Trocar system having a drive

Inventors

Hanlon, Matthew A. • Laconte, Matthew

Assignees

Synergetics Inc

Abstract

Systems and methods for using a trocar system are disclosed. The system generally includes a handle having a first end a second end, a trocar disposed adjacent the first end of the handle, a plurality of cannulas disposed on the trocar simultaneously, and a drive system. The drive system is disposed for forward movement of the cannulas in a longitudinal direction away from the first end of the handle.

Core Innovation

The invention provides a trocar system comprising a handle having a first end and a second end, a trocar disposed adjacent the second end of the handle, and a plurality of cannulas disposed on the trocar simultaneously. Each cannula includes an annular flange and a cylindrical tube that extends from the flange and defines a central opening sized to receive the trocar therein, with the central opening defined at a distal tip of the cannula. The tube has a smooth, cylindrical outer surface that extends to the distal tip of the cannula.

The trocar system further includes a drive system operatively connected to at least one of the cannulas and disposed for forward movement of the cannulas in a longitudinal direction away from the first end of the handle. In operation, actuating an actuating member engages a tooth on a drive member to move the drive member forward in a longitudinal direction. Forward movement of the drive member results in forward movement of a second cannula of the plurality of cannulas in the longitudinal direction away from the first end of the handle to a position adjacent the second end of the handle.

The method uses the trocar system to insert a cannula into an incision formed in a portion of a patient's body. The method includes inserting the trocar into an incision in a portion of the patient's body, inserting a first cannula such that the first cannula is disposed between the incision and the trocar, and actuating the actuating member so that the drive member moves forward and advances a second cannula away from the first end of the handle to a position adjacent the second end of the handle.

The disclosed trocar system addresses use with a trocar that can be shaped for piercing a portion of a patient's body and making an incision therein, and with a blunt insertion device for inserting cannulas into incisions. The described drive arrangement includes a detent mechanism that limits rearward movement of the drive member toward the first end, and an interconnection such that cannulas advance while the trocar remains stationary.

Claims Coverage

The document includes two independent claims covering a trocar system and a method of using the trocar system, with the independent claims jointly emphasizing simultaneous plurality of cannulas on a stationary trocar and forward longitudinal cannula advancement driven by a tooth/drive-member actuation. Across the independent claims, the main inventive structures include the cannula geometry for receiving the trocar and the drive/actuation arrangement that moves a selected cannula forward away from the handle.

Claim coverage centers on a trocar system with a handle and a trocar adjacent the handle, multiple cannulas disposed simultaneously on the trocar with annular flange/cylindrical tube central openings, and a drive system that advances cannulas forward longitudinally away from the handle end. The method claim anchors this structure into an insertion sequence where the first cannula is placed between the incision and the trocar and actuation advances a second cannula via tooth engagement with a drive member.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications