WO2009057117A2

WO2009057117A2 - Platform scope and tools therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2009057117A2
Application number: PCT/IL2008/001432
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sason Benado
Original assignee: Medicop Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-10-30
Filing date: 2008-10-30
Publication date: 2009-05-07
Also published as: WO2009057117A3

Abstract

Apparatus is provided, including a trocar (21) including a body portion (22) having at least a primary lumen, and at least one flap (25 or 27) at a distal portion of the trocar (21), the flap (25 or 27) configured to at a first time, be aligned with a longitudinal axis (28) of the trocar (21), and at a second time, be moved away from the longitudinal axis (28) of the trocar (21).

Description

PLATFORM-SCOPE AND TOOLS THEREFOR

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from US Provisional Application 61/001,169 to Benado, entitled, "Platform-scope and tools therefor," filed on October 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to endoscopic imaging devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an integrated imaging and surgical platform for minimally-invasive procedures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Endoscopic (e.g., laparoscopic) imaging, a form of minimally-invasive surgery, allows the performance of surgical procedures with the assistance of a video camera and several instruments. In the case of standard operations in any body cavity, access is usually made to the cavity via small incisions. For example, in the case of laparoscopic surgery, three incisions are typically made and a trocar is inserted through each incision. A visualization instrument such as a laparoscope (an optical instrument comprising an imaging device at a proximal end thereof) is inserted through a first of the three trocars. The surgical tools (for example, tubular shaft instruments) are introduced into the abdominal cavity via the two other openings. The visualization apparatus moves independently of the surgical tools and is typically not actuated by the operating physician. Thus, proper visualization of the surgical site as well as visualization and coordination of the instruments typically depends on vocal commands from the operating physician to the assistant.

US Patent 6,648,816 to Irion et al., relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a device for intracorporeal, minimally-invasive treatment of a patient, comprising a working instrument that can be introduced into a body cavity of the patient for carrying out a treatment step, wherein a distal end of the introduced working instrument defines an intracorporeal working area. At least one image pick-up- unit for picking up an image of the intracorporeal working area is described, further comprising positioning means for orienting an optical axis of the image pick-up unit in dependency on a spatial position of the intracorporeal working area. The positioning means comprises a guide shaft, in which the working instrument is guided, and wherein the image pick-up unit is pivotably fixed at an intracorporeal portion of the guide shaft. The positioning means has a holder pivotably fixed to the intracorporeal portion of the guide shaft, the image pick-up unit being arranged at the holder in a distance from a location where the holder is linked to the guide shaft, such that the image pick-up unit is intracorporeally pivotable into a working position, in which the optical axis runs angularly to a longitudinal center axis of the guide shaft and points to the longitudinal center axis. US Patent 6,527,704 to Chang et al., relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a trocar sleeve capable of holding an endoscopic camera system. When integrated with the trocar sleeve, the endoscopic camera can be used to provide a panoramic overview of the surgical area to supplement the view provided by a main endoscopic camera. The trocar sleeve includes a tube and a base coupled to the tube. The tube includes a channel for accommodating a surgical tool, such as a trocar. The tube further includes a receptacle separate from the channel, for allowing removable attachment of an endoscope to the trocar sleeve. The base includes a fastener for allowing removable attachment of an endoscopic camera head to the trocar sleeve. US Patent 5,797,835 to Green, relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a system and method for use in endoscopy and endosurgery. At least one link is pivotally connected between first and second cannulas through which first and second endoscopic devices are inserted into a body part through first and second points of entry in the surface of the body part. Angular movement of the first device about the first point of entry induces angular movement of the second device about the second point of entry. When the first and second devices are respectively an endosurgical instrument and an endoscope, the field of view of the endoscope is caused to track the moving tip of the endosurgical instrument by proper adjustment of the linkage. Thereby, a surgeon may operate an endoscopic surgical instrument while, without conscious effort, the endoscope tracks the instrument tip. According to one embodiment, coupling members are utilized to connect to cannulas of existing design. Each coupling member comprises a structural member provided with means for pivotal coupling and a clasp mechanism rigidly attached to the structural member. Each cannula is inserted through, and thereupon tightly gripped by, the clasp mechanism prior to insertion of the cannula into the body part. Endoscope cables are supported by a cable support that substantially prevents the weight and drag of the endoscope cables from impeding the surgeon's dexterous use of the linked endosurgical instrument.

US Patent 5,166,787 to Irion, relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes an endoscope having a video device arranged at the distal end of the endoscope shaft. The video device is connected by means of a transmission system to a supply unit arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope shaft. The video device is provided with a lens for imaging an object field and an illumination unit. The lens and the image recorder are combined into a video unit which is held in such a movable manner at the endoscope shaft that the outer contour of the cross-section of the video unit lays essentially within the outer contour of the cross-section of the distal end of the endoscope shaft when being introduced into the cavity to be examined. After termination of the introduction procedure, the video unit can be moved in relation to the distal end of the endoscopic shaft beyond the outer contour of the cross-section and/or longitudinal section.

US Patent 6,808,491 to Kortenbach et al., relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes a surgical system which includes an endoscope, a pair of end effectors provided on the outside of the distal end of an endoscope ("on-scope"), in which one end effector is rotatable or otherwise movable relative to the second end effector and in which such movement is effected via controls elements which do not extend through a lumen of the endoscope, and another instrument extending through the lumen of the endoscope ("through-scope"), and which preferably also has a pair of end effectors. The on-scope device may be clamping jaws, needle passers, clip appliers, cautery devices, staplers, and releasable hemoclips, among other end devices. The through-scope end effectors may be graspers and clip appliers, among other end effectors.

The following references, relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference, may be of interest:

Buess GF et al., "Robotics and allied technologies in endoscopic surgery," Archives of Surgery 135:229-235 (2000) US Patent 4,633,304 to Nagasaki

US Patent 5,305,121 to Moll

US Patent 6,066,090 to Yoon

US Patent 6,902,231 to Foley et al. 5 US Patent 5,929,901 to Adair et al.

US Patent 6,086,52 to Adair

US Patent 6,659,940 to Adler

US Patent 6,692,430 to Adler

US Patent 7,108,657 to Irion et al. 10 US Patent 7,108,705 to Davison et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2001/0052930 to Adair et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2002/0068853 to Adler

US Patent Application Publication 2002/0080248 to Adair et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2004/0147806 to Adler 15 US Patent Application Publication 2006/0287576 to Tsuji et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2007/0118014 to Fuerst et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments of the present invention, a trocar system is configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient, and is shaped to provide at least a primary inner lumen and at least one flap at a distal end thereof. The flap is configured to be coupled to at least one intracorporeal device, the flap moving (e.g., pivoting, tilting, bending, or otherwise changing the orientation of), the at least one intracorporeal device angularly from a longitudinal axis of the trocar to enable advancement of a surgical instrument therethrough. Typically, the intracorporeal device comprises an electronic device comprising a light source and/or an electro-optic imaging device, e.g., fiber optics or a camera (CCD, CMOS, or other cameras known in the art). In some embodiments, the electronic device comprises a thermal camera, e.g., an infrared camera.

Typically, the trocar body defines a cylindrical sleeve having an inner wall that is shaped to define a primary inner lumen for the advancement of the intracorporeal device and/or surgical instruments therethrough. In some embodiments, the body of the trocar sleeve itself provides a channel, or secondary lumen, that runs through the body of the sleeve. Typically, for embodiments in which the intracorporeal device comprises an electronic device, one or more electrical wires and/or other forms of power transmitting devices, are disposed within the channel. An electrical coupling (e.g., an electrical socket or an electrical contact), is typically disposed at a portion of the sleeve defining the flap, and is electrically coupled to the wires. Once the electronic device has been advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and is in communication with the flap of the trocar, the electronic device is physically and electrically coupled (e.g., to be plugged into) to the trocar via the electrical coupling. In some embodiments, a data-transmitting device, e.g., one or more optical fibers, is disposed within the channel independently of or in addition to the one or more electrical wires, hi such an embodiment, a fiber-optic coupling is typically disposed at the portion of the sleeve defining the flap, and is coupled to the one or more optical fibers that are disposed within the channel. The fiber-optic coupling allows the electronic device to be optically coupled to the one or more optical fibers.

Once the electronic device has been physically and/or electronically coupled to the trocar at the flap, the flap is pivoted or otherwise moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and the effective diameter of the primary inner lumen of the trocar is then restored. Once the effective diameter is restored, a surgical tool having a diameter of up to the effective diameter of the primary lumen is advanced through the primary lumen when it is free of the electronic device. For example, the lumen may be between and including 5 mm and 20 mm, typically, 10-15 mm, e.g., 10 mm in diameter, and the surgical instrument can have a diameter of up to the actual diameter of the lumen.

In some embodiments, the trocar comprises a second electrical coupling disposed at a site designated to be disposed external to the body of the patient. In such an embodiment, an external power source is coupled to the second electrical coupled and, remotely from the trocar, supplies power to the electronic device coupled to the flap of the trocar. For embodiments in which the electronic device comprises an imaging device, the second electrical coupling is coupled to external electronics, or electronic devices, configured to create an image of the surgical site captured by the imaging device to be displayed on a monitor. In some embodiments, the electrical coupling comprises an on-board power source, e.g., a battery, which provides power to the electronic device from the body of the trocar.

In some embodiments, the trocar comprises the second electrical coupling in addition to comprising a second fiber-optic coupling disposed at the site that is designated to be disposed external to the body of the patient. In such an embodiment, optical power is supplied to the electronic device via an external optical power source coupled to the second fiber-optic coupling. For embodiments in which the electronic device comprises an imaging device, the second fiber-optic coupling is coupled to external electronics, or electronic devices via an optical fiber. The optical fiber is configured to provide illumination to the imaging device for the illumination of the surgical site, and/or to provide means for communication of data and/or commands to and from the electronic device.

Prior to being introduced within the body cavity and prior to the coupling of the trocar to the intracorporeal device, the trocar is positioned at an external site of the abdomen of the patient such that a distal end of the trocar contacts the abdomen. An obturator is passed through the primary lumen of the trocar and creates and expands an opening in the abdomen. Once the obturator has been removed, an intracorporeal portion of the trocar is advanced into the body cavity, such that the flap is disposed intracorporeally. The intracorporeal device is then advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and is (1) mechanically coupled to the flap, and/or (2) electrically coupled to the electrical coupling disposed at the flap. In some embodiments, the sleeve of the trocar does not comprise the wires and the electrical coupling. In such an embodiment, an electronic device is mechanically coupled to the trocar, and comprises: (1) sufficient electronics and power to actuate and/or operate the electronic device, and, typically, (2) a transmitter to transmit the output to a receiver disposed externally to the body of the patient. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device comprises a receiver configured to receive signals from an external transmitter. It is to be noted, however, that the trocar is configured to be coupled to any device, and that the device is not limited to an electronic device.

In either embodiment in which the trocar comprises or lacks the wires and electrical coupling, following coupling of the intracorporeal device to the trocar, the flap is actuated to pivot or otherwise move the intracorporeal device such that it is disposed angularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar. For embodiments in which the electronic device comprises an imaging device, the optical axis of the imaging device is directed generally at an angle toward the longitudinal axis, in order to visualize the surgical site. Such moving of the flap: (1) removes the imaging device from the primary lumen of the trocar, restoring the effective diameter of the primary lumen, and thus enabling passage therethrough of a surgical instrument therethrough, and

(2) enables sufficient viewing of a surgical site in conjunction with movement of the surgical instrument, often without the use of an additional, independent, imaging system (which is typically inserted through an additional incision/trocar), and/or without the need of an assistant to guide the additional imaging system.

In some embodiments, the trocar provides two flaps. In such an embodiment first and second imaging devices are each coupled to a respective flap of the trocar, in a manner as described herein. In some embodiments, a procedure is provided comprising the use of one trocar which (a) houses a primary surgical tool, and (b) is coupled to the first and second imaging devices. For some applications, a secondary trocar having at least one flap may be introduced in part within the surgical site in response to a desire for additional viewing of the surgical site or for supplemental viewing (e.g., providing additional perspective) of the surgical site and of instruments which are introduced through either the primary or secondary trocars. In such an embodiment, the secondary trocar is coupled to a third imaging device. Alternatively, the primary trocar is coupled to the first imaging device while the secondary trocar is coupled to the second imaging device.

For embodiments in which two or more imaging devices are used, the imaging devices typically comprise different field-of-view capabilities. In some embodiments, the first and second imaging devices comprise the same field-of-view capabilities. In some embodiments, the first and second imaging devices comprise varying zoom capabilities. Alternatively or additionally, stereoscopic imaging of the surgical site is facilitated through the use of the two imaging devices, e.g., two imaging devices having similar field-of-view capabilities.

In some embodiments, the first and second imaging devices are each configured to provide imaging using different wavelength bands. Images at both wavelength bands are collected simultaneously to facilitate image data fusion for enhanced visualization and diagnostic capabilities.

For embodiments in which at least first and second intracorporeal devices are coupled to a single trocar, the introduction of the intracorporeal devices into the trocar may be performed in one of the following ways:

(1) For embodiments in which each intracorporeal device is shaped such that the devices each occupy more than half of the primary lumen of the trocar, the intracorporeal devices are coupled to the trocar in one of the following ways:

(a) First, the first intracorporeal device is advanced toward the first flap of the trocar and is mechanically (and, optionally, electrically) coupled thereto. Following the coupling of the first device to the trocar, the first flap is moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar. Following moving of the first flap, the second intracorporeal device is advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, is mechanically (and, optionally, electrically) coupled to the second flap, and subsequently is moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar. In such an embodiment, the first and second intracorporeal devices are typically moved along an identical plane, e.g., an essentially similar sectional plane of the trocar; or

(b) the first and second intracorporeal devices are sequentially advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, substantially during one advancement thereof. During the advancement, the first intracorporeal device is positioned distally to the second intracorporeal device. Each intracorporeal device is then mechanically (and, optionally, electrically) coupled to a respective flap. The first device is coupled at a location distal to the second device such that the devices can be sequentially or simultaneously moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar along respective first and second planes thereof.

(2) For embodiments in which the intracorporeal devices are shaped such that they occupy up to half of the primary lumen, the devices are introduced into the . trocar either (a) during respective advancement (e.g., one advanced to the distal end of the trocar before the other is inserted into the trocar), or (b) during a single advancement, in which: (i) one device is placed distally to the other, or (ii) one device is placed adjacently to the other, hi such an embodiment, the first and second intracorporeal devices are typically moved along an identical plane, e.g., an essentially similar sectional plane of the trocar.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus, including: a trocar including: a body portion having at least a primary lumen, and at least one flap at a distal portion of the trocar, the flap configured to: at a first time, be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the trocar, and at a second time, be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, during the second time, the flap is configured to be disposed at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar. In an embodiment, during the second time, the flap is configured to be disposed at an angle between 45 degrees and 85 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one control wire coupled at a distal end thereof to the flap, the wire being configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the control wire includes a wire selected from the group consisting of: a metallic wire, and a non-metallic wire.

In an embodiment, the body portion is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and the control wire is disposed at least in part within the channel.

In an embodiment: a proximal end of the control wire is disposed at a site external to the body portion of the trocar, and the control wire is configured to facilitate moving of the flap in response to displacement of the proximal end of the control wire.

In an embodiment: the proximal end of the control wire is configured to be pulled, and the control wire is configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar in response to the pulling of the proximal end of the control wire.

In an embodiment, the trocar includes a mechanical element configured to couple the flap to the body portion and to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar. In an embodiment, the mechanical element includes an element selected from the group consisting of: a joint, a hinge, and a pivot.

In an embodiment, the mechanical element is shaped to provide at least one protrusion, the protrusion of the mechanical element being configured to facilitate moving of the flap. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a first rod configured for passage through the primary lumen of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the rod is shaped to provide a projection at a distal end thereof, the projection of the rod being configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar by pushing the protrusion of the mechanical element.

In an embodiment, the protrusion of the mechanical element is configured to protrude at least in part within the primary lumen of the trocar. In an embodiment, the body portion is shaped to define a sleeve defining the primary lumen of the trocar, the sleeve having at least one longitudinal groove at an inner surface of the sleeve.

In an embodiment, the protrusion of the mechanical element is disposed within the at least one groove, and the projection of the rod is configured to be advanced along the at least one groove toward the protrusion of the mechanical element.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a first electronic device, wherein prior to the second time, the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen and to be coupled to the flap, and wherein: the apparatus further includes a second rod configured to facilitate advancement of the electronic device toward the flap, and the first rod is shaped to define a longitudinal lumen configured to provide slidable displacement therein of the second rod.

In an embodiment, the first and second rods are configured for simultaneous advancement through the primary lumen of the trocar, while the second rod is within the longitudinal lumen of the first rod.

In an embodiment, the second rod is configured to facilitate advancement and coupling of the electronic device to the flap, and, subsequently to the coupling of the electronic device to the flap, the first rod is configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an o-ring, and the o-ring is configured to couple the first rod to the second rod. In an embodiment: the first rod is shaped to provide a housing in a vicinity of the longitudinal lumen thereof, the o-ring is configured to be disposed within the housing, and the o-ring is configured to surround the second rod.

In an embodiment: the body portion is shaped to provide a securing groove, a proximal portion of the flap is shaped to provide at least a first projection of the flap, and the first projection of the flap is configured to secure an alignment of the flap with the longitudinal axis by being disposed within the securing groove during the first time.

In an embodiment, the proximal portion of the flap is shaped to provide a .. second projection which is configured to secure a position of the flap during the second time, and the position of the flap during the second time is at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, prior to the second time, the second projection of the flap is configured to replace the first projection of the flap within the securing groove.

In an embodiment, a surgical instrument configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second time.

In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter thereof, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter of less than the diameter of the primary lumen.

In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen. In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of less than 15 mm. In an embodiment, the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a first electronic device, wherein prior to the second time, the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen and to be coupled to the flap.

In an embodiment, the first electronic device includes an on-board power source.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a receiver, and the first electronic device includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit data from the first electronic device to the receiver.

In an embodiment, the first electronic device includes a receiver configured to receive data from a transmitter.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a surgical instrument configured for advancement through the primary lumen of the trocar prior to the second time. In an embodiment, the surgical instrument is configured for advancement through the primary lumen of the trocar prior to the advancement of the first electronic device.

In an embodiment, the surgical instrument includes an obturator.

In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter of less than the diameter of the primary lumen.

In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen. In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen. In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

In an embodiment, the first electronic device is configured to be mechanically coupled to the flap.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an advancement rod configured to facilitate advancement of the first electronic device toward the flap.

In an embodiment, the advancement rod is configured to be removably coupled to the first electronic device. In an embodiment, the advancement rod is configured to facilitate coupling of the electronic device to the flap.

In an embodiment, the advancement rod is configured to facilitate decoupling of the electronic device from the flap.

In an embodiment, the trocar includes at least one mechanical element configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the mechanical element includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a joint, a pivot, and a hinge.

In an embodiment, the mechanical element includes a gear, and the gear includes at least one cog. In an embodiment, the advancement rod includes a gear including at least one cog, the gear of the rod disposed at a site along the rod, and following the advancement and coupling of the first electronic device to the flap, the gear of the rod aligns with the gear of the mechanical element of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the body portion of the trocar is shaped to provide a longitudinal slit, and during advancement of the advancement rod through the primary lumen, the slit is configured to facilitate passage therethrough of the cog of the gear of the advancement rod.

In an embodiment, prior to the second time, the gear of the advancement rod is configured to be actuated, and in response to the actuation, the gear of the advancement rod is configured to move the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar by actuating the gear of the mechanical element of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the advancement rod includes a screw at a distal end thereof,- and the first electronic device is shaped to define a screw hole, the screw being configured to be screwed into the screw hole prior to advancement of the first electronic device through the primary lumen.

In an embodiment, following the advancement and coupling of the first electronic device to the flap, the advancement rod is rotatable, and in response to the rotation: the rod is configured to be unscrewed from the first electronic device, the gear of the rod actuates the gear of the mechanical element, and the flap and the electronic device coupled thereto are configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the electronic device includes an imaging device. hi an embodiment, the imaging device includes a heating element.

In an embodiment, imaging device includes at least one lens, and the heating element is configured to clean the at least one lens by heating the lens.

In an embodiment, the imaging device includes a camera and an illumination source. hi an embodiment, the camera includes a camera selected from the group consisting of: an infrared camera, a CCD camera, and a CMOS camera.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a first coupling site disposed at the flap and configured to couple the first electronic device to the flap.

In an embodiment, the body portion is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and the first coupling site is disposed at least in part within the channel.

In an embodiment, the at least a first coupling site includes at least one optical coupling.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one optical fiber coupled to the optical coupling, the optical fiber is disposed, at least in part, within the channel. In an embodiment, the optical fiber is configured to be optically coupled to the first electronic device.

In an embodiment, the optical fiber is configured to provide illumination for the ■ first electronic device. In an embodiment, the optical fiber is configured to supply power to the first electronic device.

In an embodiment, the first coupling site includes at least one electrical coupling configured to electrically couple the first electronic device to the flap.

In an embodiment, the electrical coupling includes an electrical contact. In an embodiment, the electrical coupling includes a power supply configured to supply power to the first electronic device.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one electrical wire, the electrical wire is disposed at least in part within the channel.

In an embodiment, the first electrical coupling includes an outlet configured to electrically couple the first electronic device to the flap.

In an embodiment, the outlet is configured to mechanically couple the first electronic device to the flap.

In an embodiment: the distal portion of the trocar includes an intracorporeal portion of the trocar, and a proximal portion of the trocar includes an extracorporeal portion of the trocar, the trocar further includes a second coupling site, and the first coupling site is disposed at the intracorporeal portion of the trocar and the second coupling site is disposed at the extracorporeal portion of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the body portion is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and the second coupling site is disposed at least in part within the channel.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one extracorporeal electronic device, the second coupling site includes at least one electrical coupling configured to couple the extracorporeal electronic device to the trocar. In an embodiment, the electrical coupling includes an electrical contact. In an embodiment, the second electrical coupling includes an electrical outlet.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one wire configured to be disposed at least in part within the channel.

In an embodiment, the first coupling site includes at least one electrical coupling, and at least a portion of the wire extends between the first and second electrical couplings.

In an embodiment, the wire is shaped to provide a first end, a second end, and a portion between the first and second ends, the apparatus further includes an extracorporeal electronic device, and: the first end of the wire is electrically coupled to the extracorporeal electronic device, the portion of the wire is disposed within the channel, and the second end of the wire is electrically coupled to the first electrical coupling.

In an embodiment, the extracorporeal electronic device includes an external power supply configured to supply power to the first electronic device.

In an embodiment, the first electronic device includes an imaging device, and the extracorporeal electronic device includes a monitor configured to display an image captured by the imaging device.

In an embodiment, the wire is configured to carry the image from the imaging device to the display.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a second flap, and the trocar includes: the second flap, a first mechanical element configured to couple the first flap to the body portion of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the first flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and a second mechanical element configured to couple the second flap to the body portion of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the second flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the first mechanical element is disposed at a first sectional plane of the trocar and the second mechanical element is disposed at a second sectional plane of the trocar. In an embodiment, the first and second planes are separated by a distance of between 10 mm and 50 mm.

In an embodiment, the primary lumen of the trocar has a diameter thereof, and a ratio of a distance between the first and second planes to the diameter of the primary lumen of the trocar is between 0.5:1 and 10:1.

In an embodiment, the diameter is 5-20 mm, and the distance is between 10 mm and 50 mm.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein: the first electronic device is configured to be coupled to the first flap, and the second electronic device is configured to be coupled to the second flap.

In an embodiment, during a first period, the trocar and the first and second electronic devices are configured for advancement in tissue of a patient, and during a second period, subsequently to the advancement, the first and second flaps are configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least first and second electronic devices, wherein: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap.

In an embodiment, the first and second mechanical elements are disposed with respect to the trocar at a generally similar sectional plane of the trocar.

In an embodiment: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the first electronic device to the first flap, the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar; and during a second period: the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the second flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the second electronic device to the second flap, the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a surgical instrument configured to be passed through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

In an embodiment: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the second flap of the trocar; and during a second period: the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, during the first period, the first and second electronic devices are simultaneously advanceable adjacently to one another in the primary lumen of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the first mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a first sectional plane of the trocar, and the second mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a second sectional plane of the trocar. In an embodiment: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the first electronic device to the first flap, the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar; and during a second period: the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the second flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the second electronic device to the second flap, the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap of the trocar; and during a second period: the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the first and second flaps are configured to be simultaneously moved or sequentially moved.

In an embodiment, the first electronic device is disposed distally to the second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices are configured to be advanced adjacently toward the first and second flaps, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first electronic device is disposed proximally to the second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices are configured to be sequentially advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the first and second electronic devices include first and second imaging devices, respectively. In an embodiment, the first imaging device is configured to provide a first field- of-view image of a surgical site, and the second imaging device is configured to provide a second field-of-view image of the surgical site.

In an embodiment, the first and second imaging devices are configured to provide varying zoom capabilities.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one display configured to be disposed at an extracorporeal site, respective images from the first and second imaging devices are transmitted to the display.

In an embodiment, the display is configured to fuse the respective images from the first and second imaging devices.

In an embodiment, the display is configured to superimpose an image from the first imaging device upon an image from the second imaging device.

In an embodiment, each imaging device includes a transmitter configured to transmit an image from the imaging device to the at least one display. In an embodiment: the at least one display includes a first display and a second display, the first display is configured to display images from the first imaging device, and the second display is configured to display images from the second imaging device.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a first wire and a second wire, the trocar is shaped to define a sleeve surrounding the primary lumen, and at least a portion of the first wire and at least a portion of the second wire are configured to be disposed within the sleeve. In an embodiment, the first wire is configured to electrically couple the first imaging device to the display, and the second wire is configured to electrically couple the second imaging device to the display.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes: trocar packaging configured to store the trocar prior to use; and an electronic device coupled to the flap while the trocar is stored within the packaging. There is further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus including: a trocar shaped to define at least a primary lumen and to define a sleeve surrounding the primary lumen; trocar packaging, configured to store the trocar prior to use; at least one wire coupled to the sleeve while the trocar is disposed within the packaging; and at least one electrical coupling site on the sleeve, configured to electrically couple the electronic device to the wire.

In an embodiment, the trocar includes a body portion, the body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the trocar, and at least one flap at a distal portion of the trocar.

In an embodiment, the flap is configured to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trocar while in the packaging.

There is yet further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus, including: a trocar shaped to provide a primary lumen having a longitudinal axis thereof; at least a first and a second housing; and first and second electronic devices configured to be disposed within each of the first and second housings, respectively, the first and second housings being shaped to be advanced simultaneously through the primary lumen of the trocar. In an embodiment, the first and second electronic devices include first and second imaging devices, respectively.

In an embodiment, during the first period, the first and second electronic devices are configured to be simultaneously advanceable adjacently to one another in the primary lumen of the trocar. In an embodiment, the trocar includes at least a first flap and a second flap.

