U.S. patent application number 09/087511 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-15 for device to permit offpump beating heart coronary bypass surgery.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alan W. Cannon. Invention is credited to ORTIZ, MARK, SPENCE, PAUL A., WILLIAMSON, WARREN P. IV.
Application Number | 20010041827 09/087511 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22205629 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010041827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SPENCE, PAUL A. ; et
al. |
November 15, 2001 |
DEVICE TO PERMIT OFFPUMP BEATING HEART CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY
Abstract
A system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery links
lifting of the heart and regional immobilization which stops one
part of the heart from moving to allow expeditious suturing while
permitting other parts of the heart to continue to function whereby
coronary surgery can be performed on a beating heart while
maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex
coronary artery surgery can be performed using the system for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery of the present
invention. The system is an improvement on the retractor disclosed
in parent application Ser. No. 08/936,184 filed on Sep. 17, 1997
and locates a suspension head near the apical region of the heart
and a gross support near the base of the heart near the AV groove.
A frame is positioned within the patient's thoracic region and
moves with the patient, and a surgical target immobilizer can be
used to assist in the movement of the heart if desired. A special
suction cup is used which accommodates multiplanar movement of the
heart and the myocardium while also preventing heart tissue from
interrupting the suction being applied to the heart. One form of
the system can be used in minimally invasive surgery.
Inventors: |
SPENCE, PAUL A.;
(LOUISVILLE, KY) ; WILLIAMSON, WARREN P. IV;
(LOVELAND, OH) ; ORTIZ, MARK; (MILFORD,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALAN W. CANNON
BOZICEVIC, FIELD & FRANCIS LLP
200 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD
SUITE 200
MENLO PARK
CA
94025
US
|
Assignee: |
Alan W. Cannon
|
Family ID: |
22205629 |
Appl. No.: |
09/087511 |
Filed: |
May 29, 1998 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09087511 |
May 29, 1998 |
|
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08936184 |
Sep 17, 1997 |
|
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6019722 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/00491 20130101;
A61B 17/0218 20130101; A61B 2017/00305 20130101; A61B 17/29
20130101; A61B 17/068 20130101; A61B 17/0293 20130101; A61B 17/02
20130101; A61B 17/0206 20130101; A61B 2017/00309 20130101; A61B
2017/308 20130101; A61B 17/04 20130101; A61B 17/064 20130101; A61B
2017/0243 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/201 |
International
Class: |
A61B 001/32 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A manipulation system for cardiac surgery of the class wherein a
gross support means for engaging a beating heart supports the heart
when the heart is located and oriented for surgery, wherein the
improvement comprises: the gross support means being located at the
base of the heart and including a head which is sized and shaped to
cradle the myocardium of the left ventricle along the arterial
ventricular groove; and a suspension head for lifting the heart and
which is located near the apical region of the heart and at least
partially overlying the right ventricle.
2. In a manipulation system for cardiac surgery which includes
means for engaging a selected section of the heart to immobilize
that selected section as a surgery target while permitting
non-engaged sections of the heart to move in a manner whereby
essentially unabated cardiac output is maintained while the heart
is regionally immobilized, wherein the improvement comprises: a
suspension head means for applying suction to the surface of the
beating heart to lift the heart and which is located near the
apical region of the heart, said suspension head including a head
abutting the surface of the beating heart, said head having means
for accommodating multiplanar surface movement of the beating heart
while maintaining suction application to the surface of the beating
heart, said head including means for preventing heart tissue from
clogging a fluid connection between a source of suction applied to
the heart via said head and said heart, said suspension head
further including means for accommodating multiplanar movement of
the beating heart.
3. A manipulation system for cardiac surgery comprising: a gross
support means for engaging a beating heart to support the heart
when the heart has been oriented into an unnatural position or
orientation for cardiac surgery, means for engaging a selected
section of the heart to immobilize that selected section as a
surgery target while permitting non-engaged sections of the heart
to move in a manner whereby essentially unabated cardiac output is
maintained while the heart is regionally immobilized, a head on the
gross support means, said head including a first chamber and a
second chamber for fluidically connecting the first chamber to a
source of suction and grid mesh means for preventing heart tissue
from interfering with suction being applied to the heart via said
head.
4. The improvement defined in claim 3 further including a mesh grid
attached to said suction cup adjacent to said shoulder and spanning
said first chamber for preventing heart tissue from clogging the
fluid connection between the second chamber and the source of
suction.
5. The improvement defined in claim 3 further including a
suspension head for lifting the heart and which is located near the
apex of the heart adjacent to the right ventricle and which
includes a flexible head.
