INTRODUCTION OF THE OPTI-TROCAR

To deal with the problems associated with blind trocar insertion for c onventional laparoscopy, an image-receivable and light-transmissible, optically clear trocar tip was conceived. Consultation with persons wi th optical engineering expertise resulted in the design of a prototype instrument for clinical testing. Results of a feasibility study condu cted in 150 subjects indicate that a significant advance in the perfor mance of laparoscopic surgery is possible with wide-scale implementati on of this innovation. Video-aided continuous visual imaging during tr ocar insertion provides identification of distinct layers of the abdom inal wall and helps ensure proper intraabdominal placement without the need for minilaparotomy or open laparoscopy.