In an embodiment, the trocar is shaped to define a longitudinal axis thereof, and the trocar includes: a first mechanical element configured to couple the first flap to the trocar and to facilitate moving of the first flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and a second mechanical element configured to couple the second flap to the trocar and to facilitate moving of the second flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

There is still further provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method, including: providing a trocar including a body portion having at least a primary lumen, and at least one flap at a distal portion of the trocar; inserting the flap into a body cavity of a patient; and moving the flap away from a longitudinal axis of the trocar. The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. IA-B are schematic illustrations of a trocar system comprising at least one flap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. IC-E are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of a distal end of the trocar of Figs. IA-B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 2A-B are schematic illustrations of a trocar system comprising two flaps, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 3A-B are schematic illustrations of a trocar system comprising flaps, electrical couplings and wires, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 4A-B are schematic illustrations of the trocar system of Figs 3A-B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 5A-C are schematic illustrations of the trocar system of Figs. 3A-B, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5D is a schematic illustration of a surgical tool being advanced through the trocar system of Fig. 5 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 6A-P are schematic illustrations of a trocar system comprising at least one electronic device coupled thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 7A-D are schematic illustrations of the trocar system comprising at least one electronic device coupled thereto, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 8 A-B are schematic illustrations of the trocar system within an abdomen of a patient, in accordance with respective embodiments of the present invention; Figs. 9A-G are schematic illustrations of the removal of the at least one electronic device from the trocar system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 10A-E are schematic illustrations of the trocar system, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of the trocar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figs. 12A-D are schematic illustration of a trocar system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Figs. IA-B, which are schematic illustrations of a trocar system 20 comprising a trocar 21 comprising at least a first flap 25, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Trocar 21 is configured to be inserted at least in part into a body cavity of a patient. Trocar 21 has a longitudinal axis 28 and is shaped to provide a body portion 22 and first flap 25 at a distal portion 24 of trocar 21 (i.e., the portion of trocar 21 designated to be disposed intracorporeally, and herein referred to as "intracorporeal portion 24"). A proximal end of trocar 21 is coupled to a valve 26, as shown in Fig. IB. Trocar 21 is configured for insertion, typically but not necessarily, through an abdomen of the patient. Prior to the insertion of distal portion 24 and flap 25 of trocar 21, an obturator is typically advanced through trocar 21 (as will be described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 5D) toward an external surface of the body cavity.. Once the obturator creates an incision and an orifice therefrom, portion 24 and flap 25 of trocar 21 are inserted into the body cavity. During the subsequent operational procedure, valve 26 facilitates air-tight passage of a surgical instrument through trocar system 20. Typically, valve 26 prevents gas escaping from within the body cavity, thus helping maintain pressure within the body cavity even when the surgical instrument is passed through trocar 21.

Typically, flap 25 is coupled to body 22 of trocar 21 by a mechanical joint, e.g., a hinge or a pivot, as shown in Fig. 4A. Intracorporeal portion 24 and flap 25 of trocar 21 are configured to be inserted into the body cavity in the configuration as shown in Fig. IB, i.e., wherein flap 25 is aligned in parallel with axis 28. Once inside the body cavity, flap 25 is moved, e.g., pivoted, tiled, or bent, angularly away from longitudinal axis 28 such that flap 25 is disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to axis 28. Trocar 21 is typically shaped to provide a primary inner lumen configured for passage therethrough of at least one intracorporeal device (not shown), e.g., typically, an electronic device. The electronic device is typically mechanically coupled to flap 25 and is designated to be disposed intracorporeally during the surgical procedure. Once the intracorporeal electronic device is coupled to flap 25, a mechanical device (described hereinbelow) is used to move, e.g., pivot, bend, or tilt, flap 25 (and the ■ intracorporeal electronic device coupled thereto) angularly from longitudinal axis 28. In some embodiments, flap 25 houses an on-board power supply, e.g., a battery, which supplies power to the intracorporeal device via an electrical contact on flap 25.

Alternatively, the intracorporeal device comprises an on-board power source, e.g., a battery, which provides power to the intracorporeal device. Additionally, the intracorporeal device comprises an on-board wireless transmitter configured to transmit data acquired thereby. Alternatively or additionally, the intracorporeal device comprises a receiver configured to receive data or commands from an extracorporeal electronic device. For embodiments in which the intracorporeal electronic device comprises an imaging device, images captured by the imaging device are transmitted to an external receiver via the on-board transmitter.

Figs. IC-E, are transverse cross-sectional illustrations each showing a general cross-sectional shape of distal portion 24 of trocar 21, in accordance with respective embodiments of the present invention. In Fig. 1C, portion 24 of trocar 21 is shown as being shaped to define a circular configuration. Flap 25 is shaped to define 50% of the circular configuration, i.e., 180 degrees. Fig. ID shows portion 24 shaped to define an elliptical configuration. Fig. IE shows portion 24 shaped to define a generally rectangular configuration having rounded angles in order to facilitate atraumatic insertion of portion 24 into the body cavity. It is to be noted that the shapes defined by Figs. IC-E are shown by way of illustration and not limitation, and that portion 24 may be shaped to define a variety of other shapes. It is to be further noted that body portion 22 of trocar 21 may be shaped to define any one of the configurations described with reference to Figs. IC-E.

It is also to be noted that the ratio between the size of flap 25 and portion 22 at sectional plane III is shown in Figs. IC-E by way of illustration and not limitation. For example, flap 25 may comprise up to 50% of the configurations shown. In some embodiments, flap 25 may comprise up to 75% of the configurations shown.

Reference is now made to Figs. IA-E. Figs. IA-B show trocar 21 being shaped to provide a tapered distal end 24. However, trocar 21 may also be shaped to provide a cylindrical distal end 24 (configuration not shown). It is to be noted that body portion 22 may be shaped to define a circular configuration while distal end 24 and flap 25 may be shaped to define a configuration described in any one of Figs. IC-E. In some embodiments, body portion 22 is shaped to define a configuration described in any of Figs. IC-E, while distal end 24 and flap 25 is shaped to define a circular configuration. Reference is now made to Figs. 2A-B, which are schematic illustrations of trocar 21 described hereinabove with reference to Figs. IA-B, with the exception that trocar 21 comprises first flap 25 and a second flap 27, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Flaps 25 and 27 are shown each being about 50% of a lateral wall of distal portion 24 of trocar 21. It is to be noted that the ratio between the size of flaps 25 and 27 are shown in Figs. 2A-B by way of illustration and not limitation. For example, flaps 25 and 27 may each comprise up to 50% of the lateral wall of distal portion 24 of trocar 21. In some embodiments, flap 25 may comprise up to 75% of the lateral wall of distal portion 24, while flap 27 may comprise up to 25% of the lateral wall of distal portion 24.

Figs. 3A-B show trocar 21 comprising at least one (two as shown) coupling site 30 disposed at an extracorporeal portion of body 22 of trocar 21, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. La some embodiments, coupling site 30 comprises an electrical coupling. Alternatively or additionally, coupling site 30 comprises an optical coupling. For some embodiments, coupling sites 30 facilitate coupling of external electronic devices (not shown) to trocar 21 via external wires 31. In such an embodiment, the sleeve of trocar 21 is coupled to (e.g., houses) one or more internal wires (not shown), as will be described hereinbelow. In some embodiments, the internal wires are disposed within the sleeve of trocar 21. In some embodiments, the sleeve of the trocar provides one or more secondary lumens, and the one or more internal wires are disposed within the secondary lumens.

For applications in which coupling site 30 comprises an optical coupling (e.g., for coupling thereto an optical fiber), the sleeve of trocar 21 is coupled to (e.g., houses) one or more optical fibers. In either embodiment, system 20 comprises a trocar packaging (not shown), the packaging housing trocar 21 that is preloaded with the one or more internal wires and/or the one or more optical fibers/bundles.

Typically, trocar 21 is configured for passage therethrough of at least one intracorporeal electronic device which is ultimately mechanically and electrically coupled to one of flaps 25 and 27. In such an embodiment, system 20 comprises an extracorporeal electronic device comprising a power supply which supplies power to the intracorporeal electronic device via wires 31 and the one or more internal wires disposed within the sleeve of trocar 21. For embodiments in which the intracorporeal electronic device comprises an imaging device, the extracorporeal electronic device comprises an electronic unit to condition the video signal and a monitor which displays images acquired by the imaging device. In such an embodiment, the one or more internal wires disposed within the sleeve of trocar 21 and wires 31 carry the images acquired by the imaging device to the extracorporeal electronic device. Alternatively, the imaging device transmits the images to the extracorporeal device using radiofrequency transmission.

As described hereinabove with reference to Fig. IA, a respective intracorporeal electronic device is coupled to each flap 25 and 27 once distal portion 24 of trocar 21 is inserted into the body cavity of the patient. In some embodiments, only one flap (25 or 27) is coupled to an intracorporeal device.

It is to be noted that trocar 21 may comprise one or more external coupling sites

30. For embodiments in which trocar 21 comprises only one external coupling site 30, only one wire 31 is coupled to site 30, and trocar 21 houses only one internal wire.

Alternatively, or additionally only one optical fiber is coupled to site 30, and trocar 21 in turn houses only one optical fiber.

As shown in Fig. 3B, coupling sites 30 are disposed with respect to the trocar at extracorporeal sites that are distal to valve 26. External coupling sites 30 each comprise an electrical coupling which couples a respective internal wire (not shown) thereto. Each internal wire runs within the sleeve of trocar 21 from a respective external coupling site 30, toward a respective flap 25 or 27. In such an embodiment, flaps 25 and 27 each comprise intracorporeal coupling sites (not shown) which have at least one electrical coupling. Each internal wire is configured to electrically couple a respective extracorporeal electronic device to (a) each of the intracorporeal electrical coupling sites disposed on respective flaps 25 and 27 of trocar 21, and finally to (b) a respective intracorporeal electronic device coupled to each intracorporeal coupling site. Since each internal wire is disposed within respective secondary lumens provided by the sleeve of the trocar (i.e., is not passed through the primary lumen of the trocar), there is continuous maintaining of pressure within the trocar system and surgical site.

For embodiments in which trocar 21 is preloaded with one or more optical fibers (independently of or in addition to the electrical wires), the optical fibers are disposed within the sleeve of the trocar. In such an embodiment, external coupling sites 30 as well as flaps 25 and 27 each comprise an optical coupling. It is to be noted that two wires 31 are shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B by way of illustration and not limitation. For example, for embodiments in which trocar 21 is coupled to only one intracorporeal electronic device, the sleeve of trocar 21 houses one wire 31 which electrically couples the intracorporeal electronic device to an extracorporeal electronic device.

Figs. 4A-B are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of trocar 21 comprising internal wires 32 and 33 disposed within sleeve 36 of trocar 21, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Typically, wires 32 are disposed within body portion 22 of trocar 21, while wires 33 are disposed within respective flaps 25 and 27. Sleeve 36 is substantially cylindrical and defines a primary lumen 40 of trocar 21. Typically, the lumen 40 has an effective diameter Dl of between and including 5 mm and 20 mm, e.g., 10 mm. As described hereinabove, lumen 40 may have a cross- sectional shape other than a circle, e.g., lumen may have a cross-sectional elliptical shape. Each flap 25 and 27 comprises an intracorporeal coupling site 46. In some embodiments, coupling site 46 comprises an electrical coupling which is configured to be coupled to an intracorporeal electronic device once intracorporeal portion 24 of trocar 21 is inserted into the body cavity of the patient. Alternatively or additionally, coupling site 46 comprises at least one optical coupling configured to be optically coupled to the intracorporeal electronic device. As shown, coupling sites 46 are not flush with an inner surface of lumen 40, which therefore has an effective diameter D2 (or a non-circular shape) at portion 24. Prior to insertion of portion 24 into the body cavity of the patient, an obturator is advanced through lumen 40. The obturator, in such an embodiment, may have a diameter of up to the size of diameter D2. Once the obturator creates an orifice in the abdomen of the patient, intracorporeal portion 24 of trocar 21 is inserted into the body cavity.

Once flaps 25 and 27 have been inserted into the body cavity, at least a first intracorporeal electronic device (described hereinbelow) is advanced through inner lumen 40 and is subsequently mechanically coupled to a flap 25 or 27 via coupling site 46. Typically, the electronic device is electrically coupled (via an electrical coupling at coupling site 46) to a wire disposed within sleeve 36 of trocar 21. In some embodiments, the electronic device is optically coupled (via an optical coupling at site 46) to an optical fiber disposed within sleeve 36 of trocar 21. Typically, the intracorporeal electronic device is shaped to provide a diameter of up to effective diameter Dl.

Typically, flaps 25 and 27 are coupled to body portion 22 of trocar 21 by a respective mechanical joint 42, e.g., a hinge or a pivot. Joints 42 are disposed along an identical sectional horizontal plane of trocar 21. It is to be noted that joints 42 are shown as being disposed along an identical sectional plane of trocar 21 by way of illustration and not limitation, and that joints 42 may be disposed at non-identical sectional planes of trocar 21.

Once the intracorporeal device is mechanically, optically, and/or electrically coupled to flap 25 or 27, the flap is moved (e.g., pivoted, bent, tiled) away from longitudinal axis 28 of trocar 21. The intracorporeal device is moved together with the flap, thus restoring the effective inner diameter Dl of lumen 40. Once flaps 25 and 27 are pivoted, or otherwise moved, angularly from axis 28, a surgical instrument (not shown) is advanced through lumen 40. It is to be noted that since restoring the effective diameter Dl of lumen 40, surgical instrument may be shaped to provide a diameter of up to the size of effective diameter Dl of trocar 21.

For embodiments in which the intracorporeal device comprises an imaging device, the imaging device is configured to view the surgical instrument as it emerges from within lumen 40. Typically, since the imaging device is coupled to trocar 21, the imaging device moves together with the movement of trocar 21. Thus, proper visualization of the surgical site as well as visualization and coordination of the instruments depends primarily on the movements of trocar 21 by the operating physician and not on vocal commands of the physician to an assistant.

As shown in an enlarged portion of mechanical joint 42, body portion 22 comprises an internal coupling site (having a proximal coupling 35 and a distal coupling 37) at a distal end thereof (i.e., the portion of trocar 21 at the junction between body portion 22 and flap 25). For embodiments in which trocar 21 comprises internal electrical wires 32, the couplings 35 and 37 comprise electrical couplings which electrically couple wire 32 to wire 33. For embodiments in which sleeve 36 of trocar 21 houses at least one optical fiber, the coupling site comprises at least one optical coupling. For embodiments in which sleeve 36 houses the at least one optical fiber in addition to wires 32, the coupling site comprises both at least one optical coupling as well as at least one electrical coupling.

As shown, trocar 21 comprises wires 32 which are disposed in sleeve 36 of body portion 22 of trocar 21 and wires 33 which are disposed in flap 25. Wires 32 and 33 are configured to electrically couple extracorporeal coupling site 30 to intracorporeal coupling site 46. Typically, coupling sites 30 and 46 comprise respective electrical couplings 34 and 48 (as shown), e.g., sockets and/or contacts. It is to be noted that couplings 34 and 48 are shown as comprising sockets by way of illustration and not limitation, and that coupling sites 30 and 46 may comprise electrical contacts. Typically, wires 33 are disposed within flap 25, e.g., in a secondary lumen (not shown) provided by sleeve 36, such that wires 33 pass around joint 42, as shown in the enlarged portion of joint 42 and in Fig. 4B (and more clearly in an enlarged portion of Fig. 6F, shown hereinbelow).

