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Not to be confused with the implanted blood access device.


Disposable trocars
Laparoscopic instruments for insertion through trocars

A trocar (or trochar) is a medical or veterinary device traditionally used in draining or venting procedures, now also (informally termed a port) prominent in minimally invasive surgery. Trocars are typically made up of an obturator[a] (which may be metal or plastic, and with a pointed or tapered tip), within a cannula (essentially a rigid tube), and often with a seal.[1][2] They allow passive evacuation of excess gas or fluid from organs within the body; some also include a valve mechanism to allow for insufflation. Trocars designed for placement through the chest and abdominal walls during thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery function as portals for the subsequent insertion of other endoscopic instruments, such as grasper, scissors, stapler, electrocautery, suction tip, etc.

Etymology

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The word trocar, less commonly trochar,[3] comes from French trocart or trocar, itself either from trois-quarts 'three fourths' or from trois carres 'three sides';[4][5][6] in any case referring to the instrument's triangular point. First recorded in the Dictionnaire des Arts et des Sciences, 1694,[7] by Thomas Corneille, younger brother of Pierre Corneille.

History

[edit]
Trocar, c. 1850

Originally, doctors used trocars to relieve pressure build-up of fluids (edema) or gases (bloating). Patents for trocars appeared early in the 19th century, although their use dated back possibly thousands of years. By the middle of the 19th century, trocar-cannulas had become sophisticated, such as Reginald Southey's invention of the Southey tube.[8]

Applications

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Medical/surgical use

[edit]

Trocars are used in medicine to access and drain collections of fluid such as in a patient with hydrothorax or ascites.

In modern times, surgical trocars are used to perform laparoscopic surgery. They are deployed as a means of introduction for cameras and laparoscopic hand instruments, such as scissors, graspers, etc., to perform surgery hitherto carried out by making a large abdominal incision, something that has revolutionized patient care. Today, surgical trocars are most commonly a single patient use instrument and have graduated from the "three-point" design that gave them their name to either a flat bladed "dilating-tip" product or something that is entirely blade free. This latter design offers greater patient safety due to the technique used to insert them.

Trocar insertion can lead to a perforating puncture wound of an underlying organ resulting in a medical complication. Thus, for instance, a laparoscopic intra-abdominal trocar insertion can lead to bowel injury leading to peritonitis or injury to large blood vessels with hemorrhage.[9]

Embalming

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Trocars are also used near the end of the embalming process to provide drainage of bodily fluids and organs after the vascular replacement of blood with embalming chemicals. Rather than a round tube being inserted, the three-sided knife of the classic trocar would split the outer skin into three "wings" which was then easily sutured closed. In a less obtrusive way, a trocar button can be used in place of a suture. It is attached to a suction hose, usually attached to a water aspirator, but an electric aspirator can also be used. The process of removing gas, fluids, and semi-solids from the body cavities and hollow organs using the trocar is known as aspiration. The instrument is inserted into the body two inches to the (anatomical) left and two inches up from the navel. After the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities have been aspirated, the embalmer injects cavity fluid into the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities, usually using a smaller trocar attached via a hose connected to a bottle of high-index cavity fluid. The bottle is held upside down in the air so as to let gravity take the cavity fluid through the trocar and into the cavities. There is a small thumb hole attached to the fluid injector to control the flow of liquid. The embalmer moves the trocar in the same manner used when aspirating the cavities. In order to fully and evenly distribute the chemical, it is recommended to use 1 bottle of cavity fluid for the thoracic cavity and 1 for the abdominal cavity.

After cavity embalming has been finished, the puncture is commonly sealed using a small plastic object resembling a screw, called a trocar button.

Veterinary use

[edit]

Trocars are widely used by veterinarians not only for draining hydrothorax, ascites, or for introducing instruments in laparoscopic surgery, but for acute animal-specific conditions as well. In cases of ruminal tympany in cattle, a wide-bore trocar may be passed through the skin into the rumen to release trapped gas.[10] In dogs, a similar procedure is often performed for patients presenting with gastric dilatation volvulus in which a wide-bore trocar is passed through the skin into the stomach to immediately decompress the stomach. Depending on the severity of clinical signs on presentation, this is often performed after pain management has been administered but prior to general anaesthesia. Definitive surgical treatment involves anatomical repositioning of the stomach and spleen followed by a right-sided gastropexy.[11] Depending on the severity, partial gastrectomy and/or splenectomy may be indicated if the relevant tissues have necrosed due to ischemia caused by torsion/avulsion of the supplying vasculature.

