Bendable trocar having a blunt tip and connector for advancing a wound drainage catheter through tissue - Patent Application 20070122999

Abstract

To provide trocars used for advancing wound drain catheters through tissue.SOLUTION: A trocar 100 includes a shaft having a leading section 104, a trailing section 112, a reduced diameter midsection 110 located between the leading and trailing sections, and a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the shaft 102. The leading section of the shaft has a tapered region 106 that terminates at a blunt tip 108. The trailing section of the shaft has a connector 114 located at a trailing end of the shaft. The leading and trailing sections of the shaft have a first diameter, and the reduced diameter midsection of the shaft has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter for enabling the shaft to be bent at the reduced diameter midsection. A flexible wound drain catheter having a first end is secured to the connector at the trailing end of the trailing section of the shaft, and has an outer diameter that matches the first diameter of the leading and trailing sections of the shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The patent application relates generally to treating wounds, and more particularly to a trocar used to advance a wound drain catheter through tissue to safely and effectively drain fluid from the wound. [Background technology]

[0002] Trocars are often used to insert wound drain catheters into drainage sites adjacent surgical wounds, typically with the wound drain catheter attached to its end so that the tube of the wound drain catheter follows the trocar along its path through the patient's body.

[0003] Several techniques can be used to insert a wound drain catheter into a patient's body. For example, a surgeon may simply place the drain and small cross-section of the wound drain catheter into the wound, close the incision, and suture around the wound drain catheter. This technique is somewhat unsatisfactory because it is difficult to completely seal the area around the wound drain catheter with sutures, thus potentially leaving the wound infected. A more satisfactory technique is to thread a trocar pre-attached to the end of the wound drain catheter through healthy tissue by entering the patient's body at a point within the wound and exiting the body through an opening formed in the skin. The surgeon uses the trocar to pull the wound drain catheter through tissue until the wound drain catheter is properly positioned with the drain located within the wound. Because the wound drain catheter exits the body at a point adjacent to the wound, the wound can be completely closed with sutures, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

[0004] In some cases, when placing the wound drain catheter at the wound site, the trocar and the wound drain catheter separate, leaving the end of the wound drain catheter inside the patient's body. When this occurs, the wound drain catheter must be removed and the procedure must be repeated. Such separation is typically due to difficulty attaching the trocar to the wound drain catheter.

[0005] In some cases, the trocar is manufactured with a slight bend near its sharp tip to allow the trocar to be manipulated through the patient's tissue and / or skin. The wound drain catheter follows the path formed by the trocar until the drainage end of the wound drain catheter is located at the desired location within the body and the extension of the wound drain catheter is located outside the patient's body. At that stage, the trocar is separated from the wound drain catheter, whereupon the free end of the wound drain catheter is connected to a vacuum source.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 4,398,910 discloses the use of a trocar in the above manner, and U.S. Patent No. 4,359,053 discloses fastening a plastic tube to a trocar for the same purpose.

[0007] Trocars are typically made from very hard surgical-grade stainless steel or other materials to provide a very fine, sharp tip that allows the trocar's sharp tip to pass through body tissue and skin. In many instances, proper placement of wound drainage tubes is difficult because it is difficult to pass the trocar through a patient's body without hitting hard structures such as bone. It is also desirable to avoid organs and sensitive tissue as the trocar is advanced through the patient's body.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,398,910 discloses a trocar that is manufactured with a slight bend of approximately 15 degrees to allow a surgeon to manipulate the trocar through a patient's body and correctly place a wound drain catheter at the desired location.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 4,976,684 to Broadnax, Jr. discloses a trocar used to insert a wound drainage tube into a patient's body. The trocar has a sharpened tip and a shaft that can be bent into a configuration desired by the surgeon, allowing for easier and more accurate insertion of the wound drain catheter to the desired location within the patient's body. The trocar has a reduced cross-sectional area located near the sharpened tip, which allows the trocar to bend with force generated by the surgeon's hand.

[0010] The use of a trocar having a sharp tip to insert a wound drain catheter into a patient requires great care to ensure that the sharp tip of the trocar does not injure the patient's sensitive tissues (e.g., blood vessels and nerves). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Therefore, a need remains for a trocar that can be used to insert a wound drain catheter into a patient in a manner that reduces the risk of undesired tissue damage. There remains a need for a trocar that is easily bendable to pass through a patient without traumatizing sensitive tissue and organs. Additionally, there remains a need for a trocar with a blunt tip that minimizes the possibility of tissue damage. There remains a further need for a trocar that has a reduced diameter central section located approximately midway between the leading and trailing ends of the trocar's elongated shaft. There remains a further need for a trocar that maintains a secure connection with the wound drain catheter during placement, so that the trocar and wound drain catheter remain secured to one another during deployment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In one embodiment, the trocar preferably includes an elongate shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a reduced diameter central section located between the distal and proximal ends, and a longitudinal axis extending from the distal end of the distal end to the proximal end of the proximal end of the elongate shaft. The trocar may have a French size of approximately 10 to 24.

[0013] In one embodiment, the distal portion of the elongate shaft has a tapered region that terminates in a blunt tip located at the distal end of the elongate shaft. In one embodiment, a trocar with a blunt tip can help reduce the risk of unwanted puncture of tissue and can also improve safety during use by a physician, nurse, or other user.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rear end portion of the elongate shaft has a connector located at the rear end of the elongate shaft.

[0015] In one embodiment, the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft have a first diameter, and the smaller diameter central portion of the elongate shaft has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the elongate shaft to bend at the smaller diameter central portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elongate shaft is made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, metals, biocompatible metals, medical grade steel, stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, and polymers.

[0017] In one embodiment, the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft are relatively stiffer than the smaller diameter central portion of the elongate shaft, which in one embodiment is more flexible, bendable, and / or malleable than the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft.

[0018] In one embodiment, the elongate shaft includes an outer surface having a cylindrical shape. The elongate shaft may have a cross-section having a circular shape.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tapered region includes a sloped surface that tapers away from the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft.

[0020] In one embodiment, the blunt tip includes a flat surface having a perimeter, hi one embodiment, the blunt tip has a convex curved surface surrounding the perimeter of the flat surface and extending from the perimeter of the flat surface to the sloped surface of the tapered region.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inclined surface of the tapered region and the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft cooperatively define an angle of about 3 to 5 degrees. In one embodiment, the flat surface of the blunt tip has an outer diameter of about 0.030 to 0.045 inches.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first diameter of the distal and proximal end sections of the elongate shaft is between about 0.125 and 0.250 inches, and the second diameter of the smaller diameter central section is between about 0.0875 and 0.0975 inches.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elongate shaft has a length of approximately 6 inches. In one embodiment, the distal portion of the elongate shaft has a length of approximately 2.75 inches. In one embodiment, the tapered region of the distal portion has a length of approximately 0.741 inches. In one embodiment, the reduced diameter central portion has a length of approximately 0.400 to 0.500 inches.

