Trocar

Claim 2

A trocar for placement in the lumen of a cannula to facilitate inserting the cannula through the wall of a body cavity, the trocar comprising: a handle, an obturator having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a cutting surface for piercing the wall of the body cavity, and an axis, means mounting said proximal and distal portions for relative angular movement about the axis of the obturator, means for retracting said obturator proximally relative to the cannula as the proximal and distal portions move angularly relative to each other after the cutting surface has at least partially penetrated through the wall of the body cavity, wherein said retracting means comprises axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator proximally toward a retracted position, and angular biasing means for angularly biasing said proximal portion of the obturator relative to the distal portion.

Claim 3

A trocar according to claim 1 wherein: the proximal portion of the obturator rotates relative to the distal portion after the cutting surface penetrates through the tissue defining the body cavity, and wherein the obturator retracts proximally upon the rotation of the proximal portion relative to the distal portion of the obturator.

Claim 4

A trocar according to claim 1 wherein the retracting means retracts the obturator along a path that is substantially free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula.

Claim 5

A trocar according to claim 1 wherein the retracting means retracts the obturator along a path that is free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula.

Claim 6

A trocar according to claim 1 wherein the cannula has a distal end, and when the retracting means retracts the obturator, the cutting surface is retracted within the distal end of the cannula.

Claim 7

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, and means mounting at least a portion of the obturator for angular movement about said longitudinal axis, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has at least partially penetrated the tissue, the clutch including angular biasing means for biasing at least a portion of the obturator and about said longitudinal axis, said retracting means comprising axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position.

Claim 8

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, and means mounting at least a portion of the obturator for angular movement about said longitudinal axis, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has at least partially penetrated the tissue, the clutch including angular biasing means for biasing at least a portion of the obturator and about said longitudinal axis, said retracting means comprising axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position.

Claim 9

A trocar according to claim 6 wherein said clutch affords movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position along a path that is substantially free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula.

Claim 10

A trocar according to claim 6 wherein when the obturator is in the retracted position, the cutting surfaces are retracted within the distal end of the cannula.

Claim 11

A trocar according to claim 6 wherein the clutch automatically releases the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the tissue has been at least partially penetrated.

Claim 12

A trocar according to claim 6 wherein: said obturator's longitudinal axis defines angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, and wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves from the armed position toward the release position.

Claim 13

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has at least partially penetrated the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves from the armed position toward the release position, wherein: said retracting means comprises axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position, and angular biasing means for biasing said pin toward said release position.

Claim 14

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has at least partially penetrated the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves from the armed position toward the release position, wherein: said retracting means comprises axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position, and angular biasing means for biasing said pin toward said release position.

Claim 15

A trocar according to claim 11 wherein: said angular biasing means provides a torque for angularly moving the pin about the longitudinal axis from the armed toward the release position, and said axial biasing means provides an axial force for moving the obturator toward the retracted position.

Claim 16

A trocar according to claim 12 wherein: said clutch comprises said proximal portion of said obturator having a first friction clutch surface, and said distal portion of said obturator having a second friction clutch surface, wherein when said obturator is pressed against the tissue, said second, friction clutch surface frictionally engages the first friction clutch surface and contributes to a first resistance to angular movement between said proximal and distal portions of said obturator from said armed toward said release position, and wherein when the tissue has been at least partially penetrated by said obturator, resistance to angular movement between said proximal and distal portions of said obturator is less than said torque and the proximal portion of said obturator is allowed to move angularly from said armed toward said release position.

Claim 17

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has at least partially penetrated the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves from the armed position toward the release position, wherein said means mounting said pin for angular movement comprises said housing having guide surfaces including a ledge surface adapted to abut the pin to retain the pin in the armed position prior to the obturator being advanced against the tissue, and said clutch comprises an arming ring having a shoulder surface adapted to abut the pin as the obturator is advanced through the tissue to restrict movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position, and surfaces defining an aperture which are angularly spaced from said shoulder surface and which allow the pin to pass when the obturator moves from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position.

