Magnaretractor system and method

Abstract

A system and method for performing surgical procedures within a body cavity, e.g. abdomen, uses a magnetized device is utilized to allow a surgeon to control intra-abdominal organs and objects. The system and method allows a surgeon to perform an intra-abdominal procedure without the need to position surgical tools inside of the body cavity. Additional surgical ports are not necessary as the magnetized device allows the surgeon to retract or position various objects within the abdomen.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A system for manipulating tissue, comprising:
 a magnetic intracorporeal apparatus, comprising:
 a first end comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first and second jaws are configured to open and close; and 
 a second end configured to releasably couple to a placement apparatus; 
   the placement apparatus, comprising:
 a proximal end comprising a handle and a trigger; 
 a body defining a lumen, the body coupled to the proximal end; and 
 an actuator disposed within the lumen of the body, wherein a first movement of the trigger is configured to translate the actuator through the lumen of the body to move at least one of the first and second jaws of the intracorporeal apparatus. 
   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the magnetic intracorporeal apparatus comprises a first magnet and a second magnet. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein each of the first and second magnets is rounded. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein each of the first and second magnets comprises a permanent magnet. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second jaws comprise a magnetically inert material. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the magnetic intracorporeal apparatus comprises a first resealable chamber configured to receive a first magnet and a second resealable chamber configured to receive a second magnet. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second resealable chambers comprise a rim configured to couple to a cap, wherein the cap is configured to screw into the rim. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second resealable chambers comprise a rim configured to couple to a cap, wherein the cap is configured to press into the rim. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the magnetic intracorporeal apparatus comprises a sterile shell configured to cover the second end. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising an extracorporeal apparatus comprising a source of magnetic energy configured to interact with the magnetic intracorporeal apparatus. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the source of magnetic energy comprises an electromagnet. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the extracorporeal apparatus comprises a third resealable chamber configured to receive a third magnet. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein a second movement of the trigger is configured to disconnect the magnetic intracorporeal apparatus from the placement apparatus. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the placement apparatus comprises a distal end comprising a source of magnetic energy configured to magnetically couple the placement apparatus to the magnetic intracorporeal apparatus. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the source of magnetic energy comprises an electromagnet. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the tissue comprises human tissue. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the tissue comprises one or more of an ovary, a uterus, a Fallopian tube, an intestine, a liver, and a stomach. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the tissue comprises animal tissue.