Patent ID: 6063099
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A shielded obturator comprising:(a) an obturator having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end of said obturator forming a handle;(b) a substantially planar blade located on the distal end of the obturator, said blade having a sharpened distal end and sharpened lateral portions on each side of the sharpened distal end, wherein said sharpened distal end and said sharpened lateral portions define a sharpened width;(c) a shield comprised of opposing portions having a channel therebetween and a diameter greater than said sharpened width slidably mounted on the obturator and moveable relative to and on opposing sides of the blade between an extended protective position enclosing the sharpened distal end and said sharpened lateral portions of the blade and a retracted unprotected position, said blade received between said opposing portions and within said channel in said extended protective position; and(d) biasing means tending to bias the shield into the extended protective position.