Cannula with smoke exhaust housing

Abstract

The surgical access device includes a cannula and a seal housing. The cannula has a cannula housing and a tubular member extending from the cannula housing. The seal housing is coupled to the cannula housing. The seal housing has a base and a cover with an instrument seal disposed between the base and the cover. The cover has an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion with a port extending from the upper cover portion. The port is connectable to a vacuum source. A chamber having a projection and a window is defined in the upper cover portion and configured to direct a fluid toward the port.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to surgical instruments for accessing a surgical site on a patient. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cannula having a smoke exhaust housing. [Background technology]

[0002] In minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, surgical access devices allow various surgical instruments to be introduced into body cavities or openings. The surgical access device (e.g., a cannula or access port) is introduced through an opening in tissue (e.g., a naturally occurring hole or incision) to provide access to a surgical site beneath the body. The opening is typically created using an obturator with a blunt or sharp tip that can be inserted through a passageway in the surgical access device. For example, a cannula has a tube of rigid material with a thin-walled structure through which an obturator can be threaded. The obturator is used to penetrate or introduce the surgical access device through a body wall, such as the abdominal wall, and is then removed to allow surgical instruments to be introduced through the surgical access device to perform the minimally invasive surgery.

[0003] Minimally invasive surgery, including both endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, allows surgery to be performed on organs, tissues, and vessels far from an opening in the tissue. In laparoscopic surgery, the abdominal cavity is insufflated with a pneumoperitoneum gas, such as CO2, to create a pneumoperitoneum, thereby providing access to the underlying organs. Laparoscopic instruments are introduced into the abdominal cavity through a cannula to perform one or more surgical procedures. The cannula may incorporate a seal that establishes a substantially fluid-tight seal around the laparoscopic instrument to maintain the integrity of the pneumoperitoneum. Cannulas exposed to a pressurized environment, such as a pneumoperitoneum, may include anchors to prevent the cannula from backing out of the opening in the abdominal wall, for example, during withdrawal of laparoscopic instruments from the cannula. Some procedures employ electrosurgical instruments, which may generate smoke and particulate matter. The smoke and particulate matter must be removed while the cannula remains positioned within the body tissue. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical access device includes a cannula having a cannula housing at its proximal end and a tubular member extending from the cannula housing. A seal housing is coupled to the cannula housing. The seal housing includes a base attached to the cannula housing, an instrument seal, and a cover from which a port extends. The cover has a lower cover portion and an upper cover portion. The lower cover portion is attached to the base, and the upper cover portion has a chamber therein. The chamber includes protrusions, adjacent protrusions are spaced apart and define a window therebetween. The window and protrusions define a geometry of the chamber configured to direct fluid within the seal housing toward the port. The port is connectable to a vacuum source.

[0005] In one aspect, a vacuum may be present in the port that creates a flow path in the chamber that directs fluid within the seal housing towards the port.

[0006] Alternatively, the wall of the cover may define the chamber, and the passageway may be defined between the wall and the protrusion.

[0007] In an embodiment, fluid entering the seal housing may enter the passageway through the window and may be directed towards the port.

[0008] In one aspect, the protrusions, windows, and passages may define the geometry of the chamber and may facilitate flow towards the port.

[0009] In a further aspect, the upper cover portion may have arms depending therefrom and the lower cover portion may have cooperating fingers to align the upper and lower cover portions for assembly.

[0010] In aspects, the seal housing may be releasably coupled to the cannula housing.

[0011] In yet another aspect, fluid entering the seal housing may enter the passageway through the window, and a vacuum present in the port may direct the fluid towards the port.

[0012] In one aspect, the fluid may travel through the tubular member and into the seal housing.

[0013] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical access device has a cannula and a seal housing. The cannula includes a cannula housing and a tubular member extending from the cannula housing. The seal housing includes a base attachable to the cannula, an instrument seal, and a cover having a lower cover portion and an upper cover portion. The lower cover portion is attached to the base and the upper cover portion is connectable to the lower cover portion. The upper cover portion has a wall depending therefrom and defines a chamber. The chamber includes protrusions depending from the upper cover portion. The protrusions are spaced apart and define a window therebetween. A port extends radially from the upper cover portion. A passage is defined between a surface of the wall and the protrusions. The protrusions, the window, and the passage define a geometry of the chamber configured to direct fluid within the seal housing toward a port connectable to a vacuum source.

[0014] In one aspect, a vacuum present in the port may create a flow path in the chamber that directs fluid within the seal housing towards the port.

[0015] Alternatively, fluid entering the seal housing may enter the passageway through the window and be directed towards the port.

[0016] In aspects, the upper cover portion may have arms depending therefrom and the lower cover portion may have cooperating fingers to align the upper and lower cover portions for assembly.

[0017] In one aspect, the seal housing may be releasably coupled to the cannula housing.

[0018] Alternatively, the fluid may travel through the tubular member and into the seal housing.

[0019] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for removing fluid from a surgical access apparatus includes connecting a vacuum source to the surgical access apparatus. The surgical access apparatus includes a cannula having a cannula housing and a tubular member extending from the cannula housing. A seal housing is coupled to the cannula housing. The seal housing includes a base, an instrument seal, and a cover through which a port extends. The cover has a lower cover portion attached to the cannula housing and an upper cover portion. The upper cover portion has a chamber therein. The chamber includes protrusions, adjacent protrusions being spaced apart and defining a window therebetween. The window and protrusions define the geometry of the chamber. The method also includes applying a vacuum to the chamber through the port. The vacuum and the geometry of the chamber create a flow path within the seal housing that directs fluid within the seal housing toward the port.

[0020] In one aspect, fluid entering the chamber may be directed towards the walls of the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber through a port.

[0021] Alternatively, fluid entering the chamber may be directed through the window and into a passage defined between the protrusion and the wall by applying a vacuum to the chamber through the port.

[0022] In embodiments, fluid may be moved through the tubular member and into the seal housing by applying a vacuum to the chamber through the port.

[0023] In a further aspect, the surgical access device may include a seal housing removably coupled to the cannula housing by connecting a vacuum source to the surgical access device.

