Pleated trocar seal
View Patent ↗A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged.
1. A seal for endoscopic instruments, comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument, said membrane being configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening, said pleats comprising a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening; and
wherein the pleat height substantially conforms to the following equation:
h
≥
π
P
r
2
+
r
i
2
-
r
id
2
where:
h =pleat wall height as a function of radius
r =radius
r i =radius of largest instrument designed for insertion through seal
r id =radius at inside diameter of pleat section of seal
P=number of pleats.
2. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the pleats are conically arranged.
3. The seal of claim 1 , further comprising a wall section circumscribing and connected to the pleats.
4. The seal of claim 3 , wherein the wall section is cylindrical.
5. The seal of claim 3 , further comprising a radial flange extending laterally from the wall section.
6. The seal of claim 3 , further comprising bellows circumscribing and connected to the wall section.
7. The seal of claim 1 , further comprising a lip defining the opening.
8. The seal of claim 1 , comprising only eight pleats.
9. A trocar comprising the seal of claim 1 .
10. A method for processing a trocar for surgery, comprising:
a) obtaining the trocar of claim 9 ;
b) sterilizing the trocar;
c) storing the trocar in a sterile container.