Laparoscopic surgical grasper with a loop with gripping formations

Claim 2

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote Location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; b) flexible strap means having a width and a thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with at least one recessed formation formed into the thickness from the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface to a depth through the thickness at least intermediate the inner and outer surfaces and between a first and a second section of the strap means, and wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to define a loop adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections of the strap means extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the-inside passage of the conduit means; and c) manipulative means operatively associated with the strap means and manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the open loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ, and wherein the recessed formation faces inwardly of the loop and enables moist tissue trapped under the strap means to push up into the recessed formation to prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 3

The medical device of claim 1 wherein the first section of the strap means extends along and through the conduit means and outwardly of the conduit means adjacent to the proximal portion thereof to thereby provide the manipulative means for adjusting the size of the loop and the second section of the strap means is secured to the conduit means.

Claim 4

The medical device of claim 1 wherein the manipulative means comprises drive rod means having at least a distal portion that is disposed inside the conduit means and in an axially movable relationship with the inside passage therethrough a collar means surrounding a locking portion of the conduit means and in a movable relationship therewith, and a joining means for joining the collar means to a proximal portion of the drive rod means and in a manner allowing axial movement of the collar means along the proximal portion of the conduit means to move the drive rod means axially along the inside passage of the conduit means with at least one of the sections of the strap means being secured to a distal portion of the drive rod means to thereby provide for adjusting the size of the loop.

Claim 5

The medical device of claim 3 wherein the joining means comprises elongated connector means extending through the drive rod means and in a direction substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the drive rod means and wherein opposed ends of the connector means engage the collar means, the connector means being movable axially along a pair of diametrically opposed slots extending longitudinally along the proximal portion of the conduit means.

Claim 6

The medical device of claim 3 wherein the joining means further provides for rotational movement of the collar means and the drive rod means as a unit relative to the conduit means, the collar means supporting a locking means that can releasably contact the locking portion of the conduit means at an infinite number of annular locations around a second longitudinal axis of the conduit means to provide for locking and unlocking the drive rod means for preventing and allowing, respectively, adjustment of the size of the loop.

Claim 7

The medical device of claim 5 wherein the joining means comprises elongated connector means extending through the drive rod means in a direction substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the drive rod means and wherein opposed ends of the connector means are rotatably received in an inner annular groove provided on an inner wall of the collar means, the annular groove being concentric with the longitudinal axis.

Claim 8

The medical device of claim 1 wherein the strap means has a longitudinal axis and further comprising guide means on the conduit means for holding and directing movement of the strap means through the conduit means to thereby define the loop while preventing the strap means from rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof relative to the inside passage of the conduit means as the loop is opened and tightened on the body organ to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 9

The medical device of claim 7 wherein the guide means is provided at the distal portion of the conduit means and comprises a guide body having inner and outer end faces and a first guide passage extending through the guide body between the inner and outer end faces to hold and direct movement of the strap means to define the loop and wherein the first guide passage is elongated in a direction parallel to a plane of the width of the strap means and is dimensioned and disposed so as to prevent the strap means from rotating about first longitudinal axis of the strap means.

Claim 10

The medical device of claim 8 wherein the first section of the strap means extends through the first guide passage which prevents the strap means from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the strap means and wherein the second section of the strap means is secured to the conduit means by the guide means having a second guide passage that extends between the inner and outer end faces of the guide body to communicate through an intermediate channel means with an inlet portion provided in the guide body adjacent to the inner end face of the guide means and wherein the second section of the strap means is provided with a locking tab that extends through the outer end face and through the second guide passage to the intermediate channel with the locking tab shaped so as to be confined in the inlet portion of the guide means by the sidewall of the conduit means to provide for securing the second section of the strap means to the conduit means.

Claim 11

The medical device of claim 7 wherein the guide means comprises a guide body having inner and outer end faces and a guide passage extending through the body between the end faces, the guide passage serving to hold and direct movement of the strap means through the conduit means and wherein the guide body further has an outer wall extending between the end faces and spaced outwardly from the guide passage and wherein the conduit means is provided with at least one inwardly projecting conduit protrusion that is removably receivable in a channel provided in the outside wall of the guide means to removably mount the guide means at the distal portion of the conduit means when the conduit protrusion is received in the channel.

