Flexible Access Device For Use In Surgical Procedure
A flexible access device for insertion through tissue is provided. The flexible access device includes a compressible body having a first collapsed configuration and a second resiliently expanded configuration. The body is compressible in both a radial dimension and a longitudinal dimension and is resilient to expand in an incision in the tissue. The body includes a trailing end defining concave receiving recess and a leading end defining a concave exiting recess. The flexible access device further includes a lumen disposed in the body and extending therethrough, the lumen communicating with the concave receiving and exiting recesses so as to receive an instrument with a non-linear shaft.
1 . A flexible access device for insertion through tissue, comprising:
a compressible body having a first collapsed configuration and a second resiliently expanded configuration, the body being compressible in both a radial dimension and a longitudinal dimension and being resilient to expand in an incision in the tissue, the body having a trailing end defining a concave receiving recess and a leading end defining a concave exiting recess; and
a lumen disposed in the body and extending therethrough, the lumen communicating with the concave receiving and exiting recesses so as to receive an instrument with a non-linear shaft.
2 . The flexible access device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the body has a central portion and the trailing end includes a positioning member.
3 . The flexible access device as recited in claim 2 , wherein the leading end of the body includes a positioning member.
4 . The flexible access device as recited in claim 2 , wherein the positioning member has a diameter greater than a diameter of the central portion.
5 . The flexible access device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the body includes a coating that is at least one of parylene, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, bio-agents, anti-infection and analgesic.
6 . A method of accessing an abdominal cavity comprising the steps of:
creating an incision through the abdominal wall;
providing a flexible access device having a body and a lumen extending through the body, the lumen for forming a seal with a non-linear instrument disposed in the lumen;
compressing the body such that it may be inserted through the incision;
inserting the compressed body through the incision;
releasing the compressed body to permit the body to return towards an original shape; and
passing a non-linear instrument through the lumen.
7 . The method of claim 8 , further including the step of removing the non-linear instrument.
8 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the body includes a Parylene coating.
9 . A kit for performing a lower anterior resection, the kit comprising:
a surgical instrument having a pair of jaws for applying surgical fasteners to tissue, the pair of jaws having free ends and a curved configuration; and
a flexible access device comprising:
a compressible body having a first collapsed configuration and a second resiliently expanded configuration, the body being compressible in both a radial dimension and a longitudinal dimension and being resilient to expand in an incision in the tissue, the body having a trailing end defining concave receiving recess and a leading end defining a concave exiting recess; and
a lumen disposed in the body and extending therethrough, the lumen communicating with the concave receiving and exiting recesses so as to receive an instrument with a non-linear shaft.
10 . The kit of claim 9 , wherein the surgical instrument includes a surgical stapling cartridge.