Abstract: An endoscopic retractor instrument for retracting an internal structure is presented which permits atraumatic retraction. The instrument utilizes a pair of flat springs which have distal resilient engagement surfaces that are angularly displaced from the proximate regions of the springs such that the resultant restorting spring force acting on the distal region occurs in a different plane from the restoring spring force acting on the proximate region. The proximate regions are carried in fixed relationship to an extension member which is slideably carried by the housing. A pair of support links pivotally interconnect the distal regions of the flat springs and a resilient central support member has a distal end pivotally connected to the support links to form an engagement surface of enhanced bearing area.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical retractor instrument is presented which has a laterally collapsible and expandable self-hinging truss support platform carried by a sleeve and extension member. The sleeve is slideably carried by the extension member and consists of first and second arcuate sections which are radially and oppositely carried by the extension member and captively contained thereon by the inner surface of a housing cavity. The housing has a distal barrier adjacent its distal end which defines a limit to the distal axial displacement of the sleeve relative to the housing. Upon engagement of the distal barrier by the sleeve, the continued distal axial displacement of the extension member will cause expander struts in the truss support platform to expand the platform's outer struts laterally thereby opening the truss.

Abstract: A surgical knot pushing tool comprised of a spiralling coil on the tip of an elongate shaft. The spiralling coil is preferably conically tapered and has the respective coils spaced to receive a surgical thread. The conically tapered coil narrows to an opening at the end that is slightly larger than the diameter of surgical thread but is small enough to prevent a surgical knot from slipping off the knot pushing tool.