Patent ID: 8574153

Claim:
A flexible port seal for insertion through tissue comprising: an outer seal defining a bore extending from a proximal end of the outer seal to a distal end of the outer seal, along a central longitudinal axis; a support plate located within the bore of the outer seal, the entire flexible port seal transitionable between an expanded state and a compressed state to facilitate insertion of the flexible port seal through tissue; and a throughport defining a throughbore for receipt of a surgical instrument, the throughport extending through the support plate and longitudinally adjustable through the support plate, the throughport disposed entirely within the bore of the outer seal and extending between the proximal and distal ends of the outer seal, wherein the throughport forms a fluid tight seal against a surgical instrument inserted through the throughport, wherein the outer seal has a groove formed in an inner surface of the outer seal for receipt of the support plate, wherein in the compressed state the entire flexible port seal is squeezed or compressed inwards towards the central longitudinal axis to reduce the flexible port seal to a relatively smaller diameter for insertion through an incision.