Abstract: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body permitting the selective insertion and removal of instruments. The seal body includes a plurality of overlapping seal segments, each seal segment including a peripheral edge with a central seal member extending therefrom. The central seal member includes a free edge remote from the peripheral edge. A reinforcement pad is located on at least one of the seal segments between the peripheral edge and the free edge of the central seal member.

Abstract: A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a passageway through an access assembly includes a variable seal member having an orifice for reception of an instrument therethrough. Each of a pair of compression members has a pressure face for contacting the variable seal member, each pressure face opposing the variable seal member from an opposite longitudinal side, and each compression member moveable with respect to the other compression member in a longitudinal direction transverse to the pressure faces. The compression members may be moved in the longitudinal direction to adjust the degree of compressive force exerted on the portal seal member and thus adjust a diameter of the orifice to effectively interface with the instrument to form a fluid tight relation therewith.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member having a longitudinal passageway providing access to a tissue site. An elongated seal member mounted to the access member has an orifice with a variable inner dimension. The elongated seal member establishes a sealing relation about an instrument and is associated with a powered adjustment mechanism for adjusting the variable inner dimension of the orifice. The powered adjustment mechanism includes trailing and leading hubs longitudinally spaced and adapted for relative rotation about an axis defined by the access member. A plurality of spokes extends between the hubs and defines first and second minimum internal dimensions when in first and second conditions respectively upon relative rotation of the hubs. The spokes are arranged about the elongated seal member to adjust the variable inner dimension of the orifice upon relative rotation of the hubs. A powered motion generator effects relative rotation between the hubs.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly for use during the course of a minimally invasive procedure includes a pump assembly to selectively communicate to and from the seal member such that the seal may transition from a first condition to at least one subsequent condition. In the first condition, the seal member is configured to allow a surgical object to pass therethrough with little resistance, and in the at least one subsequent condition, the seal member forms a substantially fluid tight seal with the surgical object.

Abstract: An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The medical article is disposed over and slideable over the needle. A flash space is provided anywhere between the needle and the outer surface of the medical article. The flash space communicates with a bore of the needle, as well as a variable volume chamber. The variable volume chamber can then draw fluid from the flash space into the chamber.

Abstract: A surgical portal apparatus includes a portal housing, an elongated portal member connected to the portal housing and depending therefrom, and a seal member comprising a resilient material and being mounted to the portal housing. The portal housing and the portal member have an axial bore for reception and passage of a surgical object. The seal member includes leading and trailing faces and has inner portions defining a passage to permit passage of a surgical object. One of the leading and trailing faces defines a plurality of recessed cells formed within interconnected struts. The interconnected struts are relatively flexible to flex upon radial offset manipulation of the object to permit corresponding movement of the passage while substantially maintaining a seal about the surgical object. At least some of the recessed cells define a generally rectangular arrangement. Preferably, the leading end face of the seal member has the recessed cells.

Abstract: A universal seal is shown with orbital movement of a center opening for use in endoscopic surgery. A two part seal housing encloses the universal seal in an annulus surrounding an insertion port. The outer periphery of the universal seal is clamped between the two parts at the outer edge of the annulus. An inner ring of the universal seal is free to move from side-to-side inside the annulus while maintaining rubbing contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the annuluses for vertical support. The seal housing and universal seal are mounted on a proximal end of a cannula which allows access therethrough for the endoscopic surgery. The center opening of the universal seal is in general alignment with the insertion port of the seal housing, but the center opening and inner ring may move from side to side when medical instruments are inserted through the insertion port, the center opening, and the cannula and moved from side to side.

Abstract: A support catheter that can puncture a heart septum with a guidewire without buckling and that can access difficult to reach arteries such as carotid or renal arteries from the aorta under difficult circumstances is provided. The support catheter comprises a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior wall surface defining a first lumen extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. A second lumen is disposed between the interior wall surface and an outer surface of the catheter body. A plurality of stiffening members is disposed around the second lumen, the plurality of stiffening members being engageable to selectively stiffen the catheter body. In another configuration, the catheter further comprises a second plurality of stiffening members disposed between the first lumen and the second lumen.

