SURGICAL SYSTEM FOR NATURAL OPENING

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] This application is generally directed to a surgical access port system, that is useful in a natural orifice surgical procedures and which is particularly useful in vaginal surgical procedures.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Access devices are commonly used in surgery to facilitate the introduction of various surgical instruments into natural biological vessels, conduits, orifices, cavities, and other interior regions of the body. These access devices include, for example, devices that facilitate the introduction of a needle into a vessel, and trocars that facilitate the introduction of laparoscopic instruments into the abdomen of the body.

[0003] Some of these access devices are introduced into regions that include a fluid or gas under pressure. In the case of a needle access device, the pressure may be from a liquid, such as blood. In the case of a trocar, the pressure may be from a gas, such as an insufflation gas. In either case, it is desirable to provide for the introduction of the surgical instrument into the cavity without permitting the escape of the pressurized fluid or gas.

[0004] In the case of trocars, a cannula at the distal end of the trocar is typically connected to a seal housing at the proximal end of the trocar. Together the cannula and housing form a working channel through which various instruments can be inserted to access the cavity. Seal mechanisms are commonly disposed in the housing and include a septum valve that seals the working channel when an instrument is in place, and a zero closure valve that seals the working channel when the instrument is removed.

[0005] Current surgical access ports allow for single instrument access through each port, or allow for multiple instrument access through a rigid cannula. Some devices, such as transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) units require that the device be attached to the surgical table to support the weight of the device, as well as to locate the position of the device respective to the patient. These devices do not provide flexibility to the surgeon in selecting instrument size, and they restrict instrument movement with their rigid cannulas. Additionally, surgeons are performing laparoscopic surgical procedures through a single or a limited number of access ports. The procedures may be performed through a single two (2) centimeter incision at the umbilicus, or in certain cases, trans-vaginally or trans-anally. What is needed is a system that meets the needs of these new procedures, facilitating more flexible movement of laparoscopic instruments through a single or limited number of ports while preventing the escape of pressured fluids or gasses and permitting large specimen removal. What is particularly needed is an access system that can be deployed into a natural body cavity, such as the vagina, providing a sealed system for insufflation and a platform for the introduction of multiple surgical instruments of varying sizes, while maintaining sufficient stability for anchoring the system within the cavity without damaging the body cavity wall. US2013 / 245381 A1 and US2011 / 144443 A1 disclose surgical access ports of the prior art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a surgical access port system as claimed in Claim 1 of this specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a patient in surgery illustrating an access device positioned on the abdomen and in use. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a wound retractor retracting the vagina of a patient, with a gel cap sealing the opening of the wound retractor. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an access device deployed and in use at the mouth of the patient. FIG. 4 is a top view illustrated a patient in the prone position with an access device deployed and in use at the anus of the patient. FIG. 5A is a picture of the components of an access device system useful for natural orifice surgery. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a surgical access port system in accordance with the present invention, in the form of a natural orifice retractor adapted to provide retraction and access without insufflation, shown in an open configuration. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the natural orifice retractor of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is a close-up side view of the screw threads disposed around the retaining sleeve and the tubular body of the natural orifice retractor of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the natural orifice retractor of FIG. 6A, shown in a closed configuration. FIG. 6E is a close-up side view of a ratcheting mechanism for attaching the retaining sleeve to the tubular body of a natural orifice retractor similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6A . FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an obturator adapted to facilitate introduction of a natural orifice retractor into a body orifice such as a vagina. FIG. 7B is a side view of the obturator of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an obturator having a straight shaft piece, adapted to facilitate introduction of a natural orifice retractor into a body orifice such as a vagina. FIG. 7D is a perspective view of a retractor disposed on the obturator of FIG. 7C. FIG. 7E is a perspective view of an obturator, modified with an indent to provide clearance for the inflation port and adapted to facilitate introduction of a natural orifice retractor into a body orifice such as a vagina.

[0008] Similar components have similar reference numbers throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Surgical instrument access device system are useful, for example, for single incision, single port, and / or limited port laparoscopic surgical procedures, for example, abdominal (FIG. 1), transvaginal (FIG. 2), transoral (FIG. 3), and transanal (FIG. 4) procedures. Various surgical instrument access devices are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0187079 and U.S. Patent No. 7,727,146.

