Organ manipulator having suction member supported with freedom to move relative to its support
First Claim
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1. An organ manipulation apparatus, including:
- at least one suction member having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the suction member is configured to exert sufficient suction force on an organ to move the organ when the suction member is placed against the organ, a pressure differential is established between the inner surface and the outer surface, and the suction member is moved;
a support structure; and
a joint coupled between the suction member and the support structure, wherein the support structure, in a rigid configuration, and the joint are configured to support the suction member, with the organ supported by the suction member, such that the joint allows the suction member freedom to move relative to the support structure, to allow movements of the organ, while the support structure remains relatively fixed.
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Abstract
An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disk mounted to a joint providing freedom of movement of the at least one suction member or adhesive disk relative to its support. A method for retracting and maintaining an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) is provided.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. An organ manipulation apparatus, including:
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at least one suction member having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the suction member is configured to exert sufficient suction force on an organ to move the organ when the suction member is placed against the organ, a pressure differential is established between the inner surface and the outer surface, and the suction member is moved; a support structure; and a joint coupled between the suction member and the support structure, wherein the support structure, in a rigid configuration, and the joint are configured to support the suction member, with the organ supported by the suction member, such that the joint allows the suction member freedom to move relative to the support structure, to allow movements of the organ, while the support structure remains relatively fixed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for compliant retraction of an organ, said method comprising:
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retracting the organ by contacting at least one suction member to the organ and applying suction to establish a pressure differential between an inner surface and an outer surface of at least one of said at least one suction member, thereby engaging the organ, and moving the at least one suction member; and providing a support structure in a fixed orientation, and a joint interconnecting the at least one suction member with the support structure; wherein the joint permits the at least one suction member to move relative to the fixed orientation support structure in response to movement of the retracted organ. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification