Abstract: The tubal ligation instrument of the present invention includes a structure for ligating anatomical tubes within the human or another animal body, structure for anesthetizing the anatomical tubes being ligated and structure for internally viewing the ligation procedure. An example of an anatomical tube is a Fallopian tube. The instrument further includes a structure for grasping the anatomical element. Usually the grasping structure is a rod having forceps at one end. This rod may be hollow with a valve attached in fluid communication with the rod's rearward end so that anesthesia may be caused to flow through the hollow channel in the rod. The application of anesthesia to an anatomical element is accomplished by introducing the anesthesia through the valve and into the hollow channel of the rod. Thus, a surgeon directing the forward end of the instrument to an anatomical element can apply an anesthetic agent to the anatomical element intraabdominally.

Abstract: Self sealing cannula automatically maintains insufflation pressure in a body cavity. A slotted elastomeric valve is positioned in the valve seat with the slot disposed over the passage. The elastomeric valve is compressed to seal the slot, thus sealing the cannula passage.A surgical instrument such as a trocar or laparoscope may be slid through the cannula passage, which remains sealed regardless of the presence or absence of the surgical instrument within the passage.