Deployable jaws retraction device

Abstract

A deployable jaws retraction device is provided for retracting a body organ away from an operative site without occupying an incision or surgical access port during the surgical procedure. The deployable jaws retraction device includes a jaw assembly having two or more jaws joined at one end and a retention device to maintain the jaws of the closed condition about a target body organ. The deployable jaws retraction device additionally includes an anchoring assembly for securing the jaw assembly and body organ away from the operative site during the surgical procedure. The anchoring assembly includes a needle having a tissue penetrating tip and a length of suture material connecting the needle to the jaw assembly. There is also provided an applicator instrument for applying the deployable jaws retraction device onto a target body organ.

1 . A method for retracting target tissue from an operative site comprising:
 inserting an applicator including a jaw retraction device through an incision on a patient;   advancing a jaw assembly including first and second flexible jaw members from the applicator for positioning target tissue between the first and second flexible jaws, the first and second flexible jaw members secured together at a junction at a proximal end of the jaw assembly;   advancing a retainer from the applicator to engage the first and second flexible jaw members for moving the first and second jaws to a clamping configuration; and   manipulating a needle including a suture coupled thereto and to the junction of the jaw assembly though the incision on a patient to remove the target tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , including providing the first and second flexible jaw members with an arcuate configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , including utilizing an O-ring for the retainer, the O-ring being positionable over the first and second flexible jaw members. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , including providing the O-ring on a pair of ring rods that are translatable through the applicator, wherein the O-ring is releasably coupled to the pair of ring rods. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein advancing the retainer further includes advancing the O-ring into recesses that are formed on the first and second flexible jaw members. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , including providing the jaw assembly on a push-rod that is translatable through the applicator, wherein the jaw assembly is releasably coupled to the push-rod. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , further including providing a third flexible jaw member that is connected to the first and second flexible jaw members at the junction. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , including providing a recess on the third flexible jaw member. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , further including spacing the first, second and third flexible jaw members 120° apart from one another.