Abstract:
A cannula system is described. The cannula system may be formed of biocompatible materials that are suitable to be sterilized. Accordingly, the cannula system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the cannula system may be provided with an internal valve system disposed in a port portion thereof wherein the valve system may be operable to receive the trocar there through, as well as maintaining insufflation of the body cavity. Furthermore, the cannula system may be provided with a plurality of rib members formed on an external surface of the cannula shaft, wherein the rib members may engage the tissues adjacent the incision, thus maintaining the position of the cannula shaft and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the cannula shaft.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/412,553, filed Nov. 11, 2010, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to cannulas and more specifically to reposable and/or reusable cannula systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Endoscopy, and especially laparoscopic endoscopy, has been a rapidly growing surgical practice in the past decades. Accessing the patient&#39;s laparoscopic cavity is typically done via holes, usually punctured with a sharp element referred to as a trocar. In order to penetrate the patient&#39;s laparoscopic cavity, the trocar is placed into a tubular element referred to as a cannula, such that the sharp end of the trocar is protruding from the cannula&#39;s distal end. Once the trocar end punctures the abdominal wall and enters the body cavity, it can be withdrawn and various surgical instruments may then be introduced through the cannula and into the body cavity. 
         [0004]    Cannulas are most commonly a single patient use instrument, although there is greater interest in developing reposable (i.e., suitable for a relatively low number of surgical uses) and/or reusable (i.e., suitable for a relatively high number of surgical uses) cannulas that can be appropriately sterilized again and again for use with multiple numbers of patients. Attempts to design and/or manufacture conventional cannula systems that are reposable and/or reusable have not been entirely satisfactory. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there exists a need for new and improved reusable cannula systems that overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, a new and improved cannula system is provided. The cannula system allows for penetration of an associated trocar into the patient&#39;s abdominal cavity. The cannula system may be formed of biocompatible materials that are suitable to be sterilized numerous times. Accordingly, the cannula system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the cannula system may be provided with an internal valve system disposed in a port portion thereof wherein the valve system may be operable to receive the trocar there through, as well as maintaining insufflation of the body cavity. Furthermore, the cannula system may be provided with a plurality of rib members formed on an external surface of the cannula shaft, wherein the rib members may engage the tissues adjacent the incision hole, thus maintaining the position of the cannula shaft and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the cannula shaft. 
         [0007]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a cannula system is provided, comprising: a cannula member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the cannula member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion; a port member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the port member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the port member is operable to be at least partially received within the proximal portion of the cannula member; a valve member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the valve member is operable to be at least partially received within the proximal portion of the port member; a retainer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the retainer member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the retainer member is operable to be at least partially received within the proximal portion of the valve member, wherein a surface of the distal portion of the retainer member is operable to releasably engage a surface of the proximal portion of the valve member; and a seal member, wherein the seal member includes an area defining a bore formed in a surface thereof, wherein the seal member is operable to envelop the proximal portion of the retainer, wherein a surface of the seal member is operable to releasably engage a surface of the proximal portion of the retainer member. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, a cap member is provided having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the cap member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein a surface of the distal portion of the cap member is operable to releasably engage a surface of the proximal portion of the cannula member. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, any of the cannula member, port member, valve member, retainer member, seal member, and cap member is comprised of a reusable and/or reposable material. 
         [0010]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, any of the cannula member, port member, retainer member, and cap member is comprised of a thermoplastic material. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, any of the valve member and seal member is comprised of a rubber material. 
         [0012]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the cannula member has a smooth external surface. 
         [0013]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the cannula member has a plurality of ribbed members disposed on an external surface thereof. 
         [0014]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, none of the rib members contact an adjacent rib member. 
         [0015]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member extends continuously around the circumference of the cannula member. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member does not extend continuously around the circumference of the cannula member. 
         [0017]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member includes a planar surface extending outwardly away from the external surface of the cannula member and a tapered surface extending inwardly towards the external surface of the cannula member. 
         [0018]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member includes at least one area defining an indentation formed in a surface thereof. 
         [0019]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member includes a rounded surface profile. 
         [0020]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member includes an outwardly beveled surface profile. 
         [0021]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member includes a raised planar surface profile. 
         [0022]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member includes a chevron-shaped surface profile. 
         [0023]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, at least one rib member includes an inwardly beveled surface profile. 
         [0024]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, the valve member is a duckbill type valve. 
