Abstract: An obturator assembly is provided and generally includes an obturator housing and a support tube extending distally from the obturator housing. A shield nose is affixed to a distal end of the support tube. The shield nose defines a truncated cavity and having a concave center portion. An obturator member is movably mounted relative to the support tube. A cutting blade is provided having at least one cutting edge and is affixed to a distal end of the obturator member. The cutting blade is movable within the truncated cavity. The shield nose has at least one slot formed through the concave center portion and in communication with the truncated cavity for allowing passage of the at least one cutting edge therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity.

Abstract: A puncture apparatus includes a puncture needle for puncturing living body tissue, an axial portion, a puncture member including an interlock portion interlocking the puncture needle and the axial portion, an elongated urethral-insertion member insertable into the urethra, an elongated vaginal-insertion member insertable into the vagina; and a supporting member supporting the puncture member, the urethral-insertion member and the vaginal-insertion member. The distal end of the puncture needle includes a sharp needle tip, and the needle is bent in an arc shape centered on the axial portion. The axial portion is freely rotatable on the supporting member, and the supporting member restricts the positional relation between the puncture member and the urethral-insertion member such that when the puncture member rotates and punctures the living body tissue, the needle tip passes a far-position side from the center of the puncture needle compared with the urethral-insertion member or an extended line of such member.

Abstract: A surgical trocar 10 has an elongate shaft 12 with a leading point or edge 28 for piercing flesh and a thumb grip region 22 at an inner bend region 18. The grip region may include a flat zone and can be integral with the shaft, optionally stamped or pressed into the material of the shaft.

Abstract: System and method that is directed to medical treatments of organs having anatomical spaces, such as (but not limited to) the heart and the pericardial space. Specifically, an apparatus and method is provided for safely accessing anatomical spaces with surfaces to deliver medical devices or media into such spaces, or to remove fluids from such spaces. The methods and apparatus may include a first elongated member with a sharp tip used to penetrate the surface surrounding the anatomical space with a second elongated member with a helical tine used to engage the surface and lift the surface away from the underlying anatomical space. Once the first elongated member has incised the surface, it is removed, and the incision may be used as a point of entry for delivering media or medical devices into the anatomical space, or for carrying out further medical procedures.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an eyebrow tattoo machine, which includes a housing; a swinging movement-activating motor located inside the housing and having one end provided with a transmission shaft; an eccentric sleeve mounted around the transmission shaft and protrudingly provided with an eccentric lever offset from the center thereof and facing away from the motor; and a tattoo needle actuation mechanism positioned and pressed against by screws in the housing and configured for driving a tattoo needle at one end thereof to move upward-and-downward along an axis of the machine, and having the other end provided with a round-ended slot. The eccentric lever extends into the round-ended slot so that, once the motor is turned on, the eccentric lever can drive the entire tattoo needle actuation mechanism to swing from side to side with respect to the axis of the machine by using the screws as the fulcrum.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an anti-splash needle mounting structure, which includes a grip portion having a receiving space therein for receiving a tattoo needle driving mechanism and an opening at a bottom end thereof in communication with the receiving space so that a tattoo needle of the tattoo needle driving mechanism can be exposed outside the opening, and a tattoo needle guide tube having two ends provided with two through holes respectively and an outer periphery of the top end thereof provided with a second connecting unit configured for connection with a first connecting unit provided in an inner periphery of the opening. The two through holes are in communication with each other, and the inner wall of the tattoo needle guide tube is axially formed with a plurality of grooves each having two ends extending to the two through holes respectively.

Abstract: A transseptal medical device (10, 110) is provided including a dilator (12, 112), a needle (14, 114), and a needle control mechanism (22, 122). The needle (14, 114) may be disposed within the dilator (12, 112), and the needle control mechanism (22, 122) may be operably connected to a proximal end (24, 124, 16, 116) of the needle (14, 114) or the dilator (12, 112) for selective adjustment of the distal end (26, 126) of the needle (14, 114) from a first position within the dilator (12, 112) to a second position external to the dilator (12, 112). The needle control mechanism (22) may include an actuator (32) configured for rotation within the dilator in one embodiment.

Abstract: An introducer needle for accessing a body lumen includes an annular-shaped body having a distal end and a proximal end, a leading edge formed on the distal end, and a slot defined in the leading edge and extending proximally from the distal end. In at least one example, the slot can include a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge each extending proximally from the leading edge and being separated by a central angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 360 degrees. The first end and the second edge are in continuous communication with the leading edge.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system. A fiducial may include dimples to enhance echogenicity and/or to provide for engagement with a delivery cannula or stylet. The needle system may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time, when the fiducials are coaxially disposed around a central deployment member that may be embodied as a delivery cannula or stylet. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. An elongate structure may be included that is configured to distally advance fiducials along the deployment member.

Abstract: A surgical device mitigates over-puncture with a bias spring that biases a leading, cutting edge in the opposite direction of the anticipated over-puncture. An associated locking mechanism is configured to release the force of the bias spring in a direction counter to the direction of insertion when the tension force of tissue against the cutting edge is released. Thus, when an opening in the tissue forms, the tension is released and the cutting edge can move opposite to the direction of insertion of the surgical device at the same time that an applied force drives the instrument in the direction of insertion. In this manner, the spring and locking mechanism cooperate to move the cutting edge opposite to the direction of insertion as soon as an incision is made.

Abstract: A deflation device for use in deflating an inflatable or implantable balloon device, comprising, in combination: an endoscope tube, having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen; a cap disposed at the distal end of the endoscope tube and having walls defining a balloon interface chamber; a coring device disposed within the lumen and configured to travel within the lumen such that a distal end of the coring device is extendable beyond the distal end of the cap; wherein the cap is configured to provide a normal surface of a balloon relative to the orientation of the coring device as the coring device is disposed near the distal end of the cap.

Abstract: Methods and devices are presented which act by cutting the renal nerves slowly through. The minimally invasive implantable devices can be delivered through state of the art delivery catheters into the renal arteries as known from stenting, and do not require external generators, thereby being easily to introduce in normal equipped radiology catheter labs.

Abstract: A method for puncturing a pericardial membrane of a human patient, the method comprising inserting a needle into the chest of the human patient, detecting a phase of a mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, advancing the needle toward the heart of the human patient in synchronization with the detected phase of the mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, and repeating the detecting and advancing steps until the pericardial membrane of the human patient is punctured.

Abstract: A puncture needle includes a needle tube 1 provided with a spiral groove 3 and wall surfaces 3a and 3b of the spiral groove 3 serve as a surface for reflecting ultrasonic waves. The spiral groove is formed on the peripheral surface of the needle tube such that a grinding stone 2 is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the needle tube while the needle tube 1 is being moved in its axial direction and rotated. The wall surfaces of the spiral groove formed on the needle tube serve as a reflection surface to change the orientation of the reflection surface in the axial direction of the needle tube according to change in position of the spiral. Therefore, even if a direction in which an ultrasonic wave is applied to the puncture needle is fixed, any portion of the reflection surface changing in orientation can become a surface for reflecting well ultrasonic waves, so that good ultrasonic waves can be obtained.

Abstract: A novel silicone coating process for surgical needles is disclosed. Coating solutions are applied to a surgical needle and a stream of air is directed at the needle in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the distal section of the needle, providing superior coatings and performance.

