Laparoscopic system

Abstract

A laparoscopic surgical system configured for cooperation with a trocar is described. In one configuration, the system is configured to expand to accommodate trocars of varying dimensions. In another configuration, which is not necessarily exclusive of the first configuration, the system may function to provide an anchoring and closure system for use in laparoscopic surgery.

1 . A laparoscopic system configured for engagement with an aperture provided in an abdominal wall, the system comprising:
 an expandable housing defining a lumen for receipt of surgical instrumentation, the housing comprising an outer resting portion which in use will rest against an outer surface of the abdominal wall, the outer resting portion comprising a first and a second part which are moveable relative to each other, the first and second parts operably being secured to one another to extend circumferentially about the lumen;   at least a first needle guide channel having an entry port for receiving a needle driver and an exit port through which suture may exit the housing, the needle guide channel operably allowing for delivery of suture or an anchor through the system; and   wherein an expansion of the housing operably accommodates surgical instrumentation of different dimensions.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  comprising a second needle guide channel, the first and second needle guide channels being provided on opposite sides of the lumen respectively 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the needle guide channel(s) comprise a convex surface proximal to the lumen such that the suture will exit away from the lumen on being displaced out of the needle guide channel. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the needle guide channel(s) and lumen are separate and distinct such that suture does not operably pass through the lumen on delivery through the system. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the lumen is dimensioned for receiving a trocar. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  comprising an abdominal wall contacting or engaging portion. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the outer resting portion operably defines a complete collar, the surgical instrumentation operably being presented through the collar and into the lumen in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the outer resting portion comprises a first and a second part which are separate to each other, the first and second part operably being secured to one another to extend circumferentially about the lumen. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the first and second part defining a mouth therebetween through which the surgical instrument may be presented into the lumen in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lumen. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the first and second part are secured to one another using securing member which mates with each of the first and second parts. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the securing member is received within a body portion of the first and second parts. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the securing member is secured about an exterior surface of the first and second parts. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein comprising first and second securing members which are operably located on opposing sides of the lumen. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the first and second parts are hinged relative to one another. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the housing is provided in a multi-part construction comprising first and second lumen defining parts that are co-operable with one another to define the lumen. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein on bringing the first and second lumen defining parts together the housing defines a continuous inner surface which operably engages with the surgical instrumentation. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16  wherein on bringing the first and second lumen defining parts together the housing defines a discontinuous inner surface which operably engages with the surgical instrumentation. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the first and second parts lumen defining overlap with one another. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the first and second lumen defining parts are at least partially flexible. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the first and second lumen defining parts are at least partially corrugated. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the housing comprises a continuous surface formed from a single piece which operably provides a contact surface for engaging with the surgical instrument. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22  wherein the single piece is at least partially corrugated to improve the flexibility of the piece. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the housing is provided in a multi-part construction comprising first and second lumen defining parts coupled to the outer resting portion and co-operable with one another to define the lumen. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The system of any preceding claim comprising a flexible sleeve. 
     
     
         27 .- 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the guide channel(s) comprises an entry and an exit port each located on the same side of the lumen, the exit port being located in the abdominal wall engaging portion. 
     
     
         44 .- 45 . (canceled) 
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the abdominal wall engaging surface comprises first and second cut-away portions provided in faces transverse to exit ports of the needle guide channels, the cut away portions defining a tissue invagination zone within the abdominal wall engaging portion into which tissue may extend inwardly towards the lumen. 
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the outer resting portion comprises first and second portions having surfaces which operably extend circumferentially about an entry port whereby a trocar may be presented to the lumen and pass into the abdominal cavity. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 43  comprising expansion struts configured to allow an expansion of the outer resting portion. 
     
     
         49 .- 53 . (canceled) 
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 26  comprising legs, the sleeve being receivable over the legs. 
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the legs comprise a biasing element that projects above an upper surface of the first and second parts.