Claim 18

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has at least partially penetrated the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves from the armed position toward the release position, wherein said means mounting said pin for angular movement comprises said housing having guide surfaces including a ledge surface adapted to abut the pin to retain the pin in the armed position prior to the obturator being advanced against the tissue, and said clutch comprises an arming ring having a shoulder surface adapted to abut the pin as the obturator is advanced through the tissue to restrict movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position, and surfaces defining an aperture which are angularly spaced from said shoulder surface and which allow the pin to pass when the obturator moves from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position.

Claim 19

A trocar according to claim 14 wherein said clutch comprises: means mounting the arming ring for axial movement between a distal position and a proximal position, arming ring biasing means for providing an arming ring biasing force for biasing the arming ring distally, retaining means for releasably retaining the arming ring in the proximal position against the bias of said arming ring biasing means, wherein, prior to pressing the obturator against the tissue, the arming ring biasing means biases the obturator distally through abutment between the pin and the shoulder surface of the arming ring, and the abutment between the shoulder surface of the arming ring and the pin resists movement of said obturator to said retracted position, and as the obturator is pressed against the tissue, the arming ring moves from said distal position toward the proximal position where the retaining means engages the arming ring to retain the arming ring in the proximal position.

Claim 20

A trocar according to claim 15 wherein: the retracting means is designed such that: F.sub.i >F.sub.a -F.sub.r ; wherein: F i =the minimum axial insertion force on the obturator as the obturator is advanced through the tissue; F a =the axial force on the obturator provided by the arming ring biasing force which biases the obturator distally; and F r =the axial force on the obturator provided by the axial biasing means which biases the obturator proximally.

Claim 21

A trocar according to claim 16 wherein: the retracting means is preferably designed such that: F.sub.a >10(F.sub.r), to restrict premature retraction of the obturator.

Claim 22

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, and adapted to be placed at least partially in the cannula, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a handle, an elongate obturator extending from said handle having a longitudinal axis, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue defining the body cavity, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, and means mounting at least a portion of the obturator for angular movement about said longitudinal axis, said obturator having surfaces adapted to abut at least the distal end of the cannula lumen, wherein the trocar is free of structure between the obturator and the cannula at the distal end of the cannula when the trocar is placed in the cannula, retracting means for moving the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position including axial biasing means for biasing the obturator toward said retracted position, latch means for releasably holding the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said biasing means, mechanical sensing and releasing means for sensing when the tissue defining the body cavity has been penetrated and for releasing the latch means to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the tissue defining the body cavity has been at least partially penetrated so that movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position is free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula, and angular biasing means for biasing at least a portion of the obturator about said longitudinal axis, and wherein the axial biasing means biases the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position.

Claim 23

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, and adapted to be placed at least partially in the cannula, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a handle, an elongate obturator extending from said handle having a longitudinal axis, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue defining the body cavity, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, and means mounting at least a portion of the obturator for angular movement about said longitudinal axis, said obturator having surfaces adapted to abut at least the distal end of the cannula lumen, wherein the trocar is free of structure between the obturator and the cannula at the distal end of the cannula when the trocar is placed in the cannula, retracting means for moving the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position including axial biasing means for biasing the obturator toward said retracted position, latch means for releasably holding the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said biasing means, mechanical sensing and releasing means for sensing when the tissue defining the body cavity has been penetrated and for releasing the latch means to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the tissue defining the body cavity has been at least partially penetrated so that movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position is free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula, and angular biasing means for biasing at least a portion of the obturator about said longitudinal axis, and wherein the axial biasing means biases the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position.

Claim 24

A trocar according to claim 18 wherein said latch, mechanical sensing and releasing means comprise a clutch.

Claim 25

A trocar according to claim 19 wherein the clutch automatically releases the obturator to allow the retracting means to move the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the tissue has been at least partially penetrated.

Claim 26

A trocar according to claim 19 wherein: said obturator's longitudinal axis defines angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, and wherein said retracting means moves the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed position toward the release position.

