Importance

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Abstract

An asymmetrical obturator adapted to be coupled with a trocar and to provide the trocar with characteristics for penetrating tissue forming a body wall. The obturator includes an elongate shaft which extends along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft includes a first and a second longitudinal shaft portions, the first of which is distally configured with a sharp edge. The second shaft portion generally opposes the first shaft portion and is configured with a blunt distal tip. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion are longitudinally slidable relative to each other between a cutting position and a safety position. In the cutting position, the second shaft portion is moved proximally relative to the first shaft portion to expose the sharp edge of the first shaft portion. In the safety position, the second shaft portion is moved distally relative to the first shaft portion to cover the sharp edge of the first shaft portion. A biasing element maintains the obturator in the safe position and an actuating mechanism allows the obturator to be temporarily moved into the cutting position.

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First Claim