Sling for positioning internal organ during laparoscopic surgery and method of use
Abstract
Abstract A sling is disclosed for retracting a body organ such as the uterus or bowel during a laparoscopic surgical operation. The sling is made of an appropriate material with suitable dimensions so that it can be inserted through a cannula customarily used for laparoscopic surgery. At each end of the sling a suture and surgical needle is provided. In use, the sling is pushed into the abdominal cavity, opened and one needle pushed through the patient's abdominal wall and clamped to anchor the sling. The sling is then positioned to support the body organ, and the second needle passed through the abdominal wall from inside the patient and clamped outside the patient to hold the body organ in the retracted position. After the operation, the sutures inside the body cavity are cut and the sling pulled through a cannula by means of suitable surgical grasping means.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael R. Seitzinger
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-11-07 | 1998-05-09 | 1998-11-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-07 | 2002-05-09 | 2002-11-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-07 | 2006-05-09 | 2006-11-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |