| abstract |
A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity that includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity; a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis and a distal end and wherein the tool introducer is capable of traveling through the channel lumen; and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool wherein the tool holder is pivotally connected to the tool introducer distal end, thereby allowing angular positioning of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity. A method for engaging an interchangeable tool with a distal portion of a tool manipulator in a body cavity that includes inserting a tool introducer into a channel, the channel having a lumen providing direct communication into the body cavity and wherein a proximal end of the interchangeable tool is reversibly connected to a distal end of the tool introducer; orienting the distal portion of the tool manipulator in the body cavity; emerging the interchangeable tool from the channel into the body cavity; and positioning the interchangeable tool eccentrically to the lumen of the channel wherein the inner passage of the interchangeable tool is angled towards the distal portion of the tool manipulator. |