Abstract: A tattooing apparatus including a needle having at least one tip. The needle is configured to move between a first position in which the tip is located above the surface of a skin, and a second position in which the tip is located at a penetration depth underneath the skin surface. The needle is further configured to deposit an ink between the skin surface and the penetration depth. The tattooing apparatus further includes a needle drive mechanism configured to move the needle between the first position and the second position. The tattooing apparatus includes a sensor configured to output a feedback signal corresponding to a skin thickness characteristic. The tattooing apparatus further includes a controller configured to receive the feedback signal, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the penetration depth based on the skin thickness characteristic.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or movable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forceps comprising an elongate body, a grip region at end of the elongate body, the grip region comprising a lever, a grasping assembly at the opposite end of the elongate body, the grasping assembly comprising a movable grasper and a trocar, and an actuating mechanism coupling the lever to the grasping assembly for effecting movement of the grasper relative to the elongate body. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising a forceps of the invention and additional components. The invention further relates to a method of forming an anastomosis between two surfaces and a method of forming a stoma trephine in a subject using the kit of parts of the invention. The present invention also relates to the use of the forceps and the kit or parts of the invention in such methods.

Abstract: A puncture support device includes a display unit, a puncture target setting unit, a puncturable region setting unit, a puncture route extraction unit, a safety degree calculation unit, and an insertion point candidate region display control unit. The puncture target setting unit is configured to set a puncture target in a acquired volume data. The puncturable region setting unit is configured to set a puncturable region on a body surface image. The puncture route extraction unit is configured to extract a puncture route from the set puncturable region on the body surface image to the puncture target. The safety degree calculation unit is configured to calculate a safety degree of the extracted puncture route. The insertion point candidate region display control unit is configured to divide the puncturable region into groups based on the calculated safety degree, and display the divided region on the display unit.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cannula for passing a tissue graft through soft tissue. The cannula can comprise an elongated body including oppositely disposed first and second ends and an axis that extends between the first and second ends. The elongated body can further include a passage extending between the first and second ends. The second end can include a curved portion that terminates at a sharpened, pointed tip configured to pierce and/or cut soft tissue at the surgical repair site. The tip can be axially offset from the axis of the elongated body at an angle that is less than 180°.

Abstract: An obturator for use in penetrating tissue includes an elongate member defining a longitudinal axis, and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a penetrating member adjacent the distal end of the elongate member. The penetrating member has a distal penetrating tip dimensioned to pass through tissue. The penetrating member defines an external wall leading toward the penetrating tip. The external wall includes a plurality of raised elements extending at least radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis and being in general longitudinal alignment. Adjacent raised elements are spaced along the longitudinal axis to thereby accommodate tissue displaced during passage of the penetrating member through tissue. The raised elements are dimensioned to be generally atraumatic to tissue. The raised elements may define an arcuate profile.

Abstract: A trocar assembly is presented herein. The trocar assembly can include a tip assembly comprising an adapter sleeve and a jaw assembly component. The jaw assembly component can be hingeably coupled to the adapter sleeve such that it has a first position, such as a rest position, and a second position, such as an expanded position. The adapter sleeve can be configured to couple the jaw assembly to a trocar of the trocar assembly component. Additionally, the trocar assembly can have a trocar having a hollow elongate member that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the hollow elongate member can be open. The first end can allow an implement to be inserted therein. The insertion of the implement can transition the jaw assembly component from the rest position to the expanded position.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices for puncturing the atrial septum percutaneously. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides a trans-septal puncturing device comprising one or more of a locating element, a stabilizing element, a puncturing element, a safety element, and optionally a monitoring element, each of which is disposed in a lumen of a sheath. The locating element and the stabilizing element locate a desired puncture site and stabilize the trans-septal puncturing device at or near the site. The puncturing element of the trans-septal puncturing device has a limited puncturing distance due in certain instances to the safety element. The present teachings provide methods of using such device for percutaneously locating a fossa ovalis, stabilizing such device at the fossa ovalis, and piercing tissue across the fossa ovalis.