[0024] Other features of the present disclosure will be understood from the following description. The present invention provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) 1. A surgical access device comprising: a cannula having a cannula housing at a proximal end and a tubular member extending from the cannula housing; a seal housing coupled to the cannula housing, the seal housing comprising: a base attached to the cannula housing; an instrument seal; 1. A surgical access apparatus comprising: a seal housing including a cover having a port extending therethrough, the cover having a lower cover portion and an upper cover portion, the lower cover portion attached to the base and the upper cover portion having a chamber therein, the chamber including protrusions, adjacent protrusions being spaced apart and defining a window therebetween, the window and the protrusions defining a geometry of the chamber configured to direct fluid within the seal housing towards the port, the port being connectable to a vacuum source. (Item 2) 2. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1, wherein a vacuum present in the port creates a flow path in the chamber that directs the fluid in the seal housing toward the port. (Item 3) Item 10. The surgical access apparatus of item 1, wherein a wall of the cover defines the chamber and a passageway is defined between the wall and the protrusion. (Item 4) 4. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fluid entering the seal housing enters the passageway through the window and is directed towards the port. (Item 5) 4. The surgical access device of claim 3, wherein the protrusion, the window, and the passageway define the geometry of the chamber and facilitate flow toward the port. (Item 6) 2. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper cover portion has arms depending therefrom and the lower cover portion has fingers cooperating to align the upper and lower cover portions for assembly. (Item 7) 2. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seal housing is releasably coupled to the cannula housing. (Item 8) 4. The surgical access apparatus of claim 3, wherein the fluid entering the seal housing enters the passageway through the window and a vacuum present in the port directs the fluid toward the port. (Item 9) 9. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fluid travels through the tubular member and into the seal housing. (Item 10) 1. A surgical access device comprising: a cannula having a cannula housing and a tubular member extending therefrom; A seal housing, a base attachable to the cannula; an instrument seal; a cover having a lower cover portion and an upper cover portion, said lower cover portion attached to said base, said upper cover portion connectable to said lower cover portion, said upper cover portion having a wall depending therefrom and defining a chamber, said chamber including protrusions depending from said upper cover portion, said protrusions being spaced apart and defining a window therebetween; a port extending radially from the upper cover portion; a seal housing including a passage defined between a surface of the wall and the protrusion, wherein the protrusion, the window, and the passage define a geometry of the chamber configured to direct fluid within the seal housing toward the port, the port being connectable to a vacuum source. (Item 11) Item 11. The surgical access apparatus according to item 10, wherein a vacuum present in the port creates a flow path in the chamber that directs the fluid in the seal housing towards the port. (Item 12) Item 11. The surgical access apparatus according to item 10, wherein the fluid entering the seal housing enters the passageway through the window and is directed towards the port. (Item 13) Item 11. The surgical access apparatus of item 10, wherein the upper cover portion has arms depending therefrom and the lower cover portion has fingers cooperating to align the upper and lower cover portions for assembly. (Item 14) Item 11. The surgical access apparatus according to item 10, wherein the seal housing is releasably coupled to the cannula housing. (Item 15) Item 13. The surgical access apparatus according to item 12, wherein the fluid travels through the tubular member and into the seal housing. (Item 16) 1. A method for removing fluid from a surgical access device, comprising: a vacuum source connected to a surgical access device, the surgical access device comprising: a cannula having a cannula housing and a tubular member extending therefrom; a seal housing coupled to the cannula housing, the seal housing comprising: A base and an instrument seal; a seal housing including a cover having a port extending therethrough, the cover having a lower cover portion attached to the cannula housing and an upper cover portion, the upper cover portion having a chamber therein, the chamber including protrusions, adjacent protrusions being spaced apart and defining windows therebetween, the windows and protrusions defining a geometric shape of the chamber; applying a vacuum to the chamber through the port, wherein the geometry of the vacuum and the chamber creates a flow path within the seal housing, the flow path directing fluid within the seal housing toward the port. (Item 17) 17. The method of claim 16, wherein applying the vacuum to the chamber through the port causes the fluid entering the chamber to be directed toward a wall of the chamber. (Item 18) Item 18. The method of item 17, wherein applying the vacuum to the chamber through the port directs the fluid entering the chamber through the window and into a passage defined between the protrusion and the wall. (Item 19) Item 17. The method of item 16, wherein applying the vacuum to the chamber through the port causes the fluid to move through the tubular member and into the seal housing. (Item 20) Item 17. The method of item 16, comprising connecting the vacuum source to the surgical access device, thereby removably coupling the seal housing to the cannula housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects and features of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, serve to further explain the disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical access apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0027] [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view with parts separated of the surgical access device of FIG. 1;

[0028] [Figure 3] 3 is an exploded perspective view, with parts separated, of a seal housing of the surgical access device of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG.

[0029] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the cover portion of the seal housing of FIG. 3.

[0030] [Figure 5] 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the proximal region of the surgical access device taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

[0031] [Figure 6] 6 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical access device taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Aspects of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary detail. Therefore, 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 variously employ the present disclosure in substantially any appropriately detailed structure.

[0033] A description of technical features of one aspect of the present disclosure should typically be considered applicable to other similar features of another aspect of the present disclosure. Therefore, technical features described according to one aspect of the present disclosure are also applicable to other aspects of the present disclosure, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. The same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout the specification and drawings. For detailed descriptions of the structure and function of exemplary surgical access assemblies, reference may be made to commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 7,300,448, 7,691,089, and 8,926,508, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] 1-3 , a surgical access device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is generally designated as surgical access device 10. Surgical access device 10 includes a cannula 100 and a seal housing 200 coupled to cannula 100. Cannula 100 has a cannula housing 108 and a tubular member 102 extending from cannula housing 108. A longitudinal axis XX extends through surgical access device 10. Tubular member 102 may include ribs or other protrusions 104 along a portion of its length that help stabilize cannula 100 when inserted into tissue. Tubular member 102 further includes a lumen 106 configured to receive a surgical instrument therein, such as an obturator, endoscopic stapler, electrosurgical instrument, or the like (not shown). In addition, cannula housing 108 has a valve 20 extending radially therefrom. The valve includes a body 22, a handle 24, and a valve port 26. The handle 24 is rotatable relative to the body 22 such that a first position of the handle 24 defines an open configuration of the valve 20 that allows fluid to flow therethrough, and a second position of the handle 24 defines a closed configuration of the valve 20 that prevents fluid from flowing therethrough. The valve 20 may be a stopcock valve. The cannula housing 108 also includes a duckbill or zero-closure valve 40. The cannula housing 108 and the tubular member 102 are formed from a suitable biocompatible polymeric material (e.g., polycarbonate).

[0035] Seal housing 200 includes an instrument seal 220 positioned therein and includes a central opening 224 that sealingly engages a surgical instrument (not shown) inserted through a channel in seal housing 200. When a surgical instrument is inserted through central opening 224, the surgical instrument engages instrument seal 220, which provides a fluid-tight barrier. Seal housing 200 is formed from a suitable biocompatible polymeric material (e.g., polycarbonate).

[0036] The base of seal housing 200 is releasably attached to cannula housing 108. Tab 112 extends radially from cannula housing 108 and is configured to resiliently move relative to cannula housing 108 such that tab 112 is movable distally relative to cannula housing 108. Distal movement of tab 112 allows a user to rotate seal housing 200 relative to cannula housing 108 to remove seal housing 200 from surgical access device 10. Attachment of seal housing 200 to cannula housing 108 of surgical access device 10 involves rotating seal housing 200 in the opposite direction relative to cannula housing 108. An example of a seal housing, including an instrument seal, attachable to a housing of a surgical access device is described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,022,149, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] Continuing to refer to FIG. 3 , seal housing 200 includes a base 210 and a cover 250. Base 210 has a circular frame 218 with depending prongs 212 that align with complementary features on cannula housing 108 to couple base 210 to cannula housing 108. Cover 250 has a lower cover portion 230 and an upper cover portion 270. Lower cover portion 230 has a circular frame 238 and an upper surface 236. Instrument seal 220 is disposed within seal housing 200 and positioned between lower cover portion 230 and base 210. Instrument seal 220 includes spokes 222 that facilitate maintaining instrument seal 220 in the center of seal housing 200 when a surgical instrument is not inserted therethrough. Additionally, instrument seal 220 includes a membrane having a central opening 224 for slidably receiving a surgical instrument therethrough. In the absence of a surgical instrument, central opening 224 is aligned with axis YY. Base 210, lower cover portion 230, and upper cover portion 270 include respective coaxial central openings 214, 234, 274 that are aligned with axis YY and with axis XX of surgical access device 10. Lower cover portion 230 has tabs 232 that complement notches 216 in base 210 to align and orient lower cover portion 230 and base 210 during assembly. Lower cover portion 230 may be joined to base 210 using a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, friction fit, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and the like. Additionally, upper surface 236 of lower cover portion 230 has a raised rib 240 that generally surrounds central opening 234 of lower cover portion 230. Rib 240 includes opposed arcuate portions 244 separated by opposed straight portions 242. The straight portion 242 is generally parallel to the tab 232 of the lower cover portion 230. One of the arcuate portions 244 has a finger 246 that extends therefrom along the upper surface 236 toward the central opening 234 of the lower cover portion 230. The finger 246 and straight portion 242 cooperate with the upper cover portion 270 to align the upper and lower cover portions 270, 230 during assembly, as described below.Although shown extending from one of the arcuate portions 244, the fingers 246 may be disposed on one of the straight portions 242. Additionally, the upper cover portion 270 includes a port 272 extending radially from the upper cover portion 270. As shown in FIG. 1, the port 272 is attachable to the vacuum source 30 via the tube 32. The upper cover portion 270 includes a protrusion 264 extending from an inner surface thereof.

[0038] 4 and 6, the alignment and assembly of cover 250 is shown. Initially, as seen in FIG. 4, the underside of upper cover portion 270 has wall 260 depending therefrom. Wall 260 defines a chamber 262 surrounding a central opening 274 in upper cover portion 270. Additionally, passageway 267 (FIG. 5) is defined between the inner surface of wall 260 and protrusion 264. Passageway 267, in combination with protrusion 264 and window 268, defines the geometry of chamber 262 configured to facilitate fluid flow toward port 272. Wall 260 has opposing arcuate portions 263 connected by opposing straight portions 265. Arcuate portions 263 and straight portions 265 of wall 260 correspond to arcuate portions 244 and straight portions 242 of ribs 240 disposed on lower cover portion 230. The ribs 240 of the lower cover portion 230 fit within the periphery of the wall 260 such that the outer surfaces of the ribs 240 engage (i.e., fit flush with) the inner surfaces of the wall 260, as shown in FIG. 6 . In particular, the arcuate portions 263 of the wall 260 align with the arcuate portions 244 of the ribs 240, and the straight portions 265 of the wall 260 align with the straight portions 242 of the ribs 240, thereby aligning the upper and lower cover portions 270 and 230 during assembly and preventing the upper and lower cover portions 270 and 230 from rotating relative to one another. The straight portions 265 of the wall 260 have posts 280 extending radially therefrom. Like the straight portions 265 of the wall 260, the posts 280 align with the tabs 232 of the lower cover portion 230. Arm 266 extends from the underside of upper cover portion 270 and is located directly opposite port 272. Arm 266 has a length such that when upper cover portion 270 and lower cover portion 230 are attached to one another, the distal end of arm 266 contacts upper surface 236 of lower cover portion 230. Similarly, when upper cover portion 270 is attached to lower cover portion 230, the distal end of protrusion 264 contacts upper surface 236 of lower cover portion 230. Because upper cover portion 270 and lower cover portion 230 have complementary arcuate portions 263, 244 and complementary straight portions 265, 242, upper cover portion 270 can be attached to lower cover portion 230 in only one of two possible orientations.However, one of these two possible orientations aligns the arm 266 of the upper cover portion 270 with the finger 246 of the rib 240 of the lower cover portion 230. The contact between the arm 266 and the finger 246 prevents the upper cover portion 270 from seating flush on the top surface 236 of the lower cover portion 230. Rotating the upper cover portion 270 and the lower cover portion 230 180 degrees relative to one another positions the arm 266 and the finger 246 in an opposing relationship, allowing the upper cover portion 270 to seat flush on the top surface 236 of the lower cover portion 230. This arrangement provides proper alignment and orientation between the upper cover portion 270 and the lower cover portion 230.

[0039] 5, the central opening 274 of the upper cover portion 270 is surrounded by protrusions 264 that depend from the underside of the upper cover portion 270 and are contained within the chamber 262. The protrusions 264 are arranged such that windows 268 are defined between adjacent protrusions 264. As shown, the upper cover portion 270 has four protrusions 264 and four windows 268. It is contemplated that the upper cover portion 270 may include more or fewer protrusions 264 and windows 268 while still maintaining the functionality of the seal housing 200. Each protrusion 264 is generally arcuate (i.e., a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface) and includes a ledge disposed on its inner surface. The ledge is located near the distal end of the protrusion 264. Furthermore, although shown as having a common configuration, it is contemplated that each projection 264 may have a unique configuration that cooperates with window 268 and wall 260 defining chamber 262 to define a flow path from a central region of chamber 262 toward port 272. This contains fluid entering chamber 262 from lumen 106 of tubular member 102 of cannula 100, through central opening 224 in instrument seal 220, as indicated by arrow A, and central opening 274 in upper cover portion 270, as indicated by arrow B. It is contemplated that the fluid flow indicated by arrows A and B may be the majority of the fluid flow from surgical access device 10 toward port 272.

[0040] 5 and 6 , the flow path through seal housing 200 is shown. In conjunction with a vacuum (i.e., negative pressure) applied to port 272 in upper cover portion 270, as indicated by arrow C, fluid (e.g., gas or liquid), along with any entrained particulates (e.g., smoke), enters seal housing 200 from cannula housing 108, as indicated by arrow A, and / or from the ambient environment surrounding surgical access device 10, as indicated by arrow B. Regardless of whether the fluid enters seal housing 200 from cannula housing 108 or the ambient environment, the fluid flows into the cavity defined by protrusion 264 and associated window 268. From there, a portion of the fluid flows away from port 272 and through window 268 opposite port 272, as indicated by arrow D. Additionally, another portion of the fluid enters the cavity and exits through window 268 oriented transversely to port 272, as indicated by arrow E. Additionally, another portion of the fluid enters the cavity and flows toward port 272 through the window 268 closest to port 272, as indicated by arrow F. The configuration of protrusions 264 and windows 268, in combination with the geometry of chamber 262, determines the relative amounts of fluid flow indicated by arrows D, E, and F.

