Abstract: A method of manufacturing a kink resistant sheath includes the steps of coating a wire with a plastic material to form an inner tube, placing a braid over the inner tube, applying a spring reinforcement over the braid and applying a second layer of plastic material over the assembly to form an outer tube of a braided reinforced sheath. The plastic material is preferably polyurethane but may be a thermoplastic, thermoset or any plastic material having hard and/or soft durometer.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve forming a seal with the body wall and providing an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero-seal in the absence of an instrument and an instrument seal with instruments. The valve can include a gel comprised of an elastomer and oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon. A method for making the surgical access device includes combining a gelling agent with oil, preferably in a molding process. A method for using the device includes creating an opening with the instrument. An organ can be removed from the body cavity through the single valve to create an organ seal while the organ is addressed externally of the body cavity.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors for treating biological tissue include first and second scissor blades. A shearing surface and cutting edge of each blade is electrically neutral. The scissors include a pair of electrical connections for receiving electrical currents of opposing polarities. Each blade includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode positioned on a surface opposite the shearing surface The at least one first electrode on the first blade and the at least one second electrode on the second blade are coupled to the first electrical connection. The at least one second electrode on the first blade and the at least one first electrode on the second blade are coupled to the second electrical connection. In a first energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current only to the first electrodes. In a second energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current to all of the electrodes.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.

Abstract: A surgical clip dispenser arranged to hold a plurality of surgical clips for retrieval by a clip applier is provided. The dispenser in one aspect includes a clip housing with a plurality of slots each adapted to hold a plurality of surgical clips and is biased for rotational movement. A regulator substantially encompassed by the clip housing in one position prevents rotational movement of the clip housing and in another position permits rotation of the clip housing.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound to a desired diameter. The retractor includes first and second rings, each having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound. The first and second rings are adapted for disposition interiorly and exteriorly of the wound, respectively. A plurality of retraction elements is disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship between the first and second rings and extends through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound that is dependent on the distance separating the first and second rings. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible, are contemplated with appropriate attachment elements at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force. Rings can also be made inflatable or self-expanding to vary the retraction force.

Abstract: A trocar is provided with a cannula and a housing and valve assembly disposed in the housing which forms a housing seal, and instrument seal, and in some cases a zero seal. A gel material is included in the valve and provides the valve with superior flotation properties for maintaining the instrument seal even when the instrument is moved off-axis. In order to accommodate movement of the gel material, voids can be formed within the valve housing and even within the gel material.

Abstract: The trocar system includes a cannula insertable through a body wall using an obturator having a distal tip. A traction tread disposed interiorly of the obturator inverts at the distal tip and extends proximally along the outer surface of the obturator or cannula. At the distal tip the tread can facilitate parting rather than cutting the tissue. Along the outer surface, the tread can engage the tissue to pull it proximally along the advancing obturator. This produces counter forces which can result in a net proximal force facilitating distention of the abdominal wall and separation of the abdominal wall from internal organs. The traction tread can be axially and/or radially continuous. An associated method of operation includes the steps of contacting the body wall with the traction tread at the distal tip, and engaging the body wall with the traction tread along wall portions facing the outer surface.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with a body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal for an instrument having a diameter up to about 37 mm. The valve can include a gel material and the access channel can include a protective sleeve to provide for wound protection during insertion and withdrawal of a sharp surgical instrument. The valve further comprises a cap ring which may be inserted or molded with the gel material. The protective sleeve may be bonded or molded around an inner diameter of the cap ring. The protective sleeve may be a single tubular member, or may comprise a plurality of axially extending sleeve members having a plurality of axial slits. The protective sleeve and the cap ring may comprise of the same or different materials.