[edit]

In the movie Far from the Madding Crowd (1967) Gabriel Oak, played by Alan Bates, uses a trocar to aspirate abdominal gasses from Bathsheba Everdene's herd of sheep who had strayed into a field of clover and were bloated.

In the movie True Lies, Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, having picked the lock on his handcuffs, uses a Patterson trocar to kill his guard prior to breaking the neck of his torturer.

Notes

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Citations

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  1. ^ Equipment and instrumentation for Laparoscopic bariatric surgery in Cleveland Clinic
  2. ^ Alph Degive, Précis de médicine opératoire vétérinaire, Asselin & Houzeau, 1908, p. 139
  3. ^ "trocar". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  4. ^ "trocar". Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on December 6, 2018. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  5. ^ Kucklick, Theodore R. (2013). The Medical Device R&D Handbook (2 ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group. p. 109. ISBN 978-1-4398-1189-4. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  6. ^ Diderot, Denis (1751). L'Encyclopédie.
  7. ^ "Dictionnaire des Arts et des Sciences - Wikisource". fr.wikisource.org.
  8. ^ Library, Boston Medical (20 February 2018). "Boston Medical Library". www.countway.harvard.edu.
  9. ^ S. Krishnakumar; P. Taube (2009). "Entry Complications in Laparoscopic Surgery". J Gynecol Endosc Surg. 1 (1): 4–11. doi:10.4103/0974-1216.51902 (inactive 12 July 2025). PMC 3304260. PMID 22442503.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)
  10. ^ Constable, PD; Hinchcliff, KW; Done, SH; Gruenberg, W (2016). "Chapter 8: Diseases of the alimentary tract - ruminants. Ruminal tympany (bloat)". Veterinary Medicine: A textbook of the diseases of cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and goats (11 ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 473–482. ISBN 978-0-7020-7058-7.
  11. ^ Bright, Ronald M. (June 2007). "Acute Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs" (PDF). Clinician's Brief. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-02-19. Retrieved 2017-08-04.

General and cited references

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trocar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A trocar is a sharp-pointed surgical instrument consisting of an obturator (a solid inner rod or stylet) enclosed within a hollow outer tube called a cannula, designed to puncture the abdominal or thoracic wall to create a conduit for the insertion of other medical instruments or for drainage purposes. The device is typically disposable or reusable, with the obturator withdrawn after insertion to leave the cannula in place as a port, allowing sealed access while maintaining pneumoperitoneum (inflation of the abdominal cavity with gas) during procedures. This instrument is essential in minimally invasive surgery, where small incisions—often less than half an inch—are made to reduce patient trauma, recovery time, and complications compared to open surgery. The origins of the trocar trace back to the , when it was initially employed by physicians for draining fluids from body cavities, such as in cases of (abdominal fluid accumulation) or hydrothorax (), marking an early advancement in interventional medicine. By the mid-19th century, refinements by figures like Reginald S. Southey led to specialized versions, such as the Southey tube for continuous drainage, expanding its utility beyond acute punctures. The modern evolution accelerated in the with the rise of ; in , Hungarian physician János Veress developed the Veress needle, a spring-loaded device for creating in treatment, which was later adapted for safe abdominal in endoscopic procedures. Today, trocars are classified by the U.S. (FDA) as manual surgical instruments, typically as Class II devices for general and laparoscopic use. In contemporary , trocars are predominantly used in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries across specialties including gynecology, , , and thoracic procedures, where they facilitate the introduction of laparoscopes, graspers, and other tools through multiple ports for visualization and manipulation. Beyond surgery, they support diagnostic applications like biopsies or aspiration and even non-surgical interventions such as subcutaneous hormone pellet implantation.

