Reusable surgical trocar with disposable valve assembly

Claim 2

A trocar assembly, comprising: a) a reusable cannula assembly including a cannula base having a first coupling means, and a hollow cannula extending from said cannula base, said cannula base defining a first fluid passage in fluid communication with said hollow cannula; b) a disposable valve assembly having a valve body defining a second fluid passage, said valve body including a fluid valve means in fluid communication with said second fluid passage, and a second coupling means for removably coupling said disposable valve assembly with said first coupling means of said reusable cannula assembly to effect a fluid coupling of said first and second fluid passages; and c) a trocar insertable through said cannula, said trocar having a proximal handle, wherein, said first and second fluid passages and said cannula are dimensioned to permit said trocar to be inserted therethrough, said fluid valve means for permitting said trocar to be inserted through said valve means, for forming a seal between said trocar and said second fluid passage when said trocar is inserted through said valve means, and for automatically sealing said second fluid passage when said trocar is removed from said valve means, and one of said cannula assembly and said disposable valve assembly includes a fluid sealing means for sealing said first and second fluid passages together.

Claim 3

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said fluid seal means comprises an O-ring surrounding a portion of said valve body.

Claim 4

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said first coupling means comprises a first threaded portion of said cannula assembly, and said second coupling means comprises a second threaded portion of said valve assembly.

Claim 5

A trocar assembly according to claim 3, wherein: said second threaded portion is an externally threaded portion of said valve body which defines said first fluid passage, and said second threaded portion is an internally threaded portion of said first fluid passage.

Claim 6

A trocar assembly according to claim 3, wherein: said first threaded portion is an externally threaded portion of said cannula assembly, and said second threaded portion comprises an internally threaded means on said valve assembly.

Claim 7

A trocar assembly according to claim 5, wherein: said internally threaded means comprises an internally threaded annular sleeve, said annular sleeve receiving said externally threaded portion of said cannula assembly.

Claim 8

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said first coupling means comprises a first locking bayonet means on said cannula assembly, and said second coupling means comprises a second locking bayonet means on said valve assembly.

Claim 9

A trocar assembly according to claim 7, wherein: said first locking bayonet means comprises a bayonet groove in said cannula base, said bayonet groove in communication with said first fluid passage, and said second locking bayonet means comprises at least one bayonet knob extending out from said valve body and cooperating with said bayonet groove.

Claim 10

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said first coupling means comprises a biased blade latch transecting said cannula assembly, and said second coupling means comprises an external groove on said valve assembly.

Claim 11

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said cannula base has a wall, said first coupling means comprises a recess in said wall of said cannula base, said second coupling means comprises a latch mechanism on said valve body, said latch mechanism including a protrusion which engages said recess.

Claim 12

A trocar assembly according to claim 10, wherein: said cannula base has a proximal opening which receives said valve assembly, said latch mechanism further comprises a resilient tongue from which said protrusion protrudes, wherein when said valve assembly is inserted into said proximal opening, said protrusion contacts said wall of said cannula base and said resilient tongue is pushed inward until said protrusion engages said recess.

Claim 13

A trocar assembly according to claim 11, wherein: said recess is a hole.

Claim 14

A trocar assembly according to claim 11, wherein: said latch mechanism further comprises a release means extending from said resilient tongue, said release means for causing said protrusion to escape said recess when said release means is actuated, thereby permitting said valve assembly to be removed from said cannula base.

Claim 15

A trocar assembly according to claim 13, wherein: said cannula base has a slot in said wall which receives said release means, said slot extending distally from said proximal opening.

Claim 16

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said cannula is formed from metal, said cannula base is formed from one of plastic and metal, and said cannula is one of insert molded in and bonded to said cannula base.

Claim 17

A trocar assembly according to claim 15, wherein: said cannula assembly further comprises a cannula sealing ring surrounding a portion of said cannula adjacent said cannula base.

Claim 18

A trocar assembly according to claim 16, wherein: said cannula assembly includes a cannula sleeve extending over a proximal portion of said cannula adjacent said cannula base.

Claim 19

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said fluid valve means comprises a slit valve and an elastic washer mounted substantially coaxial with said second fluid passage within said valve body.

Claim 20

A trocar assembly according to claim 18, wherein: said valve body includes a well for receiving said slit valve and said elastic washer and said valve assembly further includes a valve cap for covering said well, said valve cap having a central opening dimensioned to receive said trocar.

Claim 21

A trocar assembly according to claim 19, wherein: said valve body has a third coupling means, and said valve cap has a fourth coupling means, said third and fourth coupling means for coupling with each other and holding said slit valve and said elastic washer in place.

Claim 22

A trocar assembly according to claim 20, wherein: said third coupling means comprises a plurality of ramped teeth, and said fourth coupling means comprises a plurality of radial openings in said valve cap, wherein said plurality of ramped teeth mate with and fit inside said plurality of radial openings.

