Patent ID: 8152774
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical method, comprising the steps of: insufflating a body cavity with fluids to at least partially distend the body cavity; introducing a sleeve member through tissue to access the body cavity, the sleeve member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening, the sleeve member having a non-inflatable seal member mounted thereto, the seal member including a substrate and a plurality of bristles depending radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis from the substrate and terminating to define an open seal passage, the open seal passage having a constant diameter along at least a longitudinal segment of a longitudinal length of the seal member, the end segments of at least some of the bristles being arranged to define an internal taper extending along the longitudinal axis and leading to the open seal passage of the seal member; advancing a surgical object through the seal member whereby the internal taper facilitates passage of the surgical object toward and through the open seal passage and through the longitudinal opening of the sleeve member to a position adjacent targeted tissue within the body cavity whereby the bristles establish a substantial sealed relation about the surgical object within the open seal passage; and performing a surgical procedure with the object.