Visual obturator with tip openings

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an optical obturator that facilitates the visualization of tissue therethrough during use. The optical obturator disclosed herein includes a housing that is disposed at a proximal end thereof, an elongate member that extends distally from the housing, a distal end formed of a substantially opaque material with one or more openings formed therein, and a shield member.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A surgical apparatus, which comprises:
 a first member defining a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends, the first member defining a first longitudinal lumen extending along the longitudinal axis, and having a leading end segment adjacent the distal end configured to pass through tissue, the leading end segment having a wall and at least one opening extending through the wall in communication with the first longitudinal lumen; and   a second member positionable within the first longitudinal lumen of the first member, the second member defining a second longitudinal lumen configured for insertion of a viewing device and having a closed window enclosing the second longitudinal lumen, the closed window comprising a transparent material.   
     
     
         3 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the closed window of the second member includes a penetrating element, the penetrating element configured to extend through the at least one opening in the leading end segment of the first member. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the closed window of the second member is mounted to the leading end segment of the first member. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the closed window of the second member is releasably mounted to the leading end segment of the first member. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the closed window of the second member is secured to the leading end segment of the first member. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the closed window of the second member is configured to establish a seal with the leading end segment of the first member to prevent fluids from entering the first longitudinal lumen of the first member. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the first member and the second member are adapted for relative longitudinal movement between a first position where the penetrating element of the second member is concealed within the first member and a second position where the penetrating element of the second member extends through the at least one opening of the leading end segment of the first member. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the first member and the second member are normally biased toward the first position. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the closed window of the second member includes a lens. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 2 , including an endoscope positionable within the second longitudinal lumen of the second member. 
     
     
         12 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 2 , including a cannula defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway therethrough, the cannula dimensioned for passage through tissue, the first member and the second member positionable within the longitudinal passageway of the cannula. 
     
     
         13 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the leading end segment of the first member has at least two openings extending through the wall in communication with the first longitudinal lumen. 
     
     
         14 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the at least two openings in the leading end segment of the first member include a first opening in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. 
     
     
         15 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the at least two openings include second and third openings which are displaced radially with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         16 . A surgical apparatus, which comprises:
 a first member defining a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends, the first member defining a longitudinal lumen extending along the longitudinal axis, and having a leading end segment adjacent the distal end configured to pass through tissue, the leading end segment having a wall and at least one opening extending through the wall in communication with the first longitudinal lumen; and   a second member mounted within the longitudinal lumen of the first member, the second member having a closed window enclosing a proximal lumen segment of the longitudinal lumen of the first member proximal of the second member to prevent ingress of fluids into the proximal lumen segment, the closed window comprising a transparent material.   
     
     
         17 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the closed window of the second member is releasably mounted to the first member. 
     
     
         18 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the closed window of the second member is secured to the first member. 
     
     
         19 . The surgical apparatus according to  claim 16 , including an endoscope positionable within the longitudinal lumen of the first member. 
     
     
         20 . A surgical method, comprising:
 advancing a leading end segment of a first member through tissue to access an underlying site, the first member defining a longitudinal lumen;   enclosing the longitudinal lumen of the first member with a second member mounted within the longitudinal lumen of the first member to prevent ingress of fluids within a proximal lumen segment of the longitudinal lumen disposed proximal of the second member, the second member comprising a transparent material;   introducing a viewing device within the longitudinal lumen; and   visualizing the underlying site with the viewing device through the second member.