Surgical seal for use in a surgical access apparatus
US7608082B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2039/0686
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A seal assembly for use with an access apparatus during a surgical procedure includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a passageway dimensioned to permit passage of an object. The housing is adapted for mounting to a surgical access apparatus and has internal wall portions defining an internal chamber. A seal is mounted within the internal chamber of the housing and is adapted to form a substantial sealing relation with the object. The seal is mounted for reciprocal movement within the internal chamber in a general transverse direction to the longitudinal axis. A viscous fluid is disposed within the internal chamber surrounding the seal and is adapted to form a substantial seal between the seal and the internal wall portions of the housing. The fluid may have lubricious characteristic to facilitate sliding movement of the seal relative to the internal wall portions of the housing. Alternatively, the fluid includes a therapeutic agent or a pharmacological agent which is released to treat the underlying tissue. A foam material may be disposed within the internal chamber. The foam material is at least partially saturated with the fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.