Trocar anchor

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for providing access to a body cavity without substantial loss of inflation gas therein. The apparatus includes an access assembly that has a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an elastic portion interposed the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen therethrough. An anchor sleeve is disposed coaxially over the tubular member and has a radially expandable region. The anchor sleeve is moveable between an axially elongated configuration and an axially shortened configuration and is biased toward the axially shortened configuration by a force exerted by the elastic portion of the tubular member. The axially shortened configuration corresponds to the anchor sleeve being in the fully deployed position. Methods for providing anchored access to a cavity within a patient are also disclosed.

1 . A trocar access assembly comprising:
 an anchor sleeve; and   an obturator insertable through the anchor sleeve;   wherein when the obturator is inserted through the anchor sleeve, the obturator causes at least a portion of the anchor sleeve to be axially elongated and a radial cross-section of the portion of the anchor sleeve to become smaller, and wherein when the obturator is retracted from the anchor sleeve, the obturator causes the portion of the anchor sleeve to be axially shortened and the radial cross-section of the portion of the anchor sleeve to become larger such that the portion of the anchor sleeve having the enlarged radial cross-section engages an inner surface of an incision.   
   
   
       2 . The trocar access assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable portion of the anchor sleeve is located adjacent to a distal end of the anchor sleeve. 
   
   
       3 . The trocar access assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the expandable portion of the anchor sleeve expands sufficiently to anchor the anchor sleeve within the incision. 
   
   
       4 . The trocar access assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor sleeve is formed from an elastomeric material. 
   
   
       5 . The trocar access assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the anchor sleeve that is axially elongatable is biased to its axially shortened configuration. 
   
   
       6 . The trocar access assembly of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the anchor sleeve provides a seal with the incision. 
   
   
       7 . A method comprising the steps of:
 providing a trocar anchor assembly including an obturator and an anchor sleeve;   inserting the obturator through the anchor sleeve, the obturator causing at least a portion of the anchor sleeve to be axially elongated and a radial cross-section of the portion of the anchor sleeve to become smaller;   inserting the trocar anchor assembly into an incision;   retracting the obturator from the anchor sleeve, the obturator causing the portion of the anchor sleeve to be axially shortened and the radial cross-section of the portion of the anchor sleeve to become larger such that the portion of the anchor sleeve having the enlarged radial cross-section engages an inner surface of an incision; and   inserting a surgical instrument through the anchor sleeve to perform a surgical procedure.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the portion of the anchor sleeve that is axially elongatable is biased to its axially shortened configuration. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the portion of the anchor sleeve that is radially expandable is formed from an elastomeric material.