Surgical instruments and procedures for stabilizing a localized portion of a beating heart
US6290644A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/349
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allows various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. The apparatus may involve a tissue stabilizer, and in particular a tissue stabilizer for use in immobilizing or stabilizing a portion of the beating heart using a compressive force delivered to the heart via the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizer may include a stabilizer base and a shaft. The shaft may be secured within an appropriate instrument mount preferably fixed to a retractor or other stable platform as disclosed herein. The stabilizers of the present invention provide improved access to a surgical site at a target vessel on the surface of the heart and may include features which facilitate optimal presentation of the target vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.