Abstract: A guide system (20) enables controlled manipulation of a grasping forceps (22) relative to a cutter stapler (24). The guide system (20) includes a body (26) for surrounding a shaft (40) of the stapler (24), with a stapler head (42) and a stapler actuator (44) extending from opposing ends of the body (26). An articulating member (28) is in longitudinal alignment with the body (26) and is selectively moveable to cause an extension portion (64) of the member (28) to move to an extended position (82) transverse from the body. A sleeve (30), coupled to the extension portion (64), retains an elongate flexible member (34) of the grasping forceps (22). Movement of the extension portion (64) causes corresponding movement of the sleeve (30) to adjust a working angle (72) between a grasper end (36) of the grasping forceps (22) and the stapler head (42).

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.