Minimally invasive laparoscopic retractor

Abstract

An inflatable retractor for use in laparoscopic surgery of a patient's body includes an inflatable element disposed at a distal end of a retractor shaft. The retractor shaft includes a port for receiving insufflating fluid. The inflatable element includes an inner and outer surface such that the inflatable element forms an angle with the retractor shaft and forms a compartment when the inflatable element is insufflated with fluid. The angle formed between the inflatable element and retractor shaft changes depending upon the insufflating pressure. In this way, the rigidity and shape of the inflatable element is controlled by the surgeon by the amount of insufflating pressure used, allowing for flexibility and ease of use.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . An inflatable retractor, comprising:
 a rigid retractor shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;   an inflatable element secured to a distal end of said shaft; said inflatable element comprising no hard substances;   wherein a predominant axis of said inflatable element is configured to be at a selectable angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said shaft, said angle selectable from the range of 0-90 degrees.   
     
     
         23 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said inflatable element is configured so as to form a compartment for retaining an organ when said inflatable element is insufflated with fluid. 
     
     
         24 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said shaft includes a port for receiving insufflating fluid for insufflating said inflatable element. 
     
     
         25 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said inflatable element is configured to be wrapped around a distal end of said shaft when deflated. 
     
     
         26 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said inflatable element includes at least a first chamber and a second chamber. 
     
     
         27 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said inflatable element is configured such that the final shape and rigidity of the element depends on the amount of fluid insufflated. 
     
     
         28 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said inflatable element comprises one or more valves for regulating insufflation pressure. 
     
     
         29 . The retractor of  claim 22 , further comprising an outer deployment shaft disposed about said retractor shaft and adapted to surround said inflatable element when in a deflated condition. 
     
     
         30 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said shaft is hollow and comprises an internal channel sufficiently large to allow a laparoscopic instrument to be deployed through. 
     
     
         31 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said inflatable element is made of an inert compound, including plastic or polymer based materials. 
     
     
         32 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said retractor comprises a pressure indicator. 
     
     
         33 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein said angle is selectable from the range of 20-70 degrees. 
     
     
         34 . The retractor of  claim 22 , wherein in a deflated condition said retractor is shaped and sized to fit through a trocar. 
     
     
         35 . A method of retracting tissue using the retractor of  claim 22 , comprising:
 introducing at least a portion of said device into the body, wherein said inflatable element is in a deflated condition;   insufflating said inflatable element with fluid;   forming an angle between said inflatable element and said longitudinal axis of said retractor shaft;   pulling back on said shaft to retract tissue so as to clear the field of vision.   
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 35 , further comprising changing said angle by changing an insufflation pressure. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 35 , further comprising, prior to said pulling, directing said inflatable element past an organ it is intended to retract. 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 35 , wherein said insufflating comprises filling said inflatable element with one or more of air, saline, and CO 2 . 
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 35 , further comprising deflating said inflatable element by opening up a valve on said inflatable element or by puncturing said inflatable element. 
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 35 , further comprising selecting said angle by insufflating said inflatable element to a predetermined level. 
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 40 , further comprising adjusting the amount of concavity of said inflatable element by changing said insufflation level.