Access device maintenance apparatus and method

Abstract

A trocar includes a valve housing and cannula which define a working channel. A valve disposed in the valve housing along the working channel includes a gel material which defines a slit that functions as a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. The slit is formed by mating gel components which are preferably separated during storage of the device. This separation can be facilitated by a pull strip which can be pre-lubricated and inserted into the slit for ultimate removal prior to activation of the trocar.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
   
   
       25 . A method for inserting a flexible separation strip between seal components in a medical access device having a working channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end, including the steps of: 
 forming the strip with a narrow distal end and an enlarged proximal end;    inserting a grasper into the working channel and between the seal components;    grasping the strip with the grasper;    withdrawing the grasper from the working channel; and    during the withdrawing step, pulling the strip in through the working channel and between the seal components of the access device.    
   
   
       26 . The method recited in  claim 25 , wherein the grasping step includes the step of: 
 grasping the distal end of the strip.    
   
   
       27 . The method recited in  claim 26 , wherein the inserting step includes the step of: 
 inserting the grasper from the distal end of the access device toward the proximal end of the access device.    
   
   
       28 . The method recited in  claim 25 , further comprising the steps of: 
 prior to the pulling step, lubricating the distal end of the strip.