Inventors:
Stuart J. Gourlay - Pinole CA
Terry Buelna - Long Beach CA
Wayne A. Noda - Mission Viejo CA
Paul Lubock - Laguna Niguel CA
Assignee:
Advanced Surgical, Inc. - Princeton NJ
International Classification:
A61B 1700
Abstract:
The invention provides a tissue manipulation system including a tethered clamp, a clamp applicator for positioning the clamp through a trocar sleeve and applying the clamp to a tissue location in the abdominal cavity, and a rigid positioning shaft for engaging the clamp and/or tether to manipulate the clamp. In a further embodiment, the tissue manipulation system includes an introducer through which the tether can be withdrawn from the abdominal cavity and a retainer attached to the proximal end of the introducer for clamping the tether in position. The tissue manipulation system further includes an obturator for inserting the introducer into the abdomen, and a tether snare for retrieving the tether and withdrawing it through the introducer.