Access assembly with ribbed seal
US7914496B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/3464
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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 atmos…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.