US20140288367A1 - Jawed trocar tip assembly - Google Patents
Jawed trocar tip assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140288367A1 US20140288367A1 US14/354,128 US201214354128A US2014288367A1 US 20140288367 A1 US20140288367 A1 US 20140288367A1 US 201214354128 A US201214354128 A US 201214354128A US 2014288367 A1 US2014288367 A1 US 2014288367A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- jaw
- assembly
- trocar
- slider
- tip assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/320016—Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
- A61B1/00087—Tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/12—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements
- A61B1/126—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements provided with means for cleaning in-use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3417—Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3478—Endoscopic needles, e.g. for infusion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/36—Image-producing devices or illumination devices not otherwise provided for
- A61B90/37—Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
- A61B1/00096—Optical elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
- A61B1/00174—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles
- A61B1/00177—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles for 90 degrees side-viewing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/34—Trocars; Puncturing needles
- A61B17/3417—Details of tips or shafts, e.g. grooves, expandable, bendable; Multiple coaxial sliding cannulas, e.g. for dilating
- A61B2017/3454—Details of tips
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to trocar devices, and more specifically, to jawed trocar assemblies which can be utilized in surgical procedures.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a locking member for a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a jawed trocar assembly illustrating an insertion of an implement into the jawed trocars in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure having an implement inserted therethrough;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a second end of a jawed trocar assembly in a first position (for example, a rest position) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a second end of a jawed trocar assembly in a second position (for example, an expanded position) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a jawed trocar assembly in a first position (such as a rest position) and illustrating an implement (such as an endoscope) to be inserted therein in accordance with the present disclosure;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a side of the jawed trocar assembly illustrated in FIG. 6 except in a second position (such as an expanded position);
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a locking member configured for engagement with the jawed trocar assembly to maintain the jawed trocar assembly in the rest position in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIGS. 9-13 are cross-sectional views of an exemplary embodiment of a jawed trocar assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, having a scope cleaner mechanism coupled thereto, illustrating several positions of the scope cleaner mechanism against an endoscope inserted into the jawed trocar assembly to clean debris from the surface of the endoscope;
- FIGS. 16-18 are perspective views of another embodiment of a scope cleaner mechanism which can be inserted into a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure having a biasing mechanism configured to bias the jawed trocar assembly in the second position, for example the expanded position, wherein the illustrated jawed trocar assembly is in the first position, for example, the rest position;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the jawed trocar assembly illustrated in FIG. 19 , wherein the biasing mechanism has been actuated to bias the jawed trocar assembly in the expanded position;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the jawed trocar assembly illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrating an actuator of the biasing mechanism
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a reflecting member
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the reflecting member assembled with a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a trocar assembly having a trocar and a tip assembly for the trocar in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of a trocar assembly assembled with a tip assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the interconnections of components of the tip assembly and the trocar assembly in phantom;
- FIGS. 27-29 are perspective views of a trocar assembly illustrating the removal of a locking member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
- FIGS. 30-31 are cross-sectional views of a tip assembly illustrating the coupling of a jaw assembly component and adapter sleeve of the tip assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
- FIGS. 32-35 are cross-sectional views of a tip assembly coupled with a trocar assembly illustrating the removal of a locking member of the tip assembly;
- FIG. 36 is an exploded view of a tip assembly for a trocar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
- FIGS. 37-38 are cross-sectional views of the tip assembly illustrated in FIG. 36 illustrating the coupling of the jaw assembly component and the adapter sleeve of the tip assembly illustrated in FIG. 36 ;
- FIGS. 39-42 are cross-sectional views of a tip assembly illustrated in FIGS. 78-38 coupled with a trocar assembly and illustrating the removal of a locking member of the tip assembly;
- FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of an exemplary tip assembly, in a closed configuration, having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of a band;
- FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of the exemplary tip assembly of FIG. 43 , in an open configuration, wherein the band has been fractured;
- FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of an exemplary tip assembly, in a closed configuration, having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of at least one tab;
- FIG. 46 is a side elevation view of the exemplary tip assembly of FIG. 45 , in an open configuration, wherein the at least one tab has been fractured;
- FIG. 47A is a top view of an exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment
- FIG. 47B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner of FIG. 47A taken along line B-B;
- FIG. 48A is a top view of another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment
- FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner of FIG. 48A taken along line B-B;
- FIG. 49A is a top view of yet another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment.
- FIG. 49B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner of FIG. 49A taken along line B-B.
- FIG. 50 is a perspective view of yet another exemplarily tip assembly in an open configuration, according to an exemplarily embodiment
- FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the tip assembly of FIG. 50 ;
- FIG. 52 is a a perspective view of still another exemplarily tip assembly in an open configuration, according to an exemplarily embodiment
- FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the tip assembly of FIG. 52 .
- Coupled is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components and is not necessarily limited to physical connections.
- Medical procedures performed within the body cavity of a patient are typically achieved through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted through a small entrance incision in the skin of the patient.
- the cannula is extended into the patient's body through the entranceincision to provide an access port.
- the access port allows the surgeon to insert a number of different medical implements therethrough.
- the medical implements can be inserted through the cannula or a trocar to access portions of the body cavity that are far removed from the incision.
- Medical procedures which utilize cannulas and/or trocars can include endoscopic procedures in which an endoscope is inserted into the cavity to provide the surgeon with a view of the interior cavity of the patient, laparoscopic procedures, colonoscopic procedures, and other minimally invasive procedures which are performed via small incisions in the skin of a patient. Many of these procedures are often performed remotely from the incision. Consequently, application of the medical implements can be complicated by a reduced field of view and/or a reduced tactile feedback from the surgeon at the proximal end of the medical implement.
- a trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure can include a hollow elongate member and a jaw.
- the hollow elongate member can have a first end a second end. The first end can be open and configured to receive an implement insertable therethrough.
- the jaw can be hingedly coupled to the second end of the hollow elongate member.
- the jaw can be adapted to penetrate at least one layer of a body tissue.
- the jaw can be adapted to penetrate at least one layer of a body tissue.
- the trocar assembly can have a first position and a second position. The first position can be a rest position wherein the jaw is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate member.
- the second position can be an expanded position wherein the jaw is rotated such that an end of the jaw is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis.
- the implement can be protrudable therefrom.
- the trocar assembly can be transitionable into the second position.
- the jaw can be rotated such that the end of the jaw is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate member, thereby placing the trocar assembly in the second position.
- the implement can engage portions of a body cavity of a patient to perform medical procedures within the body cavity.
- FIGS. 4-23 illustrate distal ends of the jawed trocar assembly, these views are merely for illustration, and those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the length of the jawed trocar assembly can vary from views illustrated therein.
- FIG. 1 is perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a medical implement assembly having a trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.
- the medical implement assembly 100 in FIG. 1 can include a trocar assembly 200 and an implement 400 .
- the implement 400 is an endoscope.
- the implement 400 can also be a laparoscope, an endoscopic stapler, a suctioning device, a fluid line, or other implement.
- the trocar assembly 200 can include a hollow elongate member 205 having a first end 203 and a second end 209 .
- the first end 203 can be the proximal end which is closest to the surgeon during medical procedures.
- the implement 400 can be insertable through the first end 203 of the hollow elongate member 205 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the second end 207 can be the distal end which is inserted into the body cavity of a patient for medical procedures.
- the second end 207 can also have a circumference 209 .
- the trocar assembly 200 can include at least one jaw 210 coupled to the second end 209 of the elongate member 205 .
- the at least one jaw 210 is hingedly coupled to a circumference 209 of the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the trocar assembly 200 can have a first position 2000 (shown in FIG.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a second position 2500 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the at least one jaw 210 can be rotated such than an end 213 of the at least one jaw 210 is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates the at least one jaw 210 rotates radially away from the longitudinal axis
- the at least one jaw 210 can rotate along an axis of rotation offset from the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the at least one jaw 210 can be hinged to the circumference of the hollow elongate member 205 such that the at least one jaw 210 can swing away from the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 , similar to the way a door moves on a door hinge.
- the at least one jaw 210 includes a pair of jaws.
- Each of the pair of jaws 210 can be hingedly coupled to the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- each jaw is hingedly coupled to the circumference 209 of the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the pair of jaws 210 can be coupled to the hollow elongate member 205 such that each jaw 210 is opposite to the other.
- at least one of the pair of jaws 210 can have a penetrating surface 211 adapted to penetrate through at least one layer of the body tissue.
- both of the jaws 210 can have a penetrating surface 211 .
- the penetrating surface 211 can be an abrasive surface, a smooth surface, a blade, a razor, a sharp edge, or other surface which allows the at least one jaw 210 to penetrate through at least one layer of body tissue.
- the implement 400 can protrude from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member, through the jaws 210 , and out from the jaws 210 .
- the distal end 410 of the implement 300 can protrude form the end 213 of the at least one jaw 210 .
- the at least one jaw 210 can be configured to penetrate (for example, make an incision) through at least one layer of a body tissue.
- the at least one jaw 210 of the trocar assembly 200 can be substantially rigid to allow pressure to be placed on the trocar assembly 200 to penetrate the at least one layer of body tissue.
- the at least one jaw 210 can be made of a rigid material.
- the jaw can be made of a hard plastic, metal, composite material, or other material that does not substantially deform when pressure is applied to the at least one jaw 210 to penetrate through at least one layer of body tissue.
- the at least one jaw 210 can be made of a semi-deformable material, such as a pliable plastic or other semi-deformable material that does not substantially deform when pressure is applied to the at least one jaw 210 to penetrate through the at least one layer of body tissue.
- a semi-deformable material such as a pliable plastic or other semi-deformable material that does not substantially deform when pressure is applied to the at least one jaw 210 to penetrate through the at least one layer of body tissue.
- the at least one jaw 210 can be made of a biologically-safe material, as the at least one jaw 210 is insertable into a body cavity of patient.
- biologically-safe material include but are not limited to polycarbonate and polysuphone.
- the at least one jaw 210 can be made of a deformable plastic, but the at least one jaw 210 can be couplable to a locking member 300 (shown in FIG. 2 ) which when coupled to the at least one jaw 210 , provides the at least one jaw 210 with a rigidity that reduces the deformation of the at least one jaw 210 when pressure is applied thereto to penetrate through the at least one layer of body tissue.
- a locking member 300 shown in FIG. 2
- a locking member 300 can be coupled to the pair of jaws to maintain the pair of jaws in the rest position 2000 (shown in FIG.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary locking member 300 which can be couplable to a pair of jaws.
- the locking member 300 can include a rod 305 .
- the rod 305 can be a tube, a hollow tube, a cylindrical member, a hollow cylindrical member, a wire, or any other structure or member which can be coupled to the hollow elongate member 205 and can maintain the jaw in the rest position.
- the rod 305 can be insertable through the hollow elongate member 205 .
- At least one protrusion 310 can coupled to an end 307 of the rod 305 .
- the at least one protrusion 310 can be welded, screwed, glued, or otherwise attached to the rod 305 .
- the at least on protrusion 310 can be formed at the end of the rod 305 .
- the at least one protrusion 310 can be coupled to the end 307 of the rod 305 that is adjacent the at least one jaw 210 coupled to the hollow elongate member 205 , in the event the locking member 300 is inserted into the hollow elongate member.
- the locking member 300 includes four protrusions 310 .
- protrusions 310 can be implemented.
- Each of the protrusions 310 can matingly engage with a corresponding recess (not shown) formed in at least one of the jaws 210 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the jaws 210 can be locked or maintained in the rest position 2500 , thereby allowing pressure to be placed on the jaws 210 to penetrate through at least one layer of body tissue, without substantially deforming the jaws 210 .
- the locking member 300 can be removable from the hollow elongate member 205 , thereby disengaging the at least one protrusion 310 from the jaws 210 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a locking member 300 .
- the locking member 300 includes a hollow cylindrical member 805 having an end 807 .
- At least one tab 810 can be coupled to the end 807 of the hollow cylindrical member 805 .
- a plurality of tabs 810 are formed along the circumference 809 of the end 807 of the hollow cylindrical member 805 . Similar to the protrusions of the locking member 300 illustrated in FIG.
- the plurality of tabs 805 can engage recesses 509 (shown in FIGS. 9-13 ) formed in the at least one jaw 210 to maintain the trocar assembly 200 in a rest position 2000 .
- recesses 509 shown in FIGS. 9-13
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a partial view of the at least one jaw 210 illustrated in the trocar assembly 100 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates the at least one jaw 210 the at least one jaw 210 in a first position 2000 that is a rest position.
- the at least one jaw 210 the at least one jaw 210 is a pair of jaw 210 .
- the pair of jaws 210 are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate member 205 . Also illustrated in FIG.
- the first position 2000 can be a position in which an implement 400 has been inserted through the cavity of the hollow elongate member 205 but has not been advanced therethrough to protrude from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the implement 400 has been inserted through the cavity of the hollow elongate member 205 and is advanced therethrough such that the implement 400 begins to protrude out from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 and begins to engage an inner surface 235 (shown in FIG. 5 ) of at least one of the jaws 210 , the trocar assembly 100 can be transitioned into the second position 2500 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of the trocar assembly 100 as the trocar assembly is transitioning into the second position 2500 .
- each of the jaws of the pair of jaws 210 can be rotated such that the ends 213 of each jaw 210 are positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis 230 .
- the implement 400 can be protrudable therefrom to perform medical procedures within the body cavity.
- the end 410 of the implement 400 can engage an interior surface 235 of at least one of the jaws 210 as the implement is advanced through the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the end 410 of the implement 400 can apply a force against the interior surface 235 of at least one of the jaws 210 to permit the rotation of at least one of the jaws 210 about the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 to displace or position the ends 213 of the jaws 210 radially away from the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the implement 400 can be advanced through the hollow elongate member 205 and through the jaws 210 such that the end 410 of the implement 400 can protrude a distance away from the ends 213 of the jaws 210 .
- the implement 400 can be manipulated for medical procedures within the patient's body cavity without substantial interference from the jaws 210 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a trocar assembly 200 having a pair of jaws 210 which are substantially identical
- the pair of jaws 210 need not be identical.
- FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a trocar assembly 200 having a pair of jaws 510 has a first jaw 511 and a second jaw 515 , the second jaw 510 being different from the first jaw 511 .
- the trocar assembly 200 is in the first position 2000 , wherein the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 250 .
- the first jaw 511 includes a penetrating member 513 at an end thereof.
- the penetrating member 513 is configured to penetrate at least one layer of body tissue.
- the penetrating member 513 can be a substantially conical tip, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , a blade, a tip having a cutting surface thereon, or any other member which can penetrate at least one layer of body tissue.
- the second jaw 515 does not include a penetrating member. Instead the second jaw 215 is configured to be positioned adjacent the first jaw 511 in the first position 2000 such that the penetrating member 513 extends longitudinally further than an end 517 (shown in FIG. 7 ) of the second jaw 515 .
- FIG. 7 an end 517
- the penetrating member 513 extends longitudinally further than the end 517 of the second jaw 515 in the first position 2000 (for example the rest position) such that the exterior surfaces of the penetrating member 513 and the second end 517 form a substantially conical contour. That is, in at least one embodiment where the first jaw 511 includes a penetrating member 513 , the first jaw 511 and the second jaw 515 can be configured such that in the first position 2000 (for example, the rest position), the first jaw 511 and the second jaw 515 can form a substantially contiguous contour. With the substantially contiguous contour, the trocar assembly 205 can have a substantially uniform shape that permits a clean penetration through at least one layer of body tissue. Also illustrated in FIG.
- FIG. 6 is an implement 400 that is an endoscope which is insertable through the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the endoscope 400 in FIG. 6 has two lenses 415 .
- the endoscope 400 can have one lens 415 ′ (shown in FIG. 9 ) or more than one lens 415 .
- a lens 415 ′ of an endoscope 400 having a single lens 415 ′ is shown overlaid on the two lenses 415 .
- FIGS. 7 and 9 - 13 illustrate another embodiment of a trocar assembly 200 having a pair of jaws 511 , 515 .
- the trocar assembly 200 can have a first jaw 511 having a first slider 514 axially translatably coupled thereto.
- the first slider 514 can be configured to translate along the first jaw 511 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw 511 . That is, the first slide 514 can be axially translatable with respect to the first jaw 511 .
- the longitudinal axis of the first jaw 511 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the second jaw 515 can have a second slider 516 axially translatably coupled thereto.
- the second slider 516 can be configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the second jaw 516 . That is, the second slider 516 can be axially translatable with respect to the second jaw 516 .
- the longitudinal axis of the second jaw 516 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 in the first position 2000 .
- the first slider 514 and the second slider 516 can be positioned adjacent one another parallel to the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the first slider 514 and the second slider 516 can be translatably coupled to their respective jaws 511 , 515 via a pin and slot coupling (not shown).
- the first slider 514 and second slider 516 can have a slot (not shown) formed therein.
- the slot of the first slider 514 can be configured to engage a pin (not shown) coupled to the first jaw 511 .
- the slot of the second slider 516 can be configured to engage a pin (not shown) coupled to the second jaw 515 .
- the pins of the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 slide within the slots of the respective first slider 514 and second slider 516 , thereby providing for the axially translatable cooperation between the jaws 511 , 515 , and the sliders 514 , 516 .
- the sliders 514 , 516 can be coupled to their respective jaws 511 , 515 by other couplings. For example, by a biasing coupling, a spring coupling, or other coupling that allows for the axially translatable cooperation between the sliders 514 , 516 and their respective jaws 511 , 515 .
- At least one of the sliders 514 , 516 can be biased towards the first position 2000 , where and end 518 , 519 of the slider 514 , 516 is adjacent the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the slider 514 , 516 can be biased by a spring, a cam surface, or other mechanism configured to bias the slider 514 , 516 toward the first position 2000 .
- only one of the sliders 514 , 516 can be biased towards the first position.
- the first slider 514 and second slider 516 are able to translate along their respective jaw 511 , 515 .
- FIG. 7 when an implement 400 is inserted and advanced through the hollow elongate member 205 such that the distal end 410 of the implement 400 engages an end 518 , 519 of the first slider 514 and second slider 516 .
- the implement 400 can apply pressure against the first slider 514 and second slider 516 to translate the first slider 514 and second slider 516 away from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the first slider 514 and second slider 516 can translate axially away from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 as the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 rotate radially away from the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 in the second position 2500 (for example, the expanded position).
- FIG. 7 illustrates a trocar assembly 200 having two sliders 514 , 516 , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the trocar assembly 200 can have one slider 514 , 516 .
- the trocar assembly 200 can include a scope cleaner 700 interiorly positioned with respect to the jaws 510 .
- the scope cleaner 700 can be a pair of wiper blades 705 , 707 coupled to the jaws 510 .
- the wiper blades 705 , 707 can be rigid wiper blades, deformable wiper blades, tips of wiper blades, absorbent blades, or other structures which can wipe or sweep debris off of implements 400 insertable in the hollow elongate member 205 .
- a first wiper 705 can be coupled to the first jaw 511 .
- the first wiper blade 705 can be coupled to the first slider 514 .
- the first slider 714 has the penetrating member 513 coupled to a first end 512
- the first wiper blade 705 can be coupled to the first slider 514 at an end 518 opposite to the penetrating member 513 .
- the first wiper blade 705 can be configured to sweep across an interior 208 (shown in FIGS. 16-18 ) of the hollow elongate member 205 when the first slider 514 translates axially away from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 and the first jaw 511 is rotated into the second position 2500 .
- the second wiper blade 707 can be coupled to the second jaw 515 .
- the second wiper blade 707 can be coupled to the second slider 516 .
- the second wiper blade 707 can be coupled to an end 519 of the second slider 516 , such that in the first position 2000 , the first wiper blade 705 and the second wiper blade 707 are adjacent one another.
- the second wiper blade 709 can be configured to sweep across an interior 208 (shown in FIGS. 16-18 ) of the hollow elongate member 205 when the second slider 516 translates axially away from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 and the second jaw 515 is rotated into the second position 2500 .
- the sweeping movement of the first wiper blade 705 and second wiper blade 707 will be described in further detail with the exemplary non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9-13 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the trocar assembly 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 taken along the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the trocar assembly 200 is in the first position 2000 (e.g., rest position).
- a locking member 300 such as the one illustrated in FIG. 8 , is inserted in the hollow elongate member 205 and engaged with the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 to maintain the trocar assembly 200 in the first position 2000 .
- the tabs 810 of the locking member 300 engage recesses 509 formed in an interior surface 507 of the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 .
- FIG. 9 also illustrates a cross-sectional view of the trocar assembly 200 taken along a plane perpendicular to the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 and the longitudinal axis 230 .
- the first wiper blade 705 and the second wiper blade 707 are maintained such that the first wiper blade 705 and second wiper blade 707 are adjacent to one another.
- the first wiper blade 705 and the second wiper blade 707 can be adjacent to a distal end 410 of the implement 400 .
- the first wiper blade 705 and the second wiper blade 707 are disposed adjacent one another.
- FIG. 10 illustrates the trocar assembly 200 in FIG. 9 , except the locking member 300 has been removed from the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the trocar assembly 200 is permitted to transition from the first position 2000 (e.g., rest position) to the second position 2500 .
- the trocar assembly 200 can be transitioned to the second position 2500 as the implement 400 is advanced through the hollow elongate member 205 to protrude out from the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates the trocar assembly 200 in FIGS. 9 and 10 , where the implement 400 has been advanced towards the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 such that the implement 400 begins to protrude out from the second end 207 and the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 begin to rotate axially away from the longitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 205 . That is, FIG. 11 illustrates the trocar assembly 200 beginning to transition to the second position 2500 (e.g., expanded position).
- the second position 2500 e.g., expanded position
- FIG. 11 also illustrates a cross-sectional view of the trocar assembly 200 taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 230 . As illustrated in this cross-sectional view in FIG.
- the force of the implement 400 against the wiper blades 705 , 707 can cause the wiper blades 705 , 707 to sweep across the exterior surface of the implement 400 .
- the wiper blades 705 , 707 can move radially away from the center 206 of the cross-sectional face of the implement 400 and the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 . That is, the wiper blades 705 , 707 can sweep outwardly across the face of the implement 400 beginning from the center 206 of the implement 400 towards the circumference of the implement 400 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates the trocar assembly 200 in the second position 2500 (e.g., expanded position).
- the implement 400 has been advanced through the hollow elongate member 205 beyond the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the implement 400 has been advanced beyond the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 such that the implement 400 can advance between the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates the trocar assembly 200 in the second position 2500 (e.g., expanded position).
- the implement 400 has been advanced through the hollow elongate member 205 beyond the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the implement 400 has been advanced beyond the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 such that the implement 400 can advance between the first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 .
- the wiper blades 705 , 707 sweep further outwardly across the exterior face of the implement 400 until the wiper blades 705 , 707 are positioned proximate the circumference of the implement. If the implement 400 is advanced even further through the hollow elongate member 205 and between the first jaw 511 and the second jaw 515 , the implement 400 can be advanced to protrude beyond the second end 517 of the second jaw 515 and beyond the penetrating member 213 of the first jaw 511 , as illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- the wiper blades 705 , 707 can remain positioned adjacent the circumference of the implement 400 .
- the first slider 514 and second slider 516 can be biased towards the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the first slider 514 and the second slider 516 can be biased such that the first slider 514 and second slider 516 form a contiguous contour with their respective first jaw 511 and second jaw 515 , as illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- each of the first slider 514 and the second slider 516 can be biased towards the second end 207 of the hollow elongate member by a biaser such as a spring, a cam surface, or other biasing member.
- the wiper blades 705 , 707 can wipe debris from the implement 400 .
- the implement 400 is an endoscope, as illustrated in FIG. 9-13
- the sweeping action of the wiper blades 705 , 707 can wipe debris from the endoscope, thereby increasing the surgeon's visibility of the body cavity in which the endoscope is inserted to perform surgical procedures.
