Abstract: Apparatus and methods of effecting a medical procedure, e.g., laparoscopic, endoscopic, etc. procedures, through a small percutaneous incision or puncture in the body of a patient. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises an elongated outer tube, an elongated inner tube located within the outer tube and moveable relative thereto. An electrosurge electrode is mounted on the distal end of the inner tube so that it can be moved to a retracted position when it is not need or to an extended position when it is to be use. A vacuum system and an irrigation system are provided. The vacuum system is arranged to apply suction through an annular space between the tubes to effect the removal of tissue or other debris from the operative site within the patients body. The irrigation system is arranged to supply an irrigation liquid through the inner tube to the operative site. Each of the tubes is formed of an electrically insulating material so that the apparatus can be safely inserted within the patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved trocar assembly for use in creating an incision in a patient. The trocar of the present invention includes a unique piercing apex, which eases the insertion process, and an internal tip protector to protect the patient and medical personnel from accidental puncture injuries. The improved tip protector is designed to become fully extended immediately after the leading edge of the trocar enters the patient, thus avoiding many of the operational drawbacks of existing trocar tip protector designs. Additionally, the present invention provides an improved tip protector locking mechanism which is believed to be far simpler and more reliable than existing locking mechanisms.

Abstract: A connector for a pair of loosely buffered or tightly buffered optic fiber cables. Each of the cables comprises an optic fiber having a jacket thereabout and a bare free end. The connector comprises a first section, a second section, and a pair of jacket clamps. Each of the first and second sections are arranged to receive a respective one of the cables. The jacket clamps engage respective ones of the jackets to hold the cables in place. The first section has a fiber retaining, conical member located therein. That member is formed of a substantially hard, yet somewhat compressible material, and includes a fiber-receiving bore extending therethrough. The internal diameter of the bore is very slightly larger than the external diameter of the fibers. The first and second sections are arranged to be releasably secured together to bring the bare free ends of the fibers into abutment within the bore to establish a light transmissive joint between them.