MXPA04009631A - Rotational latching system for a trocar - Google Patents

Abstract

A trocar housing for a trocar assembly includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned apertures shaped and dimensioned for passage of an instrument therethrough. The trocar housing also includes a rotary latch mechanism selectively coupling the first housing member and the second housing member. The rotary latch mechanism includes a latching member which rotates relative to the first and second housing members about a longitudinal axis of the housing member for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.

Description

ROTATIONAL COUPLING SYSTEM FOR A TROCAR CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUEST This application is based on the provisional patent application of E.U.A. No. 60 / 506,786, filed on September 30, 2003, entitled "PROTECTOR DE TIP DE MONTAJE DE TROCAR", currently pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention refers to trocar assemblies. More particularly, the invention relates to a rotary latching mechanism for selectively securing first and second housing members of a trocar assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE A trocar assembly is a surgical instrument that is used to access a body cavity. A trocar assembly generally comprises two general components, a trocar sleeve, composed of a trocar housing and a trocar cannula, and a trocar obturator. The trocar cannula having the trocar obturator inserted through it, is directed through the skin to access a body cavity. Once the body cavity is accessed, endoscopic and laparoscopic or arthroscopic procedures can be performed. In order to penetrate the skin, the distal end of the trocar cannula is placed against the skin that has previously been cut with a scalpel. The trocar obturator is then used to penetrate the skin and access the body cavity. By applying pressure against the proximal end of the trocar obturator, the sharp tip of the trocar obturator is forced through the skin until it enters the body cavity. The trocar cannula is inserted through the perforation made by the trocar obturator and the trocar obturator is removed, leaving the trocar cannula as an access route to the body cavity. The proximal end portion of the trocar cannula is typically attached to a trocar housing defining a chamber having an open distal end portion, in communication with the inner lumen defined by the trocar cannula. A trocar obturator, or other elongated surgical instruments, extend axially within and are removed from the trocar cannula, through the proximal end portion of the chamber defined by the trocar housing. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, many trocar housings are formed with first and second housing members, which respectively house a proximal seal assembly and a duckbill seal assembly. The housing members are selectively coupled to facilitate various surgical procedures. For example, it is often desirable to remove the first housing member during the removal of a specimen. Removal of the first housing member allows the specimen to pass through only the duckbill seal assembly, instead of passing through the duckbill seal assembly and the proximal seal assembly. This provides easier removal of the specimen and less trauma to the specimen during the removal process. However, the prior trocar housings use complicated and unreliable mechanisms to secure the first and second housing members. As such, there is a need for a trocar housing that offers a convenient and reliable mechanism for connecting the first and second housing members. The present invention provides such a mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a trocar housing for a trocar assembly. The trocar housing includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include shaped aligned openings of suitable dimensions for the passage of an instrument therethrough. The trocar hosting it also includes a rotary latching mechanism that selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member. The pivoting latch mechanism includes a latching member that rotates relative to the first and second housing members about a longitudinal axis of the housing member for selectively coupling the first and second housing members. An object of the present invention is also to provide a trocar housing that includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include shaped aligned openings and with suitable dimensions for the passage of an instrument therethrough. The trocar housing also includes a rotary latching mechanism that selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member. The pivoting latch mechanism includes a latch member that rotates independently of the first and second housing members about a longitudinal axis of the housing member, to selectively engage the first and second housing members. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a trocar housing including a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned, shaped openings with suitable dimensions for the passage of an instrument through them. The trocar housing further includes a seal formed between the first housing member and the second housing member when they are engaged. The seal comprises an angular interface either on the first housing member or on the second housing member, which exerts radial and compressive forces when the first housing member and the second housing member are assembled. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a trocar housing that includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member. The first housing member houses a proximal seal assembly therein, and the second housing member houses a distal seal assembly therein, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned openings shaped and sized for the passage of an instrument through them. The trocar housing also includes a rotary latching mechanism that selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member. The pivoting latching mechanism includes a latching member that rotates relative to the first and second housing members about a longitudinal axis of the housing member, to selectively couple the first and second housing members.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which describe certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a trocar assembly according to the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the trocar assembly shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar assembly shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view. of the trocar assembly shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a detailed view of the rotary coupling mechanism used in accordance with the present trocar assembly. Figure 6 is an exploded assembly of the proximal seal assembly according to the present trocar assembly. Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a seal segment. Figure 8 is a top view of a seal segment.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a seal body composed of four seal segments as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. Figure 11 is a top perspective view of a protective segment. Figure 12 is a bottom view of a protective segment. Figure 13 is a protector composed of four protective segments as shown in Figures 11 and 12. Figure 14 is a top perspective view of a duckbill seal assembly in accordance with the present invention. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along the line XV-XV of Figure 14. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view along line XV-XV of Figure 14. Figure 17 is an exploded view of the trocar sleeve according to the present invention. Figure 18 is an exploded, additional view of the trocar sleeve according to the present invention. Figure 19 is an assembled, perspective view of the trocar sleeve shown in Figures 17 and 18. Figure 20 is a rear perspective view of the trocar sleeve shown in Figures 17 and 18.

Figure 21 is an exploded view according to an alternative embodiment of the trocar sleeve. Figure 22 is a partial exploded view according to an alternative embodiment of the trocar sleeve as shown in Figure 19. Figures 23 and 24 are exploded views of an additional embodiment of the trocar sleeve. Figure 25 is a detailed view of the endoscopic insurance mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The detailed modalities of the present invention are described herein. It should be understood, however, that the described embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be exemplified in various ways. Therefore, the details described herein do not have to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims, and as a basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how to make and / or use the invention. A rotating latching mechanism according to the present invention is described. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the rotary latching mechanism allows selective engagement of the first and second housing members for added versatility in the use of a trocar assembly. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the present rotary engagement mechanism is adapted for use with a variety of trocar assemblies without departing from the spirit of the present invention. With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the trocar assembly 10 generally includes a trocar cannula 12, a trocar obturator 14, and a trocar housing 16 (or handle). The trocar cannula 12 defines an internal central channel 18 having an open distal end portion 20 and an open proximal end portion 22. The proximal end portion 22 extends into and is mounted to the distal end portion 24 of the trocar housing 16. The trocar housing 16 has an open proximal end portion 26 defining an opening 28. The opening 28 is provided with a proximal seal assembly 30 constructed in accordance with the present invention, and described in detail later in the present. The opening 28 is further provided with a seal assembly 32 in the form of a duckbill, positioned below the proximal seal assembly 28. While the present seal assembly is described as a proximal seal assembly forming part of a seal system double, the present seal assembly can be used in a simple seal system without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In general, the trocar sleeve 44 is comprised of a trocar cannula 12 and a trocar housing 16. The trocar housing 16 includes a first housing member 36 and a second housing member 38. The second housing member 38 is at the end composed of a cover 38a of the second housing member and a base 38b of the second housing member. Although the housing 16 is described. as two components, it is contemplated that a single component could be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The two component housing shown helps the removal of the specimens. The trocar obturator 14 is slidable in and removable from within the trocar cannula 12, and is inserted into the trocar housing 16 and the trocar cannula 12 through the proximal seal assembly 30, the peak seal assembly 32. of duck and the opening 28 of the trocar housing 16. A seal handle 34 is provided at the proximal end of the trocar seal 14, and a tip or blade (not shown) is formed at the proximal end thereof. As is well known in the art, the proximal seal assembly 30 cooperates with the exterior of the instruments (e.g., trocar obturators or other tools adapted for use in conjunction with trocar-based procedures) extending through the sleeve 44 of trocar for sealingly coupling the outer surface thereof, and thereby excluding the passage of fluids through the trocar housing 16.

Rotational engagement system With respect to the trocar housing 16 and with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the trocar housing 16 is constructed of a first housing member 36 and a second housing member 38 that are selectively coupled for the reasons that they will be discussed later in more detail. The first and second housing members 36, 38 include aligned openings 40, 42 shaped and sized for receiving instruments that are selectively passed through the trocar housing 16. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is important that the first and second housing members 36, 38 remain securely engaged during the insertion of the trocar sleeve 44 into the abdominal wall, as well as during the normal course of a procedure. . However, it is also desirable to remove the first housing member 36 during removal of a specimen, for example, from the abdominal cavity. Removal of the first housing member 36 allows the specimen to pass through only the duckbill seal assembly 32, instead of passing through the duckbill seal assembly 32 and the proximal seal assembly 30. This provides easier removal of the specimen and less trauma to the specimen during the removal process. The first housing member 36 supports the proximal seal assembly 30 and sits on top of the second housing member 38, on which the duckbill seal assembly 32 is mounted. The first housing member 36 includes an opening 40 extending therethrough. The proximal seal assembly 30 is positioned within the opening 40 of the first housing member 36. With respect to the second housing member 38, the second housing member 38 includes an opening 42 extending therethrough. The duckbill seal assembly 32 is positioned within the opening 42 of the second housing member 38 adjacent the upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38. In fact, and for reasons that will be discussed in more detail below , the peripheral edge 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 is positioned directly adjacent to the upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38 for engagement with the lower surface 54 of the first housing member 36. The connection of the first housing member is housing 36 to the second housing member 38, is provided by a rotary latching mechanism 56. In particular, the first housing member 36 includes first and second arms 58 extending in a downward direction. Each of the arms 58 extending in a downward direction includes a cam surface 60 facing downwardly, and an engaging surface 62 facing outwards. The second housing member 38 similarly includes a latching ring 64 with first and second latching members or latch 66 for respectively engaging the respective engaging surfaces 62 of the first and second arms 58 extending downwardly of the first member. 36. The engagement ring 64 is axially aligned with the central axis of the trocar sleeve 44 and lies in an annular channel 68 around the perimeter of the duckbill seal assembly 32. Although the engagement ring 64 according to the preferred embodiment rotates about a central axis of the trocar housing 16, the engagement ring 64 can rotate about other axes without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The engagement ring 64 is capable of rotating around the central axis of the trocar sleeve 44, but is coupled to the trocar housing 16 by a spring 70. The spring 70 retains the engagement ring 64 in a position secured by a small amount of torque. preloaded deviation. However, the spring 70 permits rotation of the engagement ring 64 during engagement of the first housing member 36. The first and second engagement members 66 respectively include cam surfaces 72 facing upwards., which are interconnected with the cam surfaces 60 facing downwards from the first and second arms 58 extending downwardly from the first housing member 36. The first and second engaging members 66 each include a cam surface 72. upwardly shaped and of suitable dimensions for respectively engaging the cam surfaces 60 of the arms 58 extending downwardly. Similarly, the first and second engaging members 66 include the inwardly facing, shaped engaging surfaces 74 of suitable dimensions for engaging the engaging surfaces 62 facing away from the first and second arms 58 extending in a directional direction. down. In practice, the engagement of the first and second housing members 36, 38 is achieved by passing the first and second arms 58 extending downwardly through the holes 76 formed in the upper surface 50 of the second. housing member 38. Since the first and according to arms 58 extending in a downward direction, extend through the respective holes 76 adjacent to the first and second engagement members 66 of the engagement ring 64, the camming surfaces 60 of the first and second arms 58 extending in a downward direction, respectively, engage the cam surfaces 72 of the first and second engagement members 66. The engagement causes the engagement ring 64 to rotate in a manner that allows the first and second arms 58 extending in a downward direction, extend beyond the first and second engagement members 66. This rotation is against the proportional deviation nothing by the spring 70. Once the first and second arms 58 extending in a downward direction move past the first and second engaging members 66, the spring 70 which biases the engagement ring 64 causes the locking ring latch 64 returns to its original position, and engaging surfaces 62 facing away from the first housing member 36 engage the engaging surfaces 74 facing inwardly from the second housing member 38, to securely engage the first housing member 36 to the second housing member 38. The first and second housing members 36, 38 are selectively decoupled through the actuation of a lever 78 coupled to the engagement ring 64. The rotation of the lever 78 causes the locking ring latch 64 rotate, moving the first and second latch members 66 out of engagement with arms 58 extending in a downward direction. The upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38 includes the holes 76 that allow the arms 58 extending downwardly of the first housing member 36 to pass through only with a small amount of clearance. This limited free space allows very little movement of the arms 58 extending in a downward direction, either in the plane of the holes 76 or in flexion. Therefore, when the first housing member 36 is hooked to the second housing member 38, the only means of forced dismantling of the first and second housing members 36, 38, is by cutting the first and second arms 58 which extend with downward direction, or by pure tension on the legs themselves. The first and second arms 58 can not flex out of the way or slide due to the size of the holes 76. This creates a very secure coupling. The trocar housing 16 is disassembled by pushing the lever 78 in a horizontal rotation, causing rotation of the engagement ring 64 around the central axis of the trocar sleeve 44, in a manner that exceeds the spring force. The lever 78 is accessible to the surgeon through a slot in the side portion of the trocar housing 16. When the lever 78 is pressed, the first and second engaging members 66 of the engagement ring 64 rotate past the first and second arms 58 extending in a downward direction, and the first accommodation member 36 is released from the second accommodation member 38. The first member of housing 36 is coupled to the second housing member 38 by a rotary latching mechanism 56 and a seal between the first and second housing members 36, 38 is required to maintain insufflation. This seal is achieved by the use of a flange 80 extending downwardly on the lower surface 54 of the first housing member 36 for compressing a portion of the duckbill seal assembly 32 adjacent the upper surface 50 of the second member. 38. The tab 80 and the duckbill seal assembly 32 include opposite angled surfaces. This provides an angular interface between the flange 80 on the first housing member 36 and the interface of the duckbill seal assembly 32 of the second housing member 38. This provides easier coupling of the first housing member 36 and allows travel. vertical beyond the distance required to seal without effect on the performance capabilities of the duckbill seal assembly. In fact, this overtravel is required to provide functional reliability in the rotary coupling mechanism.

The flange 80 extending downwardly of the first housing member 36 includes an angular interface that exerts a radial force component on the duckbill seal assembly 32. The angular interface also creates a vertical force component that results in assembly force. The radial force dilates the interconnection characteristic ie the peripheral edge 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32. Since the vertical force is only a portion of the total normal force, the assembly force is reduced as a function of the angle of the interface. In addition to the radial and vertical forces, the seal between the first and second housing members 36, 38 generates a camming action due to the interaction between the flange 80 extending downwardly and the peripheral edge 52 of the mounting 32 of stamp on duck's beak. The radial movement of the peripheral edge 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 allows a small amount of overtravel for the flange 80 without negative impact to the ability of the duckbill seal assembly 32 to seal as it is intended for operation. normal. In addition to providing over-travel, the compression of the peripheral edge 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 stores energy that aids in the uncoupling of the first housing member 36 from the second housing member 38. The stored energy causes the first housing member 36 moves easily from the second housing member 38 after actuation of lever 78. More particularly, engagement of first and second housing members 36, 38 is enhanced by the provision of a flange 80 extending with downward direction, along the lower surface 54 of the first housing member 36 that is shaped and is sized to engage the peripheral edge 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32. With this in mind, flange 80 extending in a downward direction is provided with an inward facing taper and peripheral edge 52 is provided with an outward taper. The tapers facing inward and outward interact to allow play between the first and second housing members 36, 38, in a manner that facilitates secure coupling. By providing opposite tapered surfaces, and in particular by providing an inwardly tapered surface on the peripheral edge 52 with a slight amount of elasticity under pressure, the dimensional tolerances necessary to ensure coupling of the latching mechanisms are improved. Proper alignment between the first and second housing members 36, 38 is achieved by the provision of an alignment pin 82 extending downwardly from the lower surface 54 of the first housing member 36, and a locking hole 84. shaped and of suitable dimensions to receive the alignment pin 82 formed along the upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38. The provision of the alignment pin 82 and the locking hole 84 ensures that the first and second members of housing 36, 38 can only be assembled in the desired configuration. Optionally, a second shank may be provided to prevent the opposite hitch from engaging. This is an integral part of the design as it is intended for security. The trocar shutter 14 can only be coupled to the first housing member 36 in one configuration and the first housing member 36 can only be coupled to the second housing member 38 in one configuration. As discussed above, the rotary engagement mechanism 56 used in connection with the first housing member 36 towards the second housing member 38, offers a wide variety of advantages. In particular, the rotating hook design allows the first housing member 36 to be rigidly coupled to the sechousing member 38 with no opportunity for the hooks to be "safen", while allowing very easy decoupling of the first housing member 36. In fact, the holes 76 through which the first and secarms 58 extending in a downward direction pass from the first housing member 36, do not allow any likelihood that the arms 58 extending in a downward direction will flex. out of the way. Further, since the force vector of the hook return spring 70 is perpendicular to any peel force exerted during use, the force required to engage the first housing member 36 can be directed independently of any specified peel force. This is contrary to typical hook designs where the arms of the hooks are elastically flexed to engage and detach the outer seal housing. In these types of designs the strength of the assembly and the strength of the disassembly are directly linked to one another by means of the flexing characteristics of the latching arms. Finally, the latching mechanism is easily manipulated with one hand. With respect to the angular contact between the flange 80 extending downwardly of the first housing member 36 and the peripheral edge 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32, this provides reduced mounting force required in the coupling of the first member of housing 36 to sechousing member 38. One can compress the first housing member 36 a greater distance than with a flat seal, and still obtain the same mounting force. This allows tolerances of the design parts to be greater for given requirements of the compression distance. In addition, the elevated nature of the peripheral edge 52 on the duckbill seal assembly 32 allows radial deflection as well, thereby further reducing assembly forces.

