Abstract: A sleeve for enforcing the end of a hollow organ so that it can be connected with a further end of a hollow organ, the sleeve comprising a cylindrical shape and being configured to be pushed over the end of the hollow organ and for turning-over the end of the hollow organ projecting from the sleeve around an end of the sleeve, wherein the sleeve has an adjustable diameter.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therein and a clip slidably received within the lumen of the capsule. The clip includes a middle prong, a first outer prong and a second outer prong. The first prong is coupled to the middle prong so that the first prong is movable relative to the middle prong between a first open configuration and a first closed configuration. The second outer prong coupled to the middle prong so that the second prong is movable relative to the middle prong between a second open configuration and a second closed configuration. The first and second outer prongs are independently movable relative to the middle prong to be moved between the first and second open configurations to the first and second open configurations and the first and second closed configurations.

Abstract: A clip for leaflet tissue includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end. In an initial configuration of the clip, the distal end has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the hollow body. The distal end is held in an expanded condition for delivery into a patient. When deployed, the distal end collapses to its initial configuration to grasp onto captured leaflet tissue.

Abstract: A clip for leaflet tissue includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end. In an initial configuration of the clip, the distal end has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the hollow body. The distal end is held in an expanded condition for delivery into a patient. When deployed, the distal end collapses to its initial configuration to grasp onto captured leaflet tissue.

Abstract: A tissue closure device including a tissue eversion apparatus, and a first and a second, redundant closure element that are placed on the external surface of a tissue puncture wound to enhance the efficacy of closure. The first closure element and the second closure element are left resident on the external surface of or in proximity to the tissue puncture wound in order to provide redundancy of closure.

Abstract: Tissue eversion apparatuses and methods suitable for use, as examples, with vascular closure devices. The tissue eversion apparatuses comprise a tissue engaging element, disposed within a delivery sheath. The delivery sheath protects the tissue engaging element and the surrounding tissue during use. The tissue engaging element can extend from the sheath and engage the tissue near an aperture in a tissue wall. Motion of the tissue engaging element away from the tissue can urge the tissue wall near the aperture to evert from the tissue wall, allowing, as examples, aperture closure apparatuses and methods to be conveniently employed.

Abstract: Herein is provided an anastomosis device which includes a cylindrical support housing having a tapered section being formed of a plurality of compliant fingers integrally formed around the circumference of an end of the cylindrical section which can flex at their connection point to the cylindrical section. Each compliant finger holds a suture needle. The device includes a push rod having a cam head at one end of the rod section. The cam head is located adjacent to the tapered portion. In operation the anastomosis device is aligned with the anatomical tubular structure undergoing an anastomosis process. When a back end of the push rod is pushed towards the tapered section of the support housing, the cam head section bears against an inner surface causing each compliant finger to flex radially outwards forcing the suture needles to simultaneously pierce the wall of the anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: A device and method for preparation of a graft and a fastener for coupling to a vessel. The device includes a tubular body with a gripping head at a distal end to grip the graft and the fastener. The graft is threaded through the fastener and an edge of the graft out of the fastener. The gripping head has at least three segments arranged around its axis. The segments can be brought closer or pushed away from each other to modify the external diameter of the head and to provide firm gripping of the fastener and the graft. The device further includes a pliant tongue which may rotate around the tubular body. Radial positioning of the tongue may be controlled and the tongue may slide axially towards or away from the head.

Abstract: A system for endoscopic suturing is provided having an endoscope, such as a gastroscope, with a distal end locatable in the body of a patient and a flexible shaft extending to the distal end, a flexible accessory tube coupled to the endoscope to flex relative to the endoscope's shaft, and a tip coupled to the shaft of the endoscope having an opening through which one end of the accessory tube is received. Tissue suturing and suture securing instruments are provided each having a sufficiently flexible shaft locatable through the accessory tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element has can have shape-memory body having a relaxed configuration with a planar-annular body defining a lumen with tines directed inwardly from the body. The clip can be held in a retaining configuration having a substantially asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile and a proximal end having the tines being longitudinally directed with a first tine being more distally oriented compared to a substantially opposite second tine being more proximal, and retracting to a deploying configuration having a tubular shape with a rectangular longitudinal cross-sectional profile with the first tine being even with the second tine when being delivered.

Abstract: Surgical eversion apparatus for preparing a conduit for anastomosis in a human patient includes an everting member having a loop shaped portion adapted to be inserted into an end portion of a conduit harvested from a human patient and configured to fold a portion of the conduit end portion over itself when moved proximally away from the end of the conduit and along the conduit while a portion of the conduit is held fixed relative thereto. A method of everting a graft includes positioning a graft in a support device such that an end portion of the graft extends therefrom; introducing a generally looped shaped member into the end portion of the graft extending from the support device; and moving the looped shaped member over the support device to fold at least a portion of the end portion of the graft over the support device.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is inserted through the internal penetration to perform a surgical procedure under visualization using the scope. A cutting tool is introduced into the patient's left atrium from a right portion of the patient's chest to remove the patient's mitral valve. A replacement valve is then introduced through an intercostal space in the right portion of the chest and through the internal penetration in the heart, and the replacement valve is attached in the mitral valve position.

Abstract: Surgical eversion apparatus for preparing a conduit for anastomosis in a human patient comprises an everting member having a loop shaped portion adapted to be inserted into an end portion of a conduit harvested from a human patient and configured to fold a portion of the conduit end portion over itself when moved proximally away from the end of the conduit and along the conduit while a portion of the conduit is held fixed relative thereto. A method of everting a graft comprises positioning a graft in a support device such that an end portion of the graft extends therefrom; introducing a generally looped shaped member into the end portion of the graft extending from said support device; and moving the looped shaped member over the support device to fold at least a portion of the end portion of the graft over the support device.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue. Typically the intussusception is created at a position near, but distal to the gastroesophageal junction, and a pouch capable of storing a volume (from about 0 cc up to about 100 cc) is created proximal the intussuscepted tissue. In this way, the amount of food that may be ingested is reduced, helping to ameliorate GERD symptoms, and aiding in weight loss efforts. Some of the devices described here include an expandable member and at least one suction inlet. In these devices, the expandable member is expanded to create a proximal cavity into which the stomach tissue is pulled (e.g., using suction), thereby creating the intussusception.

Abstract: Anastomosis devices, tools and methods of performing sutureless anastomosis. Anastomosis devices are provided for fixing a first conduit to a second conduit in an anastomosis, where the conduits are joined by interfacing their inner walls together. The conduit which is loaded on the anastomosis device may be mounted in such a way that the internal wall of the conduit does not make contact with the anastomosis device.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue. Typically the intussusception is created at a position near, but distal to the gastroesophageal junction, and a pouch capable of storing a volume (from about 0 cc up to about 100 cc) is created proximal the intussuscepted tissue. In this way, the amount of food that may be ingested is reduced, helping to ameliorate GERD symptoms, and aiding in weight loss efforts. Some of the devices described here include an expandable member and at least one suction inlet. In these devices, the expandable member is expanded to create a proximal cavity into which the stomach tissue is pulled (e.g., using suction), thereby creating the intussusception.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A system for endoscopic suturing is provided having an endoscope, such as a gastroscope, with a distal end locatable in the body of a patient and a flexible shaft extending to the distal end, a flexible accessory tube coupled to the endoscope to be movable relative to the endoscope's shaft, and a tip coupled to the shaft of the endoscope having an opening through which one end of the accessory tube is received. The system further includes a tissue suturing instrument and a suture securing instrument. Each of these instruments has a distal end coupled to a partially flexible shaft locatable through the accessory tube.

Abstract: An anastomosis connector comprises a plurality of ring segments (106), together defining a radially expandable ring-like shape (106) having a lumen; at least one pivot bar (114) coupled to at least one of said ring segments (106); at least one spike (109) mounted on said pivot bar (114) and rotatable around said pivot bar (114), wherein radial deformation of said ring-like shape (106) does not substantially directly affect said spike (109) rotational position.

Abstract: A blood vessel extroverting instrument used to turn an end of a blood vessel inside out. The instrument has a contact portion to be brought into contact with an end of a blood vessel, a supporting portion on which the contact portion is supported, and an operating mechanism for increasing and reducing the diameter of the contact portion. At least two portions of the end of the blood vessel in the radial direction can be simultaneously expanded and/or reversed by operating the operating mechanism. Therefore the blood vessel extroverting instrument provided by the present invention is capable of easily turning an end of a blood vessel inside out in a short time without damaging the blood vessel.

Abstract: An everter and threadthrough system useful for attaching a graft vessel to a anastomosis device which can be used to attach a graft vessel to a target vessel without the use of conventional sutures. The threadthrough system engages an end of the graft vessel and pulls the graft vessel through a deployment tool until a portion of the graft vessel extends beyond a distal end of the anastomosis device mounted on the deployment tool. The everter includes a spreading mechanism which expands the end of the graft vessel and folds the expanded end over the anastomosis device. In the case where the anastomosis device includes barbs, the everter can effect penetration of the graft vessel by the barbs. Once the graft vessel is everted over the anastomosis device, the deployment tool can be used to attach the graft vessel to a target vessel.

Abstract: An instrument for everting an end of a vessel. The instrument has a frame and a mandrel having a distal end and a proximal end. The mandrel is mounted to the frame and axially movable. The distal end of the mandrel is insertable into the lumen of a vessel. A first wiping element and an opposed second wiping element are mounted to the frame with the mandrel positioned therebetween. The first and second wiping elements are laterally movable from a spaced-apart position to a closed position.

Abstract: A catheter includes a steering system for manipulating the distal-end region of a sheath having a plurality of electrodes into direct contact with difficult-to-reach areas of the human body. The steering system includes a core base, a core distal tip, a stylet, a steering tendon, and a lever. Movement of the lever applies tension to the steering tendon causing the distal end of the sheath to deflect. A positioning mechanism, including a slidable controller, adjusts the position of the steering system relative to the catheter sheath to thereby provide multiple steering profiles.

Abstract: A tape for use in closing a tissue opening including a substrate and a plurality of sutures sewn directly into the substrate. The tape may have serrated edges in order to facilitate closure of a nonlinear tissue opening. Moreover, the tape may include windows in order to facilitate viewing of the tissue opening during closure and wound healing thereof. The sutures may be sewn laterally across the tape or not, and they may be imbedded individually into each side of the substrate, or they may be disposed under bridges between the windows in the substrate. The tape may have an adhesive affixed to one side thereof. Also disclosed is a method for closing a tissue opening by first cleaning the tissue; applying a layer of adhesive to the tissue adjacent to the opening; applying the tape over the opening; and, then tying each of the sutures together in order to pull the opening in the tissue closed.

Abstract: An instrument for exerting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece. The instrument has a body having an axial bore, and a mandrel mounted within the axial bore and partially extending from the distal end of the axial bore. The mandrel is made from a sheet of spring-like material rolled into a conical shape. The distal end of the mandrel is insertable into the lumen of the vessel. A plunger substantially contained within the axial bore and axially moveable, extends into the proximal end of the mandrel and presses against an inner surface of the mandrel when the plunger is moved from a retracted position to an extended position, thereby causing the distal end of the mandrel to expand radially and the proximal end of the mandrel to contract radially. An optional spring mounted to the body provides a biasing force to move the plunger to the retracted position and to allow the mandrel to return to the conical shape.

