814) and includes four sets (two sets shown) of four radially aligned teeth (820) extending radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (814), and a cylindrical hub (810) configured to selectively engage each rib (128g) of the cannula tube (124g). The sets of teeth (820) are offset 90 degrees from each other and have a pitch equal to 1 / 4 of the pitch of the ribs (128g). The teeth (820) are sized such that each is slidably received by a respective notch (133g).

[0121] By providing four ribs (128g) and four sets of teeth (820) configured to engage each rib (128g), the cannula tube (124g) and the depth limiter (800) can cooperate to provide a further reduced relative rotational degree between the depth limiter (800) and the cannula tube (124g) for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter (800) (e.g., increased axial adjustment per revolution). Also, by providing the ramp (131g) and the notch (133g), the cannula tube (124g) can cooperate with the depth limiter (800) to allow assembly and intentional disassembly of the depth limiter (800) and the cannula tube (124g) by passing the teeth (820) through the notches (133g), while preventing accidental disengagement of the depth limiter (800) from the cannula tube (124g).

[0122] H. Exemplary Depth Limiter with Stabilizing Threaded Tabs In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter that has a reduced rotational degree with respect to the cannula tube for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter and has improved operability.

[0123] FIG. 20 shows another alternative cannula tube (124h) of trocar (110) terminating at cannula tip (126h). The cannula tube (124h) is substantially similar to cannula tube (124a), except that the cannula tube (124h) omits the plane, and includes a plurality of tissue gripping features in the form of two helical ribs (128h) that are offset 180 degrees from each other and shifted 1 / 2 pitch relative to each other. In one example, the ribs (128h) can be hydroformed on the cannula tube (124h). It will be understood that the ribs (128h) can be formed on the cannula tube (124h) in any other suitable manner, such as machining or molding. Similarly, the cannula tube (124h) can be hydroformed or manufactured in any other suitable manner, such as by first drawing a flat sheet and then welding the flat sheet itself into a cylindrical configuration.

[0124] FIG. 20 further shows an eighth exemplary depth limiter (900) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124h) of trocar (110) for selectively limiting the depth to which the trocar (110) can distally penetrate into the abdominal wall (2). The depth limiter (900) is substantially similar to the depth limiter (200) and includes various similar features. Therefore, only the different features will be described below.

[0125] As best shown in FIG. 21, the depth limiter (900) of this variant defines a generally cylindrical bore (914) and includes an X-shaped hub (910) including a pair of diametrically opposed tabs (920) extending radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (914) and configured to selectively threadedly engage the ribs (128h) of the cannula tube (124h).

[0126] By providing a pair of ribs (128h) and tabs (920), the cannula tube (124h) and the depth limiter (900) can cooperate to provide improved stability of the depth limiter (900) relative to the cannula tube (124h) and reduced relative rotational degrees between the depth limiter (900) and the cannula tube (124h) for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter (900) (e.g., increased axial adjustment per rotation). Also, by providing a cross-shaped hub (910), the depth limiter (900) can provide improved operability.

[0127] I. Stable Ribs and Depth Limiter - Exemplary Depth Limiter and Cannula Tube with Gripping Threads In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a cannula depth limiter having further reduced rotational degrees relative to the cannula tube for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter, such that such a depth limiter is configured to engage a dedicated thread on the cannula tube instead of the stable ribs of the cannula tube.

[0128] FIG. 22 shows another alternative cannula tube (124i) of a trocar (110) terminating at a cannula tip (126i). The cannula tube (124i) is substantially similar to the cannula tube (124a), except that the cannula tube (124i) omits the plane and includes a plurality of tissue gripping features similar to the ribs (26, 128) in the form of annular ribs (128i) axially disposed along the inner portion of the cannula tube (124i). Further, the cannula tube (124i) includes four sets (shown as three sets) of radially aligned helical threads (135i) axially disposed along the inner proximal and proximal portions of the cannula tube (124i) such that the threads (135i) partially overlap the ribs (128i). The sets of threads (135i) are offset 90 degrees from each other and are 1 / 4 pitch off.

[0129] FIG. 22 further shows a ninth exemplary depth limiter (1000) selectively coupled to the cannula tube (124i) of the trocar (110) for selectively limiting the depth to which the trocar (110) can distally enter the abdominal wall (2). The depth limiter (1000) is substantially similar to the depth limiter (200) and includes various similar features. Therefore, only the different features will be described below.

[0130] As best shown in FIG. 23, the depth limiter (1000) of this variant defines a generally cylindrical bore (1004) and includes a helical thread (1006) extending radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the bore (914), and includes a wing nut-shaped hub (1002) configured to selectively thread onto the thread (135i) of the cannula tube (124i).

