Seal assembly for surgical access assembly - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide seal assemblies for surgical access assemblies.SOLUTION: An access assembly 100 includes an instrument valve housing 110, and a valve assembly 120 disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly 140, a seal assembly 160 disposed adjacently to the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism 130 for maintaining the seal assembly and guard assembly centered within a cavity of the instrument valve. The guard assembly includes a support ring and a plurality of guard sections disposed distally to the support ring. The seal assembly includes a proximal seal member, an intermediate seal assembly, and a distal seal member, the intermediate seal assembly including a plurality of seal sections in a stacked configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 272,068, filed February 11, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an access assembly for minimally invasive surgery, the access assembly including a seal. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a seal for a surgical access assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] To facilitate minimally invasive surgery, a working space must be created at the desired surgical site. An insufflation gas, typically CO2, is introduced into the patient's abdomen to create an inflated state called pneumoperitoneum. An access assembly is utilized to allow for the introduction of surgical instrumentation and an endoscope (or other visualization tool). These access assemblies maintain the pneumoperitoneum pressure because they have one or more seals that fit the surgical instruments. Typically, a "zero seal" in the access assembly seals the access assembly when there is no surgical instrument in the access assembly, and an instrument seal seals around the surgical instrument inserted through the access assembly.

[0004] A wide range of surgical instrumentation on the market today requires a robust seal that is adjustable to multiple sizes and can withstand multiple insertions of surgical instruments. Some of the instrumentation may include sharp edges that can tear or otherwise damage the seal. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an access assembly with improved seal durability. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An access assembly with improved seal durability is provided. The access assembly includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly. The instrument valve housing defines a cavity. The valve assembly is disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a sealing assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism for maintaining the sealing assembly and the guard assembly centered within the instrument valve cavity. The guard assembly includes a support ring and a plurality of guard segments disposed distally of the support ring. The sealing assembly includes a proximal sealing member, an intermediate sealing assembly, and a distal sealing member.

[0006] In an embodiment, the guard assembly includes six guard segments. Each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments may include a first side configured to accommodate an overlapping portion of an adjacent guard segment of the plurality of guard segments. The first side of each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments may slope downwardly. Each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments may include a guard portion having a substantially kidney shape. Each guard portion may include an indentation, and the indentation may be configured to form an opening when the plurality of guard segments are assembled.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least one of the support ring and the plurality of guard segments includes a plurality of outwardly extending tabs for aligning the guard assembly with the centering mechanism. The proximal sealing member may include an annular flange and a sealing portion supported within the annular flange. The intermediate sealing assembly includes a plurality of sealing segments. The access assembly may further include a retaining member having a plurality of pins. The centering mechanism may include an annular base defining a channel for receiving a plurality of pins for maintaining the valve assembly in an assembled configuration.

[0008] Another access assembly with improved seal durability includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the instrument valve housing. More specifically, the instrument valve housing includes an upper, lower, and inner housing section and defines a cavity in which the valve assembly is received. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a sealing assembly disposed adjacent the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism for maintaining the sealing assembly and the guard assembly centered within the instrument valve cavity. The guard assembly includes a plurality of guard sections. The sealing assembly includes a proximal sealing member, an intermediate sealing assembly, and a distal sealing member. The intermediate sealing assembly includes a plurality of sealing sections in a stacked configuration, and

