US5891017A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surgical stabilizer and method for isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corp
•
Filing: 1997-05-07
•
Granted: 1999-04-06
•
Expires: 2017-05-07
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is directed to new and useful methods and apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue for improved presentation in a surgical site, preferably in coronary bypass on a beating heart. At the same time, the present invention also helps avert ischemic damage to tissues downstream. A surgical stabilizer in accordance with the present invention offers physical manipulation of a surgical site, which improves the surgeon's sewing, grasping, and visualizing abilities at the site, and in turn, may increase the confidence and patency of the graft. The stabilizer is used to compress or to suction a region of the heart just below a stenotic coronary artery. The surgeon may selectively articulate the tissue by spreading it apart or pushing it together, as per his or her preference, or per the requirements of the surgical situation. The surgeon may lock in place the handle via a ratchet mechanism to hold the specific open or closed articulation of the surgical stabilizer. With the tissue thus isolated and immobilized, the surgeon may then graft the bypass vessel distal to the stenosis in the coronary artery.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl A. Swindle
- 👤 Robert Joseph Todd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/0218; A61B17/28; A61B17/2812; A61B17/282; A61B2017/0237; A61B2017/2829; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising means for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said means for promoting traction further comprising a plurality of indentations, and wherein said plurality of indentations interconnect with disposable traction devices for further promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue; b. articulation means for uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; and c. handle means for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising means for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said means for promoting traction further comprising a plurality of indentations, and wherein said plurality of indentations interconnect with disposable traction devices for further promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue; b. articulation means for uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; and c. handle means for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation means.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising means for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said means for promoting traction further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; b. articulation means for uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; c. handle means for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation means; and d. a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising means for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said means for promoting traction further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; b. articulation means for uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; c. handle means for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation means; and d. a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissues comprise a plurality of indentations.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said plurality of indentations connect with disposable traction devices for further promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said disposable traction devices further comprise inlet openings for air flow into said vacuum channel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus a s recited in claim 2, wherein said means for uniform articulation of said at least two legs comprises an articulation joint.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for uniform articulation of said at least two legs comprises a sleeve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said handle means further comprises means for retaining said at least two leg extensions in an articulated position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for retaining said at least two leg extensions in an articulated position is a ratchet mechanism.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for retaining said at least two leg extensions in an articulated position is a mechanical stop.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said articulated position is substantially opened.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said articulated position is substantially closed.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for selectively isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue, and improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising the steps of: a. obtaining an apparatus for isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue comprising: 1) at least two leg extensions; said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising means for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said means for promoting traction further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; 2) articulation means for uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; 3) handle means for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation means; and 4) a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections; b. manipulating said at least two leg extensions in concert with said vacuum channel for selective retraction of cardiac tissue; c. selectively articulating said cardiac tissue; and d. locking said articulation means in an articulated position.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for selectively isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue, and improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising the steps of: a. obtaining an apparatus for isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue comprising: 1) at least two leg extensions; said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising means for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said means for promoting traction further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; 2) articulation means for uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; 3) handle means for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation means; and 4) a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections; b. manipulating said at least two leg extensions in concert with said vacuum channel for selective retraction of cardiac tissue; c. selectively articulating said cardiac tissue; and d. locking said articulation means in an articulated position.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising a plurality of indentations for promoting traction of the feet on cardiac tissue, and wherein said plurality of indentations interconnect with disposable traction devices for further promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue; b. an articulation joint capable of providing uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; and c. a handle designed for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation joint.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising a plurality of indentations for promoting traction of the feet on cardiac tissue, and wherein said plurality of indentations interconnect with disposable traction devices for further promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue; b. an articulation joint capable of providing uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; and c. a handle designed for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation joint.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising indentations for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said indentations further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; b. an articulation joint capable of providing uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; c. a handle designed for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation joint; and d. a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for isolating and immobilizing tissue at a cardiac surgical site while improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising: a. at least two leg extensions, said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising indentations for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said indentations further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; b. an articulation joint capable of providing uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; c. a handle designed for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation joint; and d. a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said plurality of indentations connect with disposable traction devices for further promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein said disposable traction devices further comprise inlet openings for air flow into said vacuum channel.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said handle further comprises a ratchet mechanism designed for retaining said at least two leg extensions in an articulated position.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said articulated position is substantially opened.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said articulated position is substantially closed.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for selectively isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue, and improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising the steps of: a. obtaining an apparatus for isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue comprising: 1) at least two leg extensions; said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising indentations for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said indentations further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; 2) an articulation joint capable of providing uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; 3) a handle designed for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation joint; and 4) a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections; b. manipulating said at least two leg extensions in concert with said vacuum channel for selective retraction of cardiac tissue; c. selectively articulating said cardiac tissue; and d. locking said articulation joint in an articulated position.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for selectively isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue, and improving surgical presentation thereof, comprising the steps of: a. obtaining an apparatus for isolating and immobilizing cardiac tissue comprising: 1) at least two leg extensions; said leg extensions terminating in feet projections comprising posterior surfaces, said posterior surfaces further comprising indentations for promoting traction of said feet projections on cardiac tissue, said indentations further permitting fluid flow through said feet projections and said leg extensions; 2) an articulation joint capable of providing uniform articulation of said at least two leg extensions; 3) a handle designed for manipulation of said at least two leg extensions in concert with said articulation joint; and 4) a vacuum channel extending through said leg extensions and terminating distally at said posterior surface of said feet projections; b. manipulating said at least two leg extensions in concert with said vacuum channel for selective retraction of cardiac tissue; c. selectively articulating said cardiac tissue; and d. locking said articulation joint in an articulated position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1664112A
Cited
US2082782A
Cited
US3503396A
Cited
SU736949A1
Cited
US4655219A
Cited
US4944741A
Cited
US5089007A
Cited
US5271385A
Cited
US5002543A
Cited
US5195505A
Cited
US5224954A
Cited
US5178133A
Cited
US5554101A
Cited
US5490819A
Cited
US5474056A
Cited
US5275608A
Cited
US5235966A
Cited
US5195506A
Cited
US5562640A
Cited
WO1993008867A2
Cited
US5280782A
Cited
US5267554A
Cited
US5152279A
Cited
US5308327A
Cited
US5284128A
Cited
US5431662A
Cited
US5607450A
Cited
US5514157A
Cited
US5282826A
Cited
US5339801A
Cited
US5611813A
Cited
US5620459A
Cited
US5245987A
Cited
US5390664A
Cited
US5339802A
Cited
DE4300307A1
Cited
US5400773A
Cited
US5588951A
Cited
US5452733A
Cited
US5613937A
Cited
US5569274A
Cited
US5571215A
Cited
US5474571A
Cited
WO1994021179A2
Cited
US5306234A
Cited
US5514156A
Cited
EP0646357A1
Cited
US5456695A
Cited
US5520678A
Cited
DE9320139U1
Cited
US5562700A
Cited
US5562702A
Cited
US5507773A
Cited
US5620458A
Cited
US5690606A
Cited
US5807243A
Cited
US5749892A
Cited
US5514148A
Cited
WO1996016604A1
Cited
US5649957A
Cited
WO1997010753A1
Cited
US5782746A
Cited
NO970751L
Cited
NO970753L
Cited
EP0791330A2
Cited
EP0791329A1
Cited
US5727569A
Cited
WO1997040738A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-04-05 | 2002-10-05 | 2003-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-04-05 | 2006-10-05 | 2007-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-04-05 | 2010-10-05 | 2011-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |