Trocar

Although trocars originated as sharp-edged instruments, modern surgical trocars are often entirely without a blade and incision made with a scalpel or they may have a linear sharp blade designed to minimize the force required to insert the instrument.

Along with the probe, scalpel, and cannula the trocar is one of the oldest implements used by medical practitioners. A trocar is shaped like a pen and has a sharp triangular point. Trocars are typically placed inside hollow cannulas and introduced inside body cavities to assist in draining fluids. Laparoscopic trocars are now referred to as both the initial entry device as well as the hollow cannula used during the operation. These instruments play an important role in laparoscopic surgery. Instruments such as scissors and graspers are introduced using surgical trocars.

Modern-day optical trocars have revolutionized surgery by eliminating the need for large abdominal incisions. This has contributed greatly to improved patient care. Surgical trocars are usually single-patient use and disposable. Although trocars originated as sharp-edged instruments, modern surgical trocars are often entirely without a blade and incision made with a scalpel or they may have a linear sharp blade designed to minimize the force required to insert the instrument. This has the hypothetical benefit of making them safer to use when introducing laparoscopic ports and helps avoid inadvertent tissue damage. Wound closure and healing is much faster as these incisions are smaller and tissue damage to the abdominal wall is decreased.

Surgical trocars used for laparoscopic surgery are precision-engineered instruments with enhanced safety and function. The trocars are designed to be leak-free and remain stable during the procedure. The improved design facilitates use of the laparoscope with the trocar which greatly enhances function. Also, using transparent cannulas with the trocars enable clear visualization of the path through the abdominal wall which the instrument takes both during initial entry and throughout the operation.

Relatively new innovations in surgical trocar design include the use of special valves on the trocars that do not only keep the insufflated air from leaking out but also clean the tip of the laparoscope much like a wind-shield wiper each time it is inserted through the device.