O-ring for incrementally adjustable incision liner and retractor
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. One of the O-rings is formed to engage the inner edge of the wound with a portion of the sleeve above the wound capable of being rolled onto the other ring to draw the remaining sleeve portion contiguous with the sides of the wound.
The present invention relates generally to surgical wound protectors, and more particularly to an adjustable surgical wound protector for use in protecting incised cavity walls of various thicknesses from harmful contaminants during surgery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe sides of a wound during surgery are inherently susceptible to bacterial infection if touched by contaminated substances such as diseased body parts and fluids as they pass through the wound. Therefore extreme care must be exercised to insure that the exposed sides of an incision are completely covered by a material impervious to solids and fluids containing bacteria and other contaminants before surgery proceeds.
Various techniques have been used to insulate any incised tissue from exposure. One form of protection for relatively large incisions typically employs soft cotton sponges held against the sides of the wound by metal retractors to minimize contamination as well as to give the surgeon better access into the operating site. Another form of wound protector, particularly suitable for surgery, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,227 to Harrower. Harrower discloses a surgical incision protector consisting of a pair of flexible rings joined by a thin, tubular-shaped sheet of flexible material. Harrower's rings have sufficient preforming to give a generally oval shape, be resilient and flexible, and so as to be easily flexed for insertion through a wound opening. The thin sheet is preferably made of plastic and must be impermeable to fluids and bacteria, physiologically inert, unaffected by autoclaving or sterilization, free of electrostatic hazard, resistant to melting, non-flammable, and somewhat elastic. Each of Harrower's flexible rings has a substantially circular cross-section. Harrower's incision protector is assembled by securing each end of the tubular sheet of flexible material to a ring, so that each ring is positioned at an end of the thin sheet of tubular material. In use, one ring is squeezed into an oblong shape, inserted through the peritoneum, and allowed to expand to the preformed shape over the inside edge of the wound. The other ring overlaps the outside edge causing the sleeve to stretch into contiguous contact with the entire surface of the sides and inner and outer edges of the wound. To obtain a form-fitting contiguous contact with the sides of the wound, the circumference of both rings in their preformed shape are slightly larger than that of the incision, and the extended length of the sleeve between the rings is slightly greater than that of the wall thickness. To accommodate variations in wound size, Harrower's wound protectors are manufactured in numerous combinations and permutations of both circumference and length.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,226 to Harrower describes an adjustable wound protector which reduces, to a degree, the number of sizes required. It requires a number of predetermined lengths similar to U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,227, except the circumference of the wound protector is adjustable, before being installed in the wound, by the rings having telescoping ends, and the side of the sleeve having overlapping lengthwise edges. Any overlapping excess may be cut off. The rings have a maximum adjustable circumference slightly larger than that of the largest incision anticipated so that they are sure to overlap the inner and outer edges of the wound. However, a sleeve length must be selected which will closely conform to the wall thickness at the wound.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,644, issued to Crook discloses an incrementally adjustable apparatus for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants. Crook provides a pair of resilient O-rings that are connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve. One of the O-rings is formed to engage the inner edge of the wound with a portion of the sleeve which is capable of being rolled onto the other ring to draw the remaining sleeve portion contiguous with the sides of the wound. Significantly, Crook relies upon flat surfaces on the rolled ring, that form an oblate cross-section, to provide a gripping surface to turn the ring about its annular axis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one preferred embodiment, an O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector comprising 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.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, an O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector that comprises a circular torus having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is radially equidistant from a central longitudinal axis. This O-ring also comprises a resilient configuration that is suitable for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. Advantageously, two recesses are formed in the O-ring that are selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments. The circular cross-section of the O-rings preferably comprises four quadrants, with the material defining two diagonally opposed quadrants being removed, leaving two diagonally opposed recesses. The solid portion of each O-ring defines a first solid quadrant and a diagonally opposed second solid quadrant, with the first solid quadrant including a curved outer surface, a curved annular surface, and a sinusoidal surface, and the second solid quadrant also including a curved outer surface, a curved annular surface, and a sinusoidal surface. The first and second curved annular surfaces are preferably disposed at substantially the same radial distance from the central longitudinal axis, and are vertically oriented so as to be substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis. The sinusoidal surfaces extend transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis.
