U.S. patent application number 11/465686 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for anti-inversion trocar seal.
This patent application is currently assigned to APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Charles C. Hart, Henry Kahle, Scott V. Taylor.
Application Number | 20070027453 11/465686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34393070 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070027453 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hart; Charles C. ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
ANTI-INVERSION TROCAR SEAL
Abstract
The invention is directed to a trocar seal adapted to form a
seal around a surgical instrument, the trocar seal comprising a
housing having an axis extending between a proximal end and a
distal end and forming a working channel sized and configured to
receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric septum seal having
a proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal being disposed
in the housing and extending transverse to the axis of the housing
across the working channel; portions of the septum seal defining a
hole having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the
surgical instrument so that during insertion of the instrument
along the working channel the septum seal forms a seal with the
instrument; and at least one structure formed integrally with or
proximate to the septum seal to prevent inversion of the septum
seal upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument. The septum seal or
the housing may further comprise a sidewall to include the
structure extending from the sidewall to the distal face of the
seal to tether the seal distally. The structure may be integrally
formed with the proximal face of the septum seal to reinforce the
seal, or the structure may be integrally formed with the distal
face of the septum seal to tether the seal distally The structure
may be an annular reinforcement or rib, and is formed so as to
allow side-to-side movement or floatation of the seal. The trocar
seal may further comprise a plurality of radially extending ribs
formed on the proximal or distal face of the septum seal to
reinforce the seal. The trocar seal may further comprise a tensile
element formed on the distal face of the septum seal.
Inventors: |
Hart; Charles C.;
(Summerville, SC) ; Kahle; Henry; (Trabuco Canyon,
CA) ; Taylor; Scott V.; (Mission Viejo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES CORPORATION
22872 Avenida Empresa
Rancho Santa Margarita
CA
92688
US
|
Assignee: |
APPLIED MEDICAL RESOURCES
CORPORATION
22872 Avenida Empresa
Rancho Santa Margarita
CA
|
Family ID: |
34393070 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465686 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10948383 |
Sep 23, 2004 |
7112185 |
|
|
11465686 |
Aug 18, 2006 |
|
|
|
60505791 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/108 ;
604/167.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/3464 20130101;
A61B 17/3498 20130101; A61B 17/3462 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/108 ;
604/167.03 |
International
Class: |
A61F 11/00 20060101
A61F011/00 |
Claims
1. A trocar seal adapted to form a seal around a surgical
instrument, comprising: a housing having an axis extending between
a proximal end and a distal end and forming a working channel sized
and configured to receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric
septum seal having a proximal face and a distal face, the septum
seal being disposed in the housing and extending transverse to the
axis of the housing across the working channel; portions of the
septum seal defining a hole having a diameter less than or equal to
the diameter of the surgical instrument so that during insertion of
the instrument along the working channel the septum seal forms a
seal with the instrument; a zero closure valve, the zero closure
valve in a non-contacting relationship with the portions of the
septum seal defining the hole; and at least one structure
operationally coupled to the septum seal to prevent inversion of
the septum seal upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument.
2. The trocar seal of claim 1, wherein the septum seal comprises a
sidewall including the structure extending from the sidewall to the
distal face of the seal to tether the seal downward.
3. The trocar seal of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a
sidewall including the structure extending from the sidewall to the
distal face of the seal to tether the seal downward.
4. The trocar seal of claim 1, wherein the structure is integrally
formed on the proximal face of the septum seal to reinforce the
seal.
5. The trocar seal of claim 1, wherein the structure is integrally
formed on the distal face of the septum seal to tether the distal
face of the seal downward.
6. The trocar seal of claim 5, wherein the structure is an annular
reinforcement.
7. The trocar seal of claim 6, wherein the annular reinforcement is
formed so as not to prevent side-to-side movement or floatation of
the seal.
8. The trocar seal of claim 4, wherein the structure is an annular
reinforcement.
9. A trocar seal adapted to form a seal around a surgical
instrument, comprising: a housing having an axis extending between
a proximal end and a distal end and forming a working channel sized
and configured to receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric
septum seal having a proximal face and a distal face, the septum
seal being disposed in the housing and extending transverse to the
axis of the housing across the working channel; portions of the
septum seal defining a hole having a diameter less than or equal to
the diameter of the surgical instrument so that during insertion of
the instrument along the working channel the septum seal forms a
seal with the instrument; a zero closure valve, the zero closure
valve in a non-contacting relationship with the portions of the
septum seal defining the hole; and at least one structure
operationally coupled to the septum seal to prevent inversion of
the septum seal upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument; wherein
the structure is an annular rib.
10. The trocar seal of claim 9, wherein the annular rib is formed
so as not to prevent floatation of the seal.
11. The trocar seal of claim 4, wherein the structure is an annular
rib.
12. The trocar seal of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of
radially extending ribs formed on the distal face of the septum
seal to reinforce the seal.
13. The trocar seal of claim 12, wherein the plurality of radially
extending ribs are formed so as not to prevent floatation of the
seal.
14. The trocar seal of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of
radially extending ribs formed on the proximal face of the septum
seal to reinforce the seal.
15. The trocar seal of claim 5, further comprising a tensile
element formed on the distal face of the septum seal.
16. The trocar seal of claim 15, wherein the tensile element is
formed from surgical suture, an elastomer, a thermoplastic, or a
metal wire.
17. The trocar seal of claim 1, wherein the structure includes any
structure disposed distally of the septum seal and is placed in
tension when the seal is moved proximally.
18. The trocar seal of claim 1, wherein the structure includes any
structure disposed proximally of the septum seal and is placed in
compression when the seal is moved proximally.
19. A trocar adapted to form a seal around a surgical instrument,
comprising: a cannula having an axis extending between a proximal
end and a distal end; a housing disposed at the proximal of the
cannula and forming with the cannula a working channel sized and
configured to receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric
septum seal having a proximal face and a distal face, the septum
seal being disposed in the housing and extending transverse to the
axis of the cannula across the working channel; portions of the
septum seal defining a hole having a diameter less than or equal to
the diameter of the surgical instrument so that during insertion of
the instrument along the working channel the septum seal forms a
seal with the instrument; and a zero closure valve, the zero
closure valve in a non-contacting relationship with the portions of
the septum seal defining the hole; and means for preventing
inversion of the septum seal upon withdrawal of the surgical
instrument.
20. The trocar of claim 19, wherein the septum seal comprises a
sidewall including the structure extending from the sidewall to the
distal face of the seal to tether the seal downward
21. The trocar of claim 19, wherein the housing comprises a
sidewall including the structure extending from the sidewall to the
distal face of the seal to tether the seal downward.
22. The trocar of claim 19, wherein the structure is integrally
formed on the proximal face of the septum seal to reinforce the
seal.
23. The trocar of claim 19, wherein the structure is integrally
formed on the distal face of the septum seal to tether the distal
face of the seal downward.
24. The trocar of claim 23, wherein the structure is an annular
reinforcement.
25. The trocar of claim 24, wherein the annular reinforcement is
formed so as not to prevent side-to-side movement or floatation of
the seal.
26-36. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This is a non-provisional application claiming the priority
of provisional application Ser. No. 60/505,791, filed on Sep. 24,
2003, entitled "Trocar Seal With Anti-Inversion Properties", which
is fully incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to instrument seals in
surgical devices and most specifically to septum seals in
laparoscopic trocars.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] Less invasive abdominal surgery, commonly referred to as
laparoscopic surgery, is undertaken with instruments extending
across the abdominal wall. In this procedure, the volume of the
abdominal surgical site is increased by inflating the abdomen with
a gas. In order to maintain the pressure of the gas within the
abdomen while passing instruments across the abdominal wall, access
devices, commonly referred to as trocars, are positioned through
holes in the abdomen. These trocars are provided with seals which
engage the instruments as they are passed through the trocar and
into the inflated abdomen.
