Uterine manipulation device

Abstract

A uterine manipulator device useful for laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures or other minimally-invasive gynecologic procedures.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of manipulating an organ within a body cavity by a caregiver, the method comprising:
 providing a manipulation device having a handle assembly comprising a housing and a grip portion, the housing coupled in axial alignment a shaft, where the grip portion extends radially away from the housing, the shaft having a tip assembly pivotally coupled to an end of the shaft;   manipulating the grip portion to advance the tip assembly into an internal organ cavity of the organ through an opening in the organ;   seating a cup structure located on the tip assembly against a wall of the organ surrounding the opening;   manipulating the organ by rotating an actuator coupled to the grip portion and spaced from the housing such that a hand of the caregiver can grasp the grip portion while using a thumb or digit of the hand to rotate the actuator, where movement of the actuator permits articulation of the tip assembly to produce movement of the organ within the body cavity.