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 surgical access apparatus includes a housing, an access member extending from the housing and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of an object and defining trailing and leading ends and an elongated seal mechanism mounted relative to the housing. The elongated seal mechanism includes a trailing hub and a leading hub longitudinally spaced from the trailing hub, and being adapted for relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of spokes extending between and connected to the trailing hub and the leading hub, and an elongated seal member disposed within the spokes and adapted to establish a sealing relation about the object. The spokes define a first minimum internal dimension in a first condition thereof in the absence of an object and defining a second minimum internal dimension in a second condition thereof upon insertion of the object and relative rotation of the trailing hub and the leading hub.

Abstract: An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.

Abstract: A valve for use in irrigating, accessing and sealing the instrument channel of an endoscope is disclosed. The valve is adapted for installation onto an endoscope instrument inlet port. The valve includes a body, a flip cap, and a seal curtain. The body has an open end adapted for connection to the inlet port, interior walls defining an cavity, and an outer surface defining a valve entry port. The entry port is connected to a channel open to the cavity. The flip cap is removably connectable to the valve entry port and has a slit therethrough. The seal curtain contains a flexible cylindrical portion, and a lid at one end, and is removably insertable into the cavity. A longitudinal axis of the seal curtain in an installed position within the cavity is at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: The instrument cleaning apparatus of the present disclosure facilitates the cleaning of a scope inserted through a sealed portal during a surgical procedure by providing a cleaning solution within the operating cavity so that the surgical instrument doesn't have to be removed therefrom. In an embodiment, a surgical access device is provided with a housing, a sleeve extending distally from the housing, and a conduit disposed in mechanical cooperation with the sleeve. The sleeve defines a longitudinal axis and is dimensioned for passage through a tissue tract. The sleeve also defines a longitudinal bore for reception and passage of a surgical instrument. The conduit has a first portion configured to receive a fluid and a second portion configured to discharge the fluid. In another embodiment, an instrument cleaning apparatus includes a base portion and a fluid retention portion.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member having a longitudinal passageway providing access to a tissue site. An elongated seal member mounted to the access member has an orifice with a variable inner dimension. The elongated seal member establishes a sealing relation about an instrument and is associated with a powered adjustment mechanism for adjusting the variable inner dimension of the orifice. The powered adjustment mechanism includes trailing and leading hubs longitudinally spaced and adapted for relative rotation about an axis defined by the access member. A plurality of spokes extends between the hubs and defines first and second minimum internal dimensions when in first and second conditions respectively upon relative rotation of the hubs. The spokes are arranged about the elongated seal member to adjust the variable inner dimension of the orifice upon relative rotation of the hubs. A powered motion generator effects relative rotation between the hubs.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A catheter introducer having a catheter hub seal that is engageable with the rear opening of the catheter hub to impede liquid flow out of the catheter hub following catheter insertion and subsequent withdrawal of the needle following separation of the housing from the catheter hub. The catheter hub seal is preferably made of a rubbery material and can be disposed between the housing and catheter assembly or can be attachable to the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A medical device having a vascular access device including a rotationally activated flow control valve having, a body including a distal adapter and a proximal adapter defining a lumen extending therethrough and a septum. A method of use in which the connection of first and second medical devices results in the automatic activation of the rotational flow control valve.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access housing, an access member extending from the access housing, a seal mount disposed within the access housing and having an object seal for forming a seal about the surgical object and a monolithic closure valve mounted to the housing distal of the seal mount. The access housing and the access member define a longitudinal passage for passage of a surgical object. The closure valve includes an interface segment and a closure segment extending from the interface segment. The interface segment is in contacting relation with the seal mount and comprises a generally compilable material adapted to maintain a substantial seal with the seal mount and within the longitudinal passageway during angular movement of the surgical object.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve assembly including a cannula connected to a housing assembly to define a working channel, wherein the housing assembly includes a housing that defines an opening in fluid communication with the working channel, a sleeve slidably received over the housing to define an annular region between the sleeve and the housing, a first sealing member forming a first seal between the sleeve and the housing, and a second sealing member forming a second seal between the sleeve and the housing, the second sealing member being axially spaced from the first sealing member to define a chamber in the annular region, and an insufflation port in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the sleeve is slidable relative to the housing between a first position, wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with the opening, and a second position, wherein the chamber is fluidly decoupled from the opening.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing; an access member extending distally from the housing and being dimensioned for positioning within tissue, and defining a longitudinal axis; and a seal assembly disposed within the housing. The seal assembly includes first and second seal components respectively having first and second seal members. Each of the first and second seal members defines a passage for passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. The first and second seal components are capable of relative rotation about the longitudinal axis between a first position, in which passages of the first and second seal members are in substantial alignment, and a second position where the passages of the first and second seal members are offset to inhibit the communication of fluid through the seal assembly.