As shown in Fig. 4B, flap 25 comprises a plurality of wires 33. Typically, proximal ends of wires 33 are coupled to distal coupling 37 of the internal coupling site. In such an embodiment, a plurality of wires 32 are electrically coupled at distal ends thereof to the plurality of wires 33 via proximal coupling 35 of the internal coupling site. It is to be noted that the number of wires 33 are shown in Fig. 4B by way of illustration and not limitation. For example, flap 25 may comprise only one wire 33. In such an embodiment, body portion 22 may comprise only one wire 32 which is electrically coupled to wire 33.

It is to be further noted that embodiments described herein using the internal coupling site and wires 32 and 33, are shown by way of illustration and not limitation.

For example, trocar 21 may not comprise the internal coupling site and wires 33. In such an embodiment, wire 32 is configured to extend from coupling site 30 to coupling site 46.

As described hereinabove, trocar 21 may comprise at least one optical fiber (not shown) which is disposed in sleeve 36 of trocar 21 independently of or in combination with wires 32. The optical fiber optically couples extracorporeal coupling site 30 to intracorporeal coupling site 46. Typically, coupling sites 30 and 46 comprise - respective optical couplings (not shown) independently of or in combination with electrical couplings 34 and 48, respectively. Typically, the optical fiber is disposed within sleeve 36 of trocar 21, e.g., in a secondary lumen (not shown) provided by sleeve 36, such that it passes around joint 42, as described with reference to wire 32. In such an embodiment, the internal coupling site comprise an optical coupling.

Figs. 5A-D, are schematic illustrations of the trocar as described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 4A-B, with the exception that each intracorporeal coupling site

46 comprises at least one electrical contact 47, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5B shows electrical contacts 47 as round shapes. In some embodiments, contacts 47 are elliptically shaped. Fig. 5 C shows, contacts 47 having a rectangular/flat configuration, hi some embodiments, contacts 47 may be completely flush with the inner surface of sleeve 36 of trocar 21. For embodiments in which contacts 47 are flush with the inner surface of lumen 40, effective diameter Dl is maintained throughout the operational procedure.

For some embodiments in which contacts 47 are not flush with the inner surface of lumen 40 (as shown), contacts 47 are flexible. For example, contacts 47 are made flush with the inner surface of lumen 40, e.g., by being pushed on by a given instrument (Fig. 5D). In such an embodiment, effective diameter Dl is still maintained throughout the operational procedure due to the flexibility of contacts 47.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5D. An obturator 150 having a diameter of up to the size of effective diameter Dl is advanced through lumen 40 prior to the insertion of the intracorporeal portion of trocar 21 into the body cavity of the patient. As shown, due to their flexible nature, contacts 47 are pressed laterally, as obturator 150 is advanced through lumen 40 beyond contacts 47. In some embodiments, flaps 25 and 27 are shaped to define grooves, each groove is configured to house a contact 47. In such an embodiment, as obturator 150 is advanced through lumen 40 beyond contacts 47, obturator 40 pushes each contact 47 laterally into a respective groove 147.

Obturator 150 is shaped to provide a tapered distal end 152 and a puncturing element 154 at distal end 152 of obturator 150. Once puncturing element 154 creates an incision in the abdomen of the patient, distal end 152 is advanced through the incision, gradually expanding the incision, thereby creating an orifice for passage therethrough of distal end 24 and flaps 25 and 27 of trocar 21.

As described hereinabove, following insertion of distal end 24and of flaps 25 and 27 into the body cavity, at least one intracorporeal electronic device (having a diameter of up to the size of effective diameter Dl of lumen 40) is advanced through lumen 40 and is subsequently mechanically and electrically coupled (via contact 47) flap 25. As will be described hereinbelow, typically, but not necessarily, a second intracorporeal electronic device is advanced and coupled to flap 27 following the mechanical and electrical coupling of the first intracorporeal electronic device to flap 25.

Contacts 47 at flap 25 may all be coupled to a single first wire 33 and contacts 47 at flap 27 may all be coupled to a single second wire 33. First and second wires 33 are each electrically coupled to a respective wire 32 disposed within body portion 22 of trocar 21. In some embodiments, each contact 47 may be electrically coupled to a respective wire 33. In turn, each wire 33 is electrically coupled to a respective wire 32. In such an embodiment, trocar 21 comprises more than one extracorporeal electrical coupling sites 30, in accordance with the number of wires 32. Alternatively, trocar 21 comprises a single extracorporeal coupling site 30 which comprises a plurality of electrical couplings 34. Each coupling 34 couples together (1) a respective external wire 31, and (2) a respective electrical wire 32. As such, a plurality of extracorporeal electronic devices may be electrically coupled to trocar 21.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6A-P which are schematic illustrations of the advancement and coupling of at least one intracorporeal device 50 to at least one of flaps 25 and 27 of trocar 21 described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve 36 of body portion 22 of trocar 21 is shaped to provide two longitudinal grooves 160 as shown in the isometric view. Typically, grooves 160 run the length of body portion 22 in parallel with longitudinal axis 28 of trocar 21. Fig. 6 A shows the advancement of a first intracorporeal device 50 through lumen 40 of trocar 21. Typically, device 50 comprises an electronic device comprising a first electro-optic imaging device 51, comprising an imaging system 52 and an illumination source 54. In some embodiments, electro-optic imaging device 51 comprises fiber optics and/or a camera comprising a lens system and a sensor, e.g., CCD, CMOS, or other sensors known in the art). It is to be noted that any suitable device 50 may be advanced through lumen 40, e.g., a light source or a light source in combination with an electro-optic imaging device. In some embodiments, device 50 comprises a thermal camera, e.g., an infrared camera. Typically, intracorporeal device 50 is reversibly coupled to an advancement rod 56 configured to advance device 50 through lumen 40. Advancement rod 56 is typically coupled to device 50 by a mechanical coupling 58. Mechanical coupling 58 comprises a screw that is screwed into a threaded screw hole at a proximal portion of device 50. It is to be noted that mechanical coupling 58 may comprise a mechanical coupling other than a screw as shown. For example, mechanical coupling 58 may comprise a magnet, and the proximal portion of device 50 is reversibly magnetically coupled to rod 56 via magnetic coupling 58. Other mechanical couplings may be applied, e.g., reversible snap-action couplings, quarter-turn mechanisms, etc. As shown, device 50 is advanced distally (direction indicated by the arrow) through lumen 40 of trocar 21.

Figs. 6B and 6C are schematic transverse cross-sectional illustrations of a sectional horizontal plane of body 22 of trocar 21. Sleeve 36 is shaped to provide a plurality of guide grooves 38 at the inner surface of lumen 40. Guide grooves 38 are configured to facilitate accurate and stable passage therethrough of intracorporeal devices 50. In some embodiments, grooves 38 additionally provide a means for mechanically securing each device 50 to respective flaps 25 and 27. Fig. 6B shows intracorporeal device 50 comprising a first imaging device 51. Imaging device 51 is shown as having a diameter of up to the size of substantially the entire effective diameter Dl of trocar 21. It is to be noted however, that the size of imaging device 50 is shown by way of illustration and not limitation and that device 51 may have a diameter of between and including 20% and 100% of diameter Dl of trocar 21. For embodiments in which a second imaging device is advanced through lumen 40, first imaging device 51 is advanced toward distal portion 24 followed by the advancement of the second imaging device.

Fig. 6B shows device 50 being shaped to define a circular cross-section. It is to be noted that device 50 may comprise any suitable shape. For example, device 50 may be shaped to define a rectangular cross-section having a cross-sectional length of between and including 20% and 100% of diameter Dl of trocar 21. Fig. 6C shows first and second semi-circular intracorporeal devices 50 comprising a first semicircular imaging device 60 and a second semi-circular imaging device 62. Imaging devices 60 and 62 are disposed adjacently and are advanced simultaneously through lumen 40 using a respective advancement rod coupled to each imaging device. Alternatively, imaging devices 60 and 62 are advanced sequentially through lumen 40. Imaging devices 60 and 62 are advanced along guide grooves 38 until they align with flaps 25 and 27, respectively. Imaging devices 60 and 62 are then each coupled to respective flaps 25 and 27, and flaps 25 and 27 are simultaneously pivoted, or otherwise moved, angularly from axis 28 of trocar 21 in a manner as described hereinbelow. In some embodiments, flaps 25 and 27 are sequentially moved away from axis 28.

Fig. 6C shows devices^' 50 each having a maximum length (when viewed along a cross-section of trocar 21) of 50% of diameter Dl of lumen 40. It is to be noted that devices 50 may be provided in any suitable proportion. For example, device 50 coupled to flap 25 may be 60% of diameter Dl while device 50 coupled to flap 27 is 40% of diameter Dl. In some embodiments, each device 50 may have a maximum length of less than 50% of diameter Dl. Following the advancement of first imaging device 51 through lumen 40 of trocar 21, imaging device 51 is then mechanically (not shown) and electrically coupled to flap 25, as shown in Fig. 6D. In some embodiments, device 51 is mechanically coupled to flap 25 using a spring-type mechanical flexure. In some embodiments, device 51 is mechanically coupled to flap 25 using magnetic force. For embodiments in which device 50 comprises an electronic device, the electronic device comprises an electrical contact 49. Following advancement of device 50 through lumen 40, electrical contact 49 of device 50 aligns with electrical contact 47 of coupling site 46 of flap 25. It is to be noted that although device 50 is shown comprising one electrical contact 49, device 50 may comprise more than one electrical contact 49. The electrical contacts of device 50 align with the contacts 47 (contacts shown in Fig. 5B) of flap 25.

For embodiments, in which trocar 21 houses at least one optical fiber and device 50 comprises optics and/or optical fibers, the optical site is configured to align with an optical contact on device 50. In such an embodiment, the optical fiber is optically coupled to device 50, and provides a source of optical power, i.e., for illumination and/or data transfer, for device 50. For embodiments in which device 50 comprises imaging device 51, the optical fiber may provide supplemental imaging. Fig. 6E shows the decoupling of rod 56 from device 51 and the extraction of rod

56 from within lumen 40. Typically, rod 56 is decoupled from device 51 in a reverse manner by which rod 56 was originally coupled to device 51. For example, for embodiments in which mechanical coupling 58 comprises a magnet, a reverse magnetic field is applied in order to decouple the magnet of rod 56 from device 51.

Fig. 6F shows a joint actuation rod 64 being advanced distally through lumen 40 of trocar 21. The direction of the advancement is indicated by the arrow. Typically, but not necessarily, rod 64 has a diameter of up to effective diameter Dl of trocar 21. Rod 64 is shaped to provide a projection 66 at a distal end 68 thereof. As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 6F, a proximal-most portion 67 of flap 25 is shaped to define a protrusion 69. As shown in section A-A, protrusion 69 of flap 25 is disposed and protrudes entirely within groove 160, thereby not projecting into lumen 40. Since protrusion 69 does not project into lumen 40, effective diameter Dl is maintained, and any surgical instrument having a diameter of up diameter Dl may be passed through lumen 40 without being impeded by protrusion 69 of flap 25.

During the distal advancement of rod 64, projection 66 is slid along grove 160 toward protrusion 69 of flap 25. Following the distal advancement of rod 64, projection 66 of rod 64 abuts protrusion 69 of flap 25 (Fig. 6G). As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 6G, projection 66 of rod 64 is disposed proximally to protrusion 69 of flap 25.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6F-G. A distal-most end of body portion 22 of trocar 21 (i.e., the portion of trocar 21 at the junction between body portion 22 and flap 25) is shaped to define a securing groove 74. Proximal-most portion 67 of flap 25 is shaped to provide resilient projections, or cogs, 77, 78, and 79. During the insertion of flaps 25 and 27 into the body cavity, flaps 25 and 27 are aligned in parallel with axis 28. When aligned with axis 28, projection 77 is disposed within securing groove 74, thereby securing in place flap 25.

Fig. 6H is a schematic illustration of joint actuation rod 64 being pushed distally in order to move flap 25. In response to the distal pushing of rod 64 (direction indicated by the arrow), projection 66 of rod 64 pushes protrusion 69 of flap 25 distally such that flap 25 is moved, e.g., pivoted or rotated. Flap 25 is moved according to mechanical joint 42, angularly from axis 28 of trocar 21. As shown in the enlarged portion of the figure, projection 77 is displaced from within securing groove 74 in response to rotational force applied to flap 25 during the moving thereof. Additionally, proximal end 67 of flap 25 is shaped to provide a slit 76 surrounding mechanical joint 42, at least in part. Slit 76 is disposed in an area between joint 42 and projections 77, 78, and 79. Slit 76 provides the joint area with malleability, flexibility and resilience, such that when the rotational force is applied, the portion of flap 25 disposed between slit 76 and projections 77, 78, and 79 is slightly conformed by being compressed toward joint 42. Projection 77 is, in turn, conformed and subsequently displaced from within groove 74, in response to additional rotational force applied by continued distal pushing of protrusion 69 of flap 25 by projection 66 of joint actuation rod 64.

Following the continued distal pushing of protrusion 69 by projection 66 of joint actuation rod 64, projection 79 is rotated into groove 74 (in a manner described hereinabove), and flap 25 is maintained thereby at a maximal angle with respect to axis 28. It is to be noted that flap 25 may be maintained at various angles intermediate the maximal angle (Fig. 6H) and the closed configuration shown in Fig. 6F. Projection 78 maintains flap 25 at an angle (with respect to axis 28) intermediate the angles maintained by projections 77 and 79. For example, when projection 78 is disposed within securing groove 74, flap 25 is maintained at a more acute angle than when projection 79 is disposed within groove 74. Typically, flap 25 is maintained at angles ranging between 20 and 90 degrees, e.g., between 45 and 85 degrees with respect to axis 28. It is to be further noted that the number of projections shown herein is by way of illustration and not limitation, and that proximal end 67 of flap 25 may comprise any suitable number of projections, e.g., 2-10 projections.

As shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 6H, wire 33 is bent around joint 42 in coordination with the bending (or otherwise moving) of flap 25.

