Patent Grant
7806870
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sealable surgical access devices, and more particularly, to such devices that are capable of deforming to a low-profile configuration to facilitate percutaneous insertion, for example, into the abdominal wall of a patient.
2. Description of Related Art
A variety of surgical access devices are known in the art for providing access to a surgical cavity during minimally invasive surgical procedures. Such devices typically include a rigid tubular element, which defines a channel or lumen therethrough. The tubular element provides an open channel through the abdominal wall and into a surgical cavity, through which surgical instruments can pass. Typically, a seal is provided to inhibit insufflation gas from exiting to the surrounding environment while surgical instruments are removed from the lumen.
Such conventional devices generally have been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, such devices are relatively costly to manufacture, being made from relatively expensive materials, such as polycarbonate plastic. Such devices also inhibit movement of surgical instruments, due to the long, rigid and narrow lumen defined therein. As a result, a surgeon must tilt the entire rigid access device, in order to manipulate his instruments. Further, such devices are not typically provided with a facility for anchoring to the abdominal wall, and therefore can be accidentally removed therefrom during a procedure. Although some solutions to the foregoing problems have been developed, devices remedying some of these problems have been relatively complex and expensive. Therefore, there remains a continued need in the art for a surgical access device that provides access to a surgical cavity, which is a reduced encumbrance on a surgical procedure. There also remains a need in the art for such a surgical access device that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The present invention provides a solution for these problems.
The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the devices and methods particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a surgical access device having an access port is provided. The access port has an elongated body with opposed proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis. The body has a central lumen extending therethrough, which in-turn includes a resilient bulb portion formed between the proximal and distal end portions of the body. The resilient bulb portion is adapted and configured to transition between a first condition in which the bulb portion has a first diameter and a first length and a second condition in which the bulb portion has a second diameter and a second length; the second diameter is less than the first diameter, and the second length is greater than the first length. In accordance with this aspect, a first engagement means is arranged in the distal end portion of the body, for engagement with a distal end portion of an insertion device, such as a trocar. The insertion device is adapted and configured to releasably engage the distal end portion of the access port body so as to facilitate a transition from the first condition to the second condition of the bulb portion of the access port body.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a surgical access device having an access port and an elongated trocar is provided. The access port has an elongated body with opposed proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis. The body has a central lumen extending therethrough, which in-turn includes a resilient bulb portion formed between the proximal and distal end portions of the body. The resilient bulb portion is adapted and configured to transition between a first condition in which the bulb portion has a first diameter and a first length and a second condition in which the bulb portion has a second diameter and a second length. The second diameter of the bulb portion is less than the first diameter, and the second length of the bulb portion is greater than the first length.
The elongated trocar is adapted to extend into the central lumen of the access port body and configured to releasably engage the distal end portion of the access port body so as to facilitate a transition from the first condition of the bulb portion of the access port body to the second condition of the bulb portion of the access port body.
In accordance with either of the foregoing embodiments the following features can be incorporated therewith, as desired. The bulb portion can have, for example, a generally spherical, generally ovoid, or other shape configuration in the first condition. The bulb portion of the access port body can be formed at least in part from an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber. The bulb portion can have an outer surface with a substantially convex arcuate contour. The proximal end portion of the access port body can have a substantially constant outer diameter. Further, the bulb portion in the first condition can include an expanded diameter, or can be substantially straight. Additionally or alternatively, the bulb portion can include one or more circumferential longitudinally spaced ribs or longitudinal circumferentially-spaced ribs.
An insert sleeve can be disposed within the distal end portion of the access port body for engaging a distal end portion of the trocar and can be arranged at the distal end of the access port body, forming a tip thereof. Such insert sleeve can be formed from a material having a greater rigidity than the access port body, and can be, for example, Nylon. The insert sleeve can include a plurality of proximally extending expandable guide fingers for lining an inner surface of the bulb portion to accommodate or facilitate insertion of the trocar. Additionally, if desired, an elongated guide tube can be provided, which extends through the proximal portion of the access port body and at least partially into the bulb portion of the access port body.
Further, if desired, a substantially rigid generally planar flange portion can be associated with the proximal end portion of the access port body, and can define an access port communicating with the lumen of the access port body. Such access port can have a conically tapering lead-in surface. If provided, the insertion device can include a handle with releasable locking means for releasably engaging aforementioned flange portion.
If desired or required, the proximal portion of the access port body can be provided with longitudinal, circumferentially spaced ribs formed on an outer surface of the body, for inhibiting elongation of the proximal end portion of the access port body during the transition from the first condition of the bulb portion to the second condition of the bulb portion. Alternatively or additionally, the proximal portion of the access port body can be provided with circumferential, longitudinally spaced ribs formed on an outer surface of the body, for inhibiting circumferential expansion of the proximal end portion of the access port body during the transition from the first condition of the bulb portion to the second condition of the bulb portion. Additionally or alternatively, the body can be provided with circumferential, longitudinally spaced ribs formed on an outer surface of the body, for inhibiting removal of the bulb portion from an abdominal wall of a patient.
In accordance with the invention, a seal member can be disposed within the lumen, in the proximal end portion of the access port body. Such seal member can be, for example, a duckbill type valve, ball valve, or a fluid seal as set forth, for example in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/517,929 filed Sep. 8, 2006. Additionally or alternatively, an integrally formed seal can be provided within the lumen, in the proximal end portion of the access port body. Such seal can be, for example, a protrusion provided on the wall of the lumen, to seal a space between the wall of the lumen and a surgical instrument. Alternatively or additionally, sealing can be accomplished by way of a collapsible region defined in the proximal end portion of the body such that the collapsible region can be collapsed by an outside force, to seal the lumen. Such outside force can be, for example, force exerted by the abdominal wall of a patient.
The body can be provided with a first engagement means in the distal end portion thereof, such that a distal end portion of a trocar can engage the first engagement means. Such engagement means can be tabs, which are configured and arranged to be grasped by the trocar, or alternatively, a substantially rigid stepped element, for engaging a mating portion of the trocar. If desired, the body can be provided with second engagement means in the proximal end portion thereof, with a proximal end of the trocar, obturator or other insertion device being adapted for engaging the second engagement means.
In the foregoing embodiments, the trocar or insertion device preferably has a length greater than the first length of the bulb portion of the body, and therefore causes extension of the bulb portion to the second length. If a second engagement means is arranged in the proximal end portion of the body, for engagement with a proximal end portion of the trocar or insertion device, the insertion device can maintain the access port body in the second condition while engaged therewith.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the subject invention, there is provided a surgical access device that includes, among other things, a telescoping guide tube assembly disposed within the central lumen of the access port body for accommodating the elongated insertion device. The guide tube assembly is adapted and configured to transition between a first length corresponding to the first condition of the bulb portion and a second length corresponding to the second condition of the bulb portion. In addition, the insertion device is configured to extend through the guide tube assembly and releasably engage the guide tube assembly to facilitate the transition of the access device from the first condition of the bulb portion to the second condition of the bulb portion.
Preferably, the telescoping guide tube assembly includes a proximal tube section and a distal tube section. The proximal tube section is fixed relative to the access port body and the distal tube section is adapted to translate relative to the proximal tube section. The distal tube section of the guide tube assembly includes a nosepiece that extends from the distal end portion of the access port body and has a tapered outer surface. Preferably, the tapered outer surface of the nosepiece merges into the bulb portion of the access port body, to provide a smooth transition between the two structures. The guide tube assembly has an interior engagement ring therein for mating with an exterior engagement ring provided on the insertion device.
The access port body also includes a plurality of axially spaced apart annular retaining ribs. The plurality of axially spaced apart annular retaining ribs includes two different rib structures. These include a first rib structure having a horizontal ledge and an angularly inclined riser and a second rib structure having a generally V-shaped cross-section.
In addition, the access port includes a proximal housing portion that includes an inlet opening communicating with the guide tube assembly. The housing portion has an interior chamber that houses a seal member designed to interact with the insertion device or a surgical device inserted through the access port. The seal member preferably includes a duckbill seal portion and an annular wiper seal portion.
The insertion device used to facilitate the transition of the bulb portion between the first and second conditions includes a proximal handle assembly and an elongated trocar shaft that extends distally from the handle assembly. The handle assembly preferably includes means for engaging the proximal housing portion of the access port. In this regard, the proximal housing portion of the access port includes a proximal engagement flange and the handle assembly of the insertion device includes a pair of opposed pivoting latching arms for releasably engaging the flange of the access port.