[0131] By providing four sets of threads (135i) and helical threads (1006) configured to thread onto the threads (135i) rather than the ribs (128i), the cannula tube (124i) and the depth limiter (1000) cooperate to provide a reduced relative rotational degree (e.g., increased axial adjustment per revolution) between the depth limiter (1000) and the cannula tube (124i) for adjusting the axial location of the depth limiter (1000), and also provide a reduced degree of tissue invasion caused by the threads (135i), while further allowing the threads (135i) to align with the ribs (128i).

[0132] J. The Tenth Exemplary Depth Limiter FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a tenth exemplary depth limiter (1010). The depth limiter (1010) includes a hub (1012) and a plurality of legs (1014). The depth limiter (1010) can be used in combination with the depth limiters (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) described above. The hub (1012) is shown as having a generally square shape, although other shapes of the hub (1012) are contemplated. As shown, the hub (1012) includes an aperture (1016) that extends completely therethrough. The aperture (1016) can include a gripping surface (1018). The gripping surface (1018) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the cannula tube (22) of the cannula (20). FIGS. 24-25B describe the depth limiter (1010) with reference to the cannula tube (22) of the trocar (10) of FIG. 1, although other cannula tubes (e.g., cannula tube (124)) can also be used. The gripping surface (1018) can be smooth or non-smooth. As shown in FIG. 24, the gripping surface (1018) includes a smooth surface that can frictionally engage a portion of the cannula (20), such as a rib (26). Alternatively, the gripping surface (1018) can include a non-smooth surface that can include one or more features for locking engagement with the cannula tube (22). In other words, the depth limiter (1010) can be fixed to the cannula (20) using a mating screw (such as a nut) or to a scalloped cannula having an appropriate amount of interference fit. Such a screw of the depth limiter (1010) can be helical or non-helical (e.g., scalloped). For example, the gripping surface (1018) can include at least one tooth configured to lockingly engage at least one of the ribs (26) of the cannula (20).

[0133] The leg (1014) may have a constant cross-sectional area that moves radially away from the hub (1012). However, the leg (1014) may have a non-uniform cross-section. For example, one or more ends of the leg (1014) may include a cup-shaped portion (1020) for distributing downward force. As shown, the legs (1014) are separated by approximately 90 degrees. More or fewer legs (1014) are also envisioned.

[0134] 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 tilting 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 speed of the off-axis tilt of the trocar (10) to stabilize the trocar (10). This stabilization can be achieved using the mechanical spring effect of each leg (1014). The legs (1014) may have a reduced mass that allows the legs (1014) to flex outward and allows for variable amounts of spring resistance in each direction of the trocar (10). For example, the leg (1014) may have a reduced mass portion (e.g., a living hinge portion) and / or may rely on the inherent spring force of the leg (1014). The leg (1014) can contact the patient's body wall to prevent or at least decelerate the tip above the cannula (20).

[0135] Figures 25A - 25B show the depth limiter (1010). However, the teachings of Figures 25A - 25B may also be applicable to the depth limiters (1110, 1210) described in detail below. Figure 25A shows a partial side cross - sectional view of the depth limiter (1010) of Figure 24 coupled to the cannula tube (22) of the cannula assembly (12) of the trocar (10) of Figure 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 Figure 25A, the legs (1014) can curve downward. When the depth limiter (1010) is pressed against the abdominal wall (2), the legs (1014) bend flatter, providing a reaction spring force against the abdominal wall (2) and 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 bend the legs (1014) flatter until the depth limiter (1010) is disposed adjacent to the abdominal wall (2). As the flatness of the legs (1014) increases, the amount of reaction force against the cannula (20) can also increase, thereby increasing the locking force. For example, if the user presses the depth limiter (1010) part - way (but not fully) into the deployed configuration, the legs (1014) can have a certain amount of deployment. Further, if the user then applies an off - axis load, one or more of the legs (1014) can be pushed further down than the other legs (1014), but when the off - axis load is removed, the legs (1014) can be equalized and returned to the central home position in a controlled manner.

[0136] Figure 25B shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter (1010) of FIG. 24 coupled to the cannula tube (22) of the cannula assembly (12) of FIG. 1 after removal and extraction of the occluder (16). The legs (1014) of the depth limiter (1010) are in a deployed configuration where the distal end of the cannula tube (22) is 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 that tilt (i.e., prevent sudden accidental 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) such that the compression / clamping force of the depth limiter (1010) on the abdominal wall (2) is sufficiently reduced for the user to be able to manually pull back the depth limiter (1010). The depth limiter (1010) can be disposable or reusable.

[0137] K. Eleventh Exemplary Depth Limiter FIG. 26 shows an eleventh exemplary depth limiter (1110) that is similar to the depth limiter (1010). The depth limiter (1110) includes a hub (1112) similar to the hub (1012), legs (1114) similar to the legs (1014), an aperture (1116) similar to the aperture (1016), and a gripping surface (1118) of the aperture (1116) similar to the gripping surface (1018). The legs (1114) can include a cup-shaped portion (1120) similar to the cup-shaped portion (1020). Unlike the depth limiter (1010) shown as including four legs (1014), the depth limiter (1110) includes two legs (1114). For example, the legs (1114) can be separated by approximately 180 degrees. The legs (1014) flex in a manner similar to the legs (1114) shown above with reference to FIGS. 25A - 25B.

[0138] L. Twelfth Exemplary Depth Limiter FIG. 27 shows a twelfth exemplary depth limiter (1210) similar to the depth limiters (1010, 1110). The depth limiter (1210) includes a hub (1212) similar to the hub (1012), legs (1214) similar to the legs (1014), an aperture (1216) similar to the aperture (1016), and a gripping surface (1218) of the aperture (1216) similar to the gripping surface (1018). The legs (1114) may include a cup-shaped portion (1220) similar to the cup-shaped portion (1020). Unlike the depth limiter (1010) shown as including four legs (1014), the depth limiter (1210) includes three legs (1214). For example, the legs (1214) may be circumferentially separated uniformly by approximately 120 degrees around the hub (1212). However, the legs (1214) may be separated non-uniformly. In some cases, the use of three or four legs (1014, 1214, 1314, 1414) can enable further stability and ergonomics and allow for a user (U) finger grip. The legs (1214) can flex in the same manner as the legs (1014) shown above with reference to FIGS. 25A-25B.

[0139] M. Thirteenth Exemplary Depth Limiter FIGS. 28-30B show a thirteenth exemplary depth limiter (1310). In particular, FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the depth limiter (1310). As shown, the depth limiter (1310) includes a hub (1312) and a plurality of legs (1314) extending from the hub (1312). The depth limiter (1310) can be used in combination with any one or more of the depth limiters (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) described above. The hub (1312) is shown as being generally cylindrical, but other shapes of the hub (1312) are envisioned. As shown, the hub (1312) includes an aperture (1316) and a plurality of notches (1318). The notches (1318) can convert the depth limiter (1310) from a movable configuration to a fixed configuration.

[0140] The aperture (1316) includes a gripping surface (1320) configured to couple in a fixed configuration to the outer surface of the cannula tube (124). The gripping surface (1320) may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120). FIGS. 28-30B illustrate the depth limiter (1310) with reference to the cannula tube (124) of the trocar (110), although other cannula tubes (e.g., cannula tube (22)) may also be used. The gripping surface (1320) may be smooth or non-smooth. As shown in FIG. 28, the gripping surface (1320) may include a smooth surface that frictionally engages the rib (128) of the cannula (120) in a fixed configuration. Alternatively, the gripping surface (1320) may include a non-smooth surface that includes one or more features for locking engagement with the cannula tube (124). The hub (1312) of the depth limiter (1310) may be fixed to the cannula (120) with a mating screw (such as a nut) or may be fixed to the scallop cannula using an interference fit. The screw may be helical or non-helical (e.g., scallop). For example, the gripping surface (1320) may include at least one tooth configured to engage in locking engagement with at least one of the ribs (128) of the cannula (120). For example, the notch (1318) may be formed in the hub (1312) of the depth limiter (1310) such that each leg (1314) can be selectively folded when an appropriate force acts on its leg (1314) to clamp the gripping surface (1320) more tightly onto the cannula (120). Accordingly, the depth limiter (1310) can 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).

[0141] The leg (1314) may have a generally tapered cross-section that moves radially away from the hub (1312). For example, one or more ends of the leg (1314) may include a distal pad (1322) for distributing a downward force. As shown, the legs (1314) are separated by approximately 90 degrees. The legs (1314) may be unevenly separated. Additionally, more or fewer legs (1314) are envisioned (similar to those shown in FIGS. 26-27 associated with the depth limiters (1110, 1210)). The depth limiter (1310) may provide additional stability to the trocar (110) for tip resistance. The depth limiter (1310) may be configured to limit sudden tilting using the legs (1314), thereby stabilizing the cannula (120). The legs (1314) can contact the body wall to prevent or at least slow down the tip above the cannula (120).

[0142] FIGS. 29A and 30A show the depth limiter (1310) in a movable configuration. In particular, FIG. 29A shows a top view of the depth limiter (1310) of FIG. 28 with the hub (1312) of the depth limiter (1310) in a movable configuration and coupled to the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of FIG. 5. FIG. 30A shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter (1310) of FIG. 28 with the legs (1314) of the depth limiter (1310) in a movable configuration and coupled to the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of FIG. 5. In the movable configurations of FIGS. 29A and 30A, the gripping surface (1320) forms a second effective diameter (ED2) that allows for axial movement of the depth limiter (1310) relative to the outer diameter of the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (112). In the movable configuration, it is considered a rest configuration and the legs (1314) are curved downward. When pressed against the abdominal wall (2), the legs (1314) bend more flatly and provide a reaction force against the abdominal wall (2) and the cannula (120).

[0143] Figures 29B and 30B show the depth limiter (1310) in a fixed configuration. In particular, FIG. 29B shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter (1310) of FIG. 28 coupled to the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of FIG. 5 after removal and removal of the obturator (116), with the legs (1314) of the depth limiter (1310) in a fixed configuration. FIG. 30B shows a partial side cross-sectional view of the depth limiter (1310) of FIG. 28 coupled to the cannula tube (124) of the cannula assembly (112) of FIG. 5 after removal and removal of the obturator (116), with the legs (1314) of the depth limiter (1310) in a fixed configuration. In the fixed configuration, the notch (1318) can be forced to close in 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 (ie, prevent sudden movement within the body). In the fixed configuration, the gripping surface (1320) collectively forms 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.

[0144] N. The Fourteenth Exemplary Depth Limiter FIG. 31 shows a top cross-sectional view of a fourteenth exemplary depth limiter (1410). The depth limiter (1410) includes a hub (1412) and a plurality of legs (1414) extending from the hub (1412). The depth limiter (1410) can be used in combination with any one or two or more of the depth limiters (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) described above. In some variations, the hub (1412) can 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) can be separated by approximately 90 degrees. However, the legs (1414) can be separated unevenly. Further, more or fewer legs (1414) are envisioned, similar to the depth limiters (1110, 1210) shown in FIGS. 26-27.

[0145] The depth limiter (1410) includes a fluid chamber (1418) that can be disposed within the hub (1412) and the legs (1414). For example, the fluid chamber (1418) can be completely enclosed by the hub (1412) and the legs (1414). The fluid chamber can include a plurality of fluid passages (1420) that include a narrow portion (1422). The narrow portion (1422) can generally be disposed between the hub (1412) and the legs (1414). The narrow portion (1422) regulates the flow between the hub (1412) and the legs (1414). In other words, the fluid chamber (1418) can be integrated with the legs (1414) with a narrow portion (1422) that forms a flow restriction region at the base of each leg (1414). As shown, one or more ends of the legs (1414) can include a wide portion (1424) configured to extend from a compressed configuration (C) to an expanded configuration (E). The depth limiter (1410) can provide additional stability to the trocar (110) for tip resistance. When additional tilting forces act on each independent leg (1414), the fluid can be redistributed to the other legs (1414), but the fluid can be restricted by these restricted regions (1422), thus providing a damping effect on the tilting of the trocar (110). This damping effect can regulate the speed at which the trocar (110) tilts. As a result, the depth limiter (1410) can limit sudden tilting of the trocar (110) through restricted fluid flow between the legs (1414), thereby stabilizing the cannula (120).

[0146] The aperture (1416) includes a gripping surface (1426) that can be coupled to the outer surface of the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120). The gripping surface (1426) can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the cannula tube (124) of the cannula (120). The gripping surface (1426) can be smooth or non-smooth. As shown in FIG. 31, the gripping surface (1426) can include a smooth surface that frictionally engages the rib (128) of the cannula (120). Alternatively, the gripping surface (1426) can include a non-smooth surface that includes one or more features for locking engagement with the cannula tube (124). For example, the hub (1412) of the depth limiter (1410) can be fixed to the cannula (120) or to a scalloped cannula using mating threads (such as a nut). The threads can be helical or non-helical (e.g., scalloped). For example, the gripping surface (1426) can include at least one tooth configured to lockingly engage at least one of the ribs (128) of the cannula (120). The depth limiter (1410) can be disposable.

[0147] III. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the claims that may be presented at any point in this application or in a subsequent application of this application. No waiver of any rights is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings of this specification can be configured and applied in many other ways. Also, in some variations, it is contemplated that certain features mentioned in the following examples may be omitted. Accordingly, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered important unless so expressly indicated later by the inventors or their successors in interest. If the claims presented in this application or in a subsequent application related to this application include additional features other than those mentioned below, those additional features should not be considered to have been added for any reason related to patentability.

Example

[0148] (a) A cannula, comprising: (i) a working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a central axis of the cannula; and (ii) at least one helical tissue engagement feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula and configured to stabilize the cannula against a body cavity wall when the cannula is distally inserted through the body cavity wall of a patient; and (b) a depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, the depth limiter comprising at least one body portion extending about a central axis of the depth limiter and having at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly with respect to the central axis of the depth limiter, the at least one body portion being angularly movable relative to the cannula between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration, in the fine adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively threadedly engage with at least one helical tissue engagement feature, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively disengage from the at least one helical tissue engagement feature such that the depth limiter is axially translatable along the cannula. A surgical access device assembly.

Example

[0149] The surgical access device assembly according to Example 1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed protrusions.

Example

[0150] The surgical access device assembly according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the cannula includes at least one longitudinal track disposed along an outer surface of the cannula, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion is configured to selectively slidably engage with the at least one longitudinal track.

Example

[0151] At least one body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion that are rotatable relative to each other about a central axis of a depth limiter, and at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion provided by the first body portion and a second protrusion provided by the second body portion, the surgical access device assembly according to Example 3.

Example

[0152] The first body portion and the second body portion are rotatable relative to each other about a central axis of a depth limiter between a clock configuration in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are radially aligned with each other and at least one unlock configuration in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are radially offset from each other, the surgical access device assembly according to Example 4.

Example

[0153] In response to the first body portion and the second body portion being in an unlock configuration, at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion is configured to selectively threadedly engage at least one helical tissue engagement feature, the surgical access device assembly according to Example 5.

Example

[0154] At least one longitudinal track has a width, and when the first body portion and the second body portion are in an unlock configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion collectively occupy an envelope having an effective width greater than the width of at least one longitudinal track, the surgical access device assembly according to Example 6.

Example

[0155] When the first body portion and the second body portion are in a clock configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to selectively slidably engage at least one longitudinal track, the surgical access device assembly according to any one or two or more of Examples 5 to 7.

Example

[0156] The surgical access device assembly of Example 8, wherein at least one longitudinal track has a width, and when the first body portion and the second body portion are in a clocked configuration, the first projection and the second projection collectively occupy an envelope having an effective width that is narrower than the width of the at least one longitudinal track.

Example

[0157] The surgical access device assembly according to any one or more of Examples 5-9, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are biased toward an unclocked configuration.

Example

[0158] The surgical access device assembly according to any one of Examples 1-10, wherein at least one body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion and the second body portion being pivotally coupled together by a hinge such that the first body portion and the second body portion are pivotable relative to each other about the hinge between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration, and at least one projection includes a first projection provided by the first body portion and a second projection provided by the second body portion.

Example

[0159] The surgical access device assembly of Example 11, wherein the first projection and the second projection are configured to pivot radially outwardly from at least one spiral tissue engagement feature when in the coarse adjustment configuration.

Example

[0160] The surgical access device assembly according to any one or more of Examples 11-12, wherein the hinge includes a living hinge.

Example

[0161] The surgical access device assembly according to Example 13, wherein the first body portion, the second body portion, and the living hinge are integrally formed together as a single component.

Example

[0162] The surgical access device assembly according to any one or two or more of Examples 11 to 14, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are biased toward a fine adjustment configuration.

Example

[0163] A depth limiter configured to couple with the cannula tube of a trocar, the cannula tube having at least one helical tissue engagement feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula tube, the depth limiter comprising: (a) a first body portion; (b) a second body portion movably coupled to the first body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion are movable relative to each other between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration; (c) at least one first protrusion provided by the first body portion and extending radially inwardly relative to a central axis of the depth limiter; and (d) at least one second protrusion provided by the second body portion and extending radially inwardly relative to a central axis of the depth limiter, wherein in the fine adjustment configuration, at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion is configured to selectively threadably engage at least one helical tissue engagement feature of the cannula tube, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to selectively unthread from at least one helical tissue engagement feature of the cannula tube.

Example

[0164] The first body portion and the second body portion are rotatable relative to each other about the central axis of the depth limiter between a clock configuration in which the first projection and the second projection are radially aligned with each other and at least one unlock configuration in which the first projection and the second projection are radially offset from each other, the clock configuration at least partially defining a coarse adjustment configuration and the unlock configuration at least partially defining a fine adjustment configuration, the depth limiter according to Example 16.

Example

[0165] The depth limiter according to Example 16, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are pivotable relative to each other about a hinge axis perpendicular to the central axis of the depth limiter between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration.

Example

[0166] A method of using a depth limiter with a trocar, the depth limiter including at least one body portion having at least one projection extending about the central axis of the depth limiter and extending radially inwardly relative to the central axis of the depth limiter, the method comprising: (a) positioning the at least one body portion around a cannula tube of the trocar having at least one spiral tissue engagement feature; (b) moving the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube between a fine adjustment configuration in which the at least one projection selectively engages with the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature and a coarse adjustment configuration in which the at least one projection selectively disengages from the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature; (c) spirally moving the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube while in the fine adjustment configuration; and (d) translating the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube while in the coarse adjustment configuration.

Example

[0167] The method according to Example 19, wherein moving at least one body part relative to the cannula tube between the fine adjustment configuration and the coarse adjustment configuration includes angularly moving at least one body part relative to the cannula tube.

[0168] IV. Others 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. Therefore, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation from each other. Various suitable ways of combining the teachings of this specification will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0169] Furthermore, any one or more of the teachings herein can be combined with any one or more of the teachings disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP1] (entitled "Pinch-To-Release Cannula Depth Limiter", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP2] (entitled "Multi-Diameter Cannula Depth Limiter", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP3] (entitled "Pinch-To-Clamp Cannula Depth Limiter", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP4] (entitled "Universal Size Multi-Walled Elastomer Cannula Depth Limiter", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP6] (entitled "Tilting Tang Cannula Depth Limiter", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP7] (entitled "Two Piece Separable Obturator", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP8] (entitled "Latchless Obturator with Interference Fit Feature", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP9] (entitled "Balancing Feature for Reusable Trocar", filed on the same date as this application), U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP10] (entitled "Airflow Channels and Patterns in Lumen for Cannula", filed on the same date as this application), and / or U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket Reference No. END9247USNP11] (entitled "Stabilizer for Surgical Shafts or Cannulas").The disclosure of each of these patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0170] It should be understood that all or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure referred to as being incorporated by reference into this specification is incorporated only to the extent that the incorporated content does not conflict with existing definitions, opinions, or other disclosure in this disclosure. In itself and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth in this specification shall supersede any conflicting disclosure incorporated by reference into this specification. Any content, or portions thereof, that is referred to as being incorporated by reference into this specification but conflicts with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosure set forth in this specification shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated content and the current disclosure.

[0171] The above-described variations of the device can be applied not only to conventional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also to robot-assisted medical procedures and surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein can be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as the DAVINCI (trademark) system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California). Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various teachings herein can be readily combined with any of the following various teachings: U.S. Patent No. 5,792,135, entitled "Articulated Surgical Instrument For Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery With Enhanced Dexterity and Sensitivity," issued on August 11, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent No. 8,783,541, entitled "Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System," issued on July 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Patent No. 8,479,969, entitled "Drive Interface for Operably Coupling a Manipulatable Surgical Tool to a Robot," issued on July 9, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,800,838, entitled "Robotically-Controlled Cable-Based Surgical End Effectors," issued on August 12, 2014 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference); and / or U.S. Patent No. 8,573,465, entitled "Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System with Rotary Actuated Closure Systems," issued on November 5, 2013 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0172] The variations of the above devices can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed for multiple uses. The variations can, in either or both cases, be readjusted for reuse after at least one use. The readjustment can include any combination of a disassembly process of the device, followed by a cleaning or replacement process of specific parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some variations of the device can be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or components of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. When cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, some variations of the device can be reassembled for subsequent use in a readjustment facility or by the user immediately prior to treatment. Those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be utilized in the readjustment of the device. The use of such techniques, and the resulting readjusted device, are all within the scope of this application.

[0173] Merely by way of example, the variations described herein may be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a sealed and enclosed container such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. Next, the container and the device may be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and within the container. Next, the sterilized device may be stored in the sterilized container for later use. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique well known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma rays, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0174] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art can realize further adaptation of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention by making appropriate modifications. Although some of such possible modifications have been described, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the above examples, embodiments, geometric shapes, materials, dimensions, ratios, processes, etc. are illustrative and not essential. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered with respect to the following claims, and it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the structures and operations shown and described in this specification and the drawings.