[0006] The seals most commonly used for this purpose are septum
seals which are elastomeric and are generally planar in
configuration. The septum seals are generally made of a thin
material that may tend to engage the body or shaft of an inserted
instrument and be drawn along with the axial motion of the
instrument as the instrument is placed, used, or removed through
the septum seals. These seals extend across a working channel of
the trocar and form a seal with the instrument as the instrument is
passed through a hole in the septum seal. When the instrument is
inserted, the septum seal is pushed generally in the distal
direction as it forms a seal with the instrument. When the
instrument is withdrawn, the opposite effect occurs; the septum
seal is pulled generally in the proximal direction causing the seal
to invert. This inversion can add undesirable friction during use
of the instrument and may cause the septum to bind or gather
between the instrument and portions of the seal housing or floating
ring or other adjacent structures when the instrument is
withdrawn.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention is directed to a trocar seal adapted to form a
seal around a surgical instrument, the trocar seal comprising a
housing having an axis extending between a proximal end and a
distal end and forming a working channel sized and configured to
receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric septum seal having
a proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal being disposed
in the housing and extending transverse to the axis of the housing
across the working channel; portions of the septum seal defining a
hole having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the
surgical instrument so that during insertion of the instrument
along the working channel the septum seal forms a seal with the
instrument; and at least one structure formed integrally with or
proximate to the septum seal to prevent inversion of the septum
seal upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument. In one aspect, the
septum seal may further comprise a sidewall including the structure
extending from the sidewall to the distal face of the seal to
tether the seal distally. In another aspect, the housing may
comprise a sidewall including the structure extending from the
sidewall to the distal face of the seal to tether the seal
distally. In yet another aspect, the structure may be integrally
formed with the proximal face of the seal to reinforce the seal, or
the structure may be integrally formed with the distal face of the
septum seal to tether the seal distally.
[0008] The structure may be an annular reinforcement or annular
rib, and is formed so as not to prevent side-to-side movement or
floatation of the seal. The trocar seal may further comprise a
plurality of radially extending ribs formed on the proximal or
distal face of the septum seal to reinforce the seal. The trocar
seal may further comprise a tensile element formed on the distal
face of the septum seal. The tensile element may be formed from
surgical suture, an elastomer, a thermoplastic, or a metal wire. It
is appreciated that in all of the above aspects of the invention,
the structure may include any structure disposed distally of the
septum seal and is placed in tension when the seal is moved
proximally. Similarly, the structure may include any structure
disposed proximally of the septum seal and is placed in compression
when the seal is moved proximally.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a trocar adapted to form
a seal around a surgical instrument is disclosed, the trocar
comprising a cannula having an axis extending between a proximal
end and a distal end; a housing disposed at the proximal end of the
cannula and forming with the cannula a working channel sized and
configured to receive the surgical instrument; an elastomeric
septum seal having a proximal face and a distal face, the septum
seal being disposed in the housing and extending transverse to the
axis of the cannula across the working channel; portions of the
septum seal defining a hole having a diameter less than or equal to
the diameter of the surgical instrument so that during insertion of
the instrument along the working channel the septum seal forms a
seal with the instrument; and at least one structure formed
integrally with or proximate to the septum seal to prevent
inversion of the septum seal upon withdrawal of the surgical
instrument.
[0010] These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent with a discussion of the various embodiments in reference
to the associated drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the embodiments
of the invention and, together with the description, explain the
features and principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an axial cross-section view of a trocar
seal including a septum seal and a plurality of gussets in
accordance to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an axial cross-section view of a trocar
seal including a septum seal and a plurality of annular
reinforcements in accordance to a second embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an axial cross-section view of a trocar
seal including a septum seal and an annular rib in accordance to a
third embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an axial cross-section view of a trocar
seal including a septum seal and a plurality of radial ribs in
accordance to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an axial cross-section view of a trocar
seal including a septum seal and a plurality of tethers in
accordance to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] A feature of the present invention is to prevent the septum
portion of a trocar seal from inverting during withdrawal of
instruments such as laparoscopic clip appliers or laparoscopic
graspers. The septum seal normally includes an access hole which is
smaller than the diameter of the utilized instrument to affect a
seal around the instrument shaft and prevent loss of
pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic procedures. Frictional forces
between the instrument shaft and the opening of the septum seal are
therefore present and predispose the septum seal to invert during
withdrawal of laparoscopic instruments.
[0018] Inversion of the septum seal during instrument withdrawal
can result in binding of the instrument between the proximal
opening of the seal housing, the septum seal, and the shaft of the
instrument. This occurs as a result of the septum seal first being
pulled into the proximal opening of the seal housing and then being
compressed between the instrument shaft and the proximal opening of
the seal housing. The present invention includes features which
inhibit or prevent inversion of the septum seal during withdrawal
of laparoscopic instruments and therefore the present invention
eliminates the risk of an instrument binding within the trocar seal
during withdrawal.
