U.S. patent application number 17/547332 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for access device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cilag GmbH International. Invention is credited to Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Christopher W. Widenhouse.
Application Number | 20220096124 17/547332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220096124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shelton, IV; Frederick E. ;
et al. |
March 31, 2022 |
Access Device
Abstract
Various devices and methods are provided with respect to
inserting multiple surgical instruments through a single surgical
access device. A medical device including a flexible tissue
retractor a releasable insert having multiple instrument openings,
and a member such as a sleeve is disclosed. The insert can be in
the form of an insert assembly including multiple components. The
sleeve can support the insert with respect to the retractor such
that the insert and sleeve can be removed together with the
retractor remaining in the incision. A method of using the insert
is also described.
Inventors: |
Shelton, IV; Frederick E.;
(Hillsboro, OH) ; Widenhouse; Christopher W.;
(Clarksville, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cilag GmbH International |
Zug |
|
CH |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/547332 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16059689 |
Aug 9, 2018 |
11224460 |
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17547332 |
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15469040 |
Mar 24, 2017 |
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16059689 |
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15207133 |
Jul 11, 2016 |
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15469040 |
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14683306 |
Apr 10, 2015 |
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15207133 |
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12712276 |
Feb 25, 2010 |
9005116 |
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14683306 |
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12479418 |
Jun 5, 2009 |
8357085 |
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12712276 |
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61165080 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
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International
Class: |
A61B 17/34 20060101
A61B017/34; A61B 17/02 20060101 A61B017/02 |
Claims
1. A flexible tissue retractor for insertion of laparoscopic
instruments, the tissue-retraction device comprising: a flexible
member comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a first outer
exposed portion defining a first plane along a top surface thereof
at the proximal end, a first inner exposed portion defining a
second plane along a bottom surface thereof at the distal end, and
a third portion extending in a distal direction from the first
outer exposed portion to the first inner exposed portion such that
the third portion interconnects the first outer exposed portion to
the first inner exposed portion, the third portion defining a
passageway along at least a portion thereof between the first outer
exposed portion and the first inner exposed portion; and an insert
disposed within the passageway, the insert comprising at least two
predefined instrument conduits defined through a top portion of the
insert, the conduits extending in the distal direction to
corresponding exits defined through a bottom portion of the insert,
the insert being wholly within the respective first and second
planes defined by the first outer exposed portion and the first
inner exposed portion such that the conduits do not extend beyond
the first and second planes, the conduits interconnecting the top
portion of the insert with a bottom portion of the insert, and the
flexible member being configured to allow the conduits to be
movable to an angle that is not parallel to the first or second
plane.
2. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 1, wherein the flexible
member is made of an elastic material.
3. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 1, wherein the flexible
tissue retractor further comprises a first outer ring that
surrounds the first outer portion.
4. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 3, wherein and the second
inner portion comprises a second inner ring that surrounds the
second inner portion.
5. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 1, wherein the third
portion further comprises a first surface and a second surface, the
first surface facing radially inwardly and the second surface
facing radially outwardly.
6. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 5, wherein the passageway
is defined at least in part by a portion of the first surface.
7. A flexible tissue retractor for insertion of laparoscopic
instruments, the tissue-retraction device comprising: a flexible
member comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a first outer
exposed portion defining a first plane along a top surface thereof
at the proximal end, a first outer ring that surrounds the first
outer exposed portion, a first inner portion defining a second
plane along a bottom surface thereof at the distal end, a second
inner ring that surrounds the first inner exposed portion, and a
third portion extending in a distal direction from the first outer
exposed portion to the first inner exposed portion such that the
third portion interconnects the first outer exposed portion to the
first inner exposed portion, the third portion defining a
passageway along at least a portion thereof between the first outer
exposed portion and the first inner exposed portion; and an insert
disposed within the passageway, the insert comprising at least two
predefined instrument conduits defined through a top portion of the
insert, the conduits extending in the distal direction to
corresponding exits defined through a bottom portion of the insert,
the insert being wholly within the respective first and second
planes defined by the first outer exposed portion and the first
inner exposed portion such that the conduits do not extend beyond
the first and second planes, the conduits interconnecting the top
portion of the insert with a bottom portion of the insert, and the
flexible member being configured to allow the conduits to be
movable to an angle that is not parallel to the first or second
plane.
8. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 7, wherein the flexible
member is made of an elastic material.
9. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 7, wherein the third
portion further comprises a first surface and a second surface, the
first surface facing radially inwardly and the second surface
facing radially outwardly.
10. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 9, wherein the
passageway is defined at least in part by a portion of the first
surface.
11. A flexible tissue retractor for insertion of laparoscopic
instruments, the tissue-retraction device comprising: a flexible
member comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a first outer
exposed portion defining a first plane along a top surface thereof
at the proximal end, a first outer ring that surrounds the first
outer exposed portion, a first inner exposed portion defining a
second plane along a bottom surface thereof at the distal end, a
second inner ring that surrounds the first inner exposed portion,
and a third portion extending in a distal direction from the first
outer exposed portion to the first inner exposed portion such that
the third portion interconnects the first outer exposed portion to
the first inner exposed portion, the third portion comprising a
first surface facing radially inwardly and a second surface facing
radially outwardly, the first surface defining a passageway along
at least a portion thereof between the first outer exposed portion
and the first inner exposed portion; and an insert disposed within
the passageway, the insert comprising at least two predefined
instrument conduits defined through a top portion of the insert,
the conduits extending in the distal direction to corresponding
exits defined through a bottom portion of the insert, the insert
being wholly within the respective first and second planes defined
by the first outer exposed portion and the first inner exposed
portion such that the conduits do not extend beyond the first and
second planes, the conduits interconnecting the top portion of the
insert with a bottom portion of the insert, and the flexible member
being configured to allow the conduits to be movable to an angle
that is not parallel to the first or second plane.
12. The flexible tissue retractor of claim 11, wherein the flexible
member is made of an elastic material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/059,689, filed on Aug. 9, 2018, which is a
continuation of Ser. No. 15/469,040, filed on Mar. 24, 2017, which
is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/207,133, filed on Jul. 11, 2016,
now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/683,306, filed Apr. 10, 2015, now abandoned, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/712,276, filed
Feb. 25, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,005,116, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/479,418, filed Jun. 5, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,357,085.
[0002] The present application cross references and incorporates by
reference the following commonly assigned U.S. patent applications:
U.S. Ser. No. 11/398,985 filed Apr. 5, 2006 and issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 8,545,450; U.S. Ser. No. 11/399,181 filed Apr. 5, 2006 and
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,612; U.S. Ser. No. 11/399,145 filed
Apr. 5, 2006 and published as US2006/0247678; U.S. Ser. No.
11/399,149 filed Apr. 5, 2006 and published as US2006/0270911; U.S.
Ser. No. 11/399044 filed Apr. 5, 2006 and published as
US2006/0247586; U.S. Ser. No. 11/399172 filed Apr. 5, 2006 and
published as US2006/0247500; U.S. Ser. No. 11/399045 filed Apr. 5,
2006 and published as US20060/247516; U.S. Ser. No. 12/242,765
filed Sep. 30, 2008 and published as US2010/0081880; U.S. Ser. No.
12/242,711 filed Sep. 30, 2008 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,485,970; U.S. Ser. No. 12/242,721 filed Sep. 30, 2008 and issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,811; U.S. Ser. No. 12/242,383 filed Sep. 30,
3008 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,206,294; U.S. Ser. No.
12/242,333 filed Sep. 30, 2008 and published as US20100081863; U.S.
Ser. No. 12/242,353 filed Sep. 30, 2008 and published as
US20100081864; U.S. Ser. No. 12/242,381 filed Sep. 30, 2008 and
published as US20100081883; U.S. Ser. No. 12/399,625 filed Mar. 6,
2009 and published as US20100228091; U.S. Ser. No. 12/399,633 filed
Mar. 6, 2009 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,821,391; U.S. Ser. No.
12/399,547 filed Mar. 6, 2009 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,251,900; U.S. Ser. No. 12/399,656 filed Mar. 6, 2009 published as
US2010/0228094; U.S. Ser. No. 12/399,482 filed Mar. 6, 2009 and
published as US2010/0228096; U.S. Ser. No. 12/399,473 and published
as US2010/0228090; U.S. Ser. No. 12/110,724 filed Apr. 28, 2008 and
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,807; U.S. Ser. No. 12/109,881 filed
Apr. 25, 2008 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,831; and U.S. Ser.
