Bladeless optical obturator

US8267952B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Applied Medical Resources Corporation · US

Inventors

• Henry Kahle · Trabuco Canyon, US
• Arkadiusz A. Strokosz · Rancho Santa Margarita, US
• Kimball B. McGinley · Rancho Santa Margarita, US
• Scott V. Taylor · Mission Viejo, US
• Gary M. Johnson · Boise, US
• John R. Brustad · Rancho Santa Margarita, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 12, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 18, 2012
• Expiry date: Apr 12, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3937
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar and obturator combination configured to separate body tissue. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention includes a rigid shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a closed, tapered distal end. The bladeless, closed and tapered tip is adapted to penetrate tissue. The shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. The shaft includes an ledge on the inner surface to provide proper positioning of the distal end of the optical instrument. The tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.