Sealing assembly for surgical access assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a seal assembly of a surgical access assembly. The access assembly includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within a lumen 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 surface includes a plurality of ribs extending in a radial direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to surgical access assemblies for use in minimally invasive surgery. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to valve assemblies for surgical access assemblies. BACKGROUND

[0002] To facilitate minimally invasive surgery, a working space must be created at the desired surgical site. An insufflation fluid, typically CO2, is injected into the patient's abdomen to create an inflated state known as pneumoperitoneum. Surgical access assemblies are used to allow the introduction of surgical instruments and endoscopes (or other visualization tools). These surgical access assemblies maintain the pressure of the pneumoperitoneum because they have one or more seals adapted for surgical instruments. Typically, in the absence of a surgical instrument in the surgical access assembly, a "zero seal" in the surgical access assembly seals the surgical access assembly, and an instrument seal seals around a surgical instrument that has been inserted through the surgical access assembly.

[0003] Surgical instruments on the market today widely require a robust instrument seal that can accommodate a variety of sizes and withstand multiple insertions and removals of surgical instruments. Certain instruments can include sharp edges that can tear or damage the instrument seal. It is therefore advantageous for a surgical access assembly to have improved instrument seal durability. SUMMARY

[0004] An access assembly includes an instrument valve housing, and a valve assembly disposed within a cavity of the instrument valve housing. The instrument valve housing includes an upper housing section, a lower housing section, and an inner housing section, and defines the cavity. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, and a seal assembly disposed distal of the guard assembly. The seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments in an overlapping configuration. Each of the plurality of seal segments includes a sealing portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface. The ribbed surface includes a plurality of ribs extending radially.

[0005] In embodiments, the seal assembly includes a grommet portion and a first seal segment, a second seal segment, a third seal segment, and a fourth seal segment. The first seal segment, the second seal segment, the third seal segment, and the fourth seal segment can be secured to the grommet portion by a connector portion. The connector portion can be a living hinge. The smooth surface of the first seal segment, the second seal segment, the third seal segment, and the fourth seal segment can face distally. The ribbed surface of the first seal segment, the second seal segment, the third seal segment, and the fourth seal segment can face proximally. The smooth surface and the ribbed surface can alternate. The first seal segment can include a tab to facilitate assembly of the seal assembly. The plurality of seal segments can form a non-continuous inner seal perimeter. The valve assembly can further include a centering mechanism to bias the valve assembly to a center of the cavity of the instrument valve housing.

[0006] A valve assembly includes a guard assembly and a seal assembly disposed distal of the guard assembly. The seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments in an overlapping configuration. Each seal segment of the plurality of seal segments can include a sealing portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface. The ribbed surface can include a plurality of ribs extending in a radial direction.

[0007] In embodiments, the seal assembly includes a grommet portion and a first seal segment, a second seal segment, a third seal segment, and a fourth seal segment. The first seal segment, the second seal segment, the third seal segment, and the fourth seal segment are secured to the grommet portion by a connector portion. The connector portion can be a living hinge. The smooth surface of the first seal segment, the second seal segment, the third seal segment, and the fourth seal segment can face in a distal direction. The ribbed surface of the first seal segment, the second seal segment, the third seal segment, and the fourth seal segment can face in a proximal direction. The smooth surface and the ribbed surface can alternate. The first seal segment can include a tab to facilitate assembly of the seal assembly. The plurality of seal segments can form a non-continuous inner seal perimeter.

[0008] A seal assembly includes a grommet portion and a plurality of seal segments extending from the grommet portion in an overlapping configuration. Each seal segment of the plurality of seal segments includes a sealing portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface. The ribbed surface can include a plurality of ribs extending in a radial direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description given herein, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a surgical access assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the surgical access assembly shown taken along section line 2-2;

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a valve assembly including a centering mechanism, a guard assembly, a seal assembly, and a retainer assembly with parts separated;

[0013] Figure 4 is Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the seal assembly shown;

[0014] Figure 5 is Figure 4 is a perspective view of the seal assembly shown in an initial or deployed state;

[0015] Figure 6 is Figure 4 is a perspective view of the seal assembly shown taken along Figure 9Side view section taken from the center section line 6-6;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a specified area showing details;

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The sealing assembly shown is along Figure 4 Side view section taken from section line 8-8;

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 Bottom perspective view of the sealing assembly in its initial or unfolded state;

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 Top perspective view of the sealing assembly in a partially folded state;

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 Top perspective view of the sealing assembly in its fully folded state;

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 The bottom perspective view of the sealing assembly shown; and

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 The valve assembly shown along Figure 12 Side view section taken from section line 13-13. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. To avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary detail, well-known functions or constructions have not been described in detail. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use this disclosure differently in virtually any suitable detailed structure. Similar reference numerals throughout the description of the drawings refer to similar or identical elements.