[0019] Another feature of the present invention is that by
preventing the inversion of the septum seal, the surface area of
the septum which is in contact with the outer diameter of the
instrument shaft is limited to the circumference of the opening of
the septum seal multiplied by the thickness of the septum seal at
the opening. This translates into a reduction of frictional forces
between the septum seal and the utilized instrument, which is
highly desirable during laparoscopic procedures. If the septum seal
is allowed to invert, then the surface area of the septum which is
in contact with the instrument is significantly increased, as
compared to the present invention, resulting in very high
frictional forces which can lead to operative complications at a
critical point when the laparoscopic surgeon must quickly and
smoothly remove and replace instruments through the trocar. By
reducing the frictional forces or instrument drag, the present
invention facilitates rapid and smooth instrument exchanges during
laparoscopic procedures.
[0020] The present invention also facilitates smooth and accurate
positioning of instruments such as laparoscopic clip appliers
within the peritoneal cavity due to the fact that inversion of the
septum seal is prevented. In prior art devices in which the septum
seal can invert, axial movement of clip appliers can result in a
stutter-step motion which occurs as the septum seal toggles between
a non-inverted state and an inverted state This in turn can cause
many difficulties, for example, in positioning of the clip applier
jaws over a vessel, delaying placement of the clip or even in
misplacing of the clip itself. By eliminating the inversion of the
septum seal during instrument positioning within the peritoneal
cavity, the present invention facilitates rapid, smooth, and
accurate positioning of laparoscopic instruments at the operative
site.
[0021] The present invention includes novel features which can
inhibit the inversion of the septum seal. These features serve
generally to either tether the septum seal on its distal side or
reinforce the septum seal on its proximal side.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an axial cross-section
view of a trocar seal 100 adapted to form a seal around a surgical
instrument. The trocar seal comprises a housing 10 having an axis
12 extending between a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16 and
forming a working channel 18 sized and configured to receive the
surgical instrument, and an elastomeric septum seal 20 having a
proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal 20 being disposed
in the housing 10 and extending transverse to the axis 12 of the
housing across the working channel 18. It is appreciated that
portions of the septum seal 20 define a hole 22 having a diameter
less than or equal to the diameter of the surgical instrument so
that during insertion of the instrument along the working channel
18 the septum seal forms a seal with the instrument. In this
aspect, the seal 20 further includes a plurality of gussets 24
incorporated onto the distal face of the seal 20 to prevent
inversion as the surgical instrument is withdrawn from the trocar
seal 100. It is appreciated that the trocar seal 100 typically
includes a zero closure valve 30 such a double-duckbill valve. Both
of the septum seal 20 and the zero closure valve 30 function to
form seals across the working channel 18, the septum seal 20 forms
its seal in the presence of the surgical instrument while the zero
closure valve 30 forms its seal in the absence of the
instrument.
[0023] In one aspect, the septum seal 20 may further comprise a
sidewall including the gussets 24 extending from the sidewall to
the distal face of the septum seal 20 and serving to tether the
seal distally and thus preventing inversion. The gussets 24 are
configured such that side-to-side movement or floatation of the
septum seal 20 is not compromised. The gussets 24 may or may not be
integral to the septum seal 20. Alternatively, the gussets 24 may
be incorporated onto the proximal face of the septum seal 20.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an axial cross-section
view of a trocar seal 100b, wherein elements of structures similar
to those previously discussed are designated by the same reference
numeral followed by the lower case letter "b", the trocar seal 100b
being adapted to form a seal around a surgical instrument. The
trocar seal 100b comprises a housing 10b having an axis 12b
extending between a proximal end 14b and a distal end 16b and
forming a working channel 18b sized and configured to receive the
surgical instrument, and an elastomeric septum seal 20b having a
proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal 20b being disposed
in the housing 10b and extending transverse to the axis 12b of the
housing across the working channel 18b. It is appreciated that
portions of the septum seal 20b define a hole 22b having a diameter
less than or equal to the diameter of the surgical instrument so
that during insertion of the instrument along the working channel
18b the septum seal forms a seal with the instrument. In this
aspect, the seal 20b further includes an annular reinforcement 26
incorporated onto the distal face of the seal 20b to prevent
inversion as the surgical instrument is withdrawn from the trocar
seal 100b. In particular, the annular reinforcement 26 serves to
tether the distal face of the septum seal 20b downward and thus
