Abstract: An instrument for penetrating body tissue has a rigid hollow shaft having at its distal end a penetrating point, which is at least partly transparent and which is conical, beveled or tapered; a hollow sleeve may surround the shaft. The instrument includes or can be associated with lighting and viewing elements. There may be provided a helical element at the penetrating point, having surfaces converging outwardly to a line. In another embodiment, the point comprises plural, flat, angularly related surfaces converging to a line, the point being at least partly transparent, as by being of opaque material having one or more openings closed by a transparent window. In a further embodiment, the point has a conical distal end and has along its side at least one and preferably two blade members which is/are at or rearwardly of the apex or distal end of the conical tip, and have surfaces converging to a linear edge coaxial with the axis of the point.

Abstract: An instrument is described for the penetration of body tissue with a hollow shaft, the point of which is formed as a conical, beveled, or tapered window. An optic with a lighting unit is brought into the point through the hollow shaft. The optic ends at an axial distance behind the summit of the point. The instrument can be inserted within view. In so doing, the entry of the point can observed over the entire surface area thereof. Preferably, a second optic is run to the summit of the point, which in addition enables improved observation of the area lying directly in front of the point.