Abstract: A ribbed seal for use in endoscopic surgery is intended to be incorporated into a cannula assembly to limit the escape of insufflation gasses from a body cavity by forming a fluid-tight seal around an instrument inserted through the cannula assembly. The ribbed seal includes a relatively flat, disk shaped elastomeric overmold portion having a central aperture sized slightly smaller than the instrument such that the aperture must expand to accommodate the instrument. Molded together with the elastomeric overmold is an array of slender ribs disposed about the aperture. The ribs are designed to be relatively flexible under lateral loads. This allows the seal to bend easily as the surgical instrument is inserted through the aperture thereby maintaining a low insertion and glide force. On the other hand, the ribs are designed to be relatively rigid when loaded axially. This rigidity provides robust radial support for the instrument inserted through the center of the array of ribs.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system is configured with rigid, curved cannulas that extend through the same opening into a patient's body. Surgical instruments with passively flexible shafts extend through the curved cannulas. The cannulas are oriented to direct the instruments towards a surgical site. Various port features that support the curved cannulas within the single opening are disclosed. In one aspect, surgical instrument channels extend at different angles between top and bottom surfaces of a port feature. In another aspect, a funnel portion and a tongue portion are separated by a waist portion, and surgical instrument channels extend from the funnel portion through the waist portion. Cannula support fixtures that support the cannulas during insertion into the single opening and mounting to robotic manipulators are disclosed. A teleoperation control system that moves the curved cannulas and their associated instruments in a manner that allows a surgeon to experience intuitive control is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical portal apparatus for use during a minimally invasive procedure. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a housing and a portal member extending distally from the housing, defining a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also has an iris seal including a plurality of leaf members, disposed within the housing. The leaf members are adapted for pivoting relative to the housing, to control the dimensioning of a passage in response to the insertion of a surgical object. The leaf members are not directly linked to each other to provide for off-axis movement of the surgical object. The apparatus further includes an actuation mechanism, including a motor and a sensor, operatively connected to the leaf members and adopted for movement upon the introduction of the surgical object.

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 surgical portal assembly includes a portal member adapted for positioning within tissue. The portal member defines a central longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal passageway for permitting passage of a surgical object. In addition, the portal member includes a seal mount. A seal member is mounted within the seal mount of the portal member. Further, the seal member has inner surface portions defining a passage for receiving the surgical object. Aside from the seal member, the surgical portal assembly contains a plurality of seal magnets mounted to the seal member. The seal magnets are arranged with respect to the passage of the seal member whereby respective poles of the seal magnets generate an attractive force to draw the inner surface portions of the seal member about the surgical object to facilitate establishing a substantial sealing relation therewith.

Abstract: To provide an access route which is leaktight and at the same time permits mobility and exact positioning of an instillation catheter (6), an arrangement comprising an instillation catheter (6) and a connector piece (1) for attachment to a tracheal or endotracheal tube is proposed. The connector piece (1) has a distal end (1a) for attachment to the tube, and a proximal end (1b) for attachment to a ventilation and/or suction device and comprises a branch (5) which serves for insertion of the catheter (6) and in which a valve (2) is arranged. The valve (2) is made, at least in some areas, from an elastically deformable material and can be opened by insertion of the catheter (6). The valve further comprises a proximal through-opening (21) whose inner wall has a means allowing sealing against axial flow of fluid between catheter (6) and inner wall, and, in the distal direction from the through-opening, it has a beak section (22) which, at its beak tip (23), has a normally closed slit (24).