An improved adjustable surgical wound protector is also provided that comprises an elongate open-ended tube formed of a pliable material that is impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise into a surgical incision. Two O-rings are one each secured around the open ends of the tube. The O-rings have a resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to one of the O-rings in the surgical incision. Advantageously, at least one of the O-rings comprises at least one recess for enabling selected snap-action rolling of the at least one O-ring for rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of the sleeve on itself about the O-ring to shorten the sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening, whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:
This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
Referring to
Sleeve 8 is preferably formed from a material that is impervious to solids and/or fluids containing bacteria and other harmful contaminants, e.g., a polymer or elastomeric material of the type known in the art. The materials and dimensions of wound protector 5 are selected to ensure stability of the wound protector when installed. A preferred polymer material suitable for sleeve 8 is a heat-sealable 2-mil aromatic polyether polyurethane film, such as the PT6100 series manufactured by Deerfield Urethane, Inc., under the tradename DUROFLEX, that may be produced in seamless tubular form or by a flat sheet in a cylindrical form with the meeting margins along the side overlapped and sealed. Other materials that may be used with good effect include, polyolefins and other like plastomers and elastomers that are suitable for use in medical applications. A nominal sleeve length suitable for surgery is typically from about 100 to about 200 mm. Sleeve diameters will vary according to the length of the surgical incision.
First O-ring 10 and second O-ring 12 each are formed so as to engage the inner edge of a surgical incision, with a portion of sleeve 8 above the incision and capable of being incrementally rolled toward the other O-ring to draw the remaining portion of sleeve 8 contiguous with the sides of the incision. O-rings 10 and 12 are preferably formed from an elastomeric medical grade material of sufficient hardness to retain O-rings 10 and 12 expanded in place around the inner and outer edges of the surgical incision. The material must be compliant enough to allow O-ring 10 or 12 to be turned by the fingers over 180 degrees about its center. For this purpose, urethane is a preferred elastomeric material. O-rings 10,12 may be formed from other resilient materials, such as medical grade, polyvinylchloride, silicon, natural rubber, or other elastomeric or rubber-like materials, with good effect.
Referring to
The solid portion of O-rings 10,12 that remains defines a first solid quadrant 30 and a diagonally opposed, second solid quadrant 33. First solid quadrant 30 includes a curved outer surface 36, a curved annular surface 38, and a sinusoidal surface 40. Second solid quadrant 33 includes a curved outer surface 46, a curved annular surface 48, and a sinusoidal surface 50. Curved annular surfaces 38,48 are at substantially the same radial distance from central longitudinal axis 24, and are vertically oriented so as to be substantially parallel and substantially coaxial with central longitudinal axis 24. Sinusoidal surfaces 40,50 extend transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis 24 of O-rings 10,12 (
Of course, it will be understood that the term “O-ring” is not limited to circular structures or classic toroidal shapes, but also includes structures that are not circular, e.g., rectilinear, oval/elliptical, hexagonal, octagonal, etc., as long as such rings comprise a resilient configuration capable of being squeezed into an oblong shape that is suitable for insertion into a surgical incision.
By way of example, a urethane O-ring 10,12 for use with a sleeve having a diameter of about 109 mm, has a diameter of about 7.9 mm, with a radial depth of diagonally opposed recesses 26 and 28 of approximately 4.0 mm. Of course, the sizes of the O-rings and sleeves will vary according to incision size and peritoneum wall thickness. The personal preference of the surgeon will also affect the choice of both O-ring and sleeve size for a particular surgical procedure. Each end of sleeve 8 is sealingly fastened or bonded around an O-ring 10,12, e.g., to a curved outer surface 46, such that when the sleeve is fully extended, O-rings 10,12 are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another (
The cross-sectional shape of O-rings 10,12 provides stability in a plane perpendicular to central longitudinal axis 24, and provides an over-center “snap-action” or “snap-roll” when O-ring 10, 12 is rolled about itself and sleeve 8, thereby providing incremental shortening in predetermined increments and resistance to lengthening after shortening. More particularly, by strategically removing portions of O-rings 10,12 so as to form recesses 26,28, the rate of twist necessary to create the over-center “snap-action” can be gauged and set. Typically, about 33% to about 70% of the mass of the O-ring must be either removed or redistributed in order to obtain a “snap-action” that is suitable for hand twisting. Thus numerous O-rings (
For example, and referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Additionally, O-ring 10,12 may also be formed so as to have nonparallel top and bottom walls 100,102, and convex inner and outer, annular side walls 104,106 (
Referring to
Referring to
Referring again to
Numerous advantages are obtained by employing the present invention.
The present invention provides a relatively low cost surgical wound protector of simplified and selectively adjustable design which can be easily installed in a wound and adjusted in place to form fit a wide range of cavity wall thicknesses for protection against harmful contaminants.
