Abstract: Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a sheath that defines a first lumen that has a closed end and an open end. The first lumen may be sized to receive at least a distal end portion of the stapling head of the stapler within the closed end. The sheath may have a weakened area therein such that upon an application of a release motion thereto, the weakened area ruptures to permit the hollow sheath to be removed from the stapler.

Abstract: Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a hollow flexible sheath that has a distal end and an open proximal end that is sized to receive a stapling head portion of the circular stapler therein. A radially-openable barrel member is attached to a distal end of the hollow flexible sheath to define an opening for receiving the stapling head therein. A rigid cap member is hingably attached to the radially-openable barrel member and is movable between a closed position wherein the rigid cap member covers a distal end of the opening in the barrel member and open position wherein the rigid cap member is movable to a position wherein the distal end of the opening is exposed. A releasable latch member is provided to engage and release opposed ends of the radially-openable barrel member.

Abstract: Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a hollow flexible sheath that has a distal end and an open proximal end that is sized to receive a stapling head portion of the circular stapler therein. A rigid cap assembly is attached to the distal end of the hollow flexible sheath. The rigid cap assembly may be configured to selectively move between a closed position wherein a distal face of the stapling head is covered when inserted therein and an open position wherein the cap assembly may be withdrawn from around the stapling head and elongated shaft. A release arrangement interfaces with the rigid cap assembly such that upon an application of a release motion thereto, the rigid cap is movable from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A trocar comprising an alignment channel and an instrument seal comprising a bending portion and a base portion. The bending and base portions of the instrument seal are spaced relative the alignment channel such that when a surgical instrument is retracted the bending portion inverts and the lip does not enter the alignment channel.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device assembly provides a tubular diaphragm twist seal that responds to a slight rotation of an actuating ring in a first direction by coupling a motor spring power assisted rotation of a bottom circumference of the twist seal achieves a pneumatic seal in an adjustable access channel defined by the state of the twist seal for maintaining an insufflated body cavity for a hand assisted laparoscopic surgical procedure. A slight rotation of the actuating ring in an opposite second direction releases compression spring energy and energy in the twisted state of the twist seal so that an upper circumference of the twist seal is allowed to open the adjustable access channel.

Abstract: An insertion device configured for providing access to a treatment site within a body cavity is provided herein. In general, the device includes an elongate cannula configured to receive and allow passage therethrough of a surgical instrument to a treatment site. Additionally, a proximal end of the cannula is movably coupled to a housing thereby facilitating delivery of the instrument therethrough. Additionally, various embodiments of a method for delivering (e.g., laprascopically, endoscopically, etc.) various surgical instruments to various treatment sites via an elongate cannula wherein the cannula includes a proximal end movably coupled to a housing are provided herein.

Abstract: A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged.

Abstract: A packaging device for a trocar assembly includes a housing member having a compliant first sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member and a compliant second sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member. The first sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein. The second sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft also includes an outer surface. A tip member is secured to the distal end of the shaft, the tip member including a first end and a second end, as well as an outer surface. A keyed coupling structure links the tip member to the shaft, wherein the shaft adjacent the tip member tapers to a surface diameter substantially coextensive with the outer surface of the tip member and the tip member adjacent the shaft tapers to a surface diameter substantially coextensive with the outer surface of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for maintaining visibility during surgical procedures. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a surgical instrument to maintain visibility during a surgical procedure using a protective element coupled to the surgical instrument. The protective element can protect a viewing element on the surgical instrument while the surgical instrument is being passed through an introducer device into or out of a body cavity (e.g., during insertion and/or withdrawal). The protective element can also optionally protect the surgical instrument's viewing element while at least a portion of the surgical instrument is disposed in a body cavity.

Abstract: Seal assemblies or valves, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for reducing the amount of contact between an instrument being passed into and out of a trocar assembly and an inner surface of a sealing wall of such seal assemblies or valves. In one exemplary embodiment a valve includes an activation extension that is formed on the inner surface of the sealing wall of the valve and is configured such that a distal end of the sealing wall is moved to the open position by an instrument contacting the activation extension. In one embodiment the instrument does not come into contact with the inner surface of the sealing wall during the procedure. In another embodiment a distal-most end of the activation extension can be closer to a longitudinal axis extending through the flange than the inner surface of the sealing wall.

Abstract: Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In general, a surgical access device is provided that can include a cannula that defines a working channel that is sized and configured to receive a surgical instrument. A seal can be disposed in the cannula of the surgical access device. In one exemplary embodiment, the seal can be positioned at a point in the cannula that is effective to maintain contact between the seal and an instrument inserted therethrough as the instrument is rotated about that point.

Abstract: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a plurality of seal segments. Each seal segment includes a peripheral edge and a seam edge. At least a first seal segment and a second seal segment are connected along their respective peripheral edges to form a first seal layer having a seam defined by the seam edge of the first seal segment and the seam edge of the second seal segment. At least a third seal segment and a fourth seal segment are connected along their respective peripheral edges to form a second seal layer having a seam defined by the seam edge of the third seal segment and the seam edge of the fourth seal segment. The seam of the first seal layer has a first longitudinal axis and the seam of the second seal layer has a second longitudinal axis, and the first seal layer is oriented relative to the second seal layer such that the first longitudinal axis is angularly oriented relative to the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Seal assemblies, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for selectively promoting movement of fluid away from a central portion of the seal assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an inner surface of a seal body of the seal assembly is configured to selectively promote such movement of fluid away from the central portion of the seal body toward a peripheral portion of the seal body. While various configurations, geometries, and dimensions are discussed, one example of such a configuration includes locating a central portion of the seal body at a more proximal position than a peripheral portion of the seal body.

Abstract: An insertion device configured for providing access to a treatment site within a body cavity is provided herein. In general, the device includes an elongate cannula configured to receive and allow passage therethrough of a surgical instrument to a treatment site. Additionally, a proximal end of the cannula is movably coupled to a housing thereby facilitating delivery of the instrument therethrough. Additionally, various embodiment of a method for delivering (e.g., laprascopically, endoscopically, etc.) various surgical instrument to various treatment sites via an elongate cannula wherein the cannula includes a proximal end movably coupled to a housing are provided herein.

Abstract: An insertion device configured to provide access to a treatment site within a body cavity (e.g., an abdominal cavity) is provided herein. In general, the device includes any type of elongate sleeve (e.g., a trocar) having an inner lumen. Further, the device includes a tissue retraction mechanism configured to extend from a distal end of the sleeve wherein the tissue retraction mechanism is configured to securely engage a cavity wall such that in response to a retraction force the mechanism can pull the cavity wall over the distal end of the sleeve thereby positioning the sleeve across the cavity wall. Additionally, various embodiments of a method for providing access to a body cavity are also provided herein.

Abstract: A trocar comprising an alignment channel and an instrument seal comprising a bending portion and a base portion. The bending and base portions of the instrument seal are spaced relative the alignment channel such that when a surgical instrument is retracted the bending portion inverts and the lip does not enter the alignment channel.