Preferably, the pivoting locking arms of the handle assembly are normally biased into a latching position by spring arms or the like disposed within the handle assembly. The insertion device preferably has a tissue-penetrating tip at the distal end of the trocar shaft. The tissue-penetrating tip preferably includes at least two cutting surfaces or facets, and more preferably, the facets define optical lens areas for visualization during the tissue penetration procedure.
In addition, the handle assembly includes means for receiving a laparoscope that would communicate with the optical lens areas of the trocar tip. In this regard, the handle assembly includes means for securing the position of a laparoscope relative to the insertion device. Preferably, the means for securing the position of the laparoscope relative to the insertion device includes a rotatable cam lock that interacts with a silicone washer designed to compressively engage an outer periphery of the laparoscope. These and other unique features of the access device and the insertion device will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the associated figures.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a method of forming an access port in a patient is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an access port in accordance with the invention, as set forth herein; providing an insertion device configured to engage the distal end portion of the access port body; extending the insertion device into the central lumen of the access port body so as to engage the distal end portion of the access port body; elongating the access port with the insertion device, the end of the insertion device being engaged with the distal end portion of the access port body; inserting the access port and insertion device through an abdominal wall of a patient to a predetermined position, while maintaining the access port in an elongated configuration; and removing the insertion device from the access port, allowing the access port to revert to the first configuration, with the bulb portion of the access port engaging an interior surface of the abdominal wall.
The method can further include the step of performing surgery by inserting a surgical instrument through the lumen of the access port, and through an optional rigid member associated with a portion of the body. The method can further include sealing the central lumen, either upon itself, or between the access port and a surgical instrument. Such sealing can occur by radially inwardly directed force acting on the access port, exerted by the abdominal wall of the patient.
Additionally or alternatively, the step of elongating the access port with the insertion device can further include engaging the insertion device with a first engagement means at the distal end of the access port and elongating the port along the insertion device. Additionally or alternatively, the method can further include the step of engaging a second engaging means associated with the proximal end of the access port with a corresponding engagement means on the insertion device to selectively maintain the access port body in an elongated configuration.
In accordance with the invention, the step of inserting the port can include inserting the access port through the abdominal wall with the insertion device in engagement with the first and second engagement means of the access port. The methods set forth herein can further include removing the access port from the abdominal wall. Such removal can include reengaging the insertion device with the first and second engagement means to elongate the access port body, and withdrawing the elongated access port from the abdominal wall.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices and methods of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention, wherein:
Reference will now be made in detail to the selected embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The devices and methods presented herein relate to providing a surgical access port to allow insertion and removal of surgical instruments during a procedure. The present invention is particularly suited for use in minimally-invasive surgical procedures of the abdomen, and is suitable for procedures where the abdominal cavity is pressurized with insufflation gas.
For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a surgical access device in accordance with the invention is shown in
The insertion device 120 includes a handle 121 for gripping by a user, a shaft 123, and a distal tip 125. The tip 125 can include an engagement feature, such as the stepped portion illustrated, which engages a mating stepped interior of the distal tip 107 of the access port 110. The insertion device can include a cutting tip at its distal end, or can have a blunt tip at the end thereof. The insertion device 120, therefore, can be a trocar, a blunt-tip obturator, or a visualization device (e.g., an obturator with a visualization tip and a channel to receive an endoscope), for example. The flange 101, serves multiple purposes. Firstly, the flange 101 serves as a location for a user to grip when preparing the access port 110 for insertion. Secondly, the flange 101 acts as a stop to abut the outer surface (skin) of the patient's abdominal wall, preventing the entire access port 110 from passing through the incision made to insert the access port. Further, the flange 101 can be provided with a lead in surface 102, which helps guide the insertion device 120, or other instruments therein and therethrough.
The tip 107 is provided at the distal end of the body 118 of the access port 110. The tip 107 is insert molded, adhered, or otherwise secured to the body 118, details of which are set forth below in connection with other embodiments. Since the tip 107 must securely engage the insertion device 120, the tip 107 is preferably made of a relatively rigid material. However, although illustrated as extending distally from the body 118, the tip can be provided within the body 118, near the distal end thereof, if desired. As such, the tip 107 can be concealed from view, while still having the necessary rigidity to withstand forces exerted by the insertion device 120, for example. Variations of the bulb portion 105, neck portion 103, tip 107 and flange 101 are described below in connection with other embodiments. Naturally, these specific features can be interchanged and combined as needed or desired.
