Abstract: A length or strand of resilient material is formed into a continuous ring having multiple tissue-engaging portions for engaging and spreading eyeball tissue segments apart. The strand is formed with elongated straight sides joined by corner portions which are enlarged in directions transverse to the length dimension of each adjacent side. The corner portions constitute the tissue-engaging portions and have top and bottom sections and a connecting section that forms a gap for receiving the tissue. Each side of the ring extends from a bottom section of one corner to a top section of an adjacent corner. When the ring is deployed, the tissue is captured in the gaps at the corners of the ring and also is engaged along each side as that side transitions from a position situated below the tissue to a position situated above the issue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for illumination of the periorbital exterior of the eye and the interior of the eye with a non-invasive (or non-penetrating), trans-corneal, trans-conjunctival, trans-scleral, non-incandescent, and/or low-temperature light source. In some examples, a speculum includes a first arm having one or more blades located at an end of the first arm and a second arm having one or more blades located at an end of the second arm, a set of light-emitting elements on the one or more blades, and a signal carrier running along at least a portion of the first and second arms and having one end configured to connect to a signal source to receive light and/or electricity and one or more opposite ends respectively coupled with the set of light-emitting elements, the signal carrier being configured to transmit the light and/or electricity from the signal source to the set of light-emitting elements.

Abstract: A length or strand of resilient material is formed into a continuous ring having multiple tissue-engaging portions for engaging and spreading eyeball tissue segments apart. The strand is formed with elongated straight sides joined by corner portions which are enlarged in directions transverse to the length dimension of each adjacent side. The corner portions constitute the tissue-engaging portions and have top and bottom sections and a connecting section that forms a gap for receiving the tissue. Each side of the ring extends from a bottom section of one corner to a top section of an adjacent corner. When the ring is deployed, the tissue is captured in the gaps at the corners of the ring and also is engaged along each side as that side transitions from a position situated below the tissue to a position situated above the issue.

Abstract: An exemplary method for expanding and maintaining an intraocular opening includes compressing along an axis a circular body comprising a first pocket, a second pocket, a third pocket and a fourth pocket positioned vertically below a top band section. Inserting intraocular tissue of an eye in the first pocket of the compressed circular body, thereby elongating the intraocular opening, and inserting the intraocular tissue in the second pocket and the third pocket as the body decompresses. Decompressing the body and inserting the intraocular tissue in the fourth pocket thereby expanding the intraocular opening.

Abstract: A length or strand of resilient material is formed into a continuous ring having multiple tissue-engaging portions for engaging and spreading eyeball tissue segments apart. The strand is formed with elongated straight sides joined by corner portions which are enlarged in directions transverse to the length dimension of each adjacent side. The corner portions constitute the tissue-engaging portions and have top and bottom sections and a connecting section that forms a gap for receiving the tissue. Each side of the ring extends from a bottom section of one corner to a top section of an adjacent corner. When the ring is deployed, the tissue is captured in the gaps at the corners of the ring and also is engaged along each side as that side transitions from a position situated below the tissue to a position situated above the issue.

Abstract: A medical fastening device is provided. The fastening device may include a first arcuate needle adapted to rotate about a first axis in a first direction, entering through a first section of one of a tissue and a prosthetic material, and exiting through a second section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material; a second arcuate needle adapted to rotate about a second axis in a second direction, entering through the second section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material, and exiting through the first section of one of the tissue and the prosthetic material; and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to each of the first and second arcuate needles and configured to engage each of the first and second arcuate needles between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a laser-assisted posterior capsulotomy and for performing laser eye surgery on an eye having a penetrated cornea are provided. A method for performing a posterior capsulotomy includes injecting fluid between the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane to separate the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane. With the lens posterior capsule separated from the anterior hyaloids membrane, a posterior capsulotomy is performed on the lens posterior capsule by using a laser to incise the lens posterior capsule.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The frame is reconfigurable between (i) a first collapsed state for being inserted through an incision in a cornea and (ii) a second operative state for being operatively connected to an iris. The frame first portion is configured to be generally residing within a plane in the second operative state. The second frame portion is configured to be operatively connected to an iris in the second operative state exerts a pressure upon the iris at at least a first location that is spaced from the plane to maintain the pupil in an enlarged state.

Abstract: An implant may be used for implantation into tissue of a body. The implant includes an elongated conduit and a loop. The elongated conduit has an interior passageway for conducting fluid. The loop has an interior circumference with a fluid conducting channel formed therein. The channel is interconnected with the interior passageway for delivery of fluid between the channel and the interior passageway.

Abstract: Methods for closing a left atrial appendage rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. One specific technique uses graspers and a closing loop. Methods may include advancing a closure tool adjacent to the left atrial appendage using a sub-xiphoid approach and closing the left atrial appendage using the closure tool. Methods may also include advancing a loop adjacent to the left atrial appendage using a sub-xiphoid approach and closing the left atrial appendage using the loop.

Abstract: A speculum drape for use in ophthalmic procedures. The speculum drape has at least a first sleeve made of surgical drape material that envelops at least a first retaining portion of a speculum or retractor. The sleeve is an elongate hollow structure with first and second open ends through which at least the first retaining portion is insertable. The sleeve is adapted and arranged such that, with the first retaining portion of the speculum or retractor inserted into the sleeve and with the speculum or retractor in an operating position with the respective retaining portions of the speculum or retractor engaged with opposite edges of an eyelid of a patient, the sleeve (i) envelops the inserted first retaining, (ii) is maintained in a disposition between the inserted retaining portion and the eyelid of the patient solely by compressive force and (iii) covers an eyelash of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The frame is reconfigurable between (i) a first collapsed state for being inserted through an incision in a cornea and (ii) a second operative state for being operatively connected to an iris. The frame first portion is configured to be generally residing within a plane in the second operative state. The second frame portion is configured to be operatively connected to an iris in the second operative state exerts a pressure upon the iris at at least a first location that is spaced from the plane to maintain the pupil in an enlarged state.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theatre equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame (12) attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post (18) incorporating a jack (54), and a lifting arm (17) pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing (57) to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports (71, 72, 73) and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence program, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.

Abstract: A medical device for keeping open of a wound during surgery is described. It comprises a surgical retractor, a mechanical retracting system a force element for automatically winding an elongate wire-like element to apply tension to the elongate wire-like element.

Abstract: A wire-operated selective compliance mobile platform (100), in particular for endoscopic surgery devices, obtains a perfect and precise mobility and thus it allows to handle, in the most effective way, the supported instruments, and comprises a mobile surface (1), a connecting base (2) apt to be connected to a flexible tubular duct (4) for endoscopic uses, a plurality of supporting elements (3), apt to permit the motion of said mobile surface (1) relative to said base (2), characterized in that said supporting elements (3) have at least a selective compliance turning pair (31) and a number of joints (32, 34) so as to provide a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to said platform (100), neither determining any over-constraining, nor forcing the system to be deformed in unselected directions, each supporting element (3) being operated by moving means (51, 52) so as to move said mobile surface (1).

Abstract: A flexible arm for use in a medical procedure includes a plurality of bushings and a plurality of double-ball members engaged with one another to thereby provide flexibility to the flexible arm. The double-ball members include a concave bore having a convex interior surface. The flexible arm further includes a wire extending through the concave bore of the double-ball members. An exterior diameter of the wire closely approximates or matches an interior diameter of the concave bore at its smallest point such that the curved members are operable to guide the wire as the flexible arm is flexed. The wire may be adjusted to thereby manipulate the amount of engagement between the bushings and the double-ball members to thereby manipulate the flexibility of the flexible arm.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for accessing a bodily opening that, among other things, are safe and reliable, and facilitate manipulation of a medical instrument. The medical access device generally includes an elongated flexible sheath and an expandable frame connected to the distal end of the flexible sheath. The sheath and expandable frame are operable between expanded and collapsed configurations to provide a pathway from a natural orifice to the bodily opening.

Abstract: A pupil expansion apparatus is placed in the eye during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the pupil expansion apparatus is a square frame structure that comprises four straight beams which cross each other at their ends to form a cross beam arrangement. However, the expansion apparatus is not limited to being a square frame structure, and may have a circular, or any multi-sided frame structure. The crossed ends of the straight beams are connected by one or more curved beams, which also form iris supporting portions. The iris supporting portion is shaped in an open, curved form so as to be perpendicular to the plane formed by the frame. It receives the rim of the iris tissue when the pupil expansion apparatus is in its extended position and gently presses the iris to the periphery.

Abstract: The oral retractor is provided for retracting at least a portion of a patient's mouth. The oral retractor is formed from single, continuous closed-loop strand of stainless steel wire. The oral retractor includes a superior lip-engaging portion for retracting the patient's upper lip away from the upper teeth and gums, and an inferior lip-engaging portion for retracting the patient's lower lip away from the patient's lower teeth and gums. Bilateral arcuate cheek-engaging portions extend posteriorly from the lip-engaging portions for retracting the patient's cheeks away from the teeth and gums. The lip-engaging portions are formed from linear portions defining tented arches that extend anteriorly, and the superior lip-engaging portion may be canted upward, while the inferior lip-engaging portion may be canted downward. The cheek-engaging portions may be substantially parabolic. The retractor may be substantially symmetrical about planes bisecting the retractor vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an elongate cannula having a lumen extending therein between proximal and distal ends, a retractor disposed to slide within the lumen to extend a distal end thereof beyond the distal end of the cannula, an angling device connected to the retractor near the distal end of the retractor and extending within the cannula toward the proximal end thereof for selectively deflecting the distal end of the retractor away from a central axis of the cannula in response to manual manipulation of the angling device from near the proximal end of the cannula, wherein the distal end of the retractor is configured to move, upon extension, an object away from the central axis of the cannula.

