INTRALUMINAL RETRACTOR

An intraluminal retractor includes a shapable element formed by a series of shaping segments. The shaping segments may be associated with one another in a relaxed configuration that imparts the shapable element with a linear, substantially linear or curvilinear shape to enable its insertion into an interior space within a subject's body. When actuated, the shaping segments may assume a contracted configuration that imparts the shapable element with a desired shape, which may move an organ within which or against which the shapable element is positioned, change a path of the organ and/or alter a shape of the organ. Methods for altering the locations, paths and/or shapes of organs are also disclosed.