Abstract: Surgical access systems and obturators for or used in surgical access systems are provided. The obturator is configured to operate or accommodate the use of at least two different sized trocars. The outer diameter of the adaptable obturator when inserted into a trocar compresses from an initial condition to a compressed condition to match the inner diameter of the trocar.

Abstract: A system for training a clinician in energy-based surgical techniques that advantageously does not require the simulated tissue to be electrically conductive is provided. The simulated tissue comprises at least two materials. A heat generator is configured in the shape of a medical instrument typically encountered in energy-based surgical procedures such as electrosurgery or electrocautery. The instrument delivers sufficient heat to melt at least one of the materials in order to simulate energy-based surgical techniques such as excising target material. The at least two materials are configured in the simulated tissue such that their relative thermoplasticity defines a predetermined surgical pathway of a desired clinical outcome.

Abstract: A simulated tissue structure for practicing surgical techniques is provided. In particular, a realistic organ model or tissue portion for practicing the removal of a tumor or other undesired tissue followed by suturing a remnant defect as part of the same surgical procedure is provided. The simulated tissue structure includes an artificial tumor disposed between layers of elastomeric material and mounted on a simulated organ wall or tissue portion. The simulated tissue structure is modular and interchangeable. At least one of the layers includes a mesh reinforcement. A defect comprising two juxtapositioned surfaces defining a gap between the surfaces is created in the simulated tissue structure and the trainee practices tumor removal and closure of the gap by suturing in a laparoscopic environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue.