Abstract:
The device for laparoscopically delivering a solid material through a trocar into a body cavity comprises at least: a hollow tube defining a void therein and having a hub at a proximal end thereof, the hub having a proximal opening therein which forms a continuation of the hollow tube; the hollow tube having a prepackaged solid material therewithin; the tube having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of a trocar through which the tube is inserted into a body cavity, the tube extending past a valve in the trocar when positioned therewithin; the hub having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the trocar so as not to pass therethrough; and the material being suitably anchored by a string to the device so as not to become lost within the body cavity after being pushed out of the tube.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61/714,791 filed Oct. 17, 2012 and entitled Laparoscopic Delivery Device and from provisional application Ser. No. 61/714,793 filed Oct. 17, 2012 and entitled Laparoscopic Absorbent Pad and from provisional application Ser. No. 61/832,489 filed Jun. 7, 2013 and entitled Multifunctional Laparoscopic Delivery Device, the teachings of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a delivery device for dispensing materials through a trocar during laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures which rely on use of trocars inserted through small incisions created in the body, primarily allowing access to the interior of the abdominal region. Such trocars are of small diameter, making it particularly difficult to introduce pieces of solid material into the body cavity. Thus there exists a need for devices that are especially well suited for use with small incisions to assist in the introduction of absorbent gauze, pads, cottonoid, fibrous, mesh or other solid materials. A further requirement is the need of a delivery device with a hub or housing which acts as an anchoring mechanism that can prevent the solid material from becoming trapped in the body of the patient. Still further is the need of a material packaging device that is able to provide an important improvement in the delivery of solid materials. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    A delivery device for inserting a surgical mesh is described in United States Patent Publication US 2004/0092970. The delivery device contains a rolled mesh material that is formed into a cylindrical shape and contained within an outer tubular sleeve. The rolled mesh material has a string attachment for removing the mesh material from the outer tubular sleeve. After the delivery device is pushed through the trocar cannula the free end of the string is grasped with a laparoscopic grasping tool and pulled into the abdomen. First, the housing of this delivery device is not effective at preventing the accidental insertion of the complete delivery device into the abdomen, in that the delivery device has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of a trocar cannula. The lack of a way to provide a stop for the delivery device allows for the delivery device to possibly fall into the abdomen. Thus, this prior delivery device increases the potential for complications during the surgery as well as the time required for completion of the surgery. We have found that the duration of the surgery is increased because the positioning of the delivery device is not constrained. Consequently, the surgeon must find the delivery device, grasp it, and then remove it from within the abdomen. 
         [0004]    Other delivery devices for laparoscopic surgery include a device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,169, consisting of an outer housing with a special size and shape adapted for insertion into a trocar. The housing ends in an elongated tip portion which forms the exit of the delivery device. The housing of the delivery device is hollow for the storage of solid material within its central space. The laparoscopic delivery device dispenses rigid or flexible solid materials. During a surgical procedure, the solid material is inserted into the abdominal cavity of a patient. The laparoscopic delivery device elongated tip portion fits into a trocar and pierces the valve of the trocar. Since the device pierces the trocar valve, a sealing mechanism referred to as the magazine, prevents the loss of insufflation pressure from the insufflated abdomen. In one embodiment, the magazine portion of the delivery device hub or housing is composed of a flexible and collapsible material which forms a seal around the shaft of a laparoscopic tool. The laparoscopic tool can pass into the abdomen of the patient while the delivery device remains in the trocar cannula. The laparoscopic tool must be used to hold the solid material (such as fabric) as well as to position the material within the abdomen. The delivery device embodiment with the flexible magazine design does not prepackage the solid material into a tight space within the delivery device. The lack of prepackaging limits the amount of solid material which can be inserted. In addition, the surgeon must grasp the solid material with a laparoscopic tool and place the solid material into the delivery device. The solid magazine embodiment of this delivery device requires additional trocars and incisions to be made into the body, increasing post-operative pain and healing time. The solid magazine also does not allow a laparoscopic tool to be inserted through the delivery device while the delivery device is seated within the trocar. Still further, the surgeon must obtain the solid material separate from the delivery device and place the solid material into the delivery device. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,767 discloses another surgical dispensing apparatus. During a surgical procedure, absorbent material is inserted through a laparoscopic port by a grasping instrument. The grasping instrument aids the positioning of the absorbent material within the body. After the absorbent material is positioned within the body, an anchoring disc or ring prevents the absorbent material from further entering the body. However, devices with loose absorbent materials, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,767, are not easily delivered through the trocar or positioned within the body. No completely satisfactory improvement in the packaging of surgical absorbent dispensing devices has been developed. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,927 discloses still another apparatus for dispensing surgical packing. The apparatus stores absorbent material in a reel like device attached to a tube. The tube fits into a trocar and pierces the valve of the trocar. This device has limitations to its usefulness in that the device must be removed from the trocar before a laparoscopic instrument, such as a cauterizing tool or laparoscopic grasper can occupy the trocar. Improved laparoscopic or endoscopic material dispensing devices which facilitate the insertion of material into a body cavity are thus desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to the invention there is provided a device for laparoscopically delivering a solid material through a trocar into a body cavity. The device comprises at least a hollow tube defining a void therein and having a hub at a proximal end thereof. The hub has a proximal opening therein which forms a continuation of the hollow tube and the hollow tube in turn has a prepackaged solid material therewithin. The tube has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of a trocar through which the tube is inserted into a body cavity. During use, the tube extends past a valve in the trocar when positioned therewithin. The hub has a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the trocar so as not to pass therethrough and the solid material is suitably anchored by a string to the device so as not to become lost within the body cavity after being pushed out of the tube. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment especially when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals in the several views refer to corresponding parts. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  provides a perspective view of a first embodiment of the laparoscopic delivery device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  provides a longitudinal cross sectional view through the laparoscopic delivery device of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  provides a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the laparoscopic delivery device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 28  provides a longitudinal cross sectional view through the laparoscopic delivery device of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  provides a longitudinal cross sectional view showing the laparoscopic delivery device as inserted into a trocar. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  provides a perspective view showing the laparoscopic delivery device dispensing an exemplary absorbent pad to a target site through a trocar. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  provides a perspective view of a further embodiment of the laparoscopic delivery device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  provides a longitudinal cross sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5A  provides a perspective side view of one preferred embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5B  provides is a top planar view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5C  provides a perspective illustration of the device in use with a plunger. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5E  provides a perspective view of another alternate embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5F  illustrates a top planar view of the alternative embodiment, including a spool for storing, attaching, and dispensing a thread or tether. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5G  provides a planar view of the internal proximal parts of the embodiment of  FIG. 5E . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  provides a perspective view of the medical delivery device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  provides the sectional view of the dispensing device of the preferred embodiment prior to inserting an absorbent material. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6C  provides a perspective view of the preferred embodiment inserting an absorbent pad to a target site through a trocar. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7A-7B  illustrate a dispensing device with plunger, the plunger being integrated or provided as a separate structure. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate an embodiment including an alignment lock for preventing premature activation of the dispensing device. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment wherein the hub of the device comprises an elongate shroud. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9C  provides a longitudinal cross sectional view through the embodiment of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  illustrates a further embodiment of the plunger of the dispensing device. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. 
         [0033]    As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example or illustration,” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a first embodiment of a laparoscopic delivery device  1  is illustrated to comprise an elongate hollow tube or tube portion  7  with a proximal hollow housing or hub  3  at a proximal end  9  thereof, the hub  3  including antiroll portions  5 . The delivery device  1  also includes a distal tip portion  4 . An outer diameter of the hub  3  is larger than an inner diameter of a standard trocar  15  ( FIG. 2A ). Standard trocars  15  for laparoscopic surgery may be 5 mm or 10 mm in inner diameter. The antiroll portions  5  define opposite flat surfaces  5  on the hub  3 . The flat surfaces  5  prevent the delivery device  1  from rolling off a surgical table or other flat surface (not shown). The housing  3  of delivery device  1  also includes a guide portion  8 , which is preferably countersunk or chamfered as shown. The guide portion S acts as a funnel  8 , assisting the surgeon in finding the entrance to delivery device  1  during surgery. 
         [0035]    The tip portion  4  of the delivery device  1  is sized and configured to fit snugly within the inner diameter of standard trocars as defined above. The tip portion  4  is flexible, comprising prongs  11  of thinner material, relative to the thickness of the material of the tube portion  7 . The tip portion  4  comprises two or more prongs  11  in this embodiment. The delivery device  1  may include a loop  2  for attaching solid material  6  being delivered into a body cavity to the delivery device  1  with a radiopaque thread or string  21  ( FIG. 3B ). The hub  3  of delivery device  1  may also serve as an anchor for the device  1  and prevent the delivery device  1  from accidentally slipping into the body cavity through the trocar  15 . Once deployed, the string travels through the trocar, connecting the solid material  6  in the abdomen to the hollow tube outside the body, thereby allowing for easy determination of whether a pad is in the abdomen, easy identification of how many pads are in the abdomen, and easy removal of the pad at the end of the surgical procedure. Since the prepackaged tube housing cannot fit entirely through the trocar, it also acts as an anchoring element which prevents the absorbent pad and string from becoming lost inside the body cavity  17 . 
         [0036]    The outer diameter of the anchor is preferably greater than 14 millimeters though this should not be construed as limiting, since diameters between 12 millimeters and 14 millimeters, for example, are possible. An absorbent substance or solid absorbent material  6  or pad of the current invention can be square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape. The absorbent material is generally flexible and can be folded, coiled, or rolled in order to maximize the amount of absorbent material contained in a package dispensing system. The absorbent material is generally composed of a soft cotton fabric. The absorbent pads may also incorporate an x-ray detectable element. The absorbent material is sterilized and can be impregnated with an active substance or homeostatic agent. The absorbent pad shown is coiled and compressed to fit into the surgical packaging dispenser to maximize the amount of absorbent pad that can be dispensed from one surgical packaging dispensing device  1 . 
         [0037]    It will be understood that the elongated tube portion  7  is of a length such that, when the delivery device  1  is inserted into a trocar  15  the distal end  4  of the elongated tube  7  extends past a valve  16  ( FIG. 3A ) in the trocar  15 . The extension of the distal end  4  of the elongated tube  7  past the trocar valve  16  prevents the solid material  6  from becoming caught in the trocar valve  16  when the material  6  is being pushed into the body cavity. The inner diameter of the elongated tube portion  7  is also preferably greater than an outer diameter of standard laparoscopic tool shafts, allowing for passage of laparoscopic tools therethrough. 
         [0038]    The hollow elongated tube portion  7  in conjunction with the hollow hub  3  creates a void within which solid material for use within the body cavity is positioned and contained. Passage of any suitable laparoscopic tool (not shown) through the delivery device  1  will push the material  6  into the body cavity. 
         [0039]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2A-3B , there is illustrated therein a further embodiment of the delivery device  1 . The housing  3  of the delivery device  1  is engaged to the elongated tube portion  7  by flaring a proximal end  9  of the tube  7  into the material of the hub  3 . The proximal end  9  of the elongated tube  7  here also takes the shape of and provides a funneled guide member  8  for the delivery device  1 . A distal end or tip  4  of the hollow elongated tube  7  here also provides an exit for solid material  6  contained within the cavity therein, as best shown in  FIG. 3B . In the process of deforming the proximal end  9  of the elongated hollow tube  7 , the housing  3  and the elongated tube portion  7  are joined, creating the delivery device  1 . 
         [0040]    The delivery device  1  also includes a void therewithin for solid material  6  which extends from the proximal end  9  to the distal end  4  of the tube  7 . The void or space for receiving solid material  6  may be altered to increase the amount of solid material  6  capable of being packed within the elongated tube portion  7 . The solid material  6  may be inserted into the elongated tube portion  7  from either end of tubing  7  of the delivery device  1 . This embodiment is similarly configured to allow passage of laparoscopic tools therethrough in like fashion to the previous embodiment and thus will not be reiterated here. This device  1  further includes a countersunk distal edge  14  to the void in the hub  3  to allow the elongated tube portion  7  to be easily inserted into the housing  3  for engagement thereto. The elongated tube portion  7  is preferably made from a thin plastic material. The elongated tube  7  and hub  3  could also be made of other thin materials, such as stainless steel alloys, metal foils or plastics. 
         [0041]    With specific reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , they depict use of both embodiments presented herein so far during surgery. As illustrated, the delivery device  1  is inserted into trocar  15  to a point where distal tube end  4  extends past trocar valve  16 . The distal end  18  of trocar  15  is inserted into, for example, cavity  17  and past abdominal wall  20 . Once so positioned, a laparoscopic instrument or tool (not shown) would be inserted through the funnel or guide portion  8  of the delivery device  1  to push the solid material  6  out past the distal end  18  of the trocar  15 . 
         [0042]    The proximal enlarged housing piece would be made of plastic in the preferred embodiment, but can be manufactured from other materials. In the preferred embodiment, the enlarged proximal housing and the elongated tube would be two separate pieces joined together, but they could also be manufactured as a single piece. 
         [0043]    During surgery, a laparoscopic instrument enters the funnel portion  8  of the surgical packaging dispenser is pushed towards the end of the trocar. Absorbent pad  6  is then pushed along the tube and dispensed into the abdomen  17  of the patient. Once inside the body, the absorbent pad would unfurl and could be positioned near bleeding sites or wherever the pad or material  6  is required using, for example, a laparoscopic grasper (not shown). The absorbent pad or material  6  may also be attached to the hub  3  of the delivery device  1  as best illustrated in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A-4B , a further embodiment of a laparoscopic dispensing device  1  is seen to comprise a hollow hub or housing  3 , which also serves as an anchor, as will be described in detail hereinafter, and a hollow elongate tube portion  7 . The hub or housing  3  includes antiroll surfaces  5 , and a countersunk guide section  8  surrounding a proximal opening  13 . The elongate tube portion  7  may be either joined to or integrally formed with the hub  3  to create the dispensing device  1 . The enlarged diameter of the hub  3  is larger than the inner diameter of a standard trocar. The enlarged diameter of the hub  3  prevents the dispensing device  1  from falling into the abdomen through the trocar. The enlarged diameter is preferably larger than 14 millimeters. However, diameters between 12 millimeters and 14 millimeters are also possible to use. The diameter of the elongate tube portion  7  may be varied so that it fits snugly inside a range of different sized standard trocars for laparoscopic surgery including 5 mm to 12 mm in diameter embodiments. There are two antiroll surfaces  5  provided opposite each other along a periphery of the hub  3 . The antiroll surfaces  5  are flat and prevent the dispensing device  1  from rolling off a surgical table or other flat surface. 