As shown in
The surgical access device 100 is urged through the abdominal wall 530 of the patient until the flange 100 meets the surface 531, or skin of the abdominal wall 530.
In this embodiment, upon withdrawal of the instrument 930, the abdominal wall 530, which continually exerts an inward force on the access port 110, causes the lumen 106 in the region of the neck 103 to close, thus sealing the lumen 106, inhibiting escape of insufflation gas from the surgical cavity (e.g., a pneumoperitoneum). Such behavior can be seen, for example, in
In other instances, however, ribs or other stiffening means may be desirable. As an alternative to ribs, if desired, a material having directional reinforcement can be utilized, such as a fiber-reinforced polymer. As such, the access port 110 can be formed so as to have longitudinal resistance to elongation, for example at the neck 103, while still easily collapsing radially, so as to seal between the access port and a surgical instrument.
It should be noted, that if the neck 103 of the access port 110 is configured so as to be relatively compliant, the neck can adapt to different sizes of surgical instruments inserted therethrough—expanding to the appropriate size to accommodate each tool.
Additionally, elongation-prevention ribs 1004 are provided on the neck 1003. As evident, particularly from the cross-sectional view of
Alternatively or additionally, the bulb 1005 or flange 1001 can similarly include materials having directional properties. If, for example, the bulb 1005 is reinforced or is otherwise composed of material(s) having directional properties, when tension is applied to the access port 1010 the bulb 1005 will simply deform to a point, elongating as a whole, but without the material itself elongating or “stretching.” Thus, it can therefore be understood that elongation or “stretching” of the material itself used for this and other access ports described herein, is not essential to practice of the invention.
However, the access port 1410, and more specifically the tip 1507. includes axially inwardly and radially outwardly directed flexible fingers 1508, which are provided to line the distal end portion of the lumen 1506, defined within the bulb portion 1505. The fingers 1508 serve to guide surgical instruments toward the lumen of the tip 1507, so as to more easily pass through the access port 1410 and into surgical cavity. While the access port body 1518 (i.e., the bulb 1505 and the neck 1503) may be made of a material that is relatively soft to allow flexure, the fingers 1508 and additionally the tip 1507 itself can be made of a relatively rigid material. Such material preferably also has a relatively low coefficient of friction against materials used in surgical instruments (e.g., metals and plastics), so that the instruments are easily guided through the lumen and into the surgical cavity.
The fingers 1508 also serve to reinforce the distal end portion of the bulb portion 1505, if they are embodied such that they are at least partially secured to the bulb 1505. Alternatively, they can simply be in contact with the inner surface 1506 of the bulb 1505, resiliently contacting the surface 1506. In the illustrated embodiment, particularly as seen in
With reference to
With reference to
The access port 1710 of
The valve 1709, is shown as a duckbill type valve, but can be of any type desired. Alternatively or additionally, a ball valve and/or or a fluid seal can be utilized, as set forth, for example in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/517,929 filed Sep. 8, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The valve 1709 is arranged within the guide tube 1711 and serves to reduce leakage of insufflation gas from the surgical cavity (e.g., a pneumoperitoneum), when instruments are removed from the access port 1710. While certain of the foregoing embodiments, such as the access port 110 of
While the above-described latching mechanism can be incorporated into any of the embodiments set forth herein, the access port 2010 illustrated includes a flange 2001, which holds the backstop 2012, a neck 2003 having longitudinal ribs 2004, a bulb portion 2005, and a tip 2007, secured to the bulb portion 2005 with extensions 2008.
In use, the user places the insertion device 2220 through the lumen 2006 of the access port 2010, elongating the access port 2010 until the pawls 2223a, 2223b engage the backstop 2012 (See
The access port 2510 of
The access port 2610 of
The access port 2710 additionally includes a flange reinforcement 2712, having a lead in surface 2702 to help guide insertion of surgical instruments. As with the access port 2610 of
Circumferential ribs 3315 further increase the diameter of the bulb portion 3305, providing additional anchoring capability. While the foregoing embodiments can be made from elastomeric materials or non-elastomeric materials, this embodiment preferably includes a material having a predetermined degree of elasticity, particularly because the relative diameter of the bulb portion 3305 to the remainder of the body 3318 of the access port 3310 is not as great as in many of the foregoing embodiments. Accordingly, when elongated, the material of the access port 3310 will stretch, and while the bulb 3305 decreases in profile, the ribs 3315, which are part of the bulb 3305, will also stretch longitudinally, effecting a reduction in their cross-sectional profile.