No. 12/172,349 filed Jul. 14, 2008 and published as
US20100010310.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to access devices, such as for
providing surgical access into a body cavity.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Abdominal laparoscopic surgery gained popularity in the late
1980.sup.1s, when benefits of laparoscopic removal of the
gallbladder over traditional (open) operation became evident
Reduced postoperative recovery time, markedly decreased post-
operative pain and wound infection, and improved cosmetic outcome
are well established benefits laparoscopic surgery, derived mainly
from the ability of laparoscopic surgeons to preform 1 an operation
utilizing smaller incisions of the body cavity wall.
[0005] Laparoscopic procedures generally involve insufflation of
the abdominal cavity with CO2 gas to a pressure of around 15 mm Hg.
The abdominal wall is pierced and a 5-10 mm in diameter straight
tubular cannula or trocar sleeve is then inserted into the
abdominal cavity. A laparoscopic telescope connected to an
operating room monitor is used to visualize the operative field,
and is placed through a trocar sleeve. Laparoscopic instruments
(graspers, dissectors, scissors, retractors, etc.) are placed
through two or more additional trocar sleeves for the manipulations
by the surgeon and surgical assistant(s).
[0006] Recently, so-called "mini-laparoscopy" has been introduced
utilizing 2-3 mm diameter straight trocar sleeves and laparoscopic
instruments. When successful, mini-laparoscopy allows further
reduction of abdominal wall trauma and improved consmesis.
Instruments used for mini-laparoscopic procedures are, however,
generally more expensive and fragile. Because of their performance
limitations, due to their smaller diameter (weak suction-irrigation
system, poor durability, decreased video quality),
mini-laparoscopic instruments can generally be used only on
selected patients with favorable anatomy (thin cavity wall, few
adhesions, minimal inflammation, etc.). These patients represent a
small percentage of patients requiring laparoscopic procedures. In
addition, smaller 2-3 mm incisions may still cause undesirable
cosmetic outcomes and wound complications (bleeding, infection,
pain, keloid formation, etc.).
[0007] Since the benefits of smaller and fewer body cavity
incisions are proven, it would be desirable to perform an operation
utilizing only a single incision in the navel. An umbilicus is
well-hidden and the thinnest and least vascularized area of the
abdominal wall. The umbilicus is generally a preferred choice of
abdominal cavity entry m laparoscopic procedures. An umbilical
incision can be easily enlarged (in order to eviscerate a larger
specimen) without significantly compromising cosmesis and without
increasing the chances of wound complications. The placement of two
or more standard (straight) cannulas and laparoscopic instruments
in the umbilicus, next to each other, creates a so--called
"chopstick" effect, which describes interference between the
surgeon's hands, between the surgeon's hands and the instruments,
and between the instruments. This interference greatly reduces the
surgeon's ability to perform a described procedure.
[0008] Thus, there is a need for instruments and trocar systems
which allow laparoscopic procedures to be performed entirely
through the umbilicus or a surgical port located elsewhere while at
the same time reducing or eliminating the "chopstick effect."
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention generally provides devices for
allowing surgical access to an interior of a patient's body.
[0010] In one embodiment, the medical device comprises a tissue
retractor and an insert releasably supported within a passageway
associated with the tissue retractor. The insert may have an outer
surface sized and shaped to deform a flexible member of the tissue
retractor to provide at least a portion of the passageway with a
predetermined size and shape.
[0011] The insert can be in the form of an insert assembly having a
generally cylindrical outer surface sized to radially stretch a
portion of the tissue retractor to have a generally circular or
other suitable cross-section of predetermined diameter or width
upon insertion of the insert within the passageway.
[0012] The tissue retractor may be a flexible tissue retractor
which includes a flexible member, such as a flexible membrane,
having a first end and a second end, and the insert may be
releasably supported or otherwise releasably insertable within the
passageway of the flexible tissue retractor.
[0013] In one embodiment, the insert comprises an assembly having
an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion can have a
generally cylindrical outer surface adapted to engage the inner
surface of the passageway of the tissue retractor, and the inner
portion may include a plurality of instrument openings aligned with
instrument passageways rotatable with respect to the outer portion
of the insert and the flexible tissue retractor.
