Stabilization assist device for trocar
View Patent ↗A stabilizer is provided to secure and fix the position of a cannula assembly relative to tissue. The stabilizer is a liquid swellable member which expands within an incision in tissue in response to the absorption of a liquid. The stabilizer includes an inner adhesive layer to secure the stabilizer relative to a cannula assembly. The stabilizer is formed of a polymeric gel or foam. In one embodiment, the stabilizer is fixedly secured to an elongate tubular member of a cannula assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the stabilizer is mounted for longitudinal movement along an elongate tubular member of a cannula assembly.
1. A stabilized cannula assembly comprising:
a cannula assembly having a valve body, and an elongate tubular member extending distally from the valve body configured and dimensioned for positioning within an opening in tissue; and
a stabilizing member positionable upon the elongate tubular member, the stabilizing member including a proximal portion, a central portion and a distal portion, and configured and dimensioned such that at least a section of the distal portion extends beneath tissue, the stabilizing member reconfigurable between first and second configurations in response to the absorption of a liquid, the stabilizing member defining a first transverse cross-sectional configuration in the first configuration, and a second, larger transverse cross-sectional configuration in the second configuration, whereby the stabilizing member abuts adjacent tissue portions defining the opening such that the stabilizing member defines a first edge positioned proximally of the tissue, and a second edge positioned distally of the tissue, the first and second edges substantially inhibiting longitudinal movement of the stabilizing member within the opening in the tissue;
wherein the stabilizing member is movably mounted relative to the elongate tubular member of the cannula assembly such that the stabilizing member may be moved longitudinally relative to the elongate tubular member;
wherein the stabilizing member is mounted on a hollow tube movably mounted on the elongate tubular member; and
wherein the hollow tube includes a locking member to secure the hollow tube longitudinally relative to the elongate tubular member.