[0009] In an embodiment, the intermediate sealing assembly includes six sealing segments. Each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments may include a wing shape. An inner edge of each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments may be straight. Alternatively, an interior portion of each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments is tapered. At least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the interior portion may be tapered. The intermediate sealing assembly may be hexagonal. The proximal sealing member may include an annular flange and a sealing portion supported within the annular flange. The proximal and distal sealing members may be operative to support the intermediate sealing assembly. The access assembly may further include a retention assembly including upper and lower retention members. At least one of the upper and lower retention members may include a plurality of pins receivable through the guard assembly and the sealing assembly to retain the guard assembly and the sealing assembly relative to one another. For example, the present application provides the following: (Item 1) 1. An access assembly comprising: an instrument valve housing defining a cavity; a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing, the valve assembly comprising: a guard assembly including a support ring and a plurality of guard segments disposed distally of the support ring; a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, the seal assembly including a proximal seal member, an intermediate seal assembly, and a distal seal member; a centering mechanism for maintaining the sealing assembly and the guard assembly centered within the cavity of the instrument valve. (Item 2) The access assembly of the preceding item, wherein the guard assembly includes six guard segments. (Item 3) 13. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments includes a first side configured to accommodate an overlapping portion of an adjacent guard segment of the plurality of guard segments. (Item 4) 20. The access assembly of claim 1, wherein the first side of each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments slopes downwardly. (Item 5) 20. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments includes a guard portion having a substantially kidney shape. (Item 6) 20. The access assembly of claim 1, wherein each guard portion includes a recess, the recess being configured to form an opening when the multiple guard sections are assembled. (Item 7) The access assembly of any one of the preceding items, wherein the support ring and at least one of the guard segments include a plurality of outwardly extending tabs for aligning the guard assembly with the centering mechanism. (Item 8) 2. The access assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal sealing member includes an annular flange and a sealing portion supported within the annular flange. (Item 9) 2. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments. (Item 10) The access assembly of any one of the preceding items, further comprising a retaining member having a plurality of pins, the centering mechanism including an annular base defining channels for receiving the plurality of pins to maintain the valve assembly in an assembled configuration. (Item 11) 1. An access assembly comprising: an instrument valve housing including upper, lower, and inner housing sections and defining a cavity; a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing, the valve assembly comprising: a guard assembly including a plurality of guard segments; a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, the seal assembly including a proximal seal member, an intermediate seal assembly, and a distal seal member, the intermediate seal assembly including a plurality of seal segments in a stacked configuration; a centering mechanism for maintaining the sealing assembly and the guard assembly centered within the cavity of the instrument valve. (Item 12) The access assembly of the preceding item, wherein the intermediate seal assembly includes six seal sections. (Item 13) 20. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments includes a wing shape. (Item 14) 2. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner edge of each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments is straight. (Item 15) 13. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an interior portion of each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments is tapered. (Item 16) 20. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the interior portion is tapered. (Item 17) 2. The access assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate seal assembly is hexagonal. (Item 18) 2. The access assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal sealing member includes an annular flange and a sealing portion supported within the annular flange. (Item 19) 2. The access assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal and distal seal members operate to support the intermediate seal assembly. (Item 20) The access assembly of any one of the preceding items, further comprising a retention assembly including upper and lower retention members, at least one of the upper and lower retention members including a plurality of pins receivable through the guard assembly and the sealing assembly to hold the guard assembly and the sealing assembly relative to one another. (Summary) The access assembly includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within a cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a sealing assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism for maintaining the sealing assembly and the guard assembly centered within the instrument valve cavity. The guard assembly includes a support ring and a plurality of guard segments disposed distally of the support ring. The sealing assembly includes a proximal sealing member, an intermediate sealing assembly, and a distal sealing member, the intermediate sealing assembly including a plurality of sealing segments in a stacked configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the summary above and the detailed description below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an access assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the proximal region of the access assembly shown in FIG. 1 taken along section line 2-2. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a valve assembly including a centering mechanism, a guard assembly, a sealing assembly, and a retention assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the seal assembly shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 3 in a deployed configuration. [Figure 6] 4A-4D are perspective views of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 3 in successive partially folded and fully folded states. [Figure 7] 4A-4D are perspective views of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 3 in successive partially folded and fully folded states. [Figure 8] 4A-4D are perspective views of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 3 in successive partially folded and fully folded states. [Figure 9] 4A-4D are perspective views of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 3 in successive partially folded and fully folded states. [Figure 10] 4A-4D are perspective views of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 3 in successive partially folded and fully folded states. [Figure 11] 4A-4D are perspective views of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 3 in successive partially folded and fully folded states. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a top view of a sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in an initial or deployed configuration. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a section of the seal assembly shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16]16 is a side cross-sectional view of a section of the seal assembly shown in FIG. 14 taken along section line 16-16 shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 15 is a top view of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 14 in a folded configuration. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a valve assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 18, including the centering mechanism, the guard assembly, the sealing assembly, and the retention assembly. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the centering mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the centering mechanism shown in FIG. 20 taken along line 21-21. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a top view of a guard section of the guard assembly shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 23] 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the guard section shown in FIG. 20 taken along line 23-23. [Figure 24] 20 is a perspective view of the guard assembly shown in FIG. 19 in an assembly sequence. [Diagram 25] 20 is a perspective view of the guard assembly shown in FIG. 19 in an assembly sequence. [Figure 26] 20 is a perspective view of the guard assembly shown in FIG. 19 in an assembly sequence. [Figure 27] 20 is a perspective view of the guard assembly shown in FIG. 19 in an assembly sequence. [Figure 28] 20 is a perspective view of the guard assembly shown in FIG. 19 in an assembly sequence. [Figure 29] 20 is a perspective view of the guard assembly shown in FIG. 19 in an assembly sequence. [Diagram 30] FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a valve assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 31, including the centering mechanism, the guard assembly, the sealing assembly, and the retention assembly. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of a sealing section of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 32. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a side view of the sealing section shown in FIG. 33. [Diagram 35] FIG. 34 is a top view of the sealing section of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 33. [Diagram 36] 36 is a side cross-sectional view of the seal section shown in FIG. 35 taken along line 36-36. [Figure 37] 34 is a perspective view of the sealing section shown in FIG. 33 in an assembly sequence. FIG. [Figure 38] 34 is a perspective view of the sealing section shown in FIG. 33 in an assembly sequence. FIG. [Figure 39] 34 is a perspective view of the sealing section shown in FIG. 33 in an assembly sequence. FIG. [Diagram 40] 34 is a perspective view of the sealing section shown in FIG. 33 in an assembly sequence. FIG. [Diagram 41] 34 is a perspective view of the sealing section shown in FIG. 33 in an assembly sequence. FIG. [Diagram 42] 34 is a perspective view of the sealing section shown in FIG. 33 in an assembly sequence. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limitations, but merely as a basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways in substantially any suitable detailed structure. Similar reference numbers refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0013] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the portion of the instrument or its component that is farther from the user, and the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the instrument or its component that is closer to the user.

[0014] An access assembly including an obturator is used during minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic procedures, to provide sealed access for surgical instruments to an insufflated body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity. The access assembly of the present disclosure includes an instrument valve housing attached to a cannula tube and includes an obturator (not shown) inserted through the valve housing and cannula. The obturator can have a blunt distal end, or a bladed or non-bladed piercing distal end, and can be used to incise the abdominal wall so that the access assembly can be introduced into the abdomen. A handle of the obturator can engage or selectively lock to the instrument valve housing of the access assembly.

