Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: An introducer sheath for placement of a tubular shaft into the vascular system of a human subject. The introducer sheath has a tubular shaft, a side arm, and a hemostasis valve placed at a proximal portion of the introducer sheath. The hemostasis valve has an adhesive pad formed integral with the shell of the hemostasis valve. The adhesive pad is designed to attach and detach a proximal section of the introducer sheath to and from the skin of the human subject.

Abstract: A surgical valve includes a housing with a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion cooperating to define a gel cavity. A seal material is disposed in the gel cavity and includes a gel having flow characteristics and incompressible characteristics. A distal guide tube is provided to facilitate retrograde insertion of a surgical instrument into the seal material. During assembly, pressure is applied by the housing portions to the seal material in order to form a circumferential seal and to close an instrument channel. Manufacture can be facilitated by use of a mandrel for maintaining the structural elements in axial alignment. Complimentary screw threads disposed between the first and second housing portions can be used to pressurize the gel and thereby create a locking force on an inserted instrument. Detented tabs can be provided to facilitate control of this locking force.

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: An introducer assembly is provided with a handle assembly (10) which enables automatic retraction and splitting of a sheath (12) of the assembly. The handle includes a drum (22) onto which the sheath (12) can be wound, as well as a cutting blade (30) and a locking assembly (34). The locking assembly (34) provides for flushing of the space between the sheath (12) and inner catheter or other element (14), in a manner in which the handle assembly (10) is not filled with flushing fluid. The locking assembly (34) also provides for clamping of the sheath (12) during transportation and initial insertion of the introducer assembly into a patient and for release of the sheath (12) after flushing and when it is desired to retract the sheath (12). Once so released, the sheath (12) can be retracted and automatically split by means of the cutting blade (30).

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access device during a surgical procedure includes a housing having a passageway therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument and being adapted for mounting to a trocar device, and a seal comprising a gel material and being mounted to the housing across the passageway. The seal includes inner seal portions defining an access channel dimensioned to form a substantial sealing relation with an object therethrough and substantially close in the absence of the surgical instrument. The seal preferably comprises a second material having a hardness greater than a hardness of the gel material. The gel material may be selected from the group consisting of urethane gel, silicone gel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tri-leaflet valve (100) in which the leaflets (102) extend for substantially the entire length of the valve (100). The valve (100) is provide with a waist (106). An element (16) inserted in the tri-leaflet valve (100) can be sealed by closure of the valve (100), for example by pressurization or twisting. The seat is more effective then prior art seals.

Abstract: A long catheter can be inserted into a patient while eliminating the need for a sterile field by incorporating the long catheter into an infusion tubing and carrying it in with the infusion. The long catheter has a structure that prevents it from leaving the infusion tubing when fully extended and therefore becomes a connector for fluids to transfer down the long catheter by infusion through the infusion tubing. Use of an adjustable seat connector allows the long catheter to be stopped at varying points during insertion and even to allow the long catheter to be reversed by pulling suction on the infusion tubing and retracting the long catheter back into the infusion tubing. The long catheter also remains within the sterile confines of the infusion tubing and therefore is prevented from becoming contaminated.

Abstract: A cannula sealing apparatus includes a housing having a central axially facing aperture. A surgical instrument of 10.5 mm may seal with that aperture. Alternatively, a sealing member having an aperture that will seal with a 12 mm surgical instrument can be swung up to be aligned with the aperture. If a 10.5 mm instrument is required then a seal member can be swung up to have its seal aperture located over the central aperture. Each seal member is pivotal about a common axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for providing a pressurized insufflation fluid into a patient cavity and for providing sealable access to the patient cavity by a surgical instrument. The assembly comprises an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An outer tubular member is disposed about the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tubular member and the distal end of the outer tubular member define a trocar seal nozzle arranged therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical portal apparatus is provided which includes a housing and a portal member. The portal member is connected to the housing which extends therefrom. The portal member has a longitudinal axis which includes a longitudinal passageway for permitting a surgical object to pass therethrough. A seal mount is mounted to the housing and has an internal seal adapted to establish a substantial sealed relation with the surgical object, the seal mount adapted to articulate relative to the housing between a first position relative to the housing and at least one second position relative to the housing, the seal mount being normally biased toward the first position.