[0014] The insert may comprise an assembly which includes an outer
body portion sized and shaped to engage and deform a portion of the
inner surface of a flexible tissue retractor, a housing disposed at
least partially within the outer sleeve, at least one instrument
opening in an upper surface of the housing, and at least one seal
operatively associated with each instrument opening. The insert
assembly may also include an instrument channel member in the form
of a unitary, flexible structure defining a plurality of tubular
instrument channels. Each tubular instrument channel may be
independently deformable with respect to the housing and the other
tubular instrument channels. The instrument channels and instrument
openings may be rotatably supported with respect to the outer
sleeve and the tissue retractor, such as by a bearing member.
[0015] In one embodiment, the flexible tissue retractor comprises
first and second deformable rings, and the insert is sized and
shaped to pass through at least one of the rings without deforming
the ring. The insert may be sized and shaped to deform a portion of
a flexible member extending intermediate the first and second
rings.
[0016] In on embodiment, an assembly comprising a flexible tissue
retractor, an insert, and a sleeve is provided. The sleeve may be
positioned in the flexible tissue retractor, and the insert may be
pressed into the sleeve. The sleeve and insert may be removed
together from the retractor without removing the retractor from the
incision. The sleeve may be provided to assist in inserting and
removing the insert, and the sleeve may be formed of a material
having a relatively low coefficient of friction, and a relatively
high puncture resistance and/or high toughness.
[0017] In one embodiment, a method for accessing a body cavity
through in incision is provided. The method includes the steps of
positioning a tissue retractor in the incision; and releasably
positioning an insert having multiple instrument openings into the
tissue retractor. The step of positioning the insert may be by
pressing the insert into the tissue retractor, and may include
deforming and/or stretching at least a portion of the tissue
retractor. The method may include forming an incision, positioning
a tissue retractor in the incision, positioning a sleeve to extend
at least partially within the tissue retractor, and positioning an
insert having one or more instrument openings into the sleeve.
[0018] In one embodiment, a medical device is provided including a
tissue retractor, at least one insert having at least one
instrument opening, where the insert is positionable, such as by
pressing, at different insertion depths within a passageway of the
tissue retractor.
[0019] In one embodiment, a method for accessing a body cavity
includes the steps of positioning a flexible tissue retractor in
the incision, wherein the tissue retractor provides a passageway
extending through the incision; releasably positioning a first
insert having at least one instrument opening in the passageway
provided by the flexible tissue retractor; removing the first
insert from the passageway provided by the tissue retractor; and
positioning a second insert having at least one instrument opening
in the passageway. The second insert can have a different number of
instrument openings and/or a different size and/or a different
shape than that of the first insert. The method can also include
repositioning an insert to a second depth in the passageway of the
retractor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective, proximal view showing an access
device comprising an insert having at least one instrument opening
releasably supported within a flexible tissue retractor, with the
proximal end of the insert shown inserted to be positioned below an
upper, proximal end of the flexible tissue retractor;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective, distal view of the insert and
flexible tissue retractor shown in FIG. 1, with a distal, bottom
end of the insert shown visible from a lower, distal opening of the
flexible tissue retractor.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a device of the type
shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an insert of the type shown in
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective, proximal view showing an
alternative access device comprising an assembly of an insert, a
flexible tissue retractor, and a sleeve, the sleeve shown as
including a generally annular portion disposed over the proximal
end of the flexible tissue retractor, and the sleeve shown as
including a generally cylindrical portion extending distally from
the annular portion, at least a portion of the generally
cylindrical portion of the sleeve disposed between the insert and
the flexible tissue retractor.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the type
shown in FIG. 5, and showing the generally cylindrical portion
extending distally beyond the distal end of the tissue retractor
and the insert, the distal end of the cylindrical portion shown
having a member in the form of a generally circumferentially
extending rib or ledge for preventing the insert from being pressed
into the body cavity and to assist in withdrawing the insert from
the tissue retractor.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded view of an insert similar to
that shown in FIG. 4, but having three versus four instrument
openings, including one relatively larger instrument opening (such
as to receive a laparascope or other relatively larger diameter
device), and two relatively smaller instrument openings (such as to
receive relatively smaller devices, such as 5 mm graspers, clip
appliers, or the like).