- the wiper blades 705 , 707 can also reduce “fogging” of the lens or clean the lens of the endoscope.
- a surgeon need not remove the endoscope 400 from the body cavity to clean the endoscope 400 . That is, the surgeon need only retract and advance the endoscope 400 from the trocar assembly 200 .
- the endoscope 400 can be manipulated by the surgeon during medical procedures. During these medical procedures, the endoscope 400 can accumulate debris thereon.
- the endoscope 400 can be retracted within the hollow elongate member 205 such that the trocar assembly 200 is in the first position 2000 (e.g., the rest position).
- the endoscope 400 can then be advanced through the hollow elongate member 205 and out beyond the second end 517 of the second jaw 515 and the penetrating member 513 of the first jaw 511 , thereby permitting the wiper blades 705 , 707 to sweep across the exterior surface of the endoscope and to wipe debris off of the endoscope 400 .
- the surgeon's visibility from the endoscope 400 is clearer as the endoscope 400 is cleaned by the wipers 705 , 707 .
- FIG. 9-13 illustrate the wiper blades 705 , 707 having a length that is longer than the diameter of the lenses 415 , 415 ′
- the wiper blades 705 , 707 can have a length that is substantially equal to the entire diameter of the lenses 415 , 415 ′, a length that is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the hollow elongate member 205 , a length that is 80 percent of the inner diameter of the hollow elongate member 205 , or any other length which can clean debris off of the endoscope 400 or implement inserted into the trocar assembly.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 are an illustration of another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a trocar assembly 200 of the present disclosure having an alternative embodiment of a scope cleaner 900 .
- the scope cleaner is a rotatable scope cleaner 900 .
- the rotatable scope cleaner 900 comprises a rotatable stem 905 and a wiper blade 910 .
- the rotatable stem 905 can be actuated by the surgeon.
- the wiper blade 910 is rotatably coupled to a distal end 909 of the stem 905 .
- a rotation of the stem 905 causes the wiper blade 910 to rotate.
- the wiper blade 905 can sweep across the cross-sectional face of an implement 400 inserted into the hollow elongate member 205 and/or an interior of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the wiper blade 910 is a rotatable arched blade.
- the at least one jaw 210 includes an aperture 950 formed therein.
- the aperture 950 is configured such that the rotatable wiper blade 910 can pass therethrough when the wiper blade 910 is rotated.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a starting position of the rotatable blade 910 where the rotatable blade 910 is positioned parallel to an interior circumference of the at least one jaw 210 .
- the endoscope 400 When the endoscope 400 is inserted and/or retracted into the hollow elongate member 205 , and the trocar assembly 200 is placed in the first position 2000 (e.g., rest position), the endoscope 400 can be positioned adjacent the rotatable wiper blade 910 such that the wiper blade 910 engages the exterior surface of the endoscope 400 .
- the rotatable stem 905 can be actuated to rotate the wiper blade 910 .
- the wiper blade 910 can be rotated outwardly through the aperture 950 , such that the wiper blade 910 is positioned externally to the at least one jaw 210 .
- FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrates an end position of the rotatable blade 910 after the rotatable stem 910 has been rotated to rotate the wiper blade 910 outwardly through the aperture 950 .
- the wiper blade 910 can sweep across the exterior surface of the endoscope 400 , thereby cleaning the endoscope and removing debris therefrom.
- the rotatable wiper blade 910 can be arched to maximize the surface area of the endoscope cleaned or wiped by the wiper blade.
- the wiper blade 910 can have other shapes and configurations, so long as the wiper blade 910 can be manipulated to clear debris from the surface of the endoscope, thereby increasing or clearing the surgeon's visibility of the endoscope 400 .
- FIGS. 16-18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a scope cleaner 1000 .
- the scope cleaner is a rotatable flexible wiper blade assembly 1000 .
- the wiper blade assembly 1000 can include a flexible wiper blade 1050 coupled to a lever 1015 , 1017 .
- the flexible wiper 1050 can be configured to be positioned between the jaw (not shown) and the second end (not shown) of a hollow elongate member (not shown) to which the flexible wiper 1050 can be coupled.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 can be coupled to two levers 1015 , 1017 .
- a rotation of the levers 1015 , 1017 can cause the flexible wiper 2050 to sweep across an interior 208 of the hollow elongate member 205 in which the flexible wiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted.
- the wiper blade 1050 can be coupled to only one lever.
- a first end 1005 of the wiper blade 1050 can be coupled to the first lever 1015 .
- the first end 1005 can be coupled to the first lever 1015 by a stem 1010 configured to extend longitudinally parallel to the hollow elongate member 205 in which the flexible wiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted.
- the second end 1007 of the flexible wiper blade 1050 can be coupled to the second lever 1017 .
- the second end 1007 of the flexible wiper blade 100 can be coupled to the second lever 1017 by a respective stem 1010 configured to extend longitudinally parallel to the hollow elongate member 205 . As illustrated in FIGS.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 can extend along a diameter of the interior of a hollow elongate tube in which the flexible wiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted. In FIGS. 16-18 , the flexible wiper blade 1050 extends across an entirety of the diameters to the hollow elongate member to ensure that an entirety of the cross-sectional surface of the hollow elongate member will be cleaned. However, in other embodiments, the flexible wiper blade 1050 can extend partially across the diameter of the hollow elongate member or can extend across the interior of the hollow elongate member in any other manner that allows the wiper blade 1050 to sweep across at least a portion of the interior of the hollow elongate member.
- a rotation of the levers 1015 , 1017 can cause the flexible wiper 2050 to sweep across an interior 208 of the hollow elongate member 205 in which the flexible wiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted.
- the first lever 1015 has been rotated counterclockwise.
- the first end 1005 of the flexible wiper blade 1050 is also rotated counterclockwise.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 deforms or flexes.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 can flex and form a reverse-S-shape.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 can sweep across approximately half of an interior 208 of the hollow elongate member 205 in which the flexible wiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 can sweep across an exterior surface of an implement (not shown), for example, across the lens of an endoscope.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 can be flexed to sweep across the remaining half of the interior 208 of the hollow elongate member 205 upon a rotation of the second lever 1017 . For example, in FIG.
- the second lever 1017 can be rotated clockwise, which thereby rotates the second end 1007 of the flexible wiper blade 1050 to also rotate counterclockwise. As a result of this rotation, the flexible wiper blade 1050 can continue to flex.
- the rotation of the first lever 1015 can cause the wiper blade 1050 to flex into a reverse-S-shape
- the rotation of the second lever 1017 can cause the wiper blade 1050 to continue to flex out of the reverse-S-shape.
- the rotation of the second lever 1017 can cause the flexible wiper blade 1050 to flex into a semi-circular shape, as illustrated in FIG. 18 . In FIG.
- the flexible wiper blade 1050 has flexed to a position that is a minor image of the beginning position of the flexible wiper blade 1050 before either of the levers 1015 , 1017 has been rotated. As illustrated in FIG. 18 , the flexible wiper blade 1050 has swept across substantially an entirety of the interior 208 of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a trocar assembly 200 having a biasing mechanism 1100 .
- the biasing mechanism 1100 can be configured to maintain the trocar assembly 200 in the second position 2500 .
- the biasing mechanism 1100 can maintain the at least one jaw 210 of the trocar assembly 200 in a position where the end 213 of the jaw is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis (for example, a longitudinal center line) of the hollow elongate member 205 .
- implements 400 By biasing the trocar assembly 200 in the second position 2500 (e.g., the expanded position), implements 400 (not shown) can be inserted and removed during medical procedures performed within the body cavity without having to continually transition the at least one jaw 210 between the first position 2000 and the second position 2500 .
- the trocar assembly 200 can be biased in the second position 2500 after being inserted into the body cavity of the patient, there can be fewer moving parts within the body cavity and less irritation to the interior of the body cavity.
- scope cleaners 700 , 900 , 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 6-16 can be removably coupled to the trocar assembly 200 .
- the scope cleaner 700 illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 can be detachable from the jaw 210 .
- the scope cleaners can be removably insertable from the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the scope cleaner can include a cleaning spray 590 (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 ).
- the cleaning spray 590 can include a fluid line 591 , 592 connected to an actuator (not shown), which when actuated sprays fluid from the fluid line 591 , 592 .
- the fluid can be a liquid or a gas.
- the fluid can be a cleaning fluid or a drying fluid.
- the cleaning spray includes two fluid lines 591 , 592 .
- one fluid line can be used or more than two fluid lines can be used.
- one of the fluid lines 591 can spray a cleaning fluid onto a lens of an endoscope inserted in the trocar assembly 200 .
- the other fluid line 592 can spray a drying fluid onto the lens of the endoscope.
- scope cleaner can be offset laterally or rotated on a hinge offset from the at least one jaw 210 to position the scope cleaner away from the path of an implement 400 inserted into the trocar assembly 200 .
- the biasing mechanism 1100 includes a rod 1105 and a bias loop 1110 .
- the bias loop 1110 can be a rigid wire shaped to conform to a recess 1150 (shown in FIG. 21 ) formed within a wall of the at least one jaw 210 the at least one jaw 210 of the trocar assembly 200 .
- the bias loop 1110 has an oblong shape; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bias loop 1110 can have other shapes. Some examples of other shapes include a wedge like shape or a round disk like shape. In FIGS.
- the bias loop 1110 has a first end configured to engage a first recess of the at least one jaw 210 the at least one jaw 210 .
- the bias loop 1110 can also have a second end configured to engage a second recess of the at least one jaw 210 .
- the recess 1150 can be formed in an outer wall of the at least one jaw 210 .
- the recess 1150 can have a rounded shape to accommodate a rounded portion of the bias loop 1110 .
- the recess 1150 can have any other shape, so long as the recess 1150 can accommodate the bias loop 1110 .
- the bias loop 1110 can have pressure applied thereto to urge the at least one jaw 210 of the trocar assembly 200 towards the second position 2500 and maintain the trocar assembly 200 there.
- the bias loop 1110 can be coupled to an actuator 1115 .
- the actuator 1115 can be a lever, a knob, a dial, or any other actuator which can be actuated to place pressure onto the bias loop 1110 .
- the bias loop 1110 is coupled to the actuator 1115 by a substantially rigid wire; however, in other embodiments, the bias loop 1110 can be coupled to the actuator by a rod, a stem, or other member which can transfer pressure from the actuator 1115 to the bias loop 1110 .
- the actuator 1115 when the actuator 1115 is actuator, pressure is placed on the bias loop 1110 , which thereby places pressure against the interior of the recess 1150 of the jaw. As pressure is placed against the interior of the recess 1150 , the at least one jaw 210 can be rotated from the first position 2000 , illustrated in FIG. 19 , to the second position 2500 , illustrated in FIG. 20 .
- the actuator 1115 When the actuator 1115 is maintained in a position that constantly applies pressure to the bias loop 1110 , the trocar assembly 200 can be maintained in the second position 2500 (e.g., expanded position).
- FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a biasing mechanism 1100 that includes two biasing loops 1110 ; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the trocar assembly 200 can have fewer or more than two loops 1110 .
- FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a biasing mechanism 1100 that includes an actuator 1115 and a biasing loop 1100 , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other biasing mechanisms 1110 can be utilized to maintain the trocar assembly 200 in the second position 2500 .
- the biasing mechanism 1100 can be a plug, a stopper, or other mechanism which can bias the trocar assembly in the second position 2500 .
- the jawed trocar assembly 200 can include a reflecting member 1200 , as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- the reflecting member 1200 can allow for a radial view by an endoscope (not shown) inserted therein.
- an endoscope can be inserted into the jawed trocar assembly to provide an axial view of the body cavity into which the jawed trocar assembly 200 is inserted.
- the optics looking axially can be difficult due to shallow angles and reflections.
- a reflecting member 1200 for example, as illustrated in FIG. 22 , can enhance the views provided by the endoscope.
- the reflecting member 1200 can have a reflective surface which can reflect an image of the body cavity or the incision surface of the body tissue to be penetrated to an endoscope inserted into the jawed trocar assembly. That is, the body cavity or body tissue to be penetrated which is radially adjacent to the jawed trocar assembly 200 when the jawed trocar assembly 200 is inserted in the body cavity can be reflected via the reflecting member 1200 to the endoscope inserted in the hollow elongate member 205 of the jawed trocar assembly 200 .
- FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of such a reflecting member 1200 .
- the reflecting member 1200 can be a cylindrical member sized to fit within the hollow elongate member 205 of the jawed trocar assembly 200 .
- the reflecting member 1200 can have a reflective portion 1205 which can reflect an image of the area radially adjacent to the trocar assembly 200 to an endoscope inserted in the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the reflective portion 1205 can be a mirror.
- the reflective portion 1205 can have an angled surface (not labeled) to further enhance the radial view of the endoscope.
- the angled surface can be angled: forty-five degrees along the diameter of the reflective portion 1205 (as illustrated in FIG. 22 ), sixty-degrees along the diameter of the reflective portion 1205 , forty-degrees along the diameter of the reflective portion 1205 , forty-five degrees along a radius of the reflective portion 1205 , forty-five degrees along a portion of the diameter of the reflective portion 1205 , or any other along the reflective portion 1205 so long as areas radially adjacent to the trocar assembly 200 can be reflected axially into the hollow elongate member 205 to an endoscope inserted therein.
- the angled surface of the reflective portion 1205 can reflect images of areas radially adjacent to the trocar assembly to an endoscope axially inserted therein, information about the penetration and breakthrough areas of the body cavity and body tissue can be readily viewed by the operator of the endoscope.
- the reflecting member 1200 can have a locking portion 1210 coupled thereto, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- the locking portion 1210 can be a hollow cylindrical member formed on a side of the reflecting member 1200 opposite to the reflective portion 1205 .
- the locking portion 1210 can be configured to lock the jaws 210 of the trocar assembly 200 in the first position 2000 (for example, the resting position).
- the locking portion 1210 can operate similar to the locking member 300 discussed above.
- at least one locking tab 1215 is formed on the locking portion 1210 .
- four locking tabs 1215 are formed on a circumference of the locking portion 1210 .
- locking tabs 1215 there can be fewer or more locking tabs 1215 than as illustrated in FIG. 22 .
- the locking tabs 1215 can be locking feet, locking posts, locking pegs, or other locking members configured to engage a recess of the trocar assembly 200 to maintain the at least one jaw 210 in the rest position 2000 .
- the reflecting member 1200 can include a placement tool 1225 .
- the placement tool 1225 can be releasably couplable to the reflecting member 1200 to insert the reflecting member 1200 in the hollow elongate member 205 of the trocar assembly.
- the placement tool 1225 can be a hollow member 1226 in which the reflecting member 1200 can be received.
- the reflective portion 1205 can include a threaded portion 1220 configured for mating engagement with a respective threaded portion 1230 formed on the placement tool 1225 .
- the reflective portion 1205 can be releasably couplable to the placement tool 1225 by other mechanism such as a snap-fitting, a conformance fitting, a twist-and-release fitting, or other releasable coupling.
- the reflecting member 1200 can be coupled to the placement tool 1225 prior to inserting the reflecting member 1200 into the trocar assembly.
- the threaded portion 1220 of the reflective portion 1205 of the reflecting member 1200 can be matingly threaded to the threaded portion 1230 of the placement tool 1225 , thereby securing the reflecting member 1200 to the placement tool 1225 .
- the placement tool 1225 can then be inserted into the hollow elongate member 205 of the trocar assembly 200 and advanced therethrough until the locking portion 1215 of the reflecting member 1200 engages the at least one jaw 210 of the trocar assembly 200 to lock the trocar assembly 200 in the rest position 2000 .
- the placement tool 1225 can disengage the reflective portion 1205 .
- the placement tool 1225 can disengage the reflective portion 1205 by rotating the placement tool 1225 in a direction that unmates the threaded portion 1230 of the placement tool 1225 from the threaded portion 1220 of the reflecting member 1200 .
- the placement tool 1225 can be removed from the hollow elongate member 205 of the trocar assembly 200 .
- the reflecting member 1200 can remain inside the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the hollow elongate member 205 can have optically semi-transparent walls.
- the hollow elongate member 205 can be clear, transparent, semi-transparent, or otherwise see-through so that images of areas adjacent to the hollow elongate member 205 can be reflected by the reflective surface 1205 of the reflecting member 1200 .
- the reflective portion 1205 can reflect images of areas adjacent to the hollow elongate member 205 to the endoscope or camera implement.
- the reflected images can follow the radial viewing path 1240 .
- the placement tool 1225 can be inserted into the hollow elongate member 205 , can matingly engage the reflecting member 1200 , and can be removed from the hollow elongate member 205 , thereby permitting the at least one jaw 210 of the trocar assembly 200 to transition into the expanded position.
- the reflecting member 1200 thereby enables the camera implement to transmit an image reflected by the reflecting member 1200 to the operator of the camera implement.
- the operator of the trocar assembly can receive: enhanced views of the body tissue to be penetrated by the trocar assembly 200 and side views and radial views of the interior of the body cavity when the trocar assembly 200 is inserted therein.
- FIGS. 1-23 illustrate a jawed trocar assembly in which the at least one jaw 210 is formed on or permanently coupled to the hollow elongate member 205
- the at least one jaw 210 can be releasably coupled to the hollow elongate member 205 .
- the at least one jaw can 210 can be releasably coupled to the hollow elongate member 205 by a snap-fit engagement or any other releasable coupling.
- the jaw 210 can be disposable or reusable.
- the jaw 210 can also be configured to fit existing trocar members, disposable trocars, or other hollow elongate member.
- the hollow elongate member 205 can have a slit extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate member 205 and extending along a majority of the longitudinal axis. For example, the slit can extend along 30 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, or any other majority of the longitudinal axis.
- FIGS. 1-23 illustrate a pair of jaws having symmetric jaws
- the jaws need not be symmetrical.
- the jaws can be asymmetrical with respect to each other. That is, one jaw can have a greater surface area than the other, one jaw can be larger in size as compared to the other, one jaw can have a contour different from the other jaw, or one jaw can be otherwise different from the other jaw.
- a method of inserting an endoscopic tool assembly into a body cavity can include making an incision through a first body tissue.
- the trocar assembly can be inserted into the incision.
- the trocar assembly 200 can be advanced through the incision such that the at least one jaw 210 of the trocar assembly 200 engages a second body tissue.
- the trocar assembly 200 can be urged against the second body tissue to penetrate through the second body tissue.
- the endoscopic tool can be inserted through the trocar assembly 200 .
- the endoscopic tool can be advanced through the trocar assembly 200 beyond the second end 207 of the elongate hollow member 205 , thereby transitioning the trocar assembly 200 from the rest position 2000 to the expanded position 2500 .
- the endoscopic tool can be extended beyond the end 213 of the at least one jaw 210 .
- a locking member 300 can be inserted through the trocar assembly 200 prior to inserting the trocar assembly 200 through the incision. This can thereby ensure that the at least one jaw 210 is rigid enough to penetrate through the second layer of body tissue.
- the locking member 300 can be removed from the trocar assembly 200 after the trocar assembly 200 has been advanced to penetrate the second body tissue, thereby allowing for the insertion of the endoscopic tool or any other implement 400 to be used for medical procedures within the body cavity.
- a method of cleaning an endoscopic tool assembly inserted into a body cavity can include urging the trocar assembly 200 against a body tissue to penetrate through the body tissue.
- An endoscopic camera of the endoscopic tool can be inserted though the trocar assembly 200 .
- the endoscopic camera can be advanced through the trocar assembly 200 beyond the second end of the elongate hollow member, thereby transitioning the trocar assembly from the rest position 2000 to the expanded position 2500 .
- the endoscopic camera can be extended beyond the end 213 of the at least one jaw 210 to expose the lens 415 of the endoscopic camera 400 to the body cavity.
- the endoscopic camera 400 can be retracted into the elongate hollow elongate member 205 of the trocar assembly 200 . This can thereby transition the trocar assembly 200 from the expanded position 2500 to the rest position 2000 .
- the lens 415 can engage with the scope cleaner of the trocar assembly 200 thereby cleaning debris off of the lens 415 .
- the endoscopic camera 400 can be reciprocated within the elongate hollow member 205 such that the lens 415 is reciprocated between being exterior to the end 213 of the at least one jaw 210 and being interior to the at least one jaw 210 and engaged with the scope cleaner.
- the endoscopic camera 400 can be rotated within the hollow elongate member 205 after the endoscopic camera 400 has been retracted into the hollow elongate member 205 and after the lens 415 has been engaged with the scope cleaner.
- the rotations of the endoscopic camera 400 can cause the scope cleaner to wipe debris off of the lens 415 .
- the endoscopic camera 400 can be cleaned by actuating a lever of the scope cleaner after the lens 415 has been engaged with the scope cleaner.
- the actuation of the lever can cause a wiper of the scope cleaner to undulate across the surface of the lens to wipe debris of the lens.
- actuating a lever of the scope cleaner after the lens has been engaged with the scope cleaner can cause a spray of a cleaning fluid against the lens.
- the cleaning fluid can be a liquid, a gas, or can include both liquid and gas.
- the scope cleaner can include two lines of cleaning fluid positioned interiorly adjacent to the end of the jaw, and actuating the lever can spray the cleaning fluid from each of the two lines.
- the trocar assembly can take the form of a removable trocar tip assembly 2002 .
- the removable trocar tip assembly 2002 for example a removable trocar cap, can be configured to be mated with a trocar 2006 which does not include the features as described herein.
- the trocar tip assembly 2002 allows for a trocar to be assembled and manufactured so that the trocar assembly 2002 can be optionally included. This results in reduced tooling, while allowing increased selection and performance by the operator.
- the trocar tip assembly 2002 can be sized so as to mate with a desired trocar 2006 .
- the trocar 2006 can include a coupling device 2004 .
- the coupling device 2004 allows for the trocar tip assembly 2002 to be coupled to the trocar 2006 in a fashion so as to resist removal.
- the trocar cap coupling device 2004 is at least one catch pocket formed on the trocar 2006 .
- the coupling device 2004 can be other types of mechanisms to assist in the retention of the trocar tip assembly 2002 once it is installed on the trocar 2006 , but allow removal of the trocar tip assembly 2002 under certain circumstances.
- the trocar tip assembly 2002 can include a corresponding coupling device (not shown).
- the trocar tip assembly 2002 can include at least a lens wiper as described herein to clean the lens of a camera.
- an instrument sleeve 2008 is included which allows for operation of the trocar cap 2002 , which includes at least one of the features as described herein.
- the instrument sleeve 2008 can slip inside of the trocar 2006 . The instrument sleeve then can be used to open the trocar tip assembly 2002 .
- the trocar assembly can include a trocar and a tip assembly removably couplable to the trocar as illustrated in FIGS. 25-35 .
- the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 allows for retrofitting existing trocars to turn a trocar which does not include the features as described in FIGS. 1-23 into one that has a jawed trocar tip, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 24 , for example.
- the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 is couplable to an end of an existing or “off the shelf” trocar such that the existing trocar is provided with a jawed assembly at the end thereof.
- FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a trocar assembly 2500 including a trocar 2501 , a tip assembly 2508 , 2514 , a locking member 2526 (such as the locking members discussed above), and a locking-member-removal tool 2536 .
- the trocar 2501 illustrated in FIG. 25 is an existing trocar.
- a previously-purchased trocar an off-the shell trocar, a commercially available trocar, a third-party trocar (such as a trocar manufactured or sold by a party other than the manufacturer or vendor of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 ), a separately-sold trocar, or any other existing trocar.
- the existing trocar 2501 can include an elongate member 2502 having a first end 2504 and a second end 2506 .
- the first end 2504 can be a proximal end, such as the end that will be closest to the hand of the operator.
- the first end 2504 can be the end through which endoscopic implements or other implements are inserted during endoscopic procedures.
- the second end 2506 can be a distal end, such as the end that will be inserted into body cavity during endoscopic procedures.
- a tip assembly 2508 , 2514 can be coupled to the second end 2506 of the trocar 2501 .
- the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 can include adapter sleeve 2508 and the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the adapter sleeve 2508 can be a hollow cylindrical sleeve configured to receive the second end 2506 of the trocar 2501 . While FIG. 25 illustrates the adapter sleeve 2508 as a hollow cylindrical sleeve, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter sleeve can be a hollow structure of any other shape that is configured to couple the jaw assembly component 2514 to the second end 2506 of the trocar 2501 .
- the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 can include a jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the jaw assembly component 2514 can be a member having a proximal end 2516 and a distal end 2518 .
- the proximal end 2516 can be configured to be coupled to the adapter sleeve 2508 .
- the distal end 2518 can be the end that will be inserted to the body cavity.
- the distal end 2518 of the jaw assembly component 2514 can include at least one jaw 2520 , 2522 . In FIG.
- the jaw assembly component 2514 can include a pair of jaws 2520 , 2522 ; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fewer or more jaws can be included than as illustrated, so long as the jaw assembly component 2514 includes at least one jaw.
- the pair of jaws 2520 , 2522 are hingedly coupled to the distal end 2518 of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the pair of jaws 2520 , 2522 can be hingedly coupled such that the jaw assembly component 2514 has a first position and a second position. While not illustrated in FIGS.
- the first position for jaw assembly component 2514 can be similar to the first position (such as a rest position) and the second position (such as the expanded position), described above with respect to the jawed trocar assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 1-24 .
- the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 can have a first position such that the jaws 2520 , 2522 are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 2600 (illustrated in FIG. 26 ) of the adapter sleeve 2508 and a second position where at least one of the jaws 2520 , 2522 is rotated such that an end of at least one of the jaws 2520 , 2522 is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis 2600 .
- one of the jaws 2520 , 2522 can have a penetrating member 2524 or penetrating surface a distal end of one of the jaw 2520 , 2522 .
- the jaws 2520 , 2522 of the jaw assembly component 2508 can be configured in accordance with any of the jaws of the jawed trocars described in relation to and illustrated in FIGS. 1-24 .
- the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 can include a locking member 2526 configured to maintain the jaw assembly component 2520 in the first position (such as the rest position).
- the locking member 2526 can be similar to the locking members described above in relation to FIGS. 1-23 .
- the locking member 2526 can be insertable into the jaw assembly component 2514 of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 .
- the adapter sleeve 2508 can be configured to fit around the locking member 2526 such that the locking member 2526 is positioned within the adapter sleeve 2508 , as will be described further in relation to FIGS. 26-35 .
- the locking member 2526 can be a locking collar.
- the locking member 2526 can be a cylindrical member 2527 having a proximal end 2532 and a distal end 2528 .
- the proximal end 2532 can be received within the adapter sleeve 2508 and the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 , when the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 is assembled with the trocar 2501 .
- the distal end 2528 can include at least one tab 2530 configured to be received by the jawed component assembly 2514 (for example, by a slot 3005 (shown in FIG.
- the tab 2530 can be integrally formed in the distal end 2528 of the locking member 2526 or can be affixed, attached, or otherwise coupled to the distal end 2528 of the locking member 2526 .
- the tab 2530 can be a foot, a peg, or any other protrusion which can be configured to maintain the jawed component assembly 2514 in the first or rest position.
- the locking member 2526 includes four tabs 2530 integrally formed on and protruding outwardly from the distal end 2528 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fewer or more tabs 2530 can be included in the locking member 2530 , so long as the locking member 2526 includes at least one tab 2530 .
- the proximal end 2532 of the locking member 2526 can include at least one removing member 2534 configured to cooperate with a locking-member-removal tool 2536 , such as the one illustrated in FIG. 25 .
- the at least one removing member 2534 can be configured to matingly engage with the locking-member-removal tool 2536 such that the locking member 2526 can be disengage from the jawed component assembly 2514 , thereby permitting the jawed component assembly 2514 to be transitionable into a second position, such as an expanded position.
- the at least one removing member 2534 can be integrally formed with, affixed to, attached to, or otherwise coupled to the proximal end 2543 of the locking member 2526 . In FIG.
- the locking member comprises two removing member 2534 .
- the two removing members 2534 can be arms which protrude from the proximal end 2527 of the locking member 2526 in a direction towards the proximal end 2504 of the trocar 2501 when the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 is assembled with the trocar 2501 .
- the removing members 2534 can be shaped to matingly engage with a corresponding receiving portion of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 such that when the removing member 2534 matingly engages the locking-member removal tool 2536 , the locking-member-removal tool 2536 grasps or grips onto the removing member 2534 to remove the locking member 2526 from the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be a member 2536 such as a tubular member, a cylindrical member, or any other elongate member that can be inserted into a trocar 2501 and tip assembly 2508 , 2514 to remove a locking member 2526 received by the jaw assembly component 2514 of the tip assembly such that the jaw assembly component 2514 can be transitioned into a second or expanded position.
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can have a distal end 2538 configured to engage the proximal end 2532 of the locking member 2526 .
- the distal end 2538 can be configured to matingly engage the proximal end 2532 of the locking member 2526 such that the locking-member removal tool 2536 grasps or grips the locking member 2526 to disengage the locking member 2526 from the jaw assembly component 2514 in the event the jaw assembly component 2514 receives the locking member 2526 .
- the distal end 2538 of the locking-member removal tool 2536 can define at least one recess 2540 configured to matingly engage the at least one removing members 2534 of the locking member 2526 .
- the at least one recess 2540 can act as a catch to catch, grip, or otherwise securely receive a portion of the removing members 2534 , such that when the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is withdrawn or removed from the trocar 2504 , the locking member 2526 remains securely coupled to the locking-member-removal tool 2536 , which thereby disengages the locking member 2526 from the jaw assembly component 2514 to permit the jaw assembly component 2514 to be transitionable into the second or expanded position.
- the removal of the locking member 2526 will be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 27-35 .
- FIG. 26 illustrates the assembly of the trocar 2501 , the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 , and the locking member 2526 .
- the proximal end 2516 of the jaw assembly component 2514 can be coupled to a distal end 2512 of the adapter sleeve 2508 .
- the adapter sleeve 2508 and the jaw assembly component 2514 are configured for mating engagement.
- the mating engagement 2605 between the adapter sleeve 2508 and the jaw assembly component 2514 is identified by a dashed circle. Close-up views are provided in FIG.
- the adapter sleeve 2508 includes a mating member 2602 coupled to or formed on the distal end 2512 of the adapter sleeve 2508 and configured to matingly engage a corresponding mating member 2606 coupled to or formed on the proximal end 2516 of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the mating member 2602 can include a lip 2604 configured to matingly engage a corresponding rim 2608 of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the mating member 2602 of the adapter sleeve 2508 and the corresponding mating member 2606 of the jaw assembly component 2514 can be a threaded assembly, a snap-engagement assembly, a press-fit assembly, a pin assembly, or any other mating assembly which permits the mating engagement of the adapter sleeve 2508 to the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the proximal end 2510 of the adapter sleeve 2508 can receive a distal end 2506 of the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 .
- the proximal end 2510 of the adapter sleeve 2508 can have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the distal end 2506 of the trocar 2501 such that the distal end 2506 can be inserted in the proximal end 2510 of the adapter sleeve 2508 .
- the distal end 2506 can be tapered, such that the distal end 2506 can be inserted in the proximal end 2510 of the adapter sleeve 2508 .
- the distal end 2506 of the trocar 2501 can be snug-fit, press-fit, adhered, affixed, static-fit, friction-fit, coupled by a ring, or otherwise coupled to the proximal end 2510 of the adapter sleeve 2508 such that the trocar 2501 and adapter sleeve 2508 remain coupled during endoscopic procedures.
- the adapter sleeve 2508 can be configured such that the adapter sleeve 2508 is removably couplable to the trocar 2501 , thereby permitting the interchangeability of the adapter sleeve 2508 with other trocars 2501 and the disposability of the adapter sleeve 2508 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures.
- the adapter sleeve 2508 can remain coupled to the trocar 2501 , and the jaw assembly component 2514 can be removable from the adapter sleeve 2508 , thereby permitting the interchangeability of the jaw assembly component 2514 with a plurality of trocars 2501 . Additionally, the removability of the jaw assembly component 2514 from the adapter sleeve 2508 can permit the disposal of the jaw assembly component 2514 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures.
- the locking member 2526 can be received by the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the jaw assembly component 2514 As illustrated in FIG. 26 , as the locking member 2526 is received by the jaw assembly component 2514 , the jaw assembly component 2514 is maintained in the first or rest position, where the jaws of the jaw assembly component 2514 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 2600 of the adapter sleeve 2508 (which can also be the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 ). As illustrated in FIG. 26 , when the jaw assembly component 2514 is assembled with the adapter sleeve 2508 , the locking member 2526 is located within the adapter sleeve 2508 and the jaw component assembly 2514 . Also, in FIG.
- the locking member 2526 is located interiorly with respect to each of the trocar 2501 , adapter sleeve 2508 , and jaw component assembly 2514 such that the proximal end 2532 of the locking member 2526 is positioned within an interior of the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 .
- FIGS. 27-29 are perspective views of a trocar 2501 assembled with the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 having a locking member 2526 .
- a locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be inserted through the proximal end 2504 of the trocar 2501 .
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be advanced through the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 until the distal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 engages the proximal end 2532 of the locking member 2526 .
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be advanced such that the distal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 engages the removing members 2534 of the proximal end 2532 of the locking member 2526 .
- the recesses 2540 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 receive the removing members 2534 of the locking member 2526 .
- the removing members 2534 can be biased away from a center of the locking member 2526 such that when the distal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is advanced towards the removing members 2534 , the removing members 2534 are deformed or squeezed toward one another and toward a center of the locking member 2526 .
- the biasing of the removing members 2534 away from the center of the locking member 2526 can bias the ends of the removing members 2534 such that the ends removing members 2534 catch or are received by a corresponding recess 2540 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 .
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 and the removing members 2534 of the locking member 2526 are now matingly engaged, the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be withdrawn from the trocar 2501 , as illustrated in FIG. 29 .
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be withdrawn from the trocar 2501 such that the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is removed from the trocar 2501 .
- the locking member 2526 is also removed from the trocar 2501 , and as a result disengaged and removed from the jaw assembly component 2514 of the tip assembly 2505 , 2514 , thereby permitting the jaw assembly component 2514 to be transitionable into the second or expanded position for medical or endoscopic procedures.
- FIGS. 30 and 31 are cross-sectional views of the assembly of jaw assembly component 2514 and the adapter sleeve 2508 of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 with the locking member 2526 .
- the assembly of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 and the locking member 2526 is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 26 , except that the slots 3005 of the jaw assembly component 2514 are more clearly illustrated.
- the slots 3005 are configured to receive the tabs 2530 of the locking member 2526 such that jaw assembly component 2526 can remain in the first of rest position.
- the jaw assembly component 2514 can includes a lens cleaner 3010 , 3012 coupled to an interior surface of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- FIG. 30 the jaw assembly component 2514 can includes a lens cleaner 3010 , 3012 coupled to an interior surface of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the lens cleaner includes a first wiper 3010 and a second wiper 2012 , each coupled to one of the first jaw 2520 and the second jaw 2522 of the jaw component assembly 2514 .
- the lens cleaner 2010 , 2012 can be a lens cleaner or scope cleaner as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-24 .
- FIG. 32 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the trocar 2501 with the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 assembled in FIGS. 30 and 31 . Specifically, FIG. 32 illustrates the insertion of a distal end 2506 of the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 into the proximal end 2510 of the adapter sleeve 2508 of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 .
- FIGS. 33-35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the removal of the locking member 2526 using the locking-member-removal tool 2536 , as illustrated in FIGS. 27-29 , except that that the slots 3005 of the jaw assembly component 2514 are more clearly illustrated. While FIGS. 27-35 describe a tip assembly 2508 , 2514 in which the adapter sleeve 2508 and the jaw assembly component 2514 are matingly engaged, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter sleeve 2508 and the jaw assembly component 2514 can be integrally formed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter sleeve 2508 and jaw assembly component 2514 can be substantially transparent to allow light to pass therethrough so that an image can be captured by a camera within the trocar assembly.
- FIG. 36 is an exploded view of a trocar 2501 and tip assembly 2508 , 2514 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 25 , except that the locking member 3600 and locking-member-removal tool 2536 are different than as illustrated in FIG. 25 .
- the locking member 3600 is shorter in length than the locking member 2526 illustrated in FIG. 25 .
- the locking member 3600 illustrated in FIG. 36 includes a hollow member having a distal end 3605 and a proximal end 3612 .
- the distal end 3605 of the locking member 3600 can includes at least one tab 3610 configured to engage corresponding slots 3705 (shown in FIG. 37 ) of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the slots 3705 can be formed in an interior surface of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the locking member 3600 includes four tabs 3610 integrally formed and protruding away from a center of the locking member 3600 towards the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- the proximal end 3612 of the locking member can include four removing members 3614 integrally formed on the proximal end 3612 of the locking member 3600 and protruding away from the center of locking member 3600 towards the proximal end 2504 of the trocar 2501 .
- the removing members 3614 can be configured to matingly engage an interior surface 4005 (shown in FIG. 40 ) of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 .
- FIGS. 37-38 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 .
- FIGS. 37-38 illustrate that the proximal end 2516 of the jaw assembly component 2514 can be configured to receive the distal end 2512 of the adapter sleeve 2508 via a threaded assembly, a snap-fit assembly, a press-fit assembly, or any other coupling configured to couple the jaw assembly component 2514 with the adapter sleeve 2508 .
- the assembly of the jaw assembly component 2514 with the adapter sleeve 2508 is substantially similar to that discussed above in relation to FIGS.
- the tabs 3610 locking member 3600 are configured to be received by recess 3705 formed in an interior space of the jaw assembly component 2502 such that the locking member 3600 is positioned within an interior space of the jaw assembly component, rather than an interior space of the adapter sleeve 2508 and/or an elongate member 2502 of a trocar 2501 assembled with the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 .
- the ends of the removing members 3614 of the proximal end 3512 of the locking member 3600 is positioned with the interior space of the jaw assembly component 2514 .
- FIGS. 39-42 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the removal of locking member 3600 from the slots 3705 of the jaw assembly component 2514 , thereby permitting the transition of the jaw assembly component 2514 from the first or rest position to the second position or expanded position.
- a distal end of the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 can be inserted in the adapter sleeve 2508 of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 .
- FIG. 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the removal of locking member 3600 from the slots 3705 of the jaw assembly component 2514 , thereby permitting the transition of the jaw assembly component 2514 from the first or rest position to the second position or expanded position.
- a distal end of the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 can be inserted in the adapter sleeve 2508 of the tip assembly 2508 , 2514 .
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be inserted through the trocar 2501 an advanced through the elongate member 2502 , the adapter sleeve 2508 , and the jaw assembly component 2514 , until the distal end 2530 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 engages a proximal end 3612 of the locking member 3600 . Similar to FIGS. 33-35 , in FIGS.
- the removing members 3614 of the locking member 3600 can be biased away from a center of the locking member 3600 such that when the distal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is advanced towards the removing members 2534 , the removing members 3614 are deformed or squeezed toward one another and toward a center of the locking member 2600 .
- the biasing of the removing members 3614 away from the center of the locking member 3600 can bias the ends of the removing members 2534 such that the ends removing members 2534 catch or are received by a corresponding portion 4005 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 , as illustrated in FIG. 41 .
- the corresponding portion 4005 can be an interior edge, a ledge, a protruding rim, or other portion configured to engage the removing members 3614 of the locking member 3600 , such that the withdrawn of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 includes the removal of the locking member 3600 from engagement with the jaw assembly component 2514 , for example, as illustrated in FIG. 42 .
- the removing member 3614 of the locking member 3600 engage the corresponding portion 4005 (an inner ledge formed along an interior surface of the jaw assembly component 2514 ) and are biased outwardly away from the center of the locking member 3600 such that the removing members 3614 a substantially prevented from disengaging from the locking-member-removal tool 2536 .
- the locking member 3600 matingly engaged with the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be removed from the trocar 2501 , thereby permitting the jaw assembly component 2514 to be transitioned from the first or rest position into a second or expanded position, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 42 .
- the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is withdrawn from the tip assembly 2505 , 2514 and from the elongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501 .
- the locking member 3600 can be coupled the distal end 2530 of the locking-member removal tool 2536 as a result of the mating engagement between the removing members 3614 and the corresponding portion 4005 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 .
- the locking member 3600 is also withdrawn, retracted, or otherwise removed from the trocar 2501 , thereby permitting the jaw assembly component 2514 to be transitionable between the first or rest position and the second or expanded position for medical or endoscopic procedures.
- the tip assembly 2505 , 2514 illustrated in FIGS. 36-42 can be removably coupled to the trocar 2501 of a trocar assembly, thereby permitting the interchangeability of the tip assembly 2505 , 2514 with a plurality of trocars 2501 and the disposability of the tip assembly 2505 , 2514 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures.
- the adapter sleeve 2508 can remain coupled to the trocar 2501 , and the jaw assembly component 2514 can be removable from the adapter sleeve 2508 , thereby permitting the interchangeability of the jaw assembly component 2514 with a plurality of trocars 2501 .
- the removability of the jaw assembly component 2514 from the adapter sleeve 2508 can permit the disposal of the jaw assembly component 2514 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures.
- FIGS. 25-42 illustrate specific embodiments of a removable tip assembly 2505 , 2514 removably coupled to distal ends 2506 of trocars 2501
- the removable tip assembly 2505 , 2514 can include a reflecting member as described above in relation to FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- the reflecting member can be coupled to or integrally formed with the locking member 2526 removably coupled to the jaw assembly component 2526 of the tip assembly 2505 , 2514 .
- another jaw retention device can be implemented either in place of the locking member or in addition to the locking member.
- the jaw retention device When implemented in addition to the locking member, the jaw retention device further provides for an additional mechanism to hold the jaws in a closed configuration. The closed configuration is used during the insertion of the tip assembly and the associated trocar.
- FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of an exemplary tip assembly 2002 , in a closed configuration, having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of a band 4302 .
- the band 4302 can be configured to encircle the jaws 4310 , 4312 .
- the band 4302 holds the jaws 4310 , 4312 in a closed configuration such that lower jaw 4312 substantially abuts the upper jaw 4310 .
- substantial abutment of the lower jaw 4312 with the upper jaw 4310 indicates a close fit such that there can be a small space between the lower jaw 4312 and the upper jaw 4310 or almost no space such that the lower jaw 4312 is pressed against the upper jaw 4310 .
- the substantial abutment of the lower jaw 4312 and upper jaw 4310 is a close fit so as to allow tip assembly 2002 to penetrate as described herein without tearing tissue.
- the band 4302 includes two notched portions 4306 (the other notched portion is on the reverse side).
- the notched portion 4306 is configured to promote fracturing of the band 4302 at substantially the region of the band 4302 that overlaps the region where the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 abut one another.
- the band 4302 can be configured in a variety of ways to facilitate the implementation with the tip assembly.
- the edges of the band 4302 can be tapered so as to provide a smooth transition from the jaws 4310 , 4312 to the band 4302 .
- the band 4302 can be co-molded with the first jaw 4310 and the second jaw 4312 , for example using a two shot molding process.
- the band 4302 can be include an adhesive such that the band 4302 is slipped over the tip of the tip assembly 2002 and pressed into position.
- the band 4302 can be an adhesive tape that is wrapped around the first jaw 4310 and the second jaw 4312 .
- the seam of the tape can be either on the first jaw 4310 or the second jaw 4312 away from the portion of the jaws 4310 , 4312 that abut one another.
- the tape can include notched portions 4302 as illustrated.
- the band 4302 can be fractured thereby allowing the upper jaw 4310 to separate from the lower jaw 4312 .
- an implement 400 such as an endoscope or camera implement as described herein.
- the jaws 4310 , 4312 can be configured to operate as described herein above.
- the jaws 4310 , 4312 can be configured to open once the band 4302 has been fractured.
- the jaws 4310 , 4312 are only opened in relation to how far the implement 400 is extended through the jaws 4310 , 4312 such that the jaws 4310 , 4312 are only fully opened when the implement 400 has been extended so far as to cause the jaws to reach their fully open configuration.
- a specially designed jaw opening implement can used to facture the band 4302 .
- FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of the exemplary tip assembly 2002 of FIG. 43 , in an open configuration.
- the band 4302 has been fractured, when the band 4302 has been fractured the jaws 4310 , 4312 can be configured to open as indicated above.
- the band 4302 has a first fracture surface 4314 and a second fracture surface 4316 .
- the first fracture surface 4314 can substantially align with an edge 4324 of the upper jaw 4310 .
- the second fracture surface 4316 can substantially align with an edge 4326 of the lower jaw 4312 .
- the band 4302 fractures in two places with one of those places being on the reverse side of the illustration. While the illustrated jaws 4310 , 4312 essentially form a half of the tip assembly 2002 over the relevant region, the jaws 4310 , 4312 could be configured in other ways such that they are not equally divided.
- the tip assembly 2002 can be provided with slots 4304 which allow the jaws 4310 , 4312 to move in relation to one another without distorting or binding the material of the tip assembly 2002 .
- the slots 4304 can reduce the distortion or binding of the material of the tip assembly 2002 .
- four slots 4304 are provided on the tip assembly 2002 .
- only two slots 4304 can be provided.
- any multiple of two slots can be implemented.
- FIG. 45 Another embodiment of an exemplary tip assembly 2002 is illustrated in FIG. 45 .
- the illustration of tip assembly 2002 in FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of a closed tip assembly 2002 having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of at least one tab 4502 .
- the at least one tab 4502 can be located at the region where the upper jaw 4310 and lower jaw 4312 substantially abut one another.
- the at least one tab 4502 can be at least two tabs 4502 .
- a plurality of tabs 4502 can be implemented. For example, multiple tabs can be implemented on each side of the illustrated embodiment.
- the description herein refers to tabs 4502 as in the illustrated embodiment, two tabs 4502 are implemented (one not shown). The description as provided herein can be applied to other configurations of tabs 4502 as well.
- the tabs 4502 can be configured to be co-molded with the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 such that during the molding process the tabs 4502 connect the upper jaw 4310 with the lower jaw 4312 .
- the tabs 4502 can be integrally formed with the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 such that no portion of the tabs 4502 extend beyond the outer surfaces of the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 .
- the tabs 4502 can be formed such that they are within the width of material forming the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 .
- the tabs 4502 can be formed on the inside of the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 .
- the tabs 4502 can be formed on the outside of the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 .
- the tabs 4502 can be tapered so as to provide a smooth transition from the upper jaw 4310 and the lower jaw 4312 to the thickest portion of the tabs 4502 .
- the tabs 4502 can include notched portions to facilitate the fracturing of the tabs 4502 .
- the tabs may not include notched portions, but instead the material of the tabs 4502 can be choose such that it facilities easy fracturing but is strong enough to hold the jaws 4310 , 4312 in place during insertion of the tip assembly 2002 .
- FIG. 46 is a side elevation view of the exemplary tip assembly of FIG. 45 , in an open configuration, wherein the at least one tab 4502 has been fractured.
- the at least one tab 4502 can be fractured thereby allowing the upper jaw 4310 to separate from the lower jaw 4312 .
- an implement 400 such as an endoscope or camera implement as described herein.
- the jaws 4310 , 4312 can be configured to operate as described herein above.
- the jaws 4310 , 4312 can be configured to open once at least one tab 4502 has been fractured.
- the jaws 4310 , 4312 are only opened in relation to how far the implement 400 is extended through the jaws 4310 , 4312 such that the jaws 4310 , 4312 are only fully opened when the implement 400 has been extended so far as to cause the jaws to reach their fully open configuration.
- a specially designed jaw opening implement can used to facture the at least one tab 4502 .
- the jaws 4310 , 4312 can be configured to open as indicated above.