[0010] FIG. 5A shows an an access device system comprising a retractor 6100, an introducer 6400 shown inserted into the retractor as if for placement in a body orifice, a cap 6200, one or more ports 6310, and an obturator 6600, which is useful in single port and / or limited port procedures. The retractor 6100 is placed and / or positioned into, across, and / or through a surgical incision and / or body orifice to enlarge, reshape, and / or isolate the incision or body orifice. The cap 6200 provides an artificial body wall through which instruments access the interior of a patient's body, for example, a body cavity, through ports 6310. The retractor 6100 may be introduced into an orifice using the introducer 6400; ports 6310 may be placed through the gel cap using obturator 6600. The components of the access device comprise any suitable biologically compatible materials.

[0011] With the gel cap 6200 attached to the retractor 6100, the access device system allows the user to insufflate the orifice, such as the vaginal canal. The distention of the canal caused by the insufflation provides greater visualization of the anatomy (when compared, for example, to traditional vaginal hysterectomy) and removes the need for the use of rigid mechanical retractors which may cause damage to soft tissues. The gel cap may be detached at any point during the surgical procedure to allow for specimen removal.

[0012] The retractor 6100 is made of a semi-pliable thermoplastic elastomer or thermoset polymer. For use in vaginal procedures, a length of approximately 4 cm to 7 cm and a diameter of approximately 3 cm to 5 cm will suit a range of anatomies. The retractor retracts and occludes the vagina. Suture ties 6160 at proximal end 6152 and / or a flange 6110 along the tubular body may help prevent the retractor from dislodging once placed. The gel cap 6200 may be attached with the aid of a lever 6135 which locks under the proximal ring 6120 of the retractor 6100. This creates a pressure resistant seal and insufflation is possible through insufflation ports 6145 on the gel cap. Smoke evacuation is possible through the port not being used for insufflation. Instrument ports 6310 may be placed in the gel cap 6200 to allow for the use of various laparoscopic instruments. The gel cap may then be detached and specimens may be removed through the retractor 6100.

[0013] Turning to FIG. 5B, the outer ring 6120 is proximal a funnel section 6140 and the outer ring 6120 has a substantially circular footprint. The outer ring 6120 can be sized and configured to sealingly couple to a cap or other access device thereon. One or more suture points 6160 can be disposed on the retractor 6100 adjacent the outer ring 6120. Two suture points 6160 are generally diametrically opposed relative to the generally circular profile of the outer ring 6120. The retractor can include more or fewer than two suture points disposed of various locations relative to the outer ring 6120.

[0014] With continued reference to FIG. 5B, the tubular body 6130 has a generally circular profile defining a generally cylindrical passage 6150. The generally cylindrical passage is desirably large enough to accommodate more than one laparoscopic instrument there through such that a single natural orifice access device can be used to provide access for multiple surgical instruments in a body cavity. Moreover, generally cylindrical passage is desirably large enough such that multiple surgical instruments positioned there through can be translated or pivoted relative to one another, allowing a surgeon to manipulate the instruments as desired during a surgical procedure. The generally cylindrical passage extends between a proximal end 6152 of the retractor 6100 adjacent the outer ring 6120 to a distal end 6154 of the retractor 6100 adjacent the flange 6110. In FIGs 5A and 5B, the tubular body 6130 has a circular cross-section. The tubular body 6130 may though have another shape, for example, an oval cross section, an octagonal cross-section, or other shapes as may be appropriate for the natural orifice of interest. The tubular body 6130 may also comprise one or more coatings that provide additional functionality, for example, an anti-microbial coating.

[0015] The funnel segment 6140 provides a diametric reduction between the relatively large diameter of the outer ring 6120, which is sized and configured to be removably coupled to an access device such as a cap, and the relatively smaller diameter of the passage 6150, which is sized to fit within a natural orifice with minimal distention of the orifice. The funnel segment 6140 has an inner surface which can provide a bearing surface for an obturator or introducer used to advance to the retractor 6100 into a body cavity. Alternatively, the funnel segment can have a substantially linear taper between the relatively large diameter and the relatively smaller diameter such that the inner surface is a frustoconical segment, or the funnel segment 5 can have a curved profile between the relatively large diameter and the relatively smaller diameter. In a further alternative, there may be no funnel section at all, as where the tubular body connects directly to the outer ring.

