Wound closure device including suction step sleeve
View Patent ↗An access apparatus is adapted and configured to access an underlying body cavity. The access apparatus includes a sleeve including a plurality of tubules. The tubules are configured and adapted to suction fascia of opposing tissue tracts to facilitate wound closure. A method of using the access apparatus is also provided.
1. A method of wound closure, comprising the steps of:
placing a tubular sleeve within a wound of a tissue, the tubular sleeve configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and expand radially outward, the tubular sleeve including:
an outer surface; and
a plurality of tubules, the tubules positioned about the outer surface of the sleeve, each of the tubules configured and adapted to apply a radial and inwardly directed force to draw tissue positioned near the sleeve toward the sleeve;
applying a suction to the tubules, thereby drawing the wound partially closed;
partially approximating the wound about the sleeve;
removing the sleeve from the wound; and
closing the wound.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of inserting an instrument within the sleeve.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the sleeve radially expands to accommodate the instrument.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the sleeve has a diameter that adjusts in response to a diameter of the instrument inserted within the sleeve.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tubules are disposed along the length of the sleeve.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tubules are woven together.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of the tubules are connected to an external source of suction.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes a braided material covered by an elastic membrane to form a mesh.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the mesh is configured and adapted to expand as the surgical instrument is inserted through the tubular sleeve.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the mesh is configured and adapted to radially close upon removal of the surgical instrument.