Claim 23

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said fluid valve means comprises a slit valve having a plurality of trocar engaging protrusions which protrude axially from and which are spaced around said slit valve.

Claim 24

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said fluid valve means comprises a flapper valve and an elastic washer, said elastic washer having an annular opening providing a first contact surface and a circumferential portion which provides a second contact surface, said elastic washer being mounted substantially coaxial with said second fluid passage within said valve body, and said flapper valve being mounted within said valve body.

Claim 25

A trocar assembly according to claim 23, wherein: said flapper valve comprises a resilient arm member and a contact member coupled to said resilient arm member, wherein, in a first closed position, said resilient arm member is bent to provide a force which pushes said contact member into contact with said second contact surface of said elastic washer.

Claim 26

A trocar assembly according to claim 24, wherein: said resilient arm member is made of silicone rubber, and said contact member is made of a polymeric material.

Claim 27

A trocar assembly according to claim 23, wherein: said flapper valve comprises a spring loaded arm member coupled to a circumferential contact member, said circumferential contact member being in contact with said second contact portion of said elastic washer when said spring loaded arm member is in a first spring loaded position.

Claim 28

A trocar assembly according to claim 26, wherein: said flapper valve includes a fixed pin, and said spring loaded arm member comprises a spring and a first arm coupled to said spring, at least one of said spring and said first arm extending and rotating around said fixed pin.

Claim 29

A trocar assembly according to claim 27, wherein: said spring loaded arm member further comprises a second arm which includes said circumferential contact member, and one of said first arm and said second arm has a rounded protrusion extending therefrom towards the other of said first arm and said second arm, and the other of said first arm and second arm includes a socket for receiving said rounded protrusion.

Claim 30

A trocar assembly according to claim 28, wherein: said protrusion and said socket are shaped to cause said first arm to be coupled to said second arm, but to allow some movement of said first arm relative to said second arm so that said circumferential contact member properly seats against said second contact portion of said elastic washer.

Claim 31

A trocar assembly according to claim 27, wherein: said disposable valve assembly includes a side insufflation port in fluid contact with said second fluid passage, and said spring has a first end anchored in said insufflation port and a second end anchored in said first arm.

Claim 32

A trocar assembly according to claim 26, wherein: said spring load arm member has a curved end portion which curves away from said elastic washer and which protects said spring loaded arm member from contact with an instrument inserted through said disposable valve assembly except along a top surface of said spring loaded arm member when said spring loaded arm member is in a second opened position where said circumferential contact member is not in contact with said second contact portion of said elastic washer.

Claim 33

A trocar assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said valve body includes a side port means for coupling with a fluid conduit, said side port being in fluid communication with said second fluid passage.

Claim 34

A trocar assembly according to claim 32, wherein: said side port comprises a luer means with a spring biased valve member.

Claim 35

A trocar assembly, comprising: a) a cannula assembly including a cannula base having a wall having a recess therein, and a hollow cannula extending from said cannula base, said cannula base defining a first fluid passage in fluid communication with said hollow cannula; b) a valve assembly having a valve body defining a second fluid passage, said valve body including a fluid valve means in fluid communication with said second fluid passage, and a latch means including a protrusion for engaging said recess in order to effect a fluid coupling of said first and second fluid passages, and for removably coupling said valve assembly with said cannula assembly; and c) a trocar insertable through said cannula, said trocar having a proximal handle, wherein, said first and second fluid passages and said cannula are dimensioned to permit said trocar to be inserted therethrough, said fluid valve means for permitting said trocar to be inserted through said valve means, for forming a seal between said trocar and said second fluid passage when said trocar is inserted through said valve means, and for automatically sealing said second fluid passage when said trocar is removed from said valve means, wherein said cannula base has a proximal opening which receives said valve assembly, said latch means further comprises a resilient tongue from which said protrusion protrudes, and when said valve assembly is inserted into said proximal opening, said protrusion contacts said wall of said cannula base and said resilient tongue is pushed inward until said protrusion engages said recess.

Claim 36

A trocar assembly, comprising: a) a cannula assembly including a cannula base having a wall having a recess therein, and a hollow cannula extending from said cannula base, said cannula base defining a first fluid passage in fluid communication with said hollow cannula; b) a valve assembly having a valve body defining a second fluid passage, said valve body including a fluid valve means in fluid communication with said second fluid passage, and a latch means including a protrusion for engaging said recess in order to effect a fluid coupling of said first and second fluid passages, and for removably coupling said valve assembly with said cannula assembly; and c) a trocar insertable through said cannula, said trocar having a proximal handle, wherein, said first and second fluid passages and said cannula are dimensioned to permit said trocar to be inserted therethrough, said fluid valve means for permitting said trocar to be inserted through said valve means, for forming a seal between said trocar and said second fluid passage when said trocar is inserted through said valve means, and for automatically sealing said second fluid passage when said trocar is removed from said valve means, wherein said cannula base has a proximal opening which receives said valve assembly, said latch means further comprises a resilient tongue from which said protrusion protrudes, and when said valve assembly is inserted into said proximal opening, said protrusion contacts said wall of said cannula base and said resilient tongue is pushed inward until said protrusion engages said recess.

