Two-part access assembly

Abstract

An assembly for accessing a body cavity through an opening in tissue is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible outer sleeve configured to be received through an opening in tissue. The outer sleeve defines a passageway therethrough. The access assembly further includes an inner core configured for selective reception within the passageway of the outer sleeve. The inner core defines at least a first lumen configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . An access assembly comprising:
 an outer sleeve configured to be received through an opening in tissue, the outer sleeve defining a passageway therethrough; and   an inner core selectively positionable within the passageway of the outer sleeve, the inner core defining a lumen configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough, the inner core including a first portion including a first diameter dimensioned to engage the passageway of the outer sleeve and a second portion including a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that when the inner core is inserted in the passageway, the inner core defines a gap between the second portion and the outer sleeve to facilitate movement of the surgical instrument inserted through the lumen, wherein the outer sleeve and the inner core are formed of a compressible material.   
     
     
         13 . The access assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the passageway of the outer sleeve defines a third diameter larger than the second diameter of the inner core. 
     
     
         14 . The access assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the outer sleeve or the inner core is formed of at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, foam, or gel. 
     
     
         15 . The access assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the outer sleeve is transitionable between an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition. 
     
     
         16 . The access assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the second diameter of the inner core in an uncompressed state is smaller than a diameter of the passageway of the outer sleeve in the uncompressed condition. 
     
     
         17 . The access assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the outer sleeve defines a substantially hour-glass shape. 
     
     
         18 . The access assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the inner core has a proximal portion having a tapered configuration. 
     
     
         19 . The access assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the second portion of the inner core is distal of the first portion. 
     
     
         20 . An access assembly comprising:
 an outer sleeve configured to be received through an opening in tissue, the outer sleeve defining a passageway therethrough; and   an inner core selectively positionable within the passageway of the outer sleeve, the inner core defining a lumen configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough, the inner core including an outer thread configured to securely engage the outer sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve and the inner core are formed of a compressible material.   
     
     
         21 . The access assembly according to  claim 20 , wherein at least one of the outer sleeve or the inner core is formed of at least one of silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, foam, or gel. 
     
     
         22 . The access assembly according to  claim 20 , wherein the outer sleeve is transitionable between an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition. 
     
     
         23 . The access assembly according to  claim 20 , wherein the outer sleeve defines a substantially hour-glass shape. 
     
     
         24 . The access assembly according to  claim 20 , wherein the inner core further includes a valve assembly configured to provide sealing relation with the surgical instrument received through the lumen of the inner core.