Safety trocar

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
A trocar comprising: a first or obturator handle containing an obturator with a sharpened tip; a second or cannula handle having a proximal end and a distal end comprising: a hollow cannula with a longitudinal path defining a longitudinal axis at said handle distal end, and a tubular chamber aligned with said longitudinal axis located at said handle proximal end, said chamber having a proximal end and a distal end oriented at an angle to said longitudinal axis, and said obturator insertable into said second handle through said chamber, such that said obturator may be guided into said cannula, said chamber having a first sealing member located at its distal end, and said cannula handle further comprising a valve located at the distal end of said chamber, said valve including an annular member, said cannula member oriented in a plane which is angularly displaced from said longitudinal axis, and said annular member attached to spring means, said spring means urging said annular member in sealing engagement with said first sealing member.
2.
The trocar of claim 1, wherein said annular member is a flap hingedly mounted to said chamber.
3.
The trocar of claim 1 containing a second sealing member comprising a gasket located on the proximal end of said tubular chamber.
4.
The trocar of claim 1, further comprising a lever located outside said chamber and connected to said annular member, said lever having a first position for maintaining said valve in a open condition, and a second position for allowing said valve to close.
5.
The trocar of claim 1 wherein said angle is acute.
6.
The trocar of claim 1 wherein said second handle further comprises an open area between said cannula and said tubular chamber.
7.
The trocar of claim 3 wherein said annular member further comprises a sealing pad capable of being placed in mating relationship with said first sealing member.




Description:
This invention relates to trocars used to puncture tissue for the performance of laparoscopic or arthroscopic surgery and, in particular, to such trocars which employ a safety device to shield the obturator point immediately after the point has perforated tissue