Abstract:
This invention is a method, and device for occluding a patient's ascending aorta, maintaining circulation of oxygenated blood (72) in the patient, and delivering cardio-plegia fluid (64) to arrest the patient's heart. An aortic occlusion catheter has an occluding member (4) for occluding the ascending aorta. The aortic occlusion catheter (2) passes through a cannula (28). Delivery of oxygenated blood (72) is accomplished through either the cannula (28) or the aortic occlusion catheter (2). In another aspect of the invention, an arterial cannula (28) has a curved or angled distal portion (40). An introducer (50) straightens the distal portion (40) for introduction into the patient. In still another aspect of the invention, an open-mesh stabilizer (172) is used to stabilize a discoid occluding member (4K).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus (10) for attaching a tubular graft (20) to a body structure (332) is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a central rod (12) with an anvil (14) attached at a distal end (16) thereof. Driver pins (24) move distally to eject staples (210) which are housed in a cartridge (26). The staple cartridge (26) has an outer circumference sufficient to accommodate everted end (34) of tubular graft (20), and an inner diameter sufficient to accommodate a majority of the tubular graft (2) therein. Accordingly, the method includes positioning the rod (12) in the graft (20), everting an end (34) of the graft around a shoulder (36) of the staple cartridge (26), inserting the anvil (14) through an opening (334) in the body structure (332), compressing the graft (20) and the body structure (332) between the anvil (14) and shoulder (36), and moving the driver pins (24) distally to engage and drive the staples (210), thus stapling the graft (20) to the body structure (332).
Abstract:
A stereoscopic endoscope is disclosed having two laterally separated objective lens elements (66, 68) at the distal end (50) of an elongated probe for creating a left and right image. Polarizing elements (70, 72) in series with each objective lens are oriented with their principle axes perpendicular. The orthogonally polarized left and right images are combined with one another along a common optical path through the relay section (52). An image decoupling beam splitting section (56) proximal to the relay section (52) uses a polarizing beam splitter to separate the left and right images based on their orthogonal polarization states and directs them toward the left and right eyepieces in the ocular section (58). An optical hinge section (54) allows relative movement between the ocular section (58) and the distal portion of the endoscope.
Abstract:
An instrument delivery member (2) for use in the thoracic cavity and a method for its use, is disclosed. The delivery member (2) has a gas inlet (40) coupled to a sidewall (44) of the instrument delivery member (2). Gas delivered through the inlet (68) passes through the delivery member and out a plurality of gas outlets (38) such that the gas exiting through the gas outlets (38) passes across the through hole (4) of the delivery member (2) to form a gas shield.
Abstract:
Device and methods are provided for less invasive surgical treatment of cardiac valves whereby the need for a gross thoracotomy or median sternotomy is eliminated. In one aspect of this invention, a delivery system (10) for a cardiac valve prosthesis such as an annuloplasty ring (90) or prosthetic valve (262) includes an elongated handle (28) configured to extend into the heart through an intercostal space from outside of the chest cavity, and a prosthesis holder (100) attached to the handle for releasably holding a prosthesis. The prosthesis holder (100) is attached to the handle (28) in such a way that the holder (100), prosthesis (90) and handle (28) have a profile with a height smaller than the width of an intercostal space when the adjacent ribs are unrectrated, preferably less than about 30 mm. In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for repairing or replacing a heart valve which includes the steps of introducing a prosthesis (262) through an intercostal space and through a penetration in a wall of the heart, and securing the prosthesis (262) to an interior wall of the heart, wherein each step is carried out without cutting, removing, or significantly retracting the ribs or sternum.
Abstract:
A cannula (2) has a distal portion (6) which is angled relative to a proximal portion (4). The distal portion (6) is straightened during introduction with a stiffening element (14). After introduction, the stiffening element (14) is removed so that the distal portion (6) angulates relative to the proximal portion so that the cannula (2) can be moved out of the surgical field. The cannula (2) preferably includes a stabilizing ring (30) having suture holders. The stabilizing ring is also preferably angled relative to the cannula (2).
Abstract:
The invention provides a stabilizer (20) having foot (24, 26) to stabilize a patient's heart. The stabilizer (20) has a first foot (24) which is larger than a second foot (26). The first foot (24) has lateral surfaces (54, 54) which are used to retract other parts of the heart while contact surfaces stabilize the target artery.
Abstract:
This invention is a flexible, length-adjustable suture organizer (200) coupled to a retractor (202) having a number of flexible straps (224). The straps are tensioned to retract tissue, while the suture organizer is used to retain sutures extending through an opening created by the retractor. The retractor includes a holder (226) which retains the suture organizer.
Abstract:
An elongate member (207) is coated with a coating (209), preferably by co-extrusion, and the coated elongate member (207) is wound in a helical manner around a mandrel (213). The coated elongate member (207) preferably has a square cross-sectional shape so that adjacent portions of the coated elongate member (207) engage one another when the coated elongate member (207) is wound around the mandrel (213). The coated elongate member (207) is then heated so that the coating (209) on adjacent portions of the coated elongate member (207) fuse together to form an integral structure. Another layer (225) of material may be provided on the radially inner or outer wall of the coated elongate member (207).
Abstract:
A device (876A) for anchoring a catheter (960) to a cannula (850) is configured to displace the catheter (960) a predetermined amount relative to the cannula (850), and lock the catheter (960) to the cannula (850). The device (876A) may be used with any catheter and a specific application is for the endo-aortic occlusion catheter (960). Another device for anchoring an aortic occlusion balloon includes a clamp (503) positionable around a portion of the ascending aorta. The balloon (401) may also have surface features (407) which help prevent migration of the balloon (401).