초록 ▼

This invention is methods and devices for stabilizing the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and

This invention is methods and devices for stabilizing the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing device, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing device such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site. By fixing the position of the stabilizing device in a configuration where the motion of the beating heart is effectively eliminated, the surgeon is able to stabilize the beating heart for the duration of the procedure. The stabilizing device may be attached to a rigid support or may be attached to a semi-rigid support which is rendered motionless mechanically, chemically, or by human intervention. In certain preferred embodiments, the stabilizing device is affixed to a semi-rigid support which is caused to become rigid such that the position of the stabilizing means becomes fixed by the support, and the heart remains substantially motionless during the procedure.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [28.] A device for performing a surgical procedure on a beating heart, comprising:a stable platform;heart contacting means shaped to engage the surface of the beating heart to stabilize the heart;shaft means for maneuverably supporting and locking the heart contacting means in selective

[ We claim:] [28.] A device for performing a surgical procedure on a beating heart, comprising:a stable platform;heart contacting means shaped to engage the surface of the beating heart to stabilize the heart;shaft means for maneuverably supporting and locking the heart contacting means in selective engagement with the beating heart surface, said shaft means having distal and proximal ends and including ball/socket means tiltably securing the heart contacting means to the distal end of the shaft means and a first mechanism integral with the proximal end of the shaft means for locking the heart contacting means in the selective engagement; andsecond adjusting means for maneuverably supporting and locking the first adjusting means thereto, and including means for detachably securing the first adjusting means to the platform.