Instrument Access Device

Abstract

An instrument access device 1 comprises a proximal member 25 for location externally of an opening into a body cavity. A first connector 20 extends between the proximal member 25 and a first instrument receiver 2. A second connector 21 extends between the proximal member and a second instrument receiver 3. Instrument seals can be housed in relatively rigid housings for added strength.

1 . An instrument access device comprising:
 a proximal member for location externally of an opening into a body cavity;   a first instrument receiver for receiving an instrument;   a first connector extending between the proximal member and the first instrument receiver;   a second instrument receiver for receiving an instrument; and   a second connector extending between the proximal member and the second instrument receiver.   
     
     
         2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one of the connectors is substantially rigid. 
     
     
         3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a joint between at least one of the connectors and the proximal member which facilitates movement of the connector relative to the proximal member. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a formation between the connector and the proximal member to facilitate relative movement between the connector and the proximal member. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a spacer for location between the proximal member and the outside of a wound opening. 
     
     
         9 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one of the connectors comprises an instrument seal. 
     
     
         14 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a flexible cannula extending from at least one of the connectors. 
     
     
         15 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a third instrument receiver for receiving an instrument and a third connector extending between the proximal member and the first instrument receiver. 
     
     
         19 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising an opening in the proximal member which is sized to receive a small instrument or a tube. 
     
     
         20 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one of the connectors has an associated seal or valve. 
     
     
         25 . A device as claimed in  claim 24  wherein the seal comprises a first valve and a second valve distal of the first valve. 
     
     
         26 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a distal anchoring member for location within a wound interior; and a retractor member extending proximally from the distal anchoring member to retract laterally the sides of a wound opening. 
     
     
         38 . A device as claimed in  claim 37  wherein the retractor member extends at least between the distal anchoring member and the proximal member. 
     
     
         39 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the proximal member comprises an inner part and an outer part. 
     
     
         45 . A device as claimed in  claim 44  wherein the retractor member extends between the inner part and the outer part. 
     
     
         46 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a mounting member for mounting to the proximal member. 
     
     
         47 . A device as claimed in  claim 46  wherein the mounting member is releasably mounted to the proximal member. 
     
     
         48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . A device as claimed in  claim 46  wherein the device comprises a clamp to clamp the mounting member to the proximal member. 
     
     
         51 . An instrument access device comprising:
 a proximal member for location externally of an opening into a body cavity;   a first instrument receiver for receiving an instrument;   a second instrument receiver for receiving an instrument;   a proximal mounting for locating outside of a wound opening;   the proximal member being releasably mounted to the proximal mounting; and   a flexible spacer for location between the proximal mounting and the outside of a wound opening.