Absorbing fluids in a surgical access device

US8579807B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Cesar E. Moreno, Jr. · Cincinnati, US
• Patrick J. Minnelli · Cassville, US
• Thomas A. Gilker · Cincinnati, US
• Daniel J. Mumaw · Milford, US
• Rebecca J. Mollere · Loveland, US
• Randall J. Tanguay · Lebanon, US
• Paul T. Franer · Cincinnati, US
• Daniel H. Duke · Sharonville, US
• Mark J. Bookbinder · Blue Ash, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 28, 2008
• Grant date: Nov 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Jun 25, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/3464
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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 an absorbent 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.