[0015] The access assembly is used to tunnel through an anatomical structure, e.g., the abdominal wall, by creating a new passageway through the anatomical structure or by passing through an existing opening through the anatomical structure. Once the trocar assembly with the obturator has been tunneled through the anatomical structure, the obturator is removed, leaving the access assembly in place. The instrument valve housing of the access assembly contains a valve that prevents escape of insufflation gases from the body cavity while also allowing insertion of surgical instruments into the body cavity.

[0016] In various embodiments, a bladeless optical trocar obturator may be provided that allows for the separation of tissue planes in a surgical procedure and visualization of body tissue fibers during separation, thereby allowing for controlled traversal across the body wall. In other embodiments, the trocar obturator may be bladeless, not optical, e.g., not providing concurrent visualization through the distal tip of the obturator. A bladeless obturator may be provided for blunt dissection of abdominal linings during a surgical procedure.

[0017] A variety of trocar obturators suitable for use with the presently disclosed access assemblies are known, including, for example, bladed, bladeless, blunt, optical, and non-optical. For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary trocar assembly, including an exemplary trocar obturator and an exemplary cannula, see commonly owned PCT Publication No. WO2016 / 186905 ("the '905 Publication"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] 1, an access assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally shown as access assembly 100. Access assembly 100 includes a cannula 102 and an instrument valve housing 110 secured to cannula 102. For a detailed description of an exemplary access assembly, see the '905 publication.

[0019] 2, the instrument valve housing 110 of the access assembly 100 includes an upper housing segment 112, a lower housing segment 114, and an inner housing segment 116. The upper, lower, and inner housing segments 112, 114, 116 are configured to support a valve assembly 120 on a proximal end of the cannula 102. More specifically, the inner housing segment 116 is secured between the upper and lower housing segments 112, 114, and the valve assembly 120 is received between the inner and lower housing segments 116, 114. The upper and lower housing segments 112, 114 of the instrument valve housing 110 may be selectively attachable to and removable from the inner housing segment 116. The lower housing segment 114 may be releasably or permanently attached to the cannula tube 104 (FIG. 1) of the access assembly 102. In embodiments, either or both of the upper housing section 112 and the lower housing section 114 of the instrument valve housing 110 may include knots, notches, tabs, or otherwise be configured to facilitate engagement by the clinician.

[0020] The access assembly 100 may also include features for stabilization of the access assembly 100. For example, the distal end of the cannula tube 104 may carry a balloon anchor or another expandable member that engages the abdomen from the inside. See, for example, commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 7,300,448, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Features on the opposite side of the abdominal wall may be used to further stabilize the access assembly, such as adhesive tabs or an adjustable foam collar.

[0021] The upper, lower, and inner housing sections 112, 114, 116 of the instrument valve housing 110 define a longitudinal passageway 111 for receiving a surgical instrument (not shown). A valve assembly 120 is supported within the instrument valve housing 110 to provide a sealed passageway of the surgical instrument through the access assembly 100.

[0022] With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, the valve assembly 120 supported within the instrument valve housing 110 (Figure 2) includes a centering mechanism 130, a guard assembly 140, a sealing assembly 160, and a retaining assembly 180. The centering mechanism 130 of the valve assembly 120 allows radial movement of the valve assembly 120 relative to the instrument valve housing 110 when a surgical instrument is received therethrough, and returns the valve assembly 120 to a substantially centered position when the surgical instrument is withdrawn from within the instrument valve housing 110. The guard assembly 140 protects the sealing assembly 160 during insertion and withdrawal of the surgical instrument through the sealing assembly 160. The sealing assembly 160 provides a sealed passage of the surgical instrument through the instrument valve housing 110. The retaining assembly 180 maintains the centering mechanism 130, the guard assembly 140, and the sealing assembly 160 in an aligned relationship with one another.

[0023] 2 and 3, as described above, the centering mechanism 130 of the valve assembly 120 is configured to maintain the valve assembly 120 centered within the instrument valve housing 110 (FIG. 2). In an embodiment, as shown, the centering mechanism 130 includes an outer annular ring 132, an inner annular ring 134, and a bellows 136 disposed between the outer annular ring 132 and the inner annular ring 134. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer annular ring 132 is received between the inner housing section 116 and the lower housing section 114 to retain the centering mechanism 130 within the instrument valve housing 110. The inner annular ring 134 supports the sealing assembly 160. For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary centering mechanism, see commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,787 ("the '787 patent"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0024] Although shown including a centering mechanism 130 having a bellows 136, the valve assembly 120 may include alternative centering mechanisms. For example, the centering mechanism may include an annular base and a number of spokes extending from the base, as described in commonly owned 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 may include multiple sets of spokes, as disclosed in the '477 Publication.

[0025] 2 and 3, the guard assembly 140 of the valve assembly 120 includes a ring portion 142 and first, second, third, and fourth petals 144, 146, 148, 150. The guard assembly 140 may be formed from a sheet of plastic / polymeric material by stamping with a tool that forms the ring portion 142 and the petals 144, 146, 148, 150. Alternatively, the guard assembly 140 may be formed by molding or other techniques. It is envisioned that the guard assembly may include any number of petals, and that the petals may include flap portions of any size or configuration. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,895,377 and 6,569,120 ("the '377 and '120 patents"), and PCT Publication No. WO 91 / 12838, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, for other aspects of exemplary guard assemblies as well as access assemblies. For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary guard assemblies, see commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16 / 394,043 and 16 / 238,823, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0026] Now with particular reference to Figures 4-11, sealing assembly 160 of valve assembly 120 is configured to provide a seal around an outer surface of a surgical instrument (not shown) passed through instrument valve housing 110 (Figure 2).

[0027] The seal assembly 160 includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth petals or segments 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 movable from a first or deployed configuration (FIG. 5) to a folded configuration (FIG. 4). In the folded configuration, the seal assembly 160 forms a substantially planar hexagonal member such that the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth segments 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 of the seal assembly 160 define openings 161 therebetween to facilitate sealed passage of a surgical instrument (not shown) through the seal assembly 160. In an embodiment, the openings 161 are between 0.025 inches and 0.100 inches in diameter. By forming the opening 161 from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 of the seal assembly 160, instead of a continuous solid opening through as a single seal member, the likelihood of the seal assembly 160 tearing during insertion, removal, and use of a surgical instrument therethrough is greatly reduced. While shown including six sections, it is envisioned that the seal assembly 160 may include at least four sections and as many as eight sections.

[0028] The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 of the sealing assembly 160 are formed of a resilient material, such as rubber, polyisoprene, or a silicone elastomer. In embodiments, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 may include one or more fabric layers.

[0029] 5, the first and second sections 162, 164, the second and third sections 164, 166, the third and fourth sections 166, 168, the fourth and fifth sections 168, 170, and the fifth and sixth sections 170, 172 of the sealing assembly 160 are connected to one another by connector portions 162a, 164a, 166a, 168a, 170a, respectively. In an embodiment, the connector portions 162a, 164a, 166a, 168a, 170a include living hinges or are otherwise formed to facilitate folding of the sections.

[0030] Inner edges 162b, 164b, 166b, 168b, 170b, 172b of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, respectively, of seal assembly 160 may be straight (FIG. 14) or may define a V-shape (FIG. 5). In an embodiment, the V-shape defines an angle between one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) and two hundred and seventy-five degrees (275°). The V-shape of inner edges 162b, 164b, 166b, 168b, 170b facilitates receipt of a surgical instrument (not shown) through seal assembly 160.

[0031] Each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 of the sealing assembly 160 includes a wing-shaped body and is configured to partially overlap the respective connected second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 when the sealing assembly 160 is in the folded configuration. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth segments 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 are also configured to partially overlap with their respective adjacent third, fourth, fifth, sixth, first, and second segments 166, 168, 170, 172, 162, 164, and their respective adjacent sixth, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments 172, 162, 164, 166, 168. For example, the first segment 162 overlaps with the connected second segment 164, and the adjacent third and sixth segments 166, 172. In this manner, a portion of each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth segments 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 overlaps with three segments.

[0032] Each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth segments 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 defines a plurality of openings 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173 along the periphery of each segment 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of openings 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173 are arranged such that the first and last two openings of each plurality of openings 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173 are aligned with the last and first two openings of an adjacent segment. For example, as described above, the first segment 162 overlaps the connected second segment 164, as well as the adjacent third and sixth segments 166, 177. In this manner, the first two openings 163a of the plurality of openings 163 align with the last two openings 167b of the plurality of openings 167 in the third section 166, and the second two openings 163b of the plurality of openings 163 in the first section 162 align with the first two openings 173a of the plurality of openings 173 in the sixth section when the sealing assembly 160 is in the folded configuration.

[0033] The plurality of openings 163, 165, 167, 169, 171, 173 are configured to receive pins 186 (FIG. 3) of the retention assembly 180 to maintain the seal assembly 160 in the folded position and to secure the seal assembly 160 relative to the guard assembly 140 and centering mechanism 130.

[0034] A method of folding the closure assembly 160 will now be described with reference to Figures 6-11. Referring initially to Figure 6, the first section 162 of the closure assembly 160 is folded against the second section 164 at a hinge portion 162a between the first section 162 and the second section 164, as indicated by arrow "A", such that the portion of the first section 162 adjacent the hinge portion 162a aligns with the portion of the second section 164 of the closure assembly 160 adjacent the hinge portion 162a. In this manner, the plurality of openings 163 in the portion of the first section 162 adjacent the hinge portion 162a aligns with the plurality of openings 165 in the overlapping portion of the second section 164 of the closure assembly 160 adjacent the hinge portion 162a.

[0035] 7, the second section 164 of the seal assembly 160 is folded against the third section 166 at a hinge portion 164a between the second section 164 and the third section 166, as indicated by arrow "B," such that the portion of the second section 164 adjacent the hinge portion 164a overlaps the length of the portion of the third section 166 of the seal assembly 160 adjacent the hinge portion 164a. In this manner, a plurality of openings 165 in the portion of the second section 164 adjacent the hinge portion 164a align with a plurality of openings 167 in the overlapping portion of the third section 166 of the seal assembly 160 adjacent the hinge portion 164a.

[0036] 8, the third section 166 of the seal assembly 160 is folded against the fourth section 168 of the seal assembly 160 at a hinge portion 166a between the third section 166 and the fourth section 168, as indicated by arrow "C", such that the portion of the third section 166 adjacent the hinge portion 166a overlaps with the portion of the fourth section 168 of the seal assembly 260 adjacent the hinge portion 166a. In this manner, the plurality of openings 167 in the portion of the third section 166 adjacent the hinge portion 166a align with the plurality of openings 169 in the overlapping portion of the fourth section 168 of the seal assembly 160 adjacent the hinge portion 166a.

[0037] 9, the fourth section 168 of the seal assembly 160 is folded against the fifth section 170 of the seal assembly 160 at the hinge portion 168a between the fourth section 168 and the fifth section 170, as indicated by arrow "D", such that the portion of the fourth section 168 adjacent the hinge portion 168a overlaps with the portion of the fifth section 170 of the seal assembly 160 adjacent the hinge portion 168a. In this manner, the plurality of openings 169 in the portion of the fourth section 168 adjacent the hinge portion 168a align with the plurality of openings 171 in the overlapping portion of the fifth section 170 adjacent the hinge portion 168a.

