Capture tool

Abstract

A capture-tool for manipulation of tissue utilizes vacuum to hold the tissue in place. An extension attached to a vacuum source at one end and a vacuum arm at another end creates a vacuum force through the extension and vacuum arm. The vacuum arm has a support surface with ports therein at which low pressure areas are formed by the vacuum force. The low pressure areas draw tissue against the supporting surface to hold it in place, as long as the vacuum force is active.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A suction tool, comprising:
 a rigid, tubular extension having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel therethrough that is attachable to a vacuum source;   a linear vacuum arm being attached to the extension at an angle, the vacuum arm having an internal conduit therein that is continuous with the channel, a viewing surface, and a supporting surface;   two or more ports in the supporting surface connected to the internal conduit such that, when a vacuum is created in the channel and internal conduit by the vacuum source, a negative pressure area is formed at the two or more ports.   
     
     
         22 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein the vacuum arm is attached to the extension at an angle of between 30° and 180°. 
     
     
         23 . The suction tool according to  claim 22 , wherein the vacuum arm is attached to the extension at an angle of 90°. 
     
     
         24 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein there are two ports with one located at about a first end of the vacuum arm and another located at about a second end of the vacuum arm. 
     
     
         25 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein the two or more ports are arranged longitudinally on the supporting surface of the vacuum arm. 
     
     
         26 . The suction tool according to  claim 25 , wherein the two or more ports are arranged in at least two rows longitudinally with the vacuum arm. 
     
     
         27 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , further comprising at least two internal conduits. 
     
     
         28 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , further comprising two channels in the extension. 
     
     
         29 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein when the extension is attached to an air source, and the two or more ports are connected to the internal conduit so that a positive pressure area is be formed at the two or more ports. 
     
     
         30 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein each of the two or more ports has one of a circular shape or an oval shape. 
     
     
         31 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein each of the two or more ports has a sidewall connected to the internal conduit, the sidewall defining a duct having a substantially constant diameter from the port to the internal conduit. 
     
     
         32 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein, the duct has a smaller diameter at an intersection with the internal conduit than at an intersection with the port. 
     
     
         33 . The suction tool according to  claim 21 , wherein, the duct has a smaller diameter at an intersection with the port than at an intersection with the internal conduit. 
     
     
         34 . A suction tool, comprising:
 a rigid, linear extension having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel therethrough that is attachable to a vacuum source;   a single, linear vacuum arm attached to the extension at an angle, the vacuum arm having an internal conduit that is continuous with the channel, a viewing surface, and a supporting surface, the supporting surface having a concave cross-sectional shape when viewed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vacuum arm, the concave supporting surface extending substantially a full length of the vacuum arm; and   one or more ports, located in the supporting surface, the one or more ports being connected to the internal conduit such that, when a vacuum is created in the channel and internal conduit by the vacuum source, a negative pressure area is formed at the one or more ports.   
     
     
         35 . The suction tool according to  claim 34 , wherein the vacuum arm is attached to the extension at an angle of between 30° and less than 180°. 
     
     
         36 . The suction tool according to  claim 34 , wherein the vacuum arm is attached to the extension at an angle of 90°. 
     
     
         37 . The suction tool according to  claim 34 , wherein the one or more ports comprises two or more ports, and wherein one of the two or more ports is located at about a first end of the vacuum arm and another one of the two or more ports is located at about a second end of the vacuum arm. 
     
     
         38 . The suction tool according to  claim 34 , wherein the one or more ports comprises two or more ports, and wherein the two or more ports are arranged longitudinally on the supporting surface of the vacuum arm. 
     
     
         39 . The suction tool according to  claim 38 , wherein the two or more ports are arranged in at least two rows longitudinally with the vacuum arm. 
     
     
         40 . A suction tool, comprising:
 a rigid, linear extension having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel therethrough;   a single, linear vacuum arm, the vacuum arm being attached to the extension at an angle, the vacuum arm having an internal conduit therein that is continuous with the channel, a viewing surface, and a supporting surface, and the vacuum arm having at least one branch extending from a linear central portion; and   a plurality of ports located in the supporting surface of the vacuum arm, the plurality of ports including two or more ports located on the at least one branch of the vacuum arm, and the plurality of ports being connected to the internal conduit at which at least one of a negative pressure area, a neutral pressure area, and a positive pressure area is configured to be formed.