Claim 27

A trocar according to claim 18 wherein when the obturator is in the retracted position, the cutting surfaces are retracted within the distal end of the cannula.

Claim 28

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, and adapted to be placed at least partially in the cannula, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a handle, an obturator extending from said handle, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue defining the body cavity, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, said obturator having surfaces adapted to abut at least the distal end of the cannula lumen, wherein the trocar is free of structure between the obturator and the cannula at the distal end of the cannula when the trocar is placed in the cannula, retracting means for moving the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position including biasing means for biasing the obturator toward said retracted position, latch means for releasably holding the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the biasing of said biasing means, mechanical sensing and releasing means for sensing when the tissue defining the body cavity has been penetrated and for releasing the latch means to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the tissue defining the body cavity has been at least partially penetrated so that movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position is free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means moves the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed position toward the release position, and wherein: said retracting means comprises axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position, and angular biasing means for biasing said pin toward said release position.

Claim 29

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, and adapted to be placed at least partially in the cannula, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a handle, an obturator extending from said handle, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue defining the body cavity, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, said obturator having surfaces adapted to abut at least the distal end of the cannula lumen, wherein the trocar is free of structure between the obturator and the cannula at the distal end of the cannula when the trocar is placed in the cannula, retracting means for moving the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position including biasing means for biasing the obturator toward said retracted position, latch means for releasably holding the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the biasing of said biasing means, mechanical sensing and releasing means for sensing when the tissue defining the body cavity has been penetrated and for releasing the latch means to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the tissue defining the body cavity has been at least partially penetrated so that movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position is free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means moves the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed position toward the release position, and wherein: said retracting means comprises axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position, and angular biasing means for biasing said pin toward said release position.

Claim 30

A trocar according to claim 23 wherein: said angular biasing means provides a torque for angularly moving the pin about the longitudinal axis from the armed position toward the release position, and said axial biasing means provides an axial force for moving the obturator toward the retracted position.

Claim 31

A trocar according to claim 24 wherein: wherein said latch, mechanical sensing and releasing means comprise a clutch, said clutch comprises said proximal portion of said obturator having a first friction clutch surface, and said distal portion of said obturator having a second friction clutch surface, wherein when said obturator is pressed against the tissue, said second friction clutch surface frictionally engages the first friction clutch surface and contributes to a first resistance to angular movement between said proximal and distal portions of said obturator from said armed position toward said release position, and wherein when the tissue has been at least partially penetrated by said obturator, resistance to angular movement between said proximal and distal portions of said obturator is less than said torque and the proximal portion of said obturator is allowed to move angularly from said armed toward said release position.

Claim 32

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, and adapted to be placed at least partially in the cannula, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a handle, an obturator extending from said handle, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue defining the body cavity, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, said obturator having surfaces adapted to abut at least the distal end of the cannula lumen, wherein the trocar is free of structure between the obturator and the cannula at the distal end of the cannula when the trocar is placed in the cannula, retracting means for moving the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position including biasing means for biasing the obturator toward said retracted position, latch means for releasably holding the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said biasing means, mechanical sensing and releasing means for sensing when the tissue defining the body cavity has been penetrated and for releasing the latch means to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the tissue defining the body cavity has been at least partially penetrated so that movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position is free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula, wherein said latch, mechanical sensing and releasing means comprise a clutch, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means moves the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed position toward the release position, wherein said means mounting said pin for angular movement comprises said handle having guide surfaces including a ledge surface adapted to abut the pin to retain the pin in the armed position prior to the obturator being advanced against the tissue, said clutch comprises an arming ring having a shoulder surface adapted to abut the pin as the obturator is advanced through the tissue to restrict movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position, and surfaces defining an aperture which are angularly spaced from said shoulder surface and which allow the pin to pass when the obturator moves from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position.

