The invention is directed to a trocar
assembly having a channel defined along an elongate axis, the trocar
assembly being adapted to receive a
surgical instrument, the trocar
assembly comprising a septum seal disposed in the channel including a seal tip having a proximal facing surface, the seal tip including portions defining an orifice; and a septum shield including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of blades or leaflets protruding distally from the distal end of the tubular member, the septum shield being placed inside the septum seal such that the blades engage the proximal facing surface of the seal tip. The trocar assembly may further comprise a zero closure seal such as a double duckbill valve disposed in the channel outside of the septum seal. The septum shield operates to reduce the drag force and to minimize axial movement of the septum shield and the instrument during
insertion and removal of the instrument through the septum seal. The septum shield may be formed from a rigid plastic material, and the septum seal may be formed of an elastomeric material. The blades or leaflets may overlap or offset one another. The orifice may be expandable to accommodate the instrument having a
diameter of about 5-15 mm. The blades or leaflets have distal tips that glide or roll against the instrument during placement of the instrument. The distal tips may comprise of a combination of material, durometer and shield geometry to control the behavior of the septum shield. The trocar assembly may further comprise a second septum shield disposed outside of the septum seal.