Patent ID: 7918827

Claim:
A surgical seal assembly for use with a surgical access device, the seal assembly comprising: a seal holder including a cylindrical wall portion having a tapered distal portion, the cylindrical wall portion defining a central passage dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument through the seal holder; a ball seal supported in the central passage of the seal holder, the ball seal including a distal aperture and a proximal aperture, wherein one of the distal and proximal aperture is dimensioned for substantial sealed reception of the surgical instrument upon insertion of the surgical instrument into the access device, wherein the ball seal has an outer surface dimensioned for substantial sealing with a first surface of the seal holder upon insertion and a second surface of the seal holder upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument to/from the access device, wherein the ball seal is adapted for angular movement relative to a central longitudinal axis of the seal holder upon angulation of the surgical instrument, and wherein the ball seal longitudinally translates upon the longitudinal displacement of the surgical instrument upon insertion and withdrawal of the surgical instrument to/from the access device, whereby the ball seal substantially maintains the seal with the surgical instrument; and a seal cover defining an aperture formed in a transverse wall thereof and is configured for connection with the seal holder for maintaining the ball seal within the central passage of the seal holder, wherein the proximal aperture of the ball seal is in registration with the aperture of the seal cover.