prevents inversion. The annular reinforcement 26 is configured so
that side-to-side movement or floatation of the septum seal 20b is
not compromised. The annular reinforcement 26 may or may not be
integral to the septum seal 20b. Alternatively, the annular
reinforcement 26 may be incorporated onto the proximal face of the
septum seal 20b.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an axial cross-section
view of a trocar seal 100c, wherein elements of structures similar
to those previously discussed are designated by the same reference
numeral followed by the lower case letter "c", the trocar seal 100c
being adapted to form a seal around a surgical instrument. The
trocar seal 100c comprises a housing 10c having an axis 12c
extending between a proximal end 14c and a distal end 16c and
forming a working channel 18c sized and configured to receive the
surgical instrument, and an elastomeric septum seal 20c having a
proximal face and a distal face, the septum seal 20c being disposed
in the housing 10c and extending transverse to the axis 12c of the
housing across the working channel 18c. With this aspect, the seal
20c further includes an annular rib 28 incorporated onto the distal
face of the seal 20c to prevent inversion as the surgical
instrument is withdrawn from the trocar seal 100c. The annular rib
28 serves to reinforce the face of the septum seal 20c and thus
prevents inversion. The annular rib 28 is configured so that
side-to-side movement or floatation of the septum seal 20c is not
compromised. The annular rib 28 may or may not be integral to the
septum seal 20c. Alternatively, the annular rib 28 may be
incorporated onto the proximal face of the septum seal 20c.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an axial cross-section
view of a trocar seal 100d, wherein elements of structures similar
to those previously discussed are designated by the same reference
numeral followed by the lower case letter "d", that is adapted to
form a seal around a surgical instrument. The trocar seal 100d
comprises a housing 10d having an axis 12d extending between a
proximal end 14d and a distal end 16d and forming a working channel
18d sized and configured to receive the surgical instrument, and an
elastomeric septum seal 20d having a proximal face and a distal
face, the septum seal 20d being disposed in the housing 10d and
extending transverse to the axis 12d of the housing across the
working channel 18d In this aspect, the seal 20d further includes a
plurality of radially extending ribs 32 incorporated onto the
distal face of the seal 20d to prevent inversion as the surgical
instrument is withdrawn from the trocar seal 100d The radially
extending ribs 32 serve to reinforce the face of the septum seal
20d and thus prevent inversion. The ribs 32 are configured so that
side-to-side movement or floatation of the septum seal 20d is not
compromised. The radially extending ribs 32 may or may not be
integral to the septum seal 20d. Alternatively, the radially
extending ribs 32 may be incorporated onto the proximal face of the
septum seal 20d.
[0027] In yet another aspect of the invention as illustrated in
FIG. 5, there is shown an axial cross-section view of a trocar seal
100e, wherein elements of structures similar to those previously
discussed are designated by the same reference numeral followed by
the lower case letter "e", that is adapted to form a seal around a
surgical instrument. The trocar seal 100e comprises a housing 10e
having an axis 12e extending between a proximal end 14e and a
distal end 16e and forming a working channel 18e sized and
configured to receive the surgical instrument, and an elastomeric
septum seal 20e having a proximal face and a distal face, the
septum seal 20e being disposed in the housing 10e and extending
transverse to the axis 12e of the housing across the working
channel 18e. In this aspect, the seal 20e further includes a
plurality of tensile elements or tethers 34 incorporated onto the
distal face of the seal 20e to prevent inversion as the surgical
instrument is withdrawn from the trocar seal 100e. The tensile
elements 34 serve to reinforce the face of the septum seal 20e and
thus prevent inversion. The tensile elements 34 may be configured
from surgical suture and may be integral to the septum seal 20e In
another aspect, the septum seal 20e may further comprise a sidewall
including the tensile elements 34 extending from the sidewall to
the distal face of the septum seal 20e and serving to tether the
distal face of the seal downward and thus preventing inversion.
[0028] The invention further contemplates any structure, whether or
not it is attached to the septum valve, which will inhibit movement
of the valve in the proximal direction upon withdrawal of an
instrument. This might include any structure disposed on the distal
side of the septum valve which would be placed in tension if the
valve tended to move proximally. It would also include any
structure disposed on the proximal side of the valve which would
typically be placed in compression if the valve were to move in the
proximal direction.
[0029] It will be understood that many other modifications can be
made to the various disclosed embodiments without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention For these reasons, the above
description should not be construed as limiting the invention, but
should be interpreted as merely exemplary of preferred
embodiments.
* * * * *