         [0025]    In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a cannula system is provided, comprising: a cannula member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the cannula member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, a port member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the port member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the port member is operable to be at least partially received within the proximal portion of the cannula member, a valve member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the valve member is operable to be at least partially received within the proximal portion of the port member, a retainer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the retainer member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the retainer member is operable to be at least partially received within the proximal portion of the valve member, wherein an annular flange member of the distal portion of the retainer member is operable to releasably engage an area defining a groove formed on a surface of the proximal portion of the valve member, and a seal member, wherein the seal member includes an area defining a bore formed in a surface thereof, wherein the seal member is operable to envelop the proximal portion of the retainer, wherein an annular flange member of the seal member is operable to releasably engage an area defining a groove formed on a surface of the proximal portion of the retainer member. 
         [0026]    In accordance with an aspect of this embodiment, a cap member is provided having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the cap member includes an area defining a through bore extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein a threaded surface of the distal portion of the cap member is operable to releasably engage a threaded surface of the proximal portion of the cannula member. 
         [0027]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposed of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a cannula system, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a cutaway view of a valve assembly, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a cutaway view of a valve assembly seated in a port member, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a cutaway view of a valve assembly seated in a port member that is in turn seated in a head portion of a cannula, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a cutaway view of a valve assembly seated in a port member that is in turn seated in a head portion of a cannula, wherein a cap member is secured to the head portion, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates an elevational view of a cannula system, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates an elevational view of a cannula member having a smooth external surface, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a top plan view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a partial detail view of the proximal portion of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 3 , in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a partial detail view of the distal portion of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 3 , in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates an elevational view of a cannula member having a ribbed external surface, in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a top plan view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a partial detail view of the proximal portion of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a partial detail view of the distal portion of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a sectional view taken along line I-I of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a cannula member having a ribbed external surface, in accordance with a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 5 , in accordance with a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 7  illustrates an elevational view of a cannula member having a discontinuous ribbed external surface, in accordance with an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a sectional view taken along line II-II of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  illustrates an elevational view of a cannula member having an alternative discontinuous ribbed external surface, in accordance with a twentieth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a sectional view taken along line III-III of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 8B  illustrates an elevational view of a cannula member having an non-ribbed external surface, in accordance with a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 8C  illustrates a sectional view taken along line Iv-Iv of  FIG. 8B , in accordance with a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 9  illustrates a partial elevational view of a cannula member having a ribbed external surface, in accordance with a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 9 , in accordance with a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a partial elevational view of a first alternative cannula member having a ribbed external surface, in accordance with a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 9C  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 9B , in accordance with a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 9D  illustrates a partial elevational view of a second alternative cannula member having a ribbed external surface, in accordance with a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 9E  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 9D , in accordance with a twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 9F  illustrates a partial elevational view of a third alternative cannula member having a ribbed external surface, in accordance with a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 9G  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 9F , in accordance with a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 10  illustrates a partial elevational view of a fourth alternative cannula member having a continuous or discontinuous ribbed external surface, in accordance with a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 10B  illustrates a partial elevational view of a fifth alternative cannula member having a continuous or discontinuous ribbed external surface, in accordance with a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 10C  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 10B , in accordance with a thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 10D  illustrates a partial elevational view of a sixth alternative cannula member having a continuous or discontinuous ribbed external surface, in accordance with a thirty-sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 10E  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 10D , in accordance with a thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 10F  illustrates a partial elevational view of a seventh alternative cannula member having a continuous or discontinuous ribbed external surface, in accordance with a thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 10G  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cannula member depicted in  FIG. 10F , in accordance with a thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 11  illustrates an elevational view of a port member of a cannula system, in accordance with a fortieth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 11A  illustrates a top plan view of a port member of a cannula system, in accordance with a forty-first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 11B  illustrates a partial broken away elevational view of a port member of a cannula system, in accordance with a forty-second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0071]      FIG. 11C  illustrates a sectional view taken along line V-V of  FIG. 11B , in accordance with a forty-third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve member of a cannula system, in accordance with a forty-fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 12A  is a bottom perspective view of a valve member of a cannula system. In accordance with a forty-fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0074]      FIG. 12B  is a top perspective view of a valve member of a cannula system. In accordance with a forty-sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0075]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of a retainer member of a cannula system, in accordance with a forty-seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0076]      FIG. 13A  illustrates a top plan view of a retainer member of a cannula system, in accordance with a forty-eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0077]      FIG. 13B  illustrates a bottom plan view of a retainer member of a cannula system, in accordance with a forty-ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0078]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of a seal member of a cannula system, in accordance with a fiftieth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0079]      FIG. 14A  illustrates a top plan view of a seal member of a cannula system, in accordance with a fifty-first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 14B  illustrates a bottom plan view of a seal member of a cannula system, in accordance with a fifty-second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 15  illustrates an elevational view of a cap member of a cannula system, in accordance with a fifty-third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0082]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a top plan view of a cap member of a cannula system, in accordance with a fifty-fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0083]      FIG. 15B  illustrates another elevational view of a cap member of a cannula system, in accordance with a fifty-fifth embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0084]      FIG. 15C  illustrates a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of  FIG. 15B , in accordance with a fifty-sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0085]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0086]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or uses. 
         [0087]    Referring to the Figures generally, and specifically to  FIGS. 1-2 , there is shown a cannula system generally at  10 . The cannula system  10  primarily includes a cannula member  100 , a port member  300 , a valve member  400 , a retainer member  500 , a seal member  600  and a cap member  700 . It should be appreciated that the cannula system  10  of the present invention is operable to interoperate with a trocar or similar device during a surgical procedure. 
         [0088]    The cannula member  100  may be comprised of a biocompatible material. By way of a non-limiting example, the cannula member  100  may be comprised of thermoplastics, such as but not limited to polyphenylsulfone, such as but not limited to RADEL® R-5500 (Solvay Advanced Polymers L.L.C., Alpharetta Ga.). The chosen material may be suitable to be sterilized by conventional methods numerous times without any appreciable degradation or loss of function. 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-3C , there is shown various views of the cannula member  100 , wherein the cannula member  100  may have a smooth external surface  102 . The cannula member  100  may include a proximal head portion  104 , a shaft portion  105 , and a distal end portion  106 . An area defining a lumen or through bore  108  may be formed within an interior portion of the cannula member  100 , allowing instrumentation (e.g., a trocar) to be inserted into the head portion  104  and extend through the end portion  106 . The head portion  104  may include an external thread portion  110  (the purpose of which will be explained herein). The end portion  106  may include an angled portion  112  for facilitating insertion of the cannula member  100  through the patient&#39;s tissue towards the intended body cavity. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , there is shown various views of the cannula member  100 , wherein the shaft portion  105  of the cannula member  100  may have a ribbed external surface  120  including a plurality of rib members  122  formed thereon. By way of a non-limiting example, the rib members  122  may aid in engaging the tissues adjacent the incision hole, thus maintaining the position of the shaft portion  105  and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the shaft portion  105 . 
         [0091]    In these views, each of the rib members  122  may extend outwardly from the external surface  102 . By way of a non-limiting example, the rib members  122  may include a planar surface  124  and a tapered surface  126  extending back towards the external surface  102  (e.g., see  FIG. 6 ). However, it should be noted that no portion of the ribbed members  122  contact one another, i.e., adjacent rib members  122  do not contact each other. Additionally, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 4 ,  4 B and  4 D, the head portion  104  may be provided with a plurality of fluted or scalloped portions  124  formed on the external surface thereof to aid in gripping the head portion  104 , e.g., by the surgeon. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIGS. 7-7A , there are shown various views of the cannula member  100 , wherein the rib members  122  may include at least one, and preferably, at least two areas defining indentations or discontinuities  130  formed along the outer circumference of the rib members  122 . In this view, the indentations or discontinuities  130  may be spaced and opposed from one another, although it is envisioned that the relative placement of the indentations or discontinuities  130  may be varied. By way of a non-limiting example, the indentations or discontinuities  130  may further aid in engaging the tissues adjacent the incision hole, thus maintaining the position of the shaft portion  105  and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the shaft portion  105 . 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-8A , there are shown various views of the cannula member  100 , wherein the rib members  122  may include at least one, and preferably, at least four areas defining indentations or discontinuities  140  formed along the outer circumference of the rib members  122 . In this view, the indentations or discontinuities  140  may be equally spaced and opposed from one another, although it is envisioned that the relative placement of the indentations or discontinuities  140  may be varied. By way of a non-limiting example, the indentations or discontinuities  140  may further aid in engaging the tissues adjacent the incision hole, thus maintaining the position of the shaft portion  105  and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the shaft portion  105 . 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIGS. 8B-8C , there are shown various views of the cannula member  100 , wherein the rib members  122  do not include any areas defining indentations or discontinuities formed along the outer circumference of the rib members  122 . 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 9-9G , there are shown various views of a cannula member having various configurations of ribbed external surfaces. Referring to  FIGS. 9-9A , in system  150 , the rib members  152  may be continuous and may possess a rounded profile surface  154 . Referring to  FIGS. 9B-9C , in system  160 , the rib members  162  may be continuous and may include a planar surface  164  and a tapered surface  166 . Referring to  FIGS. 9D-9E , in system  170 , the rib members  172  may be continuous and may include an outwardly extending beveled surface  174 . Referring to  FIGS. 9F-9G , in system  180 , the rib members  182  may be continuous and may include a raised planar surface  184 . 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 10-10G , there are shown various views of a cannula member having various additional configurations of ribbed external surfaces. Referring to  FIGS. 10-10A , in system  200 , the rib members  202  may be continuous and may possess a chevron-shaped profile surface  204 . Referring to  FIGS. 10B-10C , in system  210 , the rib members  212  may be continuous and alternating rib members  212  may include a planar surface  214  and a tapered surface  216 . Referring to  FIGS. 10D-10E , in system  220 , the rib members  222  may be continuous and may include an inwardly extending beveled surface  224 . Referring to  FIGS. 10E-10G , in system  230 , the rib members  232  may be discontinuous and may include a planar surface  234  and a tapered surface  236 . 
         [0097]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-11C , there are shown various views of a port member  300  of the cannula system  10 . The port member  300  may include an area defining a through bore  302  extending from a proximal portion  304  to a distal portion  306 . The through bore  302  may allow instrumentation (e.g., a trocar) to pass there through. The distal portion  306  may include a threaded portion  308  formed on an internal surface  310  thereof. The threaded portion  308  may be intended to threadingly mate with the external thread portion  110  of the cannula member  100 . In this manner, the cannula member  100  may be selectively mated to the port member  300 . The proximal portion  304  may include an external threaded portion  310  formed thereon (the purpose of which will be described herein). A port passage  312  may be formed on an external surface  314  and may extend to an internal surface  316  of the port member  300 . By way of a non-limiting example, the intended purpose of the port passage  312  is to permit an insufflation gas (or other fluid) to be introduced into the body cavity, e.g., via the cannula member  100 . It should be appreciated that a stopcock (or other valve system) (not shown) may be operably associated with the port passage  312  to control the flow of the insufflation gas. 
         [0098]    By way of a non-limiting example, the port member  300  may be comprised of thermoplastics, such as but not limited to polyphenylsulfone, such as but not limited to RADEL® R-5500 (Solvay Advanced Polymers L.L.C., Alpharetta Ga.). The chosen material may be suitable to be sterilized by conventional methods numerous times without any appreciable degradation or loss of function. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIGS. 12-12B , there is shown a valve member  400  of the cannula system  10 . In this view, the valve member  400  may be configured as a “duckbill-type” although it is envisioned that other configurations of the valve member may be used as well. The valve member  400  may include an area defining a cavity  402  originating at a proximal portion  404  and terminating at a distal portion  406 . A pair of flexible valve walls  408 ,  410 , respectively, may be formed at the distal portion  406 . The valve walls  408 ,  410 , respectively, may be selectively operable to permit instrumentation (e.g., a trocar) to extend through a space  412  separating the valve walls  408 ,  410 , respectively. A ledge portion  414  may be formed on an internal surface  416  near the proximal portion  404  of the valve member  400 , the intended purpose of which will be described herein. The internal surface  416  may form an “overhang” with respect to ledge portion  414 . 
         [0100]    The valve member  400  may be intended to be at least partially received within the through bore  302  of the port member  300 . 
