Abstract: A flexible, fluid-tight envelope provides access for a hand and surgical instruments through a body tissue incision while maintaining insufflation pressure or a pneumoperitoneum within the body. The envelope is transparent and has an interior volume with opposite proximal and distal ends. A first opening in the envelope at the proximal end adjoins the incision in the body tissue and is secured and sealed to the body tissue. The second opening at the envelope distal end is provided with a closure member that seals closed the second opening on itself or around the forearm of a surgeon or a surgical instrument inserted into the interior volume of the envelope.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 23, 2001
Date of Patent:
January 11, 2005
Assignee:
Etheicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
Inventors:
Roger A. de la Torre, James Stephen Scott, George D. Hermann, Thomas A. Howell, James E. Jervis, Kenneth H. Mollenauer, Roderick A. Young