AN INFLATABLE LAPAROSCOPIC RETRACTOR FOR ATRAUMATIC RETRACTION IN ABDOMINAL SURGERY

摘要

A laparoscopic retractor (11) comprises a shaft (8) having a proximal and distal end, the distal end of the shaft being configured for adjustment from a substantially straight orientation to a curved orientation having a substantially U-shaped hook suitable for laparoscopic retraction. The proximal end of the shaft comprises a handle (1) operably connected to the distal end of the shaft for adjustment of the distal end from the substantially straight orientation to the curved orientation. The distal end of the shaft is enclosed within a flexible sheath (4) that is adapted to be inflated, and wherein a portion of the sheath covering the distal end of the shaft comprises inflatable balloon means such as one or more inflatable balloons (5) which cover the substantially U-shaped hook.