Abstract: A surgical sealing element, for example, for a trocar and/or for sealing shafts of elongated surgical instruments during insertion into a human or animal body, is provided. The surgical sealing element comprises a flexible wall closed annularly, the wall comprising a first edge and a second edge, and an opening for a shaft of a surgical instrument, the opening being variable in diameter and limited by the first edge. In a sealing position, the wall is folded with fold lines extending in a direction towards the first edge in such a manner that the first edge defines a wave line.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula, a housing mounted to the cannula, and a seal disposed within the cannula. The cannula is adapted for insertion through tissue to permit access to an underlying tissue site. The cannula defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal passageway for passage of a surgical object for positioning with respect to the tissue site. The housing is adapted for movement relative to the cannula in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The seal has a passage for reception of the surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. The access assembly may further include a support member mounted to the cannula. The support member adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the housing and the tissue. The support member may be securely affixed to, or selectively positionable along, the cannula with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical seal assembly includes a sleeve housing adapted to be operatively connected to a surgical sleeve, a seal housing adapted for releasable mounting to the sleeve housing and having a seal member with inner portions adapted to permit passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith, and a manual lock member associated with the sleeve housing. The manual lock member is adapted for movement relative to the seal housing between a first position corresponding to a release position of the seal housing to permit removal of the seal housing from mounting to the sleeve housing and a second position corresponding to a lock position of the seal housing to secure the seal housing to the sleeve housing. The manual lock member is preferably adapted for rotational movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the seal housing to move between the first and second positions thereof.

Abstract: An access assembly includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a cannula extending distally from the housing and in fluid communication with the longitudinal opening and a seal member mounted within the longitudinal opening of the housing. The seal member is configured to receive an instrument therethrough in substantial sealed relation therewith. The housing is adapted to move in at least a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis whereby the seal member maintains the substantial sealed relation relative to the instrument as the instrument in manipulated. The housing may be flexible and capable of deflection relative to the longitudinal axis. The housing may comprise an elastomeric material in whole or in part. The seal member may be integrally formed with the housing. The housing may include at least one flexible ring portion and possibly a plurality of ring portions.

Abstract: A trocar for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an elongated body, nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The elongated body has a generally tubular configuration with coaxially arranged inner and outer walls and longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions, with the inner wall defining a lumen to accommodate passage of an instrument therethrough. The nozzle means is operatively associated with the inner wall of the body for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen to develop a pressure differential in an area within a region extending from a location adjacent a distal end portion of the lumen to a location adjacent a proximal end portion of the lumen, to form a fluid seal around an instrument passing therethrough.

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 member are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing; an access member extending distally from the housing and being dimensioned for positioning within tissue, and defining a longitudinal axis; and a seal assembly disposed within the housing. The seal assembly includes first and second seal components respectively having first and second seal members. Each of the first and second seal members defines a passage for passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. The first and second seal components are capable of relative rotation about the longitudinal axis between a first position, in which passages of the first and second seal members are in substantial alignment, and a second position where the passages of the first and second seal members are offset to inhibit the communication of fluid through the seal assembly.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to allow for easy customization of a surgical access device by an end user. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical access device is provided that includes a plurality of elongate seal elements that are configured to form a sealed configuration between a surgical site and an outside environment. The seal elements can be disposed in a surgical opening and can mate directly to each other with the outermost seal elements mating directly to tissue of the opening. The seal elements can include one or more mating elements to provide the desired mating. The seal elements can also include sealable openings that are configured to receive surgical instruments for use at the surgical site. The sealable openings maintain the desired seal throughout the course of a surgical procedure. Exemplary methods for providing custom configurations on location are also provided.

