Abstract:
A method for manipulating a tissue structure within a thoracic cavity of a patient includes the step of providing a tissue positioning tool having a shaft, a tool support apparatus and a tissue supporting member releasably connectable to the shaft. The tool support apparatus includes a clamp assembly configured to secure the shaft to the tool support apparatus. The tool support apparatus is positioned on an outer surface of a patient's chest and at least a portion of the shaft and the tissue supporting member are introduced into the patient's thoracic cavity. The tissue supporting member is attached to the portion of the shaft that is disposed within the patient so as to contact a tissue structure. A force is applied to the shaft to displace the tissue structure and the shaft is locked to the tool support apparatus with the clamp assembly.
Abstract:
A surgical retractor has a frame and first and second retractor blades coupled to the frame. The retractor blades engage opposite sides of an incision in a patient's body and are relatively movable toward or away from each other along a first axis. When using the retractor in lift mode, a foot is coupled to the frame or one of the blades and engages the patient's body adjacent the incision. An actuator imparts relative movement to the retractor blades along the first axis and the foot acts as a support base with one of the blades moving relative to the frame to lift the ribs at one side of the incision above the other. To use the retractor in spread mode the foot is removed and the retractor blades spread of the ribs without lifting. The retractor may be used in various modes to facilitate a variety of surgical procedures, including, for example, harvesting the right or left internal mammary artery, repair or replacement of the mitral and aortic valves, proximal anastamosis of arterial conduits to the aorta, distal anastamosis of the conduits to coronary arteries, and any of various other procedures requiring access to the heart, great vessels, lungs, or other thoracic contents.
Abstract:
A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
Abstract:
A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub and cannula, and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The surgical endoscope is configured for operation by a single clinician in many procedures.
Abstract:
Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.
Abstract:
Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.
Abstract:
Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, and a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed on a distal portion.
Abstract:
Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.
Abstract:
A surgical retractor has a frame and first and second retractor blades coupled to the frame. The retractor blades engage opposite sides of an incision in a patient's body and are relatively movable toward or away from each other along a first axis. When using the retractor in lift mode, a foot is coupled to the frame or one of the blades and engages the patient's body adjacent the incision. An actuator imparts relative movement to the retractor blades along the first axis and the foot acts as a support base with one of the blades moving relative to the frame to lift the ribs at one side of the incision above the other. To use the retractor in spread mode the foot is removed and the retractor blades spread of the ribs without lifting. The retractor may be used in various modes to facilitate a variety of surgical procedures, including, for example, harvesting the right or left internal mammary artery, repair or replacement of the mitral and aortic valves, proximal anastamosis of arterial conduits to the aorta, distal anastamosis of the conduits to coronary arteries, and any of various other procedures requiring access to the heart, great vessels, lungs, or other thoracic contents.
Abstract:
A method for manipulating a tissue structure within a body cavity provides for retracting and supporting the heart wall to provide access into the heart during a cardiac surgical procedure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a surgical tool support apparatus comprises a base having an atraumatic tissue-engaging surface and an aperture for receiving an elongate tool. The apparatus also has a clamp assembly aligned with the aperture and spaced-apart from a surface of the base opposite to the tissue-engaging surface. The apparatus is particularly useful in maintaining a retracting force on a surgical tool used to manipulate tissue within a body cavity such as the thoracic cavity.