Abstract: The present invention is an introducer sheath that is improved by having an adhesive pad located near the sheath's proximal end that detachably attaches the introducer sheath to the patient's skin without requiring any additional parts that come from a separate sterile package such as a needle and a suture or a separate adhesive pad. The present invention also teaches a means to rotatingly connect the adhesive pad to the sheath's hemostasis valve so that the proximal portion of the hemostasis valve is free to rotate about the adhesive pad even after the adhesive pad is firmly attached to the patient's skin. This design allows the operator to position the side tube that is connected to the hemostasis valve at an optimum location relative to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus for passing through tissue to an underlying surgical area includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal channel for reception of a surgical object, a seal member mounted to the access member and positioned to intersect the longitudinal channel, and having internal seal surfaces defining a passage and being dimensioned to establish a substantial sealing relation with a surgical object inserted therethrough and a substantially annular element mounted to the seal member and at least partially circumscribing the passage. The annular member is rigid relative to the seal member and defines an opening to permit passage of the object. The annular element is dimensioned to minimize offset manipulation of the surgical object relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cannula assembly adapted to facilitate the percutaneous introduction of surgical instrumentation. In particular, the cannula assembly includes a cannula housing and a cannula member incorporating an restrictor hinge. The restrictor hinge is configured and dimensioned to transition from a first, initial stage in which an initial internal dimension is defined, to a second, expanded stage, such that the proper orientation of any surgical instrument inserted into the cannula may be achieved and a substantially fluid-tight seal may be formed therewith.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body and a layer of the body that communicates with a pathogenic environment to discourage adhesion of a pathogen to the layer and thus repress pathogenic activity. A method of repressing pathogenic activity in a vascular access device includes providing the device with a body, and coating the body with a layer that discourages adhesion of a pathogen to the layer.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly includes a stylet having a sharp needlepoint at an end thereof, a stylet hub secured to a base end of the stylet, a hollow outer needle in which the stylet is inserted, an outer needle hub secured to a base end of the outer needle, an opening formed at the base end or at a side of the outer needle hub to communicate with the inner cavity of the outer needle, a seal fitted onto the outer needle hub and in which a hole or slit is provided for insertion of the stylet therein, the hole or slit being formed to become closed when the inserted stylet is extracted, an operating part installed on the outer needle hub to move the stylet and outer needle along the longitudinal direction when the stylet is inserted into the outer needle, and a movement suppresser for stopping or suppressing moving the stylet relative to the seal when the operating part is operated.

Abstract: A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: An infusion set has a retraction dial that can be removably assembled with the infusion set and access a threaded needle hub contained therein such that the dial can be used to advance or retract a needle hub and an inserted needle to a more precisely controlled insertion depth to deliver insulin or other medicament intradermally (i.e. to the upper 3 mm of skin surface). Position of the inserted needle can be maintained by providing a separated and isolated needle hub, main base and main hub of the infusion set that can isolate the inserted needle from external forces such that the needle can be maintained at a depth to deliver content to the upper 3 mm of skin surface during normal use.

Abstract: A seal device having a substantially conical shape including a slit opening at its tip defined by a pair of planar surfaces, the opening reinforced by gussets on the exterior surface of the seal device and adjacent to the end regions of the slit. The gussets help bias the ends of the slit towards a closed position, even when an instrument is located within the slit, to thereby reduce “cat-eye”-ing and minimize leakage therethrough. The seal device may include ramps on respective inner surfaces of the device, the ramps functioning as a lead-in to the slitted opening such an inserted instrument contacts the ramps first and opens the slit prior to the instrument contacting the material of the slit. Along the outer surface of the device is a flexible body portion to minimize the effect on the opening when an instrument is inserted into the device.

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: A surgical seal system is adapted for use with a cannula assembly having a cannula housing and a cannula sleeve extending from the cannula housing. The surgical seal assembly includes a seal assembly and an adapter assembly. The seal assembly is mountable to the cannula housing. The seal assembly includes a seal housing and a seal defining inner portions adapted to form a substantial seal about an instrument with a first cross-sectional dimension. The adapter assembly includes an adapter body adapted for releasably coupling to the seal housing of the seal assembly. The adapter body has an adapter seal and a tether. The adapter seal is adapted to form a substantial seal about an instrument with a second cross-sectional dimension less than the first cross-sectional dimension. The tether is mountable to the cannula sleeve thus securing the adapter assembly to the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular member, and an inner member extending through the tubular member. The inner member is movable axially relative to the tubular member. The catheter also includes a seal member including a first portion and a second portion. The seal member extends between the tubular member and the inner member. The first portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the tubular member, and the second portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the inner member during relative axial movement between the tubular member and the inner member.

