| 摘要 |
ACCESS ASSEMBLY WITH RIBBED SEAL Abstract A ribbed seal (100) for use in endoscopic surgery is intended to be incorporated into a cannula assembly (10) to limit the escape of insufflation gases from a body cavity 5 by forming a fluid-tight seal around an instrument inserted through the cannula assembly (10). The ribbed seal (100) includes a relatively flat, disk shaped elastomeric overmold (101) 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 (101) is in array of slender ribs disposed about the aperture. The io ribs (201) 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 (201) 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 (200). The seal performs a is 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 atmospheric integrity. 52' Max. Outer Dimension 205 2421101 FIG. 2 FIG. 4 ;O _202 FIG. 3 102 101 211 211 10 FIG. 5 |
