Abstract: A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of the instrument where it is not significantly challenged during instrument insertion or manipulation. The pendant valve can be made to float at both the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate structure, to further reduce the vulnerability of the septum valve. Since the valve is less vulnerable to instrument insertion, it can be formed to minimize friction and maximize the functional range of the access device.

Abstract: An improved clip or clamp is provided having a one-piece wire-form construction that is suited for rapid and repeatable manufacture. The clamp, which may be disposable or reusable, includes a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, a first handle portion, a second handle portion and a central coil or tensioning device, all of which are formed from a single piece of wire. The central coil or tensioning device comprises one or more turns. The handle portions may include ring-shaped distal ends that further enhance grip. The jaw portions may be shaped, curved, bent or otherwise configured to provide access to specific areas of a procedure. The clamp may be coated with a material providing improved traction and padding. In a method of the invention, a single wire is wound at least one turn forming the central coil and two extensions.

Abstract: A vascular steerable access device is provided having an elongate body and a steerable portion. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a vessel and a sufficient length to extend through a patient's circulatory system. The access sheath may have two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument for at least partially occluding a body conduit comprising a first jaw, a second jaw opposing the first jaw and moveable relative to the first jaw to occlude the conduit, and an insert being mounted by at least one of the first and second jaws with a length of the insert extending along at least one of the first and second jaws. One of the first and second jaws may further comprise a retention barb to provide a friction fit with the insert. The insert is flexible, disposable and may be formed by injection molding. The retention barb may be a three-sided or multiple-sided barb that is formed at the proximal end of at least one of the first and second jaws. The first and/or second jaws may be bent and/or curved.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trocar assembly having a channel defined along an elongate axis, the trocar assembly being adapted to receive a surgical instrument, the trocar assembly comprising a septum seal disposed in the channel including a seal tip having a proximal facing surface, the seal tip including portions defining an orifice; and a septum shield including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of blades or leaflets protruding distally from the distal end of the tubular member, the septum shield being placed inside the septum seal such that the blades engage the proximal facing surface of the seal tip. The trocar assembly may further comprise a zero closure seal such as a double duckbill valve disposed in the channel outside of the septum seal. The septum shield operates to reduce the drag force and to minimize axial movement of the septum shield and the instrument during insertion and removal of the instrument through the septum seal.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a bladeless obturator (18) for wedging through muscle fiber layers (41, 43, 45) to safely cut through to the abdominal cavity (32) in order to apply a cannula (12). The invention comprises a bladeless obturator (18) having a rectangular tip (63) that is twisted radially.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trocar seal adapted to form a seal around a surgical instrument, the trocar seal comprising a housing having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end and forming a working channel sized and configured to receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric septum seal having a proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal being disposed in the housing and extending transverse to the axis of the housing across the working channel; portions of the septum seal defining a hole having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the surgical instrument so that during insertion of the instrument along the working channel the septum seal forms a seal with the instrument; and at least one structure formed integrally with or proximate to the septum seal to prevent inversion of the septum seal upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument.

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.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or moveable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired.

Abstract: A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of the instrument where it is not significantly challenged during instrument insertion or manipulation. The pendant valve can be made to float at both the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate structure, to further reduce the vulnerability of the septum valve. Since the valve is less vulnerable to instrument insertion, it can be formed to minimize friction and maximize the functional range of the access device.

Abstract: A surgical device having a longitudinal configuration and an axis extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end includes a housing having an inner surface defining a chamber and a cannula extending distally of the housing. A valve disposed in the housing has a conical outer wall and a plurality of distal walls which form a first seal with the inner surface of the housing and a second seal. The walls include multiple fold segments which are foldable between a first position wherein the second seal closes the cannula and a second position wherein the second seal opens the cannula. A method for actuating the valve includes the step of inserting an instrument distally into the valve to contact the fold segments along a line and to move the fold segments to the second position.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a storage container adapted to hold a plurality of substantially planar flexible members, such as flexible magnetic discs. The container has a base section and a pouch section. The pouch section is adapted to be fitted into the base section in a closed position and the pouch section is adapted to rotate about an axis such that in an open position the pouch section rests against the base section. The pouch section further has a partial front wall which is adapted to pivot about an axis enlarging the pouch section greatly facilitating the insertion and removal of the flexible planar member. Finally, the storage container has detent means to provide positive closure in the closed position.