Abstract: A medical introducer apparatus for use in inserting an interventional device into a body vessel of a patient. The apparatus includes a housing having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a chamber positioned between the openings. A hemostatic valve system is provided in the housing chamber. The valve system includes a plurality of generally elastomeric valve members axially arranged in the chamber. The valve members each have a generally circular hole extending therethrough, which hole is sized for substantially leak-free passage of the interventional device. The valve members are aligned in the chamber to be sequentially penetrable by the interventional device, such that a hole in one valve member is covered by an adjoining valve member. A valve opener having a tubular body with a curved portion penetrates the hemostatic valve system to aid in the positioning of the interventional device. The curved portion maintains the valve opener stationary within the valve system.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus for providing access inside a body includes a housing having a first port, a tubular member extending distally from the housing and defining a longitudinal axis therealong, wherein the tubular member includes a lumen extending therethrough. a shaft insert disposed in the lumen of the tubular member, wherein the shaft insert forms first, second, and third passageways extending along the lumen of the tubular member, wherein each of the first, second, and third passageways is adapted to receive a surgical instrument; and a first seal assembly covering the first port of the housing and defining a first passage disposed in communication with the first passageway defined by the shaft insert in the tubular member, wherein the first seal assembly is adapted to form a seal around the surgical instrument inserted through the first passage of the first seal assembly.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or moveable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired.

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: An infusion set comprising a base and a cap. The base can comprise a portion to be placed against skin, a first cannula extending downwardly below the portion to be placed against skin, and a septum. The cap can comprise a tube and a second cannula. The cap can be configured for removable attachment to the base such that the cap is rotatable with respect to the base while the first cannula, the second cannula, and the tube are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.

Abstract: A surgical access port comprises a valve or instrument seal that separates the instrument contact function from the instrument conforming function. Embodiments of the instrument seal comprise in instrument contact element that extends through an opening in a compression element, thereby defining an instrument orifice that seals with an instrument extending therethrough. Embodiments of the instrument contact element comprise a non-distensible membrane or film, for example, as a tube or cylinder. Some embodiments of the instrument contact element have an hourglass configuration with a first end proximal of the opening of the compression element and a second end distal of the opening of the compression element. Other embodiments of the instrument contact element “wrap around” the opening in the compression element, with the first end and the second end secured to the same side of the opening, for example, proximal of the opening.

Abstract: An exemplary infusion system for accessing an implanted device is disclosed comprising an insertion assembly, a hub comprising a sealable path configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, a flexible catheter attached to the hub and configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, and an extension tube attached to the hub. The hub may comprise a manifold element configured to provide fluid communication between the flexible catheter and the extension tube. The hub may also comprise a septum configured to seal the sealable path upon removal of the insertion assembly from the flexible catheter. The extension tube may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly. Exemplary methods of providing a fluid communication path to an implanted device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon trocar includes a cannula assembly including a cannula and an outer sleeve fitting over the cannula. The distal end of the outer sleeve is proximal to the distal end of the cannula. A balloon is coupled to a distal portion of the sleeve and a distal portion of the cannula. The outer surface of the cannula includes a plurality of longitudinal channels for transmitting gas or fluid to the balloon. A bolster having a gel pad at its distal portion is slidably mounted to the cannula assembly and may be locked in a desired position. In use, the trocar is inserted into an incision through a body wall and into a body cavity. The balloon is inflated and the cannula assembly pulled proximally against the incision while the bolster is slid distally to the body wall and locked in place to seal the incision with the compressed balloon.

Abstract: A toolkit for implanting an intracorporal lead, preferably a cardiac sensing/pacing lead. This toolkit includes a guide-catheter (10), having a sheath (12) with an internal lumen (42) opened at its distal and proximal ends, and cuttable along a generatrix in order to allow extracting of the guide-catheter after use. A hemostatic valve (14) is mounted at the proximal end (40) of the guide-catheter, for selectively filling, or not, the internal lumen of the guide-catheter at its input end. The valve is frangible in at least two parts, each dissociable from the guide-catheter at both sides around a median axial plane. The valve comprising a mobile element sliding on the guide-catheter between two extreme positions, with an opened position where the proximal end (40) of the guide-catheter (10) freely emerges out of the valve so as to allow access to said internal lumen, and a closed position where this proximal end of the guide-catheter is filled in a tight manner.

Abstract: In order to improve a surgical protection device for a surgical sealing element of a surgical sealing system comprising a trocar, the sealing element having an insertion opening which can be widened, the protection device comprising a base member which can be arranged on the trocar or on a part thereof, is closed in a ring shape and has an opening and several protection elements which are arranged in circumferential direction and point parallel or towards a longitudinal axis of the protection device, the protection elements having free ends pointing essentially in a distal direction, such that protection of the sealing element can be as complete as possible irrespective of the degree of expansion thereof, it is suggested that at least some of the protection elements have retaining elements on an outer side at their free ends or in the area of their free ends for engagement with the sealing element. Furthermore, an improved surgical sealing system is suggested.

