SURGICAL PENETRATION AND DISSECTION INSTRUMENT

摘要

A surgical instrument for penetrating or dissecting bodily tissue which provides for the capability for simultaneous visualization during penetration or dissection is disclosed. An endoscope can be inserted through the hollow shaft of the instrument to visualize the penetration or dissection. A locking assembly is featured which enables the user to initially slide the endoscope through the hollow shaft for proper positioning before the instrument is advanced into tissue, and then lock the endoscope in place to prevent substantial movement of the endoscope during advancement into tissue.