OPTICAL OBTURATOR
An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue
1 . A surgical optical access system, which comprises:
a cannula assembly having a cannula with open proximal and distal ends and a seal housing having a seal and being mounted on the proximal end of the cannula, the cannula defining a longitudinal bore for reception of surgical instrumentation;
a window for permitting passage of light into the cannula and being mounted on the distal end of the cannula; and
locking structure for securing an endoscope within the cannula assembly, the window permitting the passage of light to the endoscope when the endoscope is disposed within the cannula.
2 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 1 , wherein the window has at least two separable segments adapted for radial displacement with respect to the cannula to expose the bore of the cannula and permit the passage of the surgical instrumentation therethrough.
3 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 2 , wherein the segments are pivotally attached to the cannula.
4 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 3 , further comprising an elongated member for effecting displacement of the segments.
5 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 2 , wherein the segments are disposed around the distal end of the cannula and having a closed position closing the open distal end of the cannula.
6 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 1 , wherein the window defines a tapered configuration.
7 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 6 , wherein the window includes at least one cutting blade adapted to penetrate tissue.
8 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 1 , including a surgical instrument positionable within the longitudinal bore of the cannula.
9 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 2 , wherein the at least two separable segments are adapted for radially displacing movement in response to longitudinal movement of the cannula.
10 . The surgical optical access system according to claim 2 , wherein the at least two separable segments are connected to an elongated member that is movable for radially displacing the segment.