JP2005103284A - Multi-angle duckbill seal assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a trocar assembly including an improved duckbill seal assembly prevented from rupture and buckling. <P>SOLUTION: The seal assembly used for the trocar assembly includes a seal body adapted to move to selectively open the seal assembly and to substantially completely close it. The seal assembly includes a major axis substantially orthogonal to a cross section and passing the seal body. The seal body includes a proximal end and a distal end, and the proximal end forms a first angle to the cross section, while the distal end forms a second angle to the cross section. The first angle is smaller than the second angle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  This application is based on pending US provisional patent application No. 60 / 506,729 filed Sep. 30, 2003 (named “MULTI-ANGLED DUCKBILL SEAL ASSEMBLY”). .

  The present invention relates to trocars. In particular, the present invention relates to a multi-angle duckbill seal assembly for use with a trocar.

  A trocar assembly is a surgical instrument used to access a body lumen. A trocar assembly typically includes a trocar sleeve and trocar obturator comprising a trocar housing and a trocar cannula. A trocar cannula, into which a trocar obturator is inserted, is inserted through the skin to access a body lumen. Once the body lumen is accessible, laparoscopic or arthroscopic surgery and endoscopic procedures can be performed. When inserting into the skin, the tip of the trocar cannula is placed on the skin that has already been opened with a scalpel. The trocar obturator is then inserted into the skin to access the body lumen. Pressure is applied to the proximal end of the trocar obturator to advance the pointed tip of the trocar obturator from the skin to the body lumen. Once the trocar cannula is inserted into the passage formed by the trocar obturator, the trocar obturator is withdrawn, but the trocar cannula remains as an access passage to the body lumen.

  The proximal portion of the trocar cannula is typically connected to a trocar housing defining a chamber with an open distal portion in communication with the lumen defined by the trocar cannula. A trocar obturator or other elongated cylindrical surgical instrument can be advanced into or withdrawn from the trocar from the proximal portion of the chamber defined by the trocar housing.

  At present, the trocar housing chamber is provided with a seal mechanism such as a seal packing or gasket through which a surgical instrument passes. The sealing mechanism seals against the outer surface of the inserted surgical instrument and prevents fluids and insufflation gases from flowing into and out of the body lumen through the trocar cannula. In practice, because of the high abdominal pressure during the medical procedure, the insufflation gas will not enter the trocar cannula.

  Some current trocar assemblies use a duckbill seal assembly. The duckbill seal assembly includes a pair of opposed valve members that open and close in exactly the same way as a duck opens and closes a heel. The duckbill seal assembly typically includes a straight wall angle that defines a bending point for opening and closing the duckbill seal assembly. However, if the wall angle is limited to one value, the manufacturer must consistently trade off total seal height, resistance, reversal, and other trocar assembly parameters.

  Conventional trocars typically select 30-45 degree wall angles to optimize overall height and resistance for initial design optimization. However, when the wall angle is selected from 30 degrees to 45 degrees, the risk of tearing is increased because the instrument and the surface of the seal assembly are easily brought into direct contact due to the restriction of the angle. Research results show that the wall near the central rib of the current duckbill seal assembly is susceptible to local buckling, and that the tear occurs at an angle where the instrument and seal assembly contact at about 90 degrees. That is, when the trocar obturator or other insertion instrument contacts the duckbill seal assembly at about 90 degrees, local buckling and tearing of the duckbill seal assembly is likely to occur.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a trocar assembly that includes an improved duckbill seal assembly that prevents tearing and buckling. The present invention provides such a duckbill seal assembly.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a seal assembly for use with a trocar assembly. The seal assembly includes a seal body adapted to move to selectively open and substantially fully close the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a major axis through the seal assembly that is substantially orthogonal to the cross-section. The seal body includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end forms a first angle with respect to the cross section, the distal end forms a second angle with respect to the cross section, and the first angle is second. Smaller than the angle.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide another seal assembly for use in a trocar assembly. The seal assembly includes a plurality of seal bodies coupled to move to selectively open and substantially fully close the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a long axis through the seal assembly that is substantially parallel to the cross-section. Each seal body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end portion forms a first angle with respect to the cross section, the distal end portion forms a second angle with respect to the cross section, and the first angle is smaller than the second angle. The tip portions of the seal body are in contact with each other to define a contact surface for selectively opening and closing the seal body.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a trocar assembly. The trocar assembly includes a trocar cannula having a proximal end and a distal end and a trocar housing coupled to the proximal end of the trocar cannula for receiving and guiding an obturator through the trocar cannula. The trocar housing includes an open proximal portion that defines an opening with a proximal seal assembly and a distal seal assembly. The distal seal assembly includes a seal body adapted to move to selectively open and substantially fully close the seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a long axis through the seal assembly that is substantially parallel to the cross-section. The seal body includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end forming a first angle with respect to the cross section, the distal end forming a second angle with respect to the cross section, and the first angle being the first angle. Smaller than 2 angles.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative seal assembly for use with a trocar assembly. The seal assembly includes a seal body adapted to move to selectively open and close the seal assembly. The seal body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end portion extends in the first plane, and the angle of the seal body with respect to the first plane increases from the proximal end portion toward the distal end portion.

  Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating certain embodiments of the invention.

  A trocar assembly is provided that includes an improved duckbill seal assembly that prevents tearing and buckling.

  Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention and can be combined in various forms. Accordingly, the details disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, but form the basis of the claims and are the basis for those of ordinary skill in the art to make and / or use the present invention below.

  A duckbill seal assembly according to the present invention is disclosed. In this seal assembly, the angle of the seal wall portion extending from the base end portion to the tip end portion is changed to make it difficult to break. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the duckbill seal assembly of the present invention can be used in a variety of trocar assemblies without departing from the inventive concept.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the trocar assembly 10 typically includes a trocar cannula 12, a trocar obturator 14, and a trocar housing (or handle) 16. Trocar cannula 12 defines a lumen having an open distal portion 20 and an open proximal portion 22. The proximal portion 22 extends into and is attached to the distal portion 24 of the trocar housing 16. Trocar housing 16 has an open proximal portion 26 that defines an opening 28. The opening 28 is provided with a proximal seal assembly 30 formed in accordance with the present invention as described below. Further, the opening 28 is provided with a duckbill seal assembly 32 positioned below the proximal end side seal assembly 30. While the seal assembly of the present invention is disclosed as a proximal seal assembly that forms part of a dual seal system, the seal assembly may be used in a single seal system without departing from the inventive concept. You can also.

  In general, the trocar sleeve 44 comprises a trocar cannula 12 and a trocar housing 16. The trocar housing 16 includes a first housing member 36 and a second housing member 38. The second housing member 38 includes a second housing member cover 38a and a second housing member base 38b. Although the housing 16 is disclosed as two components, it should be understood that it may be a single component without departing from the inventive concept. The two-component housing shown is easy to remove the sample.

  The trocar obturator 14 can be slidably inserted into and removed from the trocar cannula 12, and the trocar housing 16 and the trocar housing 16 through the proximal seal assembly 30, the duckbill seal assembly 32, and the opening 28 of the trocar housing 16. It can be inserted into the trocar cannula 12. An obturator handle 34 is provided at the proximal end of the trocar obturator 14, and a tip, that is, a blade (not shown) is formed at the distal end thereof. As is well known in the art, the proximal seal assembly 30 can be used to extend instruments within the trocar sleeve 44 (eg, trocar obturators and other aptors adapted for use with trocar treatments). The outer surface of the instrument, etc.) is in sealing engagement with the fluid passage through the trocar housing 16.

Rotary Latch System As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the trocar housing 16 comprises a first housing member 36 and a second housing member 38 that are selectively coupled for reasons described in detail below. The first and second housing members 36, 38 include openings 40, 42 that are shaped and sized to receive instruments that selectively pass through the trocar housing 16.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is important that the first and second housing members 36, 38 be securely fixed during insertion and treatment of the trocar sleeve 44 into the abdominal wall. I understand. However, it is ideal to remove the first housing member 36 when taking the sample from the abdominal cavity, for example. By removing the first housing member 36, the sample can be obtained by passing only the duckbill seal assembly 32 without passing through both the duckbill seal assembly 32 and the proximal seal assembly 30. The sample can be easily taken out, and the sample is not easily damaged when taken out.

  The first housing member 36 supports the proximal seal assembly 30 and is positioned over the second housing member 38 to which the duckbill seal assembly 32 is attached. The first housing member 36 includes an opening 40 penetrating the inside. The proximal seal assembly 30 is disposed in the opening 40 of the first housing member 36.

  Referring to the second housing member 38, the second housing member 38 includes an opening 42 extending therethrough. The duckbill seal assembly 32 is disposed in the opening 42 of the second housing member 38 proximate to the upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38. Indeed, for reasons that will be described in detail below, the outer peripheral rim 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 is directly adjacent to the upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38 so that it engages the lower surface 54 of the first housing member 36. Has been placed.

  The first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 are easily coupled by the rotary latch mechanism 56. Specifically, the first housing member 36 includes first and second arms 58 extending downward. Each downwardly extending arm 58 includes a cam surface 60 facing downward and a latching surface 62 facing upward.

  Similarly, the second housing member 38 has first and second latch members 66 respectively engaged with the respective latch surfaces 62 of the first and second arms 58 extending below the first housing member 36. A latch ring 64 provided. The latch ring 64 is coaxial with the central axis of the trocar sleeve 44 and extends into an annular groove 68 on the outer periphery of the duckbill seal assembly 32. Although the latch ring 64 according to the preferred embodiment pivots about the central axis of the trocar housing 16, the latch ring 64 may pivot about other axes without departing from the concept of the present invention. it can. The latch ring 64 can rotate about the central axis of the trocar sleeve 44, but is attached to the trocar housing 16 by a spring 70. The spring 70 holds the latch ring 64 in a fixed position with a small biasing force. However, even if the spring 70 is attached to the first housing member 36, the latch ring 64 can be rotated. The first and second latch members 66 each have an upwardly facing cam surface that engages a downwardly facing cam surface 60 of the first and second arms 58 extending below the first housing member 36. 72.

  The first and second latch members 66 each include an upwardly facing cam surface 72 that is sized and shaped to engage the cam surface 60 of the downwardly extending arm 58. Similarly, the first and second latch members 66 are inwardly directed and have a size and shape that engages the outwardly facing latch surface 62 of the first and second arms 58 extending downwardly. A latch surface 74 is included.

  Indeed, the latching action of the first and second housing members 36, 38 may cause the first and second arms 58 extending downward into the holes 76 formed in the upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38. Achieved by passing through. When the first and second arms 58 extending downward pass through the respective holes 76 proximate to the first and second latch members 66 of the latch ring 64, the first and second arms extending downward. 58 cam surfaces 60 engage the cam surfaces 72 of the first and second latch members 66. By this engagement, the first and second arms 58 extending downward can pass over the first and second latch members 66 and the latch ring 64 can be rotated. This rotation is performed against the bias by the spring 70.

  When the first and second arms 58 extending downward pass through the first and second latch members 66, the latch ring 64 is returned to the original position by the spring 70 biasing the latch ring 64, The latch surface 62 facing the outside of the first housing member 36 engages the latch surface 74 facing the inside of the second housing member 38, so that the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 are securely connected. Combined. The first and second housing members 36, 38 can be selectively separated by actuating a lever 78 attached to the latch ring 6. The latch ring 64 is rotated by the rotation of the lever 78, the first and second latch members 66 are moved, and the engagement with the arm 58 extending downward is released.

  The upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38 includes a hole 76 through which an arm 58 extending below the first housing member 38 can pass with a slight gap. Since the gap is slight, the arm 58 extending downward cannot move on the plane of the hole 76 and is not bent. Thus, when the first housing member 36 is latched to the second housing member 38, the only means for force-separating the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 has been extended downward. The shear of the first and second arms 58 themselves or the net tension to their legs. The first and second arms 58 are not bent or slipped out of the size of the hole 76. Therefore, it can be securely attached. The trocar housing 16 can be separated by pushing the lever 78 and turning it horizontally to overcome the force of the spring and causing the latch ring 64 to turn around the central axis of the trocar sleeve 44. The surgeon can operate lever 78 through a slot on the side of trocar housing 16. When the lever 78 is pressed, the first and second latch members 66 of the latch ring 64 are rotated over the first and second arms 58 extending downward, and the first housing member 36 is moved to the second state. Released from the housing member 38.

  The first housing member 36 is attached to the second housing member 38 by a rotary latch mechanism 56 and is between the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 to maintain the injected gas. A seal is required. This seal compresses a portion of the duckbill seal assembly 32 proximate the top surface 50 of the second housing member 38 using a downwardly extending flange 80 provided on the bottom surface 54 of the first housing member 36. Can be achieved. The flange 80 and the duckbill seal assembly 32 each include surfaces that are inclined opposite each other. Accordingly, an inclined engagement between the flange 80 of the first housing member 36 and the duckbill seal assembly 32 of the second housing member 38 is obtained. Thus, the first housing member 36 can be easily attached and moved vertically beyond the distance required for the seal without affecting the performance of the duckbill seal assembly. In fact, this excessive movement is necessary to obtain a reliable function of the rotary latch mechanism.

  The inclined engaging surface of the flange 80 extending below the first housing member 36 imparts a radial force component to the duckbill seal assembly 32. This angled engagement surface also generates a vertical force component that is converted to a mounting force. This radial force expands the outer rim 52 of the engagement structure or duckbill seal assembly 32. Since the vertical force is a part of the total force, the mounting force decreases in proportion to the angle of the engagement surface.

  In addition to the radial and vertical forces, a seal between the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 is provided between the flange 80 extending downward and the outer rim 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32. The interaction causes cam motion. The radial movement of the outer peripheral rim 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 allows a slight excess movement relative to the flange 80 without adversely affecting the performance of the duckbill seal assembly in normal operation.

  In addition to this excessive movement, compression of the outer rim 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 stores energy that helps separate the first housing member 36 from the second housing member 38. Due to the stored energy, the first housing member 36 is easily moved from the second housing member 38 by the operation of the lever 78.

  More specifically, the coupling of the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 has a shape and size that can engage the outer rim 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32. A flange 80 extending outwardly along the lower surface 54 can be provided for reinforcement. Further, a taper facing inward can be provided on the flange 80 extending downward, and a taper facing outward can be provided on the outer peripheral rim 52. The first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 can be securely attached by the interaction between the taper facing inward and the taper facing outward. Specifically, the outer peripheral rim 52 is provided with an inwardly tapered surface so as to bend slightly when subjected to pressure, and a tapered surface facing each other is provided to increase the dimensional tolerance required for secure coupling of the latch mechanism. can do.

  Appropriate alignment between the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 is achieved by alignment pins 82 extending downwardly from the lower surface 54 of the first housing member 36 and the upper surface 50 of the second housing member 38. This is accomplished by providing a matching hole 84 formed along the shape and size that can receive the alignment pin 82. By providing the alignment pin 82 and the corresponding hole 84, the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 can be assembled in a desired structure. In some cases, a second pin may be provided to prevent the opposite latch from engaging. This is an integral part of the design for safety. The trocar obturator 14 can attach the first housing member 36 to only one structure, and the first housing member 36 can attach the second housing member 38 to only one structure.

  As described above, the rotary latch mechanism 56 used to couple the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 provides various advantages. Specifically, this rotary latch design allows the first housing member 36 to be securely attached to the second housing member 38 so that the latch is never disengaged, while the first housing member 36 is It can be easily removed. In fact, the arm 58 is not bent and removed by the hole 76 through which the first and second arms 58 extending below the first housing member 36 pass. In addition, since the force vector of the latch return spring 70 is perpendicular to the unloading force applied during use, the force required to attach the first housing member 36 should be applied separately from the predetermined unloading force. Can do. This is in contrast to common latch designs that attach / remove to the outer seal housing by elastic deformation of the latch arm. In this type of design, the assembly and removal forces are directly related to each other by the bending characteristics of the latch arm. Finally, the latch mechanism can be easily operated with one hand.

  The slanted contact between the flange 80 extending below the first housing member 36 and the outer rim 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 is required to attach the first housing member 36 to the second housing member 38. Reduced assembly power. The first housing member 36 must be squeezed a longer distance than in the case of a flat seal, but the force required for assembly is the same. Thereby, the tolerance of a design part can be enlarged with respect to the predetermined | prescribed compression distance requested | required. In addition, since the outer peripheral rim 52 of the duckbill seal assembly 32 is raised, radial displacement is possible, and the force required for assembly is further reduced.

Reinforcing Seal Assembly Referring to FIGS. 6-10, a proximal seal assembly 30 is disclosed. The seal assembly typically includes a cap 86, a crown 88, a bellows 90 used for radial seal movement, a female retaining ring 94, a protector 92, a plurality of reinforcing seal segments 96 constituting a seal body 98, and a male retainer. A ring 100 and a lower body 102 are included. Reinforcing seal segment 96 is positioned as described in detail below and is attached between retaining rings 94 and 100 to form seal assembly 30 according to the present invention.

  In FIGS. 7-10, a reinforced seal segment 96 is specifically shown. As will be described in detail below, the proximal seal assembly 30 uses a plurality of reinforcing seal segments 96 to form a complete seal body 98. Each of the reinforcing seal segments 86 is in the form of a partial cone, specifically a cone that spans about 225 degrees. Although the partial cone according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a partial cone spanning about 225 degrees, other shaped partial cones can be used without departing from the concept of the present invention. Although a conical seal segment is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a flat seal segment may be used without departing from the inventive concept.

  Each of the reinforcing seal segments 96 is preferably manufactured from an elastomer of a crosslinked polymer such as, but not limited to, polyisoprene or silicone. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other materials can be utilized without departing from the inventive concept.

  Indeed, a series of reinforced seal segments 96 are used to form a seal body 98 into which the instrument is inserted. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four reinforcing seal segments 96 are aligned and are offset from each other by 90 degrees. The seal segments 96 are arranged in a “knitted” structure. That is, each seal segment 96 includes a first surface 104 and a second surface 106, and the first surface 104 of each seal segment 96 is above the second surface 106 of the adjacent seal segment 96. In place, a braided assembly of seal segments 96 is formed.

  The reinforced seal segments 96 are then coupled along their outer periphery 108 to the male ring 100 and the female retaining ring 94 to form a complete seal body 98. The partial conical shape of the reinforced seal segments 96 and their relative angular positions form a seal body 98 from the combined seal segments 96 and the individual seal segments 96 are pushed outward as the instrument is inserted. Thus, an opening through which the instrument passes is formed, and when the instrument is pulled out, the opening is elastically moved inward to close the opening. A general variation of the reinforcing seal segment 96 is shown in FIG. Deformation due to instrument insertion is shown.

  As noted above, each reinforcing seal segment 96 is typically in the form of a cone with a portion of the cone cut away. The reinforcing seal segment 96 includes an outer peripheral edge 108 attached to the center seal member 110. The outer peripheral edge 108 is substantially flat and coplanar, but the central seal member 110 is in the shape of a partial cone.

  The center seal member 110 is reinforced by a reinforcement pad 112 provided at the center of the reinforcement seal segment 96. The reinforcing pad 112 is located between the outer peripheral edge and the free edge of the center seal member 110. More specifically, the reinforcement pad 112 is located at the tip of the cone defined by the center seal member 110 and the edge of the reinforcement pad 110 is aligned with the free edge of the center seal member 110 at the tip of the cone.

  The reinforcing pad 112 is formed integrally with the remaining portion of the center seal member 110, but the thickness of the center seal member 110 is about 2.5 times that of the reference portion. Specifically, the reinforcing pad 112 of the center seal member 110 is formed to a thickness of about 0.017 inches and the remainder of the center seal member 110 is about 0.007 mm. Formed in thickness. Although thickness has been disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, other thicknesses can be used without departing from the inventive concept. The transition between the reinforcement pad 112 and the remaining portion of the center seal member 110 may be formed by tapering the center seal member between the thicknesses of the reinforcement pad 112 and the remaining portion of the center seal member 110. Furthermore, a transition area is not provided in the transition section, that is, a clear transition section can be provided. However, in a preferred embodiment, the seal can be satisfactorily sealed without the stress concentration portion. The seal segment can also be formed of a flat pad without a transition.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement pad 112 is formed in a generally triangular structure along the center of the arc defined by the reinforcement seal segment 96. Specifically, the reinforcement pad 112 occupies an arc of about 90 degrees along the center seal member 110. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the shape and size of the reinforcing pad 112 can be variously varied as desired without departing from the concept of the present invention. However, the reinforcing pad 112 should be shaped and sized to cover the area in contact with the instrument passing through the trocar assembly 10.

  The reinforcement pad 112 is located on the portion of the central seal member 110 that is most likely to contact the surgical instrument when the surgical instrument is inserted into the trocar cannula 12. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing pad 112 is centrally located. This is because most surgical instruments are inserted in the center of the trocar housing 16 and the trocar cannula 12.

  In another embodiment, the reinforcing pad 112 is continuously curved to smoothly match the reference thickness of the center seal member 110 without using an inclined surface inclined from the reinforcement pad 112 to the reference thickness of the center seal member 110. Note that this can be done.

  Desirably, the resistance between the proximal seal assembly 30 and the insertion tool is low. The proximal end seal assembly 30 of the present invention can reduce the resistance without impairing the durability of the seal. This is achieved by providing the reinforcing pad 112 and reducing the thickness of the seal as described above. Therefore, unlike the prior art seal assembly, the durability of the seal is not compromised even if the thickness of the area that does not contact the instrument is reduced.

  A seal assembly including a reinforcing pad 112 according to the present invention can significantly reduce tearing and tearing due to instrument insertion or withdrawal without increasing the overall thickness of the seal segment 96. Because the area of the reinforcement pad 112 is very thick, tenting of the portion of the reinforcement pad 112 where the instrument contacts the seal assembly 98 does not occur. However, the thin portion of the center seal member surrounding the center reinforcement pad 112 easily stretches the remaining portion of the center seal member 110 so that the resistance on the moving instrument can be kept to a minimum. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement seal segment 96 should be thinned in all parts not in contact with the instrument, since the greatest stress occurs along the opening of the central seal member 110 when the instrument is present. . The resistance can be reduced by rubbing.

  Effective protection by the reinforcing pad 112 will be clarified by the proximal seal assembly 30 shown below. When the proximal seal assembly 30 is displaced by initial contact with the instrument tip, the area defined by the reinforcement pad 112 of the proximal seal assembly 30 is the thickness of the reinforcement pad 112 and the central seal member 110. Due to the difference, the strain is relatively smaller than that of the thin portion of the central seal member 110 surrounding the reinforcing pad 112. This difference in strain is greatest when the proximal seal assembly 30 with the largest overall strain is opened. When a force is applied to the reinforcing pad 112 due to contact with the instrument, the reinforcing pad 112 will not be tented due to its thickness, but the remaining thin portion of the central seal member 110 that is not covered by the reinforcing pad 112 causes the reinforcing pad 112 to be tented. Is easily displaced toward the distal end side, so that the distal end portion of the instrument can enter the center of the proximal end side seal assembly 30. Reinforcing seal segment 96 is significantly less susceptible to tearing than conventional seal segments.

  The reinforcing pad 112 protects the reinforcing seal segment 96 itself against sharp instruments, apart from other peripheral protection devices. This protection is essential for the reinforcing seal segment 96. Further, by providing the reinforcing pad 112 at a target position (a position away from a region where the sharp instrument comes into contact with a large strain), the reinforcing pad 112 is protected from insertion without substantially affecting the performance of the seal. The This does not increase the maximum instrument insertion force or instrument resistance. The use of the reinforcing pad 112 is believed to have some effect on the maximum instrument insertion force and instrument resistance due to expansion beyond the central location. However, this effect allows designs to easily outperform standard seal assemblies due to the nature of the seal segment 96 and significantly reduced distortion compared to standard lip seals.

