Abstract:
An aneurysm treatment device for in situ treatment of aneurysms comprises a collapsible member having a first shape wherein the first shape is an expanded geometric configuration, and a second shape, wherein the second shape is a collapsed configuration that is loadable into a catheter. The aneurysm treatment device is capable or returning to the first shape in the sac of an aneurysm upon deployment, where it occludes the aneurysm. In another embodiment an occlusion device comprises a flexible, longitudinally extending elastomeric matrix member that assumes a non-linear shape to conformally fill a targeted vascular site.
Abstract:
Methods and devices used to stabilize a beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart and to expose a surgical site are disclosed. The stabilizing device is introduced through an opening through the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart, and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contractions of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated. Exposure members are actuable to reposition a portion of the surface of the heart to better expose a target artery or other surgical site. Accordingly, the heart is stabilized and movement of the site of the surgery is minimized. Typically, in separate steps, a surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing device, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force with a stabilizing device such that the contractions of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site, whereupon exposure members further reposition heart tissue to better expose the surgical site. 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.
Abstract:
A plurality of embodiments of a distal perfusion device are disclosed, which device facilitates anastomosis constructions by maintaining a dry anastomosis site while simultaneously maintaining blood flow distally in the blood vessel to prevent ischemia and reduce overall patient trauma. The perfusion device is configured for installation into a blood vessel such as a left anterior descending coronary artery through an incision therein, to which is to be grafted a distal end of a blood vessel such as an internal mammary artery. The device includes a central member of selected configuration and material, terminating at either end thereof in respective selectively tapered end members. A lumen extending through the central member and end members, and selected perforations in the end members, maintain blood flow through the perfusion device. A selected portion or portions of the device's outer circumference fit snugly within the artery in the regions beyond and/or at the anastomosis site, to maintain the latter free of blood. Several methods for deploying and removing respective embodiments of the device also are illustrated.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for minimally invasive harvesting of a vessel, especially the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass grafting, are disclosed which facilitate a minimally invasive vessel harvesting procedure. Generally, an instrument is provided which facilitates introduction of vessel harvesting tools through a minimally invasive incision, and provides the capability to separate the vessel from surrounding tissue while minimizing trauma to the patient and preserving the patency of the vessel. The instrument includes a mechanism for separating the vessel from surrounding tissue and may also include mechanisms for severing side branches from the vessel during the harvesting procedure. In one embodiment, an integrated vessel harvesting assembly is provided which may rotate around a vessel and provides a unitary mechanism for separating the vessel from surrounding tissue and for severing the side branches.
Abstract:
A low profile unobtrusive occluder device is disclosed which is particularly applicable for occluding blood vessels in minimally invasive beating heart CABG surgical procedures, wherein relatively small surgical openings are provided. At least one flexible member is provided on the occluder, which is placed against the vessel. A suture thread is passed under the vessel to encompass the vessel between the occluder and suture thread. The suture thread is selectively attached to the occluder such that the flexible member, when deformed, applies continuous selected tension on the suture thread to apply a corresponding compression on the vessel which occludes the flow of blood. An applicator is attached to the occluder to enable installation thereof, but is detachable after installation such that only the low profile occluder remains on the heart surface during surgery. The applicator is re-attached to the occluder to facilitate removal of the latter. In an alternative embodiment, the occluder is formed as an adjustable part of a heart contacting member of a thoracotomy stabilizer apparatus.
Abstract:
A plurality of embodiments of a distal perfusion device are disclosed, which device facilitates anastomosis constructions by maintaining a dry anastomosis site while simultaneously maintaining blood flow distally in the blood vessel to prevent ischemia and reduce overall patient trauma. The perfusion device is configured for installation into a blood vessel such as a left anterior descending coronary artery through an incision therein, to which is to be grafted a distal end of a blood vessel such as an internal mammary artery. The device includes a central member of selected configuration and material, terminating at either end thereof in respective selectively tapered end members. A lumen extending through the central member and end members, and selected perforations in the end members, maintain blood flow through the perfusion device. A selected portion or portions of the device's outer circumference fit snugly within the artery in the regions beyond and/or at the anastomosis site, to maintain the latter free of blood. Several methods for deploying and removing respective embodiments of the device also are illustrated.
Abstract:
The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize 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, by any of a variety of techniques, such that the position of the stabilizing device becomes fixed by the support, and the heart remains substantially motionless for the duration of the procedure.
Abstract:
This invention is an implantable vaso-occlusive device. It is a helically wound coil having a central section along its longitudinal axis which is somewhat stiffer than at least one of its end regions.
Abstract:
A pusher-vasoocclusive coil assembly that is advanced through a catheter to a site within a vessel and is manipulated to detach the coil from the assembly. The pusher has a distal end that is initially threaded into the proximal end of the coil and the assembly includes a sleeve that is slid over the pusher and whose distal edge abuts the proximal end of the coil to hold the coil in place while the distal end of the pusher is threaded out of the coil to detach the coil at the site.
Abstract:
The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize 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 means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site. By fixing the position of the stabilizing means 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 means 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 means is affixed to a semi-rigid support which is caused to become rigid, by any of a variety of techniques, such that the position of the stabilizing means becomes fixed by the support, and the heart remains substantially motionless for the duration of the procedure.