Surgical trocar with cutoff circuit

A surgical trocar includes an operative sleeve adapted for disposition across a tissue barrier and an obturator removably disposed in the sleeve. An obturator includes a cutting element which is operable to cut the tissue. The obturator and the operative sleeve can be advanced through the cut tissue and the obturator removed leaving the sleeve operatively disposed for further surgery. A cutoff and reset mechanism is responsive to a condition present when the obturator penetrates the tissue barrier to inhibit further cutting by the cutting element. A reset mechanism is manually operable through the conscious efforts of the surgeon to reset the trocar should further cutting be desired. The cutoff and reset mechanisms can be embodied mechanically as well as electrically and adapted to both mechanical and electrosurgical trocars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates generally to access devices and more specifically to 
methods and apparatus for inhibiting further cutting of tissue upon 
penetration of a tissue wall. 
2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
Devices and procedures for providing an enlarged tubular access into a body 
cavity or body conduit, were first conceived when catheters became widely 
used for minimally invasive surgery. A catheter, which may have a diameter 
such as 5 French, is typically very flexible and therefore does not have 
the column strength necessary to puncture the skin or a vessel in order to 
accommodate insertion of the catheter. A method which is still the 
preferred procedure was developed whereby a common surgical needle is 
inserted through the skin and into the vessel. This needle is closely 
overlaid with a thin sheath or introducer, which is carried by the needle 
into the vessel. When the needle is removed, the introducer is left in 
place and provides the tubular access through which the catheter can then 
be inserted. 
In more recent times, minimally invasive surgery has further advanced so 
that large body cavities such as the abdomen can be accessed through 
tubular devices, and the surgical procedures performed with long narrow 
instruments through those access devices. It is not surprising that these 
devices, commonly referred to as trocars, are introduced through the 
abdominal wall or other tissue barrier, in much the same manner as that 
employed by the catheter introducer systems. Thus, trocars typically 
include a puncturing device, commonly referred to as an obturator, and a 
closely spaced outer sheath or cannula. In this case the obturator may 
have an outside diameter such as 10 millimeters, where the cannula has a 
similar inside diameter. Once the cannula is in place, narrow surgical 
apparatus can be inserted through the cannula to perform common functions 
such as cutting, irrigating, aspirating, grinding, traction and removal of 
body parts. 
While the above mentioned procedure for introducing catheters has remained 
satisfactory, this same procedure applied to trocars has not been 
effective for two primary reasons. First, the size of the required 
puncture is much larger than that associated with catheters. Second, the 
abdominal wall consists of a material having a much greater density than 
skin or vessel walls. The puncture required for a trocar must typically be 
made through muscle which provides a much higher resistance to entry. As a 
result of these two differences, forces as great as 40 pounds may be 
required to insert a trocar into a body cavity. 
In order to accommodate forces of this magnitude, obturators have been 
formed from solid metal rods and provided with very sharp points and long 
cutting edges leading from the point to the outer circumference of the 
obturator. While this has had some effect on the force required for 
insertion, it has only aggravated the problem associated with the presence 
of organs in close proximity to the abdominal wall. 
In order to avoid puncturing of these interior organs, it has been 
necessary to stop the forward movement of the trocar immediately upon 
penetration. Thus the procedure has called for a tremendous force in order 
to penetrate the abdominal muscle and an immediate stopping of that force 
at the point where there is no further resistance to forward movement. In 
some cases, physicians have attempted to avoid the significant forward 
pressure by twisting and turning the trocar. This has tended to 
significantly traumatize the incision. 
More recently, attempts have been made to mechanically cover the sharp 
cutting tip and edges immediately following penetration. U.S. Pat. No. 
4,654,030 discloses a sheath which is biased to move forwardly over the 
point of the trocar as soon as it penetrates the abdominal wall. Elaborate 
apparatus for biasing this sheath to the forward position have been 
complicated by requirements for a long throwing distance and a short 
throwing time. 
The need has remained for an apparatus and method which can easily puncture 
(with a low force and providing a high degree of control) along a precise 
incision (providing low trauma and excellent healing characteristics) 
while avoiding any further cutting immediately following penetration. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
These features are provided in accordance with the present invention which 
applies electrosurgery techniques to the formation of a puncture in a body 
wall, such as the abdominal wall. As before, the trocar including an 
obturator, is advanced substantially perpendicular to the wall of the 
cavity but in accordance with the present invention, an electrosurgery 
element such as a wire or blade is provided at the distal end of the 
obturator. This electrosurgery element can be operated in accordance with 
monopolar or bipolar techniques to cut or otherwise separate the body wall 
as the trocar is advanced. As used herein the term electrosurgery is 
deemed to include the cutting, coagulating, fulgurating and desiccating of 
tissue. 
Of particular interest to the present invention is that critical point in 
time when the obturator has fully penetrated the body wall and further 
cutting by the obturator would function only to damage interior organs. At 
this point in time it is desirable to insure that interior cutting does 
not take place. Thus means can be provided to immediately cover the 
obturator tip, or to withhold power from the electrosurgery element at the 
tip of the obturator. In the latter case, power may be withheld by ceasing 
its production in an associated radio frequency (RF) generator or by 
diverting or otherwise stopping the flow of that power to the 
electrosurgery element. 
The invention includes means for monitoring the environmental conditions at 
the tip of the trocar in order to determine when the wall has been fully 
penetrated. By way of example, different embodiments may monitor the force 
on the distal tip, the presence of pneumoperitoneum pressure, tissue 
continuity at the distal tip, the flow of cutting current to the 
electrosurgical element, and other phenomena present at the interface 
between the abdominal wall and the interior cavity. Using these 
indications of wall penetration, various mechanical, pneumatic, and 
electrical apparatus can be employed to insure that further cutting does 
not occur. 
In one aspect of the invention, an RF generator produces an electrical 
power signal and provides that signal on a power electrode. A control 
circuit having a control electrode facilitates presentation of the 
electrical power signal to the power electrode when continuity exists 
between the control electrode and the power electrode. A first conductor 
is included in the control circuit and is switchable between the control 
electrode and the power electrode to activate the generator. The 
combination also includes an obturator having a cutting element disposed 
at its distal tip and responsive to the electrical power signal on the 
power electrode to cut tissue. A second conductor is disposed to conduct 
the electrical power signal from the RF generator to the cutting element. 
A cutoff circuit responsive to an environmental condition which exists at 
the time of penetration, includes switch means disposed in one of the 
first or second conductors for inhibiting presentation of the electrical 
power signal to the cutting element. 
The cutoff circuit may include a sensor having characteristics for sensing 
an environmental condition which exists in proximity to the inner surface 
of the wall. The sensor is responsive to this environmental condition to 
provide an environmental signal which can then be acted upon to inhibit 
further cutting of the tissue. In a particular embodiment switch means can 
be included in a control circuit of the generator to inhibit further 
presentation of the power signal to the cutting element. The switch means 
may include a reset which requires manual operation to reactivate the 
cutting element. 