  While the reinforcing pad 112 is provided on the seal body 98 as described above, it is further desirable to provide the protector 92 on the proximal seal assembly 30 as best shown in FIG. A protector 92 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is located directly above the seal body 92. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11-13, the protector 92 is composed of a plurality of overlapping protector segments 114 that are arranged in a knitted structure to form a complete protector 92. By knitting the protector 92, additional protector material can be added to protect additional surface area of the seal body 98 when an instrument is inserted into the seal and the protector segment 114 is separated.

  Because the proximal seal assembly 30 of the present invention has a small central opening that reliably and conveniently expands, the protector 92 closes the gap between the protector segment 114 as the instrument passes through the protector 92 and the seal body 98. Must be configured. This requires additional material along the opening of the protector 92.

  In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of protector segments 114 are knitted to add additional material to the protector 92. By weaving the protector segments 114, additional material is added to the protector 92 so that the protector is receivable within the conical seal shape and yet each protector component is wider. The additional material is covered on the back side of the protector segment 114 for one side of each protector segment 114. This additional material is not visible when the protector segment 114 is viewed from above without the instrument being inserted.

  The protector segment 114 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is manufactured from a molded elastomer such as, for example, pellethane. However, it should be understood that the protector segment 114 is not limited to just elastomers and can be formed from any type of material with the properties and characteristics necessary for the functions described herein.

  Specifically, the protector 92 is formed by arranging the four protector segments 114. Although four protector segments 114 are used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, protector 92 can be formed from other than four protector segments 114 without departing from the inventive concept.

  Each protector segment 114 is semicircular when viewed from above and is generally in the form of a partial cone. Each of these protector segments 114 includes a substantially round outer periphery 116, a support wall 118 extending from the outer periphery 116, and a conical protector member 120. A conical protector member 120 opposite the support wall 118 and outer periphery 116 defines a linear edge 121.

  In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conical protector member 120 spans an approximately 180 degree arc, and the support wall 118 and the outer periphery 116 are approximately 120 degrees arc along the center of the conical protector member 120. Across. As will be described in detail later, the limited arcing of the outer peripheral edge 116 and the support wall 118 reduces undesirable forces as the instrument passes through the proximal seal assembly 30.

  The outer peripheral edge 116 is adapted to be disposed within the first housing member 36. The outer periphery 116 further includes a series of holes 122 that serve as attachment means for the protector segment 114. As will become apparent from the disclosure below, a protector comprising a series of protector segments 114 that easily bend radially inward and outward as the instrument passes using a plurality of protector segments 114 that define an arc of about 180 degrees. 92 can be formed, and the hoop stress can be reduced.

  Each protector segment 114 includes a first portion 124 and a second portion 126 that define both sides thereof. The four protector segments 114 are combined into a braided structure to form a complete protector 92 that fully protects the lower seal body 98. That is, the protector 92 is assembled with the first portion 124 of the first protector segment 114 positioned over the second portion 126 of the second protector segment 114. Subsequently, the first portion 124 of the second protector segment 114 is disposed over the second portion 126 of the third protector segment 114 and the first portion 124 of the third protector segment 114 is the fourth portion. The second portion 126 of the first protector segment 114 is disposed over the second portion 126 of the protector segment 114 such that the first portion 124 of the fourth protector segment 114 folds the last flap of the box lid. Located on the portion 126.

  The protector segment 114 is finally held between the crown 88 and the female retaining ring 94. Holding members are well known to those skilled in the art, and various holding members can be used without departing from the concept of the present invention.

  One skilled in the art will appreciate that the movement of the conical protector member 120 relative to the outer periphery 116 and the support wall 118 is due to resistance based on the various orientations of the combined components. Accordingly, the conical protector member 120 can buckle as the instrument passes through the proximal seal assembly 30.

  The resistance to this movement is alleviated by the arc limitation of the outer peripheral edge 116 and the support wall 118 described above. In addition, this resistance is further mitigated by a central slot 128 formed in the outer periphery 116 and / or the support wall 118. The slot 128 reduces buckling because the protector member 120 moves the same distance with a small resistance.

  By weaving the protectors 92, additional material can be added to each protector segment 114 and the tip of the protector 92 can fit within the top of the conical seal body 98. This can be achieved with additional material added to the protector segment 114 covered by the back side of the adjacent protector segment 114. This additional material can better cover the seal body 98, especially when the instrument is inserted through the proximal seal assembly 30 at a predetermined angle. Finally, if the instrument affects the resistance of the instrument as it passes through the proximal seal assembly 30, the braiding of the protector 92 is minimized. This is a result of the fact that the protector segments 114 move easily relative to each other.

  In fact, the additional material added to each protector segment 114 exposes additional protector material located behind the adjacent protector segment 114 when the instrument is inserted into the protector 92 and the protector segment 114 expands. This additional material continues to cover the seal body 98 as the protector segments 114 bend relative to each other. The less material of the seal body 98 exposed to the inserted instrument, the better the current protector 92 provides better protection. Although this protector 92 provides a good seal, additional protector segments 114 can be added. However, the resistance of the instrument may increase. However, this can be balanced by making the protector segment 114 thinner and more flexible or by adding lubricant to the protector segment 114 and / or the seal body 98.

Duck Bill Seal Assembly As described above, the duckbill seal assembly 32 is received within the second housing member 38. 14-16, a duckbill seal assembly 32 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The duckbill seal assembly 32 includes a first seal body 130 and a second seal body 132 extending from an outer peripheral flange member 134 having a shape and size that can be mounted within the second housing member 38.

  The first and second seal bodies 130, 132 include upper surfaces 136, 138 and lower surfaces 140, 142, respectively. Upper surface 136, 138 and lower surface 140, 142 are generally mirror images, with the exception of the reinforcing ribs along upper surface 136, 138, first and second seal bodies 130, 132 have substantially the same thickness over their entire length. .

  The first and second seal bodies 130, 132 are mounted within the trocar housing 16 so that they can move as the instrument passes through them. Further, the proximal ends of the first and second seal bodies 130 and 132 are coupled to the trocar housing 16 via the outer peripheral flange 134, while the distal ends of the first and second seal bodies 130 and 132 are connected. Are in contact with each other to define a contact surface 144. The abutment surface 144 is disposed generally at the center of the trocar housing 16 so that instruments can pass therethrough. When no instrument is inserted, the abutment surface 144 is biased by the pressure of the body lumen into which the trocar assembly 10 is inserted and closed by the elasticity of the first and second bodies 130,132. . For example, it is urged by pressure due to intraperitoneal injection pressure. Due to this pressure, the duckbill seal assembly 32 moves to the closed position, and the tip portions of the first and second seal bodies 130 and 132 come into contact with each other.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the seal bodies 130, 132 may be formed with ribs (not shown) on the top surfaces 136, 138 so that the stability of the seal bodies 130, 132 is increased when in contact with the instrument. it can. The ribs also provide a passage that contacts when the instrument passes through the duckbill seal assembly 32. The ribs also reduce the area that the instrument can contact and reduce the resistance when the instrument passes through the duckbill seal assembly 32, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the seal and the instrument.

  The first and second seal bodies 130 and 132 will be described below using the first seal body 130. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the first and second seal bodies 130, 132 are identical and that the following description applies to the second seal body 132 as well. The seal body 130 is provided with a first section 148 and a second section 150 that form a predetermined angle with respect to each other, and a cross section 146 that passes through the outer peripheral flange 134. Specifically, the cross section 146 is substantially orthogonal to the long axis through the duckbill seal assembly 32. The first and second portions 148 and 150 extend from the proximal end portion of the seal body 130 toward the distal end portion of the seal body 130. Accordingly, the first portion 148 is disposed proximate to the proximal end of the seal body 130 proximate to the outer peripheral flange 134 and the wall of the trocar housing 16. The first portion 148 only moves slightly when the instrument is inserted. The second portion 150 is disposed in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the seal main body 130 and the contact surface 144. The second portion 150 is free to move when the instrument is inserted.

