Abstract: A tissue suction device including a tissue retracting element including a pair of tissue contacting surfaces separated from each other by a gap, the tissue contacting surfaces having a round rim around their edges, and a suction conduit having an opening proximal to the tissue contacting surfaces and in fluid communication with the gap, the tissue retracting element having a mode of operation wherein suction applied through the opening sucks tissue adjacent the tissue retracting element so that the tissue is drawn into the gap around the rim towards the tissue contacting surfaces.