The logic for sensing, detecting, deactivating and resetting various 
elements of the system can be implemented in a mechanical switch assembly. 
In this aspect of the invention a trocar system includes an obturator 
having a shaft with a distal tip. A cutting element disposed at the distal 
tip has properties for being energized to cut a tissue wall. The system 
includes means operable to energize the cutting element and a sensor 
responsive to a particular condition representative of penetration of the 
tissue wall to provide a cutoff signal. A logic circuit responsive to the 
cutoff signal inhibits further cutting by the cutting element. This logic 
circuit may include a switch having first and second electrodes, a plunger 
and a lock-out element. The lock-out element can have a first position in 
aligned relationship with the plunger and a lockout relationship with the 
first electrode, a second position permitting contact between the first 
and second electrode to facilitate cutting by the cutting element and a 
third position in lock-out relationship with the first electrode and 
misaligned relationship with the plunger. The plunger is operable to reset 
the switch by moving the lock-out element from the third position to the 
first position. 
These and other features and advantages associated with the present 
invention will be more apparent with a description of the preferred 
embodiments of the concept and reference to the associated drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
A surgical trocar is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the 
reference numeral 10. The trocar 10 is a narrow elongate instrument having 
a distal end 12 and a proximal end 14. It is typically configured along a 
longitudinal axis 16 and is generally circular in radial cross-section. 
It is the purpose of the trocar 10 to provide a channel through a tissue 
barrier in order to provide access across the barrier into a body cavity. 
By way of example, an abdominal wall 18 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and 
typically includes a layer of skin 21, a layer of fat 23, and a layer of 
muscle 25 which form the tissue barrier to an abdominal cavity 27. 
The trocar 10 typically includes an elongate tube or cannula 32 having a 
cylindrical configuration and a wall thickness such as 0.015 inches. The 
cannula 32 has an interior bore or channel which is typically in a range 
of diameters between 5 to 12 millimeters. It is the purpose of the trocar 
10 to pierce, cut, incise or otherwise puncture the tissue barrier, such 
as the abdominal wall 18, and to leave the cannula 32 extending through 
that incision with a channel 34 providing an access port into the cavity 
27. Through this channel 34, various surgical instruments such as cutters, 
clamps, traction devices, visualization devices, aspirators and irrigators 
can be positioned and manipulated to perform a particular surgical 
procedure within the cavity 27. 
The trocar 10 also includes an obturator 36 which extends through the 
cannula 32 and provides the means for cutting through the wall 18 to 
provide for insertion of the cannula 32. In the past, obturators have been 
formed from solid metal rods which have been sharpened to a point at the 
distal end 12 of the trocar 10. The forces necessary to puncture the 
abdominal wall 18 with such a device have been considerable due primarily 
to the presence of the muscle layer 25 in the wall 18. Puncturing of the 
wall 18 with such devices has been further complicated with the close 
proximity of important organs such as the bowel 38 which, in some patients 
may actually be attached to the abdominal wall 18. In order to avoid 
puncturing these organs, it has been an absolute requirement that the 
forward movement of the trocar 10 be stopped as soon as the distal tip of 
the obturator pierces an inner surface 41 of the wall 18. These 
conflicting requirements to provide a significant puncture force and then 
to immediately halt application of that force, have made the trocars of 
the past both difficult and dangerous to use. 
In accordance with the present invention an obturator 36 includes a distal 
tip 43 which extends beyond the distal end of the cannula 32. This tip 43 
is provided with at least one cutting element, such as an electrosurgical 
wire 42 which can be activated through a power conductor 45 for example by 
an RF generator 47. 
Initially the trocar 10 is advanced until the wire 42 and the tip 43 are 
brought into close proximity to the tissue barrier such as the wall 18. 
Activating the wire 42 with radiofrequency energy causes the contacted 
cells to vaporize forming an opening or incision in the wall 18. With the 
application of a relatively minimal force, the trocar 10 can be advanced 
through the wall 18 until the tip 43 clears the inner layer of the wall 
18, such as the muscle layer 25. At this point, it is desirable to 
de-energize the cutting element or wire 42 so that any further forward 
movement of the trocar 10 does not accidently cut an interior organ such 
as the bowel 38. Various apparatus and methods for sensing this particular 
location and inhibiting further cutting are discussed in greater detail 
below. 
At the proximal end 14 of the trocar 10, the cannula 32 is attached to a 
housing 50 which may include various valves of the type disclosed by Moll 
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,030, or disclosed by applicant in copending U.S. 
patent application Ser. No. 07/630,078 filed on Dec. 19, 1990. This 
housing includes a pair of finger tabs 51 discussed in greater detail 
below. 
The obturator 36 includes an elongate shaft 52 having interior portions 
which define an axial channel 53 for the conductor 45. This shaft 52 
extends through the housing 50 as well as the cannula 32 with the tip 43 
extending beyond the distal end of the cannula 32. A handle 54, having a 
base plate 55, can be attached to the shaft 52 of the obturator 36 to 
facilitate application of the minimal axial force required to advance the 
trocar 10. Upon penetration of the wall 18, this handle 54 can be 
withdrawn to remove the shaft 52 through the cannula 32 and the housing 
50. In this manner, the cannula 32 can be left in place with the interior 
channel 34 providing access across the abdominal wall 18 into the body 
cavity 27. 
In the illustrated embodiment, the distal tip 43 of the obturator 36 has 
the configuration of a duck bill. It is defined primarily by a pair of 
opposing ramps 56, 58 which extend from the outer surface of the shaft 52 
inwardly with progressive distal positions along the ramps 56, 68. At the 
distal end of the obturator 36, the ramps 56 and 58 terminate in a pair of 
lips 61, 63 respectively which define an interior recess 65 that is 
configured to receive the wire 42. 
In this embodiment the lips 61, 63 extend slightly distally of the wire 42 
by a particular distance. As the trocar 10 is moved forwardly, these lips 
61, 63 are the only part of the trocar 10 which are intended to touch the 
wall 18. This particular distance is carefully selected, however, so that 
when the lips 61, 63 touch the wall 18, the wire 42 is close enough to the 
wall 18 that the most proximate cells of the tissue vaporize to create the 
desired incision. This cutting by close proximity is commonly referred to 
as arcing. As used herein the cutting element, such as the wire 42, is 
deemed to be in contact with the wall 18 if the desired arcing or cutting 
occurs. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the electrosurgery technique is monopolar; 
that is, only a single pole, such as the positive pole, is carried by the 
trocar 10. In this type of technique, the patient is laid directly on a 
large plate or grounding pad 67 which provides the second pole required by 
the electrosurgery system. The RF generator 47 produces a radio frequency 
electrical energy signal which travels through the positive electrode 
connected to the wire 42 and through the body of the patient, to the 
negative pole at the pad 67. Where this conduction path is large in 
cross-section, the current density is very small. However, in proximity to 
the wire 42 the current path is very small in cross-section so the current 
density is quite large. It is this large current density which results in 
vaporizing the cells of the wall 18 in proximity to the wire 42. 