[0041] It is further contemplated that one or more of the protrusions 264 may have a particular profile. As a result, one or more of the windows 268 may also have a particular profile. These profiles, in combination with the chamber 262 defined by the wall 260 of the upper cover portion 270, enhance fluid flow through the seal housing 200 and facilitate the removal of fluids, including smoke, from the surgical access assembly 100 via the port 272.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting. It is contemplated that elements and features may be combined with other elements and features without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A surgical access device, comprising: a cannula having a cannula housing at a proximal end and a tubular member extending from the cannula housing; a seal housing coupled to the cannula housing, the seal housing comprising: a base attached to the cannula housing; an instrument seal; a cover having a port extending therefrom, the cover having a lower cover portion and an upper cover portion, the lower cover portion attached to the base, the upper cover portion having a chamber therein, the chamber including protrusions, adjacent protrusions being spaced apart and defining a window therebetween, the window and the protrusions defining a geometry of the chamber configured to direct fluid within the seal housing towards the port, the port being connectable to a vacuum source; a seal housing, 1. A surgical access device comprising:

2. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a vacuum present in the port creates a flow path in the chamber that directs the fluid in the seal housing towards the port.

3. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a wall of the cover defines the chamber, a passageway defined between the wall and the protrusion.

4. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the fluid entering the seal housing enters the passageway through the window and is directed towards the port.

5. The surgical access apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the protrusion, the window, and the passageway define the geometry of the chamber and facilitate flow toward the port.

6. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper cover portion has arms depending therefrom and the lower cover portion has fingers cooperating to align the upper and lower cover portions for assembly.

7. The surgical access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the seal housing is releasably coupled to the cannula housing.

8. The surgical access apparatus of claim 3, wherein the fluid entering the seal housing enters the passageway through the window, and a vacuum present in the port directs the fluid toward the port.

9. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fluid travels through the tubular member and into the seal housing.

10. 1. A surgical access device, comprising: a cannula having a cannula housing and a tubular member extending therefrom; A seal housing, the seal housing comprising: a base attachable to the cannula; an instrument seal; a cover having a lower cover portion and an upper cover portion, said lower cover portion attached to said base, said upper cover portion connectable to said lower cover portion, said upper cover portion having a wall depending therefrom and defining a chamber, said chamber including protrusions depending from said upper cover portion, said protrusions being spaced apart and defining a window therebetween; a port extending radially from the upper cover portion; a passage defined between the wall surface and the protrusion, the protrusion, the window, and the passage defining a geometry of the chamber configured to direct fluid within the seal housing toward the port, the port being connectable to a vacuum source; a seal housing, 1. A surgical access device comprising:

11. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a vacuum present in the port creates a flow path in the chamber that directs the fluid in the seal housing towards the port.

12. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fluid entering the seal housing enters the passageway through the window and is directed towards the port.

13. The surgical access apparatus of claim 10, wherein the upper cover portion has arms depending therefrom and the lower cover portion has fingers cooperating to align the upper and lower cover portions for assembly.

14. The surgical access apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the seal housing is releasably coupled to the cannula housing.

15. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the fluid travels through the tubular member and into the seal housing.

16. 1. A system comprising:

1. A surgical access device, comprising: a cannula having a cannula housing and a tubular member extending therefrom; a seal housing coupled to the cannula housing, the seal housing comprising: A base and an instrument seal; a cover having a port extending therefrom, the cover having a lower cover portion attached to the cannula housing and an upper cover portion, the upper cover portion having a chamber therein, the chamber including protrusions, adjacent protrusions being spaced apart and defining windows therebetween, the windows and the protrusions defining a geometric shape of the chamber; a seal housing, a surgical access device, a vacuum source connected to the surgical access device and configured to apply a vacuum to the chamber through the port, the vacuum and the geometry of the chamber creating a flow path within the seal housing, the flow path directing fluid within the seal housing toward the port; A system comprising:

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein applying the vacuum to the chamber through the port directs the fluid entering the chamber toward a wall of the chamber.

18. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein applying the vacuum to the chamber through the port directs the fluid entering the chamber through the window and into a passage defined between the protrusion and the wall.

19. The system of claim 16 , wherein applying the vacuum to the chamber through the port causes the fluid to move through the tubular member and into the seal housing.

20. The system of claim 16 , wherein the seal housing is removably coupled to the cannula housing.

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