Abstract: A system and method of use for positioning an anatomic structure at a desired position within the body of a patient. The system includes a suction assembly, a suction adapter, and a clip. The suction assembly includes a collapsible suction head, a flexible suction tube, and a retraction filament, all of which are configured for insertion into the body of the patient as a unit through a conventional trocar. The retraction filament is configured to be pulled back out of the patient's body to externalize a portion of the suction tube, whereupon a portion of it can be cut off to produce an open free end. The open free end is configured to be connected via the suction adapter to a source of suction, whereupon regulated suction is applied by the suction head to secure the anatomic structure to it and once that has occurred to elevate the anatomic structure to a desired position.

Abstract: A measuring device and methods of use for measuring a section of a bowel of a patient. The measuring device includes a tubular section having a longitudinal axis and at least one wing normally projecting outward transverse to the longitudinal axis. The tubular section is configured for mounting on a conventional or robotic laparoscopic grasper adjacent the grasper's movable jaws. The at least one wing is are pivotable to a closed position so that grasper with the measuring device mounted thereon can be inserted through a conventional trocar, whereupon the at least one wing projects outward transversely to the longitudinal axis. The at least one wing is of a predetermined length to serve as a measurement tool enabling a surgeon to measure off a desired length of the bowel.