It will be apparent that a bipolar electrosurgery technique is equally 
applicable to this invention and may actually be preferred in some 
circumstances. A bipolar embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 
wherein the shaft 52 of the obturator 36 is separated axially into two 
half-shafts 72 and 74 each having in axial cross-section the shape of a 
half circle and each including one of the duck bills associated with the 
tip 43. Each of the half-shafts 72, 74 has an inner surface which defines 
a recess near the associated lip 61, 63 respectively. For example, the 
half-shaft 72 includes an inner surface 76 which defines a recess 81 near 
the lip 61. Similarly, the half-shaft 74 has an inner surface 78 which 
defines a recess 83 near the lip 63. 
These recesses 81 and 83 are configured to receive a pair of blades 85, 87 
respectively which are connected to the two electrical poles of the RF 
generator 47. Thus, the blade 85 is connected through a conductor 90 to 
the positive pole of the generator 47 while the blade 87 is connected 
through a conductor 92 to the negative pole of the generator 47. A layer 
of insulation 94 is sandwiched between the surfaces 76, 78 to separate the 
blades 85, 87. In this bipolar embodiment, current travels from the blade 
85 through the tissue wall 18, around the insulation 94 and into the blade 
87. 
The exact configuration of the cutting elements 42, 85 and 87 in these 
embodiments is not important as long as the desired current density can be 
maintained. Thus the wire 42 and the blades 85 and 87 may be 
interchangeable in the FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 embodiments. 
In a further embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the 
shaft of the obturator 36 is again separated into the half-shafts 72 and 
74. Along either or both of the interior surfaces 76, 78 a conducting 
material can be doped into or otherwise deposited on the material forming 
the half-shaft 72, 74. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the 
half-shafts 72, 74 are formed from glass or sintered ceramic and a pair of 
layers 96, 98 contain a conductive polymer or metal which is doped into 
the surfaces 76, 78 respectively. In a monopolar embodiment, only one of 
the layers 96, 98 is required. In the bipolar embodiment illustrated both 
layers 96, 98 are required as well as the insulation layer 94 which 
separates the two half-shafts 72, 74. 
In this particular embodiment, the doped layer, for example the layer 98, 
can form both the cutting element, such as the blade 87, as well as the 
associated conductor, such as the conductor 92. The layer 98 may also 
include a region of epitaxial layering which forms a logic circuit 99 
discussed in greater detail below. 
In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the cutting element has the 
configuration of a blade 101 similar to that first discussed with 
reference to FIG. 3. In this case, the blade 101 can be advanced beyond 
the distal end of the shaft 52 associated with the obturator 36. It can 
also be retracted into a recess 103 in the shaft 52 in order to inhibit 
any further cutting of the tissue associated with the wall 18. This 
embodiment may be of particular interest to the present invention as it 
provides a mechanism for controlling cutting even when the blade 101 is 
maintained in an energized state. Thus the cutting can occur when the 
blade 101 is deployed but cutting would cease when the blade 101 is 
retracted into the recess 103 where it is isolated from the tissue of the 
wall 18. 
The invention is not limited to the electrosurgery embodiments or 
techniques disclosed above. Rather, other types of cutting elements can be 
disposed at the distal end of the obturator 36 to increase the cutting 
capabilities of the trocar 10. One such embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 
9 which provides for optical cutting in combination with a laser 105. The 
optical energy provided by the laser 105 is conducted through an optical 
fiber 107 to a cutting element or lens 109 which concentrates the energy 
to form the required incision in the wall 18. 
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that ultrasonic cutting is 
equally applicable to the present invention. In such a device, the 
conductor would transmit energy not in the radiofrequency range but rather 
in the ultrasonic range between 100 KHz and 1.2 MHz. As this energy 
emanates from the cutting element at the distal end of the trocar 10, the 
energy can be focused by suitable waveguides to activate the proximate 
cells and cause those cells to vaporize. Thus the ultrasonic cutter would 
function much as a microwave. One advantage of this system is that 
ultrasonic cutting does not require the two electrical poles associated 
with both monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency cutting. 
One of the most significant problems confronting trocar procedures of the 
past has been associated with the need to compromise two conflicting 
requirements: 1) the requirement to provide a significant axial pressure 
to force the trocar 10 through the wall 18; and 2) the need to immediately 
cease application of that significant force upon penetration of the wall 
18. Attempts have been made to address this problem automatically and 
mechanically with the provision of a protective sheath armed in a rearward 
position but bias to spring to a distal position covering the distal tip 
of the obturator 36 upon penetration of the wall 18. 
This attempt to avoid relying totally on the surgeon for both of the 
conflicting requirements has met with only limited success. Since the 
protective sheath has necessarily been larger than the diameter of the 
obturator 36, the distal end 12 of the trocar has been required to move 
beyond the point of penetration in order to clear the distal end of the 
shield. In an attempt to provide reduced insertion forces, the angle of 
the point at the distal end of the mechanical obturator has been reduced. 
While this has decreased the required insertion forces, it is also 
extended the length of the point 116 rearwardly along the shaft 52. This 
has necessarily required that the protective sheath be thrown a greater 
distance in order to cover the point 118 of the mechanical obturator. The 
critical timing of this sheath response has not been sufficient to avoid 
the dramatic consequences associated with interior cutting. 
It is of particular importance that any cutting of tissue be restricted 
solely to the wall 18. Once the interior surface of the wall 18 is 
penetrated, any further cutting could damage interior organs, such as the 
bowel 38, with disastrous consequences. Sensing complete penetration of 
the wall can be achieved in many different ways. Of interest is any 
environmental condition or circumstance which exists or comes into 
existence when the cutting element, such as the wire 42, is in proximity 
to the inner surface of the wall 18. This might be a static condition 
which exists at all times, or a dynamic condition which first comes into 
existence as the distal tip 43 approaches the inner surface 41 of the wall 
18. 
Static conditions which are present at all times through the procedure 
might include the transition from tissue to the absence of tissue. Another 
static condition might be the presence of pressurized insufflation gasses 
within the cavity 27. 
Dynamic conditions which could be sensed at the interior surface 41 of the 
wall 18 might include the penetration force associated with forcing the 
trocar 10 through the wall. This is the force of the wall 18 on the distal 
end 12 of the trocar 10, a force which ceases to exist when the distal tip 
43 passes beyond the interior surface 41 of the wall 18. 
Any of these static or dynamic environmental conditions could be sensed and 
acted upon to prevent cutting interiorly of the wall 18. For example, in a 
strictly mechanical trocar it is known that the absence of the dynamic 
force can be relied on to project a sheath over the trocar tip or to 
retract the tip into a sheath so that the tip is no longer exposed to cut 
interior organs. It will be apparent that other environmental conditions 
can also be sensed to accomplish the same purpose even in a mechanical 
trocar. 