Abstract: A tympanostomy tube delivery device comprises a body, a cannula extending distally from the body, and a cylindraceous member disposed within the cannula. The cylindraceous member comprises a tubular portion and a plurality of leaves positioned at the distal end of the tubular portion. The leaves are movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The cylindraceous member is slidable relative to the cannula to selectively expose the leaves relative to the open distal end of the cannula. A first leaf of the plurality of leaves has a sharp distal point configured to pierce a tympanic membrane and a longitudinally extending sharp edge. The cylindraceous member may be used to create and dilate a myringotomy incision in a tympanic membrane. The tympanostomy tube delivery device may then be used to deploy a tympanostomy tube through the myringotomy incision.

Abstract: A needle disclosed herein may include an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end with a central longitudinal axis defined by the body, where the distal end includes a single sharp point along the central longitudinal axis and defining a distal end terminus three longitudinal fluted surfaces converging at the distal end terminus; and three longitudinal beveled cutting edges defining borders between the fluted surfaces and converging at the distal end terminus. Needle embodiments may include one or more ports open into and/or proximal of the fluted surfaces and communicating with one or more longitudinal needle lumens.

Abstract: A recanalization catheter for facilitating re-entry into a lumen of a blood vessel from a subintimal space. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon mounted on a distal end region of the catheter shaft of the catheter. The catheter shaft includes a guidewire lumen having a distal opening and a lateral opening in a distal region of the catheter shaft proximal of the distal opening, and an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the balloon. The balloon is configured to be inflated in the subintimal space to a first inflation state at inflation pressures below a threshold inflation pressure to orient the lateral opening toward the lumen of the blood vessel, and inflated to a second inflation state at inflation pressures above the threshold inflation pressure. The catheter includes means for retaining the balloon in the first inflation state at pressures below the threshold inflation pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for the treatment of, ocular hypertension, glaucoma, and increasing the amplitude of accommodation. In an illustrative embodiment, the device includes a self-expanding wire. Once the device is within the posterior chamber between the iris and anterior lens capsule, the wire expands to compress the ciliary muscle. When the device is in place the scleral spur is moved posteriorly resulting in traction on the trabecular meshwork, which causes a reduction in intraocular pressure for the treatment of patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma. In addition, the compression of the ciliary muscle increases the force of contraction of the ciliary muscle, which increases the amplitude of accommodation in patients with deficient accommodative amplitude and presbyopia.

Abstract: A tamponade trocar includes an elongate balloon having a closed distal end and is adapted to expand from a small diameter to a large diameter. A cannula is positioned at a proximal portion within the balloon lumen. A rigid stylet is removably positioned within the balloon and cannula lumens. A distal end of the stylet supported balloon is inserted into a perforation in a body wall and advanced into a body cavity while the balloon is unexpanded. The balloon is expanded and the cannula is advanced to a distal portion of the balloon lumen and across the body wall. At this stage, the perforation is dilated and in compressive tamponade. The proximal portion of the balloon may be removed and a seal housing may be coupled to the proximal end of the cannula. The distal end of the balloon may be punctured and opened, making the trocar ready for use.

Abstract: A method for puncturing a pericardial membrane of a human patient, the method comprising inserting a needle into the chest of the human patient, detecting a phase of a mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, advancing the needle toward the heart of the human patient in synchronization with the detected phase of the mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, and repeating the detecting and advancing steps until the pericardial membrane of the human patient is punctured.

Abstract: A Veress needle assembly comprises an outer steel tube with a sharpened tip at the distal end surrounding an inner rod having a blunt distal end. The proximal end of the inner rod is spring biased towards a position in which its distal end extends beyond the distal end of the outer stainless steel tube so that while piercing the wall of a body cavity the inner rod is forced upwardly against the spring bias to allow the sharpened end of the outer tube to extend into a cutting position. An indicator light supported on the proximal end of the assembly is controlled by a switch which is in a first position when the outer tube is passing through the wall of the body cavity and a second position when the outer tube enters the body cavity behind the wall, allowing the rod to move beyond the distal end of the outer tube, thereby changing the illumination of the light source so that the operator is signaled that the Veress needle has passed into the body cavity.