[0038] 10, the fifth section 170 of the seal assembly 160 is folded against the sixth section 172 at a hinge portion 170a between the fifth section 170 and the sixth section 172, as indicated by arrow "E", such that the portion of the fifth section 170 adjacent the hinge portion 170a overlaps with the portion of the sixth section 172 of the seal assembly 260 adjacent the hinge portion 170a. In this manner, the plurality of openings 171 in the portion of the fifth section 170 adjacent the hinge portion 170a align with the plurality of openings 173 in the overlapping portion of the sixth section 170 of the seal assembly 160 adjacent the hinge portion 170a.

[0039] 11 illustrates the seal assembly 160 in a fully collapsed configuration. In an embodiment, a portion of the sixth section 172 of the seal assembly 160 is inserted under the first section 162 of the seal assembly 160 to interweave the first and sixth sections 162, 172. This interweaving improves the integrity of the seal assembly 160.

[0040] 2 and 3, the retention assembly 180 of the valve assembly 120 is configured to secure the guard assembly 140 relative to the sealing assembly 160 and to secure the guard and sealing assemblies 140, 160 to the centering mechanism 130. The retention assembly 180 includes an upper retention member 182 and a lower retention member 184.

[0041] As described above, the upper retaining member 182 includes a plurality of pins 186. The plurality of pins 186 extend from a bottom surface of the upper retaining member 182. Each pin of the plurality of pins 186 is configured to be lockably received within an opening of the plurality of openings 185 (FIG. 3) of the lower retaining member 184. In an embodiment, the plurality of pins 186 are welded, glued, adhered, bonded, or otherwise secured within the plurality of openings 185 in the lower retaining member 184 to secure the upper retaining member 182 and the lower retaining member 184 together. Alternatively, the lower retaining member 184 may instead or additionally include a plurality of pins (not shown), with the upper retaining member 182 defining a plurality of corresponding openings (not shown). Either or both of the upper and lower retaining members 182, 184 may include a locking feature (not shown) for engaging the plurality of pins and securing the upper retaining member 182 to the lower retaining member 184.

[0042] With particular reference to FIG. 2 , a plurality of pins 186 of the upper retaining member 182 extend through the ring portion 142 of the guard assembly 140 , through the sealing assembly 160 , through the inner annular ring 134 of the centering mechanism 130 , and into openings 185 in the lower retaining member 184 .

[0043] During a surgical procedure utilizing the access assembly 100, a surgical instrument (not shown) is introduced into the instrument valve housing 110 through the longitudinal passage 111 in the upper, lower, and inner housing sections 112, 114, 116. As described in the '377 and '120 patents, the distal end of the surgical instrument engages the petals 144, 146, 148, 150 (FIG. 3) of the guard assembly 140, bending the respective petals 144, 146, 148, 150 downward into contact with the seal assembly 160 and opening a central opening 163 of the seal assembly 160 to accommodate passage of the surgical instrument therethrough. The guard assembly 130 minimizes damage to the seal assembly 160 during insertion of an instrument through the valve assembly 120. The guard assembly 130 operates to protect the seal assembly 160 from breakage or other damage as the surgical instrument is received through and withdrawn therefrom. As discussed above, the multi-petal configuration of the seal assembly 160 reduces the likelihood that the seal assembly 160 will tear during insertion and / or removal of a surgical instrument therethrough.

[0044] 14-17, a sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is generally designated as sealing assembly 260. Seal assembly 260 is substantially similar to seal assembly 160 (FIGS. 4-11) described above, and will be described in detail only with respect to the differences therebetween.

[0045] The seal assembly 260 is configured to provide a seal around an outer surface of a surgical instrument (not shown) passing through the instrument valve housing 110 (FIG. 2). The seal assembly 260 includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth petals or segments 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272 that are foldable from a first or deployed configuration (FIG. 14) to a folded configuration (FIG. 17). In the folded configuration, the seal assembly 260 forms a substantially planar hexagonal member such that the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth segments 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272 of the seal assembly 260 define an opening 261 therebetween to facilitate sealed passage of a surgical instrument (not shown) through the seal assembly 260.

[0046] The inner edges 262b, 264b, 266b, 268b, 270b, 272b of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth sections 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, respectively, of the seal assembly 160 are tapered. The tapered inner edges 262b, 266b, 270b of the first, third, and fifth sections 262, 266, 270, respectively, are disposed on first surfaces 262', 266', 270' (FIG. 17) of the first, third, and fifth sections 262, 266, 270, respectively, and the tapered inner edges 264b, 268b, 272b of the second, fourth, and sixth sections 264, 268, 274, respectively, are disposed on second surfaces 264'', 268'', 272'' of the first, third, and fifth sections 262, 266, 270, respectively. Tapered inner edges 262b, 264b, 266b, 268b, 270b, 272b of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, 272, respectively, facilitate sealed reception of a surgical instrument through the opening 261 in the seal assembly 260.

[0047] The seal assembly 260 is secured within the instrument valve housing 110 (FIG. 2) in a manner similar to the seal assembly 160 (FIG. 3) described above. The seal assembly 260 operates in a similar manner to the seal assembly 160.

