Abstract: Trocar assembly devices are disclosed that include an improved seal assembly that accommodates instruments having a wide range of diameters. The seal assembly includes a universal seal member that is generally of hourglass shape defining converging and diverging side walls that form a constricted center bore portion therebetween. Various alternative means are provided to either increase or decrease the inner diameter of the center bore portion of the seal member.

Abstract: An adaptor cap assembly is provided for a trocar, consisting of a base which contains an opening which is the same size as the opening of the trocar cannula handle. There is also a cap integrally attached to the base which contains a gasketing assembly wherein the assembly is of a smaller diameter than the diameter of the trocar cannula handle opening as well as the opening in the base of the adaptor cap assembly. This cap is hingedly attached to the base so that it can be flipped by using the thumb either into or out of alignment with the openings of the trocar cannula handle and the base of the adaptor cap assembly. Thus, this mechanism can be used so that a smaller diameter instrument can be placed within a larger diameter opening (with the adaptor cap in place), or, the adaptor cap can be moved out of place so that a larger diameter mechanism can be inserted within the adaptor cap assembly and into the trocar cannula handle, with both the base and the trocar cannula handle having the same size opening.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having a trigger attached to a ratcheting mechanism for preventing the refiring of the stapler trigger with a staple loaded within a forming mechanism. In addition, the mechanism contains driver buffering means to prevent the sharp reduction in opposing force driving formation of a staple. The staples are constantly maintained in proper orientation during transfer from a track to the forming site, and are self-centering on the former, and have an oversized crown so that cold-worked areas on each staple do not hinder forming.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is conical in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The obturator tip contains a knife edge blade which extends the length of the cannula inner diameter. Ideally, the knife is made of an amorphous metal, and may be serrated at its edge.

Abstract: A trocar having a trocar obturator and a trocar cannula. The trocar cannula has a cannula tube mounted in a cannula handle, wherein the cannula has an interior passage therethrough. The interior of the trocar cannula is visible through the trocar cannula. The trocar obturator is housed in the trocar cannula for insertion into a body cavity. When used in an endoscopic surgical procedure on a mammal, such that the trocar cannula is inserted into a body cavity and serves as a passageway to and from the body cavity, the interior of the trocar cannula is visible through the cannula so that the passage of instruments, sutures, staples, surgical tissue samples, etc., into and out of the mammalian body cavity through the cannula can be observed by a surgeon during an endoscopic procedure by observing the interior of the cannula at a point exterior to the cannula by looking through the cannula either directly or by using an endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having a trigger attached to a ratcheting mechanism for preventing the refiring of the stapler trigger with a staple loaded within a forming mechanism. In addition, the mechanism contains driver buffering means to prevent the sharp reduction in opposing force driving formation of a staple. The staples are constantly maintained in proper orientation during transfer from a track to the forming site, and are self-centering on the former, and have an oversized crown so that cold-worked areas on each staple do not hinder forming.

Abstract: Trocar assembly devices that include trocar tubes of different diameters to accommodate small and large diameter implements for providing communication into an anatomical cavity and a unique method of utilizing such devices. The trocar assembly devices include an outer or larger diameter trocar tube and an inner or smaller diameter trocar tube. A distal end portion of the inner trocar tube is tapered and extends distally beyond a distal end portion of the outer trocar tube.

Abstract: Trocar assembly devices are disclosed that include an improved seal assembly that accommodates instruments having a wide range of diameters. The seal assembly includes a universal seal member that is generally of hourglass shape defining converging and diverging side walls that form a constricted center bore portion therebetween. Various alternative means are provided to either increase or decrease the inner diameter of the center bore portion of the seal member.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having a trigger attached to a ratcheting mechanism for preventing the refiring of the stapler trigger with a staple loaded within a forming mechanism. In addition, the mechanism contains driver buffering means to prevent the sharp reduction in opposing force driving formation of a staple. The staples are constantly maintained in proper orientation during transfer from a track to the forming site, and are self-centering on the former, and have an oversized crown so that cold-worked areas on each staple do not hinder forming.