Abstract: Equipment for use in changing a catheter, preferably of the type used for drainage of the urinary tract. The urinary catheter is used as an aid in emptying the urinary bladder in conditions where this cannot be done in the normal manner. The equipment of the present invention includes a sleeve mounting unit which is mounted to an indwelling catheter, and which has a branch member formed in one piece therewith and extending at an acute angle therefrom, for reception of an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal slit. The sleeve is positioned on the branch member and then progressively advanced onto the catheter, causing the slit to become enlarged as the sleeve surrounds the upstream portion of the catheter in a yielding manner. The catheter may then be quickly removed through the sleeve and a new catheter inserted in its place.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a “swivel” having a string extending from one end and a string extending from the midpoint between the two ends. The swivel is delivered by pushing it out of a tube which is inserted through a small incision between the ribs of the patient. After the swivel is deployed, the tube is removed and the string which is attached to the center of the swivel is pulled to lift the pericardium. When the procedure is complete, the swivel is removed from the patient by pulling the string attached to the end of the swivel. According to one embodiment, the swivel is a cylinder with a blunt conical end. According to another embodiment, the swivel has a sharp end which is covered by a spring loaded collar.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for accessing a bodily opening that, among other things, are safe and reliable, and facilitate manipulation of a medical instrument. The medical access device generally includes an elongated flexible sheath and an expandable frame connected to the distal end of the flexible sheath. The sheath and expandable frame are operable between expanded and collapsed configurations to provide a pathway from a natural orifice to the bodily opening.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens.

Abstract: An expandable surgical retractor for use in minimal incision surgery is disclosed. The retractor consists of a fiber optic central rod surrounded by flexible wires designed to create an open space for visualization and surgical work within an illuminated surgical field. The flexible wires are disposed via selective pressure of the surgeon and are variable in number. The configuration will allow for both forward and back illumination of the surgical field. The expandable surgical retractor allows for surgical visualization in anatomical areas heretofore too complicated for surgical consideration. Other embodiments of the expandable surgical retractor are contemplated wherein a handle with an aperture may replace the central rod. The flexible wires may fit in openings around the aperture. The handle, in this embodiment, may have a light source and may be adapted to be used in select areas of anatomy. Further, the handle may be transparent.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis that can be skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, a surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest and extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be deflected to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a retraction system for retracting body organs and/or body tissue in a body cavity. The retraction system includes an elongate shaft configured and dimensioned to be inserted into the body cavity, a retractor device operatively associated with the elongate shaft, the retractor device having a first configuration for insertion into the body cavity and at least a second configuration for retraction of the body organ, and at least one anchor member operatively coupled to the retractor device for anchoring the retractor device to a wall of the body cavity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. The apparatus may involve a tissue stabilizer, and in particular a tissue stabilizer for use in immobilizing or stabilizing a portion of the beating heart using a compressive force delivered to the heart via the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizer may include a stabilizer base and a shaft. The shaft may be secured within an appropriate instrument mount preferably fixed to a retractor or other stable platform as disclosed herein. The stabilizers of the present invention provide improved access to a surgical site at a target vessel on the surface of the heart and may include features which facilitate optimal presentation of the target vessel.

Abstract: A device for use in a surgical procedure on an eye of a living being, includes a retraction member, destined for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye. The retraction member has a hook-shaped engagement part for retracting the iris, whereby at least the engagement part of the retraction member is made of a deformable material with shape memory. Thus, the retraction member is insertable into the anterior chamber with the engagement part exhibiting a substantially straight configuration, and subsequently the engagement part is able to recover its original hook-shaped configuration as a consequence of its material characteristics.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A device is disclosed to retract eyelid by employing the friction and adhesion between the device and the outer surface of the eyelid of an eye without engaging the inside of the eyelid, thus without giving rise to infection, contamination, or injury to the eye. The device comprises a pair of arms joined at a joint. The arms are in a wishbone form with a size and configuration that accommodate the anatomy of the eye. The arms can be embodied in several preferred ways so that the size and configuration of the wishbone can be changed dynamically, adjusted resiliently, or fixed manually. The device is efficient enough to assist an eye care clinician to gain greater access to the exposed surface of an eyeball during an eye care procedure and is simple enough to aid contact lens patients in the process of inserting or removing contact lenses.