[0175] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) A surgical access device assembly, (a) A cannula, (i) A working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a central axis of the cannula; and (ii) At least one helical tissue engagement feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula, the helical tissue engagement feature being configured to stabilize the cannula relative to the body cavity wall when the cannula is inserted distally through the body cavity wall of a patient, the cannula comprising: (b) A depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, the depth limiter comprising at least one body portion extending about a central axis of the depth limiter and including at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly relative to the central axis of the depth limiter, the at least one body portion being angularly movable relative to the cannula between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration, in the fine adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively threadably engage the at least one helical tissue engagement feature, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively unthread from the at least one helical tissue engagement feature such that the depth limiter is axially translatable along the cannula, a surgical access device assembly comprising a depth limiter. (2) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction. (3) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the cannula includes at least one longitudinal track disposed along the outer surface of the cannula, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion is configured to selectively slidably engage with the at least one longitudinal track. (4) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 3, wherein the at least one body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion that are rotatable relative to each other about the central axis of the depth limiter, and the at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion provided by the first body portion and a second protrusion provided by the second body portion. (5) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 4, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are rotatable relative to each other about the central axis of the depth limiter between a clocked configuration in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are radially aligned with each other and at least one unclocked configuration in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are radially offset from each other.

[0176] (6) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 5, wherein in response to the first body portion and the second body portion being in the unclocked configuration, at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion is configured to selectively threadedly engage with the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature. (7) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 6, wherein the at least one longitudinal track has a width, and when the first body portion and the second body portion are in the unclocked configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion collectively occupy an envelope having an effective width greater than the width of the at least one longitudinal track. (8) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 5, wherein when the first body portion and the second body portion are in the clock configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to selectively slidably engage the at least one longitudinal track. (9) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 8, wherein the at least one longitudinal track has a width, and when the first body portion and the second body portion are in the clock configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion collectively occupy an envelope having an effective width narrower than the width of the at least one longitudinal track. (10) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 5, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are biased toward the unlock configuration.

[0177] (11) The at least one body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion and the second body portion being pivotally coupled together by the hinge such that the first body portion and the second body portion are pivotable relative to each other about the hinge between the fine adjustment configuration and the coarse adjustment configuration, and the at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion provided by the first body portion and a second protrusion provided by the second body portion, the surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 1. (12) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 11, wherein when in the coarse adjustment configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to pivot radially outward from the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature. (13) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 11, wherein the hinge includes a living hinge. (14) The surgical access device assembly according to embodiment 13, wherein the first body portion, the second body portion, and the living hinge are integrally formed together as a single piece. (15) The surgical access device assembly according to Embodiment 11, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are biased toward the fine adjustment configuration.

[0178] (16) A depth limiter configured to couple with a cannula tube of a trocar, the cannula tube having at least one helical tissue engagement feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula tube, the depth limiter comprising (a) a first body portion; (b) a second body portion movably coupled to the first body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion are movable relative to each other between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration; (c) at least one first protrusion provided by the first body portion and extending radially inwardly relative to a central axis of the depth limiter; (d) at least one second protrusion provided by the second body portion and extending radially inwardly relative to the central axis of the depth limiter, and wherein in the fine adjustment configuration, at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion is configured to selectively threadedly engage the at least one helical tissue engagement feature of the cannula tube, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to selectively unthread from the at least one helical tissue engagement feature of the cannula tube. (17) The first body portion and the second body portion are rotatable relative to each other about the central axis of the depth limiter between a clocked configuration in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are radially aligned with each other and at least one unclocked configuration in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are radially offset from each other, the clocked configuration at least partially defining the coarse adjustment configuration and the unclocked configuration at least partially defining the fine adjustment configuration, the depth limiter according to Embodiment 16. (18) The depth limiter according to embodiment 16, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are pivotable relative to each other about a hinge axis perpendicular to the central axis of the depth limiter between the fine adjustment configuration and the coarse adjustment configuration. (19) A method of using a depth limiter with a trocar, the depth limiter including at least one body portion extending about a central axis of the depth limiter and having at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly relative to the central axis of the depth limiter, the method comprising: (a) positioning the at least one body portion around a cannula tube of a trocar having at least one spiral tissue engagement feature; (b) moving the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube between a fine adjustment configuration in which the at least one protrusion selectively engages the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature and a coarse adjustment configuration in which the at least one protrusion selectively disengages from the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature; (c) spirally moving the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube while in the fine adjustment configuration; (d) translating the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube while in the coarse adjustment configuration. (20) The method according to embodiment 19, wherein moving the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube between the fine adjustment configuration and the coarse adjustment configuration includes angularly moving the at least one body portion relative to the cannula tube.

