Access sealing apparatus and method

摘要

A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or movable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired.

主权项

1. A surgical access device comprising:
a seal housing; a working channel extending longitudinally through the seal housing; an axle disposed in the seal housing, spaced from the working channel and floats within the seal housing; and a roller mounted on the axle and in the presence of an instrument in the working channel defines an instrument seal; wherein the roller is toroidal and being in direct contact with an instrument in the working channel and the roller, in the absence of an instrument in the working channel, defines a zero seal in the working channel; wherein the axle is toroidal.