Claim 33

A trocar for facilitating insertion of a cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, and adapted to be placed at least partially in the cannula, the cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, said trocar comprising: a handle, an obturator extending from said handle, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue defining the body cavity, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, said obturator having surfaces adapted to abut at least the distal end of the cannula lumen, wherein the trocar is free of structure between the obturator and the cannula at the distal end of the cannula when the trocar is placed in the cannula, retracting means for moving the obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position including biasing means for biasing the obturator toward said retracted position, latch means for releasably holding the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said biasing means, mechanical sensing and releasing means for sensing when the tissue defining the body cavity has been penetrated and for releasing the latch means to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the tissue defining the body cavity has been at least partially penetrated so that movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position is free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula, wherein said latch, mechanical sensing and releasing means comprise a clutch, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means moves the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed position toward the release position, wherein said means mounting said pin for angular movement comprises said handle having guide surfaces including a ledge surface adapted to abut the pin to retain the pin in the armed position prior to the obturator being advanced against the tissue, said clutch comprises an arming ring having a shoulder surface adapted to abut the pin as the obturator is advanced through the tissue to restrict movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position, and surfaces defining an aperture which are angularly spaced from said shoulder surface and which allow the pin to pass when the obturator moves from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position.

Claim 34

A trocar according to claim 26 wherein said clutch comprises: means mounting the arming ring for axial movement between a distal position and a proximal position, arming ring biasing means for providing an arming ring biasing force for biasing the arming ring distally, retaining means for releasably retaining the arming ring in the proximal position against the bias of said arming ring biasing means, wherein, prior to pressing the obturator against the tissue, the arming ring biasing means biases the obturator distally through abutment between the pin and the shoulder surface of the arming ring, and the abutment between the shoulder surface of the arming ring and the pin resists movement of said obturator to said retracted position, and, as the obturator is pressed against the tissue, the arming ring moves from said distal position toward the proximal position where the retaining means engages the arming ring to retain the arming ring in the proximal position.

Claim 35

A trocar according to claim 27 wherein: the retracting means is designed such that: F.sub.i >F.sub.a -F.sub.r ; wherein: F i =the minimum axial insertion force on the obturator as the obturator is advanced through the tissue; F a =the axial force on the obturator provided by the arming ring biasing force which biases the obturator distally; and F r =the axial force on the obturator provided by the axial biasing means which biases the obturator proximally.

Claim 36

A trocar according to claim 28 wherein: the retracting means is preferably designed such that: F.sub.a >10(F.sub.r), to restrict premature retraction of the obturator.

Claim 37

In combination, a cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, and a trocar for facilitating insertion of the cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, and means mounting at least a portion of the obturator for angular movement about said longitudinal axis, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has cut tissue sufficiently to pass the cannula into the body cavity, the clutch including angular biasing means biasing at least a portion of the obturator about said longitudinal axis, said retracting means comprising axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position.

Claim 38

In combination, a cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, and a trocar for facilitating insertion of the cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, and means mounting at least a portion of the obturator for angular movement about said longitudinal axis, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has cut tissue sufficiently to pass the cannula into the body cavity, the clutch including angular biasing means biasing at least a portion of the obturator about said longitudinal axis, said retracting means comprising axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position.

Claim 39

A combination according to claim 30 wherein said clutch affords movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position along a path that is substantially free of distal movement of the obturator relative to the cannula.

Claim 40

A combination according to claim 30 wherein when the obturator is in the retracted position, the cutting surfaces are retracted within the distal end of the cannula.

Claim 41

A combination according to claim 30 wherein the clutch automatically releases the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the tissue has been at least partially penetrated.

Claim 42

A combination according to claim 30 wherein: said obturator's longitudinal axis defines angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, and wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed toward the release position.

Claim 43

A combination according to claim 30 wherein said clutch is independent of said cannula.

Claim 44

In combination, a cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, and a trocar for facilitating insertion of the cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has cut tissue sufficiently to pass the cannula into the body cavity, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed toward the release position, and wherein: said retracting means comprises axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position, and angular biasing means for biasing said pin toward said release position.

Claim 45

In combination, a cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, and a trocar for facilitating insertion of the cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has cut tissue sufficiently to pass the cannula into the body cavity, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed toward the release position, and wherein: said retracting means comprises axial biasing means for axially biasing said obturator from said tissue cutting position toward said retracted position, and angular biasing means for biasing said pin toward said release position.