[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic depiction of how the insert of FIG. 7
can be inserted into a sleeve (shown in half section), and the
insert and sleeve can, in tum, be inserted into a flexible tissue
retractor (also shown in half section).
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates the insert, sleeve, and tissue retractor
positioned in tissue, with the insert shown inserted into and
supported by the sleeve, and the sleeve, in turn, supported in the
tissue retractor, with the sleeve and retractor shown in half
section, and FIG. 9 illustrating the sleeve having a length longer
than the axial length of the retractor, such that the sleeve can be
positioned at various depths within the retractor, and such that in
FIG. 9 the distal portion of the insert is shown positioned below
the abdominal wall, and the distal portion of the insert abutting a
retention feature in the form of an internal lip at the distal end
of the sleeve, the retention feature preventing the insert from
being pushed through the sleeve and into the abdominal cavity, and
the lip facilitating removal of the insert with the sleeve when the
sleeve is withdrawn from the flexible retractor.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how the sleeve
and insert can be removed by fingers of a single hand grasping the
edges of the sleeve and lifting the sleeve proximally (upward in
FIG. 10), with the insert retained by the sleeve and the insert
being removed along with the sleeve when the sleeve is withdrawn
from the retractor, and with the retractor left in place in the
incision.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing how, once the sleeve
and insert have been removed from the flexible retractor, a
specimen and/or specimen bag can be removed from the body through
the flexible retractor.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of an
embodiment where an insert is disposed within a flexible retractor,
where the flexible retractor has an internal retention feature in
the form of an internal rib for retaining the insert at a desired
depth within the retractor, and FIG. 12 illustrating how the
insert's flexible support within the retractor allows an instrument
extending through the insert to pivot the insert itself, such as to
provide an improved range of motion of the instrument over seals
mounted above or below the retractor.
[0033] FIG. 13 provides a schematic cross-sectional illustration of
an insert, sleeve, and retractor, where the insert includes zero
closure seals in the form of duckbill seals at the proximal end of
the insert for sealing instrument access channels when no
instrument is inserted through the channel, and instrument seals in
the form of septum seals for sealing about instruments inserted
into the instrument channels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to
provide an overall understanding of the principles of the
structure., function, manufacture, and use of the devices and
methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods
specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope
of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The
features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary
embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments.
Such modifications and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention.
[0035] The present invention generally provides a medical device,
such as a surgical access assembly, that allows one or more
surgical instruments to be inserted through a single incision
surgical access device, such as at various depths of insertion,
thereby allowing for ease of manipulation of instruments within a
patient's body while maintaining insufflation.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top, or proximal portion
of the access assembly, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the
bottom, or distal portion of the access assembly. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment the medical device is in the form
of an access assembly comprising a flexible tissue retractor 1000
and an insert 2000 having at least one instrument opening 2014
(four instrument openings 2014 shown in FIG. 1, and four instrument
exits 2016 shown FIG. 2). The instrument openings 2014 may extend
through a top surface 2702 of a portion of the insert, and the
openings 2014 may be closed or otherwise obstructed by a membrane
seal 2600, as described in more detail below.
[0037] The insert 2000 is shown releasably supported within a
passageway 1104 defined by a flexible member 1100 of the retractor
1000. The phrase "releasably supported" in this context means the
insert can be inserted and removed from the tissue retractor
multiple times, including during a surgical procedure, without
damaging or otherwise impairing the function of the retractor or
the insert. In one illustrative example, the insert 2000 is
releasably inserted by pressing (such as with a thumb or finger)
the insert into the passageway of the retractor.
[0038] The flexible member 1100 can include a first generally
annular shaped, outer or top portion 1120 (oriented generally
horizontally in FIG. 1), a second generally annular shaped, inner
portion 1160 (oriented generally horizontally and generally
parallel to portion 1120 in FIG. 1), and a generally cylindrically
shaped portion 1140 extending axially in a distal direction from
portion 1120 to portion 1160.
