Abstract: A mechanical lift system for use in laparoscopic surgery includes a plurality of suspension members which support the abdominal wall such that the abdominal wall may be mechanically lifted to create a cavity for the scope and the laparoscopic surgery. The suspension members preferably allow bending movement in a first direction, which will be vertically upwardly during the surgical operation, but restricts bending movement in the opposed direction. In this way, the suspension members allow bending movement to conform to the shape of the abdominal wall, but will restrict any such bending movement when the abdominal wall is being lifted by the suspension members. In one preferred embodiment, the suspension members include a flexible strap with a plurality of blocks placed on one face of the strap. When the suspension member is bent with the strap moving away from the blocks, bending is allowed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument provides a simplified method of inserting sutures in laparoscopic surgery. A suture needle is hollow, and the suture thread extends through the needle. A liquid, such as a saline irrigation fluid, is driven through the hollow needle. This liquid carries the suture thread. The suture needle initially passes through the tissue, and the liquid is then actuated to drive the suture thread through the needle. The needle may then be withdrawn, leaving the suture thread in the tissue. The suture thread can then be tied off to complete the suture. In another aspect of this invention, the suture needle, or any other surgical tool, is connected to the body of the surgical instrument through a universal connection such that the angular orientation of the surgical tool relative to the surgical instrument can be universally adjusted in a three dimensional space.