Abstract: Various trocars and trocar supports are provided for allowing an insufflation port on the trocar to be coupled through the trocar support to an insufflation fluid. In one embodiment, the trocar includes a housing, a cannula extending through the housing, and an insufflation port projecting from the housing. A trocar support is provided having an opening that receives the insufflation port on the housing such that the insufflation port is unobtrusive during use and can be connected and disconnected rapidly.

Abstract: A novel electroporation device for the delivery of vaccines that is both effective in generating a protective immune response and tolerable delivery to a subject (or near painless); and also methods of using same device to vaccinate a subject against a variety of infectious diseases and types of cancer in a near painless.

Abstract: An occlusion device with particular utility in occlusion of left atrial appendages is described. The occlusion device embodiments utilize an inflatable balloon or expandable element used to occlude the treatment site.

Abstract: A seal assembly including a septum seal, a lower seal support, an upper seal support and a return spring is disclosed. The septum seal includes an orifice and a plurality of apertures. The lower seal support includes an engagement surface configured to engage a portion of the septum seal. The upper seal support includes a plurality of fingers, wherein each of the plurality of fingers is configured to extend through a corresponding aperture of the septum seal. The return spring includes a collar portion and a plurality of spokes extending radially outward from the collar portion. At least a portion of the return spring may be sandwiched between the lower seal support and the upper seal support. The plurality of spokes is configured to bias the seal assembly toward a radial center of a housing.

Abstract: A surgical port includes a shell and a seal assembly. The shell has a housing and a cannula that extends from the housing. The housing has a sidewall defining a window therethrough. The seal assembly includes one or more seals. The seal assembly is selectively receivable into the housing through the window of the housing of the shell.

Abstract: A mount assembly for use with a robotic system is provided and includes a housing for coupling to a robot arm; a coupling assembly supported by the housing and including first and second arms, the coupling assembly transitionable between open and closed configurations, wherein in the closed configuration the first and second arms are configured to secure a surgical accessory; a release assembly supported by the housing and engagable with the coupling assembly, the release assembly transitionable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; and a communication assembly supported by the housing and configured for communication with the robotic system with respect to a status of the coupling assembly corresponding to the open and closed configuration thereof; and a status of the release assembly corresponding to the locked and unlocked configuration thereof.

Abstract: Surgical access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism for maintaining the seal assembly and guard assembly centered within a cavity of the instrument valve. The seal assembly includes a multi-petal seal member and upper and lower support members. The upper and lower support members sandwich the multi-petal seal member therebetween to reduce and/or eliminate leaks through the multi-petal seal member.

Abstract: Access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within a cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, and a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly. The seal assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth seal sections. The first seal section is nested within the second seal section, the first and second seal sections are nested within the third seal section, and the first, second, and third seal sections are nested within the fourth seal section.

Abstract: A mount assembly for use with a robotic system is provided and includes a housing for coupling to a robot arm; a coupling assembly supported by the housing and including first and second arms, the coupling assembly transitionable between open and closed configurations, wherein in the closed configuration the first and second arms are configured to secure a surgical accessory; a release assembly supported by the housing and engagable with the coupling assembly, the release assembly transitionable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration; and a communication assembly supported by the housing and configured for communication with the robotic system with respect to a status of the coupling assembly corresponding to the open and closed configuration thereof; and a status of the release assembly corresponding to the locked and unlocked configuration thereof.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therethrough. The catheter assembly may also include a septum slidably disposed within the lumen. The septum may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a barrier disposed between the distal end of the septum and the proximal end of the septum. The barrier may divide an interior of the septum into a distal cavity and a proximal cavity. A distal face of the barrier may include a protrusion. The barrier may include a slit extending through the protrusion for selectively opening fluid communication between the distal cavity and the proximal cavity.

Abstract: Access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a gimbal mount assembly supporting the guard assembly and the seal assembly. The gimbal mount assembly is configured to permit angulation of the valve assembly relative to the instrument valve housing.

