# US 2012/0083660 A1 · Access assembly > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2012/0083660 A1 - Document ID: US20120083660A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/193,652 - Filed: 2011-07-29 - Published: 2012-04-05 - Earliest claimed: 2010-10-01 - Assignees: Tyco Healthcare Group LP - Inventors: Gregory Okoniewski - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20120083660A1 ## CPC - A61B 17/0293: {with ring member to support retractor elements} - A61B 17/0218: {for minimally invasive surgery (A61B17/0281, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence)} - A61B 17/3423: {Access ports, e.g. toroid shape introducers for instruments or hands (access sites for liquids A61M39/0247)} - A61B 2017/00557: {inflatable (A61B2017/22051 takes precedence)} - A61B 2017/0225: {flexible, e.g. fabrics, meshes, or membranes} - A61B 2017/3443: {with means for adjusting the length of a cannula} - A61B 2017/3445: {used as instrument channel for multiple instruments} - A61B 2017/3466: {for simultaneous sealing of multiple instruments} - A61B 2017/3486: {Balloon} - Y10T 29/49826: Assembling or joining - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The access assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body portion includes at least one slit defined therein and extending partially longitudinally therethrough. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The access assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body portion includes at least one indentation defined within an outer surface thereof. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The access assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a valve disposed on the outer sleeve and in fluid communication with the chamber for selectively permitting introduction of inflation fluids into the chamber. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The access assembly according to claim 1, wherein the access assembly is formed as a single component. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The access assembly according to claim 5, wherein a free end of the outer sleeve is sealingly engaged to the body portion to define the chamber therebetween. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The access assembly according to claim 1, wherein the access assembly defines a generally hourglass-shaped configuration. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The access assembly according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured for receipt of an inflation fluid therein. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The access assembly according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is at least partially filled with a compressible material. ### Claim 10 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. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of inserting at least one surgical instrument through the at least one lumen of the access assembly for performing a surgical procedure within an internal surgical site. ### Claim 12 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. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method according to claim 12, wherein the body portion of the single component is formed with at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of positioning a valve within the outer sleeve, the valve configured to permit selective inflation of the inflatable chamber. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The method according to claim 12, wherein the free end of the outer sleeve is sealingly coupled to the proximal end of the body portion by one of bonding and welding.