6. The improvement defined in claim 5 wherein said suspension head
further includes a multi-section suction cup, said suction cup
including a first chamber having a flexible rim for engaging the
heart, a second chamber for fluidically connecting the first
chamber to a source of suction, said second chamber having a size
that is different from the size of said first chamber, said
flexible rim being flexible in a plurality of planes to accommodate
multiplanar movement of the surface of the beating heart without
breaking contact between the surface of the heart and the suction
cup, and means for accommodating multiplanar movement of the
beating heart during beating heart surgery.
7. The improvement defined in claim 2 wherein the means for
engaging a selected section of the heart includes a multi-section
suction cup having a first chamber having a flexible rim for
engaging the heart, a second chamber for fluidically connecting the
first chamber of the suction cup of the means for engaging a
selected section of the heart to a source of suction, the second
chamber of the suction cup of the means for engaging a selected
section of the heart having a size that is different from the size
of said first chamber of the suction cup of the means for engaging
a selected section of the heart, the flexible rim of the suction
cup of the means for engaging a selected section of the heart being
flexible in a plurality of planes to accommodate multiplanar
movement of the surface of the beating heart without breaking
contact between the surface of the heart and the flexible rim of
the suction cup of the means for engaging a selected section of the
heart.
8. The improvement defined in claim 2 wherein the retractor further
includes a gross support means and the improvement further includes
a malleable rod on the gross support means.
9. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein the improvement
further includes a frame means for supporting said gross support
and said suspension head.
10. The improvement defined in claim 9 said frame means includes
means for mounting said frame within the patient's thoracic
cavity.
11. The improvement defined in claim 10 wherein said frame means
further includes a cross bar on which said means for mounting said
frame within the patient's thoracic cavity is mounted.
12. The improvement defined in claim 6 wherein said suction cup
includes a shoulder.
13. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said gross support
means further includes a handle thereon, said handle having a
length sufficient to allow placement of said gross support means at
the base of the heart from above the heart when said gross support
means is in place on the patient's heart.
14. The improvement defined in claim 9 wherein said frame means at
least partially surrounds the patient's heart when said gross
support means is in place on the patient's heart.
15. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said gross support
means is located adjacent to the left atrium.
16. The improvement defined in claim 15 further including a source
of vacuum fluidically connected to said cup-shaped element.
17. A heart manipulation system for use in cardiac surgery
comprising: a frame that is located inside a patient during beating
heart surgery and which includes means for engaging the pericardial
cavity of the patient for mounting said frame on the patient to
move with the patient if the patient is moved or reoriented during
surgery; a source of suction; a suspension head movably mounted on
said frame for lifting the heart and which is located near the
apical region of the right ventricle to prevent collapse of the
right ventricle during manipulation of the heart and at least
partially overlying the right ventricle and which includes a
flexible means for permitting multiplanar relative movement between
the beating heart and means mounting the suspension head on said
frame means, said suspension head including a suction cup connected
to the source of suction and which includes a flexible rim engaging
the myocardium of the heart and being flexible in a plurality of
planes so multiplanar movement of the myocardium during operation
of the heart will be accommodated by said flexible rim whereby
suction applied to the myocardium by said suction cup will not be
broken by separation of the myocardium from the suction cup, said
suction cup further including mesh grid means for preventing heart
tissue from interfering with suction being applied to the
myocardium via said suction cup; a means for locally engaging a
selected section of the heart and locally immobilizing the heart
adjacent to a surgery target so the heart is supported and free to
operate during surgery while it is also locally immobilized at the
surgery target with non-engaged sections of the heart free to move
in a manner whereby essentially unabated cardiac output is
maintained while the heart is locally immobilized, and further
including a suction cup connected to the source of suction and
which includes a flexible rim engaging the myocardium of the heart
and being flexible in a plurality of planes so multiplanar movement
of the myocardium during operation of the heart will be
accommodated by the flexible rim of said means for locally engaging
a selected section of the heart whereby suction applied to the
myocardium by the suction cup of said means for locally engaging a
selected section of the heart will not be broken by separation of
the myocardium from the suction cup of said means for locally
engaging a selected section of the heart, said suction cup of said
means for locally engaging a selected section of the heart further
including mesh grid means for preventing heart tissue from
interfering with suction being applied to the myocardium via said
suction cup of said means for locally engaging a selected section
of the heart; and a gross support means movably mounted on said
frame for engaging the heart to support the heart when the heart is
oriented for surgery and which is located at the base of the heart
and which cradles the myocardium of the left ventricle along the
arterial ventricular groove and which includes means for movably
connecting said gross support means to said frame, the gross
support means supporting the mitral valve annulus to maintain
competent mitral valve function and is placed beneath an infolded
section of myocardium, said gross support means including a handle
which extends outside of the patient during surgery for adjusting
the location of said gross support means, and further including a
head having a malleable rod means for connecting said head to said
means for mounting said gross support means on said frame, said
head including a plurality of sections which are movable relative
to each other and means for maintaining said sections in a selected
relative orientation, said head further including a means for
applying suction from said source of suction to the heart and which
includes mesh grid means for preventing heart tissue from
interfering with suction applied by said suspension head to the
heart.
