Abstract: A trocar containing a universal seal for sealing against surgical instruments of varying diameter to maintain insufflation in the body cavity is disclosed. The universal seal has an elastomeric sealing component with a centrally located interior region containing an aperture, and a concentrically located sealing region. The sealing region is composed of an integral laminate having an overlaying layer co-molded with an underlying layer. The overlaying layer has a hardness between about 40 Shore A Durometer Scale and about 80 Shore D Durometer Scale. The underlying layer has a hardness between about 5 Shore A Durometer Scale and about 40 Shore A Durometer Scale. The co-molded laminate balances the properties of tear resistance and elasticity which are necessary for a working universal seal, and does so without the need for resilient legs or protectors to facilitate the opening of the aperture of the seal or to prevent tearing when instruments are inserted.

Abstract: Polymeric alloys of phenylene sulfides and polyimides are disclosed.