SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES FOR MAGNETIC MANIPULATION OF INTERNAL ORGANS DURING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
Systems and techniques for manipulating organs during minimally invasive surgery are disclosed. Magnetic material is delivered to an organ ( 10 ) of interest and the organ ( 10 ) is manipulated during the procedure via a magnet ( 30 ) external to the patient ( 25 ). The magnetic material may be delivered in fluidized form by filing a balloon ( 22 ).
1 . A method for manipulating an internal organ of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure comprising:
delivering magnetic material into or onto the internal organ; and
manipulating the organ during the procedure with a magnet external to the patient's body.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the organ is removed during the procedure.
3 . The method of claim 2 wherein the organ and the magnetic material are removed from the patient together.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein delivering the magnetic material includes:
inserting a flexible membrane into the organ; and
filling the membrane with a fluid comprising magnetic material.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein delivering the magnetic material includes injecting a number of bead into the organ.
6 . The method of claim 1 wherein delivering the magnetic material includes coiling a wire inside the organ.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein delivering the magnetic material includes inserting a self expanding structure having a magnetic component into the organ.
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the self expanding structure expands when pushed out the lumen of a delivery device.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein delivering the magnetic material includes clamping a device onto the organ.
10 . The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic material is delivered to the organ via an access path including a natural body orifice.
11 . The method of claim 10 wherein the access path is established through a wall of the stomach.
12 . A method of operating on an organ in the peritoneal cavity of a patient comprising:
establishing an access path to the organ in the peritoneal cavity through a hole cut in the wall of the stomach;
using the access path to deliver magnetic material into or onto the organ; and
manipulating the organ with a magnet external to the patient's body.
13 . The method of claim 12 further comprising:
removing the organ and the magnetic material via the access path.
14 . A surgical system comprising:
an elongated body adapted to be inserted through the esophagus and into the peritoneal cavity through a hole cut in the wall of the stomach, the body including a delivery lumen;
magnetic material adapted to be delivered through the delivery lumen of the elongated body and into or onto an organ in the peritoneal cavity; and
a magnet external to the patient for manipulating the organ once it has been magnetized with the magnetic material.
15 . The surgical system of claim 14 wherein the magnet is mounted on an articulating arm.
16 . The surgical system of claim 14 wherein the magnetic material includes a number of beads.
17 . The surgical system of claim 14 wherein the magnetic material is fluidized.
18 . The surgical system of claim 14 wherein the magnetic material is a part of a self expanding member.
19 . The surgical system of claim 14 wherein the magnetic material is provided on a device configured to be clamped onto the organ.
20 . The surgical system of claim 14 wherein the magnetic material includes a wire.