It is to be noted that the scope of the present invention includes the use of a single system which is configured for the advancement of intracorporeal device 50 through lumen 40, subsequent coupling of intracorporeal device 50 to flap 25, and actuation of joint 42. For some applications, joint actuation rod 64 is not used to actuate joint 42, rather, trocar 21 comprises at least one joint-actuation control wire (not shown), e.g., a wire that is metallic or non-metallic, slidably disposed within a secondary lumen of sleeve 36. Sleeve 36 is shaped to provide a secondary lumen for housing the joint actuation control wire. For embodiments in which trocar 21 comprises flaps 25 and 27, a respective joint actuation control wire is coupled to each joint 42 of flaps 25 and 27.

Typically, a distal end of the joint-actuation control wire is mechanically coupled to proximal end 67 of flap 25, while a proximal end of the control wire exits trocar 21 at an extracorporeal portion thereof. Once distal end 24 and flaps 25 and 27 are inserted into the body cavity, the operating physician applies a pushing force or pulling force on the proximal end of the joint-actuation control wire in order to actuate joint 42. Joint 42 is rotated, and the flap coupled to joint 42 is moved angularly from axis 28 in response to the pulling of the control wire. Subsequent pushing of the control wire restores the flap to its original position, i.e., in parallel with axis 28.

Fig. 61 is a schematic illustration of joint actuation rod 64 being extracted from within lumen 40. Once flap 25 is moved angularly from axis 25, rod 64 rotated so that projection 66 is not disposed distally to and in alignment with protrusion 69 of flap 25, and rod 64 is pulled and removed from within trocar 21.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6J-P, which are schematic illustrations of the advancement and coupling of a second intracorporeal device 50 to flap 27 of trocar 21, as described hereinabove with reference to the advancement and coupling of first intracorporeal device 50 described in Figs. 6A-I, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6J₅ once flap 25 has been pivoted, or otherwise moved, away from axis 28 of trocar 21, the effective diameter Dl of lumen 40 is restored. Typically, second intracorporeal device 50 comprises a second electronic device comprising an electro-optic imaging device 70, comprising an imaging system 52 and an illumination source 54. In some embodiments, electro-optic imaging device 70 comprises fiber optics and/or a camera comprising a lens system and a sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS, or other sensors known in the art). It is to be noted that any suitable device 50 may be advanced through lumen 40, e.g., a light source or a light source in combination with an electro-optic imaging device. In some embodiments, device 50 comprises a thermal camera, e.g., an infrared camera. -As shown, device 50 is advanced distally (direction indicated by the arrow) through lumen 40, as described hereinabove with reference to the advancement of first intracorporeal device 50 through lumen 40 (Fig. 6A). Typically, second intracorporeal device 50 comprises imaging device 70.

Imaging device 70 is shown as having a diameter of up to the size of substantially the entire effective diameter Dl of trocar 21. It is to be noted however, that the size of imaging device 70 is shown by way of illustration and not limitation and that device 70 may have a diameter of between 20% and 100% of diameter D 1 of trocar 21.

Fig. 6K shows device 70 being mechanically and electrically coupled to flap 27 of trocar 21, in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to the coupling of device 51 to flap 25 (Fig. 6D).

Reference is now made to Fig. 6L. Once device 70 has been coupled to flap 27, advancement rod 56 is decoupled from device 70, in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to the decoupling of rod 56 from device 51 (Fig. 6E).

It is to be noted that flap 27 is also shaped to provide a protrusion 69 at proximal-most end 67 thereof. Proximal-most portion 67 of flap 27 is shaped to provide projections 77, 78, and 79. It is also to be noted that distal-most end of body portion 22 of trocar 21 (i.e., the portion of trocar 21 at the junction between body portion 22 and flap 27) is shaped to define a securing groove 74. As such, figs. 6M-P are schematic illustrations of the movement of flap 27 away from axis 28 of trocar 21, in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to the movement of flap 25 away from axis 28 (Figs. 6F-I). As shown in Fig. 6P, effective diameter Dl is restored in lumen 40 once flap 27 is deployed pivoting device 70 away from axis 28.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7 A, which is a schematic illustration of trocar 21 described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 6 A, with the exception that joints 42 are disposed on different cross-sectional horizontal planes of trocar 21, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For embodiments in which imaging devices 51 and 70 comprise similar field-of-view capabilities, coupling devices 51 and 70 to flaps 25 and 27, respectively, will facilitate varying perspectives for each device 51 and 70. For embodiments in which imaging devices 51 and 70 comprise different field-of- view capabilities, flaps 25 and 27 facilitate viewing of different perspectives for each device 51 and 70. Typically, joint 42 of flap 25 is disposed with respect to joint 42 of flap 27 at a distance D3 of between and including 10 mm and 50 mm. Typically, a ratio of distance D3 and diameter Dl of lumen 40 is between 0.5:1 and 10:1. Figs. 7B and 7C are schematic transverse cross-sectional illustrations of a sectional horizontal plane of body 22 of trocar 21, in accordance with respective embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7B shows intracorporeal device 50 comprising a first imaging device 51. Imaging device 51 has a diameter of up to the size of substantially the entire effective diameter Dl of trocar 21. It is to be noted however, that the size of imaging device 51 is shown by way of illustration and not limitation and that device 51 may have a diameter of between 20% and 100% of diameter Dl of trocar 21. For embodiments in which a second imaging device is advanced through lumen 40, first imaging device 51 and the second imaging device are advanced sequentially, during respective advancements thereof, through lumen 40.

Fig. 7B shows device 50 being shaped to define a circular cross-section. It is to be noted that device 50 may comprise any suitable shape. For example, device 50 may be shaped to define a rectangular cross-section having a cross-sectional length of between and including 20% and 100% of diameter Dl of trocar 21. Fig. 7C shows first and second semi-circular intracorporeal devices 50 comprising a first semicircular imaging device 60 and a second semi-circular imaging device 62, as described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 6C.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7D, which is a schematic illustration of trocar 21 following deployment of flaps 25 and 27 via their respective joints 42 that are disposed at different sectional planes of trocar 21, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Once flaps 25 and 27 are moved angularly with respect to axis 28, effective diameter Dl is restored, and a surgical instrument, having a diameter of up to the size of diameter Dl, is advanced through lumen 40, as will be described hereinbelow. Figs. 8A-B are schematic illustrations of system 20 comprising trocar 21 and at least one surgical instrument 80 advanced therethrough and toward a surgical site 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Distal intracorporeal portion 24 along with flaps 25 and 27 are inserted through an abdomen 90 of the patient. Flaps 25 and 27 are deployed in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 6A-P. Surgical instrument 80 is shown as comprising a laparoscopic • grasper 82, although it is to be noted that other laparoscopic tools (e.g., a retractor, a suction tool, an irrigation, forceps, suture needles, and other such tools known in the art) may be inserted through trocar 20. In some embodiments, instrument 80 comprises an ultrasound transducer.

Typically, but not necessarily, instrument 80 has a diameter of effective diameter Dl of lumen 40 of trocar 21. For an embodiment in which effective inner diameter Dl of the lumen 40 of trocar 21 is 10 mm, surgical instrument 80 passed through the lumen (when free of the electronic devices) can have a diameter of up to 10 mm. It is to be noted that the 10 mm diameter of lumen 40 is provided by way of example and not limitation, and that diameter Dl of lumen 40 is not restricted to 10 mm. For example, lumen 40 may have any diameter of 5-20 mm. For some applications, instrument 80 has a diameter of less than diameter Dl of lumen 40. A supplemental tool (e.g., a retractor, a suction tool, an irrigation, forceps, suture needles, and other such tools known in the art) may be passed through lumen 40 alongside tool 80 (embodiment not shown). For example, for embodiments in which . instrument 80 has a cross-sectional length or diameter of up to 50% of lumen 40, the supplemental tool has a cross-sectional length or diameter of up to 50% of lumen 40. In such an embodiment, valve 26 comprises a bi-valve system configured for airtight passage into the body cavity of tool 80 and the supplemental tool through lumen 40. Alternatively, a suitable number of valves may be coupled to trocar 21 in accordance with the number of tools advanced through lumen 40. In some embodiments of the present invention, trocar 21 is shaped to provide primary lumen 40 and at least one secondary lumen (not shown). In such an embodiment, a primary surgical instrument is advanced through primary lumen 40 toward surgical site 120, while the supplemental tool is advanced through the secondary lumen toward surgical site 120. In such an embodiment, valve 26 comprises a suitable number of valves per number of lumens of trocar 21. hi some embodiments, the extracorporeal portion of trocar 21 comprises a suitable number of ports per number of secondary lumens of trocar 21. In such an embodiment, each secondary lumen is accessible by a respective port.

In some embodiments, the secondary lumen is disposed within sleeve 36 of trocar 21. In such an embodiment, the port and/or valve in communication with the secondary lumen is disposed with respect to trocar 21 in the general vicinity of external coupling site 30. In an embodiment, the port and/or valve is configured for passage therethrough of the surgical instrument while maintaining air-tight conditions of the both trocar and the surgical site.

As shown in Fig. 8A, imaging devices 51 and 70 comprise similar field-of-view capabilities. For some applications, device 51 and 70 provide different perspective views of the surgical site. Alternatively, imaging devices 51 and 70 comprise different field-of-view capabilities as shown in Fig. 8B. In such an embodiment, the different field-of-view capabilities offer different perspectives and/or angles of view of surgical site 120 by enabling one of the imaging devices (e.g., device 51) to view surgical site 120 in fine detail while the other imaging device (e.g., device 70) views a larger area around the surgical site, and from a different angle. Imaging system 52 of imaging device 51 views optical field 100 of site 120, while illumination source 54 illuminates field 100. Similarly, imaging system 52 of imaging device 70 views optical field 110 of site 120, while illumination source 54 illuminates field 110.

Typically, imaging devices 51 and 70 comprise an on-board cleaning/defogging device (not shown). The device is configured to clean any object from imaging system 52 and/or illumination source 54, typically, but not necessarily using heating.

In some embodiments, imaging devices 51 and 70 are configured to provide varying zoom capabilities.

Imaging devices 51 and 70 transmit, e.g., wirelessly or via wires 32 and 33 disposed within trocar 21, an image of fields 100 and/or 110, respectively, to at least one monitor disposed at an extracorporeal location. Typically, the images acquired by either device 51 and/or 70 are transmitted to one monitor which displays the images to the physician.

An electronic unit is typically, but not necessarily, electrically coupled to both trocar 21 and to the display. The electronic unit drives the monitor to display the image acquired by device 51 adjacently to the image acquire by device 70. In some embodiments, the physician can remotely actuate the electronic unit to display a preferred image from either device 51 or 70. The selected image may be displayed in an enlarged view in place of the non-selected image. In some embodiments, the electronic unit is configured to drive the monitor to fuse the images acquired by devices

51 and 70. In such an embodiment, the physician is able to remotely visualize both fields-of-view 100 and 110. In some embodiments, imaging devices 51 and 70 are each configured to facilitate imaging using different wavelength bands (e.g., a visual band in combination with an infrared band, or a visual band in combination with ultraviolet band, or an infrared band in combination with an ultraviolet band, etc). Images at the various wavelength bands are collected simultaneously to facilitate image data fusion for enhanced visualization and diagnostic capabilities.

In some embodiments, one or more monitors are used. For embodiments in which two imaging device 51 and 70 are coupled to trocar 21, a first monitor displays the image acquired by imaging device 51, while a second monitor displays the image acquired by imaging device 70.

It should be noted that any monitor (e.g., LCD monitor, plasma-type monitor, electron-gun monitor, head-mounted display, etc.) known in the art may be used.

Reference is now made to Figs. 9A-G, which are schematic illustrations of the decoupling and extraction from within lumen 40 of intracorporeal devices 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 A shows deployed flaps 25 and 27 (both connected to respective intracorporeal devices 50) and joint actuation rod 64 being advanced through lumen 40 of trocar 21. The direction of the advancement is indicated by straight arrow 2. Projection 66 of rod 64 is advanced along groove 160 toward joint 42 of flap 27. Rod 64 is rotated (as indicated by arrow 1), e.g., 15 degrees, such that projection 66 of rod 64 moves within groove 160 such that it is not in alignment with protrusion 69 of flap 27.

Reference is now made to Fig. 9B. Once distal portion 68 of rod 64 is advanced distally to protrusion 69 of flap 27, rod 64 is rotated again (e.g., 15 degrees in counter- rotation to the rotation described in Fig. 9A) such that projection 66 of rod 64 moves within groove 160 such that it is in alignment with protrusion 69 of flap 27, as shown in section A-A of Fig. 9B. As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 9B, projection 79 is disposed within securing groove 74 of body portion 22 of trocar 21, thereby securing in place the deployed configuration of flap 27.

As shown in Figs. 9C-D, rod 64 is pulled proximally (in the direction indicated by arrow 2) such that projection 66 of rod 64 abuts protrusion 69 of flap 27. In response to the proximal pulling of rod 64, projection 66 of rod 64 pushes protrusion 69 of flap 27 proximally such that flap 27 is moved, e.g., pivoted or rotated. Flap 27 is moved via mechanical joint 42, angularly toward axis 28 such that flap 27 is restored to its original configuration, i.e., parallel with respect to axis 28.

As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 9C, projection 79 is displaced from within securing groove 74 in response to rotational force applied to flap 27 during the moving thereof. This displacement is additionally facilitated by slit 76 surrounding joint 42 at proximal end 67 of flap 27. Slit 76 is configured to provide the area between joint 42 and projections 77-79 with malleability, flexibility and resilience, such that when the rotational force is applied to flap 27, the area between slit 76 and projections

77, 78, and 79 is slightly conformed by being compressed toward joint 42. Projection 79 is, in turn, conformed and displaced from within groove 74 in response to additional rotational force applied by continued proximal pulling of protrusion 69 by projection

66 of joint actuation rod 64.

