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Abstract

A laparoscopic retractor is shown for manually maneuvering tissue which would otherwise obstract the view from the operative site. Laparoscopy is a method of visually examining the peritoneal cavity by means of a long slender endoscope (laparoscope) equipped with sheath, obturator, biiopsy forceps, a sphygmo-manometer bulb and tubing, and a syringe. The laparoscope is introduced into the peritoneal cavity by a small incision in the abdominal wall. Laparoscopic surgery is surgery done through the tube of a laparoscope. The retractor is an instrument which is sized for insertion through the laparoscope tube and comprises a pair of arms, which are opened with a scissors motion, and a supporting handle. The arms preferably have a membrane or sheath supported between them which is spread apart by opening the arms. In a preferred embodiment, the arms are covered by a tubular latex sheath, similar to a condom, which is spread apart on opening movement of the arms of the instrument. The instrument is inserted, with the arms closed, through the laparoscopic tube into the peritoneal cavity. After the tissue or organ has been located by viewing the laparoscope, the arms of the instrument are opened by operation of the handle to spread the covering membrane. The opened arms, with membrane stretched therebetween, is then moved to displace the tissue or organ to allow the surgeon optimal viewing of the surgical field.

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First Claim