Claim 37

A trocar assembly according to claim 34, further comprising: a fluid seal means for sealing said first and second fluid passages together, said fluid seal means comprising an O-ring surrounding a portion of said valve body.

Claim 38

A trocar assembly according to claim 34, wherein: said recess is a hole.

Claim 39

A trocar assembly according to claim 34, wherein: said latch means further comprises a release means extending from said resilient tongue, said release means for causing said protrusion to escape said recess when said release means is actuated, thereby permitting said valve assembly to be removed from said cannula base.

Claim 40

A trocar assembly according to claim 37, wherein: said cannula base has a slot in said wall which receives said release means, said slot extending distally from said proximal opening.

Claim 41

A trocar assembly according to claim 34, wherein: said cannula is formed from metal, said cannula base is formed from one of plastic and metal, and said cannula is one of insert molded in and bonded to said cannula base.

Claim 42

A trocar assembly according to claim 39, wherein: said cannula assembly further comprises a cannula sealing ring surrounding a portion of said cannula adjacent said cannula base.

Claim 43

A trocar assembly according to claim 40, wherein: said cannula assembly includes a cannula sleeve extending over a proximal portion of said cannula adjacent said cannula base.

Claim 44

A trocar assembly according to claim 34, wherein: said fluid valve means comprises a slit valve and an elastic washer mounted substantially coaxial with said second fluid passage within said valve body.

Claim 45

A trocar assembly according to claim 42, wherein: said valve body includes a well for receiving said slit valve and said elastic washer and said valve assembly further includes a valve cap for covering said well, said valve cap having a central opening dimensioned to receive said trocar.

Claim 46

A trocar assembly according to claim 43, wherein: said valve body has a first coupling means, and said valve cap has a second coupling means, said first and second coupling means for coupling with each other and holding said slit valve and said elastic washer in place.

Claim 47

A trocar assembly according to claim 44, wherein: said first coupling means comprises a plurality of ramped teeth, and said second coupling means comprises a plurality of radial openings in said valve cap, wherein said plurality of ramped teeth mate with and fit inside said plurality of radial openings.

Claim 48

A trocar assembly according to claim 34, wherein: said fluid valve means comprises a slit valve having a plurality of trocar engaging protrusions which protrude axially from and which are spaced around said slit valve.

Claim 49

A trocar assembly according to claim 34, wherein: said fluid valve means comprises a flapper valve and an elastic washer, said elastic washer having an annular opening providing a first contact surface and a circumferential portion which provides a second contact surface, said elastic washer being mounted substantially coaxial with said second fluid passage within said valve body, and said flapper valve being mounted within said valve body.

Claim 50

A trocar assembly according to claim 47, wherein: said flapper valve comprises a resilient arm member and a contact member coupled to said resilient arm member, wherein, in a first closed position, said resilient arm member is bent to provide a force which pushes said contact member into contact with said second contact surface of said elastic washer.

Claim 51

A trocar assembly according to claim 48, wherein: said resilient arm member is made of silicone rubber, and said contact member is made of a polymeric material.

Claim 52

A trocar assembly according to claim 47, wherein: said flapper valve comprises a spring loaded arm member coupled to a circumferential contact member, said circumferential contact member being in contact with said second contact portion of said elastic washer when said spring loaded arm member is in a first spring loaded position.

Claim 53

A trocar assembly according to claim 50, wherein: said flapper valve includes a fixed pin, and said spring loaded arm member comprises a spring and a first arm coupled to said spring, at least one of said spring and said first arm extending and rotating around said fixed pin.

Claim 54

A trocar assembly according to claim 51, wherein: said spring loaded arm member further comprises a second arm which includes said circumferential contact member, and one of said first arm and said second arm has a rounded protrusion extending therefrom towards the other of said first arm and said second arm, and the other of said first arm and second arm includes a socket for receiving said rounded protrusion.

Claim 55

A trocar assembly according to claim 52, wherein: said protrusion and said socket are shaped to cause said first arm to be coupled to said second arm, but to allow some movement of said first arm relative to said second arm so that said circumferential contact member properly seats against said second contact portion of said elastic washer.

Claim 56

A trocar assembly according to claim 51, wherein: said disposable valve assembly includes a side insufflation port in fluid contact with said second fluid passage, and said spring has a first end anchored in said insufflation port and a second end anchored in said first arm.

Claim 57

A trocar assembly according to claim 50, wherein: said spring loaded arm member has a curved end portion which curves away from said elastic washer and which protects said spring loaded arm member from contact with an instrument inserted through said disposable valve assembly except along a top surface of said spring loaded arm member when said spring loaded arm member is in a second opened position where said circumferential contact member is not in contact with said second contact portion of said elastic washer.