[0016] It can be desirable that the outer ring 6120 is relatively stiff compared with the relatively flexible tubular body 6130 of the retractor 6100 so that the outer ring 6120 can sealingly engage an access device such as a cap. With reference to FIG. 5B, a perspective view of the retractor is illustrated with a partial cutaway of the outer ring 6120. The outer ring 6120 includes an annular groove 6122 formed therein in which a reinforcing member 6124 is disposed. The reinforcing member 6124 can comprise a metallic member such as a wire formed into a ring shape. For example, in the reinforcing member 6124 can comprise a stainless steel ring positioned within the groove 6122 during manufacture of the retractor 6100 or the reinforcing number 6124 can comprise an injectable nonmetallic member. For example, a glass filled polymer or polycarbonate material can be injected into the groove 6122 during manufacture of the retractor 6100.

[0017] While the illustrated retractor 6100 includes a reinforcing member to enhance the rigidity of the outer ring 6120, the retractor 6100 could be formed in a multiple-shot molding process. For example, an inner segment of the retractor defined by the tubular body 6130 and the flange 6110 may be formed in one molding operation from a flexible material, and an outer segment of the retractor 6100 defined by the funnel segment 6140 and the outer ring 6120, formed in another molding operation from a relatively rigid material such as a polycarbonate material or other suitable material.

[0018] With continued reference to FIG. 5B, the retractor 6100 includes a continuous generally annular groove. In other arrangements, a plurality of noncontiguous recesses can each receive one of a plurality of reinforcing members. Moreover, the outer ring can include two or more concentric generally annular grooves, which each receive a corresponding reinforcing member.

[0019] An embodiment of a natural orifice surgical access port system in accordance with the present invention, configured to provide retraction and access without using insufflation gases, is shown in FIGs. 6A-6D. In some natural orifices, for example, the vagina, pressure from a standard insufflator can be insufficient to maintain a visible, stable surgical working space due to leaks and billowing created by surges from the insufflator. In this embodiment, the retractor 6100 has a proximal ring 6120 and a tubular body 6130, with the tubular body adapted to engage a retaining sleeve 6143. The retaining sleeve includes a lip 6144 at the proximal end and at least two retracting arms 6146 at the distal end. The retracting arms are connected to the retaining sleeve with an articulating hinge 6147 that allows the arms to move between a closed position (FIG. 6D), in which the distal ends of the arms in proximity, and an open position (FIGs. 6A, 6B), in which the distal ends of the arms are moved away from each other. Optionally, the retracting arms may include an angled lead 6148 near the hinge 6147.

[0020] In the embodiment of FIGs. 6A-6D, the tubular body includes an external thread 6149 wrapped around the exterior of the tubular body, adapted to engage an internal thread 6151 disposed around the surface of the interior lumen of the retaining sleeve 6143. See FIG. 6C.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, a ratcheting mechanism comprising teeth 6153 and a series of pawls 6155 may be used instead of internal and external threads (see FIG. 6E). The ratchet mechanism allows the retractor to advance through the lumen of the retaining sleeve with relative ease while resisting backwards movement until the sides of the tubular body of the retractor are manually depressed to release the ratchet mechanism.

[0022] In use, the tubular body 6130 of the retractor 6100 is advanced forward through the lumen of the retaining sleeve 6143 until contact is made with the retracting arms 6146. The angled lead 6148 on the retracting arm allows for the opening to occur at an incremental rate to accommodate a variety of anatomies. The lip 6144 on the retaining sleeve ensures that the proximal end of the lumen will not enter the orifice and provides a holding point during the advancement of the retractor. As seen in FIGs. 6A and 6B, the fully advanced channel presses on the retracting arms, causing them to flare out and hold open the vaginal canal. With the tissue of the vaginal canal retracted, direct access is available to the cervix and surrounding tissue. In FIG. 6D, the retractor is drawn back; the retracting arms are disengaged and are able to fold together. This state facilitates insertion and removal from the orifice.

[0023] A natural orifice access system can include a retractor 6100 and an optional obturator 6400 (FIG. 7A-7B). The obturator can have a proximal bearing surface 6410 sized and configured to bear against the inner surface 6142 of the funnel segment 6140 and a distal dilation surface 6420 sized and configured to expand a natural orifice for passage of the retractor 6100. Thus, during insertion of the retractor 6100 into a natural orifice, the dilation surface 6420 expands a pathway to a surgical site in a body cavity while the obturator bears on the inner surface 6142 of the funnel segment 6140 to advance the retractor 6100 into position in the surgical site. Furthermore, the obturator can have a handle 6430 at a proximal end thereof adapted to facilitate selective twisting or rotation of the obturator about a longitudinal axis thereof during insertion.

