Importance

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Abstract

A surgical instrument 10 having a normally closed valve assembly 20 at its proximal end 28 which may be manually opened to receive an implement 40 terminating in a sharp blade 46 and point 48 for puncturing the wall 82 of an anatomical cavity 84. During penetration of a cavity wall, an inner sleeve 56 or a blunt probe 354 is depressed. The depression provides a tactile signal sensible to a surgeon holding the instrument and, in conjunction with an ancilliary electronic network 110, causes a visual and aural ready signal to be emitted. Upon completion of a cavity wall puncture, the inner sleeve 56 or blunt probe 354 is released, thereby shielding interior anatomical structure from the sharp implement point 48 and providing a tactile signal while simultaneously triggering the electronic network to generate a visual and aural signal indicating completion of the puncture.

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First Claim