Patent ID: 8353874

Claim:
An access apparatus for use in surgical procedures, the access apparatus comprising: an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage that provides entry to an abdominal cavity of a patient, the longitudinal passage being adapted to permit passage of a surgical instrument utilized in performing a surgical procedure; a housing including a proximal end defining an opening in communication with the longitudinal passage of the access member to permit passage of the surgical instrument; and a zero-closure valve disposed within the housing and adjacent the longitudinal passage, the zero-closure valve configured to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal in the absence of the surgical instrument inserted therethrough, the zero-closure valve including a check-valve integrally formed therewith, the check-valve in fluid communication with the longitudinal passage and an insufflation port operably associated with the access member, wherein the check-valve is configured to provide a fluid-tight seal when a pressure inside the access apparatus is greater than a pressure external thereof, wherein the check-valve includes a flapper portion hinged to the zero-closure valve, the flapper portion and zero-closure valve formed with a region of material therebetween that functions as a living hinge configuration when the flapper portion is moved relative to the zero-closure valve.