FLEXIBLE ACCESS ASSEMBLY WITH REINFORCED LUMEN

1 . An access assembly for insertion through tissue, the access assembly comprising:

a foam body having a proximal end and a distal end; and

a plurality of lumen extending through the flexible body, each of the lumen including a sleeve extending at least a portion of the length of the body.

2 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the body has a central portion and an upper rim at a proximal end of the central portion.

3 . The access assembly as recited in claim 2 , wherein the body has a lower rim at a distal end of the central portion.

4 . The access assembly as recited in claim 2 , wherein the upper rim has a diameter greater than a diameter of the central portion.

5 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , including three lumen.

6 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sleeves are integrally formed with the body.

7 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sleeves are securely affixed with the body.

8 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sleeves define a circular cross-section.

9 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , further including one or more cannula assemblies inserted through the plurality of lumen.

10 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sleeves are formed from one of polymer and plastic.

11 . The access assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sleeves include a braided material.

12 . The access assembly 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.

13 . A method of accessing a body cavity comprising the steps of:

creating an incision through the abdominal wall;

providing an access assembly having a foam body and a plurality of lumen extending through the body, each of the lumen including a sleeve extending the length of the body;

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

receiving a cannula assembly through one or more of the plurality of lumen.

14 . The method of claim 13 , further including the step of receiving one or more instruments through the one or more cannula assemblies.

15 . The method of claim 13 , further including the step of removing the one or more cannula assemblies.

16 . The method of claim 15 , further including the step of receiving a valve assembly through one of the plurality of lumen.

17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the body includes a Parylene coating.