Abstract: The present invention provides a mouthpiece assembly for establishing a protected airway for a patient. The mouthpiece assembly comprises a generally elliptical tubular bite block having a generally elliptical passageway formed therethrough. The mouthpiece assembly further comprises a generally elliptical front shield attached to the front end of the tubular bite block portion. The front shield has a central opening in communication with the passageway for receiving medical instruments therethrough and a strap opening adjacent each of the opposing edge portions. At least a portion of the front shield is curved rearward and is flexible to allow the at least a portion of the front shield to conform to the patient's facial structure. The mouthpiece assembly also comprises a tongue depressing member extending rearwardly and downwardly from the rearward end of the bottom wall of the tubular bite block, and a resilient cushioning sleeve formed around at least a portion of the tubular bite block.

Abstract: A surgical instrument valve assembly is provided with a valve seal where the upper portion of the valve seal is rigidly mounted to the body of the valve assembly. The lower portion of the valve seal is configured to allow some radial movement while the upper portion of the valve seal remains rigidly mounted within the valve assembly. The valve seal may be provided with stay that prevents the valve seal from inverting when an instrument in withdrawn from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for retrieving specimens from a body cavity during minimally invasive surgery uses a specimen pouch that is deployable from an introducer inserted into the body cavity through a predefined passage such as a cannula. The specimen pouch includes a resilient band that causes the specimen pouch to open automatically and remain open after removal from the introducer. Once removed from the introducer, the specimen pouch is free-standing with no attachment to the introducer or to an externally operated closure mechanism. Closure and removal are accomplished using a conventional forceps or other instrument to grasp a portion of the band and withdraw the band and the opening of the pouch into the introducer. The pouch is configured so that withdrawal of the band into the introducer causes the material around the opening of the pouch to gather and seal the opening.

Abstract: A sleeve trocar for piercing tissue to provide a conduit to an internal body cavity insufflated by gas includes a generally tubular sleeve member having a cutting edge and a passageway therethrough. An obturator assembly is telescopically disposed within the sleeve member with the obturator assembly having a moveable portion and a stationary portion, each obturator portion having a blunt face projecting beyond the cutting edge. The present invention also includes a penetration indicator assembly which provides an audible sound upon breach of a body cavity wall.

Abstract: A modular trocar assembly having a cannula, a passive valve seal assembly and an instrument seal assembly all releasably joined to define a central axial bore, where the passive valve seal assembly contains a valve seal which prevents passage of gas through the trocar assembly into the atmosphere when no instrument is inserted but which opens to allow for insertion of an instrument, and where the instrument seal assembly contains an instrument reducer seal which prevents passage of gas through the trocar assembly into the atmosphere when an instrument is inserted through the valve seal. The passive valve seal assembly and the instrument seal assembly are preferably composed of plastic so as to be disposable, while the cannula is preferably composed of a sterilizable material to enable reuse.

Abstract: A double valve seal to prevent escape of liquids or gases through a cannula, the seal having a diaphragm valve with a circular aperture to seal the cannula when an instrument is inserted and a spilt conical valve to seal the cannula when no instrument is present. A pair of diametrically opposed ribs are positioned beneath the end member and are aligned with the split in the conical valve so as to abut the open end of the cannula and act as pivot points to impart compressive force against the two halves of the conical valve to improve the effectiveness of the seal.

Abstract: A valved cannula assembly having a gasket retaining collar positioned internally within a gasket receiving member, the gasket retaining collar having a recess to receive and retain in a fixed position an annular gasket, which acts in conjunction with either a flapper valve assembly or an inserted instrument to seal the axial bore of the cannula and prevent escape of fluids or gases. A plugging member forces the retaining collar against the gasket receiving member. The recess of the gasket retaining collar is preferably provided with annular ridges to secure the gasket and a conical shoulder to allow some deflection.