Another advantage of the invention is the provision of an adjustable wound protector in which relatively few sizes are needed to form fit a wide range of incision sizes and cavity wall thicknesses.
Still another advantage of the invention is the provision of a surgical wound protector which can be adjusted after being inserted in a wound to obtain contiguous contact with the sides of the cavity wall.
A still further advantage of the invention is the provision of a single, easily manufactured O-ring design that provides for a “snap=action” when rolled in itself so as to reel a sleeve onto the O-ring after being inserted in an incision for securing the sleeve in contiguous contact with the sides of the incision.
It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- at least one recess that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
2. An O-ring according to claim 1 wherein said at least one recess comprises at least one circumferential groove.
3. An O-ring according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of circumferentially positioned recesses.
4. An O-ring according to claim 1 wherein said at least one recess yields a cruciform cross-section of said O-ring.
5. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- a circular torus having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is radially equidistant from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision; and
- two recesses that are selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
6. An O-ring according to claim 5 wherein said circular cross-section of said O-ring comprises four quadrants wherein material defining two diagonally opposed quadrants is removed, leaving two diagonally opposed recesses.
7-8. (canceled)
9. An O-ring according to claim 5 wherein said sinusoidal surfaces extend transversely relative to said central longitudinal axis.
10. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- at least one sinusoidal surface that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
11. An O-ring according to claim 10 comprising two sinusoidal surfaces.
12. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- a plurality of discrete recesses that are selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
13. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- at least one continuous recess that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
14. An O-ring according to claim 13 comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs are formed protrude from said at least one continuous recess.
15. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- a plurality of protrusions that are selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
16. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- a circular torus having a solid cruciform cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is radially equidistant from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision, and providing selected snap-action rolling of said O-ring in predetermined increments.
17. An O-ring according to claim 16 wherein said cruciform cross-section forms flat surfaces.
18. An O-ring according to claim 16 wherein said cruciform cross-section forms radiused surfaces.
19. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- a circular torus including a plurality of recesses defined radially inwardly from diametrically opposed positions along the circumference of said O-ring, and a cross-sectional center that is radially equidistant from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision, and providing selected snap-action rolling of said O-ring in predetermined increments.
20. An O-ring according to claim 19 wherein said plurality of recesses are rectilinearly shaped.
21. An O-ring according to claim 19 wherein said plurality of recesses are round.
22. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- at least one through-hole that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
23. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- at least one convex surface and at least one smooth curved surface to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
24. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and at least two convex surfaces to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
25. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- 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; and
- at least four convex surfaces to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments.
26. An adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- an elongate open-ended tube formed of a pliable material that is impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise into a surgical incision;
- two O-rings, one each secured around the open ends of said tube having a resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to one of said O-rings in said surgical incision; and
- wherein at least one O-ring comprises at least one recess for enabling selected snap-action rolling of said at least one O-ring for rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of said sleeve on itself about said O-ring to shorten said sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening, whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
27. An adjustable surgical wound protector according to claim 26 wherein said O-ring comprises a circular torus having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is radially equidistant from a central longitudinal axis.
28. An adjustable surgical wound protector according to claim 26 wherein said circular cross-section of said O-ring comprises four quadrants wherein material defining two diagonally opposed quadrants is removed, leaving two diagonally opposed recesses.
29-31. (canceled)
32. An adjustable surgical wound protector according to claim 26 wherein said sleeve is a thin sheet disposed in a generally cylindrical form with overlapping lengthwise margins sealed together.
33-37. (canceled)
38. An adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- an elongate open-ended tube formed of a pliable material that is impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise into a surgical incision;
- two O-rings, one each secured around an open end of said tube so that a portion of said tube adjacent to said end is bonded to a portion of the outer surface of each of said O-rings, wherein each of said O-rings has a resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to one of said O-rings in said surgical incision; and
- wherein at least one O-ring comprises at least one recess for enabling selected snap-action rolling of said at least one O-ring for rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of said sleeve on itself about said O-ring to shorten said sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening, whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
39. An adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- an elongate open-ended tube formed of a pliable material that is impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise into a surgical incision;
- two O-rings, one each secured to an open end of said tube so that a portion of said tube adjacent to said end is thermally bonded to an outer curved surface of each of said O-rings, wherein each of said O-rings has a resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to one of said O-rings in said surgical incision; and
- wherein at least one O-ring comprises at least one recess for enabling selected snap-action rolling of said at least one O-ring for rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of said sleeve on itself about said O-ring to shorten said sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening, whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
40. An adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- an elongate open-ended tube formed of a pliable material that is impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise into a surgical incision;
- two O-rings, one each secured around the open ends of said tube having a resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to one of said O-rings in said surgical incision; and
- wherein said O-rings each comprise a circular torus having a cross-sectional center that is radially equidistant from a central longitudinal axis and two recesses that are selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of at least one of said two O-rings about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments for rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of said sleeve on itself about said O-ring to shorten said sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening, whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
41. An adjustable surgical wound protector according to claim 40 wherein at least one of said two O-rings comprises at least one curved annular surface that is vertically oriented so as to be substantially coaxial with said central longitudinal axis.
