Patent attributes
In some embodiments an apparatus for providing access for a medical procedure in a patient's body cavity includes a stem configured for insertion through an opening in a body cavity wall. The stem has a bore and a cap is disposed at a proximal end thereof and includes an entry port in communication with the bore which receives an instrument to be inserted into the body cavity. An inflatable annular seal is disposed on the stem proximate the cap and a conduit extends through the cap providing pressurized gas at a first outlet in fluid communication with the body cavity providing insufflation pressure. A second outlet of the conduit is in fluid communication the seal, which when disposed inside the body cavity proximate the wall and inflated by pressurized gas, bears on an inner surface of the wall urging the cap into contact with an outer surface of the wall while sealing the opening.