18. A heart manipulation system for use in cardiac surgery
comprising: a frame which is located inside a patient during
beating heart surgery and which is mounted on the patient to move
with the patient; a suspension head mounted on said frame for
lifting the beating heart and which includes a flexible head, said
flexible head including a flexible rim, said flexible rim being
flexible in a plurality of planes to accommodate multiplanar
movement of the surface of the beating heart without breaking
contact between the surface of the heart and the flexible rim, and
means for accommodating multiplanar movement of the beating heart
during beating heart surgery; and means for engaging a selected
section of the heart to immobilize that selected section as a
surgery target while permitting non-engaged sections of the heart
to move in a manner whereby essentially unabated cardiac output is
maintained while the heart is locally immobilized.
19. The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein the improvement
further includes means for engaging a selected section of the heart
to immobilize that selected section as a surgery target while
permitting non-engaged sections of the heart to move in a manner
whereby essentially unabated cardiac output is maintained while the
heart is regionally immobilized.
20. The improvement defined in claim 18 further including a head on
the gross support means, said head including a first chamber and a
second chamber for fluidically connecting the first chamber to a
source of suction, said second chamber having a size that is
different from the size of said first chamber.
21. The improvement defined in claim 17 wherein said frame at least
partially surrounds the patient's heart.
22. The improvement defined in claim 19 further including a
multi-section suction cup on said means for engaging a selected
section of the heart.
23. A method of performing heart surgery comprising steps of:
slightly infolding the left atrium of a heart adjacent to the base
of the heart; engaging the heart under the edge of the myocardium
at the base of the heart to tilt and lift the heart; and engaging
the heart near the apex of the heart to lift the heart and
preventing right ventricle collapse.
24. The method defined in claim 23 further including a step of
engaging a selected section of the heart and immobilizing that
selected section as a surgery target while permitting non-engaged
sections of the heart to move and permitting essentially unabated
cardiac output to be maintained while the heart is regionally
immobilized.
25. The method defined in claim 23 wherein the step of engaging the
heart includes a step of applying suction to the myocardium.
26. The method defined in claim 24 wherein the step of engaging a
selected section of the heart includes a step of applying suction
to the myocardium adjacent to the selected section.
27. The improvement defined in claim 22 wherein said multi-section
suction cup includes a first chamber having a flexible rim for
engaging the heart, a second chamber for fluidically connecting the
first chamber to a source of suction, said second chamber having a
size that is different from the size of said first chamber, and a
shoulder at the connection between said first chamber and said
second chamber, said flexible rim being flexible in a plurality of
planes to accommodate multiplanar movement of the surface of the
beating heart without breaking contact between the surface of the
heart and the flexible rim.
28. The improvement defined in claim 3 wherein the means for
engaging a selected section of the heart further includes a
multi-section suction cup which includes a first chamber having a
flexible rim for engaging the heart, a second chamber for
fluidically connecting the first chamber to a source of suction,
said second chamber having a size that is different from the size
of said first chamber, said flexible rim being flexible in a
plurality of planes to accommodate multiplanar movement of the
surface of the beating heart without breaking contact between the
surface of the heart and the flexible rim.
29. A manipulation system for use in cardiac surgery comprising: a
gross support means for engaging and supporting a beating heart
when the heart is located and oriented for surgery and which is
located at the base of the heart and engages the beating heart at a
location that supports the mitral valve annulus and which includes
a flexible head which is sized and shaped to extend along the
arterial ventricular groove of the heart; means for immobilizing
the heart adjacent to a surgery target so the heart is supported
and free to operate during surgery while it is also locally
immobilized at the surgery target; and a suspension head for
lifting the heart and which is located near the apex of the heart
and which includes a flexible head.
30. A manipulation system for use in cardiac surgery comprising:
means for supporting a beating heart adjacent to a surgery target
so the heart is free to operate during surgery while it is also
locally immobilized at the surgery target; and a suspension head
for lifting the beating heart including a heart attachment means
for attaching said suspension head to the heart, said heart
attachment means including a flexible heart-engaging portion that
is flexible in a plurality of planes to accommodate heart surface
multiplanar movement during beating of the heart.
31. A manipulation system for use in minimally invasive cardiac
surgery comprising: means for supporting a beating heart adjacent
to a surgery target so the heart is free to operate during surgery
while it is also locally immobilized at the surgery target; and a
suspension head for lifting the beating heart including a suction
cup means for attaching said suspension head to the heart, said
suction cup means including a flexible heart-engaging portion that
is flexible in a plurality of planes to accommodate heart surface
multiplanar movement during beating of the heart.
