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Magnetic retraction system for laparoscopic surgery and method of use thereof

  • US 6,358,196 B1
  • Filed: 12/29/1999
  • Issued: 03/19/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A magnetic retraction system for assisting in laparoscopic surgery on a patient, said system comprising:

  • a) an articulatable arm;

    b) a securing member for securing one end of said articulatable arm to a support member;

    c) a magnet which is disposed at another end of said articulatable arm, for applying a magnetic field around a defined area below said another end of said articulatable arm, said magnet including an upper magnetic pole;

    d) a patient adapted to be disposed below said upper magnetic pole, said patient having ingested a magnetizable or magnetic element whereby, when said patient is disposed prone below said upper magnetic pole, a lower opposite magnetic pole is induced in said patient through polarization of magnetizable material within the intestine of said patient; and

    e) a controllable element which is operatively-associated with said upper pole and which is selectively-controllable to vary the magnetic field, and/or adjust the upper pole in height above said patient, and/or tilt, and/or roll.

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