Organ manipulator having suction member supported with freedom to move relative to its support

US6899670B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Origin Medsystems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Steven Yihlih Peng · Fremont, US
• Larry Voss · San Jose, US
• David E. Hancock · San Francisco, US
• Grace A. Carlson · San Francisco, US
• John W. Davis · Yankton, US
• Albert K. Chin · Palo Alto, US
• Jaime Vargas · Palo Alto, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 2002
• Grant date: May 31, 2005
• Expiry date: Feb 19, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/308
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disc mounted to a compliant joint, a flexible locking arm for mounting such suction member or compliant joint, and a method for retracting and suspending an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) in at least the vertical direction during both steps. In preferred embodiments, a suction member exerts suction to retract a beating heart and suspend it in a retracted position during surgery. As the retracted heart beats, the compliant joint allows it to expand and contract freely (and otherwise move naturally) at least in the vertical direction so that hemodynamic function is not compromised. The suction member conforms or can be conformed to the organ anatomy, and its inner surface is preferably smooth and lined with absorbent material to improve traction without causing trauma to the organ. The compliant joint can connect the member to an arm which is adjustably mounted to a sternal retractor or operating table. The compliant joint can be a sliding ball joint, a hinged joint, a pin sliding i…