ACCESS ASSEMBLY WITH ANTI-COLLAPSING STRUCTURE
An access assembly including an anti-collapsing structure is provided. The access assembly includes a compressible body having first and second ends and a central portion extending therebetween. The compressible body defines at least a first lumen configured to receive an instrument in a sealing manner. The access assembly further includes an anti-collapsing structure extending at least partially between the proximal and distal ends of the compressible body. The anti-collapsing structure is configured to permit compression of the compressible body during insertion into an incision and return the compressible body to an uncompressed condition following insertion.
1 . An access assembly comprising:
a compressible body having first and second ends and a central portion extending therebetween, the compressible body defining at least a first lumen configured to receive an instrument in a sealing manner; and
an anti-collapsing structure extending at least partially between the proximal and distal ends of the compressible body, the anti-collapsing structure is configured to permit compression of the compressible body during insertion into an incision and return the compressible body to an uncompressed condition following insertion.
2 . The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anti-collapsing structure includes one or more helical spring members.
3 . The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anti-collapsing structure includes a plurality of hoops.
4 . The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anti-collapsing structure is selectively received within the compressible body.
5 . The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compressible body is formed about the anti-collapsing structure.
6 . The access assembly of claim 1 , including a lower rim at the distal end of the compressible body and an upper rim at the proximal end of the compressible body.
7 . The access assembly of claim 1 , including a first spring section in the proximal end of the body and a second spring section in the distal end of the body.
8 . The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the compressible body includes three lumen.
9 . The access assembly claim 1 , wherein the compressible body is composed of at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), rubber, foam, gel.
10 . The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anti-collapsing structure is formed of metal, plastic, polymer or a combination thereof.
11 . The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anti-collapsing structure is formed of a material having a circular, triangular, rectangular or oval cross-sectional profile.