Claim 12

The medical device of claim 10 wherein a pivotable tang portion of the guide means extends into the channel at a position spaced from a terminus portion thereof to lock the guide means to the conduit means at the distal portion of the conduit means at such time as the guide means has been manipulated to receive the conduit protrusion in the terminus portion of the channel of the guide means.

Claim 13

The medical device of claim 10 wherein the guide passage is elongated in a direction parallel to a plane of the width of the strap means and is dimensioned so as to prevent the strap means from rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof and wherein there are three sets of mating conduit protrusions and associated channels spaced at irregular intervals along the sidewall of the conduit means and the outer wall of the guide means respectively, the irregular intervals being provided such that when the guide means is removably mounted at the distal portion of the conduit means, the elongated guide passage extending through the guide body is aligned along a predetermined plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the conduit means.

Claim 14

The medical device of claim 1 wherein a locking means for the loop is provided on the conduit means, and wherein the locking means is accessible from the remote location and is movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the strap means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 15

The medical device of claim 13 wherein the locking means comprises a first threaded member that is received in a threaded opening provided in the surrounding sidewall of the conduit means and the first threaded member is rotatable in a first direction to contact the strap means inside the conduit means and provide the enabled position for the locking means and wherein the first threaded member is rotatable in a second direction to be removed from contact with the strap means inside the conduit means to provide the disabled position for the locking means.

Claim 16

The medical device of claim 10 wherein a locking section for the strap means is provided with a circular cross-section and a locking portion of the conduit means surrounding the locking section of the strap means comprises a collet means having a plurality of longitudinal collet slots extending at least part way along the collet means and spaced at intervals about an annular extent thereof to form resilient leaf members that threadedly mate with a threaded collar means wherein when the collar means is threaded a sufficient distance in a first direction onto the collet means the resilient leaf members are drawn into contact with the locking section by the collar means to provide the enabled position for the locking means and wherein when the collar means is threaded in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the resilient leaf members are able to move to a position spaced from the locking section of the strap means to provide the disabled position for the locking means.

Claim 17

The medical device of claim 13 wherein the locking means comprises a lever means having a cam portion and wherein the lever means is movable in a first direction so that the cam portion contacts the strap means inside the conduit means to hold the strap means against a stop means inside the conduit means when the locking means is in the enabled position and wherein the lever means is movable in a second direction to provide the disabled position for the locking means so that the cam portion of the lever means is spaced from the strap means inside the conduit means to thereby provide for manipulating the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means along the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 18

The medical device of claim 13 wherein the handle means has a slot means provided in the sidewall of the conduit means with the lever means as the locking means slidably supported in the slot means and wherein the locking means is enabled by moving the lever means along the slot in the first direction to move the cam portion into contact with the strap means inside the conduit means to hold the strap means between the stop means and the cam portion, and wherein the locking means is disabled by moving the lever means along the slot means in the second direction, which second direction movement causes the cam portion of the lever means to release from the strap means to provide for manipulating the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means along the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 19

The medical device of claim 16 wherein the handle means has a slot means provided in the sidewall of the conduit means with the lever means pivotably mounted in the conduit means and wherein the locking means is enabled by pivotable movement of the lever means in the slot means in the first direction to move the cam portion into contact with the strap means inside the conduit means to thereby hold the strap means between the stop means and the cam portion, and wherein the locking means is disabled by pivoting the lever means in the slot means in the second direction which causes the cam portion of the lever means to release from the strap means to provide for manipulating the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means along the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 20

The medical device of claim 13 wherein the locking means is mounted in an opening in a surrounding sidewall of the conduit means and comprises a first member having first ratchet means that engage corresponding second ratchet means provided on a second member positioned in the sidewall opening opposite the first mender and wherein the first member has a cam portion that is held in a spaced relationship with respect to the strap means inside the conduit means by a biasing means to provide the disabled position for the locking means and wherein the first member is movable against the force of the biasing means and towards the strap means to enable the locking means so that the cam portion of the first member is held in contact with the strap means by the ratchet relationship between the first and second members to thereby hold the strap means against a stop means provided inside the conduit means, and wherein the second member is movable to a released position to release the ratchet relationship between the first and second members so that the biasing means moves the first member into the spaced relationship with respect to the strap means to provide the disabled position for the locking means.