         [0045]    Positioned within the hollow interior of the dispensing device  1  is a material pad  6 . The pad  6  may be an absorbent pad and can have a variety of different dimensions which may be accommodated within the hollow dispensing device  1 . The pad  6  should not, however, be longer than the dispensing device  1  in order to prevent the pad  6  from extending out of either the hub  3  or distal end  4  of the dispensing device  1 . The pad  6  can be folded, rolled, coiled or packaged in another manner into the dispensing device to maximize the amount of material that can be dispensed from one dispensing device  1 . The dispensing device  1  includes a guide surface  8  for guiding a laparoscopic tool such as a grasper, cauterizing instrument, or other laparoscopic tool (not shown) into the proximal opening  13  and through the hollow interior of the dispensing device  1 . Alternatively, in the case where a laparoscopic tool cannot fit through the device  1 , an appropriately sized plunger  22  may be provided. The guide portion  8  acts as a funnel to help the surgeon find the proximal opening  13  of the dispensing device  1  during surgery. Once a tool or the plunger  22  is inserted into the proximal opening  13 , the surgeon uses the tool or plunger  22  to push the absorbent pad or other material  6  into the abdominal cavity  17  of the patient. A thread or string  21  ( FIG. 3B ) for attaching the absorbent pad  6  to the dispensing device  1  is attached to the absorbent pad  6  and a free end of the thread  21  is attached to the dispensing device  1 . The thread  21  may, for example, attach to the dispensing device  1  by a pin (not shown) inserted into an opening (not shown) in the hub  3  of the dispensing device  1 . Alternatively, the thread  21  may attach to a spool, loop, slot, or hook (not shown) in the hub or housing  3 . The thread  21  can be tied, sewn, or glued to the spool, loop, slot, hook, or opening. The thread  21  is long enough to facilitate placement of the absorbent pad  6  at desired locations within the abdominal cavity  17 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , the figure provides a longitudinal cross sectional view through the dispensing device  1  of  FIG. 4A . The material  6  is clearly seen to be contained within the central void of the hollow dispensing device  1  in this figure. 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 5A  is shown a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device  1 . The dispensing device  1  has an elongated tube portion  7 . The distal end  4  of the elongated tube portion  7  provides an exit for the material (not shown). The proximal end  9  of the elongated tube portion  7  is joined to a hub or housing  3 . The elongated tube portion  7  is long enough, such that, when the dispensing device  1  is inserted into a trocar  15 , the distal end  4  of the elongated tube  7  extends past trocar valve  16  ( FIG. 6B ). The extension of the distal end  4  of the elongated tube  7  past the trocar valve  16  prevents the material within the tube  7  from becoming caught in the trocar valve  16  as it is pushed into the body cavity  17 . The housing or hub  3  of the dispensing device  1  also acts as an anchoring mechanism for preventing the dispensing device  1  from entering the body through the trocar  15 . The horizontal extent of the housing  3  is larger than the inner diameter of the trocar  15  into which the dispensing device is inserted. The housing or hub  3  of the dispensing device may also receive a pin (not shown) for attaching the thread, string, or tether  21  of the absorbent pad or material  6  to the dispensing device  1  to prevent the material from becoming lost within the body cavity  17  and allows the surgeon to easily locate the material  6  when it is to be removed. A plunger  22  ( FIG. 7A ) is provided with the dispensing device  1  for pushing the material out of the device  1 . 
         [0048]    The tube  7  comprises a hollow instrument receiving portion comprising a proximal opening  13  leading to the void therein, with a funneled entrance guide  8 . The proximal opening  13  is sized to receive standard laparoscopic tools, such as, a laparoscopic grasper, cauterizing instrument, other laparoscopic tool, there through. In case a laparoscopic device cannot fit, an appropriately sized plunger  22  ( FIG. 7B ) is provided. The funneled entrance has a tapered or conical cross section that guides a cauterizing tool or other laparoscopic tool into the central opening  13 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 5B  provides a top view of the preferred embodiment of the dispensing device  1 . The housing or hub  3  of the dispensing device  1  is attached to the elongated tube portion  7  to create the dispensing device  1 . The hub  3  has a funneled guide portion  8  for guiding laparoscopic tools into the central opening  13  of the dispensing device  1 . The central opening  13  of the dispensing device  1  leads to a void within the tube  7  within which is stored material  6  to be dispensed from the device  1 . 
         [0050]    In addition, the housing  3  contains an opening  23  for receiving a pin  24 . The pin  24  prevents the material  6  from separating from the dispensing device  1  by engaging the thread  21  attached to the material  6  within the opening  23 . The housing  3  also has a smooth cutout  25  for guiding a thread, tether, or string  21  from the central opening  13  to the housing opening  23  which receives the pin  24 , minimizing potential damage to the string, thread, or tether  21 . 
         [0051]    The elongated tube portion  7  and the housing  3  of the dispensing device  1  may be made from plastics, metals, or composite materials. The elongated tube portion  7  can also be manufactured from other thin materials such as metal foils. The elongated tube portion  7  wall thickness can vary depending on the material used. When constructed from stainless steel, for example, the elongated tube portion  7  can have a very thin wall; as thin as 0.004 inches. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5C , shows dispensing device  1  in use. The plunger  22  is inserted into the dispensing device  1  via central opening  13  and material  6  is pushed out of the dispensing device  1  by the plunger  22 . Any excess thread  21  is looped along the length of the material  6  within the void in the elongated tube  7 . When the material  6  is pushed into the body cavity  17  ( FIG. 6B ), the excess thread unloops. The dispensing device also has a sealing mechanism  26  for preventing the escape of gas from the insufflated abdomen. Preferably sealing mechanism  26  is a ring located on the shaft of the plunger. When ring  26  makes contact with the inner diameter of the dispensing device elongated tube  7 , a sealing effect is created. The ring  26  can be made of a rubber compound or other material which deforms. 
         [0053]    A spool  30  distinguishes the embodiment of  FIG. 5E  from the previous one. The spool  30  replaces pin  24  of  FIGS. 5A-5C  and acts to retain, store, and dispense thread or tether (not shown). Spool  30  rotates around shaft  31  to dispense thread or tether. The thread or tether  21  is engaged around the central shaft  31  of the spool  30 , such as by forming a knot in one end of the thread or tether. The knot securely connects the material  6  to the dispensing device  1  and prevents the absorbent pad from becoming lost within the body. Thread or tether  21 , is coiled around the central shaft  31  of the spool  30  until the excess thread or tether is completely contained by the spool  30 . The thread or tether is dispensed from the dispensing device  1  by pressing material  6  out of the dispensing device  1  or, once the material  6  is within the body cavity  17 , by pulling material  6  with a laparoscopic grasper. Housing  3  contains spool port  32  for receiving spool  30 . Spool port  32  has a larger diameter than spool  30  so that the spool  30  can freely spin around shaft  31 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 5F  provides a top view of the hub  3  which includes port  32  for mounting spool  30  and shaft  31 . Housing  3  also has a cutout  33  for guiding thread or tether (not shown) into the spool. Cutout  33  is aligned with the axis of the spool shaft  31  and the proximal opening  13  of the dispensing device  1 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 5G  provides a partially cut away side view of the dispensing device  1 . Spool  30 , shaft  31 , port  32 , and cutout  33  are seen. Housing  3  includes a shaft attachment  40 . Attachment portion  40  is an extension of the lower housing  3  surface. When the shaft  31  is attached using a shoulder screw type fastener  42 , the shaft attachment portion  40  has a threaded opening (not shown) for threading the shoulder screw  42  into the dispensing device housing extension  40 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 6A  shows the dispensing device  1  inserted into trocar  15  for use. Dispensing device housing  3  is seen above the top of the trocar  15  and is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the trocar  15  to prevent the dispensing device  1  from entering the body through the trocar  15 . The dispensing device distal exit  4  is positioned past trocar valve  16  and close to or within abdominal cavity  17 . The location of the dispensing device exit  4  past the trocar valve  16  prevents the material  6  from becoming stuck in the trocar valve  16  after exiting the dispensing device  1 . The trocar valve  16  rests against the outer surface of the dispensing device tube  7  and seals around the outside of the dispensing device tube  7  to prevent loss of insufflation pressure from the abdomen. During surgery, the provided plunger  22  ( FIG. 6C ) is inserted into the dispensing device housing  3  and pressed toward the abdominal space  17 , dispensing the material  6 . Once inside the body cavity  17 , the material  6  is positioned as desired, such as, for example, when comprising an absorbent pad, near bleeding sites needing an absorptive material. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6B  shows dispensing device  1  deployed through abdominal wall  20  via trocar  15 . The dispensing device is inserted into trocar  15 . Once within the body cavity  17 , the material may be unpacked and positioned at a desired site with a laparoscopic grasper (not shown). The material  6  is attached to the hub or housing  3  as described above. The thread, string, or tether  21  may be radiopaque for x-ray detectability. The material  6  may also include a radiopaque strip, tape or stitching that allows for identification if it is left within the body cavity  17 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 7A  is a depiction of another embodiment of dispensing device  1 . Plunger  22  as shown here includes a central shaft  35  with enlarged portions  36  and  37 , respectively, on proximal and distal ends  38  and  39  of the shaft  35 . The plunger  22  is inserted into the integrated dispensing device  1  via central opening  13 . The distal end  39  of the plunger  22  is oriented toward the distal end  4  of the dispensing device  1 , and contacts the prepackaged material (not shown) to push it out of the dispensing device  1 . The plunger  22  is of sufficient length to push the prepackaged material completely out of the dispensing device  1 . The thread, string, or tether (not shown) may also attach the material to either the proximal  36  enlarged portion, the shaft  35 , or the distal enlarged portion  37  of the plunger  22 , or to the hub  3  of the dispensing device  1  by pinning as previously described or can be tied, glued, etc. to the dispensing device  1 . The proximal enlarged portion  36  of the plunger  22  is larger than the proximal opening  13  in the dispensing housing to prevent the plunger  22  from entering the body cavity  17  it will be understood in regard to this embodiment that the plunger  22  may be loose or integrated into the device  1 , as an example. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7B  provides a perspective view of the plunger showing a recess  56  on an underside  57  of the proximal enlarged portion  36  for receiving a seal element  58  therein. When the plunger  22  is fully deployed, the seal element  58  makes contact with the upper surface of the housing  3  to prevent insufflation gas from escaping the body cavity  17 . Alternatively, the seal element  58  could be placed on the distal enlarged portion  37  to maintain sealing during the dispensing of the absorbent material  6 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 8A-8C  provide a detailed view of another embodiment including an alignment lock  45 . The alignment lock  45  prevents plunger  22  from dispensing material  6  prematurely. The lock  45  comprises a protrusion  50  at the distal end  39  of plunger shaft  35  and a cutout  52  formed in the hub  3 . The cutout  52  allows protrusion  50  to enter the dispensing device  1  when properly aligned therewith. The locking mechanism  45  thus prevents the premature activation. The plunger  22 , once aligned can be pushed completely into the dispensing device  1 , causing the material  6  to be dispensed. Other variations of the plunger lock  45  may also be proposed. It will be understood that the shaft  35  of the plunger  22  with the protrusion  50  thereon is sized to be accommodated by the tube portion  7 . 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 9A-9C , a further embodiment of the dispensing device  1  is shown. This dispensing device  1  also comprises hollow tube portion  7  containing an absorbent pad (not shown) and a plunger  22  integrated within the now elongated housing or hub  3 , which creates a protective shroud for the plunger  22 . Shrouding of the plunger  22  within the housing  3  prevents the plunger  22  from accidentally being pushed toward distal end  4 . Without the shrouding hub  3 , if the plunger  22  were to be pushed toward the distal end  4  of the dispensing device  1  accidentally, material  6  may partially or fully exit the dispensing device  1 . Proximal opening  13  in the hub  3  of the dispensing device  1  is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the void in the hollow tubular portion  7 . Because the inner diameter of the hollow tubular portion  7  below the hub  3  is smaller than the diameter of proximal enlarged portion  36  of the plunger  22 , the plunger  22  is prevented from being pushed through the dispensing device  1  into the body cavity  17 . Activation of the device  1  may be initiated by inserting a laparoscopic grasper, cauterizing instrument, other laparoscopic tool, into the housing  3  via proximal opening  13 . If a laparoscopic device cannot fit, another appropriately sized plunger  63  may be used. 
         [0062]      FIG. 9B , an exploded view of the dispensing device  1  of  FIG. 9A  is provided. The plunger  22  of this dispensing device  1  also preferably includes seal element  58   FIG. 9C  on an underside of the enlarged proximal portion  36  of the plunger  22 . 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 9C , it provides a longitudinal cross sectional view through this embodiment of the dispensing device  1 , after activation. The device is activated by pushing plunger  22  toward the distal end  4  of the dispensing device  1 , until enlarged proximal portion  36  thereof abuts an internal distal shoulder  66  of the housing  3 . The plunger  22  is pushed down with a laparoscopic grasper, cauterizing instrument, other laparoscopic tool. If a laparoscopic device cannot fit, a second appropriately sized plunger  63   FIG. 9B  may be used for activation. Proximal opening  13  of the hub  3  is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the hollow tube portion  7 , retaining the plunger  22  within the dispensing device  1 . In order to avoid interference with the seal  58 , a thread  21  attachment may be provided on the shaft  35  of the plunger  22  or the distal enlarged portion  37 . If the seal element  58  is located on the distal enlarged portion  37  of the plunger  22 , the seal element  58  may incorporate thread  21  attachment structure. For example a hole, slot, hook, or loop could be molded into the seal member  58 , away from the seal surfaces which make contact with the internal distal shoulder  66  of the dispensing device  1 . The seal element  58  can alternatively be located on the enlarged distal portion  37  of the plunger  22  such that the seal member  58  makes contact with the inner surface of the hub  3  of the dispensing device  1 , as with the other embodiments having a plunger  22 . The advantage of such syringe type seal is the continuous sealing of the dispensing device  1  before, during, and after activation, avoiding loss of insufflation. It will be understood that seal element  58  may comprise an O-ring, flap or any other suitable sealing element. 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , a further embodiment of the plunger  22  is illustrated. This plunger  22  also incorporates the two enlarged end sections  36  and  37  connected by the shaft  35 . The plunger  22  also incorporates seal element  58  within recess  56  on the underside of the proximal enlarged end portion  36 . A cutout or notch  64  is provided in the distal enlarged portion  37  for engaging string or tether  21  attached to material  6 . 
         [0065]    Further, utility of the device  1  includes its ability to create hemostasis within the body. The material  6  within the dispensing device  1 , when combined with a bioactive agent, such as epinephrine, can stop bleeding at wound sites within the body cavity  17 , the material  6  acting as a carrier for the bioactive agent. The first step toward creating hemostasis using the dispensing device  1  is to apply the bioactive agent to the material  6  with the bioactive agent becoming incorporated into material  6 . The bioactive agent can be applied to the material  6  while the material  6  is contained within the dispensing device  1  by applying the bioactive agent via the proximal opening  13  of the dispensing device  1 . 
         [0066]    In the preferred embodiment ( FIG. 3A ) the bioactive agent is applied by submerging the distal opening  4  of dispensing device  1 , into a tray or container (not shown) having the bioactive agent. Thus the absorbent pad  6  absorbs and becomes saturated with the bioactive agent. Due to the absorbent qualities of the pad material  6 , the bioactive agent is retained by the absorbent material  6  during subsequent insertion of the device  1  into the body cavity  17  and the absorbent material  6  containing the bioactive agent is dispensed from the delivery device  1 . The absorbent material  6  containing the bioactive agent can then be placed on bleed sites within the body cavity  17  to create hemostasis. 
         [0067]    It should be noted that the absorbent pad  6  can also be used to clean the lenses of laparoscopic devices. 
         [0068]    The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications, or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but should only be limited as necessitated by the scope of the accompanying claims.