Reinforced seal assembly With reference to Figures 6 to 10, the proximal seal assembly 30 is described. The seal assembly generally includes a cover 86, a crown 88, the bellows 90 used for radial seal movement, a ring female retainer 92, a protector 94, a plurality of reinforced seal segments 96 constituting a seal body 98, a male retainer ring 100 and a lower body 102. Reinforced seal segments 96 are positioned as described below in greater detail, and mounted between the retaining rings 92, 100 to create a seal assembly 30 in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, and with reference to Figures 7 to 10, a reinforced seal segment 96 is shown. As described in more detail below, the proximal seal assembly 30 employs a plurality of reinforced seal segments 96 in the creation of a seal body 98, complete. Each of the reinforced seal segments 96 is in the form of a partial cone, in particular, a cone extending approximately 225 degrees. While the partial cone shape according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention employs partial cones extending approximately 225 degrees, the partial cones of other forms may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Although the cone-shaped seal segments are described according to a preferred embodiment, the flat seal segments could be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Each reinforced seal segment 96 is preferably fabricated from an elastomer of a crosslinked polymer, such as, but not restricted to, polyisoprene or silicone. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In practice, a series of reinforced seal segments 96 are used in the creation of a seal body 98 through which an instrument can be inserted. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, four reinforced seal segments 96 are aligned and successively offset 90 degrees relative to each other. Seal segments 96 are arranged in a "woven" manner, ie each seal segment 96 includes a first side 104 and a second side 106, and the first side 104 of each seal segment 96 is placed in the part of the second side 106 of the adjacent seal segment 96, to create a "woven" assembly of the seal segments 96. The reinforced seal segments 96 are then joined together along their peripheral edges 108 to the retaining rings 94, 100 male and female, to create a 98 stamp body, complete. As a result of the partial cone shape of the reinforced seal segments 96 and the relative rotation thereof, the seal segments 96 together create a seal body 98 wherein the individual seal segments 96 are pushed outwardly after the seal. insertion of an instrument, to create an opening for the passage of instruments and move elastically inwards to close the opening after removal of the instruments. The typical deformation of the reinforced seal segment 96 is shown with reference to Figure 3. The deformation is shown with the insertion of an instrument therethrough. As mentioned above, each of the reinforced seal segments 96 is generally in the form of a cone with a cone portion cut away. The reinforced seal segment 96 includes a peripheral edge 108 secured to a central seal member 110. The peripheral edge 108 is substantially flat, lying in the same plane, while the central seal member 110 is formed in the form of a section of a cone The central seal member 110 is improved through the inclusion of a reinforcing pad 112 in a central position on the reinforced seal segment 96. In other words, the reinforcing pad 112 is placed between the peripheral edge and the free edge of the central seal member 110. More particularly, the reinforcing pad 112 is placed at the tip of the cone defined by the central seal member 110, with the edges of the reinforcement pad 1 12 which are aligned with the free edge of the central seal member 110 at the tip of the cone. The reinforcing pad 112 is integrally formed with the remainder of the central seal member 110, but has a thickness that is approximately 2.5 times that of the nominal thickness of the central seal member 110. In particular, the reinforcement pad 112 of the seal member central 110 is formed with a thickness of approximately 0.432 mm (0.017 inches), while the remainder of central seal member 110 is formed with a thickness of approximately 177.8 μm (.007 inches). While the thicknesses that are described above according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, different thicknesses may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The transition between the reinforcement pad 112 and the rest of the central seal member 110 is achieved by the taper of the central seal member 110 between the thickness of the reinforcement pad 112 and the remainder of the central seal member 110. It is further contemplated that the transition could be made without transition regions; this is with a sharp transition. However, the preferred embodiment does not have tension lifts and allows the seal to seal better. It is also contemplated that the seal segments could have been made with the flat pad without transition. As shown in Figure 7, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing pad 112 is generally formed in a triangular configuration along the center of the arc defined by the reinforced seal segment 96. In in particular, the reinforcing pad 112 occupies an arc of approximately 90 degrees along the central seal member 110. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the shape and size of the reinforcement pad 112 can be varied to suit specific needs, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. However, the reinforcement pad 112 must be shaped and of suitable dimensions to cover an area that is intended for contact with instruments that are passed through the trocar assembly 10. The reinforcement pad 112 is located on a portion of the central seal member 110 which is more likely to have direct contact with the surgical instruments, as they are inserted into the trocar cannula 12. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strengthening pad 112 is centrally located, since most of the surgical instruments will be inserted through the center of the trocar housing 16 and the trocar cannula 12. It should be noted that in other embodiments the angled surface sloping from the reinforcing pad 112 towards the nominal thickness of the central seal member 110, could be omitted and the reinforcing pad 112 could be gently bent toward the nominal thickness of the limb member. central seal 110 via continuous curvature. Low drag forces are desirable between the proximal seal assembly 30 and an insertion instrument. The present proximal seal assembly 30 allows the production of low drag forces without reducing seal durability. This is achieved by reducing the thickness of the seal in conjunction with the application of a reinforcement pad 112 as described above. As such, the reduction in thickness (in the area not in contact with the instrument) is not accompanied by a reduction in seal durability as is common with seal assemblies of the prior art. Seal assemblies incorporating reinforcing pads 112 in accordance with the present invention greatly reduce tearing and tearing of the seal either through insertion or removal of an instrument without requiring additional thickness throughout the entire length of the seal. the seal segments 96. The greater thickness of the region in the reinforcement pad 112 resists dilation in the reinforcement pad 112, where the instrument is making contact with the seal assembly 98. However, the thin sections of the sealing member central seal 110 surrounding central strengthening pad 112, allows easy stretching of the remainder of central seal member 110, thereby keeping driving forces on moving instruments to a minimum. Since the greatest stress occurs along the opening of the central seal member 110 when an instrument is present, and according to a preferred embodiment, the reinforced seal segments 96 must be kept thin in any areas that do not contact an instrument. This minimizes drag forces. The effective protection imparted by the reinforcement pad 112 present manifests itself in the proximal seal assembly 30 as follows. For a given deflection of the proximal seal assembly 30 due to initial contact with the tip of an instrument, the region defined by the reinforcing pad 112 of the proximal seal assembly 30 will have a relatively low tension when compared to the thinner portion of the central seal member 110 surrounding the reinforcement pad 112, due to the difference in thickness between the reinforcing pad 112 and the central seal member 110. This differential in tension is larger in the opening of the proximal seal assembly 30, where the full stresses are higher. When force is applied to the strengthening pad 112 due to contact with an instrument, the increased thickness of the strengthening pad 112 will resist the expansion while the thin cross section of the remainder of the central seal member 110 not covered by the reinforcement pad 112, will allow the strengthening pad 112 to be easily deflected distally, allowing the tip of the instrument to roll within the center of the proximal seal assembly 30. The tear strength for the reinforced seal segment 96 is greatly increased compared to the seal segments of the prior art. The reinforcing pads 112 allow the reinforced seal segments 96 to protect themselves against sharp instruments independently of other peripheral protection devices. This protection is integral to the reinforced seal 96 segments themselves. Also, the addition of reinforcement pads 112 at strategic locations (away from the high tension areas directly located at the point of probable contact with the sharp instrument) allows the pads of reinforcement 112 are protected against puncture with little or no impact on seal performance. This does not increase the maximum insertion forces of instruments or the entrainment forces of the instruments. It is contemplated that the use of the reinforcement pads 112 may be expanded beyond placement at a central location, thereby providing some impact to the maximum insertion forces of the instrument and the entrainment forces of the instruments. However, due to the nature of the seal segments 96 and their stress greatly reduced relative to standard edge seals, this impact would likely produce a design that would easily perform the standard seal assemblies.

