Abstract: A puncture assistance device for use in connection with an ultrasound probe to guide a Veress needle through the layers of the wall into a bodily cavity is provided. The puncture assistance device comprises a tenaculum-like forceps, a needle guide body provided with a slot for guiding the Veress needle within the scan plane of the ultrasound probe, attachment means to the ultrasound probe, and attachment means of the needle guide to the tenaculum-like forceps. Also provided is a balloon catheter for use as a retractor in gaining access into the abdominal cavity, presenting at its distal end an inflatable balloon membrane and an framework of non-distendable flexible fibers disposed in a specific arrangement. A method access the abdominal cavity with the aid of said devices under ultrasound guidance is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical endoscopic instrument with detachable end tool as a clamp is provided. The instrument comprises a clamp, removably connected by a coupling to an elongated shaft, this comprising two concentric tubes, which can rotate about each other, connected to a rotating element, that is attached to a housing, inside which a push-pull rod, driven by a handle, transmits the surgeon's commands, leading to the actuating of the end tool's jaws, as well as the clamp detachment/retrieving, from/to the elongated shaft, by operating the coupling, given by the rotation of the concentric tubes about each other, thus resulting in the detachment/attachment of clamp with its jaws blocked in its given position at the time of detachment.

Abstract: A puncture assistance device for use in connection with an ultrasound probe to guide a Veress needle through the layers of the wall into a bodily cavity is provided. The puncture assistance device comprises a tenaculum-like forceps, a needle guide body provided with a slot for guiding the Veress needle within the scan plane of the ultrasound probe, attachment means to the ultrasound probe, and attachment means of the needle guide to the tenaculum-like forceps. Also provided is a balloon catheter for use as a retractor in gaining access into the abdominal cavity, presenting at its distal end an inflatable balloon membrane and an framework of non-distendable flexible fibers disposed in a specific arrangement. A method access the abdominal cavity with the aid of said devices under ultrasound guidance is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical endoscopic instrument with detachable end tool as a clamp, a clamp retrieving device and a method for their use is provided. The instrument comprises a clamp, removably connected by a coupling to an elongated shaft, this comprising two concentric tubes, which can rotate about each other, connected to a rotating element, that is attached to a housing, inside which a push-pull rod, driven by a handle, transmits the surgeon's commands, leading to the actuating of the end tool's jaws, as well as the clamp detachment/retrieving, from/to the elongated shaft, by operating the coupling, given by the rotation of the concentric tubes about each other, thus resulting in the detachment/attachment of clamp with its jaws blocked in its given position at the time of detachment.