Abstract: A suture anchor including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defining a first suture bore and having an angled distal surface that extends in a plane oblique to a longitudinal axis of the suture anchor. The second portion defining a second suture bore and having an angled proximal surface that is complementary to the angled distal surface. The angled proximate surface extends in a plane oblique to the longitudinal axis. In a first configuration, the first portion and the second portion are aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the first suture bore is aligned with the second suture bore. In a second configuration, the first portion and the second portion are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the first suture bore is offset from the second suture bore to retain a suture within the first suture bore and the second suture bore.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a trocar while the trocar extends through a body wall of a patient includes an inflatable collar extending around the trocar which can be inflated to a predetermined size by a source of fluid where the source of fluid is located on the trocar support apparatus itself so as to be carried thereby and is defined by a pump mechanism to provide a fixed volume allowing inflation only to a fixed size. An abutment member is shaped to be received on an outer surface of the trocar sleeve and adjustable longitudinally of the trocar sleeve so as to be located at a selected position. A tube connecting the pump on the abutment to the inflatable collar is wrapped helically around the sleeve of the trocar. The collar includes a sleeve portion which can be unrolled on to the trocar sleeve.

Abstract: A trocar is described. The trocar is formed of a biocompatible material, such as but not limited to stainless steel. Accordingly, the trocar is reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the trocar is provided with an angled blade design formed on a distal portion of the trocar shaft. More specifically, the blade design includes a first portion extending substantially co-planar to a proximal portion of the tip portion of the trocar shaft and a second portion extending angularly inwardly towards a distal portion of the tip portion of the trocar shaft.

Abstract: A surgical tool system. Various embodiments of the surgical tool system may comprise surgical instrument that has a handle assembly that operably supports a drive system therein for generating drive motions upon actuation of a movable handle portion operably coupled to the handle assembly. An elongated body protrudes from the handle assembly and operably supports a control rod therein that interfaces with the drive system. The surgical tool system further includes at least two surgical tools selected from the group of surgical tools consisting of: manipulators, nippers, scissors, endocutters, tissue thickness measurement devices, staple appliers, clip appliers, syringes for applying glue, sealant, drugs or medicaments and cauterization devices wherein each of the surgical tool within the group of surgical tools at least has a housing that is removably couplable to the elongated body and a drive assembly that is removably couplable to the control rod for receiving the drive motions therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical access port for insertion into a body cavity can have an elongate tubular body extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the tubular body for penetrating through a body wall and into the body cavity. The distal tip moves from a first, penetrating position to a second, retaining position when the body wall has been traversed. The surgical access port may further comprise a seal housing connected to the proximal end of the tubular body, the seal housing having an access port providing an opening into the tubular body to allow passage of surgical instruments. The distal tip may be sharp, pointed or bladed. The distal tip may also be substantially blunt or have a conical surface. The access port may further comprise a retention member for connecting the tubular body and the distal tip.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft comprising an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube, the outer tube and inner rod each comprising a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the distal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod, the end effector comprising a collet for locking engagement with the distal end of the inner rod. The end effector may further comprise a second collet for locking engagement with the outer tube. The surgical device may further comprise a loader comprising a collet for locking the end effector in the loader.

Abstract: Contagion prevention systems used in oral examinations.

Abstract: Method and system for treating a patient using an inflatable device. A removal device may be used to remove the inflatable device from the body. The removal device can have at least one manually-actuatable member and at least two opposing jaws at a distal end. At least one of the at least two jaws can be movable by actuation of the at least one manually-actuatable member. At least one of the at least two jaws can have a puncturing member.