- the tab 4502 has a first fracture surface 4516 and a second fracture surface 4514 .
- the first fracture surface 4516 can substantially align with an edge 4526 of the upper jaw 4310 .
- the second fracture surface 4314 can substantially align with an edge 4324 of the lower jaw 4312 .
- another tab 4502 on the opposite side can be included and can fracture in a similar manner.
- the fracturing of the other tabs 4502 can proceed in a similar manner.
- the illustrated jaws 4310 , 4312 essentially form a half of the tip assembly 2002 over the relevant region, the jaws 4310 , 4312 could be configured in other ways such that they are not equally divided.
- the tip assembly 2002 can be provided with slots 4304 which allow the jaws 4310 , 4312 to move in relation to one another without distorting or binding the material of the tip assembly 2002 .
- the slots 4304 can reduce the distortion or binding of the material of the tip assembly 2002 .
- four slots 4304 are provided on the tip assembly 2002 .
- only two slots 4304 can be provided.
- any multiple of two slots can be implemented.
- FIGS. 47A , 47 B, 48 A, 48 B, 49 A, and 49 B illustrate exemplarily surfaces of scope cleaner 700 according to various embodiments as presented herein.
- the scope cleaner can include one or more scope cleaners.
- the scope cleaner 700 can include one or more wiper blades 705 , 707 . While the illustrated embodiments include two wiper blades 705 , 707 , at least one embodiment includes only a single wiper blade. Furthermore, while the embodiments illustrated are wiper blades 705 , 707 , the disclosure as presented herein can equally apply to other types of scope cleaners 700 .
- 47A , 47 B, 48 A, 48 B, 49 A, and 49 B can be configured to facilitate the flow of fluid as the scope cleaner 700 cleans fluid from the scope that the scope cleaner comes into contact.
- the surfaces illustrated herein are the surface that faces the scope and at least a portion of the scope cleaner 700 contacts the scope as described above.
- FIG. 47A is a top view of an exemplarily scope cleaner 700 having a groove 4702 formed therein.
- the groove 4702 as illustrated can traverse through a center 4710 of the scope cleaner 700 .
- the center 4710 of the scope cleaner 700 refers to midpoint of the scope cleaner 700 in both the lateral and transverse directions (length and width).
- the center 4710 of the scope cleaner can be based on centroid of the surface of the scope cleaner 700 .
- the groove 4702 does not traverse through the center of the scope cleaner 700 .
- the groove 4702 traverses through the center 4710 of the first scope cleaner in the form of a first wiper blade 705 and the center 4710 of the second scope cleaner in the form of a second wiper blade 707 .
- the groove 4702 comprises a first groove 4706 in the first wiper blade 705 and a second groove 4704 in the second wiper blade 707 .
- the first wiper blade 705 and the second wiper blade 707 each have at least one groove formed therein. In other embodiments, more than one groove can be present on each of the first wiper blade 705 and the second wiper blade 707 .
- FIG. 47B A cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner 700 along line B-B of FIG. 47A is illustrated in FIG. 47B .
- the first groove 4706 and the second groove 4704 facilitate the movement of fluid into the groove as the scope is cleaned.
- the scope includes two cameras such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 - 11 , having the groove in the center of the scope cleaner prevents buildup of fluid in the regions in which the camera is mounted. Additionally as illustrated in the example of FIG.
- the first groove 4706 can be sloped from an inner edge 4726 to an outer edge 4725 , such that the depth of the groove 4706 is shallower or non-existent at the inner edge 4726 and deeper at the outer edge 4725 .
- the slope of the first groove 4706 allows for fluid to build up and run down the groove 4706 .
- By having the groove 4706 very shallow or non-existent at the inner edge insures contact with the scope across the entire face of the scope so as to remove all fluid buildup on the scope.
- the first groove 4706 allows fluid to be removed from the scope and channeled to an appropriate place to minimize the impact of fluid impinging upon the scope.
- the first groove 4706 allows the first scope cleaner 707 to be used multiple times to remove fluid from the scope.
- the second scope cleaner 707 can have a cross-section that is substantially a mirror image of the cross-section of the first scope cleaner 705 .
- the second groove 4704 of the second scope cleaner 707 can be sloped in a similar fashion as described above.
- the second groove 4704 can be sloped from an inner edge 4724 to an outer edge 4723 , such that the depth of the second groove 4704 is shallower or non-existent at the inner edge 4724 and deeper at the outer edge 4723 .
- the slope of the second groove 4704 allows for fluid to build up and run down the second groove 4704 .
- By having the second groove 4704 very shallow or non-existent at the inner edge 4724 insures contact with the scope across the entire face of the scope so as to remove all fluid buildup on the scope.
- the second groove 4704 allows fluid to be removed from the scope and channeled to an appropriate place to minimize the impact of fluid impinging upon the scope.
- the second groove 4704 allows the second scope cleaner 705 to be used multiple times to remove fluid from the scope.
- FIG. 48A is a top view of another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment.
- FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner of FIG. 48A taken along line B-B.
- the scope cleaner has a plurality of grooves formed therein.
- five grooves 4904 formed in the first scope cleaner which is in the form of a first wiper 705 .
- At least one of the grooves 4904 on the first wiper 705 traverses the center 4712 of the first wiper 705 .
- at least one of the grooves 4902 on the second wiper 707 traverses the center 4714 of the second wiper 707 .
- the scope cleaner 700 as illustrated in FIG. 48A further includes an interior portion 4906 that is composed of a different material from the rest of the scope cleaner 700 .
- the interior portion can be configured to provide for an enhanced cleaning of the scope while preventing permeation of fluid. This configuration encourages the flow of the fluid into the grooves 4902 , 4904 of the scope cleaner 700 .
- the inner portion 4906 of the first wiper 705 borders the inner edge 4926 of the first wiper 705 . Additionally, the inner portion 4906 of the second wiper 707 borders the inner edge 4924 of the second wiper 707 .
- the grooves 4902 , 4904 have a uniform depth. However, in other embodiments the grooves 4902 , 4904 can have a sloped depth such that the grooves are like that of FIGS. 47A and 47B . As the inner portion 4906 is configured to prevent fluid permeation, the fluid drains down the grooves 4902 , 4904 away from the newly exposed portion of the scope.
- FIG. 49A is a top view of yet another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment; and FIG. 49B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner of FIG. 49A taken along line B-B.
- the grooves are arranged along a diagonal direction on the face of the scope cleaner 700 .
- the first groove 4802 on the first wiper 705 is arranged along a diagonal line that runs from an inner edge 4826 to an outer edge 4825 of the first wiper 705 .
- the first groove 4802 traverses through the center 4712 of the first wiper 705 .
- the second groove 4804 on the second wiper 707 is arranged along a diagonal line that runs from an inner edge 4824 to an outer edge 4823 of the second wiper 707 .
- the second groove 4804 traverses through the center 4714 of the second wiper 707 .
- the grooves operate in a similar fashion to the grooves as described above. Namely, the grooves 4802 , 4804 provide for draining of fluid away from the inner edge 4826 , 4824 of the respective first and second wiper blades 705 , 707 .
- the grooves 4802 , 4804 have a uniform depth.
- section profiles have illustrated the wipers as being triangular in shape
- the section profile can be other shapes as well.
- the section profile can have a parallelogram shape, including rectangular or square shape.
- FIGS. 50-54 illustrate further examples of tip assemblies that can be implemented with the presented technology.
- the tip assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 50-54 can be implemented as a part of a trocar or a separate component that is configured to be coupled to a trocar.
- the tip assemblies can be coupled to the trocar by an adapter sleeve (not shown).
- the tip assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 50-54 are illustrated without all of the components in order to aid in illustration.
- the tip assemblies can be configured to include one or more of the components, elements, functions or features as described herein.
- FIG. 50 illustrates an exemplarily tip assembly 5005 .
- the exemplarily tip assembly 5005 includes jaws 5010 , 5011 .
- An upper jaw 5010 can be configured to flex relative to the body 5003 of the tip assembly 5005 .
- a lower jaw 5011 can also be configured to flex relative to the body 5003 .
- the upper jaw 5010 can include a first slider 5012 that is slidingly coupled to the upper jaw 5010 .
- the slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the first slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in the upper jaw 5012 .
- the lower jaw 5011 can include a second slider 5014 that is slidingly coupled to the lower jaw 5011 .
- the slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the second slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in the lower jaw 5011 .
- other configurations of the second slider 5014 and lower jaw 5011 are possible to allow relative motion of the second slider 5014 to the lower jaw 5011 .
- the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 can be configured to flex relative to the body 5003 , when a camera or other instrument abuts the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 .
- the first slider 5012 can have a wiper 5040 affixed to a first end 5042 .
- the second slider 5014 can have a wiper 5040 affixed to a first end 5044 .
- the upper jaw 5010 can separate from the lower jaw 5011 .
- the wipers 5040 can be configured as described herein.
- a closing mechanism 5022 can be included in the tip assembly 5005 .
- the closing mechanism 5022 can be configured to bias the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 to a closed configuration as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 51 .
- the closing mechanism 5022 in the illustrated embodiment is an elastic band.
- the elastic band can be metallic, plastic, or rubber.
- the elastic band can be configured to deliver a desired clamping force to the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 so that the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 close relative to one another to be in a closed position in which the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 substantially abut one another.
- the closing mechanism 5022 can be configured to rest in a groove 5020 formed in the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 .
- the groove 5020 can be configured such that an outer surface of the closing mechanism 5022 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 .
- the exemplarily tip assembly 5005 can further include slider biasing members 5030 that bias the first slider 5012 and the second slider 5014 to a retracted configuration relative to the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 , respectively.
- the biasing member 5030 can be a single component for the first slider 5012 and a single component for the second slider 5014 .
- the biasing member 5030 can be made of one or more components.
- the first slider 5012 can have two biasing members.
- the number of biasing members 5030 for the first slider 5012 can be one or any other number.
- the biasing member 5030 can include one or more attachment ends 5032 that are configured to be coupled to the upper jaw 5010 or lower jaw 5011 .
- the attachment ends 5032 can be coupled to the respective jaw 5010 , 5011 so that the biasing member 5030 can be releasably affixed to the respective jaw 5010 , 5011 .
- the biasing member 5030 can be permanently affixed to the respective jaw 5010 , 5011 .
- the biasing member 5030 that passes through the first slider 5012 is configured to pass through a distal end 5043 of the first slider 5012 such that there is an distal portion 5033 of the biasing member 5030 that is nearest to the distal end 5043 of the first slider 5012 .
- the biasing member 5030 that passes through the second slider 5014 is configured to pass through a distal end 5045 of the second slider 5014 such that there is a distal portion 5033 of the biasing member 5030 that is nearest to the distal end 5045 of the second slider 5014 .
- the biasing member 5030 can have different configurations of a distal portion 5033 that can be further away from the distal end 5043 , 5045 of the respective slider 5012 , 5014 .
- the biasing member 5030 can run less than three-fourths the length of the slider 5012 , 5014 . In yet other embodiments the biasing member 5030 can run less than half the distance of the slider 5012 , 5014 . In still other embodiments, the length of the biasing member 5030 can be distance that is selected to provide the appropriate return force and allow for the appropriate opening so that the instrument can pass between the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 . As indicated above, the biasing member 5030 can be configured to return the sliders 5012 , 5014 to a retracted position once the instrument has been removed. Other configurations of the biasing members 5030 that return the sliders 5012 , 5014 to a retracted position are considered within the scope of this disclosure.
- the biasing member 5030 can be any elastic material that allows for biasing the sliders to the retracted configuration.
- the biasing member 5030 can be made of a rubber, plastic or metal.
- FIG. 51 illustrates the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 in a closed configuration in which the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 substantially abut one another.
- the closing mechanism 5022 is configured to be mounted within a groove 5020 .
- the closing mechanism 5022 can be glued or otherwise affixed within the groove 5020 .
- the groove 5020 can be omitted and the closing mechanism 5022 can be tapered such that the outer edges of the closing mechanism 5022 are substantially flush with the outer surface of the upper jaw 5010 and lower jaw 5011 .
- the biasing members 5030 are shown in their retracted configuration.
- FIG. 52 illustrates an exemplarily tip assembly 5205 .
- the exemplarily tip assembly 5205 includes jaws 5210 , 5212 .
- An upper jaw 5210 can be configured to flex relative to the body 5203 of the tip assembly 5205 .
- a lower jaw 5211 can also be configured to flex relative to the body 5203 .
- the upper jaw 5210 can include a first slider 5212 that is slidingly coupled to the upper jaw 5210 .
- the slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the first slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in the upper jaw 5212 .
- the lower jaw 5211 can include a second slider 5214 that is slidingly coupled to the lower jaw 5211 .
- the slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the second slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in the lower jaw 5211 .
- other configurations of the second slider 5214 and lower jaw 5211 are possible to allow relative motion of the second slider 5214 to the lower jaw 5211 .
- the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 can be configured to flex relative to the body 5203 , when a camera or other instrument abuts the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 .
- the first slider 5212 can have a wiper 5240 affixed to a first end 5242 .
- the second slider 5214 can have a wiper 5240 affixed to a first end 5244 .
- the upper jaw 5210 can separate from the lower jaw 5211 .
- the wipers 5240 can be configured as described herein.
- a closing mechanism 5222 can be included in the tip assembly 5205 .
- the closing mechanism 5222 can be configured to bias the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 to a closed configuration as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 53 .
- the closing mechanism 5222 in the illustrated embodiment is an elastic band.
- the elastic band can be metallic, plastic, or rubber.
- the elastic band can be configured to deliver a desired clamping force to the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 so that the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 close relative to one another to be in a closed position in which the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 substantially abut one another.
- the closing mechanism 5222 can be configured to rest in a groove 5220 formed in the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 .
- the groove 5220 can be configured such that an outer surface of the closing mechanism 5222 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 .
- the exemplarily tip assembly 5205 can further include slider biasing members 5230 that bias the first slider 5212 and the second slider 5214 to a retracted configuration relative to the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 , respectively.
- the biasing member 5230 can be a single component for the first slider 5212 and a single component for the second slider 5214 .
- the biasing member 5230 can be made of one or more components.
- the first slider 5212 can have two biasing members.
- the number of biasing members 5230 for the first slider 5212 can be one or any other number.
- the biasing member 5230 can include one or more attachment ends 5232 that are configured to be coupled to the body 5203 .
- the attachment ends 5232 can be coupled to the body 5203 so that the biasing member 5230 can be releasably affixed to the body 5203 .
- the biasing member 5230 can be permanently affixed to the body 5203 .
- the biasing member 5230 that passes through the first slider 5212 is configured to pass through a distal end 5243 of the first slider 5212 such that there is an distal portion 5233 of the biasing member 5230 that is nearest to the distal end 5243 of the first slider 5212 .
- the biasing member 5230 that passes through the second slider 5214 is configured to pass through a distal end 5245 of the second slider 5214 such that there is a distal portion 5233 of the biasing member 5230 that is nearest to the distal end 5245 of the second slider 5214 .
- the biasing member 5230 can have different configurations of a distal portion 5233 that can be further away from the distal end 5243 , 5245 of the respective slider 5212 , 5214 .
- the biasing member 5230 can run less than three-fourths the length of the slider 5212 , 5214 . In yet other embodiments the biasing member 5230 can run less than half the distance of the slider 5212 , 5214 . In still other embodiments, the length of the biasing member 5230 can be distance that is selected to provide the appropriate return force and allow for the appropriate opening so that the instrument can pass between the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 . As indicated above, the biasing member 5230 can be configured to return the sliders 5212 , 5214 to a retracted position once the instrument has been removed. Other configurations of the biasing members 5230 that return the sliders 5212 , 5214 to a retracted position are considered within the scope of this disclosure.
- the biasing member 5230 can be any elastic material that allows for biasing the sliders to the retracted configuration.
- the biasing member 5230 can be made of a rubber, plastic or metal.
- FIG. 53 illustrates the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 in a closed configuration in which the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 substantially abut one another.
- the closing mechanism 5222 is configured to be mounted within a groove 5220 .
- the closing mechanism 5222 can be glued or otherwise affixed within the groove 5220 .
- the groove 5220 can be omitted and the closing mechanism 5222 can be tapered such that the outer edges of the closing mechanism 5222 are substantially flush with the outer surface of the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 .
- the biasing members 5230 are shown in their retracted configuration.
- the biasing members 5230 can provide a force to the first slider 5212 and second slider 5214 such that the sliders act to close the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 .
- the tip assembly 5205 includes the closing mechanism 5222 , the closing mechanism 5222 can be omitted and the upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 can be biased to the closed configuration via the biasing members 5230 .
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Abstract
A trocar assembly is presented herein. The trocar assembly can include a tip assembly comprising an adapter sleeve and a jaw assembly component. The jaw assembly component can be hingeably coupled to the adapter sleeve such that it has a first position, such as a rest position, and a second position, such as an expanded position. The adapter sleeve can be configured to couple the jaw assembly to a trocar of the trocar assembly component. Additionally, the trocar assembly can have a trocar having a hollow elongate member that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the hollow elongate member can be open. The first end can allow an implement to be inserted therein. The insertion of the implement can transition the jaw assembly component from the rest position to the expanded position.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/280,233 filed 24 Oct. 2011 and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/568,623 filed 8 Dec. 2012; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/593,957 filed 2 Feb. 2012; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/624,963 filed 16 Apr. 2012. The contents of each are incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.
- The present disclosure relates generally to trocar devices, and more specifically, to jawed trocar assemblies which can be utilized in surgical procedures.
- Implementations of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscopic tool assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a locking member for a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a jawed trocar assembly illustrating an insertion of an implement into the jawed trocars in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure having an implement inserted therethrough; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a second end of a jawed trocar assembly in a first position (for example, a rest position) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a second end of a jawed trocar assembly in a second position (for example, an expanded position) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a jawed trocar assembly in a first position (such as a rest position) and illustrating an implement (such as an endoscope) to be inserted therein in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a side of the jawed trocar assembly illustrated inFIG. 6 except in a second position (such as an expanded position); -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a locking member configured for engagement with the jawed trocar assembly to maintain the jawed trocar assembly in the rest position in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIGS. 9-13 are cross-sectional views of an exemplary embodiment of a jawed trocar assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, having a scope cleaner mechanism coupled thereto, illustrating several positions of the scope cleaner mechanism against an endoscope inserted into the jawed trocar assembly to clean debris from the surface of the endoscope; -
FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a jawed trocar assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, having a scope cleaner mechanism which is rotatable; -
FIGS. 16-18 are perspective views of another embodiment of a scope cleaner mechanism which can be inserted into a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure having a biasing mechanism configured to bias the jawed trocar assembly in the second position, for example the expanded position, wherein the illustrated jawed trocar assembly is in the first position, for example, the rest position; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the jawed trocar assembly illustrated inFIG. 19 , wherein the biasing mechanism has been actuated to bias the jawed trocar assembly in the expanded position; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the jawed trocar assembly illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20 illustrating an actuator of the biasing mechanism; -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a reflecting member; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the reflecting member assembled with a jawed trocar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a removal trocar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a trocar assembly having a trocar and a tip assembly for the trocar in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of a trocar assembly assembled with a tip assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the interconnections of components of the tip assembly and the trocar assembly in phantom; -
FIGS. 27-29 are perspective views of a trocar assembly illustrating the removal of a locking member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; -
FIGS. 30-31 are cross-sectional views of a tip assembly illustrating the coupling of a jaw assembly component and adapter sleeve of the tip assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; -
FIGS. 32-35 are cross-sectional views of a tip assembly coupled with a trocar assembly illustrating the removal of a locking member of the tip assembly; -
FIG. 36 is an exploded view of a tip assembly for a trocar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; -
FIGS. 37-38 are cross-sectional views of the tip assembly illustrated inFIG. 36 illustrating the coupling of the jaw assembly component and the adapter sleeve of the tip assembly illustrated inFIG. 36 ; -
FIGS. 39-42 are cross-sectional views of a tip assembly illustrated inFIGS. 78-38 coupled with a trocar assembly and illustrating the removal of a locking member of the tip assembly; -
FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of an exemplary tip assembly, in a closed configuration, having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of a band; -
FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of the exemplary tip assembly ofFIG. 43 , in an open configuration, wherein the band has been fractured; -
FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of an exemplary tip assembly, in a closed configuration, having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of at least one tab; -
FIG. 46 is a side elevation view of the exemplary tip assembly ofFIG. 45 , in an open configuration, wherein the at least one tab has been fractured; -
FIG. 47A is a top view of an exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment; -
FIG. 47B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner ofFIG. 47A taken along line B-B; -
FIG. 48A is a top view of another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment; -
FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner ofFIG. 48A taken along line B-B; -
FIG. 49A is a top view of yet another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment; and -
FIG. 49B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner ofFIG. 49A taken along line B-B. -
FIG. 50 is a perspective view of yet another exemplarily tip assembly in an open configuration, according to an exemplarily embodiment; -
FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the tip assembly ofFIG. 50 ; -
FIG. 52 is a a perspective view of still another exemplarily tip assembly in an open configuration, according to an exemplarily embodiment; -
FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the tip assembly ofFIG. 52 . - It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the implementations described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations described herein.
- Several definitions that apply throughout this document will now be presented. The phrase “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components and is not necessarily limited to physical connections.
- Medical procedures performed within the body cavity of a patient are typically achieved through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted through a small entrance incision in the skin of the patient. Typically, the cannula is extended into the patient's body through the entranceincision to provide an access port. The access port allows the surgeon to insert a number of different medical implements therethrough. For example, the medical implements can be inserted through the cannula or a trocar to access portions of the body cavity that are far removed from the incision. Medical procedures which utilize cannulas and/or trocars can include endoscopic procedures in which an endoscope is inserted into the cavity to provide the surgeon with a view of the interior cavity of the patient, laparoscopic procedures, colonoscopic procedures, and other minimally invasive procedures which are performed via small incisions in the skin of a patient. Many of these procedures are often performed remotely from the incision. Consequently, application of the medical implements can be complicated by a reduced field of view and/or a reduced tactile feedback from the surgeon at the proximal end of the medical implement.
- A trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure can include a hollow elongate member and a jaw. The hollow elongate member can have a first end a second end. The first end can be open and configured to receive an implement insertable therethrough. The jaw can be hingedly coupled to the second end of the hollow elongate member. The jaw can be adapted to penetrate at least one layer of a body tissue. For example, the jaw can be adapted to penetrate at least one layer of a body tissue. The trocar assembly can have a first position and a second position. The first position can be a rest position wherein the jaw is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate member. The second position can be an expanded position wherein the jaw is rotated such that an end of the jaw is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis. In the event the implement is inserted through the hollow elongate member, when the trocar assembly is placed in the second position, the implement can be protrudable therefrom. For example, in the event the implement is inserted and received within the hollow elongate member, the trocar assembly can be transitionable into the second position. For example, when the implement is longitudinally advanced through the hollow elongate member to protrude out from the second end of the hollow elongate member, the jaw can be rotated such that the end of the jaw is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate member, thereby placing the trocar assembly in the second position. In this second position, as the implement is protrudable from the second end of the hollow elongate member and from the end of the jaw, the implement can engage portions of a body cavity of a patient to perform medical procedures within the body cavity.
- Other configurations and arrangements will be described below in relation to illustrated implementations. One of ordinary skill would appreciate that the elements from the illustrated implementations can be optionally included, combined, omitted, and arranged in various combinations to achieve the described benefits of the presently disclosed notification device. It will also be appreciated that while
FIGS. 4-23 illustrate distal ends of the jawed trocar assembly, these views are merely for illustration, and those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the length of the jawed trocar assembly can vary from views illustrated therein. -
FIG. 1 is perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a medical implement assembly having a trocar assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. The medical implementassembly 100 inFIG. 1 can include atrocar assembly 200 and an implement 400. For example, inFIG. 1 , the implement 400 is an endoscope. However, the implement 400 can also be a laparoscope, an endoscopic stapler, a suctioning device, a fluid line, or other implement. Thetrocar assembly 200 can include a hollowelongate member 205 having afirst end 203 and asecond end 209. Thefirst end 203 can be the proximal end which is closest to the surgeon during medical procedures. The implement 400 can be insertable through thefirst end 203 of the hollowelongate member 205, as shown inFIG. 3 . Thesecond end 207 can be the distal end which is inserted into the body cavity of a patient for medical procedures. Thesecond end 207 can also have acircumference 209. As illustrated inFIG. 1 , thetrocar assembly 200 can include at least onejaw 210 coupled to thesecond end 209 of theelongate member 205. For example, inFIG. 1 , the at least onejaw 210 is hingedly coupled to acircumference 209 of thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. Thetrocar assembly 200 can have a first position 2000 (shown inFIG. 4 ) to a second position 2500 (shown inFIG. 1 ). In thesecond position 2500, shown as an expanded position inFIG. 1 , the at least onejaw 210 can be rotated such than anend 213 of the at least onejaw 210 is positioned radially away from thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that whileFIG. 1 illustrates the at least onejaw 210 rotates radially away from the longitudinal axis, the at least onejaw 210 can rotate along an axis of rotation offset from the longitudinal axis of the hollowelongate member 205. For example, the at least onejaw 210 can be hinged to the circumference of the hollowelongate member 205 such that the at least onejaw 210 can swing away from thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205, similar to the way a door moves on a door hinge. - In
FIG. 1 , the at least onejaw 210 includes a pair of jaws. Each of the pair ofjaws 210 can be hingedly coupled to thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. For example, inFIG. 1 , each jaw is hingedly coupled to thecircumference 209 of thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. Also illustrated inFIG. 1 , the pair ofjaws 210 can be coupled to the hollowelongate member 205 such that eachjaw 210 is opposite to the other. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the pair ofjaws 210 can have apenetrating surface 211 adapted to penetrate through at least one layer of the body tissue. In another embodiment, both of thejaws 210 can have apenetrating surface 211. The penetratingsurface 211 can be an abrasive surface, a smooth surface, a blade, a razor, a sharp edge, or other surface which allows the at least onejaw 210 to penetrate through at least one layer of body tissue. Further details as to thefirst position 2000 andsecond position 2500 of atrocar assembly 200 having a pair ofjaws 210 will be discussed below with respect toFIGS. 4 and 5 . In thissecond position 2500, the implement 400 can protrude from thesecond end 207 of the hollow elongate member, through thejaws 210, and out from thejaws 210. For example, in thesecond position 2500, thedistal end 410 of the implement 300 can protrude form theend 213 of the at least onejaw 210. - In
FIG. 1 , the at least onejaw 210 can be configured to penetrate (for example, make an incision) through at least one layer of a body tissue. Those of skill will appreciate that in order to penetrate at least one layer of body tissue, the at least onejaw 210 of thetrocar assembly 200 can be substantially rigid to allow pressure to be placed on thetrocar assembly 200 to penetrate the at least one layer of body tissue. For example, the at least onejaw 210 can be made of a rigid material. For example, the jaw can be made of a hard plastic, metal, composite material, or other material that does not substantially deform when pressure is applied to the at least onejaw 210 to penetrate through at least one layer of body tissue. In another embodiment, the at least onejaw 210 can be made of a semi-deformable material, such as a pliable plastic or other semi-deformable material that does not substantially deform when pressure is applied to the at least onejaw 210 to penetrate through the at least one layer of body tissue. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the at least onejaw 210 can be made of a biologically-safe material, as the at least onejaw 210 is insertable into a body cavity of patient. Some examples of biologically-safe material include but are not limited to polycarbonate and polysuphone. - In another embodiment, the at least one
jaw 210 can be made of a deformable plastic, but the at least onejaw 210 can be couplable to a locking member 300 (shown inFIG. 2 ) which when coupled to the at least onejaw 210, provides the at least onejaw 210 with a rigidity that reduces the deformation of the at least onejaw 210 when pressure is applied thereto to penetrate through the at least one layer of body tissue. For example, in an embodiment where the at least onejaw 210 includes a pair of jaws, a locking member 300 (shown inFIG. 2 ) can be coupled to the pair of jaws to maintain the pair of jaws in the rest position 2000 (shown inFIG. 4 ) and to provide the pair of jaws with sufficient rigidity such that when pressure is placed on thejaws 210 to penetrate through a layer of body tissue, the pair ofjaws 210 will not deform.FIG. 2 illustrates anexemplary locking member 300 which can be couplable to a pair of jaws. For example, inFIG. 2 , the lockingmember 300 can include arod 305. Therod 305 can be a tube, a hollow tube, a cylindrical member, a hollow cylindrical member, a wire, or any other structure or member which can be coupled to the hollowelongate member 205 and can maintain the jaw in the rest position. InFIG. 2 , therod 305 can be insertable through the hollowelongate member 205. At least oneprotrusion 310 can coupled to anend 307 of therod 305. For example, the at least oneprotrusion 310 can be welded, screwed, glued, or otherwise attached to therod 305. In other embodiments, the at least onprotrusion 310 can be formed at the end of therod 305. - In
FIG. 2 , the at least oneprotrusion 310 can be coupled to theend 307 of therod 305 that is adjacent the at least onejaw 210 coupled to the hollowelongate member 205, in the event the lockingmember 300 is inserted into the hollow elongate member. InFIG. 2 , the lockingmember 300 includes fourprotrusions 310. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number ofprotrusions 310 can be implemented. Each of theprotrusions 310 can matingly engage with a corresponding recess (not shown) formed in at least one of thejaws 210 illustrated inFIG. 1 . In the event the lockingmember 100 is inserted into the hollowelongate member 205 and at least one of theprotrusions 310 matingly engages the corresponding recess, thejaws 210 can be locked or maintained in therest position 2500, thereby allowing pressure to be placed on thejaws 210 to penetrate through at least one layer of body tissue, without substantially deforming thejaws 210. The lockingmember 300 can be removable from the hollowelongate member 205, thereby disengaging the at least oneprotrusion 310 from thejaws 210. In the event the lockingmember 300 is removed from the hollowelongate member 205, thetrocar assembly 100 can be transitionable between a first position (for example, rest position) and a second position (for example, and expanded position).FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a lockingmember 300. InFIG. 8 , the lockingmember 300 includes a hollowcylindrical member 805 having anend 807. At least onetab 810 can be coupled to theend 807 of the hollowcylindrical member 805. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8 , a plurality oftabs 810 are formed along thecircumference 809 of theend 807 of the hollowcylindrical member 805. Similar to the protrusions of the lockingmember 300 illustrated inFIG. 2 , when the hollowcylindrical member 805 is inserted in the hollowelongate member 205 of thetrocar assembly 200, the plurality oftabs 805 can engage recesses 509 (shown inFIGS. 9-13 ) formed in the at least onejaw 210 to maintain thetrocar assembly 200 in arest position 2000. For example, by maintaining thejaws 210 in therest position 2000. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a partial view of the at least onejaw 210 illustrated in thetrocar assembly 100 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 4 illustrates the at least onejaw 210 the at least onejaw 210 in afirst position 2000 that is a rest position. For example, inFIG. 4 , the at least onejaw 210 the at least onejaw 210 is a pair ofjaw 210. In thefirst position 2000, the pair ofjaws 210 are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollowelongate member 205. Also illustrated inFIG. 4 , in thefirst position 2000, the pair ofjaws 210 are positioned with respect to one another such that the ends 213 of each of thejaws 210 form a substantially conical contour adapted to penetrate the layer of the body tissue. Thefirst position 2000 can be a position in which an implement 400 has been inserted through the cavity of the hollowelongate member 205 but has not been advanced therethrough to protrude from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. When the implement 400 has been inserted through the cavity of the hollowelongate member 205 and is advanced therethrough such that the implement 400 begins to protrude out from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 and begins to engage an inner surface 235 (shown inFIG. 5 ) of at least one of thejaws 210, thetrocar assembly 100 can be transitioned into thesecond position 2500. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of thetrocar assembly 100 as the trocar assembly is transitioning into thesecond position 2500. In thesecond position 2500, each of the jaws of the pair ofjaws 210 can be rotated such that the ends 213 of eachjaw 210 are positioned radially away from thelongitudinal axis 230. In thissecond position 2500, the implement 400 can be protrudable therefrom to perform medical procedures within the body cavity. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , theend 410 of the implement 400 can engage aninterior surface 235 of at least one of thejaws 210 as the implement is advanced through the hollowelongate member 205. As the implement 400 is further advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 to protrude out from thesecond end 207, theend 410 of the implement 400 can apply a force against theinterior surface 235 of at least one of thejaws 210 to permit the rotation of at least one of thejaws 210 about thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 to displace or position the ends 213 of thejaws 210 radially away from thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205. The further the implement 400 is advanced through hollowelongate member 205, thejaws 210 are further rotated, and the radial distance between theends 213 of thejaws 210 from thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205 is increased. The implement 400 can be advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 and through thejaws 210 such that theend 410 of the implement 400 can protrude a distance away from theends 213 of thejaws 210. As the implement 400 can protrude a distance away from theends 213 of thejaws 210, the implement 400 can be manipulated for medical procedures within the patient's body cavity without substantial interference from thejaws 210. - While
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate atrocar assembly 200 having a pair ofjaws 210 which are substantially identical, in another embodiment, the pair ofjaws 210 need not be identical. For example,FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of atrocar assembly 200 having a pair ofjaws 510 has afirst jaw 511 and asecond jaw 515, thesecond jaw 510 being different from thefirst jaw 511. InFIG. 6 , thetrocar assembly 200 is in thefirst position 2000, wherein thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515 are each substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollow elongate member 250. InFIG. 6 , thefirst jaw 511 includes a penetratingmember 513 at an end thereof. InFIG. 6 , the penetratingmember 513 is configured to penetrate at least one layer of body tissue. For example, the penetratingmember 513 can be a substantially conical tip, as illustrated inFIG. 6 , a blade, a tip having a cutting surface thereon, or any other member which can penetrate at least one layer of body tissue. InFIG. 6 , thesecond jaw 515 does not include a penetrating member. Instead the second jaw 215 is configured to be positioned adjacent thefirst jaw 511 in thefirst position 2000 such that the penetratingmember 513 extends longitudinally further than an end 517 (shown inFIG. 7 ) of thesecond jaw 515. For example, inFIG. 6 , the penetratingmember 513 extends longitudinally further than theend 517 of thesecond jaw 515 in the first position 2000 (for example the rest position) such that the exterior surfaces of the penetratingmember 513 and thesecond end 517 form a substantially conical contour. That is, in at least one embodiment where thefirst jaw 511 includes a penetratingmember 513, thefirst jaw 511 and thesecond jaw 515 can be configured such that in the first position 2000 (for example, the rest position), thefirst jaw 511 and thesecond jaw 515 can form a substantially contiguous contour. With the substantially contiguous contour, thetrocar assembly 205 can have a substantially uniform shape that permits a clean penetration through at least one layer of body tissue. Also illustrated inFIG. 6 is an implement 400 that is an endoscope which is insertable through the hollowelongate member 205. Theendoscope 400 inFIG. 6 has twolenses 415. However, in other embodiments, theendoscope 400 can have onelens 415′ (shown inFIG. 9 ) or more than onelens 415. For example, inFIG. 9 , alens 415′ of anendoscope 400 having asingle lens 415′ is shown overlaid on the twolenses 415. - FIGS. 7 and 9-13 illustrate another embodiment of a
trocar assembly 200 having a pair ofjaws FIG. 7 , thetrocar assembly 200 can have afirst jaw 511 having afirst slider 514 axially translatably coupled thereto. For example, thefirst slider 514 can be configured to translate along thefirst jaw 511 parallel to the longitudinal axis of thefirst jaw 511. That is, thefirst slide 514 can be axially translatable with respect to thefirst jaw 511. The longitudinal axis of thefirst jaw 511 can be parallel to thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205. Similarly, thesecond jaw 515 can have asecond slider 516 axially translatably coupled thereto. Thesecond slider 516 can be configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of thesecond jaw 516. That is, thesecond slider 516 can be axially translatable with respect to thesecond jaw 516. The longitudinal axis of thesecond jaw 516 can be parallel to thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205 in thefirst position 2000. InFIG. 7 , though not illustrated, when thetrocar assembly 205 is in the first position 2000 (for example, the rest position), thefirst slider 514 and thesecond slider 516 can be positioned adjacent one another parallel to thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205. In at least one embodiment, thefirst slider 514 and thesecond slider 516 can be translatably coupled to theirrespective jaws first slider 514 andsecond slider 516 can have a slot (not shown) formed therein. The slot of thefirst slider 514 can be configured to engage a pin (not shown) coupled to thefirst jaw 511. The slot of thesecond slider 516 can be configured to engage a pin (not shown) coupled to thesecond jaw 515. Thus, the pins of thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515, slide within the slots of the respectivefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516, thereby providing for the axially translatable cooperation between thejaws sliders sliders respective jaws sliders respective jaws sliders first position 2000, where and end 518, 519 of theslider second end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. For example, theslider slider first position 2000. In another embodiment, only one of thesliders - In the
second position 2500 of thetrocar assembly 200, thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 are able to translate along theirrespective jaw FIG. 7 , when an implement 400 is inserted and advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 such that thedistal end 410 of the implement 400 engages anend first slider 514 andsecond slider 516. As the implement 400 is further advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 to protrude out from thesecond end 207 and to advance through thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515, the implement 400 can apply pressure against thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 to translate thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 away from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. For example, thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 can translate axially away from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 as thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515 rotate radially away from thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205 in the second position 2500 (for example, the expanded position). In other words, as the implement 400 is advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 and thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515, the implement 400 can assist in translating thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 with respect to thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515. WhileFIG. 7 illustrates atrocar assembly 200 having twosliders trocar assembly 200 can have oneslider - In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 7 , thetrocar assembly 200 can include ascope cleaner 700 interiorly positioned with respect to thejaws 510. For example, inFIG. 7 , thescope cleaner 700 can be a pair ofwiper blades jaws 510. Thewiper blades implements 400 insertable in the hollowelongate member 205. InFIG. 7 , afirst wiper 705 can be coupled to thefirst jaw 511. InFIG. 7 , thefirst wiper blade 705 can be coupled to thefirst slider 514. InFIG. 7 , the first slider 714 has the penetratingmember 513 coupled to afirst end 512, and thefirst wiper blade 705 can be coupled to thefirst slider 514 at anend 518 opposite to the penetratingmember 513. Thefirst wiper blade 705 can be configured to sweep across an interior 208 (shown inFIGS. 16-18 ) of the hollowelongate member 205 when thefirst slider 514 translates axially away from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 and thefirst jaw 511 is rotated into thesecond position 2500. Thesecond wiper blade 707 can be coupled to thesecond jaw 515. For example, inFIG. 7 , thesecond wiper blade 707 can be coupled to thesecond slider 516. InFIG. 7 , thesecond wiper blade 707 can be coupled to anend 519 of thesecond slider 516, such that in thefirst position 2000, thefirst wiper blade 705 and thesecond wiper blade 707 are adjacent one another. The second wiper blade 709 can be configured to sweep across an interior 208 (shown inFIGS. 16-18 ) of the hollowelongate member 205 when thesecond slider 516 translates axially away from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 and thesecond jaw 515 is rotated into thesecond position 2500. The sweeping movement of thefirst wiper blade 705 andsecond wiper blade 707 will be described in further detail with the exemplary non-limiting embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9-13 . -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of thetrocar assembly 200 illustrated inFIG. 7 taken along thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205. InFIG. 9 , thetrocar assembly 200 is in the first position 2000 (e.g., rest position). A lockingmember 300, such as the one illustrated inFIG. 8 , is inserted in the hollowelongate member 205 and engaged with thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515 to maintain thetrocar assembly 200 in thefirst position 2000. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9 , thetabs 810 of the lockingmember 300 engagerecesses 509 formed in aninterior surface 507 of thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515. As the locking member engagesrecesses 509, thefirst jaw 511 ansecond jaw 515 are prevented from rotating axially away from thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205. Also illustrated inFIG. 9 , as the lockingmember 300 maintains thetrocar assembly 200 in the first position, thefirst wiper blade 705 andsecond wiper blade 705 are maintained adjacent one another and proximate to acenter 206 of the cross-sectional face of the hollowelongate member 205.FIG. 9 also illustrates a cross-sectional view of thetrocar assembly 200 taken along a plane perpendicular to thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515 and thelongitudinal axis 230. As illustrated in this cross-sectional view, when the lockingmember 300 maintains thetrocar assembly 200 in the first position, thefirst wiper blade 705 and thesecond wiper blade 707 are maintained such that thefirst wiper blade 705 andsecond wiper blade 707 are adjacent to one another. In the event an implement 400 is inserted in the hollowelongate member 705 and thetrocar assembly 200 is in thefirst position 2000, thefirst wiper blade 705 and thesecond wiper blade 707 can be adjacent to adistal end 410 of the implement 400. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9 , thefirst wiper blade 705 and thesecond wiper blade 707 are disposed adjacent one another. -
FIG. 10 illustrates thetrocar assembly 200 inFIG. 9 , except the lockingmember 300 has been removed from the hollowelongate member 205. As the lockingmember 300 has been removed, thetrocar assembly 200 is permitted to transition from the first position 2000 (e.g., rest position) to thesecond position 2500. Thetrocar assembly 200 can be transitioned to thesecond position 2500 as the implement 400 is advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 to protrude out from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. -
FIG. 11 illustrates thetrocar assembly 200 inFIGS. 9 and 10 , where the implement 400 has been advanced towards thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 such that the implement 400 begins to protrude out from thesecond end 207 and thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515 begin to rotate axially away from thelongitudinal axis 230 of the hollowelongate member 205. That is,FIG. 11 illustrates thetrocar assembly 200 beginning to transition to the second position 2500 (e.g., expanded position). InFIG. 11 , as the implement 400 advances further through the hollowelongate member 205 to protrude out from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205, thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 translate axially away from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205, thereby permitting thewiper blades FIG. 11 also illustrates a cross-sectional view of thetrocar assembly 200 taken along a plane parallel to thelongitudinal axis 230. As illustrated in this cross-sectional view inFIG. 11 , as the implement 400 protrudes out from thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 and engages thewiper blades wiper blades wiper blades FIG. 11 , thewiper blades center 206 of the cross-sectional face of the implement 400 and thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. That is, thewiper blades center 206 of the implement 400 towards the circumference of the implement 400. -
FIG. 12 illustrates thetrocar assembly 200 in the second position 2500 (e.g., expanded position). In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , the implement 400 has been advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 beyond thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. As illustrated inFIG. 12 , the implement 400 has been advanced beyond thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205 such that the implement 400 can advance between thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515. As illustrated inFIG. 12 , as the implement 400 is further advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 and between thefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515, thewiper blades wiper blades elongate member 205 and between thefirst jaw 511 and thesecond jaw 515, the implement 400 can be advanced to protrude beyond thesecond end 517 of thesecond jaw 515 and beyond the penetratingmember 213 of thefirst jaw 511, as illustrated inFIG. 13 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 13 , when the implement 400 is advanced such that it protrudes beyond thesecond end 517 of thesecond jaw 515 and the penetratingmember 513 of thefirst jaw 511, thewiper blades FIG. 13 , thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 can be biased towards thesecond end 207 of the hollowelongate member 205. For example, thefirst slider 514 and thesecond slider 516 can be biased such that thefirst slider 514 andsecond slider 516 form a contiguous contour with their respectivefirst jaw 511 andsecond jaw 515, as illustrated inFIG. 13 . For example, each of thefirst slider 514 and thesecond slider 516 can be biased towards thesecond end 207 of the hollow elongate member by a biaser such as a spring, a cam surface, or other biasing member. - In
