Abstract: A soft tissue retraction device (20) is configured for use with an endoscopic instrument (26). The endoscopic instrument (26) includes a tubular body (28) having a proximal end (30) and a distal end (32) adapted for placement in a body cavity (38). The soft tissue retraction device (20) includes an expansion element (22) adapted to mount on the distal end (32) of the tubular body (28). An activation mechanism (24) is in communication with the expansion element (22) for adjusting the expansion element (22) from a collapsed configuration (21) to a deployed configuration (62). The deployed configuration (62) noninjuriously urges tissues (40) away from a target site (42) to form a working space (44) circumscribed by the expansion element (22) in which to surgically maneuver an endoscopic tool (36) of the endoscopic instrument (26). A method of using the soft tissue retraction device (20) when performing video-assisted thoracic surgery and when performing a laparoscopic procedure is also disclosed.