         [0101]    By way of a non-limiting example, the valve member  400  may be comprised of a flexible material, such as but not limited to silicone rubber. The chosen material may be suitable to be sterilized by conventional methods numerous times and may be replaced when any appreciable degradation/defect/wear and/or loss of function occurs. 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIGS. 13-13B , there are shown various views of a retainer member  500  of the cannula system  10 . In this view, the retainer member  500  may include an area defining a through bore  502  originating at a proximal portion  504  and terminating at a distal portion  506 . The through bore  502  may be selectively operable to permit instrumentation (e.g., a trocar) to extend there through and assists in keeping the trocar centered relative to a central axis of the cannula member  100 , the port member  300  and the valve member  400 . An external shoulder member  508  may extend along an external surface  510  of the retainer member  500  and define a lower wall or annular flange portion  512 , the intended purpose of which will be described herein. The internal surface  510  may form an “overhang” with respect to proximal portion  504 . 
         [0103]    The retainer member  500  may be intended to be at least partially received within the cavity  402  of the valve member  400 . More specifically, the lower wall portion  512  may be intended to rest upon ledge portion  414  of the valve member  400 , with the shoulder member  508  resting upon a top surface  418  of the proximal portion  404  of the valve member  400 . Additionally, a portion of the lower wall portion  512  may releasably engage (e.g., via a snap fit) the “overhang” or groove formed by the internal surface  416  and the ledge portion  414 . 
         [0104]    By way of a non-limiting example, the retainer member  500  may be comprised of thermoplastics, such as but not limited to polyphenylsulfone, such as but not limited to RADEL® R-5500 (Solvay Advanced Polymers L.L.C., Alpharetta Ga.). The chosen material may be suitable to be sterilized by conventional methods numerous times without any appreciable degradation or loss of function. 
         [0105]    Referring to  FIGS. 14-14B , there are shown various views of a seal member  600  of the cannula system  10 . In this view, the seal member  600  may include an area defining a through bore  602  originating at a proximal portion  604  and terminating at a distal portion  606 . The through bore  602  may be selectively operable to permit instrumentation (e.g., a trocar) to extend there through and assist in keeping the trocar centered relative to a central axis of the cannula member  100 , the port member  300 , the valve member  400 , and the retainer member  500 . An area defining a cavity  608  may be formed proximate an underside surface  610  of the seal member  600  and further define an annular wall or flange member  612  extending downwardly away from the distal portion  606 . The seal member  600 , specifically the wall member  612 , may be intended to fit snuggly on top of an upper surface  514  of the shoulder member  508  of the retainer member  500 . Additionally, a portion of the annular wall member  612  may releasably engage (e.g., via a snap fit) the “overhang” or groove formed by the internal surface  510  and the proximal portion  504 . In this manner, the seal member  600  may prevent, or at least lessen, the escape of any insufflation gas that has been introduced into the port passage  312 . 
         [0106]    By way of a non-limiting example, the seal member  600  may be comprised of a flexible material, such as but not limited to silicone rubber. The chosen material may be suitable to be sterilized by conventional methods numerous times and can be replaced when any appreciable degradation/defect/wear and/or loss of function occurs. 
         [0107]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-15C , there are shown various views of a cap member  700  of the cannula system  10 . In this view, the cap member  700  may include an area defining a through bore  702  originating at a proximal portion  704  and terminating at a distal portion  706 . The through bore  702  may be selectively operable to permit instrumentation (e.g., a trocar) to extend there through and assist in keeping the trocar centered relative to a central axis of the cannula member  100 , the port member  300 , the valve member  400 , the retainer member  500 , and the seal member  600 . The distal portion  706  may include a threaded portion  708  formed on an internal surface  710  thereof. The threaded portion  708  may be intended to threadingly mate with the external thread portion  308  of the port member  300 . In this manner, the cap member  700  may be selectively securely mated to the port member  300 , which in turns keeps the valve member  400 , the retainer member  500 , and the seal member  600  in place and properly aligned therewith. By way of a non-limiting example, when the cap member  700  is engaged to the port member  300 , a shoulder surface  712  formed on another internal surface  714  (e.g., above the threaded portion  708 ) of the cap member  700  may engage an outer periphery portion  514   a  of the upper surface  514  of the shoulder member  508  of the retainer member  500 , thus preventing, or at least lessening, any movement of the valve member  400 , the retainer member  500 , and the seal member  600 . 
         [0108]    By way of a non-limiting example, the cap member  700  may be comprised of thermoplastics, such as but not limited to polyphenylsulfone, such as but not limited to RADEL® R-5500 (Solvay Advanced Polymers L.L.C., Alpharetta Ga.). The chosen material may be suitable to be sterilized by conventional methods numerous times without any appreciable degradation or loss of function. 
         [0109]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.