Woven Seal Protector Although the seal body 98 is formed with reinforcement pads 112 as described above, it is still desirable to provide the proximal seal assembly 30 with a shield 92, as best shown in FIG. 13. according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is placed directly above the body 98 of the seal. With reference to Figures 6 and 11-13, shield 92 is comprised of multiple overlapping protective segments 114 assembled in a woven arrangement to provide a complete shield 92. By forming shield 92 in a woven arrangement, additional protective material is added. (as a result of the overlapped arrangement) such that the additional surface area of the seal body 98 can be protected as the protective segments 114 are separated as an instrument is inserted into the seal. Since the current proximal seal assembly 30 has a small central opening that expands in a reliable and convenient manner, the shield 92 must be formulated to close the voids between the protective segments 114 as an instrument is passed through the protector 92 and the body 98 of the seal. This requires the addition of material along the opening of the protector 92. According to the present invention, additional material is added to the protector 92 by weaving a plurality of protective segments 114. By weaving the protective segments 114, material is added. extra to protector 92, to widen each component of the protector, while also allowing the protectors to fit within the conical seal profile. The extra material is wrapped behind the protective segment 114 on one side of each protective segment 114. This extra material is not visible when the protective segments 114 are observed from above without an inserted instrument. The protective segments 114 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are fabricated from the molded elastomer, for example, peletane. However, it is not intended that the protective segments 114 be limited merely to elastomers, but that the protective segments 114 may be made of any type of material that contains the required properties and features for the function described herein. In particular, four protective segments 114 are accommodated to create the shield 92. While four protective segments 114 are used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shield 92 may at the end be formed with different numbers of protective segments 114. without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Each protective segment 114 is semicircular when viewed from above and is generally in the form of a partial cone. Each of these protective segments 114 includes a substantially round peripheral edge 116, a support wall 118 extending from the peripheral edge 116 and a protective member 120 in the shape of a cone. The cone-shaped protective member 120 opposite the support wall 1 18 and the peripheral edge 116 defines the edge 121 in a straight manner. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cone-shaped protective member 120 encompasses an arc of approximately 180 degrees, while the supporting wall 118 and the peripheral edge 116 encompass an arc of approximately 120 degrees along the length of the arc. center of the protective member 120 in cone shape. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the limited arc encompassed by the peripheral edge 116 and the support wall 118 reduces the undesirable forces as the instruments are moved beyond the proximal seal assembly 30. The outer peripheral edge 116 is adapted to placed inside the first housing member 36. The outer peripheral edge 116 also includes a series of openings 122 that function as a coupling means for the protective segments 114. As will be apparent from the following description, the use of multiple protective segments 114 defining an arc of approximately 180 degrees results in a reduction in circumferential tensions by the provision of a shield 92 composed of a series of protective segments 114, which flex easily in and out radially as the instruments are inserted through them. Each protective segment 114 includes a first section 124 and a second section 126 defining opposing sides of the protective segment 114. The four individual protective segments 114 are combined in a woven arrangement to create a complete protector 92 that completely protects the underlying seal body 98. . That is, the protector 92 is assembled by placing the first section 124 of a first protective segment 114 on the second section 126 of a second protective segment 114. The first section 124 of the second protective segment 114 is subsequently placed on the second section. 126 of a third protective segment 114, the first section 124 of the third protective segment 114 is placed on the second section 126 of a fourth protective segment 114, and the first section 124 of the fourth protective segment 114 is placed on the second section 126 of the first protective segment 114, as someone folds the final flap of the lid of a box. The protective segments 114 are at the end held together by the application of the crown 88 and the female retaining ring 94.

The retention members are well known to those skilled in the art, and a variety of retention members may be employed within the spirit of the present invention. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the movement of the cone-shaped protective members 120 relative to the peripheral edge 116 and the support wall 1 18 is subject to resistance based on the various orientations of the connected components. As such, the cone-shaped protective members 120 may be susceptible to surface deformation, as the instruments are moved through the proximal seal assembly 30. This resistance to movement is minimized due to the limited arc of the peripheral edge 116 and support wall 118 as discussed above. Furthermore, the resistance is further minimized by the formation of a central groove 128 with the peripheral edge 116 and / or the support wall 118. This groove 128 functions to reduce the surface deformation since the protective members 120 can move at the same distance with less resistance.

By means of the fabric of the protector 92, additional material can be added to each protective segment 114, while still allowing the distal end of the protector 92 to fit within the apex of the cone-shaped seal body 98. This is accomplished by having the extra material added to the segments 114 that wrap behind the protective segment 114 adjacent thereto. This extra material allows for improved dilation of the seal body 98, especially when instruments are inserted at an angle relative to the proximal seal assembly 30. Finally, the protector fabric 92 has little, if any, effect on the drag force. of the instrument, as it moves in and out of the proximal seal assembly 30. This is a result of the fact that the protective segments 114 move easily relative to one another. In practice, and due to the extra material added to each protective segment 114, as an instrument is inserted into the shield 92, the protective segments 114 disperse, exposing the additional protective material placed behind the adjacent protective segments 114. This additional material it continues to cover the body 98 of the seal as the protective segments 114 flex relative to one another. The lower material of the seal body 98 is exposed to the inserted instrument, the better the protection offered by the present protector 92 will be. While the present protector 92 offers good seal protection, additional protective segments 114 may be added although these may cause an increase in the dragging forces of the instrument.

This can be balanced, however, by the thinning of the protective segments 114 to make them more flexible, and by the addition of the lubricant to the protective segments 114 and / or the seal body 98.

Duckbill seal assembly As mentioned above, a duckbill seal assembly 32 is housed within the second housing member 38. With reference to Figures 14 to 16, the duckbill seal assembly 32 In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is described. The duckbill seal assembly 32 includes first and second seal bodies 130, 132 extending from a shaped circumferential flange member 134 of suitable dimensions for mounting within the second housing member 38. Each of the first and second seals 130, 132 includes an upper surface 136, 138 and a lower surface 140, 142. The upper surface 136, 138 and the lower surface 140, 142 are generally mirror images since the first and second seal bodies 130, 132 maintain a substantially consistent thickness along their entire length with the exception of the reinforcement rib along the upper surface 136, 138. The first and second seal bodies 130, 132 are mounted within the trocar housing 16 for movement as an instrument is passed through it. With this in mind, the proximal end of each of the first and second seal bodies 130, 132 is coupled to the trocar housing 16 via the circumferential flange 134, while the distal ends of the first and second seal bodies 130, 132 are intersect to define a stop face 144. The stop face 144 is generally placed within the center of the trocar housing 16 to allow an instrument to pass through it, while in the absence of such an instrument, the stop face 144 is closed via the elasticity of the first and second bodies 130, 132 as they are deflected under the pressure generated from the body cavity in which the trocar assembly 10 is placed. For example, deflected under pressure from the abdominal insufflation gas pressure. This pressure causes the duckbill seal assembly 32 to move to a closed position with the distal ends of the first and second seal bodies 130, 132 in contact. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, seal bodies 130, 132 can be formed with ribs (not shown) on top surface 136, 138 to improve the stability of seal bodies 130, 132 when contacted with an instrument. The ribs also provide a path for the instruments to travel over as they pass through seal assembly 32 in duckbill. The ribs also decrease friction as the instruments pass through the duckbill seal assembly 32 because it provides less surface area on which an instrument can travel, and thus greater contact pressure can be applied between the instrument. seal and the instrument. The first and second seal bodies 130, 132 will now be described with reference to the first seal body 130. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first and second seal bodies 130, 132 are identical, and the following descriptions also refer to the second seal body 132. The seal body 130 is formed by a first section 148 and a second section 150, angularly oriented relative to one another, and a transverse plane 146 extending through the circumferential flange 134. In in particular, the transverse plane 146 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the duckbill seal assembly 32. The first and second sections 148, 150 extend from a proximal end of the seal body 130, respectively, to a distal end of the seal body 130. As such, the first section 148 is positioned adjacent the proximal body of the proximal end of the body of the seal body. seal 130 adjacent the wall of the circumferential flange 134 and the trocar housing 16. The first section 148 moves only slightly as an instrument is inserted through • ' this. The second section 150 is positioned adjacent the distal end of the seal body 130 and adjacent the stop face 144. The second section 150 moves freely as an instrument is inserted through it.

