Access assembly with ribbed seal

Details Access assembly with ribbed seal Access assembly with ribbed seal

2011-03-29

2011-03-29

Lucchesi, Nicholas D (Department: 3763)

Surgery

Means for introducing or removing material from body for...

Treating material introduced into or removed from body...

C604S167010

Reexamination Certificate

active

07914496

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. The seal performs a centering function for the instrument due to its combined elasticity and stiffness. Finally, the seal also allows for an instrument to be removed easily while maintaining the required atmospheric integrity.

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European Search Report for corresponding EP 08251757 date of mailing is Sep. 25, 2008 (3 pages).

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