Ethicon Endo-surgery, Inc.

Steven G Yapp

Richard F Schwemberger

Salvatore Privitera

Randy R Stephens

Darrel M Powell

A safety-shielded trocar having an obturator with a linear cutting edge surface defining a base width substantially less than the diameter of the safety shield is disclosed. When the trocar is inserted through tissue, the tissue dilates from the width of the linear incision to accommodate the size of the safety shield of the trocar, thus making it possible to provide an access opening greater than the incisional width made by the linear cutting edge surface of the obturator. In a preferred embodiment, the safety shield has a shield tip region which is asymmetric to facilitate the dilation of the tissue as the trocar is inserted.

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Loveland, OH, United States of America

Steven G Yapp