[0048] 18 and 19 show a valve assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, generally designated as valve assembly 320. Valve assembly 320 is configured to be supported within an instrument valve housing, e.g., instrument valve housing 110 (FIG. 2), and includes a centering mechanism 330, a guard assembly 340, a sealing assembly 360, and a retaining member 380. Centering mechanism 330 of valve assembly 320 allows radial movement of valve assembly 320 relative to instrument valve housing 110 when a surgical instrument is received through valve assembly 320, and returns valve assembly 320 to a substantially centered position when the surgical instrument is withdrawn from within instrument valve housing 310. Guard assembly 340 protects sealing assembly 360 during insertion and withdrawal of a surgical instrument through sealing assembly 360. Sealing assembly 360 provides a sealed passage of a surgical instrument through instrument valve housing 110. The retaining member 380 maintains the centering mechanism 330, the guard assembly 340, and the seal assembly 360 in an aligned relationship with one another.

[0049] 20 and 21, the centering mechanism 330 of the valve assembly 320 is configured to maintain the valve assembly 320 centered within the instrument valve housing 110 (FIG. 2). In an embodiment, and as shown, the centering mechanism 330 includes an annular base 332 and a plurality of spokes 334 extending from the annular base 332. The annular base 332 defines a channel 333. The channel 333 is configured to receive a plurality of pins 386 extending from a retaining ring 382 of the retaining member 380. The plurality of pins 386 of the retaining member 380 may be frictionally secured within the annular base 332. Alternatively, the plurality of pins 386 may be secured within the channel 333 of the annular base with an adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or in any other suitable manner.

[0050] 20 and 21 , as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0025477 ("the '477 Publication"), the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, a plurality of spokes 334 extending from annular base 332 of centering mechanism 330 act as springs that bias the annular base 332 toward a central position within the instrument valve housing 110. As disclosed in the '477 Publication, it is envisioned that centering mechanism 330 may include multiple sets of spokes.

[0051] 19 , the guard assembly 340 of the valve assembly 320 includes a support ring 342 and a plurality of guard segments 344. Although shown having only a single support ring 342 disposed proximally of the plurality of guard segments 344, it is envisioned that the guard assembly may include support rings 342 disposed proximally and distally of the plurality of guard segments 344. The support ring 342 defines a plurality of openings 341 for receiving a plurality of pins 386 extending from the retaining ring 382 of the retaining member 380. The support ring 342 includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending tabs 342a. The plurality of tabs 342a facilitate positioning of the guard assembly 340 within the centering mechanism 330. As shown, the plurality of guard segments 344 includes six guard segments 346a-f. It is envisioned that the guard assembly 340 may include more or less than six guard segments 346a-f.

[0052] 22 and 23, the six guard segments 346a-f are substantially similar and will be described in detail only with respect to the exemplary guard segment 346. The guard segment 346 includes a base portion 348 and a guard portion 350 extending from the base portion 348. The base portion 348 of the guard segment 346 defines a first opening 347a and a second opening 347b forming a plurality of openings 347 for receiving a plurality of pins 386 of the retention member 380 (FIG. 19). Although shown having three openings 347, it is envisioned that the guard segment 346 may include any number of openings corresponding in number and arrangement to the plurality of pins 386 of the retention member 380. At least one tab 348a extends radially outward from the base portion 348. As shown, the guard segment 346 includes a pair of tabs 348a. Tabs 348 a facilitate positioning of guard assembly 340 within centering mechanism 330 .

[0053] Guard section 346 of guard assembly 340 defines at least one longitudinal slot 349 disposed between base portion 348 and guard portion 350. As shown, guard section 346 defines a pair of longitudinal slots 349. Longitudinal slots 349 facilitate flexing of guard portion 350 relative to base portion 348. Guard portion 350 of guard section 346 defines a substantially kidney shape including a recess 351 along an inner edge 352. When multiple guard sections 346a-f are assembled (FIG. 29), recess 351 along inner edge 352 of guard portion 350 forms an opening 353 (FIG. 29) for receiving a surgical instrument (not shown).

[0054] 23, a first side 354 of the guard segment 346 is angled downwardly relative to the remainder of the guard segment 346. An edge 354a of the first side 354 of the guard segment 346 is a distance "δ" away from a horizontal plane "h" defined by the surface of the remainder of the guard segment 346. The downward angle of the first side 354 of the guard segment 346 accommodates overlapping portions of adjacent guard segments 346a-f when the multiple guard segments 344 of the guard assembly 340 are assembled (FIG. 29), such that the multiple guard segments 344 lie in a substantially planar arrangement.

[0055] 24-29, a method of assembling the multiple guard sections 344 will now be described. Referring initially to Figure 24, a first guard section 346a is positioned such that a first side 354 of a guard portion 350 of the first guard section 346a slopes downwardly.

[0056] 25, the second guard section 346b is positioned such that the guard portion 350 of the second guard section 346b overlaps the first side 354 of the first guard section 346a and the first side 354 of the guard portion 350 of the second guard section 346b slopes downwardly and away from the first guard section 346a. As such, the first opening 347a of the second guard section 346b overlaps the second opening 347b of the first guard section 346a.

[0057] 26, the third guard section 346c is positioned such that the guard portion 350 of the third guard section 346c overlaps the first side 354 (FIG. 25) of the second guard section 346a and the first side 354 of the guard portion 350 of the third guard section 346c slopes downwardly and away from the second guard section 346b. As such, the first opening 347a of the third guard section 346c overlaps the second opening 347b of the second guard section 346b.

[0058] 27-29, the fourth, fifth and sixth guard segments 346d, 346e, 346f are similarly positioned, except that a first side (not shown) of guard portion 350 of sixth guard segment 346f is positioned below guard portion 350 of first guard segment 346a, to complete assembly of the multiple guard segments 344 of guard assembly 340.

