Trocar having protector with flexible end and improved seal assembly

摘要

A surgical trocar has a cannula assembly including a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. A housing having an opening is located at the proximal end of the sleeve and is aligned with the passageway of the sleeve. The trocar also includes an obturator assembly which is insertable in the cannula assembly. The obturator assembly includes a handle and an obturator shaft. The obturator shaft has a proximal end connected to the handle and a distal end opposite the proximal end. A penetrating tip is located at the shaft distal end for penetrating tissue. A protector having a distal end is slidably disposed around the obturator shaft for covering the penetrating tip. The protector has an aperture at its distal end for permitting the penetrating tip to pass therethrough. The protector also includes a flexible proximal end movable against the obturator handle to expose the penetrating tip when a proximal force is asserted against the protector. A seal assembly is located in the housing for sealing against the obturator assembly or surgical instruments passed through the cannula assembly. The seal assembly includes an upper seal arrangement having an aperture. The seal assembly also includes a pressure seal located beneath the upper seal arrangement. The pressure seal includes a pair of side walls. At least one rib is located on the inner surface of each side wall.