In general, the first and second sections lie at angles between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the transverse plane. Assuming that the transverse plane 146 lies in a horizontal plane, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first section 148, which begins at the proximal end of the seal body 130, is oriented approximately at an angle of 30 degrees. degrees relative to the horizontal plane in which the transverse plane 146 lies. The second section 150, which extends towards the distal end of the seal body 130, is thereafter oriented at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the angles described above according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The angles chosen are based on the trade-off between the durability of the seal bodies (improvement at higher angles such as the probability of an instrument that tightly engages the seal, for example, dilation is less likely at greater angles) and the height of the seal (higher angles dictate greater height). For example, it is contemplated that the second section 150 may be formed at an angle of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees, while providing many advantages contemplated in accordance with the present duckbill seal assembly 32. The height or profile of the duckbill seal assembly 32 is important since the reductions in size allow improved access of the instrument, because the length of the trocar housing 16 can consequently be made smaller.

Smaller accommodations provide surgeons with greater access within the body cavity and thus are highly desirable. While a preferred embodiment as described above employs the first and second sections 148, 150 in the implementation of the present invention, additional sections may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Similarly, the present duckbill seal bodies 130, 132 can be constructed with an infinite number of angles, that is, with a continuous curved surface, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Notwithstanding the exact wall construction employed, the wall angle should be kept low (eg, 30 degrees) where the instruments do not ordinarily contact the seal bodies 130, 132 of the duckbill stamp assembly 32 and they are increased to a high value (eg, 45 degrees) where the instruments routinely contact the wall surface of the seal bodies 130, 132. By orienting the first and second sections 148, 150 in this manner, i.e. By varying the angles of the wall along the extent of the seal bodies 130, 132, the tear strength is improved without adjusting the full height of the duckbill seal assembly 32. By providing a low wall angle at the position where the instruments do not routinely contact the seal bodies 130, 132, the full height of the duckbill seal assembly 32, and at the end of the trocar assembly 10, can be reduced to a minimum, while accommodating the appropriate seal function. The application of a high wall angle at the site where the instruments make contact in a customary manner with the seal bodies 130, 132, minimizes the normal forces by contacting the seal assembly 32 in duckbill and consequently minimizes the potential for the tearing of seal assembly 32 in duckbill. As discussed above, the height of the trocar sleeve 44 is a critical problem due to its impact on ergonomics. At the same time, the duckbill drag, durability, and sealing functions must all be balanced with the need for minimized height of the trocar sleeve 44. In order to provide a superior design in accordance with the present duckbill seal assembly 32, the height of the duckbill seal assembly 32 is minimized by the use of two wall angles. The wall angle along the first section 148 is shallow to minimize the height. At a given critical diameter, the wall angle becomes more inclined in the second section 150. This more inclined wall provides a lower angle of attack with respect to an inserted instrument to maximize durability. At the same time, the sealing function is improved due to the higher closing forces coming from the abdominal gas pressures acting on the second section with the smaller angle of attack due to the more inclined wall, compared to the angle of the first section 148.

Despite the advantages offered by the design of multiple angles, the forces between the duckbill seal assembly 32 and the instrument must be further minimized. This is accommodated through the thickness of the wall, the geometry of the rib and the adjustment of the surface coating. Less drag forces are desirable to reduce the effort required by a surgeon when instruments are inserted or removed from a trocar sleeve 44. Reduce the effort required is desirable to allow the insertion or removal of an instrument, with one hand. This also reduces the possibility of a trocar sleeve 44 being pulled out of a patient into which the trocar assembly 10 was inserted. As discussed, while angles of 30 and 45 degrees are used in accordance with the preferred embodiment, larger diameter instruments are required, larger diameter duckbill seal assemblies 32 will also be required. Since space is usually paramount in valve applications, especially for duckbill seal assemblies 32 when used in trocar assemblies, the minimum height is highly desirable. The durability of the seal is paramount so that a 45 degree angle is used to minimize the tearing of the seal bodies 130, 132 at the time the instruments are inserted or removed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the duckbill seal assembly 32 is an elastomer or a crosslinked polymer such as, but not restricted to, polyisoprene or silicone.

Endoscopic insurance assembly As discussed previously in the Background of the Invention, it is often desirable to secure an endoscope in position relative to a trocar assembly 10, in particular, a shutter 14. As such, an endoscope lock assembly 152 is provided in accordance with the present invention, and is shown in Figures 3, 4 and 25. The endoscope securement assembly 152 generally includes a cam mechanism that retains an endoscope within a trocar sleeve 44 and / or the 14 during the insertion of the trocar assembly 10. The mechanism uses a cam to compress an elastomeric block 154 against the endoscope. The elastomeric block 154 then holds the endoscope tightly to prevent unwanted movement of the endoscope as the surgeon is visualizing the tissue layers during insertion of the trocar assembly. The cam mechanism provides the ability to retain the endoscope, while resisting torsional and axial loads, provides acceptable retention of the endoscope after repeated throws of the cam lever 156, provides low ergonomic forces to operate the lever 156 of cam, provides compatibility with a wide range of endoscope sizes, facilitates intuitive use and has a long-term shelf life stability.

The cam mechanism retaining the endoscope within a trocar assembly 10 uses a camming surface 158 to compress the elastomeric block 154 against the endoscope. The elastomeric block 154 then holds the endoscope tightly to prevent unwanted movement of the endoscope as the surgeon visualizes the tissue layers during insertion of the trocar assembly. The endoscope lock assembly 152 includes a housing 160 having a tube 162 extending therefrom. The tube 162 is aligned with an opening extending therethrough. The tube is formed with a sharp tip and can be used as a shutter according to the present invention. The tube 162 and the opening are shaped and are of suitable dimensions for the extension of an endoscope through them. In addition, the tube 162 is shaped and of adequate dimensions to extend through the trocar cannula 12 such that the endoscope lock assembly 152, including the tube 162, can be selectively secured to the trocar sleeve 44 for the use of an endoscope. Coupling of the lock assembly 152 to the first trocar housing member 36 is accomplished via the coupling locks 164, 166 formed on the underside of the lock mounting housing 160 and the top surface 168 of the first housing member 36. latches 164, 166 permit selective coupling and release of the lock assembly 152 to the trocar housing 16. While a specific latching structure is described in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, other latching structures may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The lock mounting housing 160 includes a cam-based locking mechanism. The securing mechanism is comprised of a cam lever 156 and an elastomeric block 154. The cam lever 156 includes a first end 170 that is pivotably secured to the housing 160 and a second free end 172 that is adapted for user operation. . In practice, the cam lever 156 can be freely moved between an assurance position in which the cam lever 156 is rotated inwardly, and a release position in which the cam lever 156 is rotated outwardly. The camming action according to the present invention is provided by a cam surface 158 adjacent the first end 170 of the cam lever 156. The cam surface 158 is shaped and sized to be coupled to the elastomeric block 154 to selectively secure an endoscope within the endoscope lock assembly 152. With respect to the elastomeric block 154, it is housed within the housing body 160 of the lock assembly, and includes a concave front wall 174 shaped and sized to engage an endoscope passing through the housing opening. The elastomeric block 154 also includes the first and second side walls 176, 178, wherein each side wall 176, 178 includes a notch 180 for engagement with a channel 182 formed within the housing body 160. Channel 182 and Notch 180 interacts to allow lateral movement of the elastomeric block 154 in a manner that is described below in greater detail. The housing 160 further includes the upper and lower retaining members 184, 186 to securely prevent upward or downward movement of the elastomeric block 154 within the housing 160. Finally, the elastomeric block 154 includes a rear wall 158 opposite to the the front concave wall 174. The rear wall 188 is shaped and is of suitable dimensions for engagement with the cam surface 158 of the cam lever 156. The elastomeric block 154 and the cam surface 158 are shaped to eliminate the forced contact, and in particular eliminate any contact, between the elastomeric block 154, and the cam surface 158 until such time that an endoscope is placed with the opening of the cam. accommodation 160 of the insurance assembly. As will be discussed later in greater detail, when an endoscope, if placed within the opening of the housing 160 of the lock assembly, the elastomeric block 154 is moved toward the cam lever 156 to such an extent that the elastomeric block 154 enters. in proximity of the cam surface 158 for securing the endoscope within the opening once the cam lever is actuated.

