Abstract: A protective sleeve apparatus for protecting an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated tubular member having an open proximal end and an open distal end. The elongated tubular member is sized and configured to receive a laparoscopic or endoscopic instrument therethrough. The tubular member has a folded section adjacent the distal end in releasable engagement with an intermediate section of the tubular member to define a substantially enclosed sleeve to receive the instrument and substantially prevent entry of contaminants within an interior of the tubular member. The folded section is releasable from the intermediate section upon exertion of a proximal force to the tubular member to facilitate removal of the tubular member along the instrument.

Abstract: An obturator for penetrating tissue includes an outer member defining a longitudinal axis, and having proximal and distal ends, a leading member disposed adjacent the distal end of the outer member and having a tissue contacting outer surface, and a blade mounted adjacent to the leading member. The blade is adapted for at least traversing movement relative to the longitudinal axis to thereby traverse the outer surface of the leading member to facilitate penetrating of tissue during advancement of the leading member within the tissue. The leading member may include an optical window adapted to permit passage of light therethrough for detection by a clinician.

Abstract: An apparatus may serve as a surgical portal for the reception of surgical instruments for use in laparoscopic or similar surgery. The apparatus may include inner and outer tubular elongate members adapted for a longitudinal translation relative to one another to effect a length adjustment of the apparatus. An interface between the two elongate members includes a helical thread providing a mechanism for the translation of the elongate members, and indentations in one of the members provides a locking mechanism for affixing the length.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object, a seal member mounted to the access member and having inner seal portions defining an aperture to removably receive the surgical object in substantial fluid-tight sealing relation therewith and at least one cable member. The at least one cable member has a first cable end connected to a first radial section of the seal member and a second cable end connected to a second radial section of the seal member displaced from the first radial section. The first and second cable ends are adapted to be laterally displaced relative to the longitudinal axis during offset lateral movement of the surgical object, to thereby cause corresponding lateral displacement of the inner seal portions of the seal member whereby the inner seal portions maintain the substantial fluid tight sealing relation with the surgical object.

Abstract: An obturator assembly for penetrating tissue and being at least partially positionable within a cannula assembly includes an obturator housing, an obturator shaft connected to the obturator housing and defining a longitudinal axis, a bladeless penetrating member adjacent the distal end of the obturator shaft and an obturator shield mounted about the obturator shaft and having a distal shield nose. The obturator shield is adapted for longitudinal movement between an extended position where the bladeless penetration member is substantially enclosed within the shield nose and a retracted position where the bladeless penetrating member is at least partially exposed from the shield nose.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substrates having a lubricious coating thereon. The substrate may be flexible and include, in embodiments, a medical device. The lubricious coating, in embodiments, is applied in a pattern so that the coating avoids delamination and/or fracturing which might otherwise occur as the substrate flexes and/or stretches.