초록 ▼

An elongated arthroscopic cannula having proximal and distal elastomeric sealing means through which elongated surgical instruments may be inserted. The cannula seals maintain their effectiveness with and without instruments present within the cannula. The distal sealing means is a transverse linear

An elongated arthroscopic cannula having proximal and distal elastomeric sealing means through which elongated surgical instruments may be inserted. The cannula seals maintain their effectiveness with and without instruments present within the cannula. The distal sealing means is a transverse linear slit supported around its perimeter by a racetrack-shaped reinforcing member to engage instruments inserted therethrough and to seal the proximal side of the linear slit from the distal side when no instrument is used. The proximal sealing means is a floating, circular aperture capable of being laterally moved and tilted in order to provide a sealing function around an instrument shaft whether or not the shaft is aligned with the axis of the cannula.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A sealing cannula for enabling passage of elongated instruments therethrough comprising:a tubular housing having an axis, an inner surface and outer surface, a distal end, a proximal end and an axially aligned tubular body extending distally from said distal end;a first p

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A sealing cannula for enabling passage of elongated instruments therethrough comprising:a tubular housing having an axis, an inner surface and outer surface, a distal end, a proximal end and an axially aligned tubular body extending distally from said distal end;a first proximal elastomeric seal comprising:a first tubular wall having a proximal end and a distal end;a first transverse end wall at the proximal end of said first tubular wall, said first transverse end wall comprising an expandable circular aperture; andfloating means for enabling lateral and inclined motion of said circular aperture relative to said axis when an elongated instrument is inserted therethrough;means for securing said first tubular wall to said housing, aligning said circular aperture along said axis and spacing said circular aperture a first predetermined longitudinal distance from said proximal end of said housing;a second distal elastomeric seal comprising:a second tubular wall having a proximal end and a distal end;a second transverse end wall at the distal end of said second tubular wall, said second transverse end wall having proximal and distal sides and a transversely oriented linear slit therethrough;means for securing said second tubular wall within said housing, aligning said slit along said axis and spacing said slit a second predetermined longitudinal distance from said circular aperture; anda generally rectangular primary reinforcing member formed about said slit, and extending distally a predetermined distance from said second transverse end wall on the distally facing side of said end wall.