Following continued proximal pulling rod 64, projection 77 is. ultimately returned to securing groove 74 (as shown in the enlargement of Fig. 9C) and flap 27 is once again secured in place and aligned in parallel with axis 28. Rod 64 is once again rotated (e.g., 15 degrees, as shown in section A-A) in the direction as indicated by arrow 1 so that projection 66 of rod 64 is moved within groove 160 such that it is in alignment with protrusion 69 of flap 27. Once rotated, rod 64 is then pulled upward in the direction as indicated by arrow 2. Reference is now made to Fig. 9D which shows rod 64 being pulled from within lumen 40 of trocar 21 in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Figs. 9E-F show advancement of rod 56 toward device 70 (direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 9E) and subsequent coupling of rod 56 to device 70 (Fig. 9F). Rod 56 is mechanically coupled to device 70 as described hereinabove with reference to the coupling of rod 56 to device 51 (described in Fig. 6A). Mechanical coupling 58, shown comprising a screw by way of illustration and not limitation, is screwed into a threaded screw hole in device 70 by rotating rod 56 in the direction indicated by arrow 1 in Fig. 9F.

Device 70 is then mechanically and electrically decoupled from flap 27 in a reverse manner with respect to the mechanical and electrical coupling of device 70 to flap 27 (described with reference to Fig. 6K which describes the coupling of device 70 with respect to the coupling of device 50 to flap 25 in that is described with reference to Fig. 6D).

Reference is now made to Fig. 9G. Once second intracorporeal device 50 is decoupled from flap 27, rod 56 is pulled proximally (in the direction as indicated by the arrow), thereby removing device 50 from within trocar 21.

The decoupling of device 51 from flap 25 is accomplished according to the procedure described with respect the decoupling of device 70 from flap 27 in Figs. 9A- G.

Flaps 25 and 27 are restored to their original configuration (i.e., aligned in parallel with axis 28) following a laparoscopic surgical procedure. Once both flaps 25 and 27 have been restored to their original configuration, trocar 21 is pulled in order to extract the intracorporeal portion of trocar 21 from within the body cavity of the patient.

Figs. 10A-E show a system 121 comprising joint actuation rod 64 and advancement rod 56 which are used, during a single, simultaneous advancement thereof through lumen 40, to facilitate (a) coupling of an intracorporeal device 50 to a flap, and

(b) subsequent moving of the flap away from axis 28, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1OA shows joint actuation rod 64 (as described hereinabove) shaped to define a lumen 71 for slidable advancement therethrough of advancement rod 56. Rod 56 is disposed within lumen 71 such that a distal end of rod 56 is disposed distally to the distal end of rod 64. Prior to advancement, device 50 is coupled to advancement rod 56 via mechanical coupling 58, in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 6A.

Fig. 1OB shows joint actuation rod providing an annular groove 61 which houses an o-ring 63. The mechanical stress at the contacting surface of o-ring 63 firmly couples together rod 64 and rod 56 and prevents the escaping of fluids and/or gas from the abdomen through lumen 71 of rod 56. In a resting state, o-ring 63 (a) maintains a distance between the distal end of rod 56 and the distal end of rod 64 and

(b) provides sufficient mechanical stress at its contact surface in order to restrict distal movement of rod 56 which would otherwise enlarge the distance between the distal end of rod 56 and the distal end of rod 64. Reference is now made to Figs. lOB-C. Fig. 1OB shows rod 64 shaped to define a structure 65 which facilitates application of force to rod 64. Similarly, advancement rod 56 is shaped to define a structure 59 which facilitates application of force to rod 56. As shown in Fig. 1OC, once device 50 is coupled to flap 25, advancement rod 56 is rotated within lumen 71 in the direction as indicated by arrow 1 in order to decouple device 50 therefrom. Rod 56 is then pulled distally by pulling on structure 59. In order to overcome the mechanical stress of o-ring 63 on rod 56, structure 59 is pulled while holding in place structure 65 of rod 64.

Fig. 1OD shows the movement of flap 25 away from axis in response to continued distal advancement of rod 64, in the direction as indicated by the arrow and in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 6G-H.

Following the movement of flap 25, rods 56 and 64 are simultaneously pulled from within lumen 40 of trocar 21 (Fig. 10E). Flap 27 is later coupled to a second intracorporeal device and moved away from axis 28, in a manner similar to that described with reference to Figs. 10A-E with respect to the coupling of device 50 to flap 25 and the subsequent moving of flap 25 away from axis 28.

It is to be noted that joints 42 of flaps 25 and 27 are disposed at similar cross- sectional planes of trocar 21 by way of illustration and not limitation, and that joints 42 may be disposed at different cross-sectional planes, as described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 7A-D.

Fig. 11 shows joints 42 of flaps 25 and 27 being disposed at different cross- sectional planes of trocar 21 at a distance D4 between the planes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Typically, distance D4 is between and including 10 mm and 50 mm. Typically, a ratio of distance D4 and diameter Dl of lumen 40 is between 0.5:1 and 10:1.

Following the advancement and coupling of intracorporeal devices 50 to flaps 25 and 27 and following the subsequent surgical procedure, flaps 25 and 27 are closed and returned to their original configuration (i.e., parallel with respect to axis 28) without having to decouple intracorporeal devices 50 therefrom. Distance D4 accommodates for the height of the intracorporeal device that is coupled to flap 27, thereby allowing it to be disposed proximally to the device coupled to flap 25 once flaps 25 and 27 are closed. Typically, flaps 25 and 27 are closed when, following the surgical procedure, the physician pulls trocar 21 proximally and the force of the abdomen on flaps 25 and 27 pushes closed flaps 25 and 27.

Figs. 12A-D show a system 125 comprising a joint actuation rod 164 having a first projection 166 and a second projection 167, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Prior to being advanced into the body cavity of the patient, flaps

25 and 27 of trocar 21 are coupled to respective intracorporeal devices 50. Distal portion 24 and flaps 25 and 27 are introduced within the body cavity in the configuration shown in Fig. 12 A. As shown, joints 42 of flaps 25 and 27 are disposed at respective cross-sectional planes of trocar 21, as described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 11. Thus, device 50 coupled to flap 27 is disposed proximally with respect to device 50 coupled to flap 25.

Fig. 12B shows joint actuation rod 164 being advanced distally toward flaps.25 and 27 in the direction as indicated by the arrow. As rod 164 is advanced, projections 166 and 167 are slid along respective longitudinal grooves (not shown for clarity of illustration) within sleeve 36 of trocar 21. Flap 27 is moved away from axis 28 when projection 167 of rod 164 pushes on the protrusion of flap 27 (in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 6N-O).

Without having to rotate rod 164, it is further pushed distally (Fig. 12C), such that projection 166 of rod 164 moves flap away from axis 28 by pushing the protrusion of flap 25 (in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 6G-H).

Following the moving of flaps 25 and 27, rod 164 is rotated (as indicated by arrow 1), e.g., 15 degrees, such that projections 166 and 167 of rod 164 move within their respective grooves (not shown for clarity of illustration) such that they are not in alignment with the protrusions flaps 25 and 27, respectively, and thus rod 164 is able to be extracted from trocar 21 without being impeded by the protrusions of flaps 25 and

27.

Fig. 12D shows the extraction of system 125 from within the body cavity of the patient. Following the surgical procedure within the body cavity, flaps 25 and 27 are closed and returned to their original configuration (i.e., parallel with respect to axis 28) without having to decouple intracorporeal devices 50 therefrom. In order to close flaps

25 and 27, the physician pulls on trocar 21, as indicated by arrows 1, and in doing so, brings flaps 25 and 27 closed to an inner wall 92 of abdomen 90. In response to continued pulling of trocar 21, flaps 25 and 27 abut against inner wall 92 and are pushed closed responsively to the force abdomen 90 exerts on flaps 25 and 27 in response to the continued distal pulling of trocar 21. The positions of joints 42 at respective cross-sectional planes of trocar 21 allows device 50 coupled to flap 27 to be disposed proximally to device 50 coupled to flap 25 once flaps 25 and 27 are closed. Trocar system 125 is then extracted from the body cavity of the patient.

It is to be noted that sleeve 36 of any one of trocars 21 descried hereinabove with reference to Figs. 1A-12D may also be shaped to not provide grooves 160. In such an embodiment, protrusions 69 of flaps 25 and 27 protrude into lumen 40 of trocar 21.

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A-D, 10A-E, 11, and 12A-D. It is to be noted that trocars 21 described with respect to the referenced figures may also be shaped to define one or more longitudinal grooves (as described hereinabove with respect to longitudinal grooves 160 of trocar 21 described herein with reference to Figs. 6A-P).

It is to be noted that embodiments described herein with reference to Figs. 8A-B may be applied using any of the trocars described with reference to Figs. 1 A-7D and 9A-12D. It is to be additionally noted that the scope of the present invention includes the use of system 20 for procedures other than laparoscopy. For example, system 20 may be used for cystoscopy.

It is to be yet additionally noted that the scope of the present invention includes the use of any intracorporeal device other than electronic intracorporeal, and specifically those electronic intracorporeal devices described herein. In such an embodiment, trocar 21 is provided independently of the internal wires described herein.

It is to be further noted that the scope of the present invention includes the use of any number of flaps coupled to trocar 21 and that the scope of the present invention is not limited to a trocar comprising exactly one or two flaps. It is to be yet further noted that techniques described herein may be practiced in combination with tubular instruments other than trocars. For example, techniques described herein may be used in combination with any industrial instrument utilized to supply imaging, manipulation, and any other similar operational capabilities inside closed cavities of industrial or scientific equipment.

For some applications, techniques described herein are practiced in combination with techniques described in one or more of the references cited in the Background and Cross-references sections of the present patent application, which are incorporated herein by reference.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description..

Claims

1. Apparatus, comprising: a trocar comprising: a body portion having at least a primary lumen, and at least one flap at a distal portion of the trocar, the flap configured to: at a first time, be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the trocar, and at a second time, be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, during the second time, the flap is configured to be disposed at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, during the second time, the flap is configured to be disposed at an angle between 45 degrees and 85 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising at least one control wire coupled at a distal end thereof to the flap, the wire being configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control wire comprises a wire selected from the group consisting of: a metallic wire, and a non-metallic wire.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the body portion is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and wherein the control wire is disposed at least in part within the channel.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: a proximal end of the control wire is disposed at a site external to the body portion of the trocar, and the control wire is configured to facilitate moving of the flap in response to displacement of the proximal end of the control wire.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: the proximal end of the control wire is configured to be pulled, and the control wire is configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar in response to the pulling of the proximal end of the control wire.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the trocar comprises a mechanical element configured to couple the flap to the body portion and to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical element comprises an element selected from the group consisting of: a joint, a hinge, and a pivot.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical element is shaped to provide at least one protrusion, the protrusion of the mechanical element being configured to facilitate moving of the flap.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a first rod configured for passage through the primary lumen of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the rod is shaped to provide a projection at a distal end thereof, the projection of the rod being configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar by pushing the protrusion of the mechanical element.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the protrusion of the mechanical element is configured to protrude at least in part within the primary lumen of the trocar.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the body portion is shaped to define a sleeve defining the primary lumen of the trocar, the sleeve having at least one longitudinal groove at an inner surface of the sleeve.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the protrusion of the mechanical element is disposed within the at least one groove, and wherein the projection of the rod is configured to be advanced along the at least one groove toward the protrusion of the mechanical element.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising at least a first electronic device, wherein prior to the second time, the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen and to be coupled to the flap, and wherein: the apparatus further comprises a second rod configured to facilitate advancement of the electronic device toward the flap, and the first rod is shaped to define a longitudinal lumen configured to provide slidable displacement therein of the second rod.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first and second rods are configured for simultaneous advancement through the primary lumen of the trocar, while the second rod is within the longitudinal lumen of the first rod.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second rod is configured to facilitate advancement and coupling of the electronic device to the flap, and wherein, subsequently to the coupling of the electronic device to the flap, the first rod is configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

20. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising an o-ring, wherein the o-ring is configured to couple the first rod to the second rod.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein: the first rod is shaped to provide a housing in a vicinity of the longitudinal lumen thereof, the o-ring is configured to be disposed within the housing, and the o-ring is configured to surround the second rod.

22. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: the body portion is shaped to provide a securing groove, a proximal portion of the flap is shaped to provide at least a first projection of the flap, and the first projection of the flap is configured to secure an alignment of the flap with the longitudinal axis by being disposed within the securing groove during the first time.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the proximal portion of the flap is shaped to provide a second projection which is configured to secure a position of the flap during the second time, and wherein the position of the flap during the second time is at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein prior to the second time, the second projection of the flap is configured to replace the first projection of the flap within the securing groove.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second time.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter thereof, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter of less than the diameter of the primary lumen.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

29. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of less than 15 mm.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising at least a first electronic device, wherein prior to the second time, the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen and to be coupled to the flap.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the first electronic device comprises an on-board power source.

33. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the apparatus comprises a receiver, and wherein the first electronic device comprises a wireless transmitter configured to transmit data from the first electronic device to the receiver.

34. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the first electronic device comprises a receiver configured to receive data from a transmitter.

35. The apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising a surgical instrument configured for advancement through the primary lumen of the trocar prior to the second time.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the surgical instrument is configured for advancement through the primary lumen of the trocar prior to the advancement of the first electronic device.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the surgical instrument comprises an obturator.

38. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter of less than the diameter of the primary lumen.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

40. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

41. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

42. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

43. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the first electronic device is configured to be mechanically coupled to the flap.

44. The apparatus according to claim 43, further comprising an advancement rod configured to facilitate advancement of the first electronic device toward the flap.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the advancement rod is configured to be removably coupled to the first electronic device.

46. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the advancement rod is configured to facilitate coupling of the electronic device to the flap.

47. The apparatus according to claim , 44, wherein the advancement rod is configured to facilitate decoupling of the electronic device from the flap.

48. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the trocar comprises at least one mechanical element configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the mechanical element comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a joint, a pivot, and a hinge.

50. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the mechanical element comprises a gear, and wherein the gear comprises at least one cog.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the advancement rod comprises a gear comprising at least one cog, the gear of the rod disposed at a site along the rod, and wherein following the advancement and coupling of the first electronic device to the flap, the gear of the rod aligns with the gear of the mechanical element of the trocar.

52. The apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the body portion of the trocar is shaped to provide a longitudinal slit, and wherein during advancement of the advancement rod through the primary lumen, the slit is configured to facilitate passage therethrough of the cog of the gear of the advancement rod.