Design and Components

Basic Structure

A trocar is a used to puncture the and establish access to body cavities during minimally invasive procedures such as . It fundamentally comprises two main components: an obturator and a , which work together to create a controlled entry point while minimizing tissue trauma. The obturator is the inner stylet or piercing element of the trocar, typically featuring a sharp, pointed tip—often triangular or pyramidal in shape—to facilitate initial penetration through the skin, , and muscle layers. This component is inserted through the and advanced to create the puncture site, after which it is removed, leaving the in place for instrument insertion. The design of the obturator varies, with options like cutting blades for denser tissues or blunt tips for safer entry in delicate areas, ensuring efficient access without excessive force. The , also known as the sleeve or sheath, is a hollow outer tube that remains embedded in the incision after obturator removal, serving as a conduit for surgical tools, endoscopes, or . Constructed from biocompatible materials like medical-grade or metal, it comes in standardized diameters such as 5 mm, 10 mm, or 12 mm to accommodate various instruments, with lengths tailored to patient anatomy. Integrated seals, such as valves or zero-closure mechanisms at the proximal end, prevent the escape of gas (typically ) to maintain , while allowing smooth instrument passage. Additional structural elements may include an valve or stopcock on the housing for gas introduction and regulation, and ergonomic handles on the obturator for precise control during insertion. These features collectively ensure the trocar's stability and functionality, with disposable variants common to reduce infection risk in single-use settings.

Types and Variations

Trocars are primarily classified by their tip design, which determines how they penetrate tissue during insertion in laparoscopic procedures. Cutting trocars feature sharp blades that incise tissue, while non-cutting variants separate or dilate it to minimize trauma. This distinction influences insertion force, complication rates, and suitability for different surgical contexts. Cutting trocars include pyramidal-bladed and single-bladed subtypes. Pyramidal-bladed trocars have a multi-faceted sharp tip that facilitates penetration through dense abdominal walls, commonly used in reusable systems due to their sharpness and among surgeons. Single-bladed trocars employ a single cutting edge, often disposable, and are designed for quicker entry but may increase the risk of unintended incisions if not handled precisely. Evidence from randomized trials shows no significant difference in major complications like visceral or vascular injuries between pyramidal and single-bladed types, though data is limited by small sample sizes. Non-cutting trocars encompass conical blunt-tipped, dilating, and radially expanding designs. Conical blunt-tipped trocars stretch tissue layers without slicing, reducing the risk of organ and often employed in reusable formats for efficiency. Dilating trocars gradually expand the fascial defect under , eliminating the need for blade sharpening and associated with lower insertion forces compared to cutting variants. Radially expanding trocars create a smaller initial puncture that widens stepwise, minimizing trocar-site bleeding (odds ratio 0.28 versus cutting trocars) and potentially lowering risk through reduced fascial trauma. Optical trocars represent a visualization-enhanced variation, integrating a clear tip for direct laparoscopic viewing during insertion, which allows layer-by-layer confirmation and has been linked to fewer intra-abdominal injuries in observational data. Hasson trocars, used in open (cut-down) entry techniques, feature a blunt tip with an inflatable balloon or suture anchors for secure fixation without prior to placement, ideal for high-risk patients to avoid blind puncture. Balloon trocars, a specialized non-bladed subtype, provide gas-tight seals via inflatable cuffs, enhancing stability in procedures like . Valveless trocars differ from traditional designs by lacking valves in the cannula, enabling continuous carbon dioxide flow for stable pneumoperitoneum and potentially reducing postoperative shoulder pain, as shown in a 2022 meta-analysis (mean difference -7.9% at 24 hours). They are used in minimally invasive surgery to improve gas dynamics without increasing operative time significantly. Trocars also vary by size, typically ranging from 3 mm to 12 mm or larger, with 5 mm ports suiting diagnostic or pediatric applications and 10-12 mm accommodating larger instruments in complex surgeries. Disposable models ensure consistent sharpness but raise environmental concerns, whereas reusable ones require sterilization and maintenance yet offer economic benefits over multiple uses. Systematic reviews indicate no definitive superiority among types for major complications due to low event rates, but radially expanding and blunt designs show promise in reducing minor issues like bleeding.

Background

Etymology

The word trocar entered English in the early as a borrowing from French trocart or troquart. Its earliest recorded use appears in 1706, in Phillips's New World of Words, where it is described as a . The French term trocart is itself derived from trois carrés, combining ("three," from Latin trēs) and carré ("square" or "side," from Latin quadrāre, meaning "to square"). This etymology reflects the instrument's characteristic three-sided or triangular bevel on the stylet, which facilitates piercing body tissues. An alternative etymology proposes an alteration of trois-quarts ("three-quarters"), possibly due to phonetic similarity, though sources vary on primacy. Over time, variant spellings such as trochar emerged in English medical texts, but trocar became the standard form by the mid-19th century. The term's adoption coincided with the instrument's increasing use in surgical procedures, embedding its French-derived name in anatomical and medical .

