Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a retraction device (1) adapted for use in minimally invasive surgery, said device comprising: (a) access means (3); (b) rigid support means; (c) expandable retraction means (2) comprising a multiplicity of radially oriented members (10); (d) flexible attachment means (6); and (e) a multiplicity of magnetic means, wherein said expandable retraction means in its non-expanded form is attached to said rigid support means by said flexible attachment means and is insertable into a subject through said access means, and wherein said multiplicity of magnetic means are comprised in said expandable retraction means. The invention also provides expandable retraction means comprising a multiplicity of radially oriented members and a method for the use of a retraction device in minimally invasive surgery, the method comprising the steps of providing a retraction device according to the first aspect of the invention, inserting said expandable retraction means via said access means through the cavity wall of a subject, deploying the expandable retraction means in its expanded form, magnetising the tissue to be retracted and attaching the magnetised tissue to the retraction device. The device and method according to the invention satisfy the necessary criteria for use in MIS applications and provide for ease in both manufacture and use, and potential application in many areas of MIS.

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First Claim