Conical trocar seal

1. A surgical access device, comprising a seal assembly having a plurality of separate semicircular seal segments arranged in a conical shape, each seal segment having a circumference greater than 180 degrees and being adapted to seal against objects positioned through the seal; and a zero closure seal spaced from and aligned with the seal segments.

2. The surgical access device of claim 1 wherein said seal assembly has an outer perimeter which is attached to a flotation means.

3. The surgical access device of claim 1 wherein said seal assembly includes a plurality of protectors disposed proximal to said plurality of separate semicircular seal segments.

4. The surgical access device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of separate semicircular seal segments are disposed such that there is a substantially centrally located aperture in said seal assembly.

5. The surgical access device of claim 1 , further comprising a cannula.

6. A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient, said trocar comprising:

a. a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end;

b. a housing having a distal end attached to said proximal end of said cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto, said wall having an aperture therethrough;

c. a seal assembly disposed within said housing comprising a first substantially rigid ring, a second substantially rigid ring, and a plurality of semicircular elastomeric members compressed therebetween and forming a conical shape, the elastomeric members circumscribing an aperture in an interwoven pattern and cooperate to sufficiently seal against objects positioned within the aperture to maintain gas pressure in the abdominal cavity during endoscopic surgical procedures; and wherein the seal assembly further comprises a zero closure seal disposed distally of the plurality of semicircular elastomeric members.

7. The trocar according to claim 6 wherein said elastomeric members comprise a proximal flange portion, and an inwardly extending portion extending distally therefrom, wherein said proximal flange portions are disposed between and are abutting against said rings.

8. The trocar according to claim 6 wherein said plurality of elastomeric layers are interwoven.

9. The trocar according to claim 6 wherein said plurality of elastomeric members have a non-planar shape prior to be assembled together.

10. A trocar for performing a procedure on a patient, said trocar comprising:

a. a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end;

b. a housing having a distal end attached to said proximal end of said cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto, said wall having an aperture therethrough;

c. an instrument seal assembly disposed within said housing comprising a plurality of layered elastomeric members arranged circumferentially about an aperture in an alternating over and under pattern and forming a conical shape, the plurality layered elastomeric members cooperating to provide a substantially gas-tight seal against instruments positioned through the aperture; and wherein the instrument seal assembly further provides a zero-closure seal spaced from the plurality of layered elastomeric members arranged about the aperture.

11. The seal of claim 10 , wherein the elastomeric members are semicircular.

12. The seal of claim 11 , wherein the elastomeric members have a circumference between 180 to 270 degrees.

13. The seal of claim 10 , wherein the elastomeric members are arranged in non-planar shape.

14. The seal of claim 10 , wherein the instrument seal assembly comprises four elastomeric members.

15. The seal of claim 10 , further comprising a first substantially rigid ring and a second substantially rigid ring, the elastomeric members being compressed therebetween.