  In general, the first and second portions are at an angle in the range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to the cross section. Assuming that the cross section 146 is in a horizontal plane, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first portion 148 starting from the proximal end of the seal body 130 is approximately about the horizontal plane in which the cross section 146 extends. The angle is 30 degrees. The second portion 150 extending to the distal end portion of the seal body 130 forms an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the angles disclosed in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be varied in many ways without departing from the inventive concept. The angle you choose depends on the durability of the seal body (the larger the angle, the less likely the instrument will stab into the seal and the less likely it will be tenting) and the height of the seal (when the angle increases Is based on the trade-off. For example, the second portion 150 can be formed at an angle in the range of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees, while retaining many of the advantages afforded by the duckbill seal assembly 32 of the present invention. It is important to reduce the height or profile of the duckbill seal assembly 32. This is because the trocar housing 16 will eventually become smaller and the instrument will be more accessible. A small housing is ideal because the surgeon has easy access to the body lumen.

  While the preferred embodiment described above uses the first and second portions 148, 150 to implement the present invention, additional portions may be used without departing from the concept of the present invention. Similarly, the duckbill seal bodies 130, 132 of the present invention can be formed at various angles and can be continuous curved surfaces without departing from the concept of the present invention.

  Regardless of the actual wall structure used, the wall angle is usually kept at a small angle (eg, 30 degrees) where the instrument does not contact the seal body 130, 132 of the duckbill seal assembly 32; Normally, the portion where the instrument contacts the wall surface of the seal body 130, 132 should be at a large angle (for example, 45 degrees).

  In this way, the first and second portions 148, 150 are angled, i.e., by changing the angle of the wall along the seal bodies 130, 132, torn without adjusting the overall height of the duckbill seal body 32. Can be difficult. Normally, by reducing the angle of the wall portion where the instrument does not contact the seal bodies 130 and 132, an appropriate sealing function is obtained while maintaining the overall height of the duckbill seal body 32, and thus the overall height of the trocar body 10. be able to. Increasing the angle of the wall where the instrument normally contacts the seal bodies 130, 132 reduces the vertical force that contacts the duckbill seal assembly 32 and may cause the duckbill seal assembly 32 to tear. Becomes smaller.

  As described above, the height of the trocar sleeve 44 is a very important problem because of its influence on ergonomics. At the same time, the duck bill resistance, durability, and sealing function must be balanced against the requirement to reduce the height of the trocar sleeve 44.

  In order to provide an optimal design in accordance with the duckbill seal assembly 32 of the present invention, the height of the duckbill seal assembly 32 is minimized using the angle of the two walls. The angle of the wall along the first portion 148 is small to minimize the height. For a given critical diameter, the wall angle is abrupt at the second portion 150. Due to this steep wall, the attack angle with respect to the inserted instrument is reduced, and the durability is improved. At the same time, the sealing function is improved because the wall portion steeper than the angle of the first portion 148 has a small attack angle and a large closing force due to the abdominal injection fluid pressure acting on the second portion.

  Despite the advantages afforded by the multi-angle design, the force between the duckbill seal assembly 32 and the instrument must be further reduced. This can be accommodated by adjusting the wall thickness, rib shape, and surface coating. It is desirable to reduce the resistance so that the surgeon can easily perform the necessary operations when inserting and withdrawing instruments from the trocar sleeve 44. For ease of operation, it is preferred that the instrument can be inserted or removed with one hand. This also makes it difficult for the trocar sleeve 44 to be removed from the patient in which the trocar assembly 10 is inserted.

  As described above, angles of 30 and 45 degrees are used according to the preferred embodiment, but if a larger diameter instrument is required, a larger diameter duckbill seal assembly 32 is required. When providing a duck bill seal assembly 32 for use with a valve, specifically a trocar assembly, it is important to minimize the height because space is usually at a premium. Because seal durability is a top priority, a 45 degree angle is used to minimize tearing of the seal bodies 130, 132 when inserting or withdrawing instruments.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the duckbill seal assembly 32 is a crosslinked polymer or elastomer such as, but not limited to, polyisoprene or silicone.

Endoscope Fixing Assembly As described in the background section of the present invention, specifically, it is desirable to fix the endoscope in a predetermined position with respect to the trocar assembly 10 which is the obturator 14. Such an endoscope fixing assembly 152 is provided according to the present invention as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 25. Endoscope securing assembly 152 typically includes a cam mechanism that holds the endoscope within trocar sleeve 44 and / or obturator 14 during insertion of trocar assembly 10. The cam mechanism presses the elastic block 154 against the endoscope using a cam. The elastic block 154 securely grasps the endoscope and prevents the endoscope from moving undesirably during the insertion of the trocar assembly as the surgeon visualizes the tissue layer. The cam mechanism withstands both torque and axial load, holds the endoscope, holds the endoscope appropriately even after repeatedly operating the cam lever 156, and moves the cam lever 156 with a small ergonomic force. Operated, compatible with endoscopes of various sizes, easy to use intuitively, and stable even after long-term storage.

  The cam mechanism that holds the endoscope in the trocar assembly 10 uses the cam surface 158 to press the elastic block 154 against the endoscope. Elastic block 154 securely grips the endoscope to prevent unwanted movement of the endoscope as the surgeon is visualizing the tissue layer during insertion of the trocar assembly.

  The securing assembly 152 includes a housing 160 from which a tube 162 extends. Tube 162 is aligned with an opening extending through the interior. The tube has a pointed tip and can be used as an obturator according to the present invention. The tube 162 and the opening have a shape and a size through which the endoscope can pass. In addition, the tube 162 has a shape and size that allows the trocar cannula 12 to pass therethrough so that a fixation assembly 152 including the tube 162 can be selectively secured to the trocar sleeve 44 for use with an endoscope. .

  Attachment of the fixation assembly 152 to the trocar first housing member 36 is accomplished by engagement latches 164, 166 formed on both the upper surface 168 of the first housing member 36 and the lower side of the fixation assembly housing 160. Can be achieved. Latches 164, 166 allow selective attachment and removal of fixing assembly 152 to trocar housing 16. Although a particular latch structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, other latch structures can be used without departing from the concept of the present invention.

  The fixing assembly housing 160 includes a fixing mechanism based on a cam operation. This fixing mechanism includes a cam lever 156 and an elastic block 154. Cam lever 156 includes a first end 170 pivotally attached to housing 160 and a free second end 172 adapted to be actuated by a user. Actually, the cam lever 156 can freely move between a fixed position rotated inward and a release position rotated outward.

  Cam motion in accordance with the present invention is obtained by the cam surface 158 proximate the first end 170 of the cam lever 156. The cam surface 158 has a shape and a size that can be engaged with the elastic block 154 to selectively fix the endoscope in the fixing assembly 152. Referring to the elastic block 154, the elastic block 154 is received in the body of the securing assembly housing 160 and has a forwardly concave wall 174 having a shape and size that can be engaged with an endoscope passing through the housing opening. including. The elastic block 154 further includes a first side wall 176 and a second side wall 178, each of the side walls 176, 178 including a notch 180 that engages a groove 182 formed in the body of the housing 160. The groove 182 and the notch 180 can interact to move the elastic block 154 in the lateral direction as described in detail later. The housing 160 further includes an upper holding member 184 and a lower holding member 186 for reliably preventing the vertical movement of the elastic block 154 in the housing 160. Finally, the elastic block 154 includes a rear wall 188 on the opposite side of the forwardly concave wall 174. The rear wall 188 has a shape and size that can be engaged with the cam surface 158 of the cam lever 156.

  Elastic block 154 and cam surface 158 eliminate strong contact, in particular, any contact between elastic block 154 and cam surface 158 until the endoscope is positioned within the opening of securing assembly housing 160. It has a shape to exclude. As will be described in detail later, when the endoscope is disposed in the lumen of the fixing assembly housing 160, when the cam lever is operated, the elastic block 154 moves relative to the cam lever 156, and the elastic block 154 is moved to the cam surface. In the vicinity of 158, the endoscope is fixed in the opening.

