Access Device for Surgical Procedures

An obturator comprising:

• a cylindrical rod that has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a tip;
• a disc-shaped stopper, wherein the disc-shaped stopper is configured to be attached to the second end of the obturator at a first position along an axial length of the second end;
• and
• an end cap, wherein the end cap is configured to be attached to the second end of the obturator at a second position along the axial length of the second end, and the second position is further away from the tip of the first end than the first position.

An access device for surgical procedures, the access device comprising:

• a sheath having an elastic body, wherein the elastic body includes:
• a radially expanding tube, and
• a set of echogenic reinforcing ribs extending axially along an inner surface of the radially expanding tube and protruding radially inwardly from the inner surface of the radially expanding tube,
• wherein the set of reinforcing ribs are configured to act as guide rails for an obturator and/or surgical devices and are visible on ultrasound imaging, and the radially expanding tube has a smooth outer surface to cause the radially expanding tube to slide through a tissue of interest,
• wherein the sheath is configured to pass the obturator and/or the surgical devices through the radially expanding tube along the set of reinforcing ribs,
• wherein each reinforcing rib of the set of reinforcing ribs has an elongated straight profile that is flared or chamfered at a point, on a first side of the reinforcing rib, where the obturator enters the sheath and rounded at a point, on a second side of the reinforcing rib opposite the first side, where the obturator exits the sheath, and
• wherein the set of reinforcing ribs are partially embedded within the elastic body such that a portion of each rib protrudes radially inwardly from the inner surface.

A method for performing a surgical procedure by using an access device, the method comprising:

• inserting an obturator into a sheath such that a disc-shaped stopper attached to a second end of the obturator rests against an elastic body of the sheath;
• providing access to a surgical site of interest by making a cut on a human body using the obturator inserted into the sheath;
• removing the obturator from the sheath, while holding the sheath relative to the surgical site;
• and
• inserting a medical instrument of interest into the surgical site through the sheath.