Trocar tip protector

Abstract

A surgical system including a surgical instrument and a protection device is included. The surgical system includes a surgical instrument having an extension assembly releasably coupled thereto. The extension assembly includes a trocar member disposed within a distal end of the extension assembly and the trocar member includes an engagement feature defined in an outer surface thereof. The protection device is releasably coupled to the engagement feature of the trocar member, thereby providing a barrier adjacent a tip of the trocar member. A method of sterilizing a surgical instrument is also provided.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A trocar protection device, comprising:
 an elongate body extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion defining a cavity therein that is configured to receive and envelop a tissue piercing tip of a trocar member of a surgical instrument; and   a plurality of legs disposed on the proximal end portion and extending axially therefrom, the plurality of legs configured to releasably couple to an annular groove defined in a trocar member of a surgical instrument,   wherein the distal end portion defines a blunt configuration.   
     
     
         3 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of legs terminates in a barb defined on an inner surface thereof, the barb configured to releasably engage an annular groove of a trocar member of a surgical instrument. 
     
     
         4 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 3 , wherein the barbs are configured to engage a lip defined on an outer surface of an annular groove of a trocar member of a surgical instrument. 
     
     
         5 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 2 , wherein an outer surface of the elongate body defines an annular groove therein, the annular groove configured to allow grasping of the trocar protection device. 
     
     
         7 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 2 , wherein the trocar protection device is formed from a material suitable for use in a sterilization process. 
     
     
         8 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 2 , wherein the distal end portion defines a planar configuration having a rectangular base including an outer perimeter greater than an outer diameter of a housing of a surgical instrument. 
     
     
         9 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 2 , wherein the distal end portion defines a conical configuration defining a blunt tip, the blunt tip inhibiting a clinician from contacting a tip of a trocar member. 
     
     
         10 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 2 , wherein the distal end portion includes a flange disposed thereon configured for grasping. 
     
     
         11 . The trocar protection device according to  claim 10 , wherein the flange includes an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of a housing surrounding a trocar member of a surgical instrument.