[0059] As described in more detail below, the multiple guard segments 344 of the guard assembly 340 are maintained in an assembled configuration by a retention assembly 380.

[0060] 19 and with additional reference to FIG. 30, the sealing assembly 360 of the valve assembly 320 includes a proximal sealing member 362, an intermediate sealing assembly 364, and a distal sealing member 368. The proximal sealing member 362 includes an annular flange 370 and a sealing portion 372 supported within the annular flange 370. The sealing portion 372 is formed from a resilient material, e.g., rubber, and defines a central opening 371. The annular flange 370 is configured to guide a surgical instrument (not shown) through the central opening 371 of the sealing portion 372. The intermediate sealing assembly 364 is substantially similar to the sealing assemblies 160, 260 described above. The distal sealing member 366 corresponds in shape to the intermediate sealing assembly 364. The distal sealing member 366 is formed from a resilient material, e.g., rubber, and defines a central opening 365.

[0061] 30 , the proximal sealing member 362 and the distal sealing member 366 of the sealing assembly 370 operate together to support the intermediate sealing assembly 364. More specifically, the intermediate sealing assembly 364 is sandwiched between a sealing portion 372 of the proximal sealing member 362 and the distal sealing member 366. When a surgical instrument (not shown) is received through the sealing assembly 360, the distal sealing member 366 supports the intermediate sealing assembly 364. Similarly, when a surgical instrument is withdrawn from the sealing assembly 360, the proximal sealing member 362 supports the intermediate sealing assembly 364.

[0062] Although shown and described with reference to sealing assembly 360, it is envisioned that valve assembly 320 may include any suitable sealing assembly.

[0063] As described above, the retaining ring 382 of the retaining member 380 includes a plurality of pins 386 that are received through the plurality of openings 342, 347 of the support ring 342 and the plurality of guard segments 344 of the guard assembly 340, respectively, as well as through the sealing assembly 360. The plurality of retaining pins 386 are secured within channels 333 of the annular base 332 of the centering mechanism 330 to maintain the guard assembly 340 and the sealing assembly 360 in an assembled configuration.

[0064] 31 and 32 show a valve assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, generally designated as valve assembly 420. Valve assembly 420 is configured to be supported within an instrument valve housing, such as instrument valve housing 110 (FIG. 2), and includes a centering mechanism 430, a guard assembly 440, a sealing assembly 460, and a retention assembly 480.

[0065] The centering mechanism 430 of the valve assembly 420 allows radial movement of the valve assembly 420 relative to the instrument valve housing 110 ( FIG. 2 ) when a surgical instrument is received through the valve assembly 420, and returns the valve assembly 420 toward a generally centered position when the surgical instrument is withdrawn from within the instrument valve housing 410. As shown, the centering mechanism 430 is substantially similar to the centering mechanism 330 described above. It is envisioned that the valve assembly 420 may include alternative centering mechanisms, including, for example, the centering mechanism 130 described above.

[0066] The guard assembly 440 of the valve assembly 420 protects the seal assembly 460 during insertion and withdrawal of a surgical instrument therethrough. As shown, the guard assembly 440 is substantially similar to the guard assembly 440 described above. It is envisioned that the valve assembly 420 may include alternative guard assemblies including, for example, the guard assembly 140 described above. The seal assembly 460 provides a sealed passage of the surgical instrument through the instrument valve housing 110. A retention member 480 maintains the centering mechanism 430, the guard assembly 440, and the seal assembly 460 in an aligned relationship with one another.

[0067] 31 and 32, and additionally with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, the sealing assembly 460 of the valve assembly 420 includes a proximal sealing member 462, an intermediate sealing assembly 464, and a distal sealing member 466. The proximal sealing member 462 is substantially similar to the proximal sealing member 362 described above and includes an annular flange 462a and a sealing portion 462b supported within the annular flange 462a. The intermediate sealing assembly 464 is similar to the sealing assemblies 160, 260 described above and will be described in further detail below. The distal sealing member 366 corresponds in size and shape to the sealing portion 462b of the proximal sealing member 462. The proximal sealing member 462 and the distal sealing member 466 of the sealing assembly 470 operate together to support the intermediate sealing assembly 464.

[0068] The intermediate sealing assembly 464 of the sealing assembly 460 includes a plurality of sealing segments 470 (first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sealing segments 472a-f) arranged in an overlapping or stacked configuration. In the overlapping configuration, the intermediate sealing assembly 464 forms a substantially planar hexagonal member with the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sealing segments 472a-f of the sealing assembly 464 defining an opening 463 ( FIG. 32 ) to facilitate sealed passage of a surgical instrument (not shown) through the sealing assembly 460. Although the sealing segments 472a-f of the sealing assembly 464 are shown and described as forming separate components, it is envisioned that the sealing segments may be integrally formed with or otherwise secured to the central portion. In this manner, the sealing segments are folded over the central portion to form an overlapping or interwoven configuration.

[0069] In an embodiment, the opening 463 in the intermediate seal assembly 464 is between 0.025 inches and 0.100 inches in diameter. By forming the opening 463 from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth seal segments 472a-f of the seal assembly 460, instead of a continuous solid opening through a single seal member, the likelihood of the seal assembly 460 tearing during insertion, removal, and manipulation of surgical instruments therethrough is greatly reduced. While shown including six seal segments, it is envisioned that the seal assembly 460 may include at least four seal segments and as many as eight seal segments.

[0070] The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sealing sections 472a-f of the sealing assembly 460 are formed of a resilient material, such as rubber, polyisoprene, or a silicone elastomer. In an embodiment, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sealing sections 472a-f may include one or more fabric layers.