42. An adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- an elongate open-ended tube formed of a pliable material that is impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise into a surgical incision;
- two O-rings, one each secured around the open ends of said tube having a resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to one of said O-rings in said surgical incision; and
- wherein said O-rings each comprise a cross-sectional center that is radially equidistant from a central longitudinal axis and two recesses that are sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of at least one of said two O-rings about said cross-sectional center in predetermined increments for rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of said sleeve on itself about said O-ring to shorten said sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening, whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
43. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- a cross-sectional center that is spaced from a central longitudinal axis; and
- two opposed recesses that are selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said cross sectional center in predetermined increments.
44. An O-ring according to claim 43 wherein at least one of said two recesses comprises a circumferential groove.
45. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector comprising opposed portions that are joined together so as to define (i) a cross-sectional center located between said portions that is spaced from a central longitudinal axis, and (ii) two opposed recesses.
46. A protector for a surgical opening, comprising:
- an elongated tube formed of a pliable material to line the surgical opening;
- two O-rings secured at a space from one another along the tube, at least one of the O-rings being resiliently collapsible for insertion through the surgical opening;
- wherein at least a rollable one of said O-rings has a cross-sectional shape characterized by annular surfaces and unequal concentrations of material around a ring centerline, whereby upon rolling or unrolling said rollable O-ring on the tube using manual pressure on the annular surfaces, the rollable O-ring snaps incrementally from one stable position to a next stable position.
47. An adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- a sleeve having two open ends, said sleeve being made of an elastomeric material impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise in a wound; a first O-ring secured around one of said ends, said first O-ring having a preformed resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to said first O-ring in the wound; and
- a second O-ring secured around the other of said ends of said sleeve, said second O-ring having a non-circular radial cross-section with opposed surfaces so as to enable gripping and rolling of said sleeve onto said second O-ring and rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of the sleeve on itself about the second O-ring to shorten the sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening when positioned to overlap the outer edge of the wound;
- whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
48. An adjustable surgical wound protector according to claim 47, wherein said non-circular radial cross-section of said second O-ring has a centroid and said opposed surfaces are on opposite sides of said centroid.
49. An adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising:
- an elongate open-ended tube formed of a pliable material that is impervious to solid and fluid contaminants for inserting lengthwise into a surgical incision; two O-rings, one each secured around the open ends of said tube having a resilient configuration for overlapping the inner edge of the wound and for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable with a lengthwise portion of the sleeve adjacent to one of said O-rings in said surgical incision; and wherein at least one of said two O-rings comprises a non-circular radial cross-section with opposed surfaces so as to enable a snap-action rolling of said at least one of said two O-rings in predetermined increments for rolling the remaining lengthwise portion of said sleeve on itself about said at least one of said two O-rings to shorten said sleeve in predetermined increments and to resist subsequent lengthening, whereby the sleeve length can be adjusted before or after placement in the wound.
50. An adjustable surgical wound protector according to claim 49 wherein said non-circular radial cross-section of said at least one of said two O-rings has a centroid and said opposed surfaces are on opposite sides of said centroid.
51. An O-ring for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector, comprising a non-circular radial cross-section with opposed surfaces and a centroid wherein said opposed surfaces are on opposite sides of said centroid so as to enable a snap-action rolling of said O-ring about said centroid in predetermined increments.
52. A protector for a surgical opening, comprising:
- an elongated tube formed of a pliable material to line the surgical opening; two O-rings secured at a space from one another along the tube, at least one of the O-rings being resiliently collapsible for insertion through the surgical opening;
- wherein at least a rollable one of said O-rings has a cross-sectional shape characterized by a non-circular radial cross-section and a centroid, whereby upon rolling or unrolling said rollable O-ring on the tube using manual pressure on the annular surfaces, the rollable O-ring snaps incrementally from one stable position to a next stable position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 1, 2005
Publication Date: Oct 13, 2005
Inventor: Robert Rambo (Sellersville, PA)
Application Number: 11/142,654