Abstract: A holder for holding parts of a body, structure or assembly spaced apart during operations carried out on the body, structure or assembly, the retractor comprising a body made of wire and having a resilient hinge portion at a vertex of the body and at least two arms outwardly extending from the hinge portion, each arm having a distal portion including anchoring tips.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. The apparatus may involve a tissue stabilizer, and in particular a tissue stabilizer for use in immobilizing or stabilizing a portion of the beating heart using a compressive force delivered to the heart via the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizer may include a stabilizer base and a shaft. The shaft may be secured within an appropriate instrument mount preferably fixed to a retractor or other stable platform as disclosed herein. The stabilizers of the present invention provide improved access to a surgical site at a target vessel on the surface of the heart and may include features which facilitate optimal presentation of the target vessel.

Abstract: An instrument for spreading the anterior leaflet of a mitral valve. The surgical instrument is designed to allow a surgeon to grip an instrument with one hand during sizing of the anterior leaflet prior to implantation of an annuloplasty ring in a heart valve. The instrument includes a pair of tines that each have an engagement tip for engaging the chordae tendinae proximate an anterior leaflet of a heart valve. The tines are coupled together by a gripping mechanism that may be easily held in one hand, while an annuloplasty ring sizer is held in the surgeon's other hand.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis at an angle to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axis of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vein and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vein in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vein away from the axis of the cannula isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A device for lifting the abdominal wall for conducting endoscopic examinans and surgery within the abdominal cavity having a handling section and a spiral shaped section which is provided with at least one pitched winding, where the distal end of the spiral-shaped section is provided with a larger spiral diameter than the proximal side.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis at an angle to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axis of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vein and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vein in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vein away from the axis of the cannula isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A medical retractor apparatus that includes a housing assembly and a retractor assembly is provided. The housing assembly includes a retractor body having a proximal end. The retractor assembly includes a retractor element having a tip. The retractor element is extended/retracted relative to the proximal end. The retractor element is extended offset from the center of the proximal end. A guide member with a slot located at the proximal end prevents unacceptable turning of the retractor element. Preferably, the retractor element includes two spaced loops that can be surrounded by a cover member. The retractor element desirably positions a body vessel of at least about 1 cm in diameter during a surgical procedure. The retractor element has sufficient tensile and compressive strengths to position the great vessel, while avoiding unwanted bulging of the great vessel and visual interference during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A speculum (20) for obtaining visual access to the inside of an animal's (500) mouth includes a body (22), and handle (28) and two spaced loop-shaped members (30) and (32). Loop-shaped members (30) and (32) have arcuate ends (34) and (36) which individually or in unison may be hooked around the last jaw teeth (502) through (505), while speculum (20) is selectively manipulated by handle (28) to allow visual access to the animal's (500) teeth (501), tongue (506), cheeks (507) and (508), and soft mouth tissue (509). Speculum (20) is fabricated from a rod-like material to ensure maximum visibility by the using veterinarian.

Abstract: An abdominal lift for use in endoscopic surgery is described. The lift defines a substantial portion of a circle. It has a spoke portion and an upstanding member. Its surface may be mechanically compliant and may be coated with an adhesion prevention agent or a lubricous coating. The described method of use includes use of a starter lift followed by insertion of the abdominal lift. The abdominal lift is elevated to establish a pneumoperitoneum at or near ambient air pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for suspending the abdominal wall of a patient. The device is formed of a substantially rigid rod comprising a first section having a free end and bent to define either a conical helix or a planar serpentine figure. A second section of the rod is used as a pulling member. In accordance with the method of the invention, to suspend the abdominal wall of a patient, (a) an incision is cut in the patient's abdominal wall, (b) the free end of the first rod section is inserted in the incision and the first rod section slid in this incision until it is completely introduced in the patient's abdominal cavity, and (c) the second rod section, situated on the outside of the abdominal wall, is pulled to apply the first rod section on the inner face of the patient's abdominal wall and then to suspend this abdominal wall.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and method for use thereof. The retractor is comprised of an elongate shaft having at one end a screw made of coiled, round wire which terminates at a sharp point for attachment to an organ and a connector at the other end of the shaft. Preferably, the connector comprises an enlarged portion having a polygonal cross section for engagement by a wrench. The retractor is inserted into the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a laparoscopic port and the screw is threaded into the wall of the organ to be retracted, for example, the gallbladder. The organ is resected and thereafter drawn out of the cavity using the retractor.