FIGS. 9-13 , as thewiper blades wiper blades FIG. 9-13 , the sweeping action of thewiper blades wiper blades scope cleaner 700 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9-14, a surgeon need not remove theendoscope 400 from the body cavity to clean theendoscope 400. That is, the surgeon need only retract and advance theendoscope 400 from thetrocar assembly 200. For example, inFIG. 13 , as theendoscope 400 protrudes beyond thesecond end 517 of thesecond jaw 515 and the penetratingmember 513 of thefirst jaw 511, theendoscope 400 can be manipulated by the surgeon during medical procedures. During these medical procedures, theendoscope 400 can accumulate debris thereon. In the event the surgeon's visibility from theendoscope 400 becomes obstructed, theendoscope 400 can be retracted within the hollowelongate member 205 such that thetrocar assembly 200 is in the first position 2000 (e.g., the rest position). Theendoscope 400 can then be advanced through the hollowelongate member 205 and out beyond thesecond end 517 of thesecond jaw 515 and the penetratingmember 513 of thefirst jaw 511, thereby permitting thewiper blades endoscope 400. As a result, the surgeon's visibility from theendoscope 400 is clearer as theendoscope 400 is cleaned by thewipers FIG. 9-13 illustrate thewiper blades lenses wiper blades lenses elongate member 205, a length that is 80 percent of the inner diameter of the hollowelongate member 205, or any other length which can clean debris off of theendoscope 400 or implement inserted into the trocar assembly. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 are an illustration of another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of atrocar assembly 200 of the present disclosure having an alternative embodiment of ascope cleaner 900. InFIGS. 14 and 15 , the scope cleaner is arotatable scope cleaner 900. For example, therotatable scope cleaner 900 comprises arotatable stem 905 and awiper blade 910. Therotatable stem 905 can be actuated by the surgeon. Thewiper blade 910 is rotatably coupled to adistal end 909 of thestem 905. For example, a rotation of thestem 905 causes thewiper blade 910 to rotate. As thewiper blade 910 rotates, thewiper blade 905 can sweep across the cross-sectional face of an implement 400 inserted into the hollowelongate member 205 and/or an interior of the hollowelongate member 205. InFIGS. 14 and 15 , thewiper blade 910 is a rotatable arched blade. For example, inFIGS. 14 and 15 , the at least onejaw 210 includes anaperture 950 formed therein. Theaperture 950 is configured such that therotatable wiper blade 910 can pass therethrough when thewiper blade 910 is rotated.FIG. 14 illustrates a starting position of therotatable blade 910 where therotatable blade 910 is positioned parallel to an interior circumference of the at least onejaw 210. When theendoscope 400 is inserted and/or retracted into the hollowelongate member 205, and thetrocar assembly 200 is placed in the first position 2000 (e.g., rest position), theendoscope 400 can be positioned adjacent therotatable wiper blade 910 such that thewiper blade 910 engages the exterior surface of theendoscope 400. Therotatable stem 905 can be actuated to rotate thewiper blade 910. For example, thewiper blade 910 can be rotated outwardly through theaperture 950, such that thewiper blade 910 is positioned externally to the at least onejaw 210.FIG. 15 illustrates an end position of therotatable blade 910 after therotatable stem 910 has been rotated to rotate thewiper blade 910 outwardly through theaperture 950. As thewiper blade 910 is rotated outwardly through theaperture 950, thewiper blade 910 can sweep across the exterior surface of theendoscope 400, thereby cleaning the endoscope and removing debris therefrom. InFIGS. 14 and 15 , therotatable wiper blade 910 can be arched to maximize the surface area of the endoscope cleaned or wiped by the wiper blade. However, in other embodiments, thewiper blade 910 can have other shapes and configurations, so long as thewiper blade 910 can be manipulated to clear debris from the surface of the endoscope, thereby increasing or clearing the surgeon's visibility of theendoscope 400. -
FIGS. 16-18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of ascope cleaner 1000. InFIGS. 16-18 , the scope cleaner is a rotatable flexiblewiper blade assembly 1000. InFIGS. 16-18 , thewiper blade assembly 1000 can include aflexible wiper blade 1050 coupled to alever flexible wiper 1050 can be configured to be positioned between the jaw (not shown) and the second end (not shown) of a hollow elongate member (not shown) to which theflexible wiper 1050 can be coupled. InFIGS. 16-18 , theflexible wiper blade 1050 can be coupled to twolevers levers elongate member 205 in which the flexiblewiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thewiper blade 1050 can be coupled to only one lever. - In
FIGS. 16-18 , afirst end 1005 of thewiper blade 1050 can be coupled to thefirst lever 1015. For example, inFIGS. 16-18 , thefirst end 1005 can be coupled to thefirst lever 1015 by astem 1010 configured to extend longitudinally parallel to the hollowelongate member 205 in which the flexiblewiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted. Thesecond end 1007 of theflexible wiper blade 1050 can be coupled to thesecond lever 1017. In at least one embodiment, such as inFIGS. 16-18 , thesecond end 1007 of theflexible wiper blade 100 can be coupled to thesecond lever 1017 by arespective stem 1010 configured to extend longitudinally parallel to the hollowelongate member 205. As illustrated inFIGS. 16-18 , theflexible wiper blade 1050 can extend along a diameter of the interior of a hollow elongate tube in which the flexiblewiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted. InFIGS. 16-18 , theflexible wiper blade 1050 extends across an entirety of the diameters to the hollow elongate member to ensure that an entirety of the cross-sectional surface of the hollow elongate member will be cleaned. However, in other embodiments, theflexible wiper blade 1050 can extend partially across the diameter of the hollow elongate member or can extend across the interior of the hollow elongate member in any other manner that allows thewiper blade 1050 to sweep across at least a portion of the interior of the hollow elongate member. - In
FIGS. 16-18 , a rotation of thelevers elongate member 205 in which the flexiblewiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted. For example, inFIG. 17 , thefirst lever 1015 has been rotated counterclockwise. In response to this counterclockwise rotation of thefirst lever 1015, thefirst end 1005 of theflexible wiper blade 1050 is also rotated counterclockwise. As thesecond end 1007 of theflexible wiper blade 1050 has not been rotated, theflexible wiper blade 1050 deforms or flexes. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 17 , theflexible wiper blade 1050 can flex and form a reverse-S-shape. As theflexible wiper blade 1050 can flex, theflexible wiper blade 1050 can sweep across approximately half of an interior 208 of the hollowelongate member 205 in which the flexiblewiper blade assembly 1000 is inserted. In another embodiment, theflexible wiper blade 1050 can sweep across an exterior surface of an implement (not shown), for example, across the lens of an endoscope. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 16-18 , theflexible wiper blade 1050 can be flexed to sweep across the remaining half of theinterior 208 of the hollowelongate member 205 upon a rotation of thesecond lever 1017. For example, inFIG. 18 , thesecond lever 1017 can be rotated clockwise, which thereby rotates thesecond end 1007 of theflexible wiper blade 1050 to also rotate counterclockwise. As a result of this rotation, theflexible wiper blade 1050 can continue to flex. As the rotation of thefirst lever 1015 can cause thewiper blade 1050 to flex into a reverse-S-shape, the rotation of thesecond lever 1017 can cause thewiper blade 1050 to continue to flex out of the reverse-S-shape. For example, the rotation of thesecond lever 1017 can cause theflexible wiper blade 1050 to flex into a semi-circular shape, as illustrated inFIG. 18 . InFIG. 18 , theflexible wiper blade 1050 has flexed to a position that is a minor image of the beginning position of theflexible wiper blade 1050 before either of thelevers FIG. 18 , theflexible wiper blade 1050 has swept across substantially an entirety of theinterior 208 of the hollowelongate member 205. -
FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of atrocar assembly 200 having abiasing mechanism 1100. Thebiasing mechanism 1100 can be configured to maintain thetrocar assembly 200 in thesecond position 2500. For example, thebiasing mechanism 1100 can maintain the at least onejaw 210 of thetrocar assembly 200 in a position where theend 213 of the jaw is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis (for example, a longitudinal center line) of the hollowelongate member 205. By biasing thetrocar assembly 200 in the second position 2500 (e.g., the expanded position), implements 400 (not shown) can be inserted and removed during medical procedures performed within the body cavity without having to continually transition the at least onejaw 210 between thefirst position 2000 and thesecond position 2500. As thetrocar assembly 200 can be biased in thesecond position 2500 after being inserted into the body cavity of the patient, there can be fewer moving parts within the body cavity and less irritation to the interior of the body cavity. - Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
scope cleaners FIGS. 6-16 can be removably coupled to thetrocar assembly 200. For example, with thescope cleaner 700 illustrated inFIGS. 9-13 , thescope cleaner 700 can be detachable from thejaw 210. In other embodiments, the scope cleaners can be removably insertable from the hollowelongate member 205. - While
FIG. 6-16 illustratescope cleaners FIG. 5 ). The cleaningspray 590 can include afluid line fluid line FIG. 5 , the cleaning spray includes twofluid lines FIG. 5 , one of thefluid lines 591 can spray a cleaning fluid onto a lens of an endoscope inserted in thetrocar assembly 200. Theother fluid line 592 can spray a drying fluid onto the lens of the endoscope. - Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the scope cleaner can be offset laterally or rotated on a hinge offset from the at least one
jaw 210 to position the scope cleaner away from the path of an implement 400 inserted into thetrocar assembly 200. - In
FIGS. 19-21 thebiasing mechanism 1100 includes arod 1105 and abias loop 1110. Thebias loop 1110 can be a rigid wire shaped to conform to a recess 1150 (shown inFIG. 21 ) formed within a wall of the at least onejaw 210 the at least onejaw 210 of thetrocar assembly 200. InFIGS. 19-21 , thebias loop 1110 has an oblong shape; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thebias loop 1110 can have other shapes. Some examples of other shapes include a wedge like shape or a round disk like shape. InFIGS. 19-21 , thebias loop 1110 has a first end configured to engage a first recess of the at least onejaw 210 the at least onejaw 210. Thebias loop 1110 can also have a second end configured to engage a second recess of the at least onejaw 210. As illustrated inFIG. 21 , therecess 1150 can be formed in an outer wall of the at least onejaw 210. Therecess 1150 can have a rounded shape to accommodate a rounded portion of thebias loop 1110. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that therecess 1150 can have any other shape, so long as therecess 1150 can accommodate thebias loop 1110. - In
FIGS. 19-21 , thebias loop 1110 can have pressure applied thereto to urge the at least onejaw 210 of thetrocar assembly 200 towards thesecond position 2500 and maintain thetrocar assembly 200 there. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 21 , thebias loop 1110 can be coupled to anactuator 1115. For example, theactuator 1115 can be a lever, a knob, a dial, or any other actuator which can be actuated to place pressure onto thebias loop 1110. InFIG. 21 , thebias loop 1110 is coupled to theactuator 1115 by a substantially rigid wire; however, in other embodiments, thebias loop 1110 can be coupled to the actuator by a rod, a stem, or other member which can transfer pressure from theactuator 1115 to thebias loop 1110. As illustrated inFIGS. 19-20 , when theactuator 1115 is actuator, pressure is placed on thebias loop 1110, which thereby places pressure against the interior of therecess 1150 of the jaw. As pressure is placed against the interior of therecess 1150, the at least onejaw 210 can be rotated from thefirst position 2000, illustrated inFIG. 19 , to thesecond position 2500, illustrated inFIG. 20 . When theactuator 1115 is maintained in a position that constantly applies pressure to thebias loop 1110, thetrocar assembly 200 can be maintained in the second position 2500 (e.g., expanded position). When theactuator 1115 is released from the position that applies pressure to thebias loop 1110, pressure is removed from thebias loop 1110, and the at least onejaw 210 can be transitioned back to the first position 2000 (e.g., rest position) illustrated inFIG. 19 .FIGS. 19-21 illustrate abiasing mechanism 1100 that includes two biasingloops 1110; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thetrocar assembly 200 can have fewer or more than twoloops 1110. Additionally, whileFIGS. 19-21 illustrate abiasing mechanism 1100 that includes anactuator 1115 and abiasing loop 1100, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatother biasing mechanisms 1110 can be utilized to maintain thetrocar assembly 200 in thesecond position 2500. For example, thebiasing mechanism 1100 can be a plug, a stopper, or other mechanism which can bias the trocar assembly in thesecond position 2500. - In at least one embodiment, the
jawed trocar assembly 200 can include a reflectingmember 1200, as illustrated inFIGS. 22 and 23 . The reflectingmember 1200 can allow for a radial view by an endoscope (not shown) inserted therein. For example, an endoscope can be inserted into the jawed trocar assembly to provide an axial view of the body cavity into which thejawed trocar assembly 200 is inserted. However, in some instances, the optics looking axially can be difficult due to shallow angles and reflections. A reflectingmember 1200, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 22 , can enhance the views provided by the endoscope. For example, the reflectingmember 1200 can have a reflective surface which can reflect an image of the body cavity or the incision surface of the body tissue to be penetrated to an endoscope inserted into the jawed trocar assembly. That is, the body cavity or body tissue to be penetrated which is radially adjacent to thejawed trocar assembly 200 when thejawed trocar assembly 200 is inserted in the body cavity can be reflected via the reflectingmember 1200 to the endoscope inserted in the hollowelongate member 205 of thejawed trocar assembly 200. -
FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of such a reflectingmember 1200. InFIG. 22 , the reflectingmember 1200 can be a cylindrical member sized to fit within the hollowelongate member 205 of thejawed trocar assembly 200. The reflectingmember 1200 can have areflective portion 1205 which can reflect an image of the area radially adjacent to thetrocar assembly 200 to an endoscope inserted in the hollowelongate member 205. For example, thereflective portion 1205 can be a mirror. As illustrated inFIG. 22 , thereflective portion 1205 can have an angled surface (not labeled) to further enhance the radial view of the endoscope. For example, the angled surface can be angled: forty-five degrees along the diameter of the reflective portion 1205 (as illustrated inFIG. 22 ), sixty-degrees along the diameter of thereflective portion 1205, forty-degrees along the diameter of thereflective portion 1205, forty-five degrees along a radius of thereflective portion 1205, forty-five degrees along a portion of the diameter of thereflective portion 1205, or any other along thereflective portion 1205 so long as areas radially adjacent to thetrocar assembly 200 can be reflected axially into the hollowelongate member 205 to an endoscope inserted therein. As the angled surface of thereflective portion 1205 can reflect images of areas radially adjacent to the trocar assembly to an endoscope axially inserted therein, information about the penetration and breakthrough areas of the body cavity and body tissue can be readily viewed by the operator of the endoscope. - The reflecting
member 1200 can have alocking portion 1210 coupled thereto, as illustrated inFIGS. 22 and 23 . InFIG. 22 , the lockingportion 1210 can be a hollow cylindrical member formed on a side of the reflectingmember 1200 opposite to thereflective portion 1205. The lockingportion 1210 can be configured to lock thejaws 210 of thetrocar assembly 200 in the first position 2000 (for example, the resting position). The lockingportion 1210 can operate similar to the lockingmember 300 discussed above. InFIGS. 22 and 23 , at least onelocking tab 1215 is formed on thelocking portion 1210. For example, inFIG. 22 , four lockingtabs 1215 are formed on a circumference of the lockingportion 1210. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there can be fewer ormore locking tabs 1215 than as illustrated inFIG. 22 . Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that thelocking tabs 1215 can be locking feet, locking posts, locking pegs, or other locking members configured to engage a recess of thetrocar assembly 200 to maintain the at least onejaw 210 in therest position 2000. - In
FIGS. 22 and 23 , the reflectingmember 1200 can include aplacement tool 1225. Theplacement tool 1225 can be releasably couplable to the reflectingmember 1200 to insert the reflectingmember 1200 in the hollowelongate member 205 of the trocar assembly. InFIGS. 22 and 23 , theplacement tool 1225 can be ahollow member 1226 in which the reflectingmember 1200 can be received. For example, inFIG. 22 , thereflective portion 1205 can include a threadedportion 1220 configured for mating engagement with a respective threadedportion 1230 formed on theplacement tool 1225. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thereflective portion 1205 can be releasably couplable to theplacement tool 1225 by other mechanism such as a snap-fitting, a conformance fitting, a twist-and-release fitting, or other releasable coupling. - When the reflecting
member 1200 is to be inserted into thetrocar assembly 200, the reflectingmember 1200 can be coupled to theplacement tool 1225 prior to inserting the reflectingmember 1200 into the trocar assembly. For example, the threadedportion 1220 of thereflective portion 1205 of the reflectingmember 1200 can be matingly threaded to the threadedportion 1230 of theplacement tool 1225, thereby securing the reflectingmember 1200 to theplacement tool 1225. Theplacement tool 1225 can then be inserted into the hollowelongate member 205 of thetrocar assembly 200 and advanced therethrough until the lockingportion 1215 of the reflectingmember 1200 engages the at least onejaw 210 of thetrocar assembly 200 to lock thetrocar assembly 200 in therest position 2000. Theplacement tool 1225 can disengage thereflective portion 1205. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 23 , theplacement tool 1225 can disengage thereflective portion 1205 by rotating theplacement tool 1225 in a direction that unmates the threadedportion 1230 of theplacement tool 1225 from the threadedportion 1220 of the reflectingmember 1200. When theplacement tool 1225 is disengaged from the reflectingmember 1200, theplacement tool 1225 can be removed from the hollowelongate member 205 of thetrocar assembly 200. The reflectingmember 1200 can remain inside the hollowelongate member 205. InFIG. 23 , the hollowelongate member 205 can have optically semi-transparent walls. For example, the hollowelongate member 205 can be clear, transparent, semi-transparent, or otherwise see-through so that images of areas adjacent to the hollowelongate member 205 can be reflected by thereflective surface 1205 of the reflectingmember 1200. InFIG. 23 , in the event an endoscope or other camera implement is inserted in the hollow elongate member, thereflective portion 1205 can reflect images of areas adjacent to the hollowelongate member 205 to the endoscope or camera implement. For example, as shown inFIG. 23 , the reflected images can follow theradial viewing path 1240. When thetrocar assembly 200 is to be transitioned into the expanded position (for example, as illustrated inFIG. 20 ), theplacement tool 1225 can be inserted into the hollowelongate member 205, can matingly engage the reflectingmember 1200, and can be removed from the hollowelongate member 205, thereby permitting the at least onejaw 210 of thetrocar assembly 200 to transition into the expanded position. - The reflecting
member 1200 thereby enables the camera implement to transmit an image reflected by the reflectingmember 1200 to the operator of the camera implement. Thus, with the reflectingmember 1200 and the camera implement, the operator of the trocar assembly can receive: enhanced views of the body tissue to be penetrated by thetrocar assembly 200 and side views and radial views of the interior of the body cavity when thetrocar assembly 200 is inserted therein. - While the
FIGS. 1-23 illustrate a jawed trocar assembly in which the at least onejaw 210 is formed on or permanently coupled to the hollowelongate member 205, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the at least onejaw 210 can be releasably coupled to the hollowelongate member 205. For example, the at least onejaw 210 and the end of the hollowelongate member 205 to which the at least onejaw 210 can have corresponding threaded engagement portions. That is, the at least onejaw 210 can be releasably coupled to the hollowelongate member 205 by screwing the at least onejaw 210 to the hollowelongate member 205. In other embodiments, the at least one jaw can 210 can be releasably coupled to the hollowelongate member 205 by a snap-fit engagement or any other releasable coupling. By having a releasably couplable at least onejaw 210, thejaw 210 can be disposable or reusable. Thejaw 210 can also be configured to fit existing trocar members, disposable trocars, or other hollow elongate member. In another embodiment, the hollowelongate member 205 can have a slit extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollowelongate member 205 and extending along a majority of the longitudinal axis. For example, the slit can extend along 30 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, or any other majority of the longitudinal axis. - While
FIGS. 1-23 illustrate a pair of jaws having symmetric jaws, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the jaws need not be symmetrical. For example, the jaws can be asymmetrical with respect to each other. That is, one jaw can have a greater surface area than the other, one jaw can be larger in size as compared to the other, one jaw can have a contour different from the other jaw, or one jaw can be otherwise different from the other jaw. - A method of inserting an endoscopic tool assembly into a body cavity, where the endoscopic tool assembly includes any one of the
trocar assemblies 200 described herein and illustrated herein, can include making an incision through a first body tissue. The trocar assembly can be inserted into the incision. Thetrocar assembly 200 can be advanced through the incision such that the at least onejaw 210 of thetrocar assembly 200 engages a second body tissue. Thetrocar assembly 200 can be urged against the second body tissue to penetrate through the second body tissue. The endoscopic tool can be inserted through thetrocar assembly 200. The endoscopic tool can be advanced through thetrocar assembly 200 beyond thesecond end 207 of the elongatehollow member 205, thereby transitioning thetrocar assembly 200 from therest position 2000 to the expandedposition 2500. The endoscopic tool can be extended beyond theend 213 of the at least onejaw 210. - In at least one embodiment, a locking
member 300 can be inserted through thetrocar assembly 200 prior to inserting thetrocar assembly 200 through the incision. This can thereby ensure that the at least onejaw 210 is rigid enough to penetrate through the second layer of body tissue. The lockingmember 300 can be removed from thetrocar assembly 200 after thetrocar assembly 200 has been advanced to penetrate the second body tissue, thereby allowing for the insertion of the endoscopic tool or any other implement 400 to be used for medical procedures within the body cavity. - A method of cleaning an endoscopic tool assembly inserted into a body cavity, where the endoscopic tool assembly includes any one of the
trocar assemblies 200 having a scope cleaner described and illustrated herein, can include urging thetrocar assembly 200 against a body tissue to penetrate through the body tissue. An endoscopic camera of the endoscopic tool can be inserted though thetrocar assembly 200. The endoscopic camera can be advanced through thetrocar assembly 200 beyond the second end of the elongate hollow member, thereby transitioning the trocar assembly from therest position 2000 to the expandedposition 2500. The endoscopic camera can be extended beyond theend 213 of the at least onejaw 210 to expose thelens 415 of theendoscopic camera 400 to the body cavity. In the event thelens 415 of the camera becomes dirty or accumulates debris that impedes the visibility of the surgeon during the medial procedure, theendoscopic camera 400 can be retracted into the elongate hollowelongate member 205 of thetrocar assembly 200. This can thereby transition thetrocar assembly 200 from the expandedposition 2500 to therest position 2000. Thelens 415 can engage with the scope cleaner of thetrocar assembly 200 thereby cleaning debris off of thelens 415. Theendoscopic camera 400 can be reciprocated within the elongatehollow member 205 such that thelens 415 is reciprocated between being exterior to theend 213 of the at least onejaw 210 and being interior to the at least onejaw 210 and engaged with the scope cleaner. - In another embodiment, the
endoscopic camera 400 can be rotated within the hollowelongate member 205 after theendoscopic camera 400 has been retracted into the hollowelongate member 205 and after thelens 415 has been engaged with the scope cleaner. The rotations of theendoscopic camera 400 can cause the scope cleaner to wipe debris off of thelens 415. - In yet another embodiment, the
endoscopic camera 400 can be cleaned by actuating a lever of the scope cleaner after thelens 415 has been engaged with the scope cleaner. The actuation of the lever can cause a wiper of the scope cleaner to undulate across the surface of the lens to wipe debris of the lens. In another exemplary embodiment, actuating a lever of the scope cleaner after the lens has been engaged with the scope cleaner can cause a spray of a cleaning fluid against the lens. For example, the cleaning fluid can be a liquid, a gas, or can include both liquid and gas. For example, the scope cleaner can include two lines of cleaning fluid positioned interiorly adjacent to the end of the jaw, and actuating the lever can spray the cleaning fluid from each of the two lines. However, those of skill in the art will realize that there may be fewer or more lines of cleaning fluid for cleaning a lens. - As illustrated in