[0024] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to a portion or part of the device that is farther from the user, while the term "proximal" refers to a portion or part of the device that is closer to the user. As used herein, the term "about" means that the value is approximate and that small variations will not significantly affect the practice of the disclosed embodiments. When numerical limits are used, unless the context otherwise indicates, "about" means that the value may vary by ±10% and remains within the range of the disclosed embodiments.

[0025] Surgical access assemblies with obturators are employed during minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopy, and enable surgical instruments to access a pneumatically sealed body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, in a sealed manner. The surgical access assemblies of the present disclosure include an instrument valve housing mounted on a trocar tube, and include an obturator (not shown) that is inserted through the valve housing and the trocar. The obturator can have a blunt distal end, or a penetrating distal end with or without a blade, and can be used to incise the abdominal wall to enable introduction of the surgical access assembly into the abdomen. The handle of the obturator can be engaged or selectively locked in the instrument valve housing of the surgical access assembly.

[0026] The surgical access assemblies can be used to tunnel through an anatomical structure by creating a new passageway through the anatomical structure, such as the abdominal wall, or by passing through an existing opening in the anatomical structure. Once the surgical access assembly with the obturator has tunneled through the anatomical structure, the obturator is removed, leaving the surgical access assembly in place. The instrument valve housing of the surgical access assembly includes a valve that prevents insufflation fluid from escaping from the body cavity, while also allowing surgical instruments to be inserted into the body cavity.

[0027] In various embodiments, a bladeless optical trocar obturator can be provided that allows for separation of tissue planes during a surgical procedure, and viewing of body tissue fibers as they are separated, allowing for control of the passage of the body tissue fibers through the body wall. In other embodiments, the trocar obturator can be bladeless but not optical, e.g., not providing visualization through the distal tip of the obturator. A bladeless obturator can be provided for blunt dissection of the abdominal wall during a surgical procedure.

[0028] Various trocar obturators suitable for use with the surgical access assemblies of the present disclosure are known, and include, for example, bladed, bladeless, blunt, optical, and non-optical trocar obturators. For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary trocar assembly including an exemplary trocar obturator and an exemplary trocar, see PCT Publication No. WO 2016 / 186905 (“the ‘905 publication”), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0029] Reference is now first made to Figure 1 A surgical access assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown generally as surgical access assembly 100. Surgical access assembly 100 includes trocar 102 and instrument valve housing 110 secured to trocar 102. For a detailed description of an exemplary surgical access assembly, see the ‘905 publication.

[0030] Reference is now made to Figure 2The instrument valve housing 110 of the surgical access assembly 100 includes an upper housing section 112, a lower housing section 114, and an inner housing section 116. The upper housing section 112, the lower housing section 114, and the inner housing section 116 are configured to support a valve assembly 120 at the proximal end of the cannula 102. More specifically, the inner housing section 116 is fixed between the upper housing section 112 and the lower housing section 114, and the valve assembly 120 is received between the inner housing section 116 and the lower housing section 114. The upper housing section 112 and the lower housing section 114 of the instrument valve housing 110 are selectively attachable to and detachable from the inner housing section 116. The lower housing section 114 can be releasably or permanently attached to the cannula tube 104 of the cannula 102 Figure 1 In embodiments, one or both of the upper housing section 112 and the lower housing section 114 of the instrument valve housing 110 can include knurling, notches, tabs, or be otherwise configured to facilitate use by a clinician.

[0031] The surgical access assembly 100 can also include features for stabilizing the surgical access assembly. For example, the distal end of the cannula tube 104 can carry a balloon anchor or another inflatable member that engages the abdomen from the inside. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,300,448, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Features on the opposite side of the abdominal wall can be used to further stabilize the surgical access assembly, such as adhesive patches or adjustable foam collars.