[0024] In one embodiment, the reduced diameter central section is located intermediate the distal and proximal sections of the elongate shaft.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connector includes an end knob having a curved surface and one or more annular ridges located between the end knob and an end face at the rear end of the rear end portion of the elongate shaft.

[0026] In one embodiment, the end knob has an end knob outer diameter and the annular ridges have respective annular ridge outer diameters that are greater than the end knob outer diameter.

[0027] In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter may be secured to the rear end of the trocar. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter is a flexible tube made of a biocompatible material, such as silicone. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter has a first end and a second end. In one embodiment, the first end of the wound drain catheter is secured to the connector. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter has an outer diameter that matches the first diameter of the distal and proximal end portions of the elongate shaft. In one embodiment, a drain is secured to the second end of the flexible wound drain catheter.

[0028] In one embodiment, the trocar system preferably includes an elongate shaft having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a reduced diameter central portion located between the distal and proximal portions, and a longitudinal axis extending from the distal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft. In one embodiment, the distal portion of the shaft has a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip located at its distal end, and the proximal portion of the shaft has a connector located at its proximal end.

[0029] In one embodiment, the distal and proximal portions of the shaft have a first diameter, and the smaller diameter central portion of the shaft has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the shaft to bend at the smaller diameter central portion.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first end of the flexible wound drain catheter is secured to the connector at the rear end of the rear portion of the shaft, hi one embodiment, the flexible wound drain catheter has an outer diameter that matches the first diameter of the distal and rear portion of the shaft.

[0031] In one embodiment, the tapered region of the distal portion of the elongate shaft preferably includes an angled surface that tapers away from the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft.

[0032] In one embodiment, the blunt tip desirably includes a flat surface. In one embodiment, the flat surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft of the trocar. In one embodiment, the flat surface of the blunt tip has an outer periphery and a convex curved surface that surrounds the outer periphery of the flat surface and extends from the outer periphery of the flat surface to the sloped surface of the tapered region.

[0033] In one embodiment, a method for draining fluid from a mammal preferably includes attaching a flexible wound drainage catheter to a trocar. In one embodiment, the trocar may have an elongate shaft including a distal portion, a proximal portion, a reduced diameter central portion located between the distal and proximal portions, and a longitudinal axis extending from the distal end of the distal portion to the proximal end of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft.

[0034] In one embodiment, the distal portion of the elongate shaft preferably has a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip located at the distal end of the elongate shaft, hi one embodiment, the proximal portion of the elongate shaft preferably has a connector located at the proximal end of the elongate shaft.

[0035] In one embodiment, the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft desirably have a first diameter, and the smaller diameter central portion of the elongate shaft has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the elongate shaft to bend at the smaller diameter central portion.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method preferably includes bending the trocar into an angled configuration and passing the trocar through the skin of the mammal after bending the trocar, wherein the trocar maintains the angled shape while passing through the skin of the mammal.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method preferably includes passing a trocar out through the skin of the mammal while maintaining a flexible wound drain catheter within the mammal.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method includes draining fluid from the mammal through a flexible wound drain catheter, such as by connecting a vacuum source to an end of the wound drain catheter that extends outside the patient's body.

[0039] In one embodiment, a method of implanting a wound drain catheter may include starting inside a body cavity and bluntly dissecting the tissue to form a partial passageway toward the skin layer, inserting the blunt tip of a trocar holding the wound drain catheter into the partial passageway, using a sharp instrument to make a small incision in the skin where the blunt tip of the trocar will emerge, advancing the trocar through the incision, and removing the wound drain catheter from the trocar.

[0040] In one embodiment, the tapered region of the distal portion of the elongate shaft includes a sloped surface that tapers away from the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. In one embodiment, the blunt tip preferably includes a flat surface having an outer periphery and a convex curved surface that surrounds the outer periphery of the flat surface and extends from the outer periphery of the flat surface to the sloped surface of the tapered region.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first diameter of the distal and proximal end sections of the elongate shaft is between about 0.125 and 0.250 inches, and the second diameter of the smaller diameter central section is between about 0.0875 and 0.0975 inches.

[0042] In one embodiment, the elongate shaft of the trocar preferably has a length of about 6 inches, the distal portion of the elongate shaft has a length of about 2.75 inches, the tapered region of the distal portion has a length of about 0.741 inches, and the narrower central portion has a length of about 0.400 to 0.500 inches.

[0043] These and other preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a trocar having a distal portion including a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip, a central portion of reduced diameter, and a proximal portion including a connector, according to one embodiment of the present patent application. FIG. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is another side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3B] 2 is a perspective view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is an end view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the small diameter central portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the small diameter central portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] 2 is a side view of a connector at the rear end portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5B] 2 is a perspective view of a connector at the rear end portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 is an end view of a connector at the rear end portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a trocar having a distal portion including a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip, a central portion of reduced diameter, and a proximal portion including a connector, according to one embodiment of the present patent application. FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7 is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7 is another side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8A] FIG. 7 is a side view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8B] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8C] FIG. 7 is an end view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9A] FIG. 7 is a side view of the small diameter central portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9B] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the small diameter central portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10A] FIG. 7 is a side view of the connector at the rear end of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10B] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connector at the rear end of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10C] FIG. 7 is an end view of the connector at the rear end of the trocar shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of a trocar having a distal portion including a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip, a central portion of reduced diameter, and a proximal portion including a connector, according to one embodiment of the present patent application. FIG. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12 is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12 is another side view of the trocar shown in FIG. [Figure 13A] FIG. 12 is a side view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tapered region and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13C] FIG. 12 is an end view of the tapered portion and blunt tip at the distal end of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14A] FIG. 12 is a side view of the small diameter central portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the small diameter central portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 15A] FIG. 12 is a side view of the connector at the rear end of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 15B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the connector at the rear end of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 15C]FIG. 12 is an end view of the connector at the rear end of the trocar shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a side view of a trocar having a tapered distal portion with a sharp tip, a reduced diameter central portion, and a rear end portion with a connector, according to yet another embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view of a tapered tip portion with a sharp tip of the trocar shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a side view of the small diameter central portion of the trocar shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a side view of the connector at the rear end of the trocar shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 20A] FIG. 12 is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 11 in a straight configuration. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 20A in a first bent configuration according to an embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20B is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 20A in a second bent configuration according to an embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 20D] FIG. 20B is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 20A in a third bent configuration according to an embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 20E] FIG. 20B is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 20A in a fourth bent configuration according to an embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 20F] FIG. 20B is a side view of the trocar shown in FIG. 20A in a fifth bent configuration according to an embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 21A] 1 is a first step of a method for securing a wound drain catheter to a connector at the rear end of a trocar, according to one embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 21B] 1 is a second step of a method for securing a wound drain catheter to a connector at the rear end of a trocar according to one embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 22]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for draining fluid from a wound, including a wound drain catheter having a fluted portion, a transition portion, and an extension portion having a distal end secured to the rear end of a trocar, according to one embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the fluted portion of the wound drain catheter shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the transition portion of the wound drain catheter shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an end of a drain that can be secured to a wound drain catheter according to one embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for draining fluid from a wound, including a trocar, a wound drain catheter, and a drain, according to one embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 27] 1 illustrates a method of using a wound drain catheter to drain fluid from a wound, according to one embodiment of the present patent application. [Figure 28] 1 is a system for applying vacuum to the end of a wound drainage catheter, according to an embodiment of the present patent application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, a trocar 100 for delivering a wound drain catheter through tissue preferably includes an elongate shaft 102 having a distal end 104 with a tapered region 106 including a blunt tip 108 at its free end, a reduced diameter central section 110, and a proximal end 112 with a connector 114 including an annular ridge 116 and an end knob 118. In one embodiment, the blunt tip 108 is preferably located at the most distal end of the elongate shaft, and the connector 114 is located at the most distal end of the elongate shaft. In one embodiment, providing the blunt tip 108 at the distal end of the trocar can help reduce the risk of undesired puncture of tissue and can also improve safety during use by a physician, nurse, or other user. In one embodiment, the trocar 100 may be made of a metal or polymeric material. In one embodiment, the trocar 100 is made of a biocompatible metal, such as stainless steel. In one embodiment, the trocar 100 may be made of a stainless steel material, commonly referred to as 303 stainless steel.

[0046] 2A and 2B, in one embodiment, the elongate shaft 102 of the trocar 100 desirably has a longitudinal axis A1 that extends along the length of the elongate shaft 102 from the connector 114 at the rear end portion 112 of the shaft to the blunt tip 108 at the distal end portion 104 of the shaft 102. In one embodiment, the elongate shaft 102 of the trocar preferably has a length L1 of about 4 to 8 inches, more preferably about 6 inches. In one embodiment, the distal end portion 104 of the elongate shaft 102 has a length L2 of about 1 to 4 inches, more preferably about 2.50 inches.

[0047] In one embodiment, the trocar 100 has a French size (Fr) ranging from Fr10 to Fr24. In one embodiment, the elongate shaft 102 desirably includes an outer surface 119 having a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the distal and proximal portions 104, 112 of the elongate shaft 102 define a first outer diameter OD1 that is larger than the second outer diameter OD2 of the smaller diameter central portion 110. In one embodiment, the larger first outer diameter OD1 is approximately 0.125 inches (e.g., Fr10), and the smaller second outer diameter OD2 is approximately 0.092 inches. As described in more detail herein, the smaller diameter central portion 110 interconnects the proximal and distal portions 112, 112 of the elongate shaft 102. Accordingly, the smaller diameter central portion 110 is more flexible than the distal and proximal portions of the shaft, such that the distal portion 104 of the shaft 102 can be bent at various angles relative to the proximal portion 112 of the shaft 102. In one embodiment, all of the bending of the trocar desirably occurs within the area of ​​the trocar's small diameter central section 110. In one embodiment, when the leading section 104 is angled relative to the trailing section 112, the leading and trailing sections preferably maintain a straight shape.

[0048] 2B, in one embodiment, connector 114 located at the rear end of rear portion 112 of elongate shaft 102 desirably includes an annular ridge 116 adapted to engage the inner surface of a wound drain catheter to connect the wound drain catheter to rear portion 112 of trocar 100. Connector 114 desirably includes an end knob 118 adapted to be inserted into an accessible opening or conduit at the end of the wound drain catheter to connect trocar 100 with the drain catheter.

[0049] 3A-3C, in one embodiment, the trocar tip portion 104 (FIG. 1) preferably includes a tapered region 106 that tapers inward toward a blunt tip 108. In one embodiment, the blunt tip 108 preferably has a flat end surface 120 having an outer diameter OD3 of approximately 0.035 inches. The blunt tip 108 preferably includes a curved surface 122, such as a convex curve, that extends between the outer periphery of the flat end surface 120 and the sloping sidewall of the tapered region 106 of the tip portion 104 of the trocar 100. In one embodiment, the curved surface 122 has a radius R1 of approximately 0.010 inches.

[0050] In one embodiment, tapered region 106 of tip portion 104 tapers outward from blunt tip 108. In one embodiment, tapered region 106 of trocar tip portion 104 has a length L3 of approximately 0.741 inches. In one embodiment, the sloped outer surface of tapered region 106 defines an angle α1 of 3 to 5 degrees, more preferably approximately 3 degrees (3°), relative to longitudinal axis A1 of trocar 100.

[0051] 4A and 4B , in one embodiment, the smaller diameter central section 110 of the trocar 100 has an outer cylindrical surface 124 that desirably defines a second outer diameter OD2 of approximately 0.092 inches, which is smaller than the first outer diameter OD1 of each of the distal and proximal ends 104, 112 of the elongate shaft 102 of the trocar 100. The distal end of the smaller diameter central section 110 preferably has a first shoulder 126 that slopes or tapers outwardly between the smaller second outer diameter OD2 of the smaller diameter central section 110 of the trocar elongate shaft and the larger first outer diameter OD1 of the distal end 104. In addition, the proximal end of the smaller diameter central section 110 has a second shoulder 128 that slopes or tapers outwardly between the smaller second outer diameter OD2 of the smaller diameter central section 110 of the elongate shaft 102 and the larger second outer diameter OD1 of the proximal end 112. In one embodiment, the smaller diameter central section 110 of the trocar 100 has a length L4 of approximately 0.40 to 0.50 inches, more preferably approximately 0.440 inches.

[0052] 5A-5C, in one embodiment, connector 114 projecting from the rear end of rear portion 112 (FIG. 1) of trocar 100 desirably includes annular ridges 116A, 116B projecting outwardly from stem 130 connected to end face 132 at the rear end of rear portion 112 of trocar 100. In one embodiment, stem 130 has an outer diameter OD4 of approximately 0.060 inches. In one embodiment, end knob 118 has a base 134 defining the largest diameter portion of the end knob. In one embodiment, base 134 defines an outer diameter OD5 of approximately 0.085 inches. In one embodiment, first ridge 116A defines an outer diameter OD6 of approximately 0.088 inches. In one embodiment, second ridge 116 defines an outer diameter OD7 of approximately 0.092 inches. Thus, in one embodiment, the outer diameters of the end knob 118 and each of the first and second annular ridges 116A, 116B increase slightly sequentially between the end knob 118 and the second annular ridge 116B. For example, the first annular ridge has a larger outer diameter than the end knob, and the second annular ridge has a larger outer diameter than the first annular ridge. In one embodiment, the end knob 118 preferably has a curved, hemispherical surface 136.

[0053] 6, in one embodiment, a trocar 200 for carrying a wound drain catheter through tissue preferably includes an elongate shaft 202 having a distal portion 204 with a tapered region 206 including a blunt tip 208 at its free end, a reduced diameter central portion 210, and a proximal portion 212 with a connector 214 including one or more annular ridges 216 and an end knob 218. In one embodiment, the trocar may be made of a metal such as stainless steel, more preferably 303 stainless steel.

[0054] 7A and 7B, in one embodiment, the elongate shaft 202 of the trocar 200 desirably has a longitudinal axis A2 that extends along the length of the elongate shaft 202 from the connector 214 at the rear end portion 212 of the shaft to the blunt tip 208 at the distal end of the elongate shaft 202. In one embodiment, the elongate shaft 202 of the trocar has a length L5 of about 5-7 inches, more preferably about 6 inches. In one embodiment, the distal end portion 204 of the elongate shaft 202 has a length L6 of about 2-3 inches, more preferably about 2.50 inches.

[0055] In one embodiment, the trocar 200 may have dimensions between Fr 10 and Fr 24, and more preferably about Fr 15. In one embodiment, the elongate shaft 202 desirably includes an outer surface 219 having a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the distal and proximal portions 204 and 212 of the elongate shaft 202 define a first outer diameter OD8 that is larger than the second outer diameter OD9 of the smaller diameter central portion 210. In one embodiment, the larger first outer diameter OD8 is approximately 0.188 inches, and the smaller second outer diameter OD9 is approximately 0.0925 inches. As described in more detail herein, the smaller diameter central portion 210 interconnects the proximal and distal portions 212 and 204 of the elongate shaft 202. The smaller diameter central portion 210 is more flexible and / or bendable than the distal and proximal portions of the shaft such that the distal portion 204 of the shaft 202 can be bent at various angles relative to the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 202. In one embodiment, it is desirable for all of the bending of the trocar to occur within the area of ​​the small diameter central section 210. In one embodiment, when the leading section 204 is angled relative to the trailing section 212, the leading and trailing sections preferably maintain a straight shape.

[0056] 7B, in one embodiment, connector 214 located at rear end portion 212 of elongate shaft 202 desirably includes one or more annular ridges 216 adapted to engage the inner surface of a wound drain catheter to connect the wound drain catheter to rear end portion 212 of trocar 200. Connector 214 desirably includes an end knob 218 that is inserted into an accessible opening or conduit at the end of the wound drain catheter to connect the wound drain catheter to the rear end portion of the trocar. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the wound drain catheter preferably matches the French size of the trocar.

[0057] 8A-8C, in one embodiment, the distal portion 204 (FIG. 1) of the trocar elongate shaft preferably includes a tapered region 206 that tapers inwardly to a blunt tip 208. In one embodiment, the blunt tip 208 preferably has an outer diameter OD of about 0.035 inches. 10 Blunt tip 208 preferably includes a curved surface 222, such as a convex curve, that extends between the outer periphery of flat end surface 220 and the sloped sidewall of tapered region 206 of distal portion 204 of trocar 200. In one embodiment, curved surface 222 has a radius R2 of approximately 0.010 inches.

[0058] In one embodiment, tapered region 206 of tip portion 204 tapers outward from blunt tip 208. In one embodiment, tapered region 206 of trocar tip portion 204 has a length L7 of approximately 0.741 inches. In one embodiment, the beveled outer surface of tapered region 206 defines an angle α2 of between three and five degrees, more preferably approximately four degrees (4°), relative to a longitudinal axis A2 of the elongate shaft of trocar 200.

[0059] 9A and 9B , in one embodiment, the smaller diameter central section 210 of the trocar 200 has an outer cylindrical surface 224 that desirably defines a second outer diameter OD9 of approximately 0.0925 inches, which is smaller than the respective first outer diameters OD8 of the distal and proximal end portions 204, 212 of the trocar's elongate shaft, which are approximately 0.188 inches. The distal end of the smaller diameter central section 210 preferably has a first shoulder 226 that slopes or tapers outwardly between the second outer diameter OD9 of the smaller diameter central section 210 of the trocar's elongate shaft and the larger first outer diameter OD8 of the distal end portion 204. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the smaller diameter central section 210 has a second shoulder 228 that slopes or tapers outwardly between the smaller second outer diameter OD9 of the smaller diameter central section 210 of the elongate shaft 202 and the larger second outer diameter OD8 of the proximal end portion 212. In one embodiment, the smaller diameter central section 210 of the trocar 200 has a length L8 of approximately 0.40 to 0.50 inches, more preferably approximately 0.440 inches.

[0060] 10A-10C, in one embodiment, connector 214 at rear end portion 212 (FIG. 6) of the trocar desirably includes annular ridges 216A, 216B projecting outwardly from stem 230 connected to end face 232 at the rear end of rear end portion 212 of the elongate shaft of trocar 200. In one embodiment, stem 230 has an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.100 inches. 11 (FIG. 10A). In one embodiment, the end knob 218 has a base 234 that defines the largest diameter portion of the end knob. In one embodiment, the base 234 has an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.142 inches. 12 (FIG. 10A). In one embodiment, the first ridge 216A defines an outer diameter OD of about 0.150 inches. 13 (FIG. 10A). In one embodiment, second ridge 216B defines an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.159 inches. 14(FIG. 10A). Thus, in one embodiment, the outer diameters of each of the end knob 218 and the first and second annular ridges 216A, 216B increase sequentially between the end knob 218 and the second annular ridge 216B. For example, the first annular ridge has a larger diameter than the end knob, and the second annular ridge has a larger diameter than the first annular ridge. In one embodiment, the end knob 218 preferably has an outer diameter OD of about 0.100 inches. 15 and a flat end surface 237.

[0061] 11 , in one embodiment, a trocar 300 for carrying a wound drain catheter through tissue preferably includes an elongate shaft 302 having a distal portion 304 with a tapered region 306 including a blunt tip 308 at its free end, a reduced diameter central portion 310, and a proximal portion 312 with a connector 314 including one or more annular ridges 316 and an end knob 318. In one embodiment, the trocar may be made of a metal such as stainless steel, more preferably 303 stainless steel.