[0039] The outer portion 1120 can be associated with a first,
proximal end 1101 of the flexible member 1100, and the inner
portion 1160 can be associated with a second, distal end 1103 of
the flexible member 110. The outer portion 1120 is disposed outside
the patient's body when the flexible retractor is positioned during
surgery, and the inner portion 1160 is disposed within the patient,
such as within a body cavity, during a surgical procedure. An inner
surface of the generally cylindrical portion 1140 may provide most
or substantially all of the passageway 1104, while an outer surface
of the generally cylindrical portion 1140 may contact the walls of
an incision when the flexible retractor 1000 is positioned during
surgery, such as is shown in FIG. 3.
[0040] The flexible member 1100 may comprise a unitary, flexible
membrane forming the portions 1120, 1140, and 1160, and having a
first surface 1102 and a second surface 1106. The passageway 1104
of tissue retractor 1000 may be defined at least in part by a
portion of the first surface 1102 facing radially inwardly in
generally cylindrical portion 1140. The portion of the second
surface 1106 associated with the generally cylindrical portion 1140
may face radially outwardly so as to contact or otherwise engage
the tissue at the incision site.
[0041] The flexible tissue retractor 1000 may also comprise
proximal and distal members for providing engagement of outer and
inner portions of the retractor with outer and inner portions of
the patient. For instance, the tissue retractor 1000 may include a
resilient, outer (proximal) deformable ring 1200 and a resilient,
inner (distal) deformable ring 1400. Rings 1200 and 1400 are shown
in phantom in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in cross-section in FIG. 3. The
flexible member 1100 is shown extending intermediate the rings 1200
and 1400, such that member 1100 extends from ring 1200 to ring
1400.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows the access assembly of flexible retractor 1000
and insert 2000 positioned in an incision such that the distal
portion 1160 of the retractor 1000 and the ring 1400 are disposed
in the abdominal cavity 40, and the such that tissue 60 (including
a portion of the abdominal wall) engages the surface 1106 of the
flexible retractor.
[0043] The rings 1200 and 1400 can have any suitable closed or
substantially closed configuration, including without limitation
circular, oval, and elliptical configurations. By "resilient
deformable ring" it is meant that the ring may be relatively easily
deformed, such as by pressing opposite sides of the ring together
with the fingers (and without any additional tools or aids), so
that the ring may be inserted through a narrow incision in a body
wall (e.g. the abdominal wall). For instance, the inner ring 1400
may be deformed, such as by pressing opposite sides of the ring
together with the fingers, and inserted through an incision in the
patient, such as an incision through the abdominal wall. Once the
ring is fully inserted, the inner ring 1400 is able to resiliently
return to its undeformed shape. The ring assists in securing the
retractor 1000 within the incision by engaging the inside surface
of the abdominal wall of the abdominal cavity.
[0044] The flexible member can comprise a flexible membrane of a
resiliently deformable material, such as natural rubber, silicone,
or a suitable deformable elastomer or elastomeric material. The
deformable rings can be attached to the flexible membrane, or
enclosed within rolled ends of the membrane. One suitable flexible
tissue retractor comprising a flexible member with inner and outer
deformable rings is a tissue retractor available from Hakko as
Hakko FF0707.
[0045] The flexible tissue retractor can be provided in one or more
sizes, and in one example has a length, or height (measured in the
direction of axis 70 in FIG. 3) of between about 15 mm and about 30
mm, a maximum diameter corresponding to the diameter of the rings
1200/1400 of about 40 mm to about 80 mm, and an inner passageway
diameter of between about 20 mm to about 40 mm. In the figures, the
rings are shown having generally the same diameter, but it will be
understood that the diameter of the ring 1200 may selected to be
greater than that of ring 1400, or the diameter of ring 1200 may be
less than that of ring 1400. In one embodiment, a flexible tissue
retractor having an inner passageway diameter smaller than that
required to permit passage of a user's hand and generally less than
about 50 mm can be desirable, so as to provide a access for
multiple instruments but without requiring a relatively large
incision.
[0046] The flexible tissue retractor 1000 may be formed to have a
self-supporting predefined shape, such as the shape shown in FIG.
1. By "self-supporting" it is meant that when the retractor 1000 is
placed on a substantially horizontal surface (e.g. flat table top),
the retractor is able to maintain its shape without collapsing,
with the passageway 1104 extending substantially vertically and
with the portions 1120 and 1140 separated a predetermined distance
from each other by portion 1160.
