SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE WITH PENDENT VALVE

• US 20060224164A1
• Filed: 06/13/2006
• Published: 10/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation (Applied Medical Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation (Applied Medical Corporation)
• Inventors: Kahle, Henry, Hilal, Nabil, Brustad, John R., Hart, Charles C.
• Granted Patent: US 8,613,727 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/108
• 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 17/3498 Valves therefor, e.g. flapper valves, slide valves haemostasis valves A61M39/06; check valves A61M39/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3464 with means acting on inner surface of valve or seal for expanding or protecting, e.g. inner pivoting fingers

Abstract

A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of the instrument where it is not significantly challenged during instrument insertion or manipulation. The pendant valve can be made to float at both the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate structure, to further reduce the vulnerability of the septum valve. Since the valve is less vulnerable to instrument insertion, it can be formed to minimize friction and maximize the functional range of the access device.

Claims

1-58. -58. (canceled)

59. A valve assembly adapted for disposition in a seal housing of a surgical access device, comprising:

an elongate tube disposed within the seal housing and having a proximal end and a distal end;

a flexible coupling for attaching the tube to the seal housing between the proximal end and the distal end of the tube; and

a flexible coupling having properties facilitating flotation of the distal end of the tube relative to the seal housing in three dimensions.

60. The valve assembly recited in claim 59, wherein the flexible coupling has properties facilitating flotation of the proximal end of the tube relative to the seal housing in at least two dimensions.

61. The valve assembly recited in claim 59, wherein the valve is a septum valve and the valve assembly further comprises a zero valve carried by the tube.

62. The valve assembly recited in claim 61 wherein the zero valve is disposed distally of the septum valve.

63. The valve assembly recited in claim 59 wherein the tube has a conical configuration.

64. The valve assembly recited in claim 59 wherein the tube has a cylindrical configuration.

65. The valve assembly recited in claim 59, wherein the valve is integral with the tube.

66. The valve assembly recited in claim 59, wherein the flexible coupling comprises a bellows.

67. A trocar adapted to receive an instrument along a working channel, the trocar comprising:

a cannula having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end;

a valve housing having a proximal end, and a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the cannula;

a valve support having a distal end, and a proximal end coupled to the valve housing in proximity to the proximal end of the valve housing;

a valve suspended by the valve support along the working channel in proximity to the distal end of the valve support, and in proximity to the distal end of the valve housing; and

the valve support having a floating relationship with the valve housing so that the valve is free to swing in an angular relationship to the axis.

68. The trocar recited in claim 67, further comprising:

a coupling disposed between the valve support and the valve housing, the coupling having properties facilitating a floating relationship between the valve and the valve housing.

69. The trocar recited in claim 68, wherein the coupling comprises a bellows.

70. The trocar recited in claim 67, further comprising:

a guidance structure for facilitating alignment of the valve with the instrument.

71. The trocar recited in claim 70, wherein:

the guidance structure is carried by the valve and support; and

the guidance structure has properties for detecting the angle of the instrument relative to the axis and for moving the valve support to carry the valve toward alignment with the instrument.

72. The trocar recited in claim 71, wherein the guidance structure is disposed distally of the valve;

73. The trocar recited in claim 72, wherein the valve is a septum valve and the guidance structure comprises a zero valve

74. The trocar recited in claim 71, wherein the guidance structure is disposed proximally of the valve.

75. The trocar recited in claim 74, wherein the guidance structure includes a plurality of projections each extending inwardly of the valve support to contact the instrument when the instrument is inserted into the working channel.

76. The trocar recited in claim 75, wherein the projections include at least one of annuli, folds, fins, fingers, and leaves.

77. The trocar recited in claim 74, wherein the valve is a septum valve, and the trocar further comprises:

zero valve coupled to the valve housing distally of the septum valve.