[0032] The upper housing section 112, the lower housing section 114, and the inner housing section 116 of the instrument valve housing 110 define a longitudinal passageway 111 for receiving a surgical instrument (not shown). The valve assembly 120 is supported within the instrument valve housing 110 to provide a sealed passageway for the surgical instrument (not shown) through the surgical access assembly 100.

[0033] With particular reference to Figure 2 and 3 , the valve assembly 120 supported in the instrument valve housing 110 Figure 2 includes a centering mechanism 130, a guard assembly 140, a seal assembly 160, and a retainer assembly 190. The centering mechanism 130 of the valve assembly 120 allows the valve assembly 120 to move radially relative to the instrument valve housing 110 when a surgical instrument is received through the valve assembly 120, and returns the valve assembly 120 to a generally centered position once the surgical instrument is withdrawn from within the instrument valve housing 110. The guard assembly 140 protects the seal assembly 160 during insertion and withdrawal of the surgical instrument through the seal assembly 160. The seal assembly 160 provides a sealed passageway for the surgical instrument through the instrument valve housing 110. The retainer assembly 190 retains the centering mechanism 130, the guard assembly 140, and the seal assembly 160 in alignment with one another.

[0034] With continuing referenceFigure 2 and 3 As noted above, the centering mechanism 130 of the valve assembly 120 is configured to maintain the valve assembly 120 in the center of the instrument valve housing 110 Figure 2 ) without a surgical instrument passing through the valve assembly 120. In embodiments, and as shown, the centering mechanism 130 includes an outer annular gasket 132, an inner annular gasket 134, and a bellows 136 disposed between the outer annular gasket 132 and the inner annular gasket 134. As shown, the outer annular gasket 132 is received between the inner housing section 116 and the lower housing section 114 to maintain the centering mechanism 130 within the instrument valve housing 110. The inner annular gasket 134 supports the guard assembly 140. For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary centering mechanism, see U.S. Patent No. 6,702,787, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Figure 2

[0035] Although shown as including a centering mechanism 130 having a bellows 136, the valve assembly 120 can include alternative centering mechanisms. For example, the centering mechanism can include an annular base and a plurality of spokes extending from the base, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0025477 ("the '477 publication"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. It is contemplated that the centering mechanism can include multiple sets of spokes, as disclosed in the '477 publication.

[0036] With continued reference to Figure 2 and 3 The guard assembly 140 of the valve assembly 120 is configured to protect the seal assembly 160 when a surgical instrument (not shown) passes through the instrument valve housing 110 Figure 4 to 6 ).

[0037] ​The guard assembly 140 includes a grommet portion 142 and first, second, third, and fourth petals 144, 146, 148, 150. The first, second, third, and fourth petals 144, 146, 148, 150 define an opening 141 therebetween to facilitate passage of a surgical instrument (not shown) through the guard assembly 140 in a sealed manner. Although shown as including six (4) petals, it is contemplated that the guard assembly can include any suitable number of petals, and that the petals can include wing portions of any size or configuration. For exemplary guard assemblies, as well as other aspects of surgical access assemblies, reference is made to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,895,377 and 6,569,120 (the '377 and '120 patents), the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. For a detailed description of the structure and function of other exemplary guard assemblies, reference is made to commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 238,823 (Attorney Docket No. 203-12267), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 The seal assembly 160 of the valve assembly 120 is configured to provide a seal about an outer surface of a surgical instrument passing through the instrument valve housing 110 Figure 13 In embodiments, and as shown, the seal assembly 160 forms a conical seal body; however, it is contemplated that aspects of the present disclosure can be adapted for use with a flat seal body.

[0039] The seal assembly 160 includes first, second, third, and fourth seal segments 162, 164, 166, 168, each having a base or grommet portion 172, 174, 176, 178, respectively, and a respective seal portion 182, 184, 186, 188 supported by the respective grommet portion 172, 174, 176, 178. The first and second seal segments 162, 164, the second and third seal segments 164, 166, and the third and fourth seal segments 166, 168 are connected to one another by connector portions 162a, 164a, 166a, respectively. The connector portions 162a, 164a, 166a can include living hinges, or otherwise be configured to allow the respective first, second, third, and fourth seal segments 162, 164, 166, 168 to fold over one another.