In practice, the insurance assembly 152 is used in the following manner. The elastomeric block 154 sits within the housing 160 of the lock assembly, below the cam lever 156, which may be either open or closed during long-term storage. The elastomeric block is purposely not in contact with the cam lever 156 at this point, to avoid any loading on the elastomeric block 154 that could affect the operation of the lock assembly 152 after long-term storage. The surgeon then opens the cam lever 156 if it was originally closed. An endoscope is inserted into the secure assembly 154. The endoscope strikes a chamfered surface 190 on the concave wall 174 of the elastomeric block 154. This lifts the elastomeric block 154 upwards in the vicinity of the cam lever 156. The elastomeric block 154 then rest on top of the endoscope for the rest of its use. The cam lever 156 is then actuated, which compresses the compressible extension lock onto the endoscope. The deformation of the elastomeric block 154, together with its high coefficient of friction, allows the secure assembly 152 to be compatible with a wide range of endoscope sizes, while minimizing ergonomic strength requirements. The elastomeric block 154 is then constrained from excessive lateral or axial movement by the surrounding components 182, 184, 186 which limits its movement as axial and torsional loads are applied to the endoscope. This constraint, together with a cam-over-center design, prevents the cam lever from unintentionally unraveling itself. After the trocar assembly 10 has been inserted into the patient, the cam lever 156 is then opened and the endoscope is removed. The elastomeric block 154 then returns to its original position in the secure assembly 152 if the surgeon wishes to reinsert the endoscope at a later time. The resilient elastomeric block 154 has sufficient rigidity to return to its original shape after the loading of the lever 156 of the cam has been removed, thereby providing acceptable holding force of the endoscope over the course of multiple lever drives.