History

The use of trocar-like instruments dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were employed for basic surgical procedures such as draining fluids or gases from the body to alleviate conditions like or . Archaeological and historical records indicate that tools resembling trocars were utilized by physicians as early as ~3,500 years ago, with recognition of in the Egyptian Papyrus Ebers (~1550 BC); alongside other implements like scalpels and lancets. Roman author described the technique of in his first-century AD work De Medicina, while 10th-century Arab surgeon Albucasis documented a trocar for in Kitab al-Tasrif for treating and abscesses. These early devices, often made from bronze or iron, laid the groundwork for puncture-based interventions but lacked the refined systems of later designs. By the , trocars had evolved into more standardized surgical tools, primarily for postmortem examinations and fluid drainage during autopsies to access body cavities. Urologists began adapting them to guide early endoscopes into the , marking the transition toward minimally invasive applications. The term "trocar," derived from the French trocart (from trois carrés, referring to its three-sided ), entered medical lexicon in the early 1700s, reflecting its design as a sharp-pointed stylet fitted within a . In the , English physician Reginald Southey advanced trocar technology with his 1879 invention of the Southey tube—a thin, silver paired with a trocar for in treating and —allowing safer, ambulatory fluid drainage and reducing infection risks compared to earlier rigid . The 20th century saw trocars become integral to the rise of , transforming from drainage tools to access ports for endoscopic . In 1901, German surgeon Georg Kelling performed the first documented celioscopy on a , using a trocar to introduce a cystoscope under controlled . Swedish internist Hans-Christian Jacobaeus extended this to humans in 1910, employing multiple trocars for thoracic and abdominal without initial gas creation, pioneering . By the 1920s, American surgeon Benjamin Henry Orndoff refined trocar tips with a pyramidal design for better tissue penetration, while Hungarian internist János Veress introduced the Veress needle in 1938—a specialized trocar variant—for safer abdominal . German gynecologist Heinz Kalk further innovated in the 1950s with a dual-trocar system and angled optics, enhancing visualization. Laparoscopy's expansion accelerated in the mid-20th century, driven by German gynecologist Kurt Semm, who in 1980 completed the first laparoscopic using disposable trocars and an automated CO2 insufflator, establishing automated endoscopic techniques. French surgeon Philippe Mouret performed the inaugural laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1987, relying on multiple trocars for instrument ports, which popularized the procedure globally. In 1971, American gynecologist Harrith M. Hasson developed the open-access Hasson trocar—a blunt-tipped device with adjustable fascial retention—to minimize vascular and bowel injuries during initial entry, a method still widely adopted. These advancements shifted trocars from rudimentary drainage aids to disposable, ergonomic components in minimally invasive , with ongoing refinements focusing on safety features like visual obturators and bladeless designs by the late 20th century.

Applications

Medical and Surgical Use

Trocars are essential instruments in minimally invasive surgical procedures, primarily used to create access ports through the abdominal or for the insertion of laparoscopic cameras, instruments, and other devices. In laparoscopic , they facilitate the establishment of by allowing of gas into the , enabling visualization and manipulation of internal organs without large incisions. Common applications include , , , and gynecological procedures such as and . Trocars are also used in diagnostic procedures, such as synovial biopsies during for joint fluid aspiration or tissue sampling. Beyond , specialized trocars enable non-surgical interventions like subcutaneous implantation of hormone pellets for long-term . Various trocar types are employed based on the surgical context, including cutting trocars with sharp blades for initial penetration, bladeless conical or dilating trocars that separate tissues radially to minimize injury, and optical trocars that integrate a camera for real-time visualization during insertion. In urological surgeries like or , trocars are strategically placed at sites such as the umbilicus, suprapubic region, or flank to optimize access while avoiding major vessels and nerves. trocar insertion techniques, performed without prior Veress needle insufflation, have demonstrated high safety and efficiency, with no reported visceral or vascular injuries in over 2,000 cases and insertion times averaging 55 seconds. Beyond , trocars are utilized in drainage procedures for fluid accumulation. In ultrasound-guided for , a trocar-equipped needle (e.g., Caldwell type) punctures the under imaging guidance, allowing removal of the inner stylet to advance a for therapeutic fluid drainage, reducing risks like hemorrhage to 0.27% with versus 1.25% without. Similarly, in for pleural effusions, trocar techniques involve advancing a over the trocar into the pleural space after localization, enabling safe removal of up to 1,500 mL of fluid per session to alleviate dyspnea while minimizing incidence. These applications highlight the trocar's role in both diagnostic sampling and symptom relief in conditions like or . In ophthalmic surgery, specialized disposable trocars establish entry conduits for instruments during posterior segment procedures, such as , classified by the FDA as Class I devices exempt from premarket notification. Overall, trocar use enhances procedural precision and patient outcomes in these diverse medical and surgical settings, with advancements like radially expanding designs reducing port-site bleeding by up to 72% compared to cutting types in randomized trials.

Embalming

In embalming, a trocar is a specialized hollow, pointed instrument used during the cavity treatment phase to aspirate fluids, gases, and semi-solid contents from the body's internal organs and cavities, thereby preventing decomposition and facilitating the introduction of preservative chemicals. This step typically follows arterial embalming, where blood is replaced with embalming fluid, and targets the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities to ensure thorough preservation of the remains. The process is essential for preparing the body for viewing, transportation, or burial, particularly in cases where natural decomposition could otherwise lead to putrefaction of soft organs like the stomach, intestines, bladder, and lungs. The procedure begins with the embalmer making a small incision near the or another access point in the . A long, metal trocar—often 12 to 18 inches in length and attached to a hose or aspirator—is then inserted through this incision to puncture and drain the targeted organs systematically. For instance, the trocar is directed to aspirate the contents of the and intestines first, followed by the and if needed, using vacuum pressure from a hand-operated or electric aspirator to remove viscous fluids and gases. Once drainage is complete, the trocar is used to inject a stronger cavity fluid, typically a concentrated solution of and alcohols, directly into the emptied spaces to disinfect and preserve the tissues. The entry incision is sealed with a trocar button or similar device to maintain the body's integrity and appearance. Modern trocars for are designed with ergonomic handles, graduated markings for depth control, and interchangeable tips to accommodate varying tissue densities, enhancing precision and reducing the risk of organ damage. In autopsied bodies, the process is adapted: internal organs removed during are embalmed separately before replacement, with the trocar focusing on residual cavity contents. This invasive technique, while effective, is regulated as a form of corpse treatment in practices and requires trained professionals to minimize exposure to biohazards.

Veterinary Use

In , trocars are essential instruments for accessing body cavities during minimally invasive procedures, fluid drainage, and gas relief, particularly in both small and large animals. They consist of a sharp obturator housed within a , allowing initial puncture followed by instrument insertion or decompression while minimizing tissue trauma. In small animal , trocars are primarily employed in to create ports for telescopes and instruments, facilitating procedures such as ovariohysterectomy, cryptorchidectomy, and organ biopsies in dogs and cats. The Veress needle technique, involving a spring-loaded 2 mm diameter stylet for initial , demonstrates high sensitivity for safe peritoneal access (89.7% in dogs and 94.7% in cats), reducing risks of vascular or organ . Direct trocar insertion or the Hasson open method is also used, with seals preventing CO2 leakage during establishment. For large animals, trocars are commonly applied in of gastrointestinal disorders. In ruminants like , percutaneous trocarization of the via a left flank incision relieves free gas bloat by evacuating accumulated gases, preventing diaphragmatic compression and respiratory distress; however, it risks rumen fluid leakage and if not managed promptly. A red rubber trocar and set is standard, often followed by supportive measures like stomach tubing for frothy bloat induced by . In equine practice, trocars address large intestinal through transabdominal or transrectal approaches. Transabdominal cecal trocarization, using a 14-gauge device at the right paralumbar fossa, decompresses gas-distended in 83% of cases, with 73% of treated equids surviving to discharge when no strangulating lesions are present; complications like occur in about 20% of medically managed cases but rarely lead to direct mortality. Transrectal ultrasonography-guided trocarization targets the distended intestine with an 18-gauge needle, offering precision in acute scenarios. Laparoscopic applications extend to large animals, where human-designed cannula-trocar units enable standing procedures in , such as ovariectomy or colpotomy. Optical trocars with visual control, like helical cannulas, yield zero complications in horses (body condition score ≥6), contrasting with 80% complication rates (e.g., retroperitoneal ) in direct sharp trocar methods without visualization. These advancements promote reduced recovery times and lower morbidity compared to open surgery.

Safety and Advancements

Complications and Risks

The insertion of trocars during laparoscopic , particularly the primary access , carries inherent risks that can lead to significant morbidity, with entry-related complications accounting for more than 50% of all intraoperative adverse events in such procedures. These risks are estimated to occur at a rate of 0.2–0.4 per 1,000 cases, though underreporting may inflate actual figures. Vascular injuries represent one of the most serious threats, involving either major vessels like the or iliac arteries (potentially life-threatening due to hemorrhage) or minor ones such as the inferior epigastric arteries, with an overall incidence ranging from 0.04% to 0.5%; approximately 82% of these occur during initial abdominal entry. Bowel injuries, another critical concern, affect structures like the , , or in about 55% of cases, with a reported incidence of 0.36%; notably, 30–50% of these may go undiagnosed during the operation, leading to delayed or . Urological complications, though less frequent, include bladder perforation (0.02–8.3% in procedures like ) and ureteral damage (around 1% in complex pelvic surgeries), often resulting from blind insertion techniques or adhesions obscuring anatomical landmarks. Port-site complications, which arise post-insertion, encompass infections (typically superficial and managed conservatively), hematomas, and trocarsite hernias, the latter occurring in 0.14–6% of cases depending on trocar and closure method. Minor issues such as or omental herniation through the port are also reported but rarely require intervention. Solid organ injuries, including to the liver or , are rarer but can occur in up to 0.1 per 1,000 procedures, particularly with non-visualized entry methods. Several patient- and procedure-related factors exacerbate these risks, including prior abdominal surgeries (which increase adhesion-related bowel injury by up to 68.9%), obesity (due to thicker abdominal walls complicating controlled insertion), thin body habitus (bringing intra-abdominal structures closer to the entry point), and multiple puncture attempts, which heighten vessel trauma odds. Technique-specific variations, such as the use of cutting (pyramidal) versus dilating (conical) trocars, influence outcomes; for instance, dilating trocars have been associated with lower vascular injury rates in comparative studies. Optical-access trocars, intended to mitigate blind insertion risks, still carry a notable potential for intra-abdominal vessel damage, underscoring that no single device eliminates all hazards. Overall, while trocar-related events are infrequent relative to the millions of annual laparoscopic procedures worldwide, their consequences—ranging from immediate hemorrhage to long-term adhesions or chronic pain—emphasize the need for meticulous preoperative assessment and surgeon proficiency.

Modern Developments

In recent years, advancements in trocar design have focused on enhancing during initial abdominal access in laparoscopic procedures. A key development is the shift toward direct trocar insertion techniques, which bypass traditional methods like the Veress needle to reduce complications. A randomized prospective study involving 200 women undergoing gynecological found that direct trocar insertion resulted in a 1% perioperative complication rate (one omental injury) compared to 5% with Veress needle insertion (including vessel injury, omental injuries, failed , and extraperitoneal ), alongside shorter entry times (152 seconds vs. 296 seconds) and reduced drop (1.12 g/dL vs. 1.45 g/dL). This approach has gained endorsement for its lower risk profile, with overall complication rates as low as 3.3% in comparative analyses. Optical and bladeless trocars represent another significant innovation, incorporating built-in visualization and reduced-trauma mechanisms to improve precision and minimize tissue . These devices feature integrated high-definition cameras and illumination for real-time guidance during insertion, allowing surgeons to visualize layers and avoid vascular or organ damage. Bladeless designs, which use dilating tips rather than cutting blades, have been shown to decrease insertion force by up to 60% and reduce port-site bleeding. Such trocars are increasingly compatible with minimally invasive , enabling seamless integration in systems like the da Vinci platform for enhanced maneuverability. Smart trocars with integration are emerging to support robotic-assisted by providing real-time feedback on , position, and tissue interaction. A foundational 2017 design introduced a 6-degree-of-freedom fiberoptic force-torque embedded in the trocar, enabling minimally invasive robotic procedures without altering standard instruments. More recent efforts, including a 2024 study, employ models like YOLOv8 for extra-abdominal detection of trocars and instruments via synchronized cameras, achieving high F1 scores for occupancy state recognition and improving workflow in robotic contexts. As of 2025, there is increasing emphasis on smart trocar integration with s for on tissue resistance and positioning to further enhance in robotic-assisted procedures. These developments prioritize biocompatible, materials such as advanced polymers to lower risks and surgeon fatigue, while debates continue on disposable versus reusable options—disposables for sterility but reusables for , with the latter reducing resource use by 182% in some evaluations.

Cultural References

In Film and Literature

In films, the trocar has occasionally appeared as a dramatic or horrific element, often tied to its associations with , , and violence. In the 1983 slasher Mortuary, directed by Avedis, the instrument serves as the primary wielded by the in a story centered on secrets within a ; multiple characters, including Josh and Eve Parsons, are stabbed repeatedly with it during attacks, emphasizing its sharp, piercing nature in a low-budget thriller context. Similarly, in the 2009 psychological thriller After.Life, directed by Agnieszka Wójtowicz-Vosloo, the plot revolves around an embalmer (Liam Neeson) who keeps the presumed-dead protagonist (Christina Ricci) in his for preparation, later using a trocar to kill her boyfriend (Justin Long) who comes searching for her, heightening the film's tension around themes of death and delusion through the tool's depiction in a clinical yet menacing context. The trocar also receives a brief, comedic mention in the 1994 action film True Lies, directed by James Cameron, where secret agent Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) threatens a terrorist by saying he will kill a guard "with the Patterson trocar on the table" during an interrogation scene involving truth serum, playing on the instrument's surgical precision for humorous intimidation. In literature, the trocar features more sparingly, typically in or fantasy drafts where its function in fluid extraction or lends symbolic or plot-driven weight. named an early character Professor Trocar in her initial planning notes for the series, intending him as a teacher; the name derives from the device's sharply pointed design for draining bodily fluids from cavities, mirroring vampiric , though the character was ultimately omitted from the published . In Andy Maslen's 2020 crime thriller Shallow Ground, the first in the DI series, a trocar is employed as a tool in the ritualistic murder of a young nurse and her toddler son, where it is used to drain the victim's blood, underscoring the killer's methodical and gruesome methodology in a narrative. The 2007 mystery novel The Naked Trocar by Fender Tucker centers on the sleazy underbelly of a mortuary business, with the titular instrument central to the plot's exploration of scandals and intrigue involving protagonist Knees Calhoon.

In Television and Media

In medical television dramas, the trocar is frequently depicted as an essential instrument for minimally invasive procedures, often emphasizing its role in and the potential for complications during insertion. For instance, in Grey's Anatomy (season 13, episode 13, "It Only Gets Much Worse"), residents perform a laparoscopic on a pediatric using an optical trocar, but a vessel tear occurs during placement, leading to hemorrhage and underscoring procedural risks under new training protocols. Similarly, in season 13, episode 4 (), the device is referenced during a where it facilitates access to the amniotic cavity for intervention. These portrayals highlight the trocar's sharpness and precision requirements, though dramatized for tension. Other medical series also feature the trocar in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. In House M.D. (season 2, episode 9, ""), nurses alert the attending physician as soon as the trocar was ordered during a procedure on a patient with suspected Munchausen syndrome, reflecting real-time monitoring for complications like infection or bleeding. Likewise, ER (season 2, episode 4, "What Life?") includes about pulling the trocar through tissue during an abdominal procedure, illustrating its use in settings amid high-stakes trauma care. Such depictions prioritize narrative drama over exhaustive technical accuracy, often compressing timelines and simplifying insertion techniques. Beyond surgical contexts, the trocar appears in shows exploring death care and , where it serves to aspirate bodily fluids. In the series Six Feet Under, which chronicles a family-run , the instrument is shown piercing the to remove organs and fluids before injecting preservatives, evoking a sense of gothic horror through its invasive nature and the intimate handling of the deceased. This portrayal demystifies while emphasizing ethical and emotional challenges for practitioners, contributing to broader media discussions on mortality and end-of-life rituals.

References

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