Surgical system for laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

An insufflation apparatus includes an elongated sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end with a sharpened tip, an insufflation housing connected to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve and defining a port for receipt of insufflation gases, and a stylet disposed within the elongated sleeve and defining a passageway to direct the insufflation gases from the port into a body cavity. The stylet is movable between an extended position wherein the distal end of the stylet extends beyond the sharpened tip of the elongated sleeve and a retracted position wherein the distal end of the stylet is proximal of the sharpened tip of the elongated sleeve. A biasing member may be engagable with the stylet so as to bias the stylet toward the extended position. Preferably, the housing has a translucent wall and the stylet is dimensioned so that the proximal end of the stylet is visible through the translucent wall when the stylet is in the retracted position. In one embodiment, the port of the housing includes the translucent wall. The port may be in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the elongated sleeve, or alternatively, in transverse relation relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated sleeve. In another embodiment, the housing includes an indicator bulb disposed so as to receive the proximal end of the stylet. The indicator bulb has the translucent wall so that the proximal end of the stylet is visible through the indicator bulb when the stylet is in the retracted position.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . A surgical insufflation apparatus, which comprises:
 a housing;   an elongated sleeve extending from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis, the elongated sleeve having a penetrating tip;   a stylet disposed within the elongated sleeve and adapted for movement relative to the housing between a relative extended position where the stylet at least partially extends beyond the penetrating tip of the elongated sleeve and a relative retracted position;   one of the elongated sleeve and the stylet defining a passageway for passage of insufflation gases into an underlying body cavity; and   a fluid port connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the passageway to direct the insufflation gases within the passageway, the port having a translucent wall to permit visualization therethrough to confirm positioning of the stylet relative to the elongated sleeve.   
   
   
       20 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 19  including a biasing member engageable with the stylet so as to bias the stylet toward the relative extended position. 
   
   
       21 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the port is in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the elongated sleeve. 
   
   
       22 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the port extends in transverse relation relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated sleeve. 
   
   
       23 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 19  wherein the stylet defines an internal lumen, the internal lumen defining the passageway to permit passage of the insufflation gases therethrough and at least one opening to permit the insufflation gases to exit the internal lumen. 
   
   
       24 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein the stylet includes an axial opening and a second opening spaced from the axial opening, the axial opening and the second opening adapted to permit the insufflation gases to exit the internal lumen of the stylet. 
   
   
       25 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein the housing defines a flow path for the insufflation gases to flow through the port to the internal lumen of the stylet wherein the flow path is interrupted upon relative movement of the stylet to the retracted position to thereby prevent the insufflation gases from entering the axial lumen of the stylet. 
   
   
       26 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 25  wherein the port is disposed transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated sleeve, the stylet being arranged within the passage so that, in the retracted position, the stylet blocks an opening within the port. 
   
   
       27 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 19  wherein the elongated sleeve defines the passageway for passage of insufflation gases. 
   
   
       28 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 27  wherein the stylet includes a stylet housing and a stylet member at least partially disposed within the stylet housing and connected to the stylet housing through a ferrule, the ferrule having openings to permit passage of insufflation gases from the port through the ferrule and into the stylet housing for distribution within the passageway of the elongated sleeve. 
   
   
       29 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 19  further including an access member dimensioned to access an underlying body cavity, the access member including a radially expandable sleeve, the elongated sleeve and the stylet being positionable within the access member. 
   
   
       30 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 29  including means for securing the access member relative to the elongated sleeve. 
   
   
       31 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 30  wherein the access member includes an access housing and an access sleeve. 
   
   
       32 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 31  wherein the means for securing includes corresponding thread members disposed on the access housing and the insufflation housing. 
   
   
       33 . The surgical insufflation apparatus according to  claim 31  wherein the means for securing includes a locking shelf and locking tab mechanism associated with the access housing and the insufflation housing.