The access port 4210 further includes a flange reinforcement 4212, having a lead in surface 4202 to help guide insertion of surgical instruments therethrough. As with other access ports set forth herein, the flange reinforcement 4212 helps impart rigidity to the flange 4201. The flange reinforcement 4212 can be applied to the proximal surface of the flange 4201, or partially or fully recessed therein.
In this embodiment, as best seen in the exploded view of
As also can be seen in
As with foregoing embodiments, the individual components of the access port 4210 can be mutually secured by way of any suitable means, including, but not limited to heat welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent welding, adhesive, cohesive or, if desired, mechanical interlocking elements.
In order to remove an access port in accordance with the invention from the body of a patient, one can pull the proximal flange (e.g., flange 101 of
Referring now to
Access device 5000 includes an elongated body portion 5100 and a proximal seal housing 5110. Seal housing 5110 has a funnel shaped opening 5112 for receiving a trocar or surgical device and in interior cylindrical chamber 5115 for supporting a sealing member 5114 (see
The seal housing 5110 of access device 5000 also includes a tubular insufflation port 5116 for mating with a source of pressurized fluid by way of a leur lock fitting or a similar type of connective arrangement known in the medical arts. The insufflation port 5116 of proximal seal housing 5110 includes a removable cap 5118 that is connected to the seal housing 5110 by a living hinge 5125 so that the cap 5118 does not become displaced during a surgical procedure and can be easily reused.
The body portion 5100 of access device 5000 includes an axially extendable elastomeric sheath 5120 defining a pathway for permitting minimally invasive access to the abdominal cavity of a patient by a surgical device. The elastomeric sheath 5120 has a generally radially outwardly tapering cross-sectional configuration, in its unstretched condition, shown in
The elastomeric sheath 5120 of access device 5000 includes a plurality of axially spaced apart annular retaining ribs 5130. More particularly, the sheath 5120 includes two types of alternating ribs 5130, including a first type 5132 that has a horizontal ledge 5132a and an angularly inclined riser 5132b and a second type 5134 that has a generally V-shaped cross-section. The ledged ribs 5132 prevent movement of the sheath 5120 in a proximal direction during use, as does the V-shaped ribs 5134, although to a lesser extent. The V-shaped ribs 5134 differ from the ledged ribs 5132 in that they have the same wall thickness as the sheath 5120 itself, and thus more easily flatten out when the sheath 5120 is stretched during deployment, thereby reducing insertion resistance, as best seen in
Access device 5000 further includes telescoping guide tubes that include an inner tube 5136 and an outer tube 5138. Together, the telescoping guide tubes 5136, 5138 define a passage for a trocar during deployment of the access device 5000 and a pathway for the introduction of surgical instruments. The proximal end of the outer tube 5138 is preferably integrally formed with the proximal housing portion 5110 of access device 5000. However, it is envisioned that the outer guide tube 5138 could be separate from and secured to the housing portion 5110. The distal end of the inner tube 5136 extends from the distal end of sheath 5120 and defines a tapered nosepiece 5140 for the access device 5000. The nosepiece 5140 provides a smooth transition surface to the radially enlarged anchoring bulb 5128.
As discussed above and throughout this specification, an insertion device is utilized to effectuate the transition of the access device 5000 between the unstretched and stretched conditions shown in
Insertion device 6000 includes a proximal handle assembly 6100 that includes a barrel section 6112 and depending ergonomically shaped grip section 6114. An elongated trocar shaft 6116 extends distally from the barrel section 6112 of handle assembly 6100. The distal tip 6118 of trocar shaft 6116 is preferably adapted and configured to pierce through tissue, including the abdominal wall, and thus includes at least two cutting facets 6118a, 6118b.
