Hand assisted laparoscopic seal assembly with detachable attachment ring

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to laparoscopic devices. In particular, the invention relates to a laparoscopic seal assembly having a detachable attachment ring for selectively securing a retractor to the seal assembly.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present hand assisted laparoscopic seal assembly.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand assisted laparoscopic seal assembly with the attachment ring and retractor disengaged from the seal cap.

#FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the seal cap of the present seal assembly.

#The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

#Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, a seal assembly 10 for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures is disclosed. The seal assembly 10 generally employs an iris seal cap 14 and retractor 18 to ensure abdominal pressure is not compromised during hand exchanges while hand assisted laparoscopic procedures are performed. As such, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seal assembly 10 includes an iris seal 12 housed within a seal cap 14. The iris seal 12 includes a central access opening 86 allowing access to the body cavity as desired by the surgeon, or other medical practitioner, performing the procedure. As a result the iris seal 12 is shaped and dimensioned to create a gas tight barrier around the surgeon's wrist when inserted through the seal assembly 10 and also creates a gas tight barrier between the interior abdominal space and the external environment when a hand is not inserted through the seal assembly 10. As will be discussed below in greater detail, adjustment of the iris seal 12, and ultimately the access opening 86, provides for access to the body cavity in this highly controlled manner.

#Referring to the various figures, the seal cap 14 includes an iris seal 12 positioned within a housing 16. The housing 16 is made of soft textured material such as the thermoplastic elastomer SANTOPRENE, or other like materials, and supports the iris seal 12 in a concentric manner. Although SANTOPRENE is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment, other housing materials may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.