Safe trochar with guide for placement of surgical drains

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the safe surgical placement of trochars, is provided. The trochar has a sheath protecting the sharp point. The guide includes a receiver, into which the trochar with sheath is inserted, protecting personnel against sticks. The guide has a holder that grips the trochar in the X, Y, Z and Theta directions, providing position and direction of the point. The guide provides a handle for holding the trochar, reducing effort. The trochar point is exposed only after opening the guide. The receiver with sheath is a target, which provides an accurate reference for the position of the sharp point. The target also provides support as the trochar is being advanced through soft tissue. The trochar is locked into the safety guide until the guide is closed, and the point is safely in the sheath. Since the guide may not be reopened, the trochar point and body fluids are safely covered. Operating Room personnel are protected against hazardous sharps injuries.

1 . A surgical trochar comprising:
 an elongate rod having a sharp pointed end (first end), and   a second end with means to connect a tube, and wherein   said second end also has a recess configured to receive indexing means.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical trochar of  claim 1 , wherein said rod is bent such that said first end is at an angle to said second end. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical trochar of  claim 2  wherein said recess has a linear axis in the plane of said bend. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical trochar of  claim 1  wherein a sheath is locked onto the first end, thereby covering said sharp point. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical trochar of  claim 4 , wherein said sheath has locking means to fasten sharp pointed end within. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical trochar of  claim 4 , wherein said 
     
     
         7 . A guide for installing a surgical trochar (sharp instrument), comprising
 a first end having a receiver adapted for lockably accepting a safe trochar; and   a second end having a holder adapted for releasable securing said safe trochar (sharp instrument) in all directions;   wherein said receiver and said holder are guided in continuous alignment such that the sharp end of said safe trochar (sharp instrument) will follow a straight line from within the receiver to a point separate from the receiver and back again into the receiver when the guide is actuated.   
     
     
         8 . A method of protecting surgery personnel from sharp injuries providing the trochar of  claim 1 .