It is also envisioned and well within the scope of the subject disclosure, that trocar shaft 6116 can be configured as an optical trocar assembly for purposes of visualizing the penetration into the abdominal cavity. Thus, the distal tissue-piercing tip 6118 of trocar shaft 6116 may include at least two optical facets or viewing windows 6118a, 6118b that communicate with light transmitting structures within the trocar shaft (not shown). Trocar shaft 6116 also includes a medial engagement collar 6120 having circumferentially spaced apart fingers 6122 for interfingering or otherwise meshing with a complementary spaced apart fingers 5152 of a collar 5150 provided at the proximal end of the inner guide tube 5136 of access device 5000, as best seen in
It is envisioned that the engagement collar 6120 on trocar shaft 6116 could be alternatively located at the distal end of the shaft, adjacent the cutting tip 6118, and the complementary collar 5150 could be located at the distal end of the inner guide tube 5136. The cooperative engagement of collars 5150 and 6120 effectively prevents relative radial movement of the trocar shaft 6115 and body portion 5120, caused by the torque transmitting by handle assembly 6100 during use.
Referring now to
Referring to
In addition, the handle assembly 6100 of insertion device 6000 includes a mechanism for securing the position of a laparoscope relative to the handle assembly 6100 of the insertion device 6000. This mechanism includes a rotatable barrel cam 6132 having a cam slot 6134 that interacts with a corresponding cam follower (not shown). The barrel cam 6132 is rotated by way of a toggle switch 6136, which causes a corresponding axial translation of the barrel 6132. When the barrel cam 6132 moves in a distal direction, it axially compresses an aligned silicone washer 6135 against an aligned hard plastic retaining washer 6138. The silicone washer 6135 is restricted from expanding radially outwardly by the walls of the housing assembly 6100. Consequently, upon becoming axially compressed against hard plastic washer 6138, the pliable silicone washer 6135 will compress radially inwardly against the outer surface of the tubular laparoscope extending there through. As a result, the laparoscope is maintained is a fixed position with respect to the barrel section 6112 of handle assembly 6100.
In use, trocar tip 6118 and shaft 6116 are inserted into the proximal opening of access device 5000, as illustrated in
The length of the trocar shaft 6116 from collar 6120 to penetration tip 6118 is selected so that the penetrating tip extends out of the inner guide tube to protrude from the end of the elongated body portion with the elongated body portion in the stretched position shown in
With the elongated body portion 5100 mounted to the trocar 6116 as shown in
The elongated body portion 5120 may or may not return all the way to the original unstretched position, depending upon the thickness and gripping force of the surrounding tissue. However, the elongated body portion 5120 will return sufficiently toward the initial unstretched configuration so that the bulb portion 5128 expands radially outward to help secure or otherwise anchor the access device 5000 within the incision for surgery. The ribs 5130 variously disposed along the body portion 5120 also resume their rest position, extending radially outward from the body portion 5120 to assist in securing the access device 5000 relative to the patient's body.
At such a time, guide tubes 5136, 5138 return toward the nested configuration shown in
After surgery is complete, the trocar tip 6118 may be reinserted into the access device 5000 to elongate and stretch the elongated body 5120 for ease of removal from the patient's body. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the access device 5000 may simply be pulled out of the body, such as by grabbing and pulling on housing 5110. As the housing is pulled away from the body, elongate body 5120 will partially elongate and stretch against the resistance of the tissue until the bulb portion 5128 and ribs 5130 stretch sufficiently to slip out of the tissue and be removed.
Surgical access devices in accordance with the invention can serve many purposes, only one of which is use in minimally-invasive surgical procedures. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that access ports in accordance with the invention can be used wherever access, particularly sealable access, into a body cavity is needed.
The specific dimensions of surgical access devices, including access ports, in accordance with the invention can be selected as needed. Specifically, it is envisioned that a wide variety of sizes will be available to a user to enable the user to select the most appropriately dimensioned device for the patient and procedure at hand. The overall length of access ports in accordance with the invention can vary, as well as the relative lengths of the neck portions, diameters and lengths of bulb portions, dimensions of the flange dimensions of the access port, and the like. It is envisioned that the access ports set forth herein can replace typical rigid cannulas. Accordingly, general dimensions similar to such typical rigid cannulas are possible, although an operative (during surgery) length of the surgical access port, which is less than that of typical cannulas, is preferable.
Materials for access ports in accordance with the invention can include, as set forth above, plastics, composites, elastomers or metals if necessary, for any component or components thereof. For example, the flange and or tip can be reinforced by rigid plastic or metal components. As set forth above, materials having directional properties may be desirable.