Claim 21

The medical device of claim 19 wherein the second member of the locking means is substantially U-shaped comprising a first leg mounted on the conduit means and joined to a second leg having the second ratchet means by a cross member extending between the legs and wherein the cross member provides a resilient relationship between the legs such that the second leg is movable towards the first leg to release the ratchet relationship between the members and to enable the biasing means to move the first member to the spaced relationship with the strap means to thereby provide the disabled position for the locking means.

Claim 22

The medical device of claim 19 wherein the biasing means is provided on the first member of the locking means and comprises a cantilever means that connects between the sidewall comprising the conduit means and a body portion of the first member having the first ratchet means and the cam portion.

Claim 23

The medical device of claim 1 wherein a sealing means is provided inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serves to seal around the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means.

Claim 24

The medical device of claim 22 wherein the manipulation means for adjusting the size of the loop comprises drive rod means axially movable within the conduit means, at least one of the sections of the strap means being secured to a distal portion of the drive rod means so that axial movement of the drive rod means along the inside passage of the conduit means provides for adjusting the loop size, and wherein the drive rod means is in a closely spaced relationship with an inner surface of the conduit means to provide the sealing means.

Claim 25

The medical device of claim 22 wherein the conduit means comprises a first and second conduit sections having the inside passage extending therethrough, the inside passage being sized to allow movement of the strap means therealong, and wherein one of the conduit sections is provided with an annular flange means, the flange means being threadedly engaged with the other of the conduit sections having an end wall closing a proximal end of the other of the conduit sections, the end wall being provided with an opening leading to the inside passage through the conduit means and sized to allow movement of the strap means therealong, and wherein the sealing means is provided at an intermediate position between the flange means and the end wall of the other conduit section, the sealing means having a first, outer diameter greater than the inside passage through the conduit means to provide the sealing relationship therewith and wherein a sealing opening in the sealing means is fitted around the strap means to provide the sealing relationship between the strap means and the sealing means while allowing movement of the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means when the flange means is threadably engaged with the other conduit section.

Claim 26

The medical device of claim 22 wherein the strap means has a sealing section positioned inside the conduit means having a narrow width and the sealing means provided inside the conduit means has a matching sealing configuration that surrounds the narrow width of the sealing section in a closely fitting relationship to provide the sealed relationship between the strap means and the sealing means while at the same time allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means.

Claim 27

The medical device of claim 22 wherein the strap means has a sealing section of circular cross-section positioned inside the conduit means and the sealing means provided inside the conduit means has a matching sealing configuration that surrounds the sealing section in a closely fitting relationship to provide the sealed relationship between the strap means and the sealing means while at the same time allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means.

Claim 28

The medical device of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of recessed formations that comprise openings extending through the thickness of the strap means and positioned at spaced locations along the loop to thereby prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ.

Claim 29

The medical device of claim 27 wherein the openings providing the recessed formations are beveled.

Claim 30

The medical device of claim 28 wherein the beveled openings have a narrow opening portion facing inwardly of the loop.

Claim 31

The medical device of claim 1 wherein the manipulative means for adjusting the size of the loop comprises drive rod means having at least a distal portion that is provided inside the conduit means and in a movable relationship with the inside passage thereof, the drive rod means having a proximal portion positioned near the proximal portion of the conduit means and wherein at least one of the sections of the strap means is secured to the distal portion of the drive rod means so that the proximal portion of the drive rod means is manipulatable from the remote location to move the drive rod means and the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 32

The medical device of claim 30 wherein the first section of the strap means is connected to the distal portion of the drive rod means and the second section of the strap means is secured to the conduit means so that the proximal portion of the drive rod means is manipulatable from the remote location to move the first section of the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 33

The medical device of claim 30 wherein the first and second sections of the strap means are connected to the distal portion of the drive rod means so that the proximal portion of the drive rod means is manipulatable from the remote location to move the first and second sections of the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 34

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the body cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a thickness and a width which is substantially greater than the thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, the strap means having a length doubled back towards itself to define a loop between a first section and a second section of the strap means, wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means, the strap means further provided with a manipulative means that is manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop; (c) guide means provided on the conduit means for holding and directing movement of the strap means through the conduit means to thereby define the loop having an adjustable size in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane while preventing the strap means from rotating about a longitudinal axis thereof and relative to the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means and through the guide means to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ; and (d) a sealing means provided inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal around the width and thickness of the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means.

