OPTICAL OBTURATOR Abstract An optical obturator apparatus (100) includes an obturator sleeve (104) defining 5 a longitudinal axis (x) and having a longitudinal bore (118) for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window (106) mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal 1o axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade (134), or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue. 120 1 4 1 61 0102 m13s