Trocar Sleeve and Shut-off Valve Construction As mentioned above, the trocar sleeve 44 is comprised of a trocar housing 16 and a trocar cannula 12 extending from the trocar housing 16. The trocar assembly 10 also includes a stopcock valve 192 to allow and prevent the passage of an insufflation fluid, for example carbon dioxide, through the flexible tubing into a portion of the trocar housing 16 and the cannula. 12 of trocar. With reference to the figures, the trocar cannula 12 and the trocar housing 16 are mechanically interengaged to form the trocar sleeve 44. At least a portion of the trocar cannula 12 sits within a base 38b of the second housing member 38, with a cover 38a of the second housing member that sits on the trocar cannula 12, to secure at least a portion of the trocar cannula 12. the trocar cannula 12 within the base 38b of the second housing member. The trocar cannula 12 is of suitable size so that when the trocar obturator 14 extends completely through it and beyond, the insufflation fluid, which passes through the stopcock valve 192 and the housing 16 of trocar can pass through an annular opening created between the trocar cannula 12 and the trocar obturator 14 by a slightly larger size of the internal diameter of the trocar cannula 12 relative to the outer diameter of the hollow shaft of the obturator 14 of barter. The present invention provides a mechanism for mechanically assembling the trocar cannula 12, the trocar housing 16 and the shut-off valve 192 without the need for adhesive and / or curing techniques. In particular, the second housing member 38 of the trocar housing 16, the trocar cannula 12 and the stopcock valve 192 are formed as separate components that can be assembled in a convenient and reliable manner. More particularly, and with reference to Figures 17, 18, 19 and 20, a preferred embodiment of the mechanically assembled trocar sleeve 44 is described. The trocar sleeve 44, when fully assembled, comprises a stopcock valve 192, a second housing member 38 composed of a cover 38a of the second housing member and a base 38b of the second housing member, and a cannula 12 of trocar. The various components of the trocar sleeve 44 are mechanically assembled by interlocking the components in a manner that is described in more detail below. In summary, the trocar cannula 12 fits within the base 38b of the second housing member, with the stopcock valve 192 positioned therebetween. The cover 38a of the second housing member fits over the key valve 192, the base 38b of the second housing member and the trocar cannula 12 to retain the various components together and provides a surface on which it can be selectively mounted the first housing member 36. With respect to the specific components constituting the trocar sleeve 44, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the key valve 192 includes alignment fins 194, an opening 196 of flow, and a valve lever 198. The valve lever 198 includes a stop bolt 200. The cover 38a of the second housing member includes a hexagonal hole 202, a cover edge 204, and a cover seal 206 of the second housing member. The base 38b of the second housing member includes friction posts 208, the vanes 210, a housing edge 212, a clearance 214 for the key valve 192 and the alignment vanes 194. The base 38b of the second member of accommodation also includes the alignment ribs 216 and a locking face 218. The trocar cannula 12 includes an inlet connector 220, the alignment tabs 222 and a housing seal 224. In practice, the stopcock valve 192 is inserted into the clearance 214 of the base 38b of the second member. accommodation. The trocar cannula 12 is inserted through the opening of the base 38b of the second housing member. The alignment tabs 222 border the vanes 210 securing the trocar cannula 12 in a desired orientation with respect to the base 38b of the second housing member once the trocar cannula 12 is inserted into the base 38b of the second trocar member. accommodation. The cover edge 204 engages with the edge 212 of the housing. The edge 204 of the cover also serves to retain the lever 198 of the valve on the key valve 192, as well as to retain the valve key 192 with the valve lever 198 in position. The lever 198 of the valve, in a maximum flow permitting position, for example, fully open, has the stop lock 200 abutted on the hooking face 218 of the base 38b of the second housing member. This means that an operator of the valve lever 198 can detect when the valve lever 198 is in a fully open position upon encountering the hook face 218, and the valve lever 198 remains in the fully open position. The operator need not want the valve lever 198 in the fully open position, and the valve lever 198 remains in the fully open position. The construction of the trocar assembly 44 eliminates the need for the adhesives to attach the shut-off valve 192 and the cover 38a of the second housing member, and the base 38b of the second housing member and the trocar cannula 12. This is an advantage over previous technique. With reference to Figures 21 and 22, an alternative trocar sleeve 44 'is described. In accordance with this alternative embodiment, the trocar sleeve 44 'includes a stopcock valve 192, a cover 38a' of the second housing member, and a base 38b 'of the second housing member. The trocar sleeve 44 'also includes a trocar cannula 12 which is substantially similar to the trocar cannula 12 described in accordance with the previous embodiment. The shut-off valve 192 'comprises a tapered valve extension 226', a friction tube 228 'and a valve lever 198. The base 38b 'of the second housing member comprises an extension free space 230', and a hexagonal hole 323 'of friction post. The tapered, valve tube extension 226 'of the shut-off valve 192' is secured in the clearance 230 'of the extension of the base 38b' of the second housing member. The friction post 228 'of the shut-off valve 192' fits within the hexagonal hole 230 'of the friction post of the base 38b' of the second housing member, ensuring vertical alignment of the key valve 192 '. closing with respect to the base 38b 'of the second housing member. With reference to Figures 23 and 24, a further embodiment is described, according to this additional embodiment, the trocar sleeve 44"comprises a cover 38a" of the second housing member, a base 38b "of the second housing member, a valve 192"closing key. The trocar sleeve 44"also includes a trocar cannula 12" that is substantially similar to the trocar cannula 12 described in accordance with the previous embodiment. The stop valve 192"comprises a protrusion 234" of the securing groove, an extension 236"of the valve tube, and a securing groove 238". In addition, the cover 38a "of the second housing member includes a securing tab 240". The base 38b "of the second housing member also comprises an extension opening 242" of the valve tube and a clearance 244"of the protrusion, the extension 236" of the valve tube of the valve 192"of the closing key, inserted and secured, by friction fit or tapered lock, within the opening 242"of base valve tube extension 38b" of the second housing member 2. The protrusion 234"of the valve securing groove 192" of closing key, it is ensured within the free space 244"of the extrusion. This serves to secure the valve 192"of closing key in the base 38b" of the second housing member. As mentioned above, the shut-off valve 192 is mechanically coupled to the trocar sleeve 44 via the shaped tapered surfaces and of suitable dimensions for frictional engagement. As such, the outlet tube 250 of the stopcock valve 192 is formed with a tapered lock surface along the outside of its distal end. Similarly, the trocar cannula 12 is formed with an inlet connector 220, adapted for secure engagement with the tapered locking surface of the outlet tube 250 of the stopcock valve 192. The mechanical taper lock feature includes a self-retention angle of 2.0 degrees ± 1.0 degrees, which is firmly seated within the entrance connector 220 of the trocar housing. The result of this mechanical connection is the considerable frictional resistance to the rotation and to the linear pull forces. The mechanical insurance discussed above can be improved by the provision of a double redundancy feature. For example, the taper lock feature may be provided with a pole and a hexagonal socket interlock, an interlocking tongue and groove and / or an interlocking of pressure adjustment. In addition, and in accordance with the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 18, the rotation of the shut-off valve 192 is minimized by the inclusion of a retaining pin 204 located on the cover 38a of the second housing member. , which extends downward toward the opening 256 formed in the upper part of the lever 198 of the valve. The retaining pin 204 stabilizes the shut-off valve 192 and prevents rotation according to the valve lever 198, the shut-off valve 192 is actuated. As mentioned above, the trocar sleeve includes a stopcock valve 192. The stopcock valve 192 is mounted within a recess formed in the trocar sleeve 44. As such, the key valve 192 is recessed within the outer surface of the base 38b of the second housing member, and finally the trocar housing 16. The lever 198 of the valve is furthermore positioned above the body of the shut-off valve 192; that is, the valve lever 198 used in the actuation of the shut-off valve 192 is placed on the upper surface of the shut-off valve 192, instead of underneath as with the trocar assemblies currently in the valve. market. By placing the valve lever 198 above the recessed stopcock valve 192, the present trocar assembly 10 provides removal of the stopcock valve 192 from a potentially obstructive view, while being simultaneously placed valve lever 198 in a highly accessible position. Several advantages are achieved by the hollowing of the shut-off valve 192 within the body of the trocar sleeve 44. Firstly, the orientation minimizes the obstructions caused by the users holding the stop valve valve 192 of the trocar assembly 10 for insertion. Therefore, a more comfortable fastening is provided, since the shut-off valve 192 no longer projects from the surface of the trocar housing 16. The present structure of the low profile shut-off valve 192 also helps to prevent compromising the desired positions of the hand. The present orientation of the stopcock valve 192 also helps to prevent accidental handling during the procedures. Accidental manipulation by the movement of the trocar sleeve 44 in contact with a patient is a common occurrence that results in the body cavity being defaced and can lead to frustrating or even dangerous situations when the field of vision of the medical professional is compromised. The advantages are further enhanced by the formation of the valve lever 198 with a curved surface substantially conforming to that of the trocar housing 16. In addition, the longitudinal axis along the handle portion of the valve lever 198 is offset from the pivot point around which the valve lever 198 rotates to increase the hollowing of the stopcock valve 192. The controlled rotation of the valve lever 198 of the shut-off valve 192 is achieved through the positioning of the shut-off valve 192 within a gap formed in the trocar sleeve 44, more specifically, the housing 16 of trocar. Specifically, and with reference to Figures 17, 18, 19 and 20, the lever 198 of the stopcock valve 192 includes a stop lock 200 located on the valve 198 that provides tactile feedback as to when the lever 198 of the valve is in the open position, for example, the side-to-side holes located on valve lever 198 and valve body 199 are aligned. The design feature resembles a cantilevered beam located on the end of the valve lever 198 opposite the end of the user. When the valve lever 198 is rotated from the closed position towards the open position within the trocar assembly 10, the rotational stop bolt 200, cantilevered, makes contact with the trocar housing 16 providing tactile feedback that the lever 198 valve is in the fully open position. In the fully open position, the valve lever 198 and the valve body 199 through the holes are aligned allowing the optimum flow of CO2. The rotational stop feature 200, supported in cantilever, provides the surgeon with tactile feedback to ensure that the stopcock valve 192 is in the open position. This will provide the optimal flow of CO2 throughout the surgical case. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, control of the valve lever 198 via the rotational stop bolt 200, supported cantilevered, aids in the alignment of the stopcock valve 192 through the orifice 196. The misalignment of the holes 196 from side to side is commonly caused by the lack of tactile feedback to the surgeon that the valve lever 198 is in the fully open position. further, a reinforcing corner 264 is located on the rear side of the rotational stop bolt 260, supported in cantilever, to prevent over-rotation of the valve lever 198 by bending of the valve lever 198. This can be observed in Figures 17 and 18. Over-rotation could create the wrong alignment of the holes from side to side. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the design described above offers many advantages over the prior art assemblies. The separate trocar cannula design 12 described above provides interchangeable outer housing capabilities. As such, the external shape of the industrial design can easily be changed and updated without changing the internal structure of the trocar sleeve. In addition, the trocar cannula 12 to the seal system of the trocar housing 16 eliminates the need for ultrasonic welding. The present mounting method makes the device stronger by molding the trocar cannula 12 in one part. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, previous designs used ultrasonic welding joints to assemble the trocar cannula 12 to the trocar housing 16. The present mounting structure eliminates the use of such joints and, therefore, does not provide opportunity for the failure of the ultrasonic welding joints.

In addition, the trocar housing 16 is provided with crush ribs 266 along its internal surface. These crush ribs 266 center the trocar cannula 12 within the trocar housing 16. They also collect the small variations in tolerances that make the size of the trocar cannula 12, during manufacture, less important, and allowing inherent variations during the molding process. The crush ribs 266 further prevent rotation of the trocar cannula 12 within the trocar housing 16. This is achieved as the crush ribs 266 extend into the sides of the trocar cannula 12, whereby relative rotation between the trocar cannula 12 and the trocar housing 16 is prevented. Since the trocar housing 16 and the trocar cannula 12 are rather simple in construction, the molding process is simplified by the removal of excessive core details on the injection mold tool. Furthermore, the assembly of the system is easy compared to the previous designs since all the components constituting the sleeve assembly can be assembled in a top-down manner. With respect to the shut-off valve 192, the tapered latch with double redundant securing features helps to prevent the stop-key valve 192 from falling out of the trocar sleeve 44. In addition, the tapered lock provides an airtight assembly without the use of adhesive or solder. In addition, the shut-off valve 192 is provided with several securing surfaces which prevent rotation of the shut-off valve 192, for example, the post and plug, the tongue and the notch, the fins on the ribs, etc. In addition to the tapered lock features, the fins are trapped behind the trocar housing 16, eliminating the possibility for withdrawal of the stopcock valve 192 from the trocar sleeve 44. In addition, the crush ribs 266 are used in retaining the fins tightly on the trocar cannula 12. Finally, the valve structure 192 of the low profile shut-off valve, with a valve lever 198 positioned above the shut-off valve 192, allows the alignment of the shut-off valve 192 to provide air flow. optimal, and offers users a tactile feedback to optimize the alignment. Although the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no attempt to limit the invention by such description, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (41)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A trocar housing for a trocar assembly comprising: a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing member include aligned openings shaped and sized for the passage of an instrument Through these, a rotary bolt mechanism that selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member, the rotary bolt mechanism includes a latch member that rotates relative to the first and second housing members about an axis longitudinally of housing member for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.

