US 8,282,546 B2 · Inverted conical expandable retractor with coil spring

Abstract

Access devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve flexible or adjustable cannulas that have a substantially cylindrical insertion configuration and a substantially conical expanded configuration. Various methods and features are provided for transitioning the cannula from the insertion configuration to the expanded configuration while the access device is inserted through tissue to form a conical opening through the tissue. Examples include cables, biasing elements, retaining elements, bimodal rings, and coil springs. The devices and methods disclosed herein can allow for improved retention of the access device, improved angulation of instruments passed through the access device, and can increase the integrity of a seal formed between the access device and surrounding tissue.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An adjustable access device, comprising:

a housing;
an expandable cannula extending distally from the housing, the expandable cannula including a coil spring having a proximal end coupled to the housing and a distal end configured to rotate relative to the housing to adjust a diameter of the cannula such that the coil spring is effective to move the expandable cannula between an insertion configuration, in which the cannula has a substantially constant outer diameter between a proximal end and a distal end, and an expanded configuration, in which the diameter of the cannula increases from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula;
and
an obturator having a distal end configured to engage the distal end of the coil spring such that rotation of the obturator is effective to rotate the distal end of the coil spring relative to the housing.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inverted conical expandable retractor with coil spring

Life of this patent

Inverted conical expandable retractor with coil spring

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11