Trocars are a medical device made up of an obturator, a cannula and a seal. They are used extensively during laparoscopic surgery and are placed through the abdomen. They help in the subsequent placement of other medical instruments or devices, such as scissors, graspers, staplers etc. It is basically a pen-shaped instrument which provides an access port during surgery.
Trocars are available in a variety of lengths and diameters and they also come with different styles of tips. They are designed in a way to provide ease of use by creating an opening in the abdominal wall so that the insertion of a laparoscope or other surgical tools can take place. Bladeless trocars are also available that help surgeons a lot during the laparoscopy.
More so, the bladeless variety of trocars can separate tissue layers in a gentle manner without involving any cutting and combining of tissue damage. This is how they help in abdominal wall retention. They are available in different sizes and help users apply low insertion force.
Features of Trocars that have No Blades
Trocars are used extensively in laparoscopic surgeries and help doctors in more ways than one. They are also available in bladeless variety and are considered an innovative product altogether. They have some helpful features which ease in insertion.
Here are some of the key features of trocars –
- They provide great visualization to surgeons
- Help surgeons monitor the initial entry process through the abdomen
- They are very helpful in instrument exchange
- Easy and better fixation than bladed trocars
- Facilitates smoother insertion for easier instrument placement
- Helps surgeons get access to the abdominal cavity during a laparoscopic procedure
Applications of trocars
Trocars are a very helpful medical device with great use in surgeries. Their applications go as far as surgical use, embalming and veterinary use. They are widely used and that’s why they hold so much significance in the medical industry.
Here are three major application areas of trocars –
1. Medical/surgical use
The most popular use of trocars is to perform laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. They also help in accessing and draining fluids in those who suffer from hydrothorax or ascites. With them, surgeons are not required to do surgery by creating a big abdominal incision. They have changed the way surgeries were performed and that’s why they are considered a key tool in the medical industry.
2. Embalming
Trocars are now extensively used for embalming. During this process, they help in drainage of bodily fluids and organs once the embalming chemicals are used for the vascular replacement of blood. Their design ensures that surgeons won’t insert a round tube and the cut or wound post-surgery can be sutured in a less obtrusive manner. This is how trocars are used in removal of gas and fluids from the body cavities and organs.
3. Veterinary use
Veterinarians also use trocars when they have to treat cattle of various problems. The most popular use includes treatment of cattle suffering from gastric problems in which a trocar is passed through the skin to help release gases. It is inserted directly in non-ruminant species for further treatment.