[0024] As shown in the alternative arrangement of FIG. 7C, the obturator 6405 may include a straight shaft piece 6425 between the distal dilation surface 6420 and the proximal bearing surface 6410 that facilitates dilation of the natural orifice prior to inserting the retractor. It can then be combined with the retractor 6100 to help ease insertion, as shown in FIG. 7D.

[0025] In arrangements having an inflatable member on the retractor, the optional obturator 6400 may be modified with an indent 6139 to provide clearance for the inflation port, as shown in FIG. 7E.

[0026] While certain embodiments have been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A surgical access port system adapted for performing surgical procedures at a natural orifice of the patient comprising: an outer ring (6120), wherein the outer ring (6120) is configured to be disposed proximate the natural orifice of the patient; a tubular body (6130) having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the tubular body (6130) is coupled to the outer ring (6120); a retaining sleeve (6143), the retaining sleeve (6143) comprising a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen, wherein the tubular body (6130) is disposed within the lumen and adapted to move parallel along the longitudinal axis of the retaining sleeve (6143); and at least two arms (6146), the surgical access port system being characterized by: each of the at least two arms (6146) being connected to the distal end of the retaining sleeve (6143) by an articulating hinge (6147) configured to facilitate movement of the at least two arms (6146) between a closed position and an open position, and each of the at least two arms (6146) being movable from the closed position to the open position by the distal end of the tubular body (6130) engaging with the at least two arms (6146).

2. The surgical access port system of claim 1, wherein the articulating hinge (6147) further comprises an angled lead (6148) that is configured to allow the at least two arms (6146) to move at an incremental rate, and wherein the angled lead (6148) is positioned to engage the distal end of the tubular body (6130) as the tubular body (6130) is moved through the retaining sleeve (6143).

3. The surgical access port system of claim 1 further comprising an external thread (6149) wrapped around the exterior of the tubular body (6130) and an internal thread (6151) wrapped around an interior surface of the lumen of the retaining sleeve (6143), wherein the external thread (6149) is adapted to engage with the internal thread (6151) to facilitate unidirectional movement of the tubular body (6130) through the lumen of the retaining sleeve (6143).

4. The surgical access port system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of teeth (6153) disposed along the exterior surface of the tubular body (6130) and a plurality of pawls (6155) disposed along an interior surface of the lumen of the retaining sleeve (6143), wherein the plurality of teeth (6153) are adapted to engage the plurality of pawls (6155) to facilitate unidirectional movement of the tubular body (6130) through the lumen of the retaining sleeve (6143).

5. The surgical access port system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of teeth (6153) of the tubular body (6130) are releasable from being engaged with the plurality of pawls (6155) of the retaining sleeve (6143) under pressure to the tubular body (6130) thereby allowing backwards movement.

6. The surgical access port system of claim 1, wherein the tubular body (6130) comprises a lip (6144) at the proximal end, wherein the lip (6144) is configured to prevent a proximal end of the lumen of the tubular body (6130) from entering the natural orifice.

7. The surgical access port system of claim 1, wherein the tubular body (6130) is configured to receive an obturator (6400), wherein the obturator (6400) has a proximal bearing surface (6410) sized and configured to bear against the inner surface of the tubular body (6130) to expand the natural orifice of the patient for passage of the tubular body (6130) through the natural orifice.

8. The surgical access port system of claim 1, wherein the at least two arms (6146) are configured to fold together to facilitate insertion or removal of the surgical access system from the natural orifice.

9. The surgical access port system of claim 1, wherein the at least two arms (6146) are arranged to flare out to hold open the natural orifice upon pressure on the at least two arms (6146).

10. The surgical access port system of claim 9, wherein the tubular body (6130) is adapted to advance through the lumen of the retaining sleeve (6143), and wherein the pressure corresponds to the tubular body (6130) advancing through the retaining sleeve (6143) and making contact with the at least two arms (6146).

11. The surgical access port system of claim 1, wherein the at least two arms (6146) has a first position in which the at least two arms (6146) are parallel to the longitudinal axis and is movable to a second position in which the at least two arms (6146) are angled relative to the longitudinal axis.

12. The surgical access port system of claim 11, wherein the tubular body (6130) is movable through the lumen of the retaining sleeve (6143).

13. The surgical access port system of claim 12, wherein the movable tubular body (6130) contacts the at least two arms (6146) to move the at least two arms (6146) to the second position.

14. The surgical access port system of claim 1 further comprising a removable cap (6200), wherein the removable cap (6200) is configured to attach to the outer ring (6120), wherein the removable cap (6200) provides a sealable surface (6210) comprising a gel pad.