Patent ID: 8845670
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An obturator for use in penetrating tissue, which comprises: an elongate member defining a longitudinal axis, and having a proximal end and a distal end; and a penetrating member adjacent the distal end of the elongate member and having a distal penetrating tip dimensioned to pass through tissue, the penetrating member defining a tapered portion leading toward the penetrating tip, the tapered portion including a plurality of raised elements extending at least radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis and being in general longitudinal alignment, adjacent raised elements being longitudinally spaced along the longitudinal axis to thereby accommodate tissue displaced during passage of the penetrating member through tissue, the raised elements being configured and dimensioned to be generally atraumatic to tissue, and being substantially identical in configuration and dimensions, the raised elements being generally narrow and defining a length extending along and linearly aligned with the longitudinal axis greater than a width defined along a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.