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 The valve seal may be provided with stay that prevents the valve seal from inverting when an instrument is withdrawn from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has an hourglass instrument seal operably coupled to the interior of the valve seal assembly. The hourglass instrument seal includes a top flange, a free floating lower flange and a rippled junction adjoining a top conical portion and bottom conical portion. An anti-inversion assembly biases the top flange apart from the lower flange. A tilt subassembly enables pivotal movement of the seal assembly using a ball and socket. Additionally, the cap housing may include a ball socket for slidably engaging the lower spherical section of the tilt assembly. A duckbill valve includes a pair of flaps, each having a plurality of reinforcing ribs. A fluid port is disposed at an acute upward angle relative to the channel. A cannula tube includes a plurality (e.g., three) independent parallel sets of evenly spaced threads.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has an hourglass instrument seal operably coupled to the interior of the valve seal assembly. The hourglass instrument seal includes a top flange, a free floating lower flange and a rippled junction adjoining a top conical portion and bottom conical portion. An anti-inversion assembly biases the top flange apart from the lower flange. A tilt subassembly enables pivotal movement of the seal assembly using a ball and socket. Additionally, the cap housing may include a ball socket for slidably engaging the lower spherical section of the tilt assembly. A duckbill valve includes a pair of flaps, each having a plurality of reinforcing ribs. A fluid port is disposed at an acute upward angle relative to the channel. A cannula tube includes a plurality (e.g., three) independent parallel sets of evenly spaced threads.

Abstract: A trocar includes an incision blade/safety shield cartridge assembly, a sleeve body having a distal end and an opposite proximal end, and a handle. The incision blade/safety shield cartridge assembly includes a nose cone; a stationary incision blade adapted to produce a clean incision with a flap, such as a v-shaped incision; and a retractable safety shield that conforms to the shape of the incision blade, a spring, and a safety shield spring retainer housing. The safety shield retracts to a retracted position exposing the incision blade during piercing of a body cavity and rapidly extends to an extended position beyond the tip of the incision blade upon penetration of a body cavity, thereby guarding against unintended incision and/or puncture wounds.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping mechanism includes a spacer plate having a plurality of axle shafts for rotatably engaging a plurality of geared occlusion rollers. A rotatable drive gear meshes with the geared occlusion rollers and causes them to rotate. Smooth roller portions of the geared occlusion rollers frictionally engage and compress a flexible tube. Rotation of the geared occlusion rollers in contact with the flexible tube causes the occlusion rollers to migrate along the tube, thereby providing peristaltic pumping.

Abstract: The Adjustable Length Cannula surgical instrument assembly may be provided with a valve seal assembly where the upper portion of the valve seal is rigidly mounted to the upper head end of the adjustable cannula body assembly. The lower portion of the adjustable cannula body is of two or more components that includes a gas seal that telescopes to multiple desired lengths by telescoping and securing in position with a short twist motion with a detent locking detail.