US Patent 7083626 Surgical access device with pendent valve

A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of the instrument where it is not significantly challenged during instrument insertion or manipulation. The pendant valve can be made to float at both the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate structure, to further reduce the vulnerability of the septum valve. Since the valve is less vulnerable to instrument insertion, it can be formed to minimize friction and maximize the functional range of the access device.