In spite of these applications to mechanical trocars, it will be apparent 
that the present invention provides its greatest advantages to those 
trocars having cutting elements which have properties for cutting tissue 
only when energy is produced and distributed to the cutting element. As 
noted this can take the form or either electrical, optical or ultrasonic 
energy which is first produced by a generator, such as the generator 47, 
and then communicated to the cutting element along an energy conductor 
such as the power conductor 45. In any of these systems, it is the purpose 
of the present invention to apply energy to the cutting element while the 
wall 18 is being penetrated, and to withhold energy from the cutting 
element when the distal end 12 is in proximity to the inner surface 41 of 
the wall 18. 
There are several ways to insure that the energy is not applied to the 
cutting element. For example, the energy generator, such as the RF 
generator 47, could be effectively turned off so that the energy is no 
longer produced. Alternatively, the energy generator could be allowed to 
continue generating the energy but that energy would be diverted from the 
cutting element, such as the wire 42. Thus a switch might be placed along 
the power conductor 45 to stop the flow of energy to the cutting element 
or alternatively to divert the energy from the cutting element. 
With reference to FIG. 10, a particular embodiment of the obturator 36 may 
include means disposed near the distal end 12 of the trocar 10 for sensing 
penetration of the wall 18 by the obturator 36. This sensing means, 
represented by a sensor 141, will typically be connected to a penetration 
detection and response circuit 143 which controls the RF generator 47 
through a pair of conductors 158, 161. In the illustrated embodiment, the 
circuit 143 includes a power source 145 for energizing the sensor 141 
through one or more conductors 147. 
By way of example, the RF generator 47 of the present invention can be that 
manufactured by Valleylab, Inc. and sold under the trademark FORCE 2. This 
generator includes a power electrode 162 and a control electrode 163 which 
are connected respectively to the conductors 158 and 161. Power is 
generated and output on the power electrode 162 only when the control 
electrode 163 is in contact with the power electrode 162. When continuity 
exists between the electrodes 162 and 163, power is output on the energy 
conductor 45 which conveys the power to the cutting element, such as the 
wire 42. When the wire 42 is energized, cutting of the tissue begins with 
the accompanying penetration of the wall 18. 
Upon penetration of the wall 18, the sensor 141 provides an environmental 
signal on a conductor 149. In a particular embodiment, a switch 152 can be 
included in the response circuit 143 and provided with characteristics 
responsive to the signal on the conductor 149 to deactivate the generator 
47. Thus the switch 152 may be provided with characteristics for closing 
when the sensor 141 is in proximity to the tissue and for automatically 
opening when the sensor 141 detects full penetration of the wall 18. This 
switch 152 can be interposed in series with a foot pedal 154 which 
includes a manual switch 156 for providing continuity between the two 
conductors 158, 161 which activate the generator 47. 
With the switches 152 and 156 connected in series along the conductors 158 
and 161, the opening of either the automatic switch 152 or the manual 
switch 156 functions to deactivate the generator 47 so that the power 
signal either is not produced, or the output is withheld from the power 
electrode 162. 
Under certain circumstances, it may be possible that the sensor 141 would 
detect the absence of force on the obturator 36 merely because the 
physician discontinued forward movement of the trocar 10. This detection 
would result in the automatic opening of this switch 152 to inhibit the 
generator 47. Under these circumstances, the physician might decide to 
proceed with further cutting and therefore desire that the RF generator 47 
be reactivated. This can be easily accomplished by the circuit 143 which 
is responsive to further pressure on the sensor 141 to close the switch 
152. However, in a particular embodiment, it may be desirable to provide 
lock-out characteristics which require some manual switching, perhaps with 
the foot pedal 154, in order to reactivate the generator 47. Such a 
circuit is illustrated schematically in FIG. 11 wherein the switches 152 
and 156 are both responsive to the signal characteristics on conductor 149 
to automatically open when the sensor 141 indicates that the wall 18 has 
been penetrated. 
If additional pressure is detected by the sensor 141, the switch 152 would 
automatically close as illustrated by the arrow 164. However, the switch 
156 would require manual closure by the physician as illustrated by the 
arrow 165. 
In other embodiments, the sensor 141 could be responsive to the pressure of 
insufflation gasses which are commonly used to inflate the abdominal 
cavity 27. These gases would be sensed only on the interior side of the 
wall 18 so the sensor 141 would actually be detecting penetration of the 
wall 18 by the obturator 36. 
In still a further embodiment, the sensor 141 could be an infrared sensor 
including an LED 167 activated by the energizer 145 and a detector 168 
providing the switch 152 with signal characteristics on the conductor 149. 
Such an IR sensor 141, as illustrated in FIG. 12, would sense the 
proximity of tissue by the reflectance of light from the LED 167 to the 
detector 168. The IR sensor 141 could also be relied on to detect the 
light or IR emissions of the heated electrosurgery element at the distal 
tip 43. 
Another way of sensing penetration of the wall 18 is particularly adapted 
for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this case, the logic 
circuit 99 provides means for sensing changing electrical characteristics 
in proximity to the cutting element, such as the blade 87. These 
electrical characteristics may include capacitance, resistance, current 
magnitude, current density, or any combination thereof. These 
characteristics will tend to vary most dramatically as the blade 87 
approaches the inner surface 41 of the wall 18. As the tissue surrounding 
the blade 87 is reduced in thickness, the resistance to current flow will 
rise. Not only will the magnitude of the current in conductor 92 decrease, 
but the density of the current passing through the tissue will tend to 
increase. Any one or all of these characteristics can be detected by the 
logic circuit 99 to provide a means for inhibiting further cutting of 
tissue upon complete penetration of the wall 18. 
Many other forms of logic may be implemented using the switches 152 and 
156. In general, it is desirable that the switch 152 be automatically 
responsive to the environmental conditions which exist only at the 
interior surface of the wall 18. The manual switch 156 is desirable to 
insure that the surgeon is also ready to proceed with cutting. Logic can 
also be employed to provide various lock-out characteristics. In the 
embodiment of FIG. 13, the environmental signal from the sensor 141 is 
communicated to the logic circuit 99 which operates the switches 152 and 
156. 
Of course this logic circuit 99 can be implemented in many forms to provide 
a desired degree of safety. In one form of the logic circuit 99, cutting 
can occur only when the switches 152, 156 are both closed. If the 
environmental switch 152 opens, the circuit can be reactivated only if the 
manual switch 156 is opened and then reclosed. Thus the manual switch 156 
functions as a reset for the automatic environmental switch 152. 
In another form of the logic circuit 99, the switch 156 has both automatic 
characteristics and manual reset characteristics. This type of logic can 
be implemented in various forms such as the mechanical form illustrated in 
FIGS. 14-21. In this particular embodiment, illustrated in the side view 
of FIG. 15, the trocar 10 includes the cannula 32, the housing 50 with a 
proximally facing shoulder 172, and a pair of finger tabs which may be 
formed as part of the housing 50. 