[0062] 12A and 12B, in one embodiment, the elongate shaft of the trocar 300 desirably has a longitudinal axis A3 that extends along the length of the elongate shaft 302 from the connector 314 at the rear end portion 312 of the shaft to the tapered region 306 at the distal end portion 304 of the shaft 302. In one embodiment, the elongate shaft 302 of the trocar has a length L9 of about 5-7 inches, more preferably about 6 inches. In one embodiment, the distal end portion 304 of the elongate shaft 302 has a length L9 of about 2-3 inches, more preferably about 2.50 inches. 10 It has.

[0063] In one embodiment, trocar 300 has a French size of between Fr 10 and Fr 24, more preferably about Fr 19. In one embodiment, elongate shaft 302 includes an outer surface 319 having a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, distal and proximal portions 304 and 312 of elongate shaft 302 extend beyond a second outer diameter OD 1 of smaller diameter central portion 310. 17 Larger first outer diameter OD 16 In one embodiment, the larger first outer diameter OD 16 The smaller second outside diameter OD is approximately 0.250 inches. 17 is approximately 0.0925 inches. As described in more detail herein, the reduced diameter central section 310 interconnects the distal end portion 312 and distal end portion 304 of the elongate shaft 302. The reduced diameter central section 310 is more flexible than the distal and distal end portions of the shaft such that the distal end portion 304 of the shaft 302 can be bent at a variety of different angles relative to the distal end portion 312 of the shaft 302. In one embodiment, it is desirable for all of the bending of the trocar to occur within the area of ​​the reduced diameter central section 310. In one embodiment, when the distal end portion 304 is angled relative to the distal end portion 312, the distal and distal end portions preferably maintain a straight shape.

[0064] 12B, in one embodiment, connector 314 located at the rear end of rear portion 312 of elongate shaft 302 desirably includes one or more annular ridges 316 adapted to engage the inner surface of a wound drain catheter to connect the wound drain catheter to rear portion 312 of trocar 300. Connector 314 desirably includes an end knob 318 that is inserted into an accessible opening or conduit at the end of the wound drain catheter to connect the wound drain catheter to the rear end portion of the trocar. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter preferably has an outer diameter that matches the French size of the trocar.

[0065] 13A-13C, in one embodiment, the distal portion 304 (FIG. 11) of the elongate shaft of the trocar preferably includes a tapered region 306 that tapers inwardly to a blunt tip 308. In one embodiment, the blunt tip 308 preferably has an outer diameter OD of about 0.040 inches. 18 Blunt tip 308 preferably includes a curved surface 322, such as a convex curve, that extends between the outer periphery of flat end surface 320 of trocar 300 and the sloped sidewall of tapered region 306 of tip portion 304. In one embodiment, curved surface 322 has a radius R3 of approximately 0.020 inches.

[0066] In one embodiment, the tapered region 306 of the elongate shaft distal portion 304 tapers outward from the blunt tip 308. In one embodiment, the tapered region 306 of the trocar distal portion 304 has a length L of approximately 0.741 inches. 11 In one embodiment, the angled outer surface of tapered region 306 defines an angle α3 relative to a longitudinal axis A3 of the elongate shaft of trocar 300 of between three and five degrees, more preferably about four degrees (4°).

[0067] 14A and 14B, in one embodiment, the smaller diameter central portion 310 of the trocar 300 is preferably about 0.250 inches from the first outer diameter OD of the distal and proximal ends 304 and 312 of the elongated shaft of the trocar 300, respectively. 16 Second outer diameter OD less than approximately 0.0925 inches 17 In one embodiment, the tip of the reduced diameter central portion 310 preferably has an outer cylindrical surface 324 that defines a second outer diameter OD of the reduced diameter central portion 310 of the trocar elongate shaft. 17 and a larger first outer diameter OD of the tip portion 304. 16 In one embodiment, the rear end of the reduced diameter central portion 310 has a first shoulder 326 that slopes or tapers outwardly between the second, smaller outer diameter OD of the reduced diameter central portion 310 of the elongate shaft 302. 17 and a second, larger outer diameter OD of the rear end portion 312. 16In one embodiment, the smaller diameter central portion 310 of the trocar 200 has a length L of about 0.40 to 0.50 inches, more preferably about 0.440 inches. 12 It has.

[0068] 15A-15C, in one embodiment, connector 314 at the rear end of trocar rear section 312 (FIG. 11) desirably includes annular ridges 316A, 316B projecting outward from stem 330 that connects with end face 332 (FIG. 15B) of rear section 312 of the elongate shaft of trocar 300. In one embodiment, stem 330 has an outer diameter OD of about 0.100 inches. 18 (FIG. 15A). In one embodiment, the end knob 318 has a base 334 that defines the largest diameter portion of the end knob. In one embodiment, the base 334 has an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.170 inches. 19 (FIG. 15A). In one embodiment, the first ridge 316A defines an outer diameter OD of about 0.182 inches. 20 (FIG. 15A). In one embodiment, second ridge 316B defines an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.190 inches. 21 (FIG. 15A). Thus, in one embodiment, the outer diameters of each of the end knob 318 and the first and second annular ridges 316A, 316B increase sequentially between the end knob 318 and the second annular ridge 316B. For example, in one embodiment, the first annular ridge has a larger outer diameter than the end knob, and the second annular ridge has a larger outer diameter than the first annular ridge. In one embodiment, the end knob 318 preferably has an outer diameter OD of about 0.100 inches. 22 and a flat end surface 337.

[0069] 16, in one embodiment, a trocar 400 for carrying a wound drain catheter through tissue preferably includes an elongate shaft 402 having a distal portion 404 with a tapered region 406 including a sharpened tip 408 at its free end, a reduced diameter central portion 410, and a proximal portion 412 having a connector 414 with one or more annular ridges 416 and an end knob 418. In one embodiment, the trocar 400 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel, more preferably 303 stainless steel.

[0070] In one embodiment, the elongated shaft of the trocar 400 desirably has a longitudinal axis A4 that extends along the length of the shaft from the connector 414 at the rear end portion 412 of the shaft to the sharpened tip 408 at the distal end portion 404 of the shaft 402. In one embodiment, the elongated shaft 402 of the trocar has a length L of about 5 to 7 inches, more preferably about 6 inches. 13 In one embodiment, the distal portion 404 of the elongate shaft 402 has a length L of about 2-3 inches, more preferably about 2.50 inches. 14 It has.

[0071] In one embodiment, the trocar 400 has a French size of Fr 10 to Fr 24, more preferably Fr 10, Fr 15, or Fr 19. In one embodiment, the elongate shaft 402 preferably includes an outer surface 419 having a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the distal and proximal ends 404 and 412 of the elongate shaft 402 are spaced apart from the second outer diameter OD of the smaller diameter central portion 410. 24 Larger first outer diameter OD 23 In one embodiment, the larger first outer diameter OD 23 The second outer diameter OD is approximately 0.125 inches and is smaller 24is approximately 0.0925 inches. As described in more detail herein, the smaller diameter central section 410 interconnects the rearward end portion 412 and the distal end portion 404 of the elongate shaft 402. The smaller diameter central section 410 is more flexible and / or bendable than the distal and distal end portions of the shaft such that the distal end portion 404 of the shaft 402 can be bent at a variety of different angles relative to the distal end portion 412 of the shaft 402. In one embodiment, bending of the trocar desirably occurs within the area of ​​the smaller diameter central section 410. In one embodiment, when the distal end portion 404 is angled relative to the distal end portion 412 by bending the smaller diameter central section 410, the distal and distal end portions preferably maintain a straight shape.

[0072] In one embodiment, a connector 414 located at the rear end of the rear portion 412 of the elongate shaft 402 desirably includes one or more annular ridges 416 adapted to engage the inner surface of a wound drain catheter to connect the wound drain catheter to the rear portion 412 of the trocar 400. The connector 414 desirably includes an end knob 418 that is inserted into an accessible opening or conduit at the end of the wound drain catheter to connect the wound drain catheter to the rear portion of the trocar.

[0073] 17, in one embodiment, the distal end portion 404 (FIG. 16) of the trocar elongate shaft preferably includes a tapered region 406 that tapers inwardly to a sharpened tip 408. In one embodiment, the tapered region 406 of the distal end portion 404 tapers outwardly from the sharpened tip 408. In one embodiment, the angled outer surface of the tapered region 406 defines an angle α4 of approximately eight degrees (8°) relative to the longitudinal axis A4 of the elongate shaft of the trocar 400.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, the smaller diameter central portion 410 of the elongated shaft 402 of the trocar 400 has a first outer diameter OD of about 0.125 inches, preferably about 0.125 inches, at the distal end 404 and proximal end 412 of the elongated shaft 402 of the trocar 400.23 Second outer diameter OD less than approximately 0.0925 inches 24 The distal end of the reduced diameter central portion 410 preferably has an outer cylindrical surface 424 that defines a second outer diameter OD of the reduced diameter central portion 310 of the trocar elongate shaft. 24 and the larger first outer diameter OD of the tip portion 404 23 , the rear end of the reduced diameter intermediate section 410 meets the smaller second outer diameter OD of the reduced diameter intermediate section 410 of the elongate shaft 402. 24 and a second, larger outer diameter OD of the rear end portion 412. 23 In one embodiment, the reduced diameter intermediate section 410 of the trocar 400 has a length L of about 0.40 to 0.50 inches, more preferably about 0.440 inches. 15 It has.

[0075] 19, in one embodiment, connector 414 at rear end portion 412 (FIG. 16) of trocar 400 desirably includes annular ridges 416A, 416B projecting outwardly from stem 430 that connects with end face 432 of rear end portion 412 of the elongate shaft of trocar 400. In one embodiment, stem 430 has an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.060 inches. 25 In one embodiment, the end knob 418 has a base 434 that defines the largest diameter portion of the end knob. In one embodiment, the base 434 has an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.085 inches. 26 In one embodiment, the first ridge 416A defines an outer diameter OD of approximately 0.088 inches. 27 In one embodiment, the second ridge 416B defines an outer diameter OD of about 0.092 inches. 28 Thus, in one embodiment, the outer diameters of end knob 418 and first and second annular ridges 416A, 416B each increase sequentially between end knob 418 and second annular ridge 416B. In one embodiment, end knob 418 preferably has a curved surface 436.

[0076] 20A-20F illustrate the bendable trocar 300 shown in FIGS. 11-15C and described above bent into a variety of different angular configurations. Referring to FIG. 20A, in one embodiment, the trocar 300 has a reduced diameter central section 310 that allows the trocar's leading and trailing end sections 304, 312 to be angled relative to one another. In FIG. 20A, the trocar 300 is in a straight configuration such that the leading end section 304, the reduced diameter central section 310, and the trailing end section 312 all extend along a common axis A3.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 20B, in one embodiment, the trocar 300 is bent at a smaller diameter central section 310 such that the distal end portion 304 of the elongate shaft 302 extends along axis A5 and the proximal end portion 312 of the elongate shaft extends along axis A3 to define an angle α5 of approximately 30 degrees.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 20C, in one embodiment, the trocar 300 is further bent at the narrower central section 310 such that the distal end portion 304 of the elongate shaft 302 extends along axis A6 and the proximal end portion 312 of the elongate shaft extends along axis A3 to define an angle α6 of approximately 45 degrees.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 20D, in one embodiment, the trocar 300 is further bent at the smaller diameter central portion 310 such that the distal end portion 304 of the elongate shaft 302 extends along axis A7 and the proximal end portion 312 of the elongate shaft extends along axis A3 to define an angle α7 of approximately 90 degrees.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 20E, in one embodiment, the trocar 300 is further bent at the smaller diameter central section 310 such that the distal end portion 304 of the elongate shaft 302 extends along axis A8 and the proximal end portion 312 of the elongate shaft extends along axis A3 to define an angle α8 of approximately 120 degrees.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 20F, in one embodiment, the trocar 300 is even further bent at the smaller diameter central portion 310 such that the distal end portion 304 of the elongate shaft 302 extends along axis A9 and the proximal end portion 312 of the elongate shaft extends along axis A3 to define an angle α9 of approximately 135 degrees.

[0082] 21A and 21B, in one embodiment, the wound drain catheter 140 is secured to a connector 114 (FIG. 1) extending from the rear end portion 112 of the trocar 100. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter 140 preferably has a central conduit 142 surrounded by an inner wall 144 of the catheter, which defines an inner diameter ID1 that is smaller than the outer diameter of the respective end knobs 118 and annular ridges 116A, 116B. In one embodiment, the inner diameter ID1 is less than 0.085 inches. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter has an outer diameter that matches the French size of the trocar 100. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter 140 preferably has an outer diameter OD1 that is substantially similar to the outer diameter OD1 (FIG. 2A) of the rear end portion 112 of the catheter 100. 29 In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter has an outer surface 146 defining an outer diameter OD 29 And the outer diameter OD1 of the rear end portion 112 of the elongate shaft 102 of the catheter 100 is approximately 0.125 inches.

[0083] In one embodiment, to attach the wound drain catheter 140 to the rear end section 112 of the catheter 100, the opening in the catheter defined by the conduit 142 is passed sequentially over the end knob 118 and the first and second annular ridges 116A, 116B of the connector 114 until the end of the catheter abuts the end face 132 at the rear end of the elongate shaft rear end section 112. As shown in FIG. 21B , the knob 118 and the annular ridges 116A, 116B have respective outer diameters that are slightly larger than the inner diameter ID1 defined by the inner wall 144 of the wound drain catheter 140 to form a secure attachment between the wound drain catheter and the connector 114 at the rear end of the rear end section 112 of the trocar 100.

[0084] 22, in one embodiment, a wound drain catheter 140 (FIGS. 21A, 21B) may be secured to a trocar 100. The wound drain catheter 140 preferably includes a fluted portion 148, a transition portion 150, and an extension portion 152. The midpoint of the transition portion 150 may be defined by indicia 154, such as a black dot, located on the outer surface of the transition portion 150 of the wound drain catheter. In one embodiment, the free end of the extension portion 152 may be secured to a connector at the rear end of the trocar, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B and described above.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, the extension portion 152 of the wound drain catheter 140 preferably defines an open structure to allow easy passage of fluid.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 24, in one embodiment, the transition section 150 of the wound drain catheter 140 preferably has a cross-shaped wall 156 that prevents the outer wall of the transition section of the wound drain catheter from collapsing inward due to external forces being applied to the outer wall of the wound drain catheter.

[0087] 25, in one embodiment, the drain 160 may be coupled to a wound drain catheter. In one embodiment, the drain 160 may incorporate one or more of the structural features disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,398,910 to Blake et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0088] 26, in one embodiment, a system for draining wound fluid may include a trocar 100 coupled to a distal end of a wound drain catheter 140 and a drain 160 coupled to a proximal end of the wound drain catheter 140. The drain 160 may have one or more of the structural features disclosed in the Blake '910 patent, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] 27, in one embodiment, a trocar 100 (FIG. 22) is desirably advanced through tissue T to place a drain 160 at the wound location. The trocar (not shown) may be removed from the body by passing the trocar through an opening O in the tissue T. An extension portion 152 of the wound drain catheter preferably extends outside the body opening for connection to a vacuum that draws fluid from the wound out through the wound drain catheter 140.

[0090] In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter 140 includes a drain 160 pre-connected to the end of the wound drain catheter. The drain 160 and fluted portion 148 (FIG. 22) of the wound drain catheter are placed within the patient's body with the drain 160 in fluid communication with the wound W. Preferably, the wound drain catheter extension 152 is connected to a sealed, sterile suction device (FIG. 28) for drawing fluid through the wound drain catheter 140. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter 140 extension 152 preferably exits the patient's body through an opening O formed in the patient's tissue T adjacent the wound W. In one embodiment, the wound drain catheter 140 preferably has a smooth outer surface to allow the surface tissue surrounding the opening O to seal against the exterior of the catheter 140, thereby preventing air from passing therethrough. 27 preferably allows the wound W to be completely closed, such as with sutures 170, and covered with a wound dressing (not shown) to form a sterile barrier, thereby sealing the wound from the atmosphere. Thus, the wound drain catheter 140 is exposed only to the sterile suction equipment and not to the atmosphere, reducing the risk of infection.

[0091] 27 and 28, in one embodiment, a system 180 for generating suction or vacuum may be coupled to the extension 152 of the wound drain catheter 140 extending from the opening O (FIG. 27) to continuously draw fluid from the wound through the wound drain catheter. In one embodiment, the suction system 180 may include a valved suction reservoir 182, a J-VAC drain adapter 184, and a J-VAC reservoir 186. In one embodiment, the system may include a metered container used to draw a vacuum to enable constant removal of fluid from the wound.

[0092] In one embodiment, the vacuum may be generated using a flexible, compressible reservoir that draws a substantially constant vacuum, allowing for consistent removal of fluid from the wound via the wound drain catheter. Such a surgical fluid aspirator is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,429,693 to Blake et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein can be used for a wide variety of wound drainage applications in any part of a human or mammal, including, but not limited to, the upper gastrointestinal tract, lower gastrointestinal tract, heart, circulatory system, chest, breast area, joints, spine, cardiovascular system, head, face, ears, nose, and throat.

[0094] While the above description is of embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the basic scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. For example, it is intended that the present invention may be combined with any feature shown in any embodiment described herein or incorporated by reference herein and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0095] [Embodiment] (1) A trocar, an elongate shaft having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a reduced diameter central portion located between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion, and a longitudinal axis extending from a distal end of the distal end portion to a proximal end of the proximal end portion of the elongate shaft; the distal portion of the elongate shaft having a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip located at the distal end of the elongate shaft; the rearward end portion of the elongate shaft having a connector located at the rearward end of the elongate shaft; A trocar, wherein the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft have a first diameter, and the smaller diameter central portion of the elongate shaft has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the elongate shaft to bend at the smaller diameter central portion. (2) The trocar of embodiment 1, wherein the elongated shaft comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, biocompatible metal, medical grade steel, stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, and polymer. (3) A trocar as described in embodiment 1, wherein the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft are relatively stiffer than the smaller diameter central portion of the elongate shaft, and the smaller diameter central portion is more flexible than the distal and proximal portions. (4) A trocar as described in embodiment 1, wherein the elongated shaft includes an outer surface having a cylindrical shape. (5) A trocar according to embodiment 1, wherein the tapered region includes an inclined surface that tapers in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft.

[0096] (6) The blunt tip is a flat surface having an outer periphery; A trocar as described in embodiment 5, comprising a convex curved surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flat surface and extending from the outer periphery of the flat surface to the inclined surface of the tapered region. (7) The trocar of embodiment 6, wherein the inclined surface of the tapered region and the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft define an angle of about 3 to 5 degrees, and the flat surface of the blunt tip has an outer diameter of about 0.030 to 0.045 inches. (8) The trocar of claim 1, wherein the first diameter of the distal and proximal ends of the elongate shaft is about 0.125 to 0.250 inches, and the second diameter of the smaller diameter central section is about 0.0875 to 0.0975 inches. (9) The trocar of claim 1, wherein the elongate shaft has a length of about 6 inches, the distal portion of the elongate shaft has a length of about 2.75 inches, the tapered region of the distal portion has a length of about 0.741 inches, and the reduced diameter central portion has a length of about 0.400 to 0.500 inches. (10) The trocar of embodiment 1, wherein the small diameter central portion is located intermediate the distal end and the proximal end of the elongate shaft.

[0097] (11) The connector is an end knob having a curved surface; A trocar as described in embodiment 1, comprising one or more annular ridges located between the end knob and the end face of the rear end portion of the elongate shaft. (12) The trocar of embodiment 11, wherein the end knob has an end knob outer diameter and the annular ridges have respective annular ridge outer diameters that are greater than the end knob outer diameter. (13) A flexible wound drain catheter having a first end and a second end, a flexible wound drain catheter, the first end of the wound drain catheter secured to the connector, the flexible wound drain catheter having an outer diameter that matches the first diameter of the distal and proximal end portions of the elongate shaft; 2. The trocar of claim 1, further comprising a drain secured to the second end of the flexible wound drain catheter. (14) A trocar system, a shaft having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a reduced diameter central portion located between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion, and a longitudinal axis extending from a distal end of the distal end portion to a proximal end of the proximal end portion of the elongate shaft; the distal portion of the shaft having a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip located at the distal end of the shaft; the rearward end portion of the shaft has a connector located at the rearward end of the shaft; a shaft, the distal and proximal portions of the shaft having a first diameter, and the smaller diameter central portion of the shaft having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the shaft to bend at the smaller diameter central portion; a flexible wound drain catheter having a first end secured to the connector at the rear end of the rear end portion of the shaft, the flexible wound drain catheter having an outer diameter that matches the first diameter of the tip portion and the rear end portion of the shaft. (15) The trocar system of embodiment 14, wherein the shaft has a cylindrical shape and is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, biocompatible metal, medical grade steel, stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, and polymer.

[0098] (16) the tapered region including an inclined surface tapering in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft; The trocar system of embodiment 14 further comprises a blunt tip including a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having an outer periphery, and a convex curved surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flat surface and extending from the outer periphery of the flat surface to the inclined surface of the tapered region. (17) A method for draining fluid from a mammal, comprising: Attaching a flexible wound drainage catheter to a trocar, the trocar including an elongate shaft having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a smaller diameter central portion located between the distal portion and the proximal portion, and a longitudinal axis extending from a distal end of the distal portion to a proximal end of the proximal portion, the distal portion of the elongate shaft having a tapered region terminating in a blunt tip located at the distal end of the elongate shaft, the proximal portion of the elongate shaft having a connector located at the proximal end of the elongate shaft, the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft having a first diameter, and the proximal portion of the elongate shaft having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the elongate shaft to bend at the proximal portion; bending the trocar into an angled configuration; passing the trocar through the skin of a mammal after bending the trocar, wherein the trocar maintains the angled configuration while passing through the skin of the mammal; passing the trocar out through the skin of the mammal while maintaining the flexible wound drain catheter within the mammal; and draining fluid from said mammal through said flexible wound drain catheter. (18) The method of claim 17, wherein the tapered region of the tip portion of the elongate shaft includes an inclined surface that tapers in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft, and the blunt tip includes a flat surface having an outer periphery and a convex curved surface that surrounds the outer periphery of the flat surface and extends from the outer periphery of the flat surface to the inclined surface of the tapered region. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first diameter of the distal and proximal portions of the elongate shaft is about 0.125 to 0.250 inches, and the second diameter of the smaller diameter central section is about 0.0875 to 0.0975 inches. (20) The method of embodiment 17, wherein the elongate shaft of the trocar has a length of about 6 inches, the distal portion of the elongate shaft has a length of about 2.75 inches, the tapered region of the distal portion has a length of about 0.741 inches, and the reduced diameter central portion has a length of about 0.400 to 0.500 inches.

Claims

1. 1. A trocar system comprising: a shaft having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, a reduced diameter central portion located between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion, and a longitudinal axis extending from a distal end of the distal end portion to a proximal end of the proximal end portion of the shaft; the distal portion of the shaft having a base portion of constant diameter and a tapered region distal to the base portion terminating in a blunt tip at the distal end of the shaft; the rearward end portion of the shaft has a connector located at the rearward end of the shaft; a shaft, the base and rear end portions of the distal portion of the shaft having a first diameter, and the smaller diameter central portion of the shaft having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the shaft to bend at the smaller diameter central portion; a flexible wound drain catheter having an extension portion including a first end secured to the connector and a transition portion located posterior to the extension portion; The connector is an end knob having a curved surface; two annular ridges located between the end knob and an end face of the rear end portion of the shaft; the two annular raised portions comprise a rear annular raised portion and a front annular raised portion; the end knob, the rear annular protrusion, and the front annular protrusion are arranged in order from the rear side to the front side, the end knob has an end knob outer diameter, the trailing annular ridge has a first annular ridge outer diameter that is greater than the end knob outer diameter, and the leading annular ridge has a second annular ridge outer diameter that is greater than the first annular ridge outer diameter; when the first end of the extension portion of the flexible wound drain catheter is detached from the connector, the first end of the extension portion of the flexible wound drain catheter is connectable to a suction device for drawing fluid through the flexible wound drain catheter; The extension portion of the flexible wound drain catheter has an open structure with no wall inside the outer wall of the extension portion, the transition section of the flexible wound drain catheter has a cross-shaped wall inside an outer wall of the transition section; the tapered region includes a tapered slope; the inclined surface of the tapered region and the longitudinal axis of the shaft define an angle of 3 to 5 degrees; A trocar system, wherein indicia are provided on an outer surface of the transition section at a longitudinal midpoint of the transition section of the flexible wound drain catheter.

2. The blunt tip has a flat surface having an outer periphery, and a convex curved surface surrounding the outer periphery of the flat surface and extending from the outer periphery of the flat surface to the most distal end of the inclined surface of the tapered region; The trocar system of claim 1 , wherein the combined outer diameter of the flat surface and the convex curved surface is smaller than the second diameter at the smaller diameter central portion of the shaft.

3. 10. The trocar system of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a cylindrical shape and is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, biocompatible metal, medical grade steel, stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, and polymer.

4. The trocar system of claim 1 , wherein the shaft comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, biocompatible metal, medical grade steel, stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, and polymer.

5. 2. The trocar system of claim 1, wherein the base and rearward end portions of the distal portion of the shaft are relatively stiffer than the smaller diameter central portion of the shaft, and the smaller diameter central portion is more flexible than the base and rearward end portions of the distal portion.

6. The trocar system of claim 1 , wherein the shaft includes an outer surface having a cylindrical shape.

7. The trocar system of claim 2, wherein the flat surface of the blunt tip has an outer diameter of 0.762 to 1.143 mm.

8. 2. The trocar system of claim 1, wherein the first diameter of the base and rear end portions of the distal portion of the shaft is between 3.175 and 6.35 mm, and the second diameter of the smaller diameter central portion is between 2.2225 and 2.4765 mm.

9. 2. The trocar system of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a length of 15.24 cm, the distal portion of the shaft has a length of 6.985 cm, the tapered region of the distal portion has a length of 18.8214 mm, and the reduced diameter central portion has a length of 10.16 to 12.7 mm.

10. The trocar system of claim 1 , wherein the reduced diameter central portion is located intermediate the distal and proximal ends of the shaft.

11. the flexible wound drain catheter having a second end opposite the first end; The trocar system of claim 1 , further comprising a drain secured to the second end of the flexible wound drain catheter.

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