Patent ID: 6159182
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A disposable seal assembly, including:a body through which a channel extends to a distal end of the body;a sacrificial flange having a first diameter and being positioned along the channel at a first location; anda sealing flange having a second diameter less than the first diameter and being positioned along the channel at a second location distal of the first location of the sacrificial flange, wherein at least one of the sacrificial flange and the sealing flange provides a seal around an instrument when the instrument is positioned in the channel;the sacrificial flange being shaped so that in response to displacement of a portion of the sacrificial flange by the instrument while the instrument is inserted through the channel, the displaced portion of the sacrificial flange folds toward the sealing flange, thereby displacing a portion of the sealing flange to prevent the sealing flange from being cut by the instrument as the instrument continues translating through the channel the displaced portion of the sacrificial flange being thicker than the portion of the sealing flange;the sealing flange protruding from the body at an angle relative to the sacrificial flange, so that the sealing flange extends in a direction away from the sacrificial flange; andthe sacrificial flange being disposed generally in a plane extending radially of the channel.