Abstract: A trocar system for endoscopic surgery, cap assembly, and related methods are provided. The cap assembly includes a valve housing with an opening formed in line with an axis of the valve housing and also includes a valve positioned adjacent the opening of the valve housing. The valve body includes a proximal valve section including a valve ring positioned within the valve housing, and a distal valve section extending axially from the proximal valve section. The distal valve section includes a valve extension having a proximal and distal end portions, and a substantially conically shaped medial portion connected to and extending therebetween, wherein a plurality of friction-reduction features, preferably tear-drop shaped knobs, are disposed proximate the distal end portion and extending a distance in the medial portion of the valve.

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 longitudinal bore substantially at the rotational center of the access member. The seal has inner seal portions adapted to establish a substantial seal about a surgical instrument introduced within the longitudinal bore of the access member. An access housing may be mounted to the proximal end of the access member. A zero closure valve may be mounted to the access housing. The zero-closure valve may be adapted to close in the absence of the instrument. The seal may be generally disc shaped. The seal may define an aperture for reception of the surgical instrument.

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: An apparatus may serve as a surgical portal for the reception of surgical instruments for use in laparoscopic or similar surgery. The apparatus may include inner and outer tubular elongate members adapted for a longitudinal translation relative to one another to effect a length adjustment of the apparatus. An interface between the two elongate members includes a helical thread providing a mechanism for the translation of the elongate members, and indentations in one of the members provides a locking mechanism for affixing the length.

Abstract: A multi-channel trocar developed for use in ‘minimal-access surgery/single incision laparoscopic surgery. The trocar permits surgical access of two or more articulating laparoscopic instruments or scopes through one skin incision using a dividing membrane to separate the working channels. This allows maximal use of robotic technology and permits more degrees of freedom at the operative site. The trocar is inserted through one single skin incision, in the usual manner.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying surgical port size. In one embodiment, a surgical access device can include a proximal housing and a distal retractor with a plurality of sealing ports seated in the housing. The surgical access device can also include at least one identifier configured to indicate sizes of the sealing ports. The one or more identifiers can be visual and/or tactile for each of the sealing ports.

Abstract: Trocar seal assemblies are disclosed which consist of a protective member and a retaining member. The protective member prevents accidental perforations of the retaining member during the insertion of an instrument through the seal assembly and assists in forming a seal against the instrument when inserted in the seal assembly. The protective member is generally configured with a circular upper portion and a generally conical lower portion. The lower portion of the protective member consists of a plurality of flaps which increasingly overlap as they progress to the lower portion of the conical shape, thereby forming a seal at the lowest portion where the flaps overlap entirely. The overlapping flaps expand with minimal resistance when instruments are inserted through the seal assembly, thereby ensuring a proper seal regardless of the size or configuration of the instrument.

Abstract: Various improvements are made to catheters adapted to be flushed to remove air from within the catheter. For example, improved catheters include a catheter with a self-sealing seal at its distal end to pass a venting tube for removing air from within the catheter, a catheter having a distal end whose diameter is reduced to compress a seal adapted to pass a venting tube; a catheter having a cap at its distal end where the cap has a venting hole that is opened or closed depending on the conditions subjected to the shape-memory material of the cap; a catheter having a vent hole at its distal end; a catheter having an opening at its distal end that can be closed by a plug; and a catheter having a narrow neck with an opening to vent air and the neck is coupled to a tab where twisting the tab closes the opening in the neck.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes an elongate hollow tube having a proximal end that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface and a distal end configured to extend through a body wall into a body cavity. The proximal end of the device can be can be configured to allow the proximal-most portion of the surgical access device to rest flush or substantially flush against a tissue surface of a patient when the device is inserted into the patient. In some embodiments, the elongate hollow tube can have a non-circular cross-section.

Abstract: Accordingly, a surgical portal apparatus for accessing a cavity is provided. The surgical portal apparatus includes a portal member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway therethrough for receiving a surgical object, and an adjustable seal disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The adjustable seal includes a first configuration wherein the adjustable seal defines a first opening configured for receiving a first surgical object having a first diameter. The first opening defines a first central axis therethrough. The adjustable seal includes a second configuration wherein the adjustable seal defines a second opening configured for receiving a second surgical object having a second diameter. The second opening defines a second central axis laterally offset from the first central axis.

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 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.