53. The apparatus according to claim 51, wherein prior to the second time, the gear of the advancement rod is configured to be actuated, and in response to the actuation, the gear of the advancement rod is configured to move the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar by actuating the gear of the mechanical element of the trocar.

54. The apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the advancement rod comprises a screw at a distal end thereof, and wherein the first electronic device is shaped to define a screw hole, the screw being configured to be screwed into the screw hole prior to advancement of the first electronic device through the primary lumen.

55. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein following the advancement and coupling of the first electronic device to the flap, the advancement rod is rotatable, and wherein in response to the rotation: the rod is configured to be unscrewed from the first electronic device, the gear of the rod actuates the gear of the mechanical element, and the flap and the electronic device coupled thereto are configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

56. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the electronic device comprises an imaging device.

57. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the imaging device comprises a heating element.

58. The apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the imaging device comprises at least one lens, and wherein the heating element is configured to clean the at least one lens by heating the lens.

59. The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the imaging device comprises a camera and an illumination source.

60. The apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the camera comprises a camera selected from the group consisting of: an infrared camera, a CCD camera, and a CMOS camera.

61. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising at least a first coupling site disposed at the flap and configured to couple the first electronic device to the flap.

62. The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the body portion is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and wherein the first coupling site is disposed at least in part within the channel.

63. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the at least a first coupling site comprises at least one optical coupling.

64. The apparatus according to claim 63, further comprising at least one optical fiber coupled to the optical coupling, wherein the optical fiber is disposed, at least in part, within the channel.

65. The apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the optical fiber is configured to be optically coupled to the first electronic device.

66. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the optical fiber is configured to provide illumination for the first electronic device.

67. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the optical fiber is configured to supply power to the first electronic device.

68. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the first coupling site comprises at least one electrical coupling configured to electrically couple the first electronic device to the flap.

69. The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein the electrical coupling comprises an electrical contact.

70. The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein the electrical coupling comprises a power supply configured to supply power to the first electronic device.

71. The apparatus according to claim 68, further comprising at least one electrical wire, wherein the electrical wire is disposed at least in part within the channel.

72. The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein the first electrical coupling comprises an outlet configured to electrically couple the first electronic device to the flap.

73. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the outlet is configured to mechanically couple the first electronic device to the flap.

74. The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein: the distal portion of the trocar comprises an intracorporeal portion of the trocar, and a proximal portion of the trocar comprises an extracorporeal portion of the trocar, the trocar further comprises a second coupling site, and the first coupling site is disposed at the intracorporeal portion of the trocar and the second coupling site is disposed at the extracorporeal portion of the trocar.

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein the body portion is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and wherein the second coupling site is disposed at least in part within the channel.

76. The apparatus according to claim 75, further comprising at least one extracorporeal electronic device, wherein the second coupling site comprises at least one electrical coupling configured to couple the extracorporeal electronic device to the trocar.

77. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the electrical coupling comprises an electrical contact.

78. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the second electrical coupling comprises an electrical outlet.

79. The apparatus according to claim 76, further comprising at least one wire configured to be disposed at least in part within the channel.

80. The apparatus according to claim 79, wherein the first coupling site comprises at least one electrical coupling, and wherein at least a portion of the wire extends between the first and second electrical couplings.

81. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the wire is shaped to provide a first end, a second end, and a portion between the first and second ends, wherein the apparatus further comprises an extracorporeal electronic device, and wherein: the first end of the wire is electrically coupled to the extracorporeal electronic device, the portion of the wire is disposed within the channel, and the second end of the wire is electrically coupled to the first electrical coupling.

82. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the extracorporeal electronic device comprises an external power supply configured to supply power to the first electronic device.

83. The apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the first electronic device comprises an imaging device, and wherein the extracorporeal electronic device comprises a monitor configured to display an image captured by the imaging device.

84. The apparatus according to claim 83, wherein the wire is configured to carry the image from the imaging device to the display.

85. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a second flap, and wherein the trocar comprises: the second flap, a first mechanical element configured to couple the first flap to the body portion of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the first flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and a second mechanical element configured to couple the second flap to the body portion of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the second flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

86. The apparatus according to claim 85, wherein the first mechanical element is disposed at a first sectional plane of the trocar and the second mechanical element is disposed at a second sectional plane of the trocar.

87. The apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the first and second planes are separated by a distance of between 10 mm and 50 mm.

88. The apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar has a diameter thereof, and wherein a ratio of a distance between the first and second planes to the diameter of the primary lumen of the trocar is between 0.5:1 and 10:1.

89. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the diameter is 5-20 mm, and wherein the distance is between 10 mm and 50 mm.

90. The apparatus according to claim 85, further comprising at least a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein: the first electronic device is configured to be coupled to the first flap, and the second electronic device is configured to be coupled to the second flap.

91. The apparatus according to claim 90, wherein during a first period, the trocar and the first and second electronic devices are configured for advancement in tissue of a patient, and during a second period, subsequently to the advancement, the first and second flaps are configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar

92. The apparatus according to claim 85, further comprising at least first and second electronic devices, wherein: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap.

93. The apparatus according to claim 92, wherein the first and second mechanical elements are disposed with respect to the trocar at a generally similar sectional plane of the trocar.

94. The apparatus according to claim 93, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the first electronic device to the first flap, the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar; and during a second period: 001432 the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the second flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the second electronic device to the second flap, the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

95. The apparatus according to claim 94, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be passed through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

96. The apparatus according to claim 93, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the second flap of the trocar; and during a second period: the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

97. The apparatus according to claim 96, wherein, during the first period, the first and second electronic devices are simultaneously advanceable adjacently to one another in the primary lumen of the trocar.

98. The apparatus according to claim 92, wherein the first mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a first sectional plane of the trocar, and wherein the second mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a second sectional plane of the trocar.

99. The apparatus according to claim 98, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and 1432

subsequently to the coupling of the first electronic device to the first flap, the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar; and during a second period: the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar, and coupled to the second flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the second electronic device to the second flap, the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

100. The apparatus according to claim 99, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be passed through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

101. The apparatus according to claim 98, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap of the trocar; and during a second period: the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

102. The apparatus according to claim 101, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be passed through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

103. The apparatus according to claim 101, wherein the first and second flaps are configured to be simultaneously moved.

104. The apparatus according to claim 101, wherein the first and second flaps are configured to be sequentially moved.

105. The apparatus according to claim 101, wherein the first electronic device is disposed distally to the second electronic device, and wherein the first and second 001432 electronic devices are configured to be advanced adjacently toward the first and second flaps, respectively.

106. The apparatus according to claim 101, wherein the first electronic device is disposed proximally to the second electronic device, and wherein the first and second electronic devices are configured to be sequentially advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar.

107. The apparatus according to claim 92, wherein the first and second electronic devices comprise first and second imaging devices, respectively.

108. The apparatus according to claim 107, wherein the first imaging device is configured to provide a first field-of-view image of a surgical site, and wherein the second imaging device is configured to provide a second field-of-view image of the surgical site.

109. The apparatus according to claim 107, wherein the first and second imaging devices are configured to provide varying zoom capabilities.

110. The apparatus according to claim 107, further comprising at least one display configured to be disposed at an extracorporeal site, wherein respective images from the first and second imaging devices are transmitted to the display.

111. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the display is configured to fuse the respective images from the first and second imaging devices.

112. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein the display is configured to superimpose an image from the first imaging device upon an image from the second imaging device.

113. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein each imaging device comprises a transmitter configured to transmit an image from the imaging device to the at least one display.

114. The apparatus according to claim 110, wherein: the at least one display comprises a first display and a second display, the first display is configured to display images from the first imaging device, and the second display is configured to display images from the second imaging device. 2

115. The apparatus according to claim 110, further comprising a first wire and a second wire, wherein the trocar is shaped to define a sleeve surrounding the primary lumen, and wherein at least a portion of the first wire and at least a portion of the second wire are configured to be disposed within the sleeve.

116. The apparatus according to claim 115, wherein the first wire is configured to electrically couple the first imaging device to the display, and wherein the second wire is configured to electrically couple the second imaging device to the display.

117. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: trocar packaging configured to store the trocar prior to use; and an electronic device coupled to the flap while the trocar is stored within the packaging.

118. Apparatus for use with at least one electronic device, comprising: a trocar shaped to define at least a primary lumen and to define a sleeve surrounding the primary lumen; trocar packaging, configured to store the trocar prior to use; at least one wire coupled to the sleeve while the trocar is disposed within the packaging; and at least one electrical coupling site on the sleeve, configured to electrically couple the electronic device to the wire.

119. The apparatus according to claim 118, wherein the trocar comprises a body portion, the body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the trocar, and at least one flap at a distal portion of the trocar.

120. The apparatus according to claim 119, wherein the electronic device comprises an imaging device.

121. The apparatus according to claim 119, wherein the electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen and to be coupled to the flap.

122. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the electronic device comprises an on-board power source.

123. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the electronic device comprises a wireless transmitter configured to transmit data from the electronic device to a receiver.

124. The apparatus according to claim 121, wherein the electronic device comprises a receiver configured to receive data from a transmitter.

125. The apparatus according to claim 119, wherein the flap is configured to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trocar while in the packaging.

126. The apparatus according to claim 125, wherein the trocar is configured to be inserted within a body cavity of a patient, and wherein the flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar subsequently to the insertion of the trocar into the body cavity.

127. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the flap is configured to be disposed at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar following moving of the flap.

128. The apparatus according to claim 127, wherein the flap is configured to be disposed at an angle between 45 degrees and 85 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar following moving of the flap.

129. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the electronic device is configured to be coupled to the at least one flap prior to the moving of the at least one flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

130. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the electronic device is configured to be electrically coupled to the flap.

131. The apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the electronic device is configured to be mechanically coupled to the flap.

132. The apparatus according to claim 129, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

133. The apparatus according to claim 132, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter thereof, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter of less than the diameter of the primary lumen.

134. The apparatus according to claim 133, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

135. The apparatus according to claim 134, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

136. The apparatus according to claim 133, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of less than 15 mm.

137. The apparatus according to claim 136, wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

138. The apparatus according to claim 126, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar prior to the insertion of the trocar into the body cavity of the patient.

139. The apparatus according to claim 138, wherein the surgical instrument comprises an obturator.

140. The apparatus according to claim 138, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter thereof, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter of less than the diameter of the primary lumen.

141. The apparatus according to claim 140, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

142. The apparatus according to claim 141, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

143. The apparatus according to claim 140, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of less than 15 mm.

144. The apparatus according to claim 143, wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

145. The apparatus according to claim 126, wherein the trocar comprises a mechanical element configured to couple the flap to the body portion of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

146. The apparatus according to claim 145, wherein the mechanical element comprises an element selected from the group consisting of: a joint, a hinge, and a pivot.

147. The apparatus according to claim 145, wherein: the body portion is shaped to provide a securing groove, a proximal portion of the flap is shaped to provide at least a first projection, and the at least a first projection is configured to secure the alignment of the flap with the longitudinal axis by being disposed within the securing groove while the trocar is disposed within the packaging.

148. The apparatus according to claim 147, wherein proximal portion of the flap is shaped to provide a second projection which is configured to secure a position of the flap following the moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and wherein the position of the flap during the second time is. at a non-zero angle, with . . respect to the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

149. The apparatus according to claim 148, wherein the second projection is configured to replace the first projection within the securing groove.

150. The apparatus according to claim 119, further comprising at least one control wire coupled at a distal end thereof to the flap, the wire being configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from a longitudinal axis of the trocar.

151. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the control wire comprises a wire selected from the group consisting of: a metallic wire, and a non-metallic wire.

152. The apparatus according to claim 150, wherein the sleeve is shaped to define a channel therein, not within the primary lumen, and wherein the control wire is disposed at least in part within the channel.

153. The apparatus according to claim 152, wherein: a proximal end of the control wire is disposed at a site external to the body portion of the trocar, the proximal end of the control wire is configured to be displaced, and the control wire is configured to facilitate moving of the flap the trocar in response to the displacement of the proximal end of the control wire.

154. The apparatus according to claim 153, wherein: a proximal end of the control wire is disposed at a site external to the body portion of the trocar, the proximal end of the control wire is configured to be pulled, and the control wire is configured to facilitate moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar in response to the pulling of the proximal end of the control wire.

155. The apparatus according to claim 119, further comprising at least a first coupling site disposed at the flap and configured to couple the electronic device to the flap.

156. The apparatus according to claim 155, wherein the sleeve is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and wherein the first coupling site is disposed at least in part within the channel.

157. The apparatus according to claim 156, wherein the first coupling site comprises at least one optical coupling.

158. The apparatus according to claim 157, further comprising at least one optical fiber coupled to the optical coupling, wherein the optical fiber is disposed, at least in part, within the channel.

159. The apparatus according to claim 158, wherein the optical fiber is configured to be optically coupled to the electronic device.

160. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the optical fiber is configured to provide illumination for the electronic device.

161. The apparatus according to claim 159, wherein the optical fiber is configured to supply power to the electronic device.

162. The apparatus according to claim 156, wherein the first coupling site comprises at least one electrical coupling configured to electrically couple the electronic device to the flap.

163. The apparatus according to claim 162, wherein the electrical coupling comprises an electrical contact.

164. The apparatus according to claim 162, wherein the electrical coupling comprises a power supply configured to supply power to the electronic device.

165. The apparatus according to claim 162, wherein the wire is disposed at least in part within the channel.

166. The apparatus according to claim 162, wherein the electrical coupling comprises an outlet configured to electrically couple the electronic device to the flap.

167. The apparatus according to claim 166, wherein the outlet is configured to mechanically couple the electronic device to the flap.

168. The apparatus according to claim 155, wherein: the distal portion of the trocar comprises an intracorporeal portion of the trocar, and a proximal portion of the trocar comprises an extracorporeal portion of the trocar, the trocar further comprises a second coupling site, and the first coupling site is disposed at the intracorporeal portion of the trocar and the second coupling site is disposed at the extracorporeal portion of the trocar.

169. The apparatus according to claim 168, wherein the body portion is shaped to define a channel therein, the channel being separate from the primary lumen, and wherein the second coupling site is disposed at least in part within the channel.