The associated obturator 36 includes an obturator shaft 174 which extends 
distally from the handle 54. This particular obturator 36 includes a 
conductor column 176 which extends distally into electrical contact with 
the electrosurgical wire 42. At the proximal end of the column 176 a 
cutoff and reset mechanism 180 is located within the handle 54. In a 
preferred embodiment of the mechanism 180, a switch terminal block 181 
provides a first electrical contact. A second electrical contact is 
provided in the form of a switch plate 183 which is energized through the 
conductor 45. These two switch contacts, the terminal block 181 and the 
switch plate 183, form the environmental switch 156 which is of particular 
interest to this embodiment. 
At the distal tip 43, a tip member 185 carries the electrosurgical wire 42 
and is spring biased to an extended position by a compression spring 186 
which is disposed between the handle 54 and the switch block 181. The 
spring 186 is centered on a conical projection 187 which extends from the 
switch block 181. The compression spring 186 functions to bias the 
terminal block 181, the column 176, the tip member 185 and the 
electrosurgical wire 42 toward a distal position relative to the handle 
54. When the trocar is initially pressed against the wall 18, this tip 
section 185 tends to move against the bias of the spring 191, forcing the 
wire 42, the associated column 176, and the switch block 181 proximally 
relative to the obturator shaft 174. The switch block 181 also includes a 
flange 188 discussed in greater detail below. 
The logic structure in this mechanical embodiment also includes an actuator 
190 which is carried by the handle 54 and is biased by a spring 191 to a 
distal position where the actuator 190 contacts the shoulder 172 of the 
housing 50. The actuator 190 includes an extension 192 having a camming 
surface 194 best illustrated in FIG. 14a. 
Of particular interest to the present invention is a lockout element 201 
which has a longitudinal configuration and is mounted on a post 203 that 
is fixed to the handle 54. An elongate slot 205 is formed along the length 
of the element 201 to receive the post 203. This slot 205 enables the 
element 201 to move longitudinally relative to the post 203 and angularly 
around the post 203. 
The lockout element 201 also includes an elbow 206 and a tang 208. A 
tension spring 207 is connected to the handle 54 at one end, bent around 
the elbow 206, and connected to the tang 208 at its opposite end. This 
spring 207 has two functions. First, its tension tends to bias the lockout 
element 201 toward the actuator 190. Second, the spring 207 produces a 
lateral force on the elbow 206 which tends to pivot the lockout element 
201 against the actuator 190. 
At the end of the element 201 opposite the slot 205, a camming surface 209 
is complementary to the camming surface 194 of the actuator 190, as best 
illustrated in FIG. 14a. The lockout element 201 also includes a lateral 
camming surface 211 which moves relative to the flange 188 of the switch 
block 181 as best illustrated in FIG. 14b. A clearance shoulder 210 (FIG. 
14), which also characterizes the lockout element 201, is also movable 
relative to the flange 188 on the switch block 181. 
Operation of the mechanical logic circuit of this embodiment is 
progressively illustrated in the plan views of FIGS. 14, 16, 18 and 20 and 
the associated elevation views of FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 21. 
In order to energize the obturator 36 and commence cutting at the distal 
tip 43, the switch 156 must be closed. This is achieved when the switch 
block 181 moves into contact with the switch plate 183 as previously 
mentioned. But this contact between the switch block 181 and the switch 
plate 188 can happen only when certain conditions are met. Initially the 
obturator 36 is placed with its distal tip 43 in contact with the wall 18, 
and with the handle 54 disposed in the palm of the surgeon's hand. The 
surgeon's fingers are extended to engage the finger tabs 51 so that when 
the surgeon closes his hand he forces the handle 54 against the housing 
50. This causes the actuator 190, which was already in contact with the 
shoulder 172 of the housing 50, to move proximally of the lockout element 
201 which is carried by the handle 54. As this movement occurs, the 
surface 194 of the extension 192 on the actuator 190, cams against the 
surface 209 of the lockout element 201 as illustrated in FIG. 14a. This 
causes the element 201 to move longitudinally as the slot 205 moves 
relative to the post 203. Thus proximal movement of the actuator 190 and 
extension 192, for example along an arrow 212 in FIG. 14a, is accompanied 
by axial movement of the lockout element 201, for example along an arrow 
214. 
When this camming action is fully completed, the post 203 is disposed at 
the inner end of the slot 205 and the shoulder 210 of the lockout element 
201 clears the flange 188 of the switch block 181. This second position of 
the lockout element 201 is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. In this 
position, the switch block 181 is free to move proximally, upwardly in 
FIG. 17. 
As the switch block 181 moves upwardly, for example in the direction of an 
arrow 216 in FIG. 14b, the flange 188 cams against a lateral camming 
surface 217 on the lockout element 201. This tends to move the lockout 
element 201 laterally, for example in the direction of an arrow 218. This 
lateral movement of the lockout element 201 is accommodated by rotation of 
the element 201 about the post 203 and against the bias of the spring 207. 
This bias also tends to move the element 201 longitudinally until the 
shoulder 210 contacts the edge of the flange 188, as illustrated in FIG. 
18. 
When the flange 188 clears the surface 217 of the lockout element 201, the 
switch block 181 is free to move into engagement with the switch plate 183 
to close the switch 152 and permit cutting at the distal tip 43. This 
third position of the lockout element 201 is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 
19 where it is important to note that the end of the element 201 including 
the camming surface 217 has moved longitudinally beyond the extension 192 
of the actuator 190. 
As cutting progresses, if the force on the distal tip 43 is not maintained, 
the compression of the axial spring 186 will immediately force the switch 
block 181 to disengage the switch plate 183. This of course will stop the 
cutting. 
This absence of force on the distal tip 43 can occur in at least two ways. 
Importantly, if the distal tip 43 has fully penetrated the wall 18, the 
absence of force will result from movement of the distal tip 43 into the 
cavity 27. In accordance with one objective of the invention, it is 
important that cutting cease in this scenario in order to avoid any 
puncture or penetration of interior organs. The absence of a force on the 
distal tip 43 may also occur if the surgeon discontinues pressure on the 
handle 54. This may be a momentary discontinuance of force but it will 
have the same effect, specifically, the switch block 181 will separate 
from the switch plate 183 and cutting will cease. In this scenario, the 
lockout structure previously described will prevent further cutting even 
in the presence of increased pressure on the handle 54. This can be better 
understood by again tracking movement of the switch block 181, the element 
201 and the actuator 190. 
An absence of force on the distal tip 43 not only causes the switch block 
181 to disengage the switch plate 183 but it also causes the block 181 to 
move distally, downwardly relative to the lockout element 201. This 
downward movement occurs until the flange 188 of the block 181 clears the 
shoulder 210 at which point the element 201 moves longitudinally and 
pivots toward the actuator 190. This brings the lockout element 201 to its 
fourth position best illustrated in FIG. 20 and 21. 
