Abstract: An inflatable endoscopic retractor is disclosed for retracting organs and tissues in the body. The inflatable retractor comprises an inflatable balloon configured to retract specific organs and tissues at the site of the endoscopic procedure, with attached inflation and deflation means. In one embodiment, the inflatable balloon has an attached support rib to provide additional strength and rigidity during retraction. In another embodiment, the inflatable balloon has multiple projections, each with an attached support rib, to provide retraction in several directions. A retractor having an endoscopic housing with separate channels is also disclosed which provides retraction as well as the means for inserting a second endoscopic surgical tool.

Abstract: An instrument for assisting surgical laparascopic or coelioscopic operations where the patient's anterior abdominal wall is formed with an aperture and is raised away from the patient's visceral organs comprises a wirelike body having a first part extending substantially in a plane and adapted to lie against the posterior face of the anterior abdominal wall, a second part extending transversely from the plane of the first part, having an outer end, and adapted to traverse the aperture in the abdominal wall, and a hook at the outer end of the second part adapted to be secured to a stationary support.