Abstract: Hemostasis valves and methods for making and using hemostasis valves are disclosed. An example hemostasis valve may include a main body having a distal end region and a proximal end region. A first seal member may be disposed within the proximal end region of the main body. A plunger may be coupled to the proximal end region of the main body. The plunger may be designed to shift between a first position and a second position. A first locking member may be disposed along the proximal end region of the main body. A second locking member may be disposed along the plunger. The second locking member may be designed to engage the first locking member.

Abstract: Various trocars and trocar supports are provided for allowing an insufflation port on the trocar to be coupled through the trocar support to an insufflation fluid. In one embodiment, the trocar includes a housing, a cannula extending through the housing, and an insufflation port projecting from the housing. A trocar support is provided having an opening that receives the insufflation port on the housing such that the insufflation port is unobtrusive during use and can be connected and disconnected rapidly.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar housing that defines a working chamber, and a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen that extends between the proximal and distal ends. The cannula is coupled to the trocar housing at the proximal end to facilitate communication between the lumen and the working chamber. A plurality of compliant deflection devices are provided at or near the distal end of the cannula, and each compliant deflection device includes a radial biasing member that extends radially inward toward a centerline of the cannula to center a surgical tool within the lumen and minimize unintended oscillation and vibration of the surgical tool.

Abstract: An optical trocar assembly includes an obturator assembly and a cannula assembly configured for receipt of the obturator assembly. The obturator assembly has a retention member disposed within a cavity defined in an obturator housing of the obturator assembly. The retention member has a main body defining an opening dimensioned for receipt of a surgical instrument. The retention member has a plurality of first sections formed in the main body and circumferentially disposed about the opening. The sections have a reduced thickness relative to the main body to facilitate flexing of the retention member during insertion of a surgical instrument into the opening.

Abstract: Catheterization employing a cable extending from the catheter to a fixed point of attachment is performed by providing a sensor to detect rotation of the catheter about its longitudinal axis, the rotation causing the cable to form a twist. The cable extends through a cable arranger that operates to remove the twist. A controller receives signals from the sensor and generates control signals to actuate the cable arranger responsively to the signals from the sensor.

Abstract: Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.

Abstract: A radial sealing assembly comprises an upper pressing plate, a protection sheet, a positioning plate, a funnel-shaped sealing ring, a lower pressing plate and a corrugated sealing ring. The upper pressing plate is provided with at least two convex connecting hooks for connection with the positioning plate; the lower pressing plate is provided with at least two connecting slots for connection with the positioning plate; the positioning plate is provided with at least two connecting slots for connection with the upper pressing plate and at least two convex connecting hooks for connection with the lower pressing plate; and both the upper pressing plate and the lower pressing plate are connected to the positioning plate by adopting concave-convex engagement structures.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a housing and a seal assembly disposed within the housing, the seal assembly including a septum seal including an orifice configured to sealingly engage a surgical instrument inserted therethrough, at least a portion of the septum seal defining a seal curvature, a first guard member including a plurality of curved first guard portions defining slits therebetween, and a second guard member including a plurality of curved second guard portions defining slits therebetween. The first and second guard members may be positioned in an overlapping relationship with the plurality of first guard portions rotationally offset with respect to the second guard portions. The wide, triangular shaped slits of the guard members may improve flexibility of the guard portions.

Abstract: A surgical access port for passage through body tissue to provide access to an underlying tissue site is provided. The access port has a working channel dimensioned for receiving a surgical instrument and a seal assembly for providing a substantial seal before, during and after insertion of a surgical instrument. The seal assembly includes an instrument seal and a zero seal. The instrument seal includes a proximal base that is interconnected to a distal instrument engaging portion by an elongate supporting portion. The engaging portion has a lateral dimension larger than the lateral dimension of the supporting portion forming a bulbous, mushroom-like head. The lateral dimension of the engaging portion decreases toward a distal opening of the instrument seal such that the distal end of the engaging portion is substantially perpendicular to the seal axis. The supporting portion closely conforms to an inserted instrument and serves to align the distal end of the seal.

Abstract: Gas-tight seal assemblies for use during minimally invasive surgery include various aspects. A wiper seal includes a sealing portion and a surrounding flex portion. Upper and lower faces of the sealing portions are angled with reference to an inserted instrument, the upper face's angle being more acute with reference to the instrument's shaft than the lower face's angle. The flex portion is corrugated, support ribs are in one or more corrugation grooves, and the support ribs allow the groove to easily collapse but resist the groove widening. The support ribs also prevent the sealing portion from inverting. An instrument insertion guide is positioned over the sealing portion and moves laterally with the sealing portion. A latch piece removably secures the seal assembly to a cannula. An anti-inversion piece prevents the wiper seal from inverting when an instrument is withdrawn.

Abstract: Various trocars and trocar supports are provided for allowing an insufflation port on the trocar to be coupled through the trocar support to an insufflation fluid. In one embodiment, the trocar includes a housing, a cannula extending through the housing, and an insufflation port projecting from the housing. A trocar support is provided having an opening that receives the insufflation port on the housing such that the insufflation port is unobtrusive during use and can be connected and disconnected rapidly.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having an outer seal housing, an inner seal housing, and a seal cooperating with the inner seal housing, the outer seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough. The surgical access device also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the inner seal housing cooperating with the seal, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the seal. The seal is adapted for lateral movement relative to the central longitudinal axis of the outer seal housing and the bellows is configured to be attached to a proximal wall of the outer seal housing.

Abstract: A cannula assembly including a housing, a rotatable member, a first plurality of membranes, and a second plurality of membranes is disclosed. The housing may include a distal end defining a distal opening, wherein the distal end is configured to couple to a cannula tube aligned with the distal opening, and a proximal end defining a proximal opening. The rotatable member may be positioned within the housing and may define a passage in fluid communication with the distal opening, a first opening in fluid communication with the passage, and a second opening in fluid communication with the passage. The first plurality of membranes may be arranged as a stack at the first opening, wherein each of the first plurality of membranes defines an aperture. The second plurality of membranes may be arranged as a stack at the second opening, wherein each of the second plurality of membranes defines an aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trocar comprising a silencer. An end sealing assembly of a sheath of the trocar of the present application comprises an upper cover, a radial sealing assembly, a silencer and a lower cover; the silencer being an elastic body having one end installed on the radial sealing assembly and the other end installed on the lower cover; and the radial sealing assembly installed between the upper cover and the lower cover, Since the silencer holds up the radial sealing assembly, a gap between the upper cover and the radial sealing assembly is reduced, thereby avoiding an impact sound produced when a surgical instrument is withdrawn outwards, When the surgical instrument is advanced inwards, the impact sound produced when the surgical instrument is advanced inwards is avoided due to a buffer effect of the silencer.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an instrument is provided. An instrument seal according to some embodiments includes a seal body that can be captured between an upper part and a lower part of an instrument guide; and openings in the seal body that align with channels on the instrument guide, wherein the seal body seals against doors in the lower part and an instrument shaft inserted through the openings.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having an outer seal housing, an inner seal housing, and a seal cooperating with the inner seal housing, the outer seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough. The surgical access device also includes a bellows configured to engage at least a portion of the inner seal housing cooperating with the seal, the bellows dimensioned and adapted to establish a biasing relationship with the seal. The seal is adapted for lateral movement relative to the central longitudinal axis of the outer seal housing and the bellows is configured to be attached to a proximal wall of the outer seal housing.

Abstract: An adaptor apparatus comprises a seal assembly housing, a channel, and tapered surfaces. The adaptor apparatus is configured to connect a trocar seal assembly with a robotic trocar cannula and maintain pneumostasis in an insufflated body cavity of a patient. The seal assembly housing comprises an open area sufficient to receive, support, and fix the trocar seal assembly within the adaptor apparatus. The channel provides a pathway for inserting instruments from the trocar seal assembly and into the cannula. The robotic trocar cannula includes an annular flange and a tapered proximal opening. The tapered surfaces of the adaptor apparatus are configured to engage the annular flange and the tapered proximal opening of the cannula. The tapered surfaces of the adaptor apparatus are configured to complement the exterior of the annular flange and the angled opening of the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical access port or trocar is provided. The trocar has a trocar seal housing and a trocar cannula with an optical obturator insertable through the trocar seal housing and the trocar cannula. The trocar is configured to access a body cavity, to maintain positive pressure and to prevent loss of surgical insufflation gas used in laparoscopic procedures. The trocar seal housing can be releasably attached to the trocar cannula. The trocar seal housing may also have a shield and/or alignment channel that provide protection or assist in operation of instrument and zero seals housed in the trocar seal housing.

Abstract: A surgical system comprising a cannula assembly and an obturator assembly for penetrating tissue is disclosed. A cover of the cannula assembly is mounted to a cannula housing and has a cover aperture therethrough. The cover has a trailing end face defining a predetermined geometrical configuration, at least a portion of the trailing end face is obliquely arranged relative to a longitudinal axis and terminates in, and leads toward the cover aperture to facilitate guiding of the surgical object through the cover aperture. The obturator assembly includes an obturator housing and an obturator member. The obturator housing has a housing base defining a leading end face, which defines a predetermined geometrical configuration corresponding to the predetermined geometrical configuration of the trailing end face of the cover to mate therewith upon assembly of the obturator assembly with the cannula assembly.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal assembly having a seal housing and a gimbal mount disposed within the seal housing, the seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough and the gimbal mount adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis. The surgical access device also includes at least one centering unit configured to engage at least a portion of the gimbal mount. The at least one centering unit is configured to center the longitudinal passage of the seal assembly with the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cannula assembly including a seal for an endoscopic internal magnetic camera tether. The seal may include stacked compliant membranes with an aperture in each membrane through which a camera tether may pass. The apertures may overlap. The at least one aperture may be arranged as a slit. Each of the apertures may comprise a wedge-shaped gap. The membranes may include engagement members that couple to engagement members on the cannula assembly. The cannula assembly may provide separate ports for the camera tethers and for a trocar or other endoscopic instrument passing through the cannula assembly. The cannula assembly also may include a rotating housing with two openings and a seal arranged in each opening. The cannula assembly may include a sleeve that encases a cannula tube. The sleeve may include a seal on its end and a channel on its periphery through which a camera tether may pass.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods permit insufflation of a body cavity prior to the insertion of a cannula into the body cavity. Some embodiments of an access system comprise an obturator, a trocar, and a fluid flow channel. The access system has a closed configuration, in which a distal end of the access system is fluidly isolated from the fluid flow channel, and an open configuration, in which the distal end of the access system is fluidly connected to the fluid flow channel, thereby permitting fluid flow, for example, an insufflation gas into a body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: An access assembly is provided.

Abstract: A surgical access port or trocar is provided. The trocar has a trocar seal housing and a trocar cannula with an optical obturator insertable through the trocar seal housing and the trocar cannula. The trocar is configured to access a body cavity, to maintain positive pressure and to prevent loss of surgical insufflation gas used in laparoscopic procedures. The trocar seal housing can be releasably attached to the trocar cannula. The trocar seal housing may also have a shield and/or alignment channel that provide protection or assist in operation of instrument and zero seals housed in the trocar seal housing.

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 surgical seal assembly, includes a seal housing defining a longitudinal housing axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a seal having an inner seal portion defining a passage and being adapted to form a substantial seal about a surgical instrument disposed within the passage and a guide mounted to the seal housing. The guide has an inner guide portion proximal of the inner seal portion of the seal and spaced therefrom. The inner guide portion defines a channel adapted to generally direct the surgical instrument toward the inner seal portion of the seal upon entry of the surgical instrument within the longitudinal opening of the seal housing. The inner guide portion is relatively compliant to accommodate initial offset or angled entry of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: When a hub (40) is in an initial position at which it is located on the front end side of an inner cavity of a shield (20), an inner needle (50) penetrates an outer needle (30) and protrudes from a leading end of the outer needle to the outside, and when the hub is in a retracted position at which it is located on the rear end side of the inner cavity of the shield, the inner needle is housed within the inner cavity of the shield. A first side hole (31) is formed in an outer circumferential face of the outer needle, and a second side hole (51) is formed in an outer circumferential face of the inner needle.