170. The apparatus according to claim 169, further comprising at least one extracorporeal electronic device, wherein the second coupling site comprises at least one electrical coupling configured to couple the extracorporeal electronic device to the trocar.

171. The apparatus according to claim 170, wherein the electrical coupling of the second coupling site comprises an electrical contact.

172. The apparatus according to claim 170, wherein the electrical coupling of the second coupling site comprises an electrical outlet.

173. The apparatus according to claim 170, further comprising at least one wire configured to be disposed at least in part within the channel.

174. The apparatus according to claim 173, wherein the first coupling site comprises at least one electrical coupling, and wherein at least a portion of the wire extends between the respective electrical couplings of the first and second electrical coupling sites.

175. The apparatus according to claim 174, wherein the wire is shaped to provide a first end, a second end, and a portion between the first and second ends, and wherein the apparatus further comprises an extracorporeal electronic device, wherein: the first end of the wire is electrically coupled to the extracorporeal electronic device, the portion of the wire is disposed within the channel, and the second end of the wire is electrically coupled to the first electrical coupling.

176. The apparatus according to claim 175, wherein the extracorporeal electronic device comprises an external power supply configured to supply power to the extracorporeal electronic device.

177. The apparatus according to claim 176, further comprising an intracorporeal electronic device configured to be coupled to the first electrical coupling.

178. The apparatus according to claim 177, wherein the external power supply is configured to supply power to the intracorporeal electronic device.

179. The apparatus according to claim 175, wherein the intracorporeal electronic device comprises an imaging device, and wherein the extracorporeal electronic device comprises a monitor configured to display an image captured by the imaging device.

180. The apparatus according to claim 179, wherein the wire is configured to carry the image from the imaging device to the display.

181. The apparatus according to claim 119, further comprising a second flap, and wherein the trocar comprises: the second flap, a first mechanical element configured to couple the first flap to the body portion of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the first flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and a second mechanical element configured to couple the second flap to the body portion of the trocar and to facilitate moving of the second flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

182. The apparatus according to claim 181, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap.

183. The apparatus according to claim 182, wherein the first and second mechanical- elements are disposed with respect to the trocar at a generally similar sectional plane of the trocar.

184. The apparatus according to claim 183, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the first electronic device to the first flap, the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar; and during a second period: the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the second electronic device to the second flap, the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

185. The apparatus according to claim 184, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be passed through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

186. The apparatus according to claim 182, wherein the first mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a first sectional plane of the trocar, and wherein the second mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a second sectional plane of the trocar.

187. The apparatus according to claim 186, wherein the first and second planes are separated by a distance of 10-50 mm.

188. The apparatus according to claim 186, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar has a diameter thereof, and wherein a ratio of a distance between the first and second planes to the diameter of the primary lumen of the trocar is between 0.5:1 and 10:1.

189. The apparatus according to claim 188, wherein the diameter is 5-20 mm, and wherein the distance is 10-50 mm.

190. The apparatus according to claim 186, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein: the first electronic device is configured to be coupled to the first flap, and the second electronic device is configured to be coupled to the second flap.

191. The apparatus according to claim 190, wherein during a first period, the trocar and the first and second electronic devices are configured for advancement through tissue of a patient, and during a second period, subsequently to the advancement, the first and second flaps are configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar

192. The apparatus according to claim 186, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the first electronic device to the first flap, the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar; and during a second period: the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap of the trocar, and subsequently to the coupling of the second electronic device to the second flap, the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

193. The apparatus according to claim 192, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be passed through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

194. The apparatus according to claim 186, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap of the trocar; and during a second period: the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

195. The apparatus according to claim 194, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be passed through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

196. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein the first and second flaps are configured to be simultaneously moved.

197. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein the first and second flaps are configured to be sequentially moved.

198. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein the first electronic device is disposed distally to the second electronic device, and wherein the first and second electronic devices are advanced at the same time toward the first and second flaps, respectively.

199. The apparatus according to claim 194, wherein, during the first period, the first and second electronic devices are configured to be simultaneously advanceable adjacently to one another in the primary lumen of the trocar.

200. The apparatus according to claim 182, wherein the first and second electronic devices comprise first and second imaging devices, respectively.

201. The apparatus according to claim 200, wherein the first imaging device is configured to provide a first field-of-view image of a surgical site and wherein the second imaging device is configured to provide a second field-of-view image of the surgical site.

202. The apparatus according to claim 200, wherein the first and second imaging devices are configured to provide varying zoom capabilities.

203. The apparatus according to claim 200, further comprising at least one display configured to be disposed at an extracorporeal site, wherein respective images from the first and second imaging devices are transmitted to the display.

204. The apparatus according to claim 203, wherein the display is configured to fuse the respective images from the first and second imaging devices.

205. The apparatus according to claim 203, wherein the display is configured to superimpose an image from the first imaging device upon an image from the second imaging device.

206. The apparatus according to claim 203, wherein each imaging device comprises a wireless transmitter configured to transmit an image from the imaging device to the display.

207. The apparatus according to claim 203, wherein: the at least one display comprises a first display and a second display, the first display is configured to display images from the first imaging device, and the second display is configured to display images from the second imaging device.

208. The apparatus according to claim 203, further comprising a first wire and a second wire, wherein the trocar is shaped to define a sleeve surrounding the primary lumen, and wherein at least a portion of the first wire and at least a portion of the second wire are configured to be disposed within the sleeve.

209. The apparatus according to claim 208, wherein the first wire is configured to electrically couple the first imaging device to the display, and wherein the second wire is configured to electrically couple the second imaging device to the display.

210. Apparatus, comprising: a trocar shaped to provide a primary lumen having a longitudinal axis thereof; at least a first and a second housing; and first and second electronic devices configured to be disposed within each of the first and second housings, respectively, the first and second housings being shaped to be advanced simultaneously through the primary lumen of the trocar.

211. The apparatus according to claim 210, wherein the trocar is shaped to define a sleeve surrounding the primary lumen of the trocar.

212. The apparatus according to claim 210, wherein, during the first period, the first and second electronic devices are configured to be simultaneously advanceable adj acently to one another in the primary lumen of the trocar.

213. The apparatus according to any one of claims 210-212, wherein the first and second electronic devices comprise first and second imaging devices, respectively.

214. The apparatus according to claim 213, wherein the first and second imaging devices each comprise an infrared camera.

215. The apparatus according to claim 213, wherein the first and second imaging devices each comprise a heating element.

216. The apparatus according to claim 215, wherein the first and second imaging devices each comprise at least one lens, and wherein the heating element is configured to clean the at least one lens by heating the lens.

217. The apparatus according to any one of claims 210-212, wherein the trocar comprises at least a first flap and a second flap.

218. The apparatus according to claim 217, wherein the trocar is shaped to define a longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein the trocar comprises: a first mechanical element configured to couple the first flap to the trocar and to facilitate moving of the first flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and a second mechanical element configured to couple the second flap to the trocar and to facilitate moving of the second flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

219. The apparatus according to claim 218, wherein the first and second mechanical elements are disposed with respect to the trocar at a generally similar sectional plane of the trocar.

220. The apparatus according to claim 218, wherein the first mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a first sectional plane of the trocar, and wherein the second mechanical element is disposed with respect to the trocar at a second sectional plane of the trocar.

221. The apparatus according to claim 218, wherein the first and second electronic devices are configured to be coupled to the first and second flaps, respectively.

222. The apparatus according to claim 221, wherein the first and second electronic devices are configured to be mechanically coupled to the first and second flaps, respectively.

223. The apparatus according to claim 221, wherein the first and second electronic devices are configured to be electrically coupled to the first and second flaps, respectively.

224. The apparatus according to claim 217, wherein: during a first period: the first electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the first flap of the trocar, and the second electronic device is configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar and coupled to the second flap of the trocar; and during a second period: the first flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and the second flap is configured to be moved away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

225. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the first and second flaps are configured to be simultaneously moved.

226. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the first and second flaps are configured to be sequentially moved.

227. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein, subsequent to the second period, the first and second flaps are configured to be disposed at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

228. The apparatus according to claim 227, wherein, subsequent to the second period, the first and second flaps are configured to be disposed at an angle between 45 degrees and 85 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

229. The apparatus according to claim 224, further comprising a surgical instrument configured to be advanced through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the second period.

230. The apparatus according to claim 229, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter thereof, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter of less than the diameter of the primary lumen.

231. The apparatus according to claim 230, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 5-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

232. The apparatus according to claim 231, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of 10-20 mm, and wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 5% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

233. The apparatus according to claim 230, wherein the primary lumen of the trocar is shaped to define a diameter of less than 15 mm.

234. The apparatus according to claim 233, wherein the surgical instrument is shaped to define a diameter greater than 50% of the diameter of the primary lumen.

235. The apparatus according to claim 224, wherein the first and second electronic devices comprise first and second imaging devices, respectively.

236. The apparatus according to claim 235, wherein the first imaging device is configured to provide a first field-of-view image of a surgical site, and wherein the second imaging device is configured to provide a second field-of-view image of the surgical site.

237. The apparatus according to claim 235, wherein the first and second imaging devices are configured to provide varying zoom capabilities.

238. The apparatus according to claim 235, further comprising at least one display configured to be disposed at an extracorporeal site, wherein respective images from the first and second imaging devices are transmitted to the display.

239. The apparatus according to claim 238, wherein the display is configured to fuse the respective images from the first and second imaging devices.

240. The apparatus according to claim 238, wherein the display is configured to superimpose an image from the first imaging device upon an image from the second imaging device.

241. The apparatus according to claim 238, wherein each imaging device comprises a wireless transmitter configured to transmit an image from the imaging device to the display.

242. The apparatus according to claim 238, wherein: the at least one display comprises a first display and a second display, the first display is configured to display images from the first imaging device, and the second display is configured to display images from the second imaging device.

243. The apparatus according to claim 238, further comprising a first wire and a second wire, wherein the trocar is shaped to define a sleeve surrounding the primary lumen, and wherein at least a portion of the first wire and at least a portion of the second wire are configured to be disposed within the sleeve.

244. The apparatus according to claim 243, wherein the first wire is configured to electrically couple the first imaging device to the display, and wherein the second wire is configured to electrically couple the second imaging device to the display.

245. A method, comprising: providing a trocar including a body portion having at least a primary lumen, and at least one flap at a distal portion of the trocar; inserting the flap into a body cavity of a patient; and moving the flap away from a longitudinal axis of the trocar.

246. The method according to claim 245, wherein providing the trocar comprises providing a trocar having at least first and second flaps coupled to at least first and second electronic devices, respectively, the first and second flaps being coupled to the body portion at respective first and second sectional planes thereof, and wherein the method further comprises: inserting the first and second flaps into the body cavity of the patient, and moving the first and second flaps away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

247. The method according to claim 245, wherein moving the flap comprises pivoting the flap.

248. The method according to any one of claims 245-247, wherein moving the flap comprises moving the flap angularly between 20 degrees and 90 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

249. The method according to claim 247, wherein moving the flap comprises moving the flap angularly between 45 degrees and 85 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

250. The method according to any one of claims 245-247, further comprising advancing a surgical instrument through the primary lumen of the trocar.

251. The apparatus according to claim 250, wherein advancing the surgical instrument through the trocar comprises advancing the surgical instrument through the trocar prior to the moving of the flap away from a longitudinal axis of the trocar.

252. The method according to any one of claims 245-247, wherein moving the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar comprises actuating a mechanical joint coupling the flap to the body of the trocar.

253. The method according to claim 252, wherein actuating the mechanical joint comprises advancing a rod through the primary lumen of the trocar, the rod configured to radially push a portion of the flap.

254. The method according to any one of claims 245-247, further comprising advancing at least a first electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar prior to the moving of the flap.

255. The method according to claim 254, further comprising coupling the electronic device to the flap.

256. The method according to claim 255, wherein moving the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar comprises advancing a first rod through the primary lumen of the trocar, the first rod being configured to facilitate moving of the flap, and wherein advancing the first electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar comprises coupling the first electronic device to a second rod and advancing the second rod through the primary lumen of the trocar.

257. The method according to claim 256, wherein advancing the first rod comprises advancing a first rod having a longitudinal lumen, and wherein the method comprises: passing the second rod through the longitudinal lumen of the first rod; coupling the electronic device to the second rod; and simultaneously advancing the first and second rods through the lumen of the trocar.

258. The method according to claim 257, further comprising: decoupling the electronic device from the second rod following the coupling of the electronic device to the flap; and subsequently to the coupling of the electronic device to the flap, moving the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar by distally advancing the first rod toward the flap.

259. The method according to claim 254, further comprising mechanically coupling the electronic device to the flap.

260. The method according to claim 254, further comprising electrically coupling the electronic device to the flap.

261. The method according to claim 254, wherein moving the flap comprises angularly moving the electronic device away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

262. The method according to claim 254, further comprising advancing at least a first surgical instrument though the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the moving of the electronic device away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

263. The method according to claim 254, wherein the electronic device includes an imaging device, and wherein the method further comprises imaging a surgical site.

264. The method according to claim 263, wherein imaging the surgical site comprises imaging the surgical site subsequently to the moving of the flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

265. The method according to claim 254, further comprising advancing a second electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar.

266. The method according to claim 265, wherein advancing the second electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar comprises advancing the second electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar simultaneously with the advancing of the first electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar.

267. The method according to claim 265, wherein advancing the second electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar comprises advancing the second electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the advancing of the first electronic device through the primary lumen of the trocar.

268. The method according to claim 265, further comprising coupling the second electronic device to a second flap of the trocar.

269. The method according to claim 268, further comprising mechanically coupling the electronic device to the second flap.

270. The method according to claim 268, further comprising electrically coupling the electronic device to the second flap.

271. The method according to claim 268, further comprising moving the second electronic device away from the second flap away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

272. The method according to claim 271 , further comprising advancing at least a first surgical instrument though the primary lumen of the trocar subsequently to the moving of the second electronic device away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

273. The method according to claim 271, wherein moving the second flap comprises moving the second flap angularly between 20 degrees and 90 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

274. The method according to claim 273, wherein moving the second flap comprises moving the second flap angularly between 45 degrees and 85 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the trocar.