Abstract: A surgical access port includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having an interior wall defining a longitudinal opening adapted for passage of a surgical object, an object seal disposed in mechanical cooperation with the access member and configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal around a surgical object inserted through the object seal and a centering mechanism mounted to the access member proximal of the object seal. The centering mechanism includes at least one centering element extending at least in a general longitudinal direction within the longitudinal opening, and defining proximal and distal longitudinal end segments. The at least one centering element is positioned and dimensioned to engage the surgical object during passage of the object through the longitudinal opening to normally bias the surgical object into general alignment with the longitudinal axis. A locking member is mounted to the distal longitudinal end segment of the at least one centering element.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a catheter device, wherein a septum actuator is positioned within the lumen of a catheter adapter to provide a pathway through a septum component, an introducer needle being inserted through the septum via the septum actuator thereby preventing damage to the septum, the septum actuator thereafter being withdrawn from the septum and positioned within a rearward chamber of the catheter adapter lumen.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly has a hollow outer needle fixed to an outer needle hub, an inner needle in the outer needle and fixed to an inner needle hub, and a protector. A step section of the outer needle hub serves as a speed reducer that reduces the speed, in the direction of the flow path axis of a main pipe, of a liquid portion flowing in the flow path, the portion flowing along that portion of the inner surface of the main pipe located on that side of the main pipe on which a branch flow path is located. The step section has an opening in the inner surface of the main pipe located at a position corresponding to a front end opening of the branch flow path. The step section forms a space between the opening and the front end opening of the branch flow path.

Abstract: A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: A surgical access device comprises a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. A housing is connected to the proximal end of the cannula and contains a zero-closure seal. The housing may also include a housing cap with a plurality of oblong apertures. A removable cap contains an instrument seal and comprises a plurality of distally extending L-shaped projections having a twist-to-lock engagement with the oblong apertures to attach the removable cap to the housing.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object and an access housing mountable to the access member. The access housing includes a diaphragm mounted thereto. The diaphragm is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis relative to the access housing. The diaphragm defines at least one internal pocket and has a seal assembly disposed within the internal pocket. The seal assembly has an interface seal member adapted for establishing a fluid tight seal about the surgical object. The seal assembly is adapted for selective movement within the pocket about multiple axes in response to manipulation of the surgical object.

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 catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.

Abstract: A surgical access device comprising an instrument access channel extending through an instrument seal and a shroud comprising an inverting region disposed distally of the instrument seal exhibits improved tear-resistance of the instrument seal from instrument manipulation, for example, instrument withdrawals. Some embodiments of the inverting region invert through the instrument seal on instrument withdrawal. Some embodiments of the inverting region induce at least a portion of the instrument seal itself to invert on instrument withdrawal.

Abstract: An access apparatus for use during a surgical procedure to provide access to the interior of the body includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end for being disposed at an exterior side of the body and a distal end for extending into the interior of the body. The access member has a bore therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an object. A seal is disposed within the bore of the access member. The seal includes a fabric material and an elastomeric material, and defines an internal passageway dimensioned to form a substantial sealing relation with an object inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar valve body defining a cavity. The assembly includes a rotatable valve handle that is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first end is sized and configured to be rotatably maintained within the cavity and the second end extends outwardly so as to be actuatable by a user. The rotatable valve handle defines a lumen therethrough which extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end. The valve body defines an outlet that communicates with the cavity. The rotatable valve handle is rotatable from an open position, in which the lumen is at least partially aligned with the outlet so as permit fluid to pass through the lumen, and a closed position, in which the lumen is not aligned with the outlet so as prevent fluid to pass through the lumen.

Abstract: A grooved universal radial seal ring used in a trocar and a trocar are provided. The radial seal ring includes one or more easily-deformable grooves, one or more supporting areas capable of guiding surgical device movement, and a through hole, the supporting areas of the seal ring are connected by the easily-deformable grooves, a thickness of the easily-deformable grooves is much smaller than an average thickness of the supporting areas, so that when a surgical device is inserted along a cone-shaped guiding groove of the supporting areas, the easily-deformable grooves deform first and surround the surgical device because a wall thickness of the easily-deformable grooves is very small, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

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: A surgical access device or trocar defines an access channel for instruments extending from a proximal end to the distal end thereof. The trocar comprises a cannula and a seal assembly disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The seal assembly comprises a first or zero seal, a second or instrument seal, and a trocar shield disposed proximally of the first seal and the second seal. The first seal seals the access channel in the absence of an instrument extending therethrough. The second seal seals the access channel in the presence of an instrument extending therethrough. The trocar shield protects the first seal and second seal from damage as an instrument is advanced through the access channel. The trocar shield comprises an open proximal end and a tapered distal end comprising a plurality of longitudinal pleats, converging in an opening.

Abstract: A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.