Importance

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Abstract

A disposable seal assembly for use with a reusable cannula, where the seal assembly is designed for use with the cannula during a single medical procedure and the cannula is designed for multiple uses (each time with a different seal assembly) during a number of medical procedures. The seal assembly includes both a flapper valve fluid seal (for sealing the cannula when no medical instrument is inserted through the seal assembly) and at least one instrument seal (for sealing the cannula when a medical instrument is inserted through the seal assembly). Preferably, the seal assembly has a body with a flange which can be snapped onto the cannula before use, and readily removed after use. Also preferably, the flapper valve has an over-centered hinge. In other embodiments, the invention is a seal assembly which includes at least one double instrument seal including a sacrificial flange and a sealing flange, and optionally also a flapper valve. The sealing flange seals the cannula when a medical instrument is inserted through the seal assembly even when the sacrificial flange has been cut during insertion of the instrument. In other embodiments, the invention is a system including a reusable cannula, and a disposable seal assembly of any of the described types which can be snapped onto the cannula before use and readily removed after use.

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First Claim