Visual obturator with handle

1. A trocar system, which comprises:

an obturator handle defining a handle axis and having an axial bore;

an obturator cartridge adapted for releasable mounting to the obturator handle, the obturator cartridge including:

a cartridge frame including a proximal portion extending proximally from the obturator handle when the obturator cartridge is mounted to the obturator handle; and

an elongate obturator extending distally from the cartridge frame and at least partially positionable within the axial bore of the obturator handle, the elongate obturator including an image transmitting member and having an obturator blade mounted adjacent the image transmitting member, the obturator blade adapted for movement relative to the image transmitting member between an initial condition and a deployed position; and

a trigger mounted to the obturator handle and adapted for releasable operative coupling to the obturator blade, the trigger movable to cause movement of the obturator blade from at least the initial condition to the deployed position thereof.

2. The trocar system according to claim 1 wherein the obturator cartridge includes a longitudinal opening extending through the cartridge frame and the elongate obturator, the longitudinal opening adapted to receive an endoscope.

3. The trocar system according to claim 2 wherein the cartridge frame of the obturator cartridge includes a firing member operatively engageable with the obturator blade and with the trigger, the firing member normally biased in a firing direction corresponding to the deployed condition of the obturator blade.

4. The trocar system according to claim 3 wherein the trigger includes a latch adapted to restrain the firing member in a first position corresponding to the initial condition of the obturator blade and wherein movement of the trigger causes release of the latch from the firing member to thereby permit the firing member to move in the firing direction toward a second position thereof.

5. The trocar system according to claim 4 wherein the cartridge frame includes a spring, the spring operatively couplable with the firing member and adapted to bias the firing member in the firing direction.

6. The trocar system according to claim 5 including a return spring disposed within the cartridge frame, the return spring positioned to engage the firing member upon movement of the firing member in the firing direction to the second position thereof, the return spring adapted to bias the firing member in a return direction opposed to the firing direction and to the first position of the firing member.

7. The trocar system according to claim 6 wherein the latch of the trigger is adapted to releasably couple with the firing member upon return thereof to the first position.

8. The trocar system according to claim 1 wherein the obturator cartridge includes a hammer member slidably disposed within the cartridge frame.

9. The trocar system according to claim 1 wherein the obturator cartridge includes a stop member fixedly disposed within the cartridge frame.