Surgical access system
View Patent ↗The invention is directed to a surgical access system that provides access to a surgical area while maintaining pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. The access system comprises a sheath retractor adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter and a detachable seal adapted to be removable from the sheath retractor. In another aspect, the detachable seal comprising a valve including a plurality of overlapping sheets defining an access channel that extends into communication with the incision in the patient. Each of the overlapping sheets includes a portion of the perimeter that is not fixed to the inner diameter of the ring, which provide open edges defining the access channel.
1. A surgical access device comprising:
a valve structure comprising:
a plurality of septum layers; and
a ring having an inner diameter for affixing the plurality of septum layers along their perimeter;
wherein the plurality of septum layers includes a first septum layer having a hole at a center of the first septum layer;
wherein the plurality of septum layers comprises a second septum layer comprising a central patch supported by a plurality of spokes extending from the central patch, the central patch being large enough to cover the hole of the first septum layer;
wherein the valve structure in a first state forming a zero seal in the absence of the instrument or the arm of the surgeon extending through the valve structure, the valve structure in a second state forming an instrument seal in the presence of the instrument or the arm of the surgeon extending through the valve structure and into a patient.
2. The surgical access device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of septum layers includes a third septum layer having an open edge and a fourth septum layer having an open edge.
3. The surgical access device of claim 2 wherein the open edges of the third septum layer and the fourth septum layer slightly overlap at a center of the ring.
4. The surgical access device of claim 2 wherein the open edges of the third septum layer and the fourth septum layer have a concave configuration.
5. The surgical access device of claim 4 wherein the ring is rigid.
6. The surgical access device of claim 4 wherein the second septum layer and the third septum layer are disposed between the first septum layer and the fourth septum layer.
7. The surgical access device of claim 4 wherein the plurality of septum layers are made of elastomeric material.