SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A surgical access device (34) includes a single valve (35) that forms a seal with the body wall (21) and provides an access channel (32) into a body cavity (18). The valve (35) has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, an instrument seal in the presence of instruments, or a hand port to provide access into the cavity (18). The valve can include a gel, preferably an ultragel comprised of an elastomer and an oil providing elongation greater than 1000 percent and durometer less than 5 Shore A. A method for making the surgical access device includes the combining of a gelling agent with an oil, preferably by molding. A method for use includes steps for creating an opening with the instrument. The valve and method are particularly adapted for laparoscopic surgery wherein the abdominal cavity is insufflated with a gas.