LAPAROSCOPIC ACCESS TOOL WITH GAS SEAL

摘要

A laparoscopic access apparatus (10) enabling the removal of tissue (T) or other debris from a surgical site. A catheter (12) having a longitudinal access is provided with a flexible internal sleeve (20) having distal (28) a nd proximal (22) ends. The sleeve (20) forms an inner channel (32) through whic h laparoscopic surgical instruments (16) may be passed. The sleeve (20) is mounted with axial tautness along one side (34) of the catheter (12), it is provided with a loose, baggy portion elsewhere in the catheter (12) defining an inflatable cavity (36) between the catheter (12) and sleeve (20). A gas port (38) is positioned to enable gas under pressure from a body cavity to enter the inflatable cavity (36) adjacent the distal end thereof to thereby collapse the sleeve and seal the channel (32).