Abstract: A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient. The trocar includes a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end. The trocar includes a housing having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. The wall having an aperture therethrough. The trocar further includes a first seal disposed within the housing comprising a plurality of layered elastomeric members forming conical shape.

Abstract: A trocar housing for a trocar assembly includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned apertures shaped and dimensioned for passage of an instrument therethrough. A button latch mechanism selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member, the button latch mechanism including a latching member which slides about a central axis of the first and second housing members for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.

Abstract: A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged.

Abstract: A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient. The trocar includes a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end. The trocar includes a housing having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. The wall having an aperture therethrough. The trocar further includes a first seal disposed within the housing comprising a plurality of layered elastomeric members forming conical shape.

Abstract: One medical-treatment electrode assembly includes a medical-treatment flexible electrode supported on the outer surface of a sidewall of a flexible tube which is insertable into a patient. Another assembly includes two electrodes supported on the outer surface of a flexible tube, wherein a video camera of a flexible endoscope inserted into the tube can view patient tissue between the two electrodes. An additional assembly includes apparatus for moving patient tissue into a sidewall opening of a tube which supports a medical-treatment electrode to tighten patient tissue outside the tube against the medical-treatment electrode. A method for medical treatment includes moving patient tissue into a sidewall opening of a tube which supports a medical-treatment electrode to tighten patient tissue outside the tube into substantially full contact with the medical-treatment electrode.

Abstract: A trocar housing for a trocar assembly includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned apertures shaped and dimensioned for passage of an instrument therethrough. A button latch mechanism selectively couples the first housing member and the second housing member, the button latch mechanism including a latching member which slides about a central axis of the first and second housing members for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The trocar obturator also includes a tip member secured to the distal end of the shaft, the tip member including a first end and a second end. The distal end of the shaft includes at least one abutment member and the first end of the tip member is shaped and dimensioned to receive the abutment member upon assembly of the tip member upon the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft also includes an outer surface. A tip member is secured to the distal end of the shaft, the tip member including a first end and a second end, as well as an outer surface. A keyed coupling structure links the tip member to the shaft, wherein the shaft adjacent the tip member tapers to a surface diameter substantially coextensive with the outer surface of the tip member and the tip member adjacent the shaft tapers to a surface diameter substantially coextensive with the outer surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A seal for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body adapted for selectively opening and closing the seal, and a protector adjacent the seal body for protecting the seal body from instruments passing through the seal body. The protector includes at least one flap mounted for pivotal movement, the flap including an inner edge located generally toward a center of the seal and an outer edge mounted to a support member which maintains the flap in a position above the seal body. The flap is shaped and dimensioned such that the majority of the seal body is covered by the outline of the flap.

Abstract: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a plurality of seal segments. Each seal segment includes a peripheral edge and a seam edge. At least a first seal segment and a second seal segment are connected along their respective peripheral edges to form a first seal layer having a seam defined by the seam edge of the first seal segment and the seam edge of the second seal segment. At least a third seal segment and a fourth seal segment are connected along their respective peripheral edges to form a second seal layer having a seam defined by the seam edge of the third seal segment and the seam edge of the fourth seal segment. The seam of the first seal layer has a first longitudinal axis and the seam of the second seal layer has a second longitudinal axis, and the first seal layer is oriented relative to the second seal layer such that the first longitudinal axis is angularly oriented relative to the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A packaging device for a trocar assembly includes a housing member having a compliant first sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member and a compliant second sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member. The first sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein. The second sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein.

Abstract: A trocar housing for a trocar assembly includes a first housing member selectively coupled to a second housing member, wherein the first and second housing members include aligned apertures shaped and dimensioned for passage of an instrument therethrough. The trocar housing also includes a rotary latch mechanism selectively coupling the first housing member and the second housing member. The rotary latch mechanism includes a latching member which rotates relative to the first and second housing members about a longitudinal axis of the housing member for selectively coupling the first and second housing members.

Abstract: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body permitting the selective insertion and removal of instruments. The seal body includes a plurality of overlapping seal segments, each seal segment including a peripheral edge with a central seal member extending therefrom. The central seal member includes a free edge remote from the peripheral edge. A reinforcement pad is located on at least one of the seal segments between the peripheral edge and the free edge of the central seal member.