The devices and methods of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for a surgical access device with superior properties including secure anchoring to the abdominal wall, low manufacture costs, and sealable access to a pneumoperitoneum. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the device and method of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, an insufflation port can be incorporated into the subject surgical access port, if desired. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
The subject application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/544,856, filed Oct. 6, 2006, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3721229 | Panzer | Mar 1973 | A |
| 4655752 | Honkanen et al. | Apr 1987 | A |
| 4676782 | Yamamoto et al. | Jun 1987 | A |
| 4929235 | Merry et al. | May 1990 | A |
| 4944732 | Russo | Jul 1990 | A |
| 4995868 | Brazier | Feb 1991 | A |
| 5114407 | Burbank | May 1992 | A |
| 5122122 | Allgood | Jun 1992 | A |
| 5147316 | Castillenti | Sep 1992 | A |
| 5183464 | Dubrul et al. | Feb 1993 | A |
| 5242412 | Blake, III | Sep 1993 | A |
| 5248302 | Patrick et al. | Sep 1993 | A |
| 5250025 | Sosnowski et al. | Oct 1993 | A |
| 5257973 | Villasuso | Nov 1993 | A |
| 5290249 | Foster et al. | Mar 1994 | A |
| 5300035 | Clement | Apr 1994 | A |
| 5330437 | Durman | Jul 1994 | A |
| 5356421 | Castro | Oct 1994 | A |
| 5366478 | Brinkerhoff et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
| 5383861 | Hempel et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
| 5423770 | Yoon | Jun 1995 | A |
| 5431676 | Dubrul et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
| 5441041 | Sauer et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5445615 | Yoon | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5454790 | Dubrul | Oct 1995 | A |
| 5456284 | Ryan et al. | Oct 1995 | A |
| 5460170 | Hammerslag | Oct 1995 | A |
| 5472429 | Yoon | Dec 1995 | A |
| 5490843 | Hildwein et al. | Feb 1996 | A |
| 5524644 | Crook | Jun 1996 | A |
| 5545179 | Williamson, IV | Aug 1996 | A |
| 5634937 | Mollenauer et al. | Jun 1997 | A |
| 5657097 | Schultz et al. | Aug 1997 | A |
| 5685820 | Riek et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
| 5697913 | Sierocuk et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5702370 | Sylvanowicz et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
| 5707362 | Yoon | Jan 1998 | A |
| 5725504 | Collins | Mar 1998 | A |
| 5727770 | Dennis | Mar 1998 | A |
| 5782813 | Yoon | Jul 1998 | A |
| 5817062 | Flom et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
| 5830191 | Hildwein et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
| 5895377 | Smith et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
| 5906595 | Powell et al. | May 1999 | A |
| 5935107 | Taylor et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
| 5980549 | Chin | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6077288 | Shimomura et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
| 6123689 | To et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
| 6142981 | Heck et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6206823 | Kolata et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6228059 | Astarita | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6258065 | Dennis et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6364892 | Jervis | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6432085 | Stellon et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
| 6524238 | Velikaris et al. | Feb 2003 | B2 |
| 6656198 | Tsonton et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 6669674 | Macoviak et al. | Dec 2003 | B1 |
| 6814715 | Bonutti et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
| 6837891 | Davison et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
| 6860869 | Dennis | Mar 2005 | B2 |
| 6972026 | Caldwell et al. | Dec 2005 | B1 |
| 7052454 | Taylor | May 2006 | B2 |
| 7056303 | Dennis et al. | Jun 2006 | B2 |
| 7056329 | Kerr | Jun 2006 | B2 |
| 7473243 | Dennis et al. | Jan 2009 | B2 |
| 20030093104 | Bonner et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
| 20050004592 | Criscuolo | Jan 2005 | A1 |
| 20050051163 | Deem et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
| 20070088258 | Wenchell et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
| 20090182279 | Wenchell et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 26 11 107 | Sep 1977 | DE |
| 0 480 653 | Apr 1992 | EP |
| 0 487 175 | May 1992 | EP |
| 1 774 918 | Apr 2007 | EP |
| 2 810 555 | Dec 2001 | FR |
| 2 275 420 | Aug 1994 | GB |
| WO 0234108 | May 2002 | WO |
| WO 2004028613 | Apr 2004 | WO |
| WO 2005013832 | Feb 2005 | WO |
| WO 2008042005 | Apr 2008 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20080086080 A1 | Apr 2008 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11544856 | Oct 2006 | US |
| Child | 11786832 | US |
