Multi-port access device for minimally invasive surgical procedures

1. An access device for surgical procedures comprising:

a) a tubular adapter having opposed proximal and distal end portions, wherein the tubular adapter has an annular flange adjacent the proximal end portion thereof that is secured between an upper retaining ring and a lower engagement ring;

b) a multiport end cap including a plurality of separate access ports for accommodating the introduction of individual surgical instruments into an abdominal cavity of a patient;

c) a latch assembly for operatively connecting the multiport end cap to the upper retaining ring, wherein the multiport end cap is secured between the latch assembly and a top securement ring; and

d) a laparoscopic wound protector having a proximal portion that mates with the distal end portion of the tubular adapter and is configured for introduction through a single incision formed in a wall of the abdominal cavity of the patient.

2. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 1 , wherein a duckbill seal is operatively associated with the tubular adaptor.

3. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 1 , wherein the latch assembly is adapted and configured to permit relative axial rotation of the multiport end cap and the upper retaining ring associated with the tubular adapter.

4. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 3 , wherein the latch assembly includes a ratchet mechanism for selectively positioning the multiport end cap relative to the upper retaining ring associated with the tubular adapter.

5. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 4 , wherein the latch assembly includes spring loaded latches for selectively moving the ratchet mechanism.

6. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 1 , wherein the upper retaining ring supports a first connector port for a pressurized gas line and a second connector port for a pressure sensing line.

7. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 1 , wherein a seal assembly is operatively associated with each of the access ports of the end cap.

8. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the access ports has a larger access diameter than the other access ports.

9. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 1 , wherein the top securement ring has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart opening therein for mating with corresponding flexible tabs of the latch assembly to secure the multiport end cap therebetween.

10. An access device for surgical procedures as recited in claim 1 , wherein the lower engagement ring has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart opening therein for mating with corresponding flexible tabs of the upper retaining ring to secure the annular flange of the tubular adapter therebetween.