Claim 35

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the body cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a thickness and a width which is substantially greater than the thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, the strap means having a length doubled back towards itself to define a loop between a first section and a second section of the strap means, wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means, the strap means further provided with a manipulative means that is manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop; (c) guide means provided on the conduit means for holding and directing movement of the strap means through the conduit means to thereby define the loop having an adjustable size in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane while preventing the strap means from rotating about a longitudinal axis thereof and relative to the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means and through the guide means to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ; and (d) a sealing means provided inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal around the width and thickness of the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means.

Claim 36

The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first section of the strap means extends along and through the conduit means and outwardly of the conduit means adjacent to the proximal portion to thereby provide the manipulative means for adjusting the size of the loop and the second section of the strap means is secured to the conduit means.

Claim 37

The medical device of claim 33 wherein the guide means is provided at the distal portion of the conduit means and comprises a guide body having inner and outer end faces and a first guide passage extending through the body between the inner and outer end faces to hold and direct movement of the strap means to define the loop wherein the first guide passage is elongated in a direction parallel to the plane of the width of the strap means and is dimensioned and disposed so as to prevent the strap means from rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof.

Claim 38

The medical device of claim 35 wherein the first section of the strap means extends through the first guide passage which prevents the strap means from rotating about the longitudinal axis and wherein the second section of the strap means is secured to the conduit means by the guide means having a second guide passage that extends between the inner and outer end faces of the guide body to communicate through an intermediate channel means with an inlet portion provided in the guide body adjacent to the inner end face of the guide means and wherein the second section of the strap means is provided with a locking tab that extends through the outer end face and through the second guide passage to the intermediate channel with the locking tab shaped so as to be confined in the inlet portion of the guide means by the sidewall of the conduit means to provide for securing the second section of the strap means to the conduit means.

Claim 39

The medical device of claim 33 wherein a locking means for the loop is provided on the conduit means in a position accessible from the remote location and wherein the locking means is movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the strap means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 40

The medical device of claim 33 wherein the strap means is provided with gripping formations along a surface thereof between the first section and the second section of the strap means, the gripping formations facing inwardly of the loop and serving to prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 41

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible holding means received in the inside passage of the conduit means and having a length doubled back towards itself to define a loop between a first section and a second section of the holding means and wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the holding means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the first section of the holding means is secured to the conduit means and the second section of the holding means extends along and through the conduit means and outwardly of the conduit means adjacent to the proximal portion to provide a manipulative means that is manipulatable from the remote location to move the holding means along the inside passage through the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop for positioning the loop around the body organ and for tightening the loop to hold the body organ; (c) sealing means provided inside the conduit means in a sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal around the holding means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the holding means along the conduit means; and (d) a locking means for the loop provided on the conduit means, the locking means being accessible from the remote location and being movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the holding means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the holding means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 42

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible holding means received in the inside passage of the conduit means and having a length doubled back towards itself to define a loop between a first section and a second section of the holding means and wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the holding means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the first section of the holding means is secured to the conduit means and the second section of the holding means extends along and through the conduit means and outwardly of the conduit means adjacent to the proximal portion to provide a manipulative means that is manipulatable from the remote location to move the holding means along the inside passage through the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop for positioning the loop around the body organ and for tightening the loop to hold the body organ; (c) sealing means provided inside the conduit means in a sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal around the holding means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the holding means along the conduit means; and (d) a locking means for the loop provided on the conduit means, the locking means being accessible from the remote location and being movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the holding means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the holding means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 43

The medical device of claim 37 wherein the holding means is provided with at least one gripping formation along a surface thereof between the first section and the second section of the holding means, the gripping formation facing inwardly of the loop and serving to prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 44