[0040] The sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 of the respective first, second, third, and fourth seal segments 162, 164, 166, 168 of the seal assembly 160 are formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, and define a semi-conical configuration when the seal assembly 160 is in the folded state. As noted above, the sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 can alternatively define a flat seal. In embodiments, the sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 are formed of a polyurethane, polyisoprene, or silicone elastomer. The grommet portions 172, 174, 176, 178 of the respective first, second, third, and fourth seal segments 162, 164, 166, 168 of the seal assembly 160 can be formed of the same or different material as the respective sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188. In embodiments, the sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 can include one or more fabric layers.

[0041] The grommet portions 172, 174, 176, 178 of the respective first, second, third, and fourth seal segments 162, 164, 166, 168 of the seal assembly 160 define openings 173, 175, 177, 179, respectively, and a plurality of openings 173a, 175a, 177a, 179a corresponding to a plurality of pins 196 extending from an upper retainer member 192 of a retainer assembly 190. Figure 9 ) In embodiments, and as shown, the grommet portion 172 of the first seal segment 162 can include a tab 172a that facilitates assembly and / or positioning of the seal assembly 160.

[0042] The sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 of the respective first, second, third, and fourth seal segments 162, 164, 166, 168 of the seal assembly 160 define a central opening 161 and are configured to receive a surgical instrument (not shown) in a sealed manner through the valve assembly 120. The sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 form a non-continuous or virtual sealing perimeter to reduce tearing that occurs during insertion, operation, and / or removal of the surgical instrument (not shown) through the valve assembly 120.

[0043] The inner edges of the sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 of the respective first, second, third, and fourth seal segments 162, 164, 166, 168 of the seal assembly 160 form an angle “a” between about one hundred eighty degrees (180°) and about two hundred twenty degrees (220°). Figure 5 In this manner, each sealing portion 182, 184, 186, 188 occupies at least fifty percent (50%) of the respective opening 173, 175, 177, 179 in the grommet portion 172, 174, 176, 178.

[0044] Special reference Figure 4 and 9 The sealing portions 182, 184, 186, and 188 of the corresponding first portions 162, second portions 164, third portions 166, and fourth portions 168 of the sealing assembly 160 include first or ribbed surfaces 182a, 184a, 186a, 188a and second or smooth surfaces 182b, 184b, 186b, 188b. When the sealing assembly 160 is in a folded state ( Figure 7 The ribbed surfaces 182a, 184a, 186a, and 188a face the proximal side, while the smooth surfaces 182b, 184b, 186b, and 188b face the distal side. In this way, the smooth surfaces 182b, 184b, and 186b of the corresponding sealing portions 182, 184, and 186 of the first sealing segment 162, the second sealing segment 164, and the third sealing segment 166 respectively engage with the ribbed surfaces 184a, 186a, and 188a of the corresponding sealing portions 184, 186, and 188 of the second sealing segment 164, the third sealing segment 166, and the fourth sealing segment 168.

[0045] The ribbed surfaces 182a, 184a, 186a, and 188a of the corresponding sealing portions 182, 184, 186, and 188 of the first sealing section 162, the second sealing section 164, the third sealing section 166, and the fourth sealing section 168 respectively include a plurality of protrusions or ribs 183, 185, 187, and 189. Each of the plurality of ribs 183a, 185a, 187a, and 189a extends radially. In the embodiment, and as... Figure 4 As shown, each rib 183a, 185a, 187a, 189a tapers gradually at the front and rear. Alternatively, each rib 183a, 185a, 187a, 189a may have only a front tapered portion or a rear tapered portion, or may contain a uniform thickness.

[0046] The ribs 183, 185, 187, and 189 of the ribbed surfaces 182a, 184a, 186a, and 188a of the corresponding sealing portions 182, 184, 186, and 188 of the first sealing segment 162, the second sealing segment 164, the third sealing segment 166, and the fourth sealing segment 168 respectively generate additional filler along the ribbed surfaces 182a, 184a, 186a, and 188a to reduce the possibility of tearing the sealing assembly 160 during insertion, manipulation, and / or removal of surgical instruments (not shown) through the sealing assembly 160. When the sealing assembly 160 is in a folded state ( Figure 9 to 11) the plurality of ribs 183, 185, 187, 189 are arranged such that the sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 form a seal having an increased uniform thickness. The increased uniform thickness of the seal and / or reinforcement provided by the plurality of ribs 183, 185, 187, 189 to each sealing portion 182, 184, 186, 188 reduces the likelihood that a surgical instrument (not shown) will puncture the sealing portion 182, 184, 186, 188, thereby reducing the likelihood of a tear. This design also limits other potential leak paths.

[0047] Reference will now be made to Figure 9 A method of folding the sealing assembly 160 will now be described. Referring first to Figure 5 , a first sealing section 162 of the sealing assembly 160 is folded relative to a second sealing section 164 of the sealing assembly 160, as indicated by arrow“A”, such that a smooth surface 182b( Figure 5 ) of the first sealing section 162 overlaps a ribbed surface 184a( Figure 5 ) of the second sealing section 164. Similarly, a fourth sealing section 168 of the sealing assembly 160 is folded relative to a third sealing section 166 of the sealing assembly 160, as indicated by arrow“B”, such that a ribbed surface 188a( Figure 5 ) of the fourth section 168 overlaps a smooth surface 186b( Figure 10 ) of the third sealing section 166.

[0048] Referring to Figure 5 , the first and second sealing sections 162, 164 of the sealing assembly 160 are subsequently folded relative to the third and fourth sealing sections 166, 168 of the sealing assembly 160, as indicated by arrow“C”, such that the ribbed surface 184a( Figure 5 ) of the second sealing section 164 overlaps the smooth surface 186b( Figure 12 ) of the third section 166.

[0049] Referring to Figure 13 and 13 , the retainer assembly 190 (of the valve assembly 120) is configured to secure the guard assembly 140 relative to the sealing assembly 160, and to secure the guard assembly 140 and the sealing assembly 160 to the centering mechanism 130. The retainer assembly 190 includes an upper retainer member 192 and a lower retainer member 194.

[0050] As described above, the upper retainer member 192 of the retainer assembly 190 includes a plurality of pins 196. The plurality of pins 196 extend from a bottom surface of the upper retainer member 192( Figure 12Each of the plurality of pins 196 is configured to be lockingly received within one of the plurality of openings 195 of the lower retainer member 194. In embodiments, the plurality of pins 196 are welded, glued, adhered, bonded, or otherwise secured within the plurality of openings 195 in the lower retainer member 194 to secure the upper retainer member 192 and the lower retainer member 194 together. Alternatively, where the upper retainer member 192 defines a plurality of corresponding openings (not shown), the lower retainer member 194 can instead or additionally contain a plurality of pins (not shown). One or both of the upper retainer member 192 and the lower retainer member 194 can contain a locking feature (not shown) for engaging the plurality of pins and securing the upper retainer member 192 to the lower retainer member 194.

[0051] With continued reference to Figure 1 and 13 , the plurality of pins 196 of the upper retainer member 192 extend through the grommet portion 142 of the guard assembly 140, through the inner annular grommet 134 of the centering mechanism 130, through the seal assembly 160, and into the plurality of openings 195 in the lower retainer member 194. As described above, placement of the guard assembly 140 proximal of the seal assembly 160 reduces or eliminates potential damage to the seal assembly 160 during insertion and retraction of surgical instruments through the seal assembly 160. Placement of the guard assembly 140 also reduces the likelihood of the seal assembly 160 dislodging into the body cavity during a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

[0052] During a surgical procedure utilizing the surgical access assembly 100 Figure 2 , a surgical instrument (not shown) is introduced into the instrument valve housing 110 through the longitudinal passageway 111 in the upper housing segment 112, the lower housing segment 114, and the inner housing segment 116 Figure 3 . As described in the '377 and '120 patents, the distal end of the surgical instrument engages the first petal 144, the second petal 146, the third petal 148, and the fourth petal 150 ​ of the guard assembly 140, causing the wings of the respective first petal 144, second petal 146, third petal 148, and fourth petal 150 to bend downward into contact with the seal assembly 160, causing the central opening 161 of the seal assembly 160 to open to accommodate passage of the surgical instrument through the seal assembly 160. The guard assembly 140 minimizes damage to the seal assembly 160 during insertion of the instrument through the valve assembly 120.

