FLEXIBLE ACCESS ASSEMBLY WITH MULTIPLE PORTS

• US 20100286484A1
• Filed: 04/06/2010
• Published: 11/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Stellon, Gene A., Hartoumbekis, Elias
• Granted Patent: US 8,968,189 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/208
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3423 Access ports, e.g. toroid shape introducers for instruments or hands access sites for liquids A61M39/0247
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3462 with means for changing the diameter or the orientation of the entrance port of the cannula, e.g. for use with different-sized instruments, reduction ports, adapter seals expandable cannulas A61B17/3417
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3429 having a unitary compressible body, e.g. made of silicone or foam
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3445 used as instrument channel for multiple instruments catheters A61B2017/22072
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3466 for simultaneous sealing of multiple instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 13/003 Blowing gases other than for carrying powders, e.g. for inflating, dilating or rinsing

Abstract

An access assembly configured to receive one or more surgical instruments is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing defining a longitudinal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end and a seal assembly received within the longitudinal passageway of the housing. The seal assembly defining a plurality of ports each configured to receive an instrument inserted therethrough in a sealing manner.

Claims

1. An access assembly for insertion through tissue, the access assembly comprising:

a flexible housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing defining a longitudinal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and

a seal assembly received within the longitudinal passageway of the housing, the seal assembly defining a plurality of ports each configured to receive an instrument inserted therethrough in a sealing manner.

2. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing has a central portion and an upper rim at a proximal end of the central portion.

3. The access assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the housing has a lower rim at a distal end of the central portion.

4. The access assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the upper rim has a diameter greater than a diameter of the central portion.

5. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing includes a groove formed in an inner surface of the housing for receipt of the seal assembly.

6. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the seal assembly is integrally formed with the housing.

7. The access assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the groove is formed near a proximal end of the housing.

8. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the seal assembly includes a disk that is one of circular, oval-shaped, square and rectangular.

9. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing includes a coating that is at least one of parylene, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, bio-agents, anti-infection and analgesic.

10. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ports includes a seal configured to seal the ports in the absence of an instrument being inserted therethrough.

11. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the port includes a zero-closure or duck-bill seal.

12. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the seal assembly is formed of a flexible material.

13. The access assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the seal assembly includes a first and second layer.

14. A method of accessing a body cavity comprising the steps of:

creating an incision through the abdominal wall;

providing an access assembly having a flexible housing and including a seal assembly having one or more ports;

compressing the flexible housing such that it may be inserted through the incision;

inserting the compressed housing through the incision;

releasing the compressed housing to permit the housing to return towards an original shape; and

receiving the seal assembly within the housing.

15. The method of claim 14, further including the step of receiving one or more instruments through the one or more ports of the seal assembly.

16. The method of claim 14, further including the step of removing the seal assembly.

17. The method of claim 16, further including the step of receiving a second seal assembly within the housing.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the housing includes a coating that is at least one of parylene, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, bio-agents, anti-infection and analgesic.