The trocar housing according to claim 1, further characterized in that the longitudinal axis about which the hook member rotates is substantially aligned with an axis extending through the aligned openings of the first housing member and the second. member of accommodation.

The trocar housing according to claim 1, further characterized in that the rotary bolt mechanism includes at least one arm extending downwardly, extending from the first housing member, and the latching member is a ring of latch mounted within the second housing member, and the latching ring engages the arm extending downwardly to selectively couple the first housing member to the second housing member.

The trocar housing according to claim 3, further characterized in that the engagement ring includes a cam surface of the engagement ring and the arm extending in a downward direction includes a cam surface of the arm, and the The cam surface of the engagement ring interacts with the cam surface of the arm to rotate the engagement ring for coupling the engagement ring and the arm extending in a downward direction.

The trocar housing according to claim 3, further characterized in that the second housing member includes an opening through which the arm extending in a downward direction is passed, after engagement of the first and second members. of accommodation, the opening is only slightly larger than the arm extending downward to prevent flexion of the arm extending downward.

6. The trocar housing according to claim 3, further characterized in that the engagement ring is spring-biased.

7. The trocar housing according to claim 1, further characterized in that it forms a seal between the first housing member and the second housing member and the second housing member when they are engaged, the seal comprises an angular interface on each of the housing. first housing member or the second housing member, which exerts radial and compressive forces when the first housing member and the second housing member are assembled.

The trocar housing according to claim 7, further characterized in that the angular interface creates a degree of freedom in the coupling of the first housing member to the second housing member.

The trocar housing according to claim 7, further characterized in that the radial and compressive forces push the first housing member from the second housing member.

The trocar housing according to claim 1, further characterized in that a duckbill seal assembly is positioned within the second housing member, and a proximal seal assembly is positioned within the first housing member.

11. The trocar housing according to claim 1, further characterized in that a stop limits the rotation of the hook member.

The trocar housing according to claim 1, further characterized in that it further includes an alignment pin which ensures proper orientation of the first housing member relative to the second housing member.

13. A trocar housing for a trocar assembly comprising: a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include shaped aligned openings and of suitable dimensions for the passage of a instrument through them; a rotating bolt mechanism that selectively engages the first housing member and the second housing member, the rotating bolt mechanism includes a latching member that rotates independently of the first and second housing members, about a longitudinal axis of the housing member. accommodation, for selectively coupling the first and second accommodation members.

The trocar housing according to claim 13, further characterized in that the longitudinal axis about which the hook member rotates is substantially aligned with an axis extending through the aligned apertures of the first housing member and the second. member of accommodation.

15. The trocar housing according to claim 13, further characterized in that the rotating bolt mechanism includes at least one arm extending downwardly, extending from the first housing member, and the latching member is a ring latch mounted within the second housing member, and the latch ring engages the arm extending downwardly to selectively couple the first housing member to the second housing member.

16. The trocar housing according to claim 15, further characterized in that the engagement ring includes a cam surface of the engagement ring and the arm extending in a downward direction includes a cam surface of the arm, and the cam surface of the engagement ring interacts with the cam surface of the arm to rotate the engagement ring for engagement of the engagement ring and the arm extending in a downward direction.

The trocar housing according to claim 15, further characterized in that the second housing member includes an opening through which the arm extending in a downward direction is passed, after engagement of the first and second members. of accommodation, the opening is only slightly larger than the arm extending downward to prevent flexion of the arm extending downward.

18. The trocar housing according to claim 15, further characterized in that the engagement ring is spring biased.

19. The trocar housing according to claim 13, further characterized in that it forms a seal between the first housing member and the second housing member and the second housing member when they are engaged, the seal comprises an angular element about each of the first housing member or the second housing member, which exerts radial and compressive forces when the first housing member and the second housing member are assembled.

20. The trocar housing according to claim 19, further characterized in that the angular interface creates a degree of freedom in the coupling of the first housing member to the second housing member.

21. The trocar housing according to claim 19, further characterized in that the radial and compressive forces push the first housing member from the second housing member.

22. The trocar housing according to claim 13, further characterized in that a duckbill seal assembly is placed within the second housing member, and a proximal seal assembly is positioned within the first housing member.

23. The trocar housing according to claim 13, further characterized in that a stop limits the rotation of the hook member.

24. The trocar housing according to claim 13, further characterized in that it further includes an alignment pin that ensures proper orientation of the first housing member relative to the second housing member.

25. A trocar housing for a trocar assembly comprising: a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include shaped aligned openings and of suitable dimensions for the passage of a instrument through these; wherein a seal is formed between the first housing member and the second housing member when they are engaged, the seal comprising an angular interface either on the first housing member or on the second housing member, which exerts radial forces and compressive when the first hosting member and the second hosting member are gathered.

26. The trocar housing according to claim 25, further characterized in that the angular interface creates a degree of freedom in the coupling of the first housing member to the second housing member.

27. The trocar housing according to claim 25, further characterized in that radial and compressive forces push the first and second housing members to separate them.

28. The trocar housing according to claim 25, further characterized in that the first housing member includes a shaped angular interface of suitable dimensions for coupling with an angular interface formed on the second housing member.

29. The trocar housing according to claim 28, further characterized in that the angular interface of the first housing member is part of a duck bill seal assembly mounted within the second housing member.

30. A trocar housing for a trocar assembly comprising: a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, the first housing member accommodates a proximal seal assembly therein, and the second housing member accommodates a distal seal assembly therein, wherein the first and second housing members include shaped aligned openings and of suitable dimensions for the passage of an instrument therethrough; a rotatable bolt mechanism selectively engages the first housing member and the second housing member, the rotating bolt mechanism includes a latch member that rotates relative to the first and second housing member about a longitudinal axis of the housing member for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.

The trocar housing according to claim 30, further characterized in that the longitudinal axis about which the engaging member rotates is substantially parallel in the direction in which the first housing member and the second housing member are moved during the coupling and uncoupling.

32. The trocar housing according to claim 30, further characterized in that the rotating bolt mechanism includes at least one arm extending downwardly, extending from the first housing member, and the latching member is a ring. of latch mounted within the second housing member, and the latch ring engages the arm extending downwardly to selectively couple the first housing member to the second housing member.

33. The trocar housing according to claim 32, further characterized in that the engagement ring includes a cam surface of the engagement ring and the arm extending downwardly includes a cam surface of the arm, and the surface of cam of the coupling ring, interacts with the cam surface of the arm to rotate the coupling ring for coupling the coupling ring and the arm extending in a downward direction.

34. The trocar housing according to claim 32, further characterized in that the second housing member includes an opening through which the arm extending downwardly is passed, after engagement of the first and second members. of accommodation, the opening is only slightly larger than the arm extending downward to prevent flexion of the arm extending downward.

35. The trocar housing according to claim 32, further characterized in that the engagement ring is deflected by spring.

36. The trocar housing according to claim 30, further characterized in that it forms a seal between the first housing member and the second housing member and the second housing member when they are engaged, the seal comprises an angular interface on each one of the first housing member or the second housing member, which exerts radial and compressive forces when the first housing member and the second housing member are assembled.

37. The trocar housing according to claim 36, further characterized in that the angular interface creates a degree of freedom in the coupling of the first housing member to the second housing member.

38. The trocar housing according to claim 36, further characterized in that the radial and compressive forces push the first housing member from the second housing member.

39. The trocar housing according to claim 30, further characterized in that the distal seal assembly is a seal assembly in the shape of a duckbill.

40. The trocar housing according to claim 30, further characterized in that the stop limits the rotation of the engaging member.

41. The trocar housing according to claim 30, further characterized in that it further includes an alignment pin that ensures proper orientation of the first housing member relative to the second housing member.