  Actually, the fixing assembly 152 is used as follows. The elastic block 154 is received in a securing assembly housing 160 below the cam lever 156 that can be opened or closed during long term storage. At this time, the elastic block is intentionally separated from the cam lever 156 in order to eliminate any load on the elastic block 154 that may impair the performance of the fixing assembly 152 due to long-term storage. If the surgeon first closes the cam lever 156, he opens the cam lever 156. Next, the endoscope is inserted into the fixing assembly 152. The endoscope comes into contact with the chamfered surface 190 of the concave wall portion 174 of the elastic block 154. As a result, the elastic block 154 moves toward the vicinity of the cam lever 156. The elastic block 154 is then placed on top of it to use the rest of the endoscope. Next, the cam lever 156 is operated to press the compressible endoscope lock against the endoscope. The compliance and high coefficient of friction of the elastic block 154 minimizes the required ergonomic forces and allows the fixation assembly 152 to be used with endoscopes of various sizes. The elastic block 154 is excessively lateral and axial by surrounding components 182, 184, 186 that limit the movement of the elastic block 154 when axial and torsional loads are applied to the endoscope. Movement to is restricted. This limitation and over-center cam design prevent the cam lever from being accidentally released. When the trocar assembly 10 is inserted into the patient's body, the cam lever 156 is opened and the endoscope is removed. The elastic block 154 can then be returned to its original position in the fixation assembly 152 if the surgeon wishes to insert the endoscope again later. The compliant elastic block 154 has sufficient rigidity to return to its original shape when the load by the cam lever 156 is removed, so that the endoscope can be properly held regardless of how many times the lever is operated. Can do.

Structure of Trocar Sleeve and Stopcock Valve As described above, the trocar sleeve 44 includes the trocar housing 16 and the trocar cannula 12 extending therefrom. Trocar assembly 10 includes a stopcock valve 192. The stopcock valve 192 establishes or blocks a passage for injecting fluid, such as carbon dioxide, through a flexible tube into a portion of the trocar cannula 12 and trocar housing 16.

  Referring to the drawings, the trocar cannula 12 and the trocar housing 16 are mechanically coupled together to form a trocar sleeve 44. At least a portion of the trocar cannula 12 is received within the second housing member base 38b of the second housing member 38, and the second housing member cover 38a receives at least a portion of the trocar cannula 12 from the second housing. Located over the trocar cannula 12 for securing within the member base 38b.

  The trocar cannula 12 is formed between the trocar cannula 12 and the trocar obturator 14 when the trocar obturator 14 extends completely through the trocar cannula 12 and through the stopcock valve 192 and the trocar housing 16. It has a size that can pass through the annular opening. This annular opening is formed by the inner diameter of the trocar cannula 12 being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hollow shaft of the trocar obturator 14.

  The present invention provides a mechanism for mechanically assembling trocar cannula 12, trocar housing 16, and stopcock valve 192 without using adhesive and / or curing techniques. Specifically, the second housing member 38 of the trocar housing 16, the trocar cannula 12, and the stopcock valve 192 are formed as separate parts that can be conveniently and reliably assembled.

  More specifically, FIGS. 17-20 disclose a preferred embodiment of a mechanically assembled trocar sleeve 44. When fully assembled, the trocar sleeve 44 includes a stopcock valve 192, a second housing member 38 comprised of a second housing member cover 38a and a second housing member base 38b, and the trocar cannula 12. As will be described in detail later, the various components of the trocar sleeve 44 are mechanically assembled by joining together. Briefly, the trocar cannula 12 fits within the second housing member base 38b and a stopcock valve 192 is disposed therebetween. A second housing member cover 38a fits the stopcock valve 192, the second housing member base 38b, and the trocar cannula 12 such that the various components are held together so that the first housing member 36 is selectively Provides a surface to be attached.

  Referring to the particular components that make up the trocar sleeve 44, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stopcock valve 192 includes an alignment wing 194, an opening 196, and a valve lever 198. The valve lever 198 includes a stopper latch 200. The second housing member cover 38 a includes a hexagonal hole 202, a cover rim 204, and a second housing member cover seal 206. Second housing member base 38 b includes engagement post 208, vane 210, housing rim 212, space 214 for stopcock valve 192, and alignment wing 194. The second housing member base 38b further includes alignment ribs 216 and latch surfaces 218. Trocar cannula 12 includes an inlet nipple 220, an alignment tab 222, and a housing seal 224.

  In practice, the stopcock valve 192 is inserted into the space 214 of the second housing member base 38b. The trocar cannula 12 is inserted into the opening of the second housing member base 38b. Once the trocar cannula 12 is inserted into the second housing member base 38b, the alignment tab 222 is abutted against the vane 210 that secures the trocar cannula 12 in the desired orientation relative to the second housing member base 38b.

  The cover rim 204 is aligned with the housing rim 212. The cover rim 204 holds the valve lever 198 above the stopcock valve 192, and the valve lever 198 holds the stopcock valve 192 at a predetermined position.

  In the valve lever 198 at the maximum flow rate, that is, in the fully open position, the stopper latch 200 is in contact with the latch surface 218 of the second housing member base 38b. That is, the operator of the valve lever 198 can feel that the valve lever 198 is in the fully open position because the latch surface 218 and the valve lever 198 come into contact with each other and stop in the fully open position. The operator does not have to guess whether the valve lever 198 is in the fully open position, and the valve lever 198 stops in the fully open position.

  Due to the construction of the trocar assembly 44, no adhesive is required to connect the stopcock valve 192 and the second housing member cover 38 a and the second housing member base 38 b and the trocar cannula 12. This is an advantage over the prior art.

  With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, an alternative trocar sleeve 44 'is disclosed. According to this alternative embodiment, the trocar sleeve 44 'includes a stopcock valve 192', a second housing member cover 38a ', and a second housing member base 38b'. Trocar 44 'includes a trocar cannula 12' that is substantially similar to the trocar cannula 12 disclosed according to the previous embodiments.

  Stopcock valve 192 'includes a valve tube tapered fixed extension 226', an engagement post 228 ', and a valve lever 198'. The second housing member base 38b 'includes an extension space 230' and a hexagonal hole 232 'for engagement posts.

  The valve tube tapered fixing extension 226 'of the stopcock valve 192' is fixed in the extension space 230 'of the second housing member base 38b'. The engagement post 228 ′ of the stop cock valve 192 ′ is fitted into the engagement post hexagon hole 232 ′ of the second housing member base 38b ′, and the stop cock valve 192 ′ is fitted to the second housing member base 38b ′. Are aligned and fixed vertically.

  With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a further embodiment is disclosed. According to this further embodiment, the trocar sleeve 44 'includes a second housing member cover 38a ", a second housing member base 38b", and a stopcock valve 192 ". The trocar sleeve 44 "also includes a trocar cannula 12" that is substantially similar to the trocar cannula 12 disclosed according to the previous embodiments.

  Stopcock valve 192 "includes a fixed groove boss 234", a valve tube extension 226 ", and a fixed groove 238". In addition, the second housing member cover 38a "includes a fixed tongue 240". The second housing member base 38b "also includes a valve tube extension opening 242" and a boss space 244 ". The valve tube extension 226 '' of the stopcock valve 192 '' is inserted into the valve tube extension opening 242 '' of the second housing member base 38b '' and secured by a friction fit or a taper fit. . The fixed groove boss 234 "of the stopcock valve 192" is fixed in the boss space 244 ". As a result, the stopcock valve 192 "is fixed to the second housing member base 38b".

  As described above, the stopcock valve 192 is mechanically coupled to the trocar sleeve 44 by a tapered surface having a size and shape for friction fitting. Accordingly, the outer tube 250 of the stopcock valve 192 is provided with a tapered fixing surface along the outer surface of the tip. Similarly, the trocar cannula 12 is provided with an inlet nipple 220 adapted to securely couple to the tapered locking surface of the outer tube 250 of the stopcock valve 192. The structure of the tapered locking mechanism includes a self-holding structure with an angle of 2.0 degrees +/− 1.0 degrees that is securely fixed within the inlet nipple 220 of the trocar housing. Such a mechanical connection provides a substantial frictional resistance to turning or linear pulling forces.

  The mechanical fixation described above can be reinforced with a double structure. For example, post and hex socket interlocks, tongue and groove interlocks, and / or snap fit interlocks may be provided.

  In addition, according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 18, the holding pin 204 inserted into the opening 256 formed in the upper part of the valve lever 198 in order to minimize the rotation of the stopcock valve 192. Can be provided on the second housing member cover 38a. Holding pin 204 stabilizes stopcock valve 192 and prevents rotation of stopcock valve 192 when valve lever 198 is actuated.