This fourth position can be reached only from the third position 
illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. But in this third position, the lockout 
element 201 is displaced longitudinally beyond the extension 192 so that 
further angular movement of the element 201 can not align the camming 
surfaces 194 and 209. Rather, the lockout element 201 is biased against 
the side of the extension 192 as shown in FIG. 20. Only when the surgeon 
releases the finger tabs 51 and permits the handle 54 to disengage the 
housing 50, is the actuator 190 free to move downwardly, for example in 
the direction of an arrow 220 in FIG. 21. In response to this downward 
movement, the lockout element 201 clears the extension 192 and the spring 
207 pivots the element 201 against the actuator 190 with the extension 192 
aligned beneath the camming surface 209 of the element 201. Having 
released the handle 54 from the housing 50, the surgeon can again squeeze 
these two elements into proximity forcing the camming surface 194 of the 
actuator 190 against the camming surface 209 of the lockout element 201 as 
first described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. 
Thus, a mechanical lockout is provided which insures that once cutting 
starts, if it stops, an active conscience effort must be made by the 
surgeon to restart the cutting. 
The embodiments of FIGS. 22 and 23 are similar to that of FIGS. 14 and 15 
except the cutoff and reset mechanism 180 is applied to a strictly 
mechanical trocar. While the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 required a flow 
of electrical current in order to energize the wire 42 at the distal tip 
43, the embodiments of FIGS. 22 and 23 do not include such a wire. Rather, 
these embodiments include an obturator core 221 having a sharp distal tip 
223 which may have the configuration of a pyramid. An outer sheath 225 
surrounds the core 221 and is movable longitudinally relative to the core 
221. In a first position, the sheath 225 is displaced proximally of the 
core 221 to expose the sharp distal tip 223. With this orientation, the 
sharp tip 223 can be forced through the abdominal wall 18 along with the 
core 221 and sheath 225. When the wall 18 has been fully penetrated, the 
core 221 and sheath 225 move relative to each other to a second position 
where the sheath 225 covers the distal tip 223 of the core 221. 
This relative movement of the core 221 and sheath 225 is easily 
accommodated by the cutoff and reset mechanism 180 illustrated in FIGS. 14 
and 15. Thus the embodiments of FIGS. 22 and 23 also include the actuator 
190 having the extension 192 and the lockout element 201 which is movable 
relative to the post 203. The springs 186 and 207 are also included in 
this embodiment along with the block 181. In this case, the block 181 
moves longitudinally in the manner previously described, but it does not 
perform the function of an electrical contact. Also, the switch plate 183 
of FIG. 14 is specifically absent from this mechanical embodiment of the 
obturator 36. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the core 221 can be screwed into the base 
plate 55 or fixed to the base plate 55 by a pin 226. Thus the core 221 has 
a fixed relationship with the handle 54. The sheath 225 is fixed to the 
block 181 and is movable with the block 181 relative to the handle 54 and 
the core 221. 
With this configuration, the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23 functions to 
expose the sharp distal tip 223 when cutting is desired, and function to 
cover the distal tip 223 with the sheath 225 when cutting is no longer 
desired. As noted, this function is achieved in the embodiment of FIG. 22 
by attaching the core 221 to the base plate 55 and by attaching the sheath 
225 to the block 181. 
In this embodiment the cutoff and reset mechanism 180 functions in the 
manner previously described. As the handle 54 is squeezed against the 
housing 50, the actuator 190 moves proximally. This action causes the 
lockout element 201 to move laterally thereby permitting the block 181 to 
move proximally with the sheath 225. This proximal movement of the block 
181 is accomplished against the bias of the spring 186 by an axial force 
on the sheath 225 at the distal tip 223. At this point, the sharp tip 223 
of the core 221 is exposed and axial cutting can progress. 
If the surgeon stops cutting in the middle of the abdominal wall 18 or if 
the obturator 36 fully penetrates the wall 18, the block 181 will move 
distally in the manner previously described. This will cause the sheath 
225 to cover the sharp tip of the core 221 but will also cause the lockout 
element 201 to move into a position of misalignment with the actuator 190. 
In this position of misalignment, further pressure on the obturator 36 
will not permit the sheath 225 and block 181 to move proximally. 
This lockout condition exists until the surgeon relaxes his hand thereby 
permitting the handle 54 to withdraw from the housing 50. Under these 
conditions the actuator will move distally permitting the lockout element 
201 to align with the extension 192. Once the mechanism 180 has been reset 
in this manner, if the surgeon desires further cutting, the handle 54 can 
again be brought into engagement with the housing 50 thereby permitting 
the sheath 225 to withdraw and expose the sharp tip 223 of the core 221. 
The embodiment of FIG. 23 is similar to that of FIG. 22 except that the 
cutoff and reset mechanism 180 is inverted in the handle 54, and the core 
221 and sheath 225 are reversed in their respective attachments to the 
block 181 and the base plate 55. It will also be noted that the actuator 
190 is inverted so that a plunger 227 and associated pivot lever 228 are 
required. 
In this embodiment of the obturator 36, the sheath 225 is held stationary 
by its attachment to the base plate 55 while the core 221 with its sharp 
distal tip 223 is attached to and movable with the block 181. This is 
accomplished with the same cutoff and reset mechanism 180 but in this 
particular case, the mechanism 180 is inverted and the core 221 extends 
through the spring 186. Otherwise, the mechanism 180 functions in the 
manner previously discussed. 
Cutting is facilitated when the block 181 moves in the direction of the 
spring 186, but this direction has been reversed so that movement is now 
in the distal direction. This distal movement is conveyed to the core 221 
which then moves beyond the stationary sheath 225 to provide the desired 
exposure and cutting. When cutting has been completed, the core 221 moves 
proximally with the block 181 by action of the compression spring 186. 
Thus the core 221 is withdrawn into the stationary sheath 225 to inhibit 
further cutting by the sharp distal tip 223. 
The cutting process begins in the manner previously discussed except that 
movement of the handle 54 into proximity with the housing 50 pushes the 
plunger 227 proximally and, through the pivot lever 228, moves the 
actuator 190 distally. From this point, the cutoff and reset mechanism 180 
functions in the manner previously discussed. From the lockout position, 
the mechanism 180, is reset by permitting the handle 54 to withdraw from 
the housing 50. This causes the actuator 190 to move proximally and, 
through operation of the lever 228, enables the plunger 227 to move 
distally thereby resetting the mechanism 180. 
The logic circuit 99 of FIG. 13 can also be implemented mechanically in a 
further embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in FIGS. 25-28. 
In this embodiment, some of the elements have characteristics which are 
similar to those previously discussed, and consequently are designated by 
the same reference numeral. Thus in FIG. 28, the trocar 10 includes a 
cannula (not shown) and housing 50. The obturator 36 includes the handle 
54 and the shaft 52 with the wire 42 disposed at the distal tip 43. 