FIG. 24 , the trocar assembly can take the form of a removabletrocar tip assembly 2002. The removabletrocar tip assembly 2002, for example a removable trocar cap, can be configured to be mated with atrocar 2006 which does not include the features as described herein. Thetrocar tip assembly 2002 allows for a trocar to be assembled and manufactured so that thetrocar assembly 2002 can be optionally included. This results in reduced tooling, while allowing increased selection and performance by the operator. Thetrocar tip assembly 2002 can be sized so as to mate with a desiredtrocar 2006. Additionally, thetrocar 2006 can include acoupling device 2004. Thecoupling device 2004 allows for thetrocar tip assembly 2002 to be coupled to thetrocar 2006 in a fashion so as to resist removal. As illustrated the trocarcap coupling device 2004 is at least one catch pocket formed on thetrocar 2006. Thecoupling device 2004 can be other types of mechanisms to assist in the retention of thetrocar tip assembly 2002 once it is installed on thetrocar 2006, but allow removal of thetrocar tip assembly 2002 under certain circumstances. Additionally thetrocar tip assembly 2002 can include a corresponding coupling device (not shown). Thetrocar tip assembly 2002 can include at least a lens wiper as described herein to clean the lens of a camera. Additionally, aninstrument sleeve 2008 is included which allows for operation of thetrocar cap 2002, which includes at least one of the features as described herein. For example, theinstrument sleeve 2008 can slip inside of thetrocar 2006. The instrument sleeve then can be used to open thetrocar tip assembly 2002. - In at least one embodiment, the trocar assembly can include a trocar and a tip assembly removably couplable to the trocar as illustrated in
FIGS. 25-35 . Thetip assembly FIGS. 1-23 into one that has a jawed trocar tip, such as the one illustrated inFIG. 24 , for example. As will be described with respect toFIGS. 25-35 , thetip assembly -
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of atrocar assembly 2500 including atrocar 2501, atip assembly removal tool 2536. Thetrocar 2501 illustrated inFIG. 25 is an existing trocar. For example, a previously-purchased trocar, an off-the shell trocar, a commercially available trocar, a third-party trocar (such as a trocar manufactured or sold by a party other than the manufacturer or vendor of thetip assembly 2508, 2514), a separately-sold trocar, or any other existing trocar. The existingtrocar 2501 can include anelongate member 2502 having afirst end 2504 and asecond end 2506. Thefirst end 2504 can be a proximal end, such as the end that will be closest to the hand of the operator. Thefirst end 2504 can be the end through which endoscopic implements or other implements are inserted during endoscopic procedures. Thesecond end 2506 can be a distal end, such as the end that will be inserted into body cavity during endoscopic procedures. - A
tip assembly second end 2506 of thetrocar 2501. Thetip assembly adapter sleeve 2508 and thejaw assembly component 2514. As illustrated inFIG. 25 , theadapter sleeve 2508 can be a hollow cylindrical sleeve configured to receive thesecond end 2506 of thetrocar 2501. WhileFIG. 25 illustrates theadapter sleeve 2508 as a hollow cylindrical sleeve, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adapter sleeve can be a hollow structure of any other shape that is configured to couple thejaw assembly component 2514 to thesecond end 2506 of thetrocar 2501. - In
FIG. 25 , thetip assembly jaw assembly component 2514. Thejaw assembly component 2514 can be a member having aproximal end 2516 and adistal end 2518. Theproximal end 2516 can be configured to be coupled to theadapter sleeve 2508. Thedistal end 2518 can be the end that will be inserted to the body cavity. As illustrated inFIG. 25 , thedistal end 2518 of thejaw assembly component 2514 can include at least onejaw FIG. 25 , thejaw assembly component 2514 can include a pair ofjaws jaw assembly component 2514 includes at least one jaw. InFIG. 25 , the pair ofjaws distal end 2518 of thejaw assembly component 2514. The pair ofjaws jaw assembly component 2514 has a first position and a second position. While not illustrated inFIGS. 25-35 , those of ordinary skill will appreciate that the first position forjaw assembly component 2514 can be similar to the first position (such as a rest position) and the second position (such as the expanded position), described above with respect to the jawed trocar assemblies illustrated inFIGS. 1-24 . For example, thetip assembly jaws FIG. 26 ) of theadapter sleeve 2508 and a second position where at least one of thejaws jaws longitudinal axis 2600. Also as illustrate inFIG. 25 , one of thejaws member 2524 or penetrating surface a distal end of one of thejaw jaws jaw assembly component 2508 can be configured in accordance with any of the jaws of the jawed trocars described in relation to and illustrated inFIGS. 1-24 . - Also illustrated in
FIG. 25 , thetip assembly member 2526 configured to maintain thejaw assembly component 2520 in the first position (such as the rest position). The lockingmember 2526 can be similar to the locking members described above in relation toFIGS. 1-23 . As illustrated inFIG. 25 , the lockingmember 2526 can be insertable into thejaw assembly component 2514 of thetip assembly adapter sleeve 2508 can be configured to fit around the lockingmember 2526 such that the lockingmember 2526 is positioned within theadapter sleeve 2508, as will be described further in relation toFIGS. 26-35 . - In the particular embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 25 , the lockingmember 2526 can be a locking collar. The lockingmember 2526 can be acylindrical member 2527 having aproximal end 2532 and adistal end 2528. Theproximal end 2532 can be received within theadapter sleeve 2508 and theelongate member 2502 of thetrocar 2501, when thetip assembly trocar 2501. Thedistal end 2528 can include at least onetab 2530 configured to be received by the jawed component assembly 2514 (for example, by a slot 3005 (shown inFIG. 30 ) formed in an interior portion of the jawed component assembly 2514) such that the at least onetab 2530 maintains thejawed component assembly 2514 in a first or rest position. Thetab 2530 can be integrally formed in thedistal end 2528 of the lockingmember 2526 or can be affixed, attached, or otherwise coupled to thedistal end 2528 of the lockingmember 2526. Thetab 2530 can be a foot, a peg, or any other protrusion which can be configured to maintain thejawed component assembly 2514 in the first or rest position. InFIG. 25 , the lockingmember 2526 includes fourtabs 2530 integrally formed on and protruding outwardly from thedistal end 2528. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that fewer ormore tabs 2530 can be included in the lockingmember 2530, so long as the lockingmember 2526 includes at least onetab 2530. - The
proximal end 2532 of the lockingmember 2526 can include at least one removingmember 2534 configured to cooperate with a locking-member-removal tool 2536, such as the one illustrated inFIG. 25 . The at least one removingmember 2534 can be configured to matingly engage with the locking-member-removal tool 2536 such that the lockingmember 2526 can be disengage from the jawedcomponent assembly 2514, thereby permitting thejawed component assembly 2514 to be transitionable into a second position, such as an expanded position. The at least one removingmember 2534 can be integrally formed with, affixed to, attached to, or otherwise coupled to the proximal end 2543 of the lockingmember 2526. InFIG. 25 , the locking member comprises two removingmember 2534. The two removingmembers 2534 can be arms which protrude from theproximal end 2527 of the lockingmember 2526 in a direction towards theproximal end 2504 of thetrocar 2501 when thetip assembly trocar 2501. The removingmembers 2534 can be shaped to matingly engage with a corresponding receiving portion of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 such that when the removingmember 2534 matingly engages the locking-member removal tool 2536, the locking-member-removal tool 2536 grasps or grips onto the removingmember 2534 to remove the lockingmember 2526 from thejaw assembly component 2514. - The locking-member-
removal tool 2536 can be amember 2536 such as a tubular member, a cylindrical member, or any other elongate member that can be inserted into atrocar 2501 andtip assembly member 2526 received by thejaw assembly component 2514 of the tip assembly such that thejaw assembly component 2514 can be transitioned into a second or expanded position. The locking-member-removal tool 2536 can have adistal end 2538 configured to engage theproximal end 2532 of the lockingmember 2526. Thedistal end 2538 can be configured to matingly engage theproximal end 2532 of the lockingmember 2526 such that the locking-member removal tool 2536 grasps or grips the lockingmember 2526 to disengage the lockingmember 2526 from thejaw assembly component 2514 in the event thejaw assembly component 2514 receives the lockingmember 2526. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 25 , thedistal end 2538 of the locking-member removal tool 2536 can define at least onerecess 2540 configured to matingly engage the at least one removingmembers 2534 of the lockingmember 2526. For example, the at least onerecess 2540 can act as a catch to catch, grip, or otherwise securely receive a portion of the removingmembers 2534, such that when the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is withdrawn or removed from thetrocar 2504, the lockingmember 2526 remains securely coupled to the locking-member-removal tool 2536, which thereby disengages the lockingmember 2526 from thejaw assembly component 2514 to permit thejaw assembly component 2514 to be transitionable into the second or expanded position. The removal of the lockingmember 2526 will be discussed in further detail with respect toFIGS. 27-35 . - First, however, this disclosure turns to
FIG. 26 which illustrates the assembly of thetrocar 2501, thetip assembly member 2526. InFIG. 26 , theproximal end 2516 of thejaw assembly component 2514 can be coupled to adistal end 2512 of theadapter sleeve 2508. InFIG. 26 , theadapter sleeve 2508 and thejaw assembly component 2514 are configured for mating engagement. For example, themating engagement 2605 between theadapter sleeve 2508 and thejaw assembly component 2514 is identified by a dashed circle. Close-up views are provided inFIG. 26 illustrating theadapter sleeve 2508 and thejaw assembly component 2514 in a mating engagement and a non-mating engagement. As illustrated inFIG. 26 , theadapter sleeve 2508 includes amating member 2602 coupled to or formed on thedistal end 2512 of theadapter sleeve 2508 and configured to matingly engage acorresponding mating member 2606 coupled to or formed on theproximal end 2516 of thejaw assembly component 2514. For example, themating member 2602 can include alip 2604 configured to matingly engage acorresponding rim 2608 of thejaw assembly component 2514. In one embodiment, themating member 2602 of theadapter sleeve 2508 and thecorresponding mating member 2606 of thejaw assembly component 2514 can be a threaded assembly, a snap-engagement assembly, a press-fit assembly, a pin assembly, or any other mating assembly which permits the mating engagement of theadapter sleeve 2508 to thejaw assembly component 2514. - In
FIG. 26 , theproximal end 2510 of theadapter sleeve 2508 can receive adistal end 2506 of theelongate member 2502 of thetrocar 2501. For example, theproximal end 2510 of theadapter sleeve 2508 can have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of thedistal end 2506 of thetrocar 2501 such that thedistal end 2506 can be inserted in theproximal end 2510 of theadapter sleeve 2508. In another example, thedistal end 2506 can be tapered, such that thedistal end 2506 can be inserted in theproximal end 2510 of theadapter sleeve 2508. InFIG. 26 , thedistal end 2506 of thetrocar 2501 can be snug-fit, press-fit, adhered, affixed, static-fit, friction-fit, coupled by a ring, or otherwise coupled to theproximal end 2510 of theadapter sleeve 2508 such that thetrocar 2501 andadapter sleeve 2508 remain coupled during endoscopic procedures. Theadapter sleeve 2508 can be configured such that theadapter sleeve 2508 is removably couplable to thetrocar 2501, thereby permitting the interchangeability of theadapter sleeve 2508 withother trocars 2501 and the disposability of theadapter sleeve 2508 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures. In other embodiments, theadapter sleeve 2508 can remain coupled to thetrocar 2501, and thejaw assembly component 2514 can be removable from theadapter sleeve 2508, thereby permitting the interchangeability of thejaw assembly component 2514 with a plurality oftrocars 2501. Additionally, the removability of thejaw assembly component 2514 from theadapter sleeve 2508 can permit the disposal of thejaw assembly component 2514 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures. - Also illustrated in
FIG. 26 , the lockingmember 2526 can be received by thejaw assembly component 2514. As illustrated inFIG. 26 , as the lockingmember 2526 is received by thejaw assembly component 2514, thejaw assembly component 2514 is maintained in the first or rest position, where the jaws of thejaw assembly component 2514 are parallel to thelongitudinal axis 2600 of the adapter sleeve 2508 (which can also be the longitudinal axis of theelongate member 2502 of the trocar 2501). As illustrated inFIG. 26 , when thejaw assembly component 2514 is assembled with theadapter sleeve 2508, the lockingmember 2526 is located within theadapter sleeve 2508 and thejaw component assembly 2514. Also, inFIG. 6 , when thetrocar 2501,adapter sleeve 2508, andjaw component assembly 2514 are assembled, the lockingmember 2526 is located interiorly with respect to each of thetrocar 2501,adapter sleeve 2508, andjaw component assembly 2514 such that theproximal end 2532 of the lockingmember 2526 is positioned within an interior of theelongate member 2502 of thetrocar 2501. - The removal of the locking
member 2526 will now be discussed with respect toFIGS. 27-29 which are perspective views of atrocar 2501 assembled with thetip assembly member 2526. - In
FIG. 27 , a locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be inserted through theproximal end 2504 of thetrocar 2501. The locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be advanced through theelongate member 2502 of thetrocar 2501 until thedistal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 engages theproximal end 2532 of the lockingmember 2526. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 28 , the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be advanced such that thedistal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 engages the removingmembers 2534 of theproximal end 2532 of the lockingmember 2526. - In
FIG. 28 , therecesses 2540 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 receive the removingmembers 2534 of the lockingmember 2526. For example, the removingmembers 2534 can be biased away from a center of the lockingmember 2526 such that when thedistal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is advanced towards the removingmembers 2534, the removingmembers 2534 are deformed or squeezed toward one another and toward a center of the lockingmember 2526. Then, as thedistal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be further advanced toward the lockingmember 2526, the biasing of the removingmembers 2534 away from the center of the lockingmember 2526 can bias the ends of the removingmembers 2534 such that theends removing members 2534 catch or are received by acorresponding recess 2540 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536. As the locking-member-removal tool 2536 and the removingmembers 2534 of the lockingmember 2526 are now matingly engaged, the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be withdrawn from thetrocar 2501, as illustrated inFIG. 29 . - In
FIG. 29 , the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be withdrawn from thetrocar 2501 such that the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is removed from thetrocar 2501. As illustrated inFIG. 29 , as the locking-member-removal tool 2536 and the removingmembers 2534 of the lockingmember 2526 are matingly engaged, the lockingmember 2526 is also removed from thetrocar 2501, and as a result disengaged and removed from thejaw assembly component 2514 of thetip assembly 2505, 2514, thereby permitting thejaw assembly component 2514 to be transitionable into the second or expanded position for medical or endoscopic procedures. -
FIGS. 30 and 31 are cross-sectional views of the assembly ofjaw assembly component 2514 and theadapter sleeve 2508 of thetip assembly member 2526. The assembly of thetip assembly member 2526 is similar to that described with respect toFIG. 26 , except that theslots 3005 of thejaw assembly component 2514 are more clearly illustrated. As discussed above, theslots 3005 are configured to receive thetabs 2530 of the lockingmember 2526 such thatjaw assembly component 2526 can remain in the first of rest position. Also illustrated inFIG. 30 , thejaw assembly component 2514 can includes alens cleaner jaw assembly component 2514. For example, inFIG. 30 , the lens cleaner includes afirst wiper 3010 and a second wiper 2012, each coupled to one of thefirst jaw 2520 and thesecond jaw 2522 of thejaw component assembly 2514. The lens cleaner 2010, 2012 can be a lens cleaner or scope cleaner as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 1-24 . -
FIG. 32 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembly of thetrocar 2501 with thetip assembly FIGS. 30 and 31 . Specifically,FIG. 32 illustrates the insertion of adistal end 2506 of theelongate member 2502 of thetrocar 2501 into theproximal end 2510 of theadapter sleeve 2508 of thetip assembly -
FIGS. 33-35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the removal of the lockingmember 2526 using the locking-member-removal tool 2536, as illustrated inFIGS. 27-29 , except that that theslots 3005 of thejaw assembly component 2514 are more clearly illustrated. WhileFIGS. 27-35 describe atip assembly adapter sleeve 2508 and thejaw assembly component 2514 are matingly engaged, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theadapter sleeve 2508 and thejaw assembly component 2514 can be integrally formed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theadapter sleeve 2508 andjaw assembly component 2514 can be substantially transparent to allow light to pass therethrough so that an image can be captured by a camera within the trocar assembly. -
FIG. 36 is an exploded view of atrocar 2501 andtip assembly FIG. 25 , except that the lockingmember 3600 and locking-member-removal tool 2536 are different than as illustrated inFIG. 25 . InFIG. 36 , the lockingmember 3600 is shorter in length than the lockingmember 2526 illustrated inFIG. 25 . Similar to the lockingmember 2526 illustrated inFIG. 25 , the lockingmember 3600 illustrated inFIG. 36 includes a hollow member having adistal end 3605 and aproximal end 3612. Thedistal end 3605 of the lockingmember 3600 can includes at least onetab 3610 configured to engage corresponding slots 3705 (shown inFIG. 37 ) of thejaw assembly component 2514. As discussed above, theslots 3705 can be formed in an interior surface of thejaw assembly component 2514. InFIG. 36 , the lockingmember 3600 includes fourtabs 3610 integrally formed and protruding away from a center of the lockingmember 3600 towards thejaw assembly component 2514. InFIG. 36 , theproximal end 3612 of the locking member can include four removingmembers 3614 integrally formed on theproximal end 3612 of the lockingmember 3600 and protruding away from the center of lockingmember 3600 towards theproximal end 2504 of thetrocar 2501. Similar to the lockingmember 2526 illustrated inFIG. 25 , the removingmembers 3614 can be configured to matingly engage an interior surface 4005 (shown inFIG. 40 ) of the locking-member-removal tool 2536. - The disclosure now turns to
FIGS. 37-38 that illustrate a cross-sectional view of the assembly of thetip assembly FIGS. 37-38 illustrate that theproximal end 2516 of thejaw assembly component 2514 can be configured to receive thedistal end 2512 of theadapter sleeve 2508 via a threaded assembly, a snap-fit assembly, a press-fit assembly, or any other coupling configured to couple thejaw assembly component 2514 with theadapter sleeve 2508. The assembly of thejaw assembly component 2514 with theadapter sleeve 2508 is substantially similar to that discussed above in relation toFIGS. 30 and 31 , except that thetabs 3610locking member 3600 are configured to be received byrecess 3705 formed in an interior space of thejaw assembly component 2502 such that the lockingmember 3600 is positioned within an interior space of the jaw assembly component, rather than an interior space of theadapter sleeve 2508 and/or anelongate member 2502 of atrocar 2501 assembled with thetip assembly FIGS. 37-38 , the ends of the removingmembers 3614 of the proximal end 3512 of the lockingmember 3600 is positioned with the interior space of thejaw assembly component 2514. -
FIGS. 39-42 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the removal of lockingmember 3600 from theslots 3705 of thejaw assembly component 2514, thereby permitting the transition of thejaw assembly component 2514 from the first or rest position to the second position or expanded position. InFIG. 39 , a distal end of theelongate member 2502 of thetrocar 2501 can be inserted in theadapter sleeve 2508 of thetip assembly FIG. 40 , the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be inserted through thetrocar 2501 an advanced through theelongate member 2502, theadapter sleeve 2508, and thejaw assembly component 2514, until thedistal end 2530 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 engages aproximal end 3612 of the lockingmember 3600. Similar toFIGS. 33-35 , inFIGS. 40-42 , the removingmembers 3614 of the lockingmember 3600 can be biased away from a center of the lockingmember 3600 such that when thedistal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is advanced towards the removingmembers 2534, the removingmembers 3614 are deformed or squeezed toward one another and toward a center of the lockingmember 2600. Then, as thedistal end 2538 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be further advanced toward the lockingmember 3600, the biasing of the removingmembers 3614 away from the center of the lockingmember 3600 can bias the ends of the removingmembers 2534 such that theends removing members 2534 catch or are received by a correspondingportion 4005 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536, as illustrated inFIG. 41 . For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 40-42 , the correspondingportion 4005 can be an interior edge, a ledge, a protruding rim, or other portion configured to engage the removingmembers 3614 of the lockingmember 3600, such that the withdrawn of the locking-member-removal tool 2536 includes the removal of the lockingmember 3600 from engagement with thejaw assembly component 2514, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 42 . InFIG. 41 , the removingmember 3614 of the lockingmember 3600 engage the corresponding portion 4005 (an inner ledge formed along an interior surface of the jaw assembly component 2514) and are biased outwardly away from the center of the lockingmember 3600 such that the removing members 3614 a substantially prevented from disengaging from the locking-member-removal tool 2536. With the lockingmember 3600 matingly engaged with the locking-member-removal tool 2536, the lockingmember 3600 matingly engaged with the locking-member-removal tool 2536 can be removed from thetrocar 2501, thereby permitting thejaw assembly component 2514 to be transitioned from the first or rest position into a second or expanded position, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 42 . - In
FIG. 42 , the locking-member-removal tool 2536 is withdrawn from thetip assembly 2505, 2514 and from theelongate member 2502 of thetrocar 2501. The lockingmember 3600 can be coupled thedistal end 2530 of the locking-member removal tool 2536 as a result of the mating engagement between the removingmembers 3614 and thecorresponding portion 4005 of the locking-member-removal tool 2536. Thus, as the locking-member removal tool 2536 is withdrawn, retracted, or otherwise removed from thetrocar 2501, the lockingmember 3600 is also withdrawn, retracted, or otherwise removed from thetrocar 2501, thereby permitting thejaw assembly component 2514 to be transitionable between the first or rest position and the second or expanded position for medical or endoscopic procedures. - Similar to
FIGS. 25-35 , thetip assembly 2505, 2514 illustrated inFIGS. 36-42 can be removably coupled to thetrocar 2501 of a trocar assembly, thereby permitting the interchangeability of thetip assembly 2505, 2514 with a plurality oftrocars 2501 and the disposability of thetip assembly 2505, 2514 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures. Additionally, theadapter sleeve 2508 can remain coupled to thetrocar 2501, and thejaw assembly component 2514 can be removable from theadapter sleeve 2508, thereby permitting the interchangeability of thejaw assembly component 2514 with a plurality oftrocars 2501. Additionally, the removability of thejaw assembly component 2514 from theadapter sleeve 2508 can permit the disposal of thejaw assembly component 2514 after one or more medical or endoscopic procedures. - While
FIGS. 25-42 illustrate specific embodiments of aremovable tip assembly 2505, 2514 removably coupled todistal ends 2506 oftrocars 2501, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various components and features disclosed herein with respect toFIGS. 1-42 can be interchanged and optionally included to achieve the technical advantages and benefits of the jawed trocar assembly disclosed herein. For example, theremovable tip assembly 2505, 2514 can include a reflecting member as described above in relation toFIGS. 22 and 23 . In one example, the reflecting member can be coupled to or integrally formed with the lockingmember 2526 removably coupled to thejaw assembly component 2526 of thetip assembly 2505, 2514. - In another embodiment, another jaw retention device can be implemented either in place of the locking member or in addition to the locking member. When implemented in addition to the locking member, the jaw retention device further provides for an additional mechanism to hold the jaws in a closed configuration. The closed configuration is used during the insertion of the tip assembly and the associated trocar.