  As described above, the trocar sleeve includes a stopcock valve 192. The stopcock valve 192 is attached in a recess formed in the trocar sleeve 44. Accordingly, the stopcock valve 192 is received inside the outer surface of the second housing member base 38 b and is received in the trocar housing 16. Further, a valve lever 198 is located on the main body of the stopcock valve 192. That is, the valve lever 198 used for the operation of the stopcock valve 192 is disposed on the upper surface of the stopcock valve 192, unlike the currently marketed trocar assembly located on the lower side. Since the valve lever 198 is disposed on the fitted stopcock valve 192, in the trocar assembly 10 of the present invention, the valve lever 198 is disposed at a position where it can be easily operated, and at the same time, the stopcock valve. 192 does not block the view.

  By fitting the stopcock valve 192 into the body of the trocar sleeve 44, several advantages are obtained. First, this arrangement does not interfere with holding the stopcock valve 192 of the trocar assembly 10 for insertion by the user. Further, since the stopcock valve 192 does not protrude from the outer surface of the trocar housing 12, it can be held more comfortably. Furthermore, the structure of the inconspicuous stopcock valve 192 of the present invention allows the hand to be placed in a desired position. Due to the arrangement of the stopcock valve 192 of the present invention, no erroneous operation occurs during use. Incorrect manipulation, i.e., contact between the trocar sleeve 44 and the patient, can cause fluids injected into the body cavity to drain, narrowing the surgeon's field of view and making it dangerous.

  Additional advantages can be obtained by forming the valve lever 198 with a curved surface that substantially matches the outer surface of the trocar housing 16. In addition, the long axis along the handle portion of the valve lever 198 is offset from the pivot point of the valve lever 198 so that the stopcock valve 192 can be easily fitted. Specifically, the control of the rotation of the valve lever 198 of the stopcock valve 192 can be achieved by disposing the stopcock valve 192 in a recess formed in the trocar sleeve 44 which is the trocar housing 16. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 17-20, the valve lever 198 of the stopcock valve 192 has a through hole provided in the valve lever 198 as to whether or not the valve lever 198 is in the open position. There is provided a stopper latch 200 that can be tactilely confirmed whether or not it is aligned. This design structure is similar to a cantilever located at the end of the valve lever 198 opposite the user.

When the valve lever 198 is rotated from the closed position to the open position in the trocar assembly 10, the cantilever rotation stopper latch 200 contacts the trocar housing 16, thereby confirming that the valve lever 198 is in the fully open position. it can. In the fully open position, the valve lever 198 and the through hole in the valve body 199 are aligned for optimum CO ₂ flow.

Due to the structure of the cantilever rotation stopper latch 200, the surgeon can tactilely confirm that the stopcock valve 192 is in the open position. Thus during the surgical procedure, it is possible to obtain a flow of optimal CO _2.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the through hole 196 of the stopcock valve 192 can be easily aligned by controlling the valve lever 198 by the cantilever rotation stopper latch 200. Misalignment of the through-hole 196 is often due to a surgeon's inability to tactilely confirm that the valve lever 198 is in the fully open position.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a reinforced gusset 264 is disposed on the back side of the cantilever rotation stopper latch 200 so that it does not rotate excessively when the valve lever 198 is bent. Yes. Excessive rotation causes misalignment of the through holes.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above-described design provides many advantages over prior art assemblies. Due to the design of the detachable trocar cannula 12 described above, the outer housing can be replaced. Thus, the industrial design of the outer shape can be easily changed and updated without changing the internal structure of the trocar sleeve. In addition, assembly of trocar cannula 12 and trocar housing 16 does not require ultrasonic welding. The assembly method of the present invention reinforces the device by molding the trocar cannula 12 as one piece. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, conventional designs utilize ultrasonic welding to couple the trocar cannula 12 to the trocar housing 16. In the structure of the assembly of the present invention, such joining is not required, and joining failure due to ultrasonic welding does not occur.

  In addition, the trocar housing 16 is provided with a crash rib 266 along the inner surface. These crush ribs 266 place the trocar cannula 12 in the center of the trocar housing 16. In addition, the tolerance variation of the crush rib 266 is reduced, the importance of the size of the trocar cannula 12 being manufactured is reduced, and inherent variations due to the molding process are possible.

  In addition, a crush rib 266 prevents rotation of the trocar cannula 12 within the trocar housing 16. This is accomplished by preventing relative rotation of the trocar cannula 12 and the trocar housing 16 by crush ribs 266 extending on either side of the trocar cannula 12.

  Since the trocar housing 16 and the trocar cannula 12 are relatively simple in structure, the molding process can be simplified by eliminating excessively fine parts of the injection molding device. In addition, the assembly of the system is easier than conventional designs because all the components of the sleeve assembly can be assembled in a top-down manner.

  In the stopcock valve, the taper fixing with the double fixing structure prevents the stopcock valve 192 from falling off the trocar sleeve 144. In addition, the taper fixing enables an airtight assembly without using an adhesive or welding. In addition, the stopcock valve 192 can include various fixed surfaces that prevent rotation of the stopcock valve 192 such as posts and sockets, tongues and grooves, and wings and ribs, for example. In addition to the taper fixing structure, the wing can be tapered on the rear side of the trocar housing 16 so that the stopcock valve 192 does not come off the trocar sleeve 44. In addition, the crush rib 226 can be used to hold the wing firmly to the trocar cannula 12. Finally, the structure of the inconspicuous stopcock valve 192 with the valve lever 198 disposed on it allows an optimal airflow and alignment of the stopcock valve 192 that allows the user to confirm alignment by touch.

  Although described with preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit the invention to such disclosure, but rather all modifications and variations within the concept and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Alternative structures are intended to be included.

Embodiments of the present invention are as follows.
(1) The seal according to claim 1, wherein the first angle is about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section and the second angle is about 45 degrees with respect to the cross section. Assembly.
(2) The first angle is an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second angle is in a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross section. The seal assembly according to claim 1.
(3) The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second angle is in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross section.
(4) The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seal assembly is a duckbill seal assembly.
(5) The first angle is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second angle is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the cross section. The seal assembly according to claim 1.

(6) Further, a plurality of seal bodies are included, each of the seal bodies includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion forms a first angle with respect to the transverse section, and the distal end portion is the transverse section. The first angle is smaller than the second angle, the tip portions of the seal body are in contact with each other, and the seal assembly is selectively opened and closed. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal surface defines an abutment surface.
(7) a seal assembly for use in a trocar assembly, wherein a plurality of seal bodies adapted to move to selectively open and substantially fully close the seal assembly; A longitudinal axis passing through the seal assembly substantially parallel to the seal assembly, each seal body including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end forming a first angle with respect to the cross-section. The front end portion forms a second angle with respect to the cross section, the first angle is smaller than the second angle, and the front end portions of the seal main body come into contact with each other to form the seal main body. A seal assembly defining a contact surface for selective opening and closing.
(8) Each of the seal bodies includes a first portion extending in the first plane at the first angle and a second portion extending in the second plane at the second angle. The first portion and the second portion extend from the proximal end portion of the seal body toward the distal end portion of the seal body, and the first portion is a proximal end portion of the seal body. The seal assembly according to embodiment (7), wherein the seal assembly is disposed in proximity to the seal body, and the second portion is disposed in proximity to the tip of the seal body.
(9) The first plane has an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second plane has an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the cross section. The seal assembly according to embodiment (8).
(10) The first plane forms an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second plane forms an angle with respect to the cross section within a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. The seal assembly according to embodiment (8), characterized in that

(11) The seal assembly according to embodiment (8), wherein the second plane is at an angle in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross section.
(12) The first angle forms an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second angle forms an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the cross section. The seal assembly according to embodiment (7).
(13) The implementation wherein the first angle is about 30 degrees with respect to the cross-section and the second angle is in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross-section. The seal assembly according to aspect (7).
(14) The seal assembly according to embodiment (7), wherein the second angle is in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross section.
(15) The seal assembly according to the embodiment (7), wherein the seal assembly is a duckbill seal assembly.