Claim 46

A combination according to claim 36 wherein: said angular biasing means provides a torque for angularly moving the pin about the longitudinal axis from the armed toward the release position, and said axial biasing means provides an axial force for moving the obturator toward the retracted position.

Claim 47

A trocar according to claim 37 wherein: said clutch comprises said proximal portion of said obturator having a first friction clutch surface, and said distal portion of said obturator having a second friction clutch surface, wherein when said obturator is pressed against the tissue said second, friction clutch surface frictionally engages the first friction clutch surface and contributes to a first resistance to angular movement between said proximal and distal portions of said obturator from said armed toward said release position, and wherein when the tissue has been at least partially penetrated by said obturator, resistance to angular movement between said proximal and distal portions of said obturator is less than said torque and the proximal portion of said obturator is allowed to move angularly about the longitudinal axis from said armed position toward said release position.

Claim 48

In combination, a cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, and a trocar for facilitating insertion of the cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has cut tissue sufficiently to pass the cannula into the body cavity, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed toward the release position, wherein said means mounting said pin for angular movement comprises said housing having guide surfaces including a ledge surface adapted to abut the pin to retain the pin in the armed position prior to the obturator being advanced against the tissue, and said clutch comprises an arming ring having a shoulder surface adapted to abut the pin as the obturator is advanced through the tissue to restrict movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position, and surfaces defining an aperture which are angularly spaced from said shoulder surface and which allow the pin to pass when the obturator moves from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position.

Claim 49

In combination, a cannula having a lumen terminating in a distal end, and a trocar for facilitating insertion of the cannula through tissue defining a body cavity, such as the abdominal wall of a patient, said trocar comprising: a housing, an obturator extending from said housing, said obturator comprising: a shaft for placement in the lumen of the cannula and cutting surfaces for cutting the tissue, means mounting the obturator for movement between a tissue cutting position with at least some of the cutting surfaces of the obturator projecting beyond the distal end of the cannula, and a retracted position, retracting means for biasing the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position, a clutch for retaining the obturator in the tissue cutting position against the bias of said retracting means while the tissue is being cut, and for releasing the obturator to allow the retracting means to retract the obturator from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position after the trocar has cut tissue sufficiently to pass the cannula into the body cavity, said obturator is elongate and has a longitudinal axis defining angular displacements, said obturator comprises a proximal portion having a pin, and a distal portion, wherein said trocar includes means mounting said pin for angular movement relative to said distal portion of said obturator between an armed position relative to the longitudinal axis and a release position that is angularly spaced from said armed position, wherein said retracting means retracts the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position after the pin moves about the longitudinal axis from the armed toward the release position, wherein said means mounting said pin for angular movement comprises said housing having guide surfaces including a ledge surface adapted to abut the pin to retain the pin in the armed position prior to the obturator being advanced against the tissue, and said clutch comprises an arming ring having a shoulder surface adapted to abut the pin as the obturator is advanced through the tissue to restrict movement of the obturator from the tissue cutting position to the retracted position, and surfaces defining an aperture which are angularly spaced from said shoulder surface and which allow the pin to pass when the obturator moves from the tissue cutting position toward the retracted position.

Claim 50

A trocar according to claim 39 wherein said clutch comprises: means mounting the arming ring for axial movement between a distal position and a proximal position, arming ring biasing means for providing an arming ring biasing force for biasing the arming ring distally, retaining means for releasably retaining the arming ring in the proximal position against the bias of said arming ring biasing means, wherein, prior to pressing the obturator against the tissue, the arming ring biasing means biases the obturator distally through abutment between the pin and the shoulder surface of the arming ring, and the abutment between the shoulder surface of the arming ring and the pin resists movement of said obturator to said retracted position, and, as the obturator is pressed against the tissue, the arming ring moves from said distal position toward the proximal position where the retaining means engages the arming ring to retain the arming ring in the proximal position.