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Sealed surgical access deviceRelated Patent Categories: Surgery, Instruments, Internal Pressure Applicator (e.g., Dilator)Sealed surgical access device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060149306, Sealed surgical access device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a non-provisional application claiming the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60/241,953 filed on Oct. 19, 2000, entitled "Hand-Assisted Laparoscopy Apparatus and Method", as well as the PCT application serial no. PCT/US01/29682, filed on Sep. 21, 2001, and entitled "Surgical Access Apparatus and Method," both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to surgical access devices, and more specifically to access devices adapted for use in minimal invasive surgery to provide sealed instrument access across a body wall and into a body cavity. [0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art [0005] Surgical access to a body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, is referred to as "open laparotomy" or "closed laparoscopy." An open procedure involves an incision of sufficient size to allow a surgeon to place hands and instruments within the surgical site. In addition, the site must be open enough for the surgeon to clearly see what he or she is doing. There is often a need for multiple retractors, clamps, and sponges. All of these devices compete for room within the surgical site. [0006] Laparoscopic or closed surgery eliminates many of the issues surrounding open laparotomy. In a typical pressurized laparoscopy, the abdominal wall is punctured and at least one trocar is inserted into the peritoneum. Gas is introduced into the abdominal cavity and to elevate the abdominal wall away from the internal organs. This results in a large, clear operating field. Additional trocars can be inserted as needed for various procedures. A laparoscope is used to provide visualization of the surgical site. The instrumentation for laparoscopic procedures has developed prolifically in recent years and the surgeons have become comfortable with a "remote-control" approach to various aspects of surgery. Cutting, dissecting, cauterizing, stapling and suturing have all been addressed by laparoscopic device manufacturers. [0007] Despite the many advantages of laparoscopic surgery, there remain a few complex procedures that make laparoscopy difficult or risky. In some of these cases, a hybrid procedure makes the most sense. If one could have the visibility and open field of a laparoscopic procedure and the control of an open procedure, one would truly have it all. However, the two modalities tend to obviate each other. Indeed, there are some who would argue that the advances of laparoscopy would be in vane if an open procedure were added as a default. [0008] In recent years, a few enterprising surgeons have advanced a method that they call "hand-assisted" laparoscopy or "handoscopy." This involves placing one of the surgeon's hands inside the patient through an enlarged incision, while under laparoscopic visualization. With no protruding instrumentation normally used in closed laparoscopy, it is not required to perform overly challenging maneuvers [0009] The challenge now facing the surgeon in this procedure is providing an adequate sealing means within the enlarged incision. The surgeon's hand must be comfortable, properly placed and free to move with a normal range of motion. In addition, the surgeon should be able to remove and replace his/her hand into the abdominal cavity without loss of pneumoperitoneum. [0010] Several devices have been proposed in an attempt to satisfy the requirements of the "handoscopist." They generally involve an elastomeric seal that fits through an incision and is held in place by retention means on either or both sides of the abdominal wall. The devices are generally complex and require several steps to place. One of the devices requires an adhesive to be placed on the exterior abdominal wall (skin) as the seal is adhered to the skin. This requires not only application of the adhesive but also a drying time. Allergic reactions and other complications must be considered when using this product. Another device makes use of a "toroidal balloon" that inflates to position the device and seal the incision. The surgeon must overcome the friction and sealing pressure of this device when inserting and withdrawing his/her hand from the surgical site. A further device involves the use of a built-in glove or sleeve. This arrangement diminishes the range of motion and the tactile sensation of the hand. [0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,992 discloses a surgical access device that allows the conversion of an open procedure to a laparoscopic procedure. In addition, the '992 patent discloses the use of such a device in a case where a large organ is to be removed. In this instance, an incision of adequate size is made initially and sealed with the device at the same time the trocars are being inserted [0012] Notwithstanding these proposed devices, there remains a continuing need for a surgical access device that provides a flexible, simple and complete seal within an incision of adequate size for introduction of a human hand. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] The present invention satisfies the requirements of a surgical access device for use with surgical instruments including the surgeon's hand. With this access device, "hand-assisted" laparoscopy is greatly facilitated within a closed surgical environment. [0014] The present invention makes use of an internal retention member and an external retention member connected by a flexible, lubricious material. At least one of the retention members is tensionable to provide adequate stability to the incision site. [0015] The present invention also provides a sealing portion that allows the largest range of hand motion without leakage of insufflation gas. The seal is formed of a material that responds well to the presence of glove material such as Natural Latex, Poly-isoprene, Nitrile, Vinyl or Polyurethane. [0016] In one aspect of the invention, the surgical access device is adapted to facilitate access through an incision in a body wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and into a body cavity of a patient. The device includes a first retention member configured to surround the incision in proximity to the outer surface of the body wall. A second retention member is configured to surround the incision in proximity to the inner surface of the body wall. A membrane extending between the first retention member and second retention member forms a throat adapted for disposition through the incision. A first funnel extends from the first retention member into the throat and a second funnel extends from the second retention member into the throat. The throat of the membrane has characteristics for forming an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument, any zero seal in the absence of an instrument. [0017] In another aspect of the invention, the first retention member comprises a ring having a first section with a first end and a second end, and a second section with a third end moveable relative to the first end to the first retention member and a fourth end moveable relative to the second end of the first retention member. A coupling is disposed between the first end of the first retention member and the third end of the second retention member. This coupling is operable to vary the distance separating the first end and the third end to control the shape of a working channel formed by the membrane. A second coupling or a hinge may be provided between the second end of the first retention member and the fourth end of the second retention member. [0018] In a further aspect of the invention, the first retention member has a shape that is variable to control the shape of the working channel formed by the membrane. The first retention member can be formed as an inflatable structure such as a toroid. The first retention member may also include self expanding foam for a circumferential spring. [0019] In still a further aspect of the invention, a surgical access device can include a plurality of inflatable chambers each extending in a plane passing through the axis of the device. These chambers collectively define a working channel that is adapted for disposition across the body wall. The chambers may have a straight or U-shaped configuration. [0020] In another aspect of the invention, the device includes a first retention member including a ring with a plurality of retention stations. The membrane is attached to a plurality of tethers that can be coupled to the ring at an associated one of the retention stations to provide the membrane with a desired shape. [0021] In still a further aspect of the invention, a stabilizing platform is proposed to support the access device generally independent of any movement associated with the body wall. Continue reading about Sealed surgical access device... Full patent description for Sealed surgical access device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sealed surgical access device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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