[0053] As noted above, the plurality of ribs 183, 185, 187, 189 of the ribbed surfaces 182a, 184a, 186a, 188a of the respective sealing portions 182, 184, 186, 188 of the first, second, third, and fourth sealing segments 162, 164, 166, 168, respectively, form additional fill to reduce the likelihood of tearing the sealing assembly during insertion, operation, and / or removal of a surgical instrument (not shown) through the sealing assembly 160.

[0054] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it is to be understood that the embodiments are merely exemplary. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that the disclosure is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An entry component, comprising: An instrument valve housing, comprising an upper housing section, a lower housing section, and an inner housing section, and defining a cavity; as well as A valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing, the valve assembly comprising: Protective components; and A sealing assembly disposed distal to the protective assembly includes a plurality of overlapping sealing segments, each of the plurality of sealing segments including a sealing portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface, wherein the ribbed surface includes a plurality of ribs extending radially. The sealing assembly includes a first sealing section, a second sealing section, a third sealing section, and a fourth sealing section, each containing a gasket portion. The gasket portions of the first sealing section, the second sealing section, the third sealing section, and the fourth sealing section are connected sequentially via connector portions. The first sealing segment is foldable relative to the second sealing segment, the fourth sealing segment is foldable relative to the third sealing segment, and the first and second sealing segments are subsequently foldable relative to the third and fourth sealing segments, such that the smooth surfaces and ribbed surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth sealing segments alternately overlap.

2. The entry assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector portion is a movable hinge.

3. The entry assembly of claim 1, wherein the smooth surfaces of the first sealing section, the second sealing section, the third sealing section, and the fourth sealing section face distally.

4. The entry assembly of claim 1, wherein the ribbed surfaces of the first sealing section, the second sealing section, the third sealing section, and the fourth sealing section face proximal to the side.

5. The entry assembly of claim 1, wherein the first sealing section includes a tab that facilitates assembly of the sealing assembly.

6. The entry assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sealing segments form a discontinuous internal sealing periphery.

7. The entry assembly of claim 1, further comprising a centering mechanism for biasing the valve assembly toward the center of the cavity of the instrument valve housing.

8. A valve assembly comprising: Protective components; as well as A sealing assembly disposed distal to the protective assembly includes a plurality of overlapping sealing segments, each of the plurality of sealing segments including a sealing portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface, wherein the ribbed surface includes a plurality of ribs extending radially. The sealing assembly includes a first sealing section, a second sealing section, a third sealing section, and a fourth sealing section, each containing a gasket portion. The gasket portions of the first sealing section, the second sealing section, the third sealing section, and the fourth sealing section are connected sequentially via connector portions. The first sealing segment is foldable relative to the second sealing segment, the fourth sealing segment is foldable relative to the third sealing segment, and the first and second sealing segments are subsequently foldable relative to the third and fourth sealing segments, such that the smooth surfaces and ribbed surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth sealing segments alternately overlap.

9. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the connector portion is a movable hinge.

10. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the smooth surfaces of the first sealing section, the second sealing section, the third sealing section, and the fourth sealing section face the distal direction.

11. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the ribbed surfaces of the first sealing section, the second sealing section, the third sealing section, and the fourth sealing section face the proximal direction.

12. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the first sealing section includes a tab that facilitates assembly of the sealing assembly.

13. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of sealing sections form a discontinuous internal sealing periphery.

14. A sealing assembly comprising: Multiple sealing segments in an overlapping configuration, each of the multiple sealing segments comprising a sealing portion having a smooth surface and a ribbed surface, wherein the ribbed surface comprises multiple ribs extending radially. The sealing assembly includes a first sealing section, a second sealing section, a third sealing section, and a fourth sealing section, each containing a gasket portion. The gasket portions of the first sealing section, the second sealing section, the third sealing section, and the fourth sealing section are connected sequentially via connector portions. The first sealing segment is foldable relative to the second sealing segment, the fourth sealing segment is foldable relative to the third sealing segment, and the first and second sealing segments are subsequently foldable relative to the third and fourth sealing segments, such that the smooth surfaces and ribbed surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth sealing segments alternately overlap.

Images