Importance

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Abstract

A trocar tube incorporating integral irrigation and aspiration capabilities with positioning control. These capabilities can be used in conjunction with endoscopic tools which can be fed through the trocar housing. Specifically, the invention can be used to clean the lens of a laparoscope while it is in place in the trocar tube to eliminate the need for removal of the laparoscope for cleansing. The trocar tube telescoping tip permits independent control of the position of irrigation and aspiration while other tools are in use. Trocar tube channels in the wall of the trocar tube enable fluids to be fed to the distal end of the trocar tube, and enable material to be aspirated from the distal end of the trocar tube. The trocar tube channels are connected to a fluid source and an aspirating device. Aspiration and fluid flow are controlled by a foot pedal or other device that allows hands-free control. The specific improvements in endoscopic procedures afforded by this device inhere in the ability to leave irrigation and aspiration capabilities in place throughout an endoscopic procedure, the ability to supply irrigation and aspiration capabilities to various types of endoscopic tools, including existing laparoscopic tools without self-cleaning capabilities, the ability to direct irrigation and aspiration flow, the minimization of the need to place and remove multi-purpose tools during the procedure.

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First Claim