US 7,329,233 B2
Surgical system for laparoscopic surgery
Richard D. Gresham, Guilford, Conn. (US)
Assigned to Tyco Healthcare Group LP, North Haven, Conn. (US)
Filed on Oct. 05, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/958,455.
Prior Publication US 2006/0074374 A1, Apr. 06, 2006
Int. Cl. A61M 37/00 (2006.01); A61M 5/178 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 604—26  [604/164.01; 604/164.12] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An insufflation apparatus, which comprises:
an elongated sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end defining a sharpened tip;
a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being connected to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve, the housing defining a port for receipt of insufflation gases;
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 being 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 engagable with the stylet so as to bias the stylet toward the extended position; and
an indicator bulb mounted to the proximal end of the housing and extending therefrom, the indicator bulb having a generally transparent wall portion whereby the proximal end of the stylet is visible through the indicator bulb when the stylet is in the retracted position.