ELASTOMERIC TROCAR SAFETY SHIELD
A trocar is presented including a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the cannula connected to a cannula assembly. The trocar further includes an obturator having a penetrating tip, the obturator extending through at least a portion of the cannula and adaptable for longitudinal movement relative to the cannula. Also, a safety shield is provided being fixedly secured in a non-adjustable configuration to the distal end of the cannula, the penetrating tip of the obturator creating a slit through the safety shield for penetrating tissue once an actuation mechanism has been activated.
1 . A trocar comprising:
a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the cannula connected to a cannula assembly;
an obturator having a penetrating tip, the obturator extending through at least a portion of the cannula and adaptable for longitudinal movement relative to the cannula; and
a safety shield fixedly secured in a non-adjustable configuration to the distal end of the cannula, the penetrating tip of the obturator creating a slit through the safety shield for penetrating tissue once an actuation mechanism has been activated.
2 . The trocar according to claim 1 , wherein the obturator includes an obturator shaft fixed relative to an obturator housing.
3 . The trocar according to claim 1 , wherein the penetrating tip of the obturator is a substantially triangular surface having an apex.
4 . The trocar according to claim 1 , wherein the safety shield is configured as a rounded distal end.
5 . The trocar according to claim 4 , wherein the rounded distal end includes a biocompatible lubricated surface.
6 . The trocar according to claim 4 , wherein the rounded distal end is a semi-rigid elastomeric covering.
7 . The trocar according to claim 1 , wherein the safety shield is adapted to extend to an extended position upon penetration of the tissue and is adapted to retract in a retracted position after piercing of the tissue.
8 . The trocar according to claim 1 , wherein the cannula and the safety shield are constructed as a single, continuous, and non-adjustable unit.
9 . The trocar according to claim 1 , wherein the cannula and the safety shield are separate and distinct units that are fixedly secured to each other in a non-adjustable configuration.
10 . The trocar according to claim 1 , wherein the safety shield is configured as a removable unit for enabling attachable and detachment of a plurality of different safety shields to the cannula.