Patent ID: 7736305
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A device for providing access to a surgical location within a patient, said device comprising: an elongate body having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a distal portion, said inner surface defining a passage extending through the elongate body along a longitudinal axis through which surgical instruments can be inserted to the surgical location, said distal portion being actuatable between a reduced configuration and an expanded configuration when inserted within the patient, wherein the cross-sectional area of said passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of said passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location; and a sleeve configured to be moved relative to said elongate body along the longitudinal axis to increase or to decrease the length of the passage along the longitudinal axis, wherein the sleeve movement to increase or decrease the length of the passage is independent of the actuation of the distal portion of the elongate body, wherein the sleeve is configured to be received within the elongate body.