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 single valve that forms a seal with the 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 with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity.

Abstract: An access system comprises an access device. The access device is adapted to be disposed within an opening in a body wall. The access device has an external flange adapted to be disposed external to the body wall and an internal flange adapted to be disposed internal to the body wall. Holes extend through the access device between an external surface and an internal surface of the access device. The holes span the thickness of the body wall between a location external to the body wall and a location internal to the body wall. The access device is formed of an elastomeric material adapted to conform to surfaces of instruments inserted through the holes to form instrument seals along at least a portion of a length spanning the thickness of the body wall. The elastomeric material is compressible and adapted to form a seal with the body wall.

Abstract: A process of making a tack-free gel is disclosed comprising the steps of providing a mold defining a mold cavity, the mold cavity comprising a plastic material; pouring or injecting a molten gel having a high molding temperature into the mold cavity; and forming the tack-free gel as a thin layer of plastic of the mold cavity is melted over the gel. The forming step further comprises cooling the gel from the molten state to a solidified state. The melting temperature of the plastic material is lower than the molding temperature of the gel; and the higher the temperature differential, the greater the melting of the plastic material and the thicker the layer of the plastic material on the surface of the gel. The mold may be formed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

Abstract: A surgical access device includes an access seal comprising an ultra gel elastomeric material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer and an oil. The access seal is adapted to be disposed relative to the abdominal wall. At least one access channel is formed through the elastomeric material between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the access seal. The access channel when operatively disposed forms at least a portion of a working channel between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The elastomeric material of the access seal is adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity while maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The access channel is configured to self seal in the absence of any instrument extending through the access channel.

Abstract: A fat removal device includes a screen which includes passages through which fat can be extruded, to be cut or melted away from the surface of an internal organ. The device includes a blade to cut the fat or radiofrequency monopolar or bipolar electrodes to melt the fat, aspiration to remove the fat away from the screen and blade, irrigation to irrigate the screen and blade, and an electrocautery member to cauterize the capillary bed of the fat. Methods of using removing the fat layer from the surface of an internal body organ are also described.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes an access seal adapted to be disposed within an incision within an abdominal wall. The access seal has an external flange adapted to be disposed external to the abdominal wall and an internal flange adapted to be disposed internal to the abdominal wall. The access seal with flanges is formed monolithically. There are access channels through the access seal. The access channels span the thickness of the abdominal wall and form working channels between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The access seal is formed of an elastomeric material adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel to form an instrument seal along a length spanning the thickness of the abdominal wall. The elastomeric material is adapted to form an abdominal seal within the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A surgical access device is adapted for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with multiple instruments passing through the surgical access device and through a single incision in the abdominal wall of a patient with the abdominal cavity pressurized with an insufflation gas. The surgical access device is adapted to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity for surgical procedures while generally maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The surgical access device comprises an access pad. The access pad comprises a material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer, an oil, and a foaming agent. The access pad is adapted to be disposed within an incision within an abdominal wall. The access pad has an external flange and an internal flange integrally formed with the access pad.

Abstract: A surgical access device is adapted for performing laparoscopic surgical procedures with at least one instrument passing through the surgical access device and through an incision in the abdominal wall of a patient with the abdominal cavity pressurized with an insufflation gas. The surgical access device is adapted to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity for surgical procedures while generally maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The surgical access device comprises an access seal. The access seal comprises a material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer and an oil. The access seal is adapted to be disposed relative to the abdominal wall in an operative position. The material of the access seal is adapted to form a seal to generally maintain insufflation pressure within the abdominal cavity. At least one opening is formed through the material of the access seal between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the access seal.

Abstract: The invention primarily is directed to a medical tubing adapted for insertion into a body tissue or cavity and method of manufacturing different variations of the tubing along a length of the tubing. The tubing comprises a plurality of individual, discrete, generally ring-shaped elements arranged in series and fused or bonded together forming a continuous tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may be formed of a thermoplastic or a thermoset material. The ring-shaped elements may include plastic rings, metallic rings, un-reinforced plastic rings and/or metal reinforced plastic rings assembled along the length of the tubular structure to provide variable flexibility and kink-resistance. The tubular structure may have a cross-section of any geometric shape and it may be bent, twisted or curved without kinking. The ring-shaped elements may have different flexural modulus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method for securing a passed surgical suture in a manner similar to a tied knot. The suture securing device comprises a male piece having a top portion, a center shaft having one end connected to the top portion, and an end member having a capturing feature connected to another end of the center shaft; and a female piece having a top end and a bottom end comprising a column being generally cylindrical in shape and forming a hollow opening along its length, wherein the opening slidingly receives the center shaft and a suture to be captured and held by the capturing feature, the suture being secured in place between the column and the center shaft. The assembled male and female pieces are irreversibly interlocked and form a lightly compressed, convoluted or tortuous pathway. The capturing feature is formed to engage and obliquely capture the suture from different angles.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the 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 with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity. A method for making the surgical access device includes the combining of a gelling agent with an oil, preferably in a molding process. A method for using the device includes steps for creating an opening with the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with the 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 with instruments having a full range of instrument diameter. The valve can include a gel and preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon, thereby providing hand access into the cavity. A method for making the surgical access device includes the combining of a gelling agent with an oil, preferably in a molding process. A method for using the device includes steps for creating an opening with the instrument.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a kink resistant sheath includes the steps of coating a wire with a plastic material to form an inner tube, placing a braid over the inner tube, applying a spring reinforcement over the braid and applying a second layer of plastic material over the assembly to form an outer tube of a braided reinforced sheath. The plastic material is preferably polyurethane but may be a thermoplastic, thermoset or any plastic material having hard and/or soft durometer.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve forming a seal with the body wall and providing an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero-seal in the absence of an instrument and an instrument seal with instruments. The valve can include a gel comprised of an elastomer and oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon. A method for making the surgical access device includes combining a gelling agent with oil, preferably in a molding process. A method for using the device includes creating an opening with the instrument. An organ can be removed from the body cavity through the single valve to create an organ seal while the organ is addressed externally of the body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve forming a seal with the body wall and providing an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero-seal in the absence of an instrument and an instrument seal with instruments. The valve can include a gel comprised of an elastomer and oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. The single valve can be used as a hand port where the instrument comprises the arm of a surgeon. A method for making the surgical access device includes combining a gelling agent with oil, preferably in a molding process. A method for using the device includes creating an opening with the instrument. An organ can be removed from the body cavity through the single valve to create an organ seal while the organ is addressed externally of the body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.

Abstract: A surgical wound retractor is adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring and the second ring. These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. With a suitable retraction sleeve, a third ring can be provided to form a circumferential retainer to vary the retraction force.

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.