Trocar/cannula assembly
AssigneeCeramox LLC
InventorMichael T. Clarke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-part trocar assembly includes a distal tissue penetration section that has greater diameter than a central section, thereby providing a substantially smooth transition between a cannula and the trocar assembly to reduce friction of insertion and potential for damage to body tissues during insertion. In at least one embodiment, the trocar device is defined by a three (3)-component assembly in which the components fit in approximation to each other and when assembled provide an expanded, non-collapsible tip that contours smoothly and seamlessly with the cannula.
Claims15
A trocar assembly sized and configured for penetrating body tissue of a patient without substantially damaging same, the trocar assembly comprising:
- a hollow first component having a proximal section, an intermediate tubular section and a distal section;
- a hollow second component having a proximal section, an intermediate tubular section, and a distal section, the second component being movable within the hollow first component;
- a third component having a proximal section, an intermediate tubular section, and a distal section, the third component being sized to enable movement through the hollow second component and in which a hollow cannula is disposed over the first component such that the distal sections of the first second and third components are axially advanced thorough a distal opening of the cannula, the distal sections each being radially expanded such there is a smooth transition between the expanded trocar tip and the distal end of the cannula.
A method for using a trocar assembly having interrelated components in which a second component is axially movable through a first component and a third component is axially movable through the second component, the method comprising:
- axially advancing the first component beyond a distal end of a cannula surrounding the first component, wherein a distal section of the first component comprises a pair of flexure-like members;
- axially advancing the second component of the trocar assembly within the first component and beyond the distal end of the cannula, wherein a distal section of the second component comprises a pair of flexure-like members aligned with the pair of flexure-like members of the first component;
- axially advancing the third component within the second component and beyond the distal end of the cannula, wherein a distal section of the third component applies an outward radial force on the flexure-like members of the first and second components radially expanding a blade portion formed on the first and second component, such that when expanded the blade portion has an outer diameter that is consistent with the outer diameter of the cannula, thereby creating a substantially smooth transition zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.