- One example of another jaw retention device is illustrated in
FIG. 43 , which is a side elevation view of anexemplary tip assembly 2002, in a closed configuration, having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of aband 4302. Theband 4302 can be configured to encircle thejaws band 4302 encircles thejaws band 4302 holds thejaws lower jaw 4312 substantially abuts theupper jaw 4310. As used herein, substantial abutment of thelower jaw 4312 with theupper jaw 4310 indicates a close fit such that there can be a small space between thelower jaw 4312 and theupper jaw 4310 or almost no space such that thelower jaw 4312 is pressed against theupper jaw 4310. The substantial abutment of thelower jaw 4312 andupper jaw 4310 is a close fit so as to allowtip assembly 2002 to penetrate as described herein without tearing tissue. Theband 4302 includes two notched portions 4306 (the other notched portion is on the reverse side). The notchedportion 4306 is configured to promote fracturing of theband 4302 at substantially the region of theband 4302 that overlaps the region where theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312 abut one another. - The
band 4302 can be configured in a variety of ways to facilitate the implementation with the tip assembly. For example, the edges of theband 4302 can be tapered so as to provide a smooth transition from thejaws band 4302. In at least one implementation, theband 4302 can be co-molded with thefirst jaw 4310 and thesecond jaw 4312, for example using a two shot molding process. In another implementation, theband 4302 can be include an adhesive such that theband 4302 is slipped over the tip of thetip assembly 2002 and pressed into position. In yet another embodiment, theband 4302 can be an adhesive tape that is wrapped around thefirst jaw 4310 and thesecond jaw 4312. When theband 4302 is a tape, the seam of the tape can be either on thefirst jaw 4310 or thesecond jaw 4312 away from the portion of thejaws portions 4302 as illustrated. - The
band 4302 can be fractured thereby allowing theupper jaw 4310 to separate from thelower jaw 4312. In order to fracture theband 4302, an implement 400 such as an endoscope or camera implement as described herein. Thejaws jaws band 4302 has been fractured. In another example, thejaws jaws jaws band 4302. -
FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of theexemplary tip assembly 2002 ofFIG. 43 , in an open configuration. As illustrated inFIG. 44 theband 4302 has been fractured, when theband 4302 has been fractured thejaws FIG. 44 , theband 4302 has afirst fracture surface 4314 and asecond fracture surface 4316. Thefirst fracture surface 4314 can substantially align with anedge 4324 of theupper jaw 4310. Thesecond fracture surface 4316 can substantially align with anedge 4326 of thelower jaw 4312. As indicated above, theband 4302 fractures in two places with one of those places being on the reverse side of the illustration. While the illustratedjaws tip assembly 2002 over the relevant region, thejaws - In order to assist with the opening of the
jaws tip assembly 2002 can be provided withslots 4304 which allow thejaws tip assembly 2002. In another embodiment theslots 4304 can reduce the distortion or binding of the material of thetip assembly 2002. In at least one embodiment, fourslots 4304 are provided on thetip assembly 2002. In another embodiment, only twoslots 4304 can be provided. In yet another embodiment, any multiple of two slots can be implemented. - Another embodiment of an
exemplary tip assembly 2002 is illustrated inFIG. 45 . The illustration oftip assembly 2002 inFIG. 45 is a side elevation view of aclosed tip assembly 2002 having an exemplarily jaw retention device in the form of at least onetab 4502. The at least onetab 4502 can be located at the region where theupper jaw 4310 andlower jaw 4312 substantially abut one another. In at least one embodiment, the at least onetab 4502 can be at least twotabs 4502. In other embodiments, a plurality oftabs 4502 can be implemented. For example, multiple tabs can be implemented on each side of the illustrated embodiment. - The description herein refers to
tabs 4502 as in the illustrated embodiment, twotabs 4502 are implemented (one not shown). The description as provided herein can be applied to other configurations oftabs 4502 as well. Thetabs 4502 can be configured to be co-molded with theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312 such that during the molding process thetabs 4502 connect theupper jaw 4310 with thelower jaw 4312. Thetabs 4502 can be integrally formed with theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312 such that no portion of thetabs 4502 extend beyond the outer surfaces of theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312. For example, thetabs 4502 can be formed such that they are within the width of material forming theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312. In another embodiment thetabs 4502 can be formed on the inside of theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312. However, in at least one embodiment thetabs 4502 can be formed on the outside of theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312. When thetabs 4502 are formed on the outside of theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312, thetabs 4502 can be tapered so as to provide a smooth transition from theupper jaw 4310 and thelower jaw 4312 to the thickest portion of thetabs 4502. - While not illustrated, the
tabs 4502 can include notched portions to facilitate the fracturing of thetabs 4502. In other embodiments, the tabs may not include notched portions, but instead the material of thetabs 4502 can be choose such that it facilities easy fracturing but is strong enough to hold thejaws tip assembly 2002. -
FIG. 46 is a side elevation view of the exemplary tip assembly ofFIG. 45 , in an open configuration, wherein the at least onetab 4502 has been fractured. The at least onetab 4502 can be fractured thereby allowing theupper jaw 4310 to separate from thelower jaw 4312. In order to fracture the at least onetab 4502, an implement 400 such as an endoscope or camera implement as described herein. Thejaws jaws tab 4502 has been fractured. In another example, thejaws jaws jaws tab 4502. - When the
tab 4502 has been fractured as illustrated inFIG. 46 , thejaws FIG. 46 , thetab 4502 has afirst fracture surface 4516 and asecond fracture surface 4514. Thefirst fracture surface 4516 can substantially align with anedge 4526 of theupper jaw 4310. Thesecond fracture surface 4314 can substantially align with anedge 4324 of thelower jaw 4312. While not illustrated, anothertab 4502 on the opposite side can be included and can fracture in a similar manner. When another number oftabs 4502 are included the fracturing of theother tabs 4502 can proceed in a similar manner. While the illustratedjaws tip assembly 2002 over the relevant region, thejaws - In order to assist with the opening of the
jaws tip assembly 2002 can be provided withslots 4304 which allow thejaws tip assembly 2002. In another embodiment theslots 4304 can reduce the distortion or binding of the material of thetip assembly 2002. In at least one embodiment, fourslots 4304 are provided on thetip assembly 2002. In another embodiment, only twoslots 4304 can be provided. In yet another embodiment, any multiple of two slots can be implemented. -
FIGS. 47A , 47B, 48A, 48B, 49A, and 49B illustrate exemplarily surfaces ofscope cleaner 700 according to various embodiments as presented herein. The scope cleaner can include one or more scope cleaners. For example, thescope cleaner 700 can include one ormore wiper blades wiper blades wiper blades scope cleaners 700. The one or more grooves illustrated inFIGS. 47A , 47B, 48A, 48B, 49A, and 49B can be configured to facilitate the flow of fluid as thescope cleaner 700 cleans fluid from the scope that the scope cleaner comes into contact. The surfaces illustrated herein are the surface that faces the scope and at least a portion of the scope cleaner 700 contacts the scope as described above. - A first example is illustrated in
FIG. 47A which is a top view of anexemplarily scope cleaner 700 having agroove 4702 formed therein. Thegroove 4702 as illustrated can traverse through acenter 4710 of thescope cleaner 700. In the illustrated embodiments, thecenter 4710 of thescope cleaner 700 refers to midpoint of thescope cleaner 700 in both the lateral and transverse directions (length and width). In other embodiments, thecenter 4710 of the scope cleaner can be based on centroid of the surface of thescope cleaner 700. In other embodiments, thegroove 4702 does not traverse through the center of thescope cleaner 700. - In
FIG. 47A , thegroove 4702 traverses through thecenter 4710 of the first scope cleaner in the form of afirst wiper blade 705 and thecenter 4710 of the second scope cleaner in the form of asecond wiper blade 707. As shown, thegroove 4702 comprises afirst groove 4706 in thefirst wiper blade 705 and asecond groove 4704 in thesecond wiper blade 707. Thus, thefirst wiper blade 705 and thesecond wiper blade 707 each have at least one groove formed therein. In other embodiments, more than one groove can be present on each of thefirst wiper blade 705 and thesecond wiper blade 707. - A cross-sectional view of the
scope cleaner 700 along line B-B ofFIG. 47A is illustrated inFIG. 47B . When afirst groove 4706 and asecond groove 4704 are implemented as illustrated inFIG. 47A , thefirst groove 4706 and thesecond groove 4704 facilitate the movement of fluid into the groove as the scope is cleaned. When the scope includes two cameras such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9-11, having the groove in the center of the scope cleaner prevents buildup of fluid in the regions in which the camera is mounted. Additionally as illustrated in the example ofFIG. 47B , thefirst groove 4706 can be sloped from aninner edge 4726 to anouter edge 4725, such that the depth of thegroove 4706 is shallower or non-existent at theinner edge 4726 and deeper at theouter edge 4725. The slope of thefirst groove 4706 allows for fluid to build up and run down thegroove 4706. By having thegroove 4706 very shallow or non-existent at the inner edge insures contact with the scope across the entire face of the scope so as to remove all fluid buildup on the scope. Thus, thefirst groove 4706 allows fluid to be removed from the scope and channeled to an appropriate place to minimize the impact of fluid impinging upon the scope. Furthermore, thefirst groove 4706 allows thefirst scope cleaner 707 to be used multiple times to remove fluid from the scope. - Similarly, the
second scope cleaner 707 can have a cross-section that is substantially a mirror image of the cross-section of thefirst scope cleaner 705. Thesecond groove 4704 of thesecond scope cleaner 707 can be sloped in a similar fashion as described above. For example, thesecond groove 4704 can be sloped from aninner edge 4724 to anouter edge 4723, such that the depth of thesecond groove 4704 is shallower or non-existent at theinner edge 4724 and deeper at theouter edge 4723. The slope of thesecond groove 4704 allows for fluid to build up and run down thesecond groove 4704. By having thesecond groove 4704 very shallow or non-existent at theinner edge 4724 insures contact with the scope across the entire face of the scope so as to remove all fluid buildup on the scope. Thus, thesecond groove 4704 allows fluid to be removed from the scope and channeled to an appropriate place to minimize the impact of fluid impinging upon the scope. Furthermore, thesecond groove 4704 allows thesecond scope cleaner 705 to be used multiple times to remove fluid from the scope. -
FIG. 48A is a top view of another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment.FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner ofFIG. 48A taken along line B-B. As illustrated inFIG. 48A , the scope cleaner has a plurality of grooves formed therein. As illustrated there are fivegrooves 4904 formed in the first scope cleaner, which is in the form of afirst wiper 705. Additionally, there are fivegrooves 4902 formed in the second scope cleaner, which is in the form of asecond wiper 705. At least one of thegrooves 4904 on thefirst wiper 705 traverses thecenter 4712 of thefirst wiper 705. Similarly, at least one of thegrooves 4902 on thesecond wiper 707 traverses thecenter 4714 of thesecond wiper 707. - The
scope cleaner 700 as illustrated inFIG. 48A further includes aninterior portion 4906 that is composed of a different material from the rest of thescope cleaner 700. The interior portion can be configured to provide for an enhanced cleaning of the scope while preventing permeation of fluid. This configuration encourages the flow of the fluid into thegrooves scope cleaner 700. - As seen in the section view of
FIG. 48B , theinner portion 4906 of thefirst wiper 705 borders theinner edge 4926 of thefirst wiper 705. Additionally, theinner portion 4906 of thesecond wiper 707 borders theinner edge 4924 of thesecond wiper 707. Thegrooves grooves FIGS. 47A and 47B . As theinner portion 4906 is configured to prevent fluid permeation, the fluid drains down thegrooves -
FIG. 49A is a top view of yet another exemplarily scope cleaner having a groove formed therein, according to an exemplarily embodiment; andFIG. 49B is a cross-sectional view of the scope cleaner ofFIG. 49A taken along line B-B. As illustrated in FIG. 49A, the grooves are arranged along a diagonal direction on the face of thescope cleaner 700. As illustrated thefirst groove 4802 on thefirst wiper 705 is arranged along a diagonal line that runs from aninner edge 4826 to anouter edge 4825 of thefirst wiper 705. Thefirst groove 4802 traverses through thecenter 4712 of thefirst wiper 705. As illustrated thesecond groove 4804 on thesecond wiper 707 is arranged along a diagonal line that runs from aninner edge 4824 to anouter edge 4823 of thesecond wiper 707. Thesecond groove 4804 traverses through thecenter 4714 of thesecond wiper 707. The grooves operate in a similar fashion to the grooves as described above. Namely, thegrooves inner edge second wiper blades FIG. 49B , thegrooves - While the section profiles have illustrated the wipers as being triangular in shape, the section profile can be other shapes as well. For instance, the section profile can have a parallelogram shape, including rectangular or square shape. When the triangular shape is implemented enhanced cleaning effect of the lens can be achieved.
-
FIGS. 50-54 illustrate further examples of tip assemblies that can be implemented with the presented technology. The tip assemblies illustrated inFIGS. 50-54 can be implemented as a part of a trocar or a separate component that is configured to be coupled to a trocar. For example, the tip assemblies can be coupled to the trocar by an adapter sleeve (not shown). The tip assemblies illustrated inFIGS. 50-54 are illustrated without all of the components in order to aid in illustration. Furthermore, the tip assemblies can be configured to include one or more of the components, elements, functions or features as described herein. -
FIG. 50 illustrates anexemplarily tip assembly 5005. Theexemplarily tip assembly 5005 includesjaws upper jaw 5010 can be configured to flex relative to thebody 5003 of thetip assembly 5005. Alower jaw 5011 can also be configured to flex relative to thebody 5003. Theupper jaw 5010 can include afirst slider 5012 that is slidingly coupled to theupper jaw 5010. The slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the first slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in theupper jaw 5012. In other embodiments, other configurations of thefirst slider 5012 andupper jaw 5010 are possible to allow relative motion of thefirst slider 5012 to theupper jaw 5010. Thelower jaw 5011 can include asecond slider 5014 that is slidingly coupled to thelower jaw 5011. The slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the second slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in thelower jaw 5011. In other embodiments, other configurations of thesecond slider 5014 andlower jaw 5011 are possible to allow relative motion of thesecond slider 5014 to thelower jaw 5011. - The
upper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 can be configured to flex relative to thebody 5003, when a camera or other instrument abuts theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011. Thefirst slider 5012 can have awiper 5040 affixed to afirst end 5042. Thesecond slider 5014 can have awiper 5040 affixed to afirst end 5044. Thus, as the instrument abuts thewipers 5040, theupper jaw 5010 can separate from thelower jaw 5011. As theupper jaw 5010 separates from thelower jaw 5011, thefirst slider 5012 moves outward from theupper jaw 5010 and thesecond slider 5014 moves outward from thelower jaw 5014, thereby forming an opening between theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 through which the instrument can pass. Thewipers 5040 can be configured as described herein. - Additionally, a
closing mechanism 5022 can be included in thetip assembly 5005. Theclosing mechanism 5022 can be configured to bias theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 to a closed configuration as illustrated in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 51 . Theclosing mechanism 5022 in the illustrated embodiment is an elastic band. The elastic band can be metallic, plastic, or rubber. The elastic band can be configured to deliver a desired clamping force to theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 so that theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 close relative to one another to be in a closed position in which theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 substantially abut one another. Theclosing mechanism 5022 can be configured to rest in agroove 5020 formed in theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011. Thegroove 5020 can be configured such that an outer surface of theclosing mechanism 5022 is substantially flush with the outer surface of theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011. - The
exemplarily tip assembly 5005 can further includeslider biasing members 5030 that bias thefirst slider 5012 and thesecond slider 5014 to a retracted configuration relative to theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011, respectively. As illustrated the biasingmember 5030 can be a single component for thefirst slider 5012 and a single component for thesecond slider 5014. In other embodiments, the biasingmember 5030 can be made of one or more components. For instance, thefirst slider 5012 can have two biasing members. In yet other embodiments, the number of biasingmembers 5030 for thefirst slider 5012 can be one or any other number. - As illustrated the biasing
member 5030 can include one or more attachment ends 5032 that are configured to be coupled to theupper jaw 5010 orlower jaw 5011. The attachment ends 5032 can be coupled to therespective jaw member 5030 can be releasably affixed to therespective jaw member 5030 can be permanently affixed to therespective jaw - As illustrated the biasing
member 5030 that passes through thefirst slider 5012 is configured to pass through adistal end 5043 of thefirst slider 5012 such that there is andistal portion 5033 of the biasingmember 5030 that is nearest to thedistal end 5043 of thefirst slider 5012. Similarly, the biasingmember 5030 that passes through thesecond slider 5014 is configured to pass through adistal end 5045 of thesecond slider 5014 such that there is adistal portion 5033 of the biasingmember 5030 that is nearest to thedistal end 5045 of thesecond slider 5014. In other embodiments, the biasingmember 5030 can have different configurations of adistal portion 5033 that can be further away from thedistal end respective slider member 5030 can run less than three-fourths the length of theslider member 5030 can run less than half the distance of theslider member 5030 can be distance that is selected to provide the appropriate return force and allow for the appropriate opening so that the instrument can pass between theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011. As indicated above, the biasingmember 5030 can be configured to return thesliders members 5030 that return thesliders member 5030 can be any elastic material that allows for biasing the sliders to the retracted configuration. For example, the biasingmember 5030 can be made of a rubber, plastic or metal. -
FIG. 51 illustrates theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 in a closed configuration in which theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011 substantially abut one another. As seen in the cross-sectional view, theclosing mechanism 5022 is configured to be mounted within agroove 5020. Theclosing mechanism 5022 can be glued or otherwise affixed within thegroove 5020. In yet other embodiments, thegroove 5020 can be omitted and theclosing mechanism 5022 can be tapered such that the outer edges of theclosing mechanism 5022 are substantially flush with the outer surface of theupper jaw 5010 andlower jaw 5011. - As illustrated in
FIG. 51 , the biasingmembers 5030 are shown in their retracted configuration. -
FIG. 52 illustrates anexemplarily tip assembly 5205. Theexemplarily tip assembly 5205 includesjaws upper jaw 5210 can be configured to flex relative to thebody 5203 of thetip assembly 5205. A lower jaw 5211 can also be configured to flex relative to thebody 5203. Theupper jaw 5210 can include afirst slider 5212 that is slidingly coupled to theupper jaw 5210. The slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the first slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in theupper jaw 5212. In other embodiments, other configurations of thefirst slider 5212 andupper jaw 5210 are possible to allow relative motion of thefirst slider 5212 to theupper jaw 5210. The lower jaw 5211 can include asecond slider 5214 that is slidingly coupled to the lower jaw 5211. The slidingly coupling can be through a one or more channels formed on the second slider; the one or more channels can be configured to matingly engage and slide relative corresponding receiving portions formed in the lower jaw 5211. In other embodiments, other configurations of thesecond slider 5214 and lower jaw 5211 are possible to allow relative motion of thesecond slider 5214 to the lower jaw 5211. - The
upper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 can be configured to flex relative to thebody 5203, when a camera or other instrument abuts theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211. Thefirst slider 5212 can have awiper 5240 affixed to afirst end 5242. Thesecond slider 5214 can have awiper 5240 affixed to afirst end 5244. Thus, as the instrument abuts thewipers 5240, theupper jaw 5210 can separate from the lower jaw 5211. As theupper jaw 5210 separates from the lower jaw 5211, thefirst slider 5212 moves outward from theupper jaw 5210 and thesecond slider 5214 moves outward from thelower jaw 5214, thereby forming an opening between theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 through which the instrument can pass. Thewipers 5240 can be configured as described herein. - Additionally, a
closing mechanism 5222 can be included in thetip assembly 5205. Theclosing mechanism 5222 can be configured to bias theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 to a closed configuration as illustrated in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 53 . Theclosing mechanism 5222 in the illustrated embodiment is an elastic band. The elastic band can be metallic, plastic, or rubber. The elastic band can be configured to deliver a desired clamping force to theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 so that theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 close relative to one another to be in a closed position in which theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 substantially abut one another. Theclosing mechanism 5222 can be configured to rest in agroove 5220 formed in theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211. Thegroove 5220 can be configured such that an outer surface of theclosing mechanism 5222 is substantially flush with the outer surface of theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211. - The
exemplarily tip assembly 5205 can further includeslider biasing members 5230 that bias thefirst slider 5212 and thesecond slider 5214 to a retracted configuration relative to theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211, respectively. As illustrated the biasingmember 5230 can be a single component for thefirst slider 5212 and a single component for thesecond slider 5214. In other embodiments, the biasingmember 5230 can be made of one or more components. For instance, thefirst slider 5212 can have two biasing members. In yet other embodiments, the number of biasingmembers 5230 for thefirst slider 5212 can be one or any other number. - As illustrated the biasing
member 5230 can include one or more attachment ends 5232 that are configured to be coupled to thebody 5203. The attachment ends 5232 can be coupled to thebody 5203 so that the biasingmember 5230 can be releasably affixed to thebody 5203. In yet other embodiments, the biasingmember 5230 can be permanently affixed to thebody 5203. - As illustrated the biasing
member 5230 that passes through thefirst slider 5212 is configured to pass through adistal end 5243 of thefirst slider 5212 such that there is andistal portion 5233 of the biasingmember 5230 that is nearest to thedistal end 5243 of thefirst slider 5212. Similarly, the biasingmember 5230 that passes through thesecond slider 5214 is configured to pass through adistal end 5245 of thesecond slider 5214 such that there is adistal portion 5233 of the biasingmember 5230 that is nearest to thedistal end 5245 of thesecond slider 5214. In other embodiments, the biasingmember 5230 can have different configurations of adistal portion 5233 that can be further away from thedistal end respective slider member 5230 can run less than three-fourths the length of theslider member 5230 can run less than half the distance of theslider member 5230 can be distance that is selected to provide the appropriate return force and allow for the appropriate opening so that the instrument can pass between theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211. As indicated above, the biasingmember 5230 can be configured to return thesliders members 5230 that return thesliders member 5230 can be any elastic material that allows for biasing the sliders to the retracted configuration. For example, the biasingmember 5230 can be made of a rubber, plastic or metal. -
FIG. 53 illustrates theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 in a closed configuration in which theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 substantially abut one another. As seen in the cross-sectional view, theclosing mechanism 5222 is configured to be mounted within agroove 5220. Theclosing mechanism 5222 can be glued or otherwise affixed within thegroove 5220. In yet other embodiments, thegroove 5220 can be omitted and theclosing mechanism 5222 can be tapered such that the outer edges of theclosing mechanism 5222 are substantially flush with the outer surface of theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211. - As illustrated in
FIG. 53 , the biasingmembers 5230 are shown in their retracted configuration. When the biasingmembers 5230 are coupled to thebody 5203, the biasingmembers 5230 can provide a force to thefirst slider 5212 andsecond slider 5214 such that the sliders act to close theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211. While in the illustrated example thetip assembly 5205 includes theclosing mechanism 5222, theclosing mechanism 5222 can be omitted and theupper jaw 5210 and lower jaw 5211 can be biased to the closed configuration via thebiasing members 5230. - Exemplary implementations have been described hereinabove regarding a jawed trocar assembly and a method of using the same. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the elements and features illustrated in the implementations described and illustrated in the figures herein can be optionally included to achieve the benefits of the presently disclosed jawed trocar assembly. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that features in each of the figures described herein can be combined with one another and arrange to achieve the described benefits of the presently disclosed jawed trocar assembly. Various modifications to and departures from the disclosed implementations will occur to those having skill in the art. The subject matter that is intended to be within the spirit of this disclosure is set forth in the following claims.
Claims (21)
1-49. (canceled)
50. A tip assembly for a trocar comprising:
an adapter sleeve configured to be coupled to the trocar;
a jaw assembly component coupled to the adapter sleeve.
51. The tip assembly for a trocar as recited in claim 50 , wherein the adapter sleeve and the jaw assembly component are integrally formed.
52. The tip assembly for a trocar as recited in claim 50 , wherein the adapter sleeve and the jaw assembly are configured for mating engagement.
53. The tip assembly for a trocar as recited in claim 50 , wherein the adapter sleeve is configured to receive a first end of the trocar.
54. The tip assembly for a trocar as recited in claim 50 , wherein the adapter sleeve and jaw assembly component are substantially transparent allowing light to pass therethrough so that an image can be captured by a camera within the trocar assembly.
55. The tip assembly as recited in claim 50 , wherein the jaw assembly component is hingedly coupled to the adapter sleeve.
56. The tip assembly of claim 50 , wherein the tip assembly has at least a first position wherein the jaw assembly component is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the adapted sleeve and a second position wherein the jaw assembly component is rotated such that an end of the jaw assembly component is positioned radially away from the longitudinal axis.
57. The tip assembly of claim 50 , wherein the jaw assembly component comprises a penetrating surface adapted to penetrate through at least one layer of body tissue.
58. The tip assembly of claim 50 , wherein the jaw assembly component comprises a pair of jaws hingedly coupled to an end of the adapter sleeve, each jaw being hingedly coupled to an outer portion of the end and each jaw being opposite to one another.
59. The tip assembly of claim 58 , wherein in the first position, each of the jaws are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter sleeve and are positioned with respect to one another such that the ends of the jaws form a substantially conical contour adapted to penetrate the layer of the body tissue.
60. The tip assembly as recited in claim 58 , wherein the pair of jaws comprises:
a first jaw having a penetrating member at the end thereof, the penetrating member adapted to penetrate at least one layer of body tissue; and
a second jaw hingedly coupled to the end of the adapter sleeve and opposite to the first jaw;
wherein in the first position, the first jaw and the second jaw are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter sleeve and wherein the penetrating member of the first jaw extends longitudinally further than a distal end of the second jaw.
61. The tip assembly of claim 60 , wherein the first jaw comprises:
a first slider having the penetrating member at a distal end thereof, the first slider being coupled to the first jaw such that the first slider is axially translatable with respect to the first jaw.
62. The tip assembly of claim 61 , wherein the first slider comprises a first scope cleaner coupled to a proximal end of the first slider opposite to the distal end of the first slider, the first scope cleaner being configured to sweep across an interior of the adapter sleeve when the first slider translates axially away from a proximal end of the first scope cleaner.
63. The tip assembly as recited in claim 60 , wherein:
the second jaw comprises a second slider having a second scope cleaner coupled to a proximal end thereof and axially translatable with respect to the second jaw;
the second slider being coupled to the second jaw such that in the first position, the first scope cleaner and the second scope cleaner are adjacent one another; and
the second scope cleaner being configured to sweep across an interior of the adapter sleeve when the second slider translates axially away from the proximal end of the first scope cleaner.
64. The tip assembly as recited in claim 60 , wherein:
the penetrating member is a substantially conical tip; and
in the first position, the first jaw and the second jaw are positioned with respect to one another such that the substantially conical tip extends beyond the distal end of the second jaw, and the first jaw and the second jaw form a substantially contiguous contour.
65. The tip assembly as recited in claim 60 , wherein the first scope cleaner having at least one groove formed therein.
66. The tip assembly as recited in claim 60 , wherein the second scope cleaner having at least one groove formed therein.
67. The tip assembly as recited in claim 60 , wherein the first scope cleaner and the second scope cleaner each having at least one groove formed therein.
68. The tip assembly as recited in claim 67 , wherein the at least one groove formed in the first scope cleaner traverses through a center of the first scope cleaner.
69. The tip assembly as recited in claim 67 , wherein the at least one groove formed in the second scope cleaner traverses through a center of the second scope cleaner.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/354,128 US20140288367A1 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2012-10-24 | Jawed trocar tip assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
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US13/280,233 US8708889B2 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2011-10-24 | Jawed trocar assembly |
US201161568623P | 2011-12-08 | 2011-12-08 | |
US201261593957P | 2012-02-02 | 2012-02-02 | |
US201261624963P | 2012-04-16 | 2012-04-16 | |
PCT/US2012/061741 WO2013063153A2 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2012-10-24 | Jawed trocar tip assembly |
US14/354,128 US20140288367A1 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2012-10-24 | Jawed trocar tip assembly |
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US13/280,233 Continuation US8708889B2 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2011-10-24 | Jawed trocar assembly |
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US14/354,128 Abandoned US20140288367A1 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2012-10-24 | Jawed trocar tip assembly |
US14/262,566 Active 2032-02-27 US9662133B2 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2014-04-25 | Jawed tip assembly |
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US14/262,566 Active 2032-02-27 US9662133B2 (en) | 2011-10-24 | 2014-04-25 | Jawed tip assembly |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9662133B2 (en) | 2017-05-30 |
US20140235944A1 (en) | 2014-08-21 |
US20130102843A1 (en) | 2013-04-25 |
US8708889B2 (en) | 2014-04-29 |
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