Abstract: A stylet for use with a medical catheter has a lumen blocking portion and a shaft, where the shaft has a smaller effective diameter than the lumen blocking portion. The lumen blocking portion has an outer surface that is approximately flush with the catheter lumen in a working area of the catheter. The lumen blocking portion has a length capable of covering at least one side hole of the catheter.

Abstract: A cannula arrangement includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner tube. A sealing element is mounted at the proximal end of the outer tube. The sealing element has a projecting portion that projects proximally from the proximal end of the outer tube. The projecting portion has a projecting end that has an interior edge to contact the outer surface of the inner tube.

Abstract: A sheath can include a sheath body and a sheath hub. The sheath body can have a generally flexible tubular structure, a proximal end, and a distal end. The sheath body can further define a longitudinal axis. The sheath hub can attach to the proximal end of the sheath body and define a longitudinal axis generally aligned with the axis of the sheath body. The sheath body and sheath hub can also form a central cavity along their respective axes. The sheath hub can include two plates: a flexible plate and a rigid plate. The rigid plate can have a relief generally centered on the sheath body's axis. Advantageously, the flexible plate and rigid plate can overlap to substantially seal the central cavity.

Abstract: A seal assembly establishes sealing engagement with a plurality of differently dimensioned instruments passing through a trocar. The seal assembly is a caged seal assembly movably disposed within the trocar and includes at least two seal segments disposable into and out of a sealing orientation relative to the instrument. A cage structure of the seal assembly includes at least two cage segments each connected to a seal segment, a biasing assembly connected to the cage structure and disposed and structured to normally bias the seal segments into sealing orientation.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for creating a pneumatic seal during a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The trocar assembly including an elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal end portion of the body defining a housing. A fluid supply plenum is defined in the housing configured to deliver pressurized insufflation fluid to a nozzle. The nozzle configured for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen and creating a pneumatic seal. A fluid return plenum is defined in the housing configured to collect spent insufflation fluid from as patient's abdominal cavity. The fluid return plenum including a plurality of axially and radially oriented elongate vanes configured to permit spent insufflation fluid to proceed between the vanes and direct spent insufflation fluid back to the fluid return plenum.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing with a passage through which a catheter is received. A valve body is mounted in the passage, and, as the catheter penetrates through the valve body, the valve body conforms to the outer wall of the catheter to maintain a fluid tight seal between the valve body and the catheter. When the valve body is unstressed before being mounted in the passage, the valve body has a first planar dimension and a second planar dimension that is less than the first planar dimension.

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 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: In order to improve a surgical sealing element holder for holding a surgical sealing element of a surgical sealing system comprising a trocar with a trocar sleeve, the sealing element having an insertion opening which can be widened, such that a sealing element of the sealing system can be replaced in a simple and reliable manner and it is ensured that sealing in relation to a channel of the trocar sleeve is perfect at all times it is suggested that a holder sealing element be provided for sealing the sealing element holder with respect to an inner wall surface of the trocar sleeve. In addition, an improved surgical sealing system is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for removing fluid from a surgical access device and/or from surgical instruments passed therethrough, and for preventing such fluid from accumulating. For example, in one embodiment, an exemplary device can include a body defining a working channel that is configured and sized to allow for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough. A number of seals can be disposed in the working channel so as to contact the inserted surgical instrument. One or more outlets can be oriented to direct gas, such as air or an insufflation gas, into the working channel so as to remove fluid on the seals, or other parts of the surgical access device, as well as the surgical instruments themselves. In some embodiments, constant flows of gases can be arranged to act as shields to help prevent fluid from accumulating on the surgical access device and/or surgical instruments.