[0047] In FIGS. 1-3, the insert 2000 is shown pressed into or
otherwise positioned within a passageway 1104 such that insert 2000
and the instrument openings 2014 are disposed below the ring 1200
and the annular portion 1120 of the flexible tissue retractor. As
shown in FIG. 3, a member such as a retention feature in the front
of an internal rib 1108 may be formed with or otherwise provide on
the internal surface of the retractor. The rib 1108 can be
positioned to prevent the insert 2000 from being pushed through the
retractor 1000 and into the body cavity 40.
[0048] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the distal end of the insert 2000 and the
instrument exits 2016 are shown extending generally at or below the
distal ring 1400 and the distal portion 1160 of the flexible
retractor. Accordingly, the insert 2000 is positioned within the
retractor 1 000 to provide a low profile, such that the instruments
inserted into the openings 2014 and out of the exits 2016 can be
pivoted with respect to the insert 2000 and/or each other at pivot
points positioned distally of the upper, proximal ring 1200, such
as at pivot points positioned within the incision. Such a low
profile configuration allows seals associated with the instrument
passageways in the insert 2000 to reside below ring 1200, and in
particular, within the incision or within the abdominal cavity.
Without being limited by theory, it is believed that positioning
seals in the abdominal space may assist in preventing the seals
from being collapsed or otherwise affected by tissue pressure, and
may prevent tissue from closing instrument passageways or otherwise
blocking or reducing visibility through the instrument
passageways.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the insert 2000 shown comprises
an insert assembly. The insert assembly is shown comprising an
outer body portion 2100, a bearing member 2200, an inversion
constraint member 2300, a spacer 2400, an elastomeric instrument
channel member 2500, a membrane seal 2600, and an inner housing
2700, as described mon fully below.
[0050] Outer body portion 2100 is shown in the form of a generally
cylindrical shell having a generally cylindrical outer surface
2110, an inner surface 2112, a distal ledge 2120 extending radially
inwardly from surface 2112, and an internal surface feature, such
as a circumferentially extending protrusions 2114.
[0051] The outer body portion 2100 may be a generally rigid, hard
shell formed of a suitable material, such as polyethylene or other
suitable medical grade materials, so that when the insert 2000 is
inserted into the t1exihle retractor 1000, the outer body portion
2100 does not deform to any significant degree, but instead acts to
stretch or otherwise expand the flexible retractor to maintain the
passageway 1104 in a desired shape and size, or to provide the
passageway with a predetermined size and shape.
[0052] The outer body portion 2100 shown may inserted into the
retractor to deform the portion of the retractor spaced from and
intermediate the rings 1200 and 1400. The outer body portion 2100
can be sized and shaped to pass through one or both rings 1200 and
1400 without deforming the rings. For instance, outer body portion
2100 may have a generally cylindrical outer surface having an outer
diameter smaller than the inner diameter of ring 1200, and the
outer surface can be sized to radially and circumferentially
stretch the portion of the retractor associated with passageway
1104. Accordingly, the insert 2000 may provide the passageway 1104
extending through the incision with a generally circular
cross-section of predetermined diameter. The advantages of ease of
insertion of a flexible retractor are retained, while preventing
the passageway 1104 from being narrowed or constricted by the
incision. In addition, an insert having a generally cylindrical
configuration provides a generally circular opening through the
retractor, with a circle providing the maximum area per unit of
perimeter length. A generally circular cross-section of the insert
also allows for ease in providing for rotation of a portion of the
insert, such as with respect to the outer surface of the insert
and/or the retractor.
[0053] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the body portion
2100 may be sized to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of
passageway 1104 when retractor is free standing, without the insert
2000 disposed in the passageway 1104. After the retractor 1000 has
been inserted into an incision, the insert 2000 may be inserted
into retractor 1000. The insert 2000 may be sized to stretch the
retractor, to at least slightly enlarge the passageway 1104, and
the insert 2000 can frictionally engage the internal surface of
passageway 1104. The insert 2000 can act to hold open the
passageway 1104 against the compressive forces of the incision
acting on the retractor 1000.
* * * * *