Abstract: A system and components for treating aortic aneurysms includes a reinforcing graft and fittings for securing the graft to a host vessel and to branch vessels, for example the iliac and renal arteries. Combinations of fittings and rings or other compression mechanisms secure vessels or grafts frictionally, for end-end or end-side couplings. A variety of tools are disclosed for manipulating retaining rings, everting portions of grafts or vessels in the course of coupling them to fittings, and clamping fittings while positioning the retaining rings.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for everting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece. The instrument comprises a body having an axial bore, a piston slideably contained inside of the axial bore, and a plunger coaxially mounted within the axial bore and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The instrument further comprises a spring mounted within the axial bore and biasing the plunger and the piston to separate. The instrument further comprises a plurality of filaments, each filament having a distal end attached to the plunger and a proximal end attached to the piston, and each of the filaments tensioned by the spring. The instrument further comprises a plurality of guides circumferentially spaced apart in the distal end of the body, each guide supporting one of the filaments radially apart from the plunger, the plunger and the filaments insertable into the lumen of the vessel when the plunger is in the extended position.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for everting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece, wherein a portion of the vessel is positioned within an axial bore of the tubular workpiece. The instrument comprises a conical holder comprising a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, and a lumen therethrough. The conical holder is positionable coaxially with the axial bore of the tubular workpiece. The lumen at the first end has a first diameter smaller than the diameter of the end of the tubular workpiece when extended distal to the end of the tubular workpiece. The first end is radially expandable so that the lumen at the first end is larger than the end of the tubular workpiece. The instrument further comprises a mandrel having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The first end of the mandrel is insertable into the first end of the conical holder. The mandrel is tapered from a smaller diameter at said distal end to a larger diameter at said proximal end.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for everting an end of a vessel, preferably over an end of a tubular workpiece. The instrument has a curved mandrel having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the curved mandrel is insertable to a predetermined depth into the lumen of the vessel contained in the bore of the workpiece. The curved mandrel holds the vessel against the bore surface of the workpiece at three spaced-apart contact regions when it is inserted into the bore of the workpiece and the vessel lumen to the predetermined depth. The curved mandrel is mounted to a handle.

Abstract: An instrument for everting an end of a vessel. The instrument has a tubular member having an axial bore, a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument further also has an elastic membrane sealably mounted on the distal end of the tubular member, a plunger slidably mounted within the axial bore of the body, a spring operationally engaged to the plunger for biasing the plunger in the distal direction and distending the membrane for insertion into the vessel, a distally extending mandrel mounted to the plunger, a sleeve slidably mounted over the membrane and at least a portion of the tubular member, and a proximal seal mounted in the proximal end of the axial bore so that the membrane, the proximal seal, and the axial bore define a sealed chamber.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for everting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece, wherein a portion of the vessel is positioned within an axial bore of the tubular workpiece. The instrument comprises a conical holder comprising a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, and a lumen therethrough. The conical holder is positionable coaxially with the axial bore of the tubular workpiece. The lumen at the first end has a first diameter smaller than the diameter of the end of the tubular workpiece when extended distal to the end of the tubular workpiece. The first end is radially expandable so that the lumen at the first end is larger than the end of the tubular workpiece. The instrument further comprises a mandrel having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The first end of the mandrel is insertable into the first end of the conical holder. The mandrel is tapered from a smaller diameter at said distal end to a larger diameter at said proximal end.

Abstract: An instrument for everting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece. The instrument has a body having an axial bore, and a mandrel mounted within the axial bore and partially extending from the distal end of the axial bore. The mandrel is made from a sheet of spring-like material rolled into a conical shape. The distal end of the mandrel is insertable into the lumen of the vessel. A plunger substantially contained within the axial bore and axially moveable, extends into the proximal end of the mandrel and presses against an inner surface of the mandrel when the plunger is moved from a retracted position to an extended position, thereby causing the distal end of the mandrel to expand radially and the proximal end of the mandrel to contract radially. An optional spring mounted to the body provides a biasing force to move the plunger to the retracted position and to allow the mandrel to return to the conical shape.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for everting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece. The instrument comprises a body having an axial bore, a piston slideably contained inside of the axial bore, and a plunger coaxially mounted within the axial bore and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The instrument further comprises a spring mounted within the axial bore and biasing the plunger and the piston to separate. The instrument further comprises a plurality of filaments, each filament having a distal end attached to the plunger and a proximal end attached to the piston, and each of the filaments tensioned by the spring. The instrument further comprises a plurality of guides circumferentially spaced apart in the distal end of the body, each guide supporting one of the filaments radially apart from the plunger, the plunger and the filaments insertable into the lumen of the vessel when the plunger is in the extended position.

Abstract: An instrument for everting an end of a vessel. The instrument has a frame and a mandrel having a distal end and a proximal end. The mandrel is mounted to the frame and axially movable. The distal end of the mandrel is insertable into the lumen of a vessel. A first wiping element and an opposed second wiping element are mounted to the frame with the mandrel positioned therebetween. The first and second wiping elements are laterally movable from a spaced-apart position to a closed position.

Abstract: An instrument for everting an end of a vessel. The instrument has a tubular member having an axial bore, a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument further also has an elastic membrane sealably mounted on the distal end of the tubular member, a plunger slidably mounted within the axial bore of the body, a spring operationally engaged to the plunger for biasing the plunger in the distal direction and distending the membrane for insertion into the vessel, a distally extending mandrel mounted to the plunger, a sleeve slidably mounted over the membrane and at least a portion of the tubular member, and a proximal seal mounted in the proximal end of the axial bore so that the membrane, the proximal seal, and the axial bore define a sealed chamber.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing an anastomosis includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a shaft extending from the distal end of the housing. The instrument also includes an actuator attached to the housing and a disposable loading unit configured for selective attachment to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a fastener support member configured and dimensioned to support an array of surgical fasteners thereon and a fastener pusher member which is movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the actuator to deform the surgical fasteners.

Abstract: An instrument and a method of use are provided for everting an end of a vessel over an end of a tubular workpiece. The instrument comprises a holder made of a sheet of spring like material rolled into a conical shape having a proximal end with a large diameter relative to the vessel diameter and a distal end with a small diameter relative to the diameter of the vessel.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for everting an end of a vessel, preferably over an end of a tubular workpiece. The instrument has a curved mandrel having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the curved mandrel is insertable to a predetermined depth into the lumen of the vessel contained in the bore of the workpiece. The curved mandrel holds the vessel against the bore surface of the workpiece at three spaced-apart contact regions when it is inserted into the bore of the workpiece and the vessel lumen to the predetermined depth. The curved mandrel is mounted to a handle.

Abstract: An everter and threadthrough system useful for attaching a graft vessel to a anastomosis device which can be used to attach a graft vessel to a target vessel without the use of conventional sutures. The threadthrough system engages an end of the graft vessel and pulls the graft vessel through a deployment tool until a portion of the graft vessel extends beyond a distal end of the anastomosis device mounted on the deployment tool. The everter includes a spreading mechanism which expands the end of the graft vessel and folds the expanded end over the anastomosis device. In the case where the anastomosis device includes barbs, the everter can effect penetration of the graft vessel by the barbs. Once the graft vessel is everted over the anastomosis device, the deployment tool can be used to attach the graft vessel to a target vessel.

Abstract: A blood vessel extroverting instrument used to turn an end of a blood vessel inside out. The instrument has a contact portion to be brought into contact with an end of a blood vessel, a supporting portion on which the contact portion is supported, and an operating mechanism for increasing and reducing the diameter of the contact portion. At least two portions of the end of the blood vessel in the radial direction can be simultaneously expanded and/or reversed by operating the operating mechanism. Therefore the blood vessel extroverting instrument provided by the present invention is capable of easily turning an end of a blood vessel inside out in a short time without damaging the blood vessel.

Abstract: A tissue everting apparatus includes at least one elongated frame, at least one actuator slidably mounted to the frame and longitudinally movable between proximal and distal positions, a tissue everting bulbous tip, and at least two prongs which are laterally movable between open and closed positions. The bulbous tissue everting tip is positioned, for example, in the lumen of a vascular segment to evert the edge and the prong is closed to capture the everted edge of the vascular segment. The edge of a second vascular segment is everted and captured in a similar manner with the edges being brought together to form a flange-like structure to which one or more surgical clips may be applied to fasten the segments together.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for closing a perforation in a wall of a patient's blood vessel or other organs, and a method of introducing the apparatus and causing the closure are described. The apparatus includes an elongated support member having a distal end supporting one or more tissue engaging hooks configured to engage fibrous vessel tissue when moved in a first direction and to disengage the tissue when moved in a second direction, and a proximal end for applying rotational torque to the support member to cause the hooks to engage collagen fibrous tissue in the adventitia of the blood vessel or fibrous tissue in other body organs. The hooks engaging the collagen fiber causes the blood vessel tissue surrounding the perforation to be drawn into close proximity such that the perforation can be closed. The apparatus can be removed by applying reverse rotation of the support member, whereby the hooks are disengaged.

Abstract: A needle for everting body tissue is a linear member having a back portion, an arcuate tissue penetrating portion, and a generally U-shaped tissue everting portion therebetween. The U-shaped tissue everting portion includes a base and first and second tissue abutment arms, the back portion preferably being collinear with the first arm and oriented at an angle with respect to the base. The needle can be incorporated into an instrument for use in endoscopic procedures. In such instruments the needle can be attached in a fixed position with respect to the instrument, or retractable within a tubular sleeve.

Abstract: An abdominal incision suturing apparatus includes a guide element that is inserted and maintained in an abdominal incision by a guide handle. The guide element has a passage for receiving slidably the shaft of a reverse needle. The shaft can be moved axially and rotationally with respect to the guide element by a shaft handle. The reverse needle has a needle at the distal end of the shaft, with a pointed end and an eye for receiving a suture. The guide element defines a sheath for receiving the pointed end of the needle. The guide element and the reverse needle together present a substantially airtight surface for maintaining the pneumoperitoneum pressure in a cannula site incision. Further, the guide element includes markings on its surface, for the user to monitor the depth of insertion via a laparoscope. The shaft handle has a specially shaped groove, and the guide element has an internal pin that protrudes into the groove.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for extracting a fetus from a birth canal during childbirth is provided. The vacuum extractor includes a cup, a substantially rigid stem, and a handle. The cup is provided with a flexible closed top end to enable the stem to be selectively moved from an operational position wherein the stem extends from the closed top end of the cup in substantial axial alignment with a vertical axis of the cup to an insertion position wherein the stem is angularly disposed relative to the vertical axis of the cup and a portion of the stem is recessed into the flexible closed top end of the cup to permit insertion of the cup into the birth canal. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending therethrough from the first end to the second end. The handle is connected to the stem such that the first and second ends of the handle extend substantially laterally from the stem and the passageway of the handle in fluid communication with the vacuum cup.

Abstract: A temporary stent and method for vascular anastomosis are disclosed. The method comprises placing, in a vessel to be anastomosed, a stent comprising a biocompatible material; applying staples to anastomose the vessel; and converting the stent material into a liquid that is miscible with blood by melting with warmed saline or pulsed radiation. Also disclosed is a method and composition for delivery of a drug that prevents thrombus formation and/or intimal hyperplasia at the anastomosis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting an abdominal wall during laparoscopic diagnostic and surgical procedures. The surgical lift device includes a gripping portion for contacting and holding an external skin surface adjacent the abdominal wall. The gripping portion is selectively detachable from the skin surface. The device further includes a lifting portion that extends outwardly from the gripping portion. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the gripping portion may comprise an adhesive sheet or a suction member and the lifting portion may comprise a wire member or a portion of a hook and loop-type fastener.