Abstract: A laparoscopic/thorascopic insertion device is inserted into a body cavity and provides a passageway for inserting a laparoscopic/thorascopic clamp, dissector, or other surgical device without the use of a separate trocar. The insertion device includes a cylindrical shaft having a central passage extending inwardly from a proximal end of the insertion device for frictionally receiving a surgical device. A distal end of the insertion device has a conical shape terminating at a blunt tip adapted to safely displace muscle fibers, blood vessels, and delicate organs and body parts. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end is provided with a gripping area or region that can be engaged by a removal tool that initially is directed through a trocar inserted into the body cavity at an adjacent area of the body cavity.

Abstract: A laparoscopic/thorascopic support device is described that engages and supports a body part in a non-traumatic manner while it is being acted upon by a surgical instrument. The support device is capable of lifting or otherwise moving a body part into a desired position to be operated upon or isolated from another body part. The support device includes an insertion device that punctures a covering of a body tissue to provide a passageway for access to the desired body part and a catheter. The catheter extends through the passageway and engages and temporarily supports the desired body part in a non-traumatic manner. The catheter (or manipulating device) includes a shaft made of a material that is sufficiently flexible to bend to a desired straight or curved orientation and is sufficiently rigid to maintain the desired orientation. According to the preferred embodiments of the invention, a distal end of the shaft bends about the desired body part to form a loop and secure the desired part within the loop.