[0071] 35 and 36, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sealing segments 472a-f are substantially identical and will be described in detail only with respect to the exemplary sealing segment 472. The exemplary sealing segment 472 is substantially similar to the sealing segments of the sealing assemblies 160, 260 described above. More specifically, the sealing segment 472 includes a wing-shaped body configured to overlap adjacent sealing segments. The interior or edge portion 476 of the sealing segment 472 may be straight (FIG. 14) or, as shown, may define a V-shape. In an embodiment, the V-shape defines an angle "β" of approximately one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) to approximately two hundred and seventy five degrees (275°). The V-shape of the interior portion 474 facilitates receipt of a surgical instrument (not shown) through the sealing assembly 460.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 36 , the interior portion 474 of the sealing segment 472 is tapered, e.g., the thickness of the interior portion 474 decreases a distance “a”, “b” from the proximal and distal faces, respectively. Although a symmetrical taper, e.g., the distances “a”, “b” are shown as being the same, it is envisioned that the interior portion 474 of the sealing segment 472 may be tapered on only one of the proximal and distal faces, or the distances “a”, “b” may be different. The tapered configuration of the interior portion 474 facilitates insertion and withdrawal of a surgical instrument through the seal assembly 460. The tapered configuration of the interior portion 474 of the sealing segment 472 may also provide an improved seal around a surgical instrument received through the seal assembly 470.

[0073] 37-42 show the assembly of the intermediate seal assembly 464. More specifically, the figures illustrate a stacked, overlapping configuration of a plurality of seal sections 470. The plurality of seal sections 470 of the intermediate seal assembly 464 are maintained in the assembled configuration by a retaining assembly 480 (FIG. 32). More specifically, a plurality of pins 486 (FIG. 32) of an upper retaining member 482 of the retaining assembly 480 are received through a plurality of openings 473 of the seal sections 472. The retaining assembly 480 further maintains the seal assembly 460 relative to the centering mechanism 430 and the guard assembly 440. The plurality of pins 486 of the retaining assembly 480 are secured to a lower retaining member 484 (FIG. 32) of the retaining assembly 480. More specifically, the plurality of pins 486 are secured within a channel 485 of the lower retaining member 484 in any suitable manner, including, for example, by friction fit, welding, or adhesive.

[0074] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure herein. It is therefore intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An access assembly comprising: an instrument valve housing defining a cavity; a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing; Equipped with The valve assembly includes: a guard assembly including a support ring and a plurality of guard segments disposed distally of the support ring; a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, the seal assembly including a proximal seal member, an intermediate seal assembly, and a distal seal member; a centering mechanism for maintaining the sealing assembly and the guard assembly centered within the cavity of the instrument valve housing; Including, an access assembly, wherein each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments includes a first surface that slopes downwardly relative to a remainder of the plurality of guard segments to accommodate overlapping portions of adjacent guard segments of the plurality of guard segments, such that the plurality of guard segments are in a substantially planar arrangement when the valve assembly is in an assembled state.

2. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the guard assembly includes six guard segments.

3. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments includes a guard portion having a substantially kidney shape.

4. The access assembly of claim 3 , wherein each guard portion includes a recess, each guard portion configured such that the recess forms an opening when the multiple guard segments are assembled.

5. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support ring and at least one of the plurality of guard segments include a plurality of outwardly extending tabs for aligning the guard assembly with the centering mechanism.

6. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the proximal sealing member includes an annular flange and a sealing portion supported within the annular flange.

7. The access assembly of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments.

8. The access assembly of claim 1, further comprising a retaining member having a plurality of pins, and the centering mechanism includes an annular base defining a channel for receiving the plurality of pins to maintain the valve assembly in an assembled configuration.

9. 1. An access assembly comprising: an instrument valve housing including an upper housing section, a lower housing section, and an inner housing section, said instrument valve housing defining a cavity; a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing; Equipped with The valve assembly includes: a guard assembly including a plurality of guard segments; a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, the seal assembly including a proximal seal member, an intermediate seal assembly, and a distal seal member, the intermediate seal assembly including a plurality of seal segments in a stacked configuration; a centering mechanism for maintaining the sealing assembly and the guard assembly centered within the cavity of the instrument valve housing; Including, an access assembly, wherein each guard segment of the plurality of guard segments includes a first surface that slopes downwardly relative to a remainder of the plurality of guard segments to accommodate overlapping portions of adjacent guard segments of the plurality of guard segments, such that the plurality of guard segments are in a substantially planar arrangement when the valve assembly is in an assembled state.

10. The access assembly of claim 9 , wherein the intermediate seal assembly includes six seal sections.

11. The access assembly of claim 9 , wherein each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments comprises a wing shape.

12. The access assembly of claim 9 , wherein an inner edge of each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments is straight.

13. The access assembly of claim 9 , wherein an interior portion of each sealing segment of the plurality of sealing segments is tapered.

14. The access assembly of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the interior portion is tapered.

15. The access assembly of claim 9 , wherein the mid-seal assembly is hexagonal.

16. The access assembly of claim 9 , wherein the proximal sealing member includes an annular flange and a sealing portion supported within the annular flange.

17. The access assembly of claim 16 , wherein the proximal and distal sealing members operate to support the intermediate sealing assembly.

18. The access assembly of claim 17, further comprising a retaining assembly including an upper retaining member and a lower retaining member, at least one of the upper retaining member and the lower retaining member including a plurality of pins receivable through the guard assembly and the sealing assembly to hold the guard assembly and the sealing assembly relative to one another.

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