Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is spaced from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. At least one recess is defined in the O-ring that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments. The recess may comprise various cross-sectional shapes, such as, at least one circumferential groove, a plurality of circumferentially positioned recesses, or be shaped such that the O-ring comprises a cruciform cross-section. An improved incrementally adjustable apparatus for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants is also provided including a pair of resilient O-rings connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve.

Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a stacked or astroidal cross-section and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. In one embodiment a astroidal cross-section O-ring includes a torsional preloading to enhance snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.