Claims

**Claim 1** A surgical access device assembly comprising: (a) a cannula comprising: (i) a working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a central axis of the cannula; (ii) at least one helical tissue engagement feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula and configured to stabilize the cannula relative to a body cavity wall when the cannula is distally inserted through the body cavity wall; (iii) at least one longitudinal track disposed along the outer surface of the cannula; (b) a depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, the depth limiter comprising at least one body portion extending about a central axis of the depth limiter and including at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly relative to the central axis of the depth limiter, the at least one body portion being rotatable relative to the cannula about the central axis of the depth limiter between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration, wherein in the fine adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion is configured to selectively threadably engage the at least one helical tissue engagement feature, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion is configured to selectively unthread from the at least one helical tissue engagement feature and to selectively slidably engage the at least one longitudinal track such that the depth limiter is axially translatable along the cannula. **Claim 2** The surgical access device assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed protrusions. **Claim 3** The surgical access device assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion rotatable relative to each other about the central axis of the depth limiter, and the at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion provided by the first body portion and a second protrusion provided by the second body portion. **Claim 4** The first body portion and the second body portion are rotatable relative to each other about the central axis of the depth limiter between a clock configuration in which the first projection and the second projection are radially aligned with each other and at least one anti-clock configuration in which the first projection and the second projection are radially offset from each other. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 3.

5. In response to the first body portion and the second body portion being in the anti-clock configuration, at least one of the first projection and the second projection is configured to selectively threadably engage with the at least one helical tissue engagement feature. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 4.

6. When the first body portion and the second body portion are in the clock configuration, the first projection and the second projection are configured to selectively slidably engage with the at least one longitudinal track. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 4.

7. The first body portion and the second body portion are biased toward the anti-clock configuration. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 4.

8. A surgical access device assembly comprising: (a) a cannula, (i) a working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a central axis of the cannula, (ii) at least one helical tissue engagement feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula, the at least one helical tissue engagement feature being configured to stabilize the cannula relative to a body cavity wall when the cannula is distally inserted through the body cavity wall of a patient. A cannula including the at least one helical tissue engagement feature. (b) A depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, the depth limiter comprising at least one body portion extending about a central axis of the depth limiter and having at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly with respect to the central axis of the depth limiter, the at least one body portion being movable between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration, in the fine adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively threadably engage the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively unthread from the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature such that the depth limiter is axially translatable along the cannula, a depth limiter; The at least one body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion and the second body portion being pivotably coupled to each other about a hinge such that the first body portion and the second body portion are pivotable with respect to each other about the hinge between the fine adjustment configuration and the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion including a first protrusion provided by the first body portion and a second protrusion provided by the second body portion; A surgical access device assembly, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are biased toward the fine adjustment configuration.

9. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 8, wherein, when in the coarse adjustment configuration, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to pivot radially outwardly from the at least one spiral tissue engagement feature.

10. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 8, wherein the hinge includes a living hinge.

11. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first body portion, the second body portion, and the living hinge are integrally formed together as a single piece.

12. A surgical access device assembly, comprising: (a) A cannula, comprising: (i) A working channel configured to guide a surgical instrument along a central axis of the cannula; (ii) at least one helical tissue engagement feature disposed along an outer surface of the cannula, the at least one helical tissue engagement feature being configured to stabilize the cannula relative to the body cavity wall when the cannula is distally inserted through the body cavity wall of a patient, and a cannula comprising the at least one helical tissue engagement feature; (b) a depth limiter movably coupled to the cannula, the depth limiter comprising at least one body portion extending about a central axis of the depth limiter and including at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly relative to the central axis of the depth limiter, the at least one body portion being movable between a fine adjustment configuration and a coarse adjustment configuration, in the fine adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively threadedly engage the at least one helical tissue engagement feature, and in the coarse adjustment configuration, the at least one protrusion being configured to selectively unthread from the at least one helical tissue engagement feature such that the depth limiter is axially translatable along the cannula, and a depth limiter; the at least one body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion and the second body portion being pivotally coupled together by a hinge such that the first body portion and the second body portion are pivotable relative to each other about a hinge axis between the fine adjustment configuration and the coarse adjustment configuration, the hinge defining the hinge axis perpendicular to the central axis of the depth limiter, the at least one protrusion including a first protrusion provided by the first body portion and a second protrusion provided by the second body portion, a surgical access device assembly.

13. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are biased toward the fine adjustment configuration.

14. The surgical access device assembly according to claim 12, wherein the hinge includes a first hinge and a second hinge facing each other.

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