In this embodiment, the shaft 52 is movable axially relative to the handle 
54, between a first position best illustrated in FIG. 25 and a second 
cutting position best illustrated in FIG. 27. A lockout sheath 231 is also 
provided exteriorly of the shaft 52. This sheath 231 is fixed to the 
handle 54 and moves with the handle 54 relative to the shaft 52. 
A lockout element or tang 233 is carried by the sheath 231 and is movable 
between a first location illustrated in FIG. 25 and a second location 
illustrated in FIG. 28. In the first location, the tang 233 permits the 
shaft 52 to move freely between its first and second position. However, in 
the second location, the tang 233 functions to maintain the shaft 52 in 
its first position effectively inhibiting movement of the shaft 52 to its 
second, cutting position. 
A reset element in the form of a ring 235 circumscribes the shaft 52 and is 
movable between a first disposition illustrated in FIG. 25 and a second 
disposition illustrated in FIG. 27. In its first disposition, the ring 235 
maintains the tang 233 in its first location thereby permitting the shaft 
52 to move proximally to its second, cutting position. When the ring 235 
is located in its second disposition, the shaft 52 may either be in its 
second cutting position as illustrated in FIG. 27, or it may be in its 
first position and locked out from its second position by the tang 233 as 
illustrated in FIG. 28. 
The embodiment of FIG. 25 also includes a reset sleeve 237 which is movable 
relative to the lockout sheath 231 and the shaft 52. This sleeve 237 
extends between the sheath 231 and the shaft 52 and inside the ring 235. A 
shoulder 239 on the sleeve 237 permits the sleeve 237 to engage the ring 
235. 
The sleeve 237 extends proximally to the handle 54 where it is connected to 
a cross member 241 that is also connected to an actuator 243. The sleeve 
237, cross member 241 and actuator 243 and movable between a first state 
illustrated in FIG. 25 and a second state illustrated in FIG. 26. In the 
first state, the handle 54 is spaced from the housing 50 and the sleeve 
237 is positioned distally maintaining the ring 235 in its first 
disposition. 
In its second state, the handle 54 is brought into proximity with the 
housing 50 as the surgeon squeezes these two elements together. This 
disposition of the handle 54 and housing 50 moves the actuator 243 into 
the handle 54 thereby creating an annular space 244 proximally of the ring 
235 in its first disposition. The switch 156 is disposed between the cross 
member 241 and the handle 54. When the surgeon squeezes the handle 54 
against the housing 50, the actuator 243 closes the switch 156 in the 
logic circuit 99 (FIG. 13). The second switch 152, is disposed between the 
shaft 52 and the cross member 241. This switch 152 is closed when the 
shaft 52 and the sleeve 237 are in their respective first position and 
first state. This switch 152 is also closed when the shaft 52 and sleeve 
237 are in their respective second position and second state as 
illustrated in FIG. 27. 
Two compression springs 245 and 247 are associated with the reset sleeve 
237. The spring 245 is disposed between the handle 54 and the cross member 
241. In this position, it biases the reset sleeve 237 to its first 
position as illustrated in FIG. 25. The spring 247 is disposed between the 
sleeve 237 and the shaft 52. In this position, the spring 247 functions to 
automatically move the shaft 52 to its first distal position when the 
sleeve 237 is in its second proximal position. 
In operation, the trocar 10 is initially configured as illustrated in FIG. 
25. The shaft 52 is in its first position, the tang 233 is in its first 
location, the ring 235 is in its first disposition, and the sleeve 237 is 
in its first state. Initially the surgeon squeezes the handle 54 against 
the housing 50 as illustrated in FIG. 26. This closes the switch 156 and 
opens the switch 152. This also causes the sleeve 237 to be moved 
proximally within the handle 54 thereby creating the space 244 between the 
shoulder 239 and the ring 235. As the surgeon presses the distal tip 43 of 
the shaft 52 against the abdominal wall 18, the ring 235 is moved through 
the space 244 into engagement with the shoulder 239. This pressure of the 
distal tip 43 against the abdominal wall also moves the shaft 52 against 
the cross member 241 to close the switch 152. With both the switch 152 and 
the switch 156 closed, as illustrated in FIG. 27, current flows along the 
conductor 45 to energize the wire 42 at the distal tip 43 and permit the 
cutting of tissue. 
When pressure is no longer maintained on the distal tip 42, the spring 247 
functions to separate the shaft 52 from the cross member 241 thereby 
opening the switch 152 so that further cutting of tissue is prevented. 
This absence of pressure at the distal tip can occur when the wire 42 
fully penetrates the wall 18. In this case, the prevention of further 
cutting functions to insure that the interior organs are not damaged. 
The absence of pressure at the distal tip 43 can also occur when the 
cutting wire 42 is in the middle of the abdominal wall 18 and the surgeon 
fails to maintain pressure on the handle 54. As previously discussed, 
under these circumstances some conscious mechanical effort on the part of 
the surgeon is desired in order to continue cutting. 
In this particular embodiment, when the shaft 52 separates from the cross 
member 241, an annular space 251 develops distally of the ring 235. The 
tang 233 automatically falls into this space 251 and inhibits any movement 
of the shaft 52 from its first extended position to its second cutting 
position. This state of the trocar 10 is illustrated in FIG. 28. In order 
to continue cutting, from this point the surgeon must consciously permit 
the handle 54 to disengage the housing 50 as illustrated in FIG. 25. Under 
these conditions, the spring 245 will force the reset sleeve 237 to move 
from its second position to its first position. During this movement, the 
shoulder 239 engages the ring 235 in its second disposition and moves it 
distally to its first disposition as illustrated in FIG. 25. As the ring 
235 moves distally, the tang 233 moves radially outwardly clearing the 
shaft 52. This removes the tang 233 from the space 244 so the shaft 52 is 
free to move to the second position as previously discussed. 
The logic circuit 99 of FIG. 13 can also be implemented mechanically in 
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 29-32. These embodiments rely upon the 
sensing of pneumoperitoneum pressure within the cavity 27 in order to open 
the environmental switch 152 and inhibit further cutting. These 
embodiments of the obturator 36 also include the obturator shaft 52 and 
handle 54. The conductor 45 provides cutting power from the RF generator 
47 to the wire 42 at the distal tip 43. A channel 261 is formed within the 
shaft 52 and extends between a distal port 263 and the interior of the 
handle 54. 
Within the handle 54, a bellows 265 communicates with the channel 261 and 
includes a diaphragm 267 which moves proximally when elevated pressures 
are present at the distal port 263. Also included within the handle 54 is 
a switch contact 270 which is associated with the switch 152 and biased 
against the handle 54 by a compression spring 272. In its normal position, 
the switch contact 270 is held against the diaphragm 267 of the bellows 
265 in electrical contacting relationship with a pair of electrodes 274 in 
the conductor 45. 