(16) The first angle is in a range of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second angle is in a range of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the cross section. The seal assembly according to embodiment (7).
(17) The seal assembly according to the embodiment (7), wherein the plurality of seal assemblies include two seal bodies.
A trocar cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, and a trocar housing coupled to the proximal end of the trocar cannula for receiving and guiding an obturator through the trocar cannula; The trocar housing includes an open proximal portion defining an opening with a proximal seal assembly and a distal seal assembly, the distal seal assembly selectively defining the seal body. A seal body adapted to move for opening and substantially completely closing, the seal assembly including a long axis through the seal assembly substantially parallel to a cross-section; The seal body includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion forms a first angle with respect to the cross section, and the distal end portion has a first angle with respect to the cross section. An angle of a trocar assembly in which the first angle being less than said second angle.
(19) The seal body includes a first portion extending in a first plane at the first angle, and a second portion extending in a second plane at the second angle; The first portion and the second portion extend from the proximal end portion of the seal body toward the distal end portion of the seal body, and the first portion is the proximal end portion of the seal body. The trocar assembly according to embodiment (18), wherein the trocar assembly is disposed proximate to the top and the second portion is disposed proximate to the tip of the seal body.
(20) The implementation wherein the first plane is at an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section and the second plane is at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the cross section. The trocar assembly according to aspect (18).

(21) The first plane forms an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second plane forms an angle within a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross section. A trocar assembly according to embodiment (19), characterized in that
(22) The trocar assembly according to embodiment (19), wherein the second plane is at an angle in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross section.
(23) The embodiment (18), wherein the first angle is about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section and the second angle is about 45 degrees with respect to the cross section. Trocar assembly.
(24) The implementation wherein the first angle is about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section and the second angle is in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross section. The trocar assembly according to aspect (18).
(25) The trocar assembly according to embodiment (18), wherein the second angle is in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the transverse plane.

(26) The trocar assembly according to embodiment (18), wherein the seal assembly is a duckbill seal assembly.
(27) The first angle is in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second angle is in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to the cross section. A trocar assembly according to embodiment (18).
(28) Furthermore, a plurality of seal bodies are included, each of the seal bodies includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion forms a first angle with respect to the transverse section, and the distal end portion is the transverse section. The first angle is smaller than the second angle, the tip portions of the seal body are in contact with each other, and the seal assembly is selectively opened and closed. The trocar assembly according to embodiment (20), characterized in that it defines an abutment surface.
(29) The trocar assembly according to embodiment (18), wherein the proximal seal assembly includes a seal protector.
(30) The trocar assembly according to embodiment (18), wherein the proximal seal assembly includes a bellow that facilitates its own radial movement.

(31) A seal assembly for use in a trocar assembly, including a seal body adapted to move to selectively open and close the seal assembly, wherein the seal body has a proximal end and a distal end. And the base end portion extends in a first plane, and an angle of the seal body with respect to the first plane increases from the base end portion toward the tip end portion. Seal assembly.
(32) The seal body includes a first portion extending in the first plane and a second portion extending in the second plane, and the first portion and the second portion A portion extends from the base end of the seal body toward the tip of the seal body, the first portion is disposed proximate to the base end of the seal body, and the second portion 32. A seal assembly as recited in embodiment (31), wherein a portion is disposed proximate to said tip portion of said seal body.
(33) The first plane forms a first angle with respect to a cross section passing through the seal assembly, the second plane forms a second angle with respect to the cross section, and the second plane. The seal assembly according to embodiment (32), wherein the angle of is greater than the first angle.
(34) The embodiment in which the first plane forms an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second plane forms an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the cross section. 33).

1 is a perspective view of a trocar assembly according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the trocar assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar assembly as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the trocar assembly as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a rotary latch mechanism used in accordance with the trocar assembly of the present invention. 2 is an exploded view of a proximal seal assembly according to the trocar assembly of the present invention. FIG. It is a perspective view from the bottom part of a seal segment. It is a top view of a seal segment. It is sectional drawing seen along line IX-IX of FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seal body comprising the four seal segments shown in FIGS. 7-9. It is a perspective view from the upper direction of a protector segment. It is a bottom view of a protector segment. It is a top view which shows the protector which consists of four protector segments shown by FIG.11 and FIG.12. 1 is a perspective view from above of a duckbill seal assembly according to the present invention. FIG. It is sectional drawing seen along line XV-XV of FIG. It is the fragmentary sectional view seen along line XV-XV of FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a trocar sleeve according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a further exploded view of a trocar sleeve according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the trocar sleeve shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 after being assembled. FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the trocar sleeve shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 6 is an exploded view according to an alternative embodiment of a trocar sleeve. FIG. 20 is a partially exploded view according to an alternative embodiment of the trocar sleeve shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a trocar sleeve. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a trocar sleeve. It is detail drawing of an endoscope fixing mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Trocar assembly 12, 12 ', 12''Trocar cannula 14 Trocar obturator 16 Trocar housing 20 Open end portion of cannula 22 Cannula proximal portion 24 Housing distal portion 26 Housing proximal portion 28 Open 30 Proximal seal assembly 32 duck bill seal assembly 34 obturator handle 36 first housing member 38 second housing member 38a, 38a ', 38a''housing member cover 38b, 38b', 38b '' housing member base 40, 42 opening 44, 44 ' 44 ″ Trocar sleeve 50 Second housing member upper surface 52 Outer peripheral rim 54 First housing member lower surface 58 First and second arms 60 Cam surface facing downward 62 Latch surface 64 Latch ring 66 First and second Latch member 68 annular groove 70 spring 72 cam surface 76 facing upward 76 hole 78 lever 80 flange 82 alignment pin 84 hole 86 cap 88 crown 90 bellow 92 protector 94 female retaining ring 96 reinforcing seal segment 98 seal body 100 male retaining Ring 108 Outer peripheral edge 110 Center seal member 112 Reinforcing pad 114 Protector segment 116 Outer peripheral edge 118 Support wall 120 Conical protector member 122 Hole 124 First part of protector segment 126 Second part of protector segment 128 Slot 130 First seal Main body 132 Second seal main body 134 Peripheral flange member 136, 138 Seal upper surface 140, 142 Seal lower surface 144 Contact surface 146 Cross section 148 First portion 150 of the seal main body 150 Second part of the main body of the main body 152 Endoscope fixing assembly 154 Elastic block 156 Cam lever 158 Cam surface 160 Fixing assembly housing 162 Tube 164, 166 Engagement latch 168 First housing member upper surface 174 Concave wall 176 First side wall 178 Second side wall 180 Notch 182 Groove 184 Upper holding member 186 Lower holding member 188 Rear wall 190 Chamfered surface 192, 192 ', 192''Stopcock valve 194 Alignment wing 198, 198' Valve lever 200 Stopper latch 202 Hexagonal hole 204 Cover rim 206 Cover seal 208 Engagement post 210 Vane 212 Housing rim 214 Space 216 Alignment rib 218 Latch surface 220 Inlet nipple 222 Alignment tab 224 Housing seal 226 ', 22 6 '' valve tube tapered fixed extension 230 'space for extension 232' hexagonal hole 234 '' fixed groove boss 240 '' fixed tongue 244 '' boss space 250 outer tube 256 opening 264 reinforced gusset 266 crash rib

Claims (5)

A seal assembly used for a trocar assembly,
A seal body adapted to move to selectively open and substantially fully close the seal assembly;
A long axis through the seal assembly that is substantially perpendicular to the cross section;
The seal body includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end forms a first angle with respect to the cross section, the distal end forms a second angle with respect to the cross section, and the first The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein an angle of 1 is smaller than the second angle.   The seal body includes a first portion extending in a first plane at the first angle and a second portion extending in a second plane at the second angle, the first body And the second portion extend from the proximal end portion of the seal body toward the distal end portion of the seal body, and the first portion is adjacent to the proximal end portion of the seal body. The seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is disposed in proximity to the tip of the seal body.   The first plane is at an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second plane is at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the cross section. 3. The seal assembly according to 2.   The first plane forms an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the cross section, and the second plane forms an angle with respect to the cross section within a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. The seal assembly according to claim 2.   The seal assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second plane is at an angle in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the cross-section.

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