The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

A valve mechanism (3) for attaching to a proximal end (4) of a trocar cannula (2) for minimising leakage of insufflating and other gases proximally from the trocar cannula (2), comprises a housing (7) adapted for securing to the trocar cannula (2) adjacent the proximal end (4) thereof. The housing (7) defines an instrument bore (22) extending from a proximal end (23) to a distal end (21). A distal valve (28) is located adjacent the distal end (21) of the instrument bore (22) and is pivotal from an open state to a closed state. A proximal valve (40) is located towards the proximal end (23) of the instrument bore (22), and comprises first and second valve members (41) and (42) which are urgeable from a withdrawn state clear of the instrument bore (22) to an engagement state sealably engaging an instrument in the instrument bore (22) for sealing the instrument bore (22). A detecting probe (34) pivotal about a primary pivot axis (35) is urgeable distally from a first state to a second state by the distal end of an instrument passing distally through the instrument bore (22). A drive transmission (74,108) transmits drive from the detecting probe (34) to the proximal and distal valves (40,28), so that as the detecting probe (34) is urged from a first state to a second state the distal valve (28) is urged into the open state and the proximal valve (40) is simultaneously urged from the withdrawn state to the engagement state to minimise leakage of gas proximally through the instrument bore (22) and to minimise contact of an instrument with the proximal and distal valves (40,28).

An access apparatus includes an access housing, an access member extending from the access housing, a fluid connector mounted to the access housing and a control valve mounted to the fluid connector. The control valve is positionable relative to the fluid connector between a first position corresponding to a desufflation operative state permitting rapid desufflation of the underlying body cavity, a second position corresponding to an insufflation operative state permitting insufflation fluid flow into the access member and into the underlying body cavity, and a third position corresponding to a closed operative state.

An electromechanical robotic arm is provided having a distal end with a tool engaging member configured to mate with an electromechanical tool and a trocar holding member configured to mate with a trocar. The trocar holding member can have at least one engagement mechanism configured to engage and orient a trocar to mate the trocar to the trocar holding member in a desired orientation.

A device and a method for insertion of a cannula into a user's tissue are disclosed. A patch pump comprising a non-linear needle path with a first bend may be provided. A rigid needle may be located in the non-linear needle path and may be composed of a material that allows the rigid needle to maintain a bend at the first bend when traversing the non-linear needle path. A movement mechanism may be configured to apply a first force on a first end of the rigid needle to cause the rigid needle to traverse the non-linear needle path from a first needle position to a second needle position. The cannula may receive a second force from a second end of the rigid needle when the movement mechanism applies the first force on the first end of the rigid needle and may be configured to traverse from a first cannula position to a second cannula position based on the second force.

Access assemblies includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, and a seal assembly disposed distal of the guard assembly. In embodiments, the seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments in an overlapping configuration. Each seal segment of the plurality of seal segments includes a seal portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface. The ribbed surfaces include a plurality of ribs extending in a radial direction.

Access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a gimbal mount assembly supporting the guard assembly and the seal assembly. The gimbal mount assembly is configured to permit angulation of the valve assembly relative to the instrument valve housing.

An implant delivery device may include an implant holding portion proximate the distal end, the implant holding portion being configured to retain a sheet-like implant during implantation of the implant. In addition, the implant holding portion may be configured to receive the implant with a fixed implant supporting flange member configured to support the implant on one side, and a movable implant supporting flange member. The movable implant supporting flange member may be configured to be slidable between a distal position and a proximal position, wherein, in the distal position, the movable implant supporting flange member and secures the implant against the fixed implant supporting flange member, and in the proximal position, the movable implant supporting flange member is withdrawn from the distal end of the implant delivery device, thus enabling release of the implant.

The surgical robotic access system provides access for robotic instruments and/or actuators including the introduction, operation and withdrawal of such robotic manipulators into a body cavity without permitting the escape of pressurized fluid or gas. The surgical robotic access system also provides a multi-faceted range of movement without touching or effecting pressure on the opening in the patient's body cavity.