As long as these conditions exist, the obturator 36 is powered by the 
generator 47 to cut the abdominal wall 18. When the wall 18 is fully 
penetrated, the distal tip 43 of the obturator 36 extends beyond the wall 
18 into the abdominal cavity 27. Insufflation gasses in the cavity 27 are 
immediately encountered at the distal port 263 and communicated through 
the channel 261 to the bellows 265. In response to this elevated pressure, 
the bellows 265 expand forcing the diaphragm 267 proximally and elevating 
the switch contact 270 from the electrodes 274 against the bias of the 
spring 272. When the electrodes 274 are no longer in contact, power 
through the conductor 45 is inhibited so no further cutting can occur. In 
this embodiment, the switch contact 270 is operable under the single 
influence of the environmental conditions present at the distal port 263. 
The embodiment of FIG. 30 is similar to that of FIG. 29 except that the 
switch 152 is operable not only in response to the environmental 
conditions but also in response to input from the surgeon. In this 
embodiment, the handle 54 floats axially within a handle enclosure 281. A 
compression spring 283 biases the handle 54 from the sides of the bellows 
265 to a proximal position. Since the switch contact 270 is attached to 
the handle 54 by the spring 272, this proximal position also holds the 
switch contact 270 from electrical engagement of the electrodes 274. In 
this embodiment, the handle 54 must be depressed by the doctor against the 
force of the spring 272 to move the switch contact 270 into engagement 
with the electrodes 274 and the diaphragm 267. 
The switch 152 will open under either of two conditions. First, if 
pneumoperitoneum pressure is sensed at the distal port 263, the diaphragm 
267 will move the switch contact 270 from electrical engagement with the 
electrodes 274 to cease production of power by the RF generator 47. Also, 
if the surgeon ceases to press the handle 54 against the spring 272, the 
handle 54 will move to the proximal position removing the switch contact 
270 from the electrodes 274. Under either of these conditions, power to 
the cutting wire 42 will be discontinued. 
Similar functions can be embodied in the obturator 36 illustrated in FIG. 
31. This embodiment is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 30 except that 
the switch contact 270 is normally closed and is not influenced by the 
position of the handle 54. In this embodiment, the second switch 156 is 
provided in the conductor 158, in series with the environmental switch 
152. This switch 156 is closed in response to the surgeon's pressure on 
the handle 54 and is automatically opened by the spring 272 when this 
pressure is removed. 
A further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 32 is similar to that of FIG. 29 
in that the handle 54 is not movable with respect to the shaft 52 of the 
obturator 36. It is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 31 in that the 
switch 152 is normally closed in the absence of a spring 272. The 
embodiment of FIG. 32 also includes the second switch 156 but this switch 
is embodied in the form of a foot pedal which is external to the obturator 
36. 
As previously noted, each of the embodiments in FIGS. 29-32 rely upon the 
sensing of pneumoperitoneum pressure within the cavity 27 in order to 
discontinue cutting by the obturator 36. Other phenomena present at the 
interior surface of the wall 18 can also be relied upon to discontinue 
cutting by the obturator 36. In the embodiment of FIG. 33, the obturator 
36 is similar to that previously discussed with reference to FIG. 16 
except there is no separate connection, for example along the conductor 
149, between the sensor 141 and the logic circuit 99. This embodiment 
relies upon the phenomena which occurs when the cutting of tissue is 
taking place. This cutting of tissue generates interference noise in a 
range of frequencies between 5 and 17 kilohertz. This noise may also be 
detectable in a range of harmonic frequencies such as 80 and 108 
megahertz. 
Relying upon the presence of these interference frequencies during cutting, 
the embodiment of FIG. 33 includes an interference receiver 290 having an 
antenna 292. As cutting progresses, the interference signal is received by 
the antenna 292 and detected by the receiver 290 which provides an 
environmental signal on the conductor 149 to the logic circuit 99. In this 
embodiment, the environmental switch 152 would initially be closed to 
enable cutting to start. Once cutting started and the interference signal 
was present on the conductor 149, the logic circuit 99 would control the 
switch 156. When the interference signal was no longer present on the 
conductor 149 as would be the case when cutting was completed, the logic 
circuit 99 would automatically open the environmental switch 152 and 
discontinue further cutting by the obturator 36. 
Other phenomena associated with the actual cutting of the tissue can be 
relied upon to stop the cutting when the wall 18 is fully penetrated. In 
the embodiment of FIG. 34 a Hall-effect sensor/transistor 301 is provided 
in close proximity to the power conductor 45. This proximity could be 
provided within the shaft 52, the handle 54, or anywhere along the power 
conductor 45 between the generator 47 and the obturator 36. The 
Hall-effect sensor/transistor 301 has properties for determining whether 
current is flowing along the power conductor 45. As long as this current 
is flowing, the output of the transistor would provide an environmental 
signal, for example on the conductor 149, to the logic circuit 99. When 
current flow on the conductor 45 ceases indicating that the tissue of wall 
18 is being cut, the signal on the conductor 149 will change providing an 
indication to the logic circuit 99 that no further cutting is to be 
permitted. In the manners previously discussed, the logic circuit 99 would 
either inhibit further production of the power signal or otherwise 
discontinue cutting at the distal tip 43. Other known methods and sensors 
for detecting the flow of a current along a conductor, such as the power 
conductor 45, could also be implemented in this embodiment of the 
invention. 
The foregoing embodiments are just a few of those which rely upon a cutoff 
circuit, either electrical or mechanical to cease cutting by the obturator 
36 upon penetration of the wall 18. A requirement of each of these 
embodiments is that some condition be sensed which is in existence only at 
the inner surface 41 or which first comes into existence when the distal 
tip 43 moves into proximity with the inner surface 41. This condition may 
be inherent in the force required for forward movement of the obturator or 
it may be a condition sensed for example by the sensor 141. The sensed 
condition can be implemented in a mechanical, electrical, ultrasonic or 
optical obturator. For example, in a mechanical obturator, the cutoff 
signal from the sensor 144 can be used to activate a solenoid for moving 
the obturator shaft 52 relative to a protective sheath. 
Many alternatives are available in the case of an electrosurgical trocar. 
In such an instrument, the sensed condition can be implemented in a 
mechanical cutoff circuit or an electrical cutoff circuit. The electrical 
circuit can cease production of the power signal or divert or otherwise 
inhibit the power signal in response to the sensed condition. Such a 
circuit can be implemented by a single switch responsive to a single 
environmental factor or responsible to an environmental factor as well as 
the conscious manual decision of the surgeon. Alternatively, the signal 
can be implemented with two switches each dealing with one of the 
environmental factor or the surgeon's conscious choice. 
Given these wide variations, which are all within the scope of this 
concept, one is cautioned not to restrict the invention to the embodiments 
which have been specifically disclosed and illustrated, but rather 
encouraged to determine the scope of the invention only with reference to 
the following claims.