Access assembly
AssigneeTyco Healthcare Group LP
InventorGregory Okoniewski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An access assembly includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one lumen defined therethrough. The at least one lumen is configured for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough. An outer sleeve is disposed about the body portion to define a chamber therebetween. The chamber is selectively inflatable from a deflated condition, for positioning the access assembly within an opening in tissue, and an inflated condition, for retaining the access assembly within the opening in tissue in sealing relation therewith.
Claims15
An access assembly, comprising:
- a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one lumen defined therethrough, the at least one lumen configured for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough;
- and
- an outer sleeve disposed about the body portion to define a chamber therebetween, the chamber being selectively inflatable from a deflated condition, for positioning the access assembly within an opening in tissue, and an inflated condition, for retaining the access assembly within the opening in tissue in sealing relation therewith.
A method for providing access to a surgical site, comprising the steps of:
- providing an access assembly, including:
- a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one lumen defined therethrough, the at least one lumen configured for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough;
- and
- an outer sleeve disposed about the body portion to define a chamber therebetween, the chamber being selectively inflatable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition;
- deflating the access assembly;
- inserting the access assembly into an opening in tissue;
- and
- inflating the access assembly such that the access assembly is retained within the opening in tissue in substantially fluid-tight relation therewith.
A method of manufacturing an access assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a single component defining a longitudinal axis, the single component having a body portion disposed about the longitudinal axis and an outer sleeve extending distally from the body portion;
- folding a free end of the outer sleeve radially over an outer surface of the outer sleeve;
- translating the free end of the outer sleeve proximally to a position adjacent a proximal end of the body portion;
- and
- sealingly engaging the free end of the outer sleeve to the proximal end of the body portion to define an inflatable chamber radially disposed between the outer sleeve and the body portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.