Device and method for repositioning the heart during surgery
US6036640A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/0237
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for repositioning an organ, such as the heart, during minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a pod having a plurality of inflatable/deflatable pillows on at least an upper surface thereof, each pillow forming a separately sealed chamber. Each chamber may include a separate lumen or supply line in direct communication therewith. Each lumen is in turn connected to a fluid source through either a manually or electrically actuatable valve. The valve associated with each supply line permits fluid to be selectively introduced into or withdrawn from any number of chambers by manipulating the valves to thereby selectively inflate or deflate the selected chambers. Preferably, a pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure in one or more chambers and means are incorporated to selectively inflate or deflate the chambers in response to the detected pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.