Importance

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Abstract

A device for transesophageal stomach retraction comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal handle in a distal length. The distal length is deformable so that it can assume a desired configuration, such as a J-shaped curvature, and is deflectable so that it may be repositioned within the stomach. The proximal length may further include vacuum ports which permit the stomach to be drained and collapsed on the distal length to enhance contact. [This way, the] The treating physician inserts the device through the mouth of the patient with the distal length penetrating the stomach. Thereafter, the device is moved from the proximal end to manipulate the distal ends to move the stomach. Preferably, the device is deformed prior to such moving into a desired curvature, preferably a J-shaped configuration. The vacuum ports are utilized to draw the stomach over the device. Thereafter by exerting torque through the esophagus, the physician can manipulate and retract a patient's stomach from the inside permitting operation on the outside of the stomach and adjacent organs that require retraction of the stomach over extended periods of time, [during a variety of surgical procedures,] including both laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

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First Claim