TISSUE RETRACTOR AND METHOD FOR USING THE RETRACTOR

摘要

A tissue retractor includes a body (8) having proximal and distal ends. The retractor also includes a retraction device (1) having a head (5) connected to the distal end of the body and defining two opposing openings, an actuator ( 3) movably disposed in the head, and two substantially rigid needles (4) each pivotably connected to the actuator (3) for traveling through a respective o ne of the openings. The needles have an arcuate shape. A one-handed actuation device (2) is connected to the proximal end of the body and is operatively connected to the actuator (3) through the body (8). Upon actuation of the actuation device (2), the actuator (3) moves to selectively extend the needl es (4) out of the head (5) and withdraw the needles (4) into the head (5). Methods for using the tissue retractor (1), in particular for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, are also provided.