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a width and a thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with at least one recessed formation formed into the thickness from the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface to a depth through the thickness at least intermediate the inner and outer surface and between a first and a second section of the strap means, the strap means having a length doubled back towards itself to define a loop adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside,passage of the conduit means, the strap means further provided with a manipulative means that is manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane; and (c) sealing means provided inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal around the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ with the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means, and wherein the recessed formation faces inwardly of the loop and prevents the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 45

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a width and a thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with at least one recessed formation formed into the thickness from the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface to a depth through the thickness at least intermediate the inner and outer surface and between a first and a second section of the strap means, the strap means having a length doubled back towards itself to define a loop adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside,passage of the conduit means, the strap means further provided with a manipulative means that is manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane; and (c) sealing means provided inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal around the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ with the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means, and wherein the recessed formation faces inwardly of the loop and prevents the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 46

The medical device of claim 41 wherein there are a plurality of recessed formations that comprise openings extending through the thickness of the strap means and positioned at spaced locations along the loop to thereby prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ.

Claim 47

The medical device of claim 41 wherein the first section of the strap means extends along and through the conduit means and outwardly of the conduit means adjacent the proximal portion thereof to provide the manipulative means for adjusting the size of the loop and the second section of the strap means is secured to the conduit means.

Claim 48

The medical device of claim 41 wherein there are a plurality of recessed formations provided on the loop and extending part way through the thickness of the strap means from an inner surface thereof to prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ.

Claim 49

The medical device of claim 41 further comprising guide means on the conduit means, the guide means serving to hold and direct movement of the strap means through the conduit means while preventing the strap means from rotating about a longitudinal axis thereof relative to the inside passage of the conduit means as the loop is opened and tightened on the body organ to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 50

The medical device of claim 41 wherein a locking means for the loop is provided on the conduit means, is accessible from the remote location, and wherein the locking means is movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the strap means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 51

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a width and a thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with at least one recessed formation formed into the thickness from the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface to a depth through the thickness at least intermediate the inner and the outer surfaces and between a first and a second section of the strip means, and wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to define a loop adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means; and (c) manipulative means operatively associated with the strap means defining the loop and manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage and into the conduit means with opposed portions of the strap means comprising the loop contacting opposed surfaces provided on the conduit means to close the loop and wherein the manipulative means is manipulatable to move the strap means out through the distal open end of the conduit means to release the strap means from contact with the opposed surfaces on the conduit means and thereby expand the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to close the loop to hold the body organ, and wherein the recessed formation faces inwardly of the loop and enables moist tissue comprising the body organ trapped under the strap means to push up into the recessed formation to prevent the closed loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 52

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a width and a thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with at least one recessed formation formed into the thickness from the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface to a depth through the thickness at least intermediate the inner and the outer surfaces and between a first and a second section of the strip means, and wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to define a loop adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means; and (c) manipulative means operatively associated with the strap means defining the loop and manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage and into the conduit means with opposed portions of the strap means comprising the loop contacting opposed surfaces provided on the conduit means to close the loop and wherein the manipulative means is manipulatable to move the strap means out through the distal open end of the conduit means to release the strap means from contact with the opposed surfaces on the conduit means and thereby expand the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to close the loop to hold the body organ, and wherein the recessed formation faces inwardly of the loop and enables moist tissue comprising the body organ trapped under the strap means to push up into the recessed formation to prevent the closed loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 53

The medical device of claim 47 wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to define the loop such that respective first and second ends of the opposed portions of the strap means are joined to define the loop as a continuous member.

Claim 54

The medical device of claim 47 wherein the manipulative means is an elongated member extending through the inside passage of the conduit means and having a proximal end provided at the remote location and a distal end provided in the inside passage of the conduit means and having a receiving means that receives opposed first and second ends of the opposed portions comprising the strap means to operatively associate the manipulative means with the strap means defining the loop and prevent the strap means from rotating relative to the manipulation means.

Claim 55

The medical device of claim 47 wherein a sealing means is provided inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serves to seal around the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means.

Claim 56

The medical device of claim 50 wherein the manipulative means is an elongated member extending through the inside passage of conduit means and having a proximal end provided at the remote location and a distal end provided in the inside passage of the conduit means and having a receiving means that receives and seals around opposed first and second ends of the opposed portions comprising the strap means to operatively associate the manipulative means with the loop and wherein the manipulative means is dimensional to be in a closely spaced, sliding relationship with the inside passage through the conduit means to thereby provide the sealing means that serves to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof.

Claim 57

The medical device of claim 51 wherein the manipulative means comprises drive rod means.

Claim 58

The medical device of claim 47 wherein a locking means for the loop is provided on the conduit means, accessible from the remote location, and wherein the locking means is movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the strap means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 59

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a width and a thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with at least one recessed formation formed into the thickness from the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface to a depth through the thickness at least intermediate the inner and outer surfaces and between a first and a second section of the strap means, and wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to provide opposed portions of the strap means defining a loop adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means, the loop having relative rigidity in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane; and (c) elongated manipulative means extending through the inside passage of the conduit means and having a proximal end provided at the remote location and a distal end provided in the inside passage of the conduit means and, having a receiving means that receives and seals around opposed first and second ends of the opposed portions comprising the strap means to operatively associate the manipulative means with the loop and prevent the strap means from rotating relative to the manipulation means, the manipulative means being manipulatable from the remote location to move the loop along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop, wherein the manipulative means is dimensioned to be in a closely spaced, sliding relationship with the inside passage through the conduit means to thereby provide a sealing means that serves to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof, and wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the size of the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to close the loop to hold the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 60

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a width and a thickness so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with at least one recessed formation formed into the thickness from the inner surface and extending towards the outer surface to a depth through the thickness at least intermediate the inner and outer surfaces and between a first and a second section of the strap means, and wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to provide opposed portions of the strap means defining a loop adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means, the loop having relative rigidity in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane; and (c) elongated manipulative means extending through the inside passage of the conduit means and having a proximal end provided at the remote location and a distal end provided in the inside passage of the conduit means and, having a receiving means that receives and seals around opposed first and second ends of the opposed portions comprising the strap means to operatively associate the manipulative means with the loop and prevent the strap means from rotating relative to the manipulation means, the manipulative means being manipulatable from the remote location to move the loop along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop, wherein the manipulative means is dimensioned to be in a closely spaced, sliding relationship with the inside passage through the conduit means to thereby provide a sealing means that serves to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof, and wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the size of the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to close the loop to hold the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 61

The medical device of claim 54 wherein a locking means for the loop is provided on the conduit means, accessible from the remote location, and wherein the locking means is movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the strap means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 62

The medical device of claim 54 wherein there are a plurality of recessed formations that extend at least part way through the thickness of the strap means, and wherein the recessed formations face inwardly of the loop and prevent the closed loop from releasing from around the body organ.

Claim 63

A disposable medical devices that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, the disposable medical device comprising (a) an elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a thickness and a width which is substantially greater than the thickness is received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to define a loop provided with at least one recessed formation that extends at least part way through the thickness of the strap means thereof between a first section and a second section of the strap means and wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means, the strap means further provided with a manipulative means that is manipulable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane; (c) a guide means positioned on the conduit means for holding and directing movement of the strap means through the conduit to thereby define the loop while preventing the strap means from rotating about a longitudinal axis of the strap means relative to the inside passage of the conduit means as the loop is opened and tightened on the body organ to manipulate the body organ; and (d) a sealing means that is positioned inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal directly around the width and thickness of the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means, wherein the handle means provided by the proximal portion of the conduit means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ and wherein the recessed formation faces inwardly of the loop and enables moist tissue trapped under the strap means to push up into the recessed formation to prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 64

A disposable medical devices that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, the disposable medical device comprising (a) an elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a thickness and a width which is substantially greater than the thickness is received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the strap means is doubled back towards itself to define a loop provided with at least one recessed formation that extends at least part way through the thickness of the strap means thereof between a first section and a second section of the strap means and wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means, the strap means further provided with a manipulative means that is manipulable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane; (c) a guide means positioned on the conduit means for holding and directing movement of the strap means through the conduit to thereby define the loop while preventing the strap means from rotating about a longitudinal axis of the strap means relative to the inside passage of the conduit means as the loop is opened and tightened on the body organ to manipulate the body organ; and (d) a sealing means that is positioned inside the conduit means in sealing relationship therewith and serving to seal directly around the width and thickness of the strap means to prevent fluids present inside the body cavity from moving through the conduit means to the proximal open end thereof when the distal portion of the conduit means is inserted into the body cavity, the sealing means allowing movement of the strap means along the conduit means, wherein the handle means provided by the proximal portion of the conduit means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ and wherein the recessed formation faces inwardly of the loop and enables moist tissue trapped under the strap means to push up into the recessed formation to prevent the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 65

The disposable medical device of claim 57 wherein the first section of the strap means extends along and through the conduit means and outwardly of the conduit means adjacent to the proximal portion thereof to thereby provide the manipulative means for adjusting the size of the loop and the second section of the strap means is secured to the conduit means.

Claim 66

The disposable kit of claim 57 wherein a locking means for the loop is provided on the conduit means, and wherein the locking means is accessible from the remote location and is movable to an enabled position to prevent the manipulative means from providing movement of the strap means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop, and wherein the locking means is movable to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means to provide for movement of the strap means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 69

The method of claim 60 wherein the first section of the strap means extends along and through the conduit means and outwardly of the conduit means adjacent to the proximal portion to thereby provide the manipulative means and further including manipulating the first section of the strap means to adjust the size of the loop with the second section of the strap means being secured to the conduit means.

Claim 70

The method of claim 60 wherein the strap means has a longitudinal axis and further including holding and directing movement of the strap means through the conduit means to define the loop while preventing the strap means from rotating about the inside passage of the conduit means as the loop is opened and tightened on the body organ to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 71

The method of claim 60 wherein a locking means is mounted on the conduit means at a position accessible from the remote location and further comprising: (a) moving the locking means to an enabled position to disable the manipulative means and prevent movement of the strap means along the conduit means to thereby prevent adjusting the size of the loop through manipulation of the manipulating means; and (b) moving the locking means to a disabled position to enable the manipulative means and provide for manipulation of manipulative means to adjust the size of the loop.

Claim 72

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a thickness and a narrow width between spaced apart edges extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the strap means so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with the strap means doubled back towards itself to define a loop provided with gripping formations comprising notches formed along the spaced apart edges of the strap means to provide a scallop-like shape for the gripping formations and located between a first section and a second section of the strap means, and wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections of the strap means extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means; and (c) manipulative means operatively associated with the strap means and manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ, and wherein the notches are recessed into the edges of the strap means to prevent the continuous inner surface of the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.

Claim 73

A medical device that is insertable into a body cavity to hold and manipulate a body organ located therein from a remote location outside the cavity during a surgical procedure, which comprises: (a) elongated conduit means having a surrounding sidewall providing an inside passage extending to proximal and distal portions having respective spaced apart open ends, wherein the proximal portion of the conduit means provides a handle means for inserting the distal portion into the body cavity and for manipulating the distal portion from the remote location; (b) flexible strap means having a thickness and a narrow width between spaced apart edges extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the strap means so as to be received in the inside passage of the conduit means, wherein the thickness of the strap means extends between a continuous inner surface and an outer surface with the strap means doubled back towards itself to define a loop provided with gripping formations comprising notches formed along the spaced apart edges of the strap means to provide a scallop-like shape for the gripping formations and located between a first section and a second section of the strap means, and wherein the loop is defined adjacent to the distal open end of the conduit means with the first and second sections of the strap means extending from the loop and received in the inside passage of the conduit means such that the strap means is in a movable relationship with the inside passage of the conduit means; and (c) manipulative means operatively associated with the strap means and manipulatable from the remote location to move the strap means along the inside passage of the conduit means to adjust the size of the loop in a plane normal to the width of the strap means but having relative rigidity perpendicular to the plane, wherein the handle means and the manipulative means are manipulatable from the remote location to open the loop and position the opened loop around the body organ and to tighten the loop to hold the body organ, and wherein the notches are recessed into the edges of the strap means to prevent the continuous inner surface of the tightened loop from releasing from around the body organ as the device is used to manipulate the body organ.