SEAL ASSEMBLY FOR ACCOMMODATING INTRODUCTION OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

摘要

A seal assembly is provided which includes a housing and resilient first seal member associated with the housing. The first seal member is preferably a gasket having an aperture formed therein for receiving surgical instrumentation adapted to cooperate with a dilating means having an exterior face associated with the housing for dilating the aperture of the gasket. The first seal member and the dilating member are adapted for relative movement therebetween, the first seal member and the dilating member assuming a first position wherein the aperture of the first seal member is spaced from the dilating member and assuming a second position wherein the aperture of the first seal member is stretched around the exterior face of the dilating member. A flexible member may also be provided to help maintain a seal between the first seal member and an instrument inserted therethrough, in particular when the instrument is moved in a transverse direction.