Forceps and system using same

A pair of forceps, comprising:

• first and second elongated members pivotally and separably connected together,
• a handle defined at one end of the first and second elongated members;
• a head defined at an opposing end of the first and second elongated members, the head including first and second jaws, each of which associated with a respective one of the first and second elongated members and comprising an inner surface;
• a groove formed in each of the inner surfaces to collectively define a substantially cylindrical gripping chamber upon converging said first and second jaws;
• and
• a tissue retracting surface proximate the gripping chamber, the tissue retracting surface being defined by a surface of at least one of the head and the handle, being oriented substantially orthogonal to the inner surfaces, and including a width of at least about 15 mm.

A pair of forceps, comprising:

• first and second elongated members pivotally connected together;
• a handle defined at one end of the first and second elongated members;
• a head defined at an opposing end of the first and second elongated members;
• and
• a cannula receiving chamber defined in the head, the cannula receiving chamber having a threaded surface;
• wherein the first and second elongated members are separable via manipulation of the first and second elongated members with respect to each other.

A pair of forceps, comprising:

• a head including a first jaw, and a second jaw pivotally connected to the first jaw;
• each of the first jaw and the second jaw including an inner surface having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner surfaces being tapered inwardly in a direction from the distal end to the proximal end to define an engagement guide capable of facilitating blind location and engagement of a cannula;
• and
• a groove formed in each of the inner surfaces to collectively define a cannula receiving chamber upon converging said first and second jaws, the grooves located at the respective proximal ends so that a cannula can be positively engaged by passing the first and second jaws around the cannula via the engagement guide until travel is inhibited and then converging the first and second jaws around the cannula.