Abstract: A cannula includes a cannula cap connected to a proximal end of the cannula, which cap has cap body having a bore defining an instrument receiving passageway. A monolithic flapper valve is positioned within the cannula proximal end and adjacent the cap body. The flapper valve includes a flapper, a flapper mount positioned adjacent the cap body, and an integrally formed hinge connecting the flapper mount to the flapper for permitting the flapper to move to an open position when an instrument is positioned within the instrument receiving passageway and for biasing the flapper toward a closed position when the instrument is removed from the passageway. A sealing washer is carried by the flapper mount for positioning between the valve and the cannula cap enclosing the flapper valve within the cannula.

Abstract: A disposable shield for positioning on a shaft of an endoscope to shield the user has a generally rigid, disposable shield body. The transparent plastic shield body has an opening in a medial portion thereof and a disposable elastomeric body, made from a closed cell plastic foam material, positioned in the opening. The elastomeric body has an undersized shaft opening in a medial portion thereof for contacting and securing the shaft of the endoscope therein, while permitting angular alignment of the shaft relative to the shield body. The shield body includes a convex upper portion on a protected side and a planar lower portion adjacent the convex upper portion. Ribbed edge portions provide additional stiffening to the shield body. Integrally formed sidewall portions extend outwardly from the protected side which define a generally cylindrical chamber for receiving the elastomeric body therein.

Abstract: A surgical drape having a transparent, flexible tubular body for enclosing a non-sterile video camera includes a closed end and an opening adjacent the closed end. A flat reinforcing washer formed to the tubular body adjacent the opening defining an access opening into the tubular body for receiving a male threaded connection of a sterile camera coupler. The access opening of the reinforcing washer is sized to snugly fit the male threaded connection of the coupler so that the drape is readily secured to the coupler for providing an effective seal. When the coupler is screwed onto the camera, there is a clear optical channel between the camera and the coupler. With such an arrangement, the coupler is accessible from outside the drape. The drape separates the camera from the coupler and in operation, the coupler is sterilized prior to the start of the surgical procedure. As a result, both the coupler and the endoscope are easily accessible during the procedure.

Abstract: A cannula cap embodiment includes a monolithic elastomeric cap body having a sidewall portion for engaging a proximal end of a cannula, and an end portion connected to the cylindrical sidewall portion. The cannula cap also includes a monolithic flapper valve positioned within an interior of the cap body. The monolithic flapper valve includes a flapper portion, a ringed-shaped flapper mounting portion connected to adjacent interior portions of the cap body, and an integrally formed hinge portion connecting the flapper mounting portion to the flapper portion for permitting the flapper portion to move to an open position when an instrument is positioned within the instrument receiving passageway, and for biasing the flapper portion toward a closed position when an instrument is removed from the instrument receiving passageway.