Abstract: The inventions described in this patent application include i) a torqueable introducer sheath which is useable in conjunction with a transvascular passageway forming catheter to effect precise rotational control of the catheter; ii) an anchorable guide catheter which is useable in conjunction with an intravascular imaging catheter and a transvascular passageway-forming catheter to effect precise positioning and aiming of the passageway-forming catheter; iii) a passageway forming catheter having a torqueable proximal portion to facilitate precise rotational positioning of the distal portion of the catheter; iv) a deflectable-tipped passageway forming catheter, v) various markers and other apparatus useable in conjunction with any of the passageway-forming catheters to facilitate precise positioning and aiming of the catheter, and vi) an apparatus which may be formed within a catheter to prevent a member, apparatus of flow of material from being inadvertently advanced through a lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A shielded bladed obturator is provided with a shield lockout that prevents retraction of a shield to expose a blade for cutting. The shield lockout in one aspect has a rotational switch interacting with a longitudinal extending shield to lock and unlock the shield. A blade exposure and coverage system is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating internal tissue defects, such as septal defects, with implantable devices are provided. An exemplary clip-based device includes a tubular body having at least a deflectable anchors coupled thereto. The anchors can be coupled on opposite ends of the tubular body and configured to deflect between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, each anchor extends outwardly away from the tubular body in a position configured to abut a tissue surface. The anchors are preferably configured to maintain a tissue wall therebetween and at least partially close any opening in the tissue wall. Also provided are delivery devices for delivering the implantable closure device and methods for using the various devices.

Abstract: A tip assembly is presented herein. The tip assembly can have a member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the member can be open. The first end also can allows an implement to be inserted. The tip assembly also includes a jaw hingedly coupled to the second end of the member.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing access to the pericardial cavity while reducing risk of myocardial damage. One method includes advancing a puncture device towards a heart, the puncture device including an energy delivery device; measuring an electrical impedance at the energy delivery device; delivering energy from the energy delivery device to at least partially puncture a pericardium; and repeating one or more of the above steps, if necessary, until the energy delivery device is located at least partially within the pericardial cavity. Some embodiments of the method include using supplemental means of monitoring, including measuring voltage to plot an ECG, medical imaging and using contrast fluid, using tactile feedback, and aspirating fluid.

Abstract: A shielded bladed obturator is provided with a shield lockout that prevents retraction of a shield to expose a blade for cutting. The shield lockout in one aspect has a rotational switch interacting with a longitudinal extending shield to lock and unlock the shield. A blade exposure and coverage system is also provided.

Abstract: A biopsy device may comprise a probe assembly that has a needle assembly extending distally from the probe assembly. The needle assembly has a needle portion and blade assembly. The blade assembly comprises a blade and a multi-member coupling assembly. The multi-member coupling assembly is configured to couple to the blade and to the needle portion to attach the blade to the needle portion. In one configuration the multi-member coupling assembly comprises two coupling members configure to couple to the blade. The blade may be a flat blade that has a retention channel formed therein, wherein the two coupling members may couple to the blade at the retention channel. The needle portion may comprise a needle and a cutter receiving tube. The needle may be an ovular cross-sectioned tube having a cut-out portion into which a circular cross-sectioned cutter receiving tube may be inserted and coupled thereto.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall are provided herein.

Abstract: A surgical penetrating system includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula has an outer wall arranged about a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal opening. At least one substantially linear penetrating member is mounted with respect to the outer wall of the cannula and extends in a general longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. The penetrating member is adapted to facilitate passage of the cannula through tissue. Another embodiment of the surgical penetrating system includes a cannula having a longitudinal bore and a penetrating member at least partially and slidably mounted within the longitudinal bore of the cannula. The penetrating member has at least one leg and is axially movable between non-deployed and deployed positions. Moreover, the penetrating member can be mounted for movement relative to the leading end of the cannula and within the longitudinal bore of the cannula between a non-deployed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical access devices (or surgical access ports) and related methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to such devices that are advantageously adapted for use in single-incision laparoscopic surgical (“SILS”) procedures The present invention also relates to kits and methods involving such surgical access devices.