32. A suction cup for use in cardiac surgery comprising: a first
chamber having a flexible rim for engaging the heart, a second
chamber for fluidically connecting the first chamber to a source of
suction, said rim being flexible in a plurality of planes to
accommodate multiplanar movement of the surface of the beating
heart without breaking suction applied to the heart via said first
chamber.
33. The suction cup defined in claim 32 further including a mesh
grid element connected to said suction cup spanning said first
chamber for preventing heart tissue from clogging the fluid
connection between the first chamber and the source of suction.
34. The improvement defined in claim 1 further including a flexible
means on said suspension head for permitting the heart to move in a
plurality of planes.
35. The improvement defined in claim 1 further including a
malleable section on said gross support means.
36. The improvement defined in claim 18 further including a
flexible means on said suspension head for permitting the heart to
move in a plurality of planes.
37. The improvement defined in claim 18 further including a
malleable section on said gross support means.
38. The improvement defined in claim 3 further including a flexible
means on said suspension head for permitting the heart to move in a
plurality of planes.
39. The improvement defined in claim 3 further including a
malleable section on said gross support means.
40. The manipulation system defined in claim 30 further including a
gross support means for engaging and supporting a heart when the
heart is located and oriented for surgery and which cradles
myocardium of the left ventricle along the arterial ventricular
groove.
41. The manipulation system defined in claim 30 wherein said
suspension head further includes means on said suction cup for
permitting said suction cup to move in a plurality of directions to
accommodate beating heart movement.
42. The manipulation system defined in claim 30 wherein said
suction cup further includes means for preventing heart tissue from
interrupting suction applied by said suction cup.
43. The manipulation system defined in claim 18 further including a
support means for engaging the heart to support the heart when the
heart is oriented for surgery and being mounted on said frame and
cradling myocardium of the left ventricle along the arterial
ventricular groove.
44. A manipulation system for use in minimally invasive cardiac
surgery comprising: a gross support means for engaging and
supporting a beating heart when the heart is located and oriented
for surgery and which is located so mitral valve operation of the
beating heart is not interrupted; means for immobilizing the heart
adjacent to a surgery target so the heart is supported and free to
operate during surgery while it is also locally immobilized at the
surgery target; and a suspension head for lifting the beating heart
and which is located near the apex of the heart.
45. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the flexible head of
said suspension means includes a first chamber for engaging the
myocardium of the heart, a second chamber for fluidically
connecting the first chamber to said source of suction, the second
chamber of said suspension head having a size that is different
from the size of the first chamber said suspension head, the mesh
grid element of said suspension head being connected to said
suspension head and spanning the first chamber of said suspension
head for preventing heart tissue from interfering with suction
applied to the heart via said suspension head.
46. The manipulation system defined in claim 17 wherein the suction
cup of said means for locally immobilizing the heart is a
multi-section suction cup which includes a first chamber having a
flexible rim for engaging the heart, a second chamber for
fluidically connecting the first chamber of the means for locally
immobilizing the heart to the source of suction, the second chamber
of the suction cup of the means for locally immobilizing the heart
having a size that is different from the size of the first chamber
of the suction cup of the means for locally immobilizing the heart,
and a shoulder at the connection between first and second chambers
of the suction cup of the means for locally immobilizing the heart,
and a mesh grid element connected to the suction cup on said means
for immobilizing the heart adjacent to the shoulder of the suction
cup of the means for immobilizing the heart and spanning the first
chamber of the suction cup of the means for immobilizing the heart,
the flexible rim of the suction cup on the means for locally
engaging a selected section of the heart being flexible in a
plurality of planes to accommodate multiplanar movement of the
surface of the beating heart without breaking contact between the
surface of the heart and the flexible rim of the suction cup on the
means for engaging a selected section of the heart.
47. The system defined in claim 17 wherein said flexible means on
the suspension head includes a spring means and said suction cup
has a first chamber having said flexible rim thereon for engaging
the heart said flexible rim being flexible in a plurality of planes
to accommodate multiplanar movement of the surface of the beating
heart without breaking contact between the surface of the heart and
the flexible rim of the suction cup of said suspension head, a
second chamber for fluidically connecting the first chamber of the
suction cup of the suspension head to the source of suction, the
second chamber of the suction cup of the suspension head having a
size that is different from the size of the first chamber of the
suction cup of the suspension head, and a shoulder at the
connection between the first and second chambers of the suction cup
of the suspension head, and said mesh grid element being connected
to the suction cup on said suspension head adjacent to the shoulder
of the suction cup of the suspension head and spanning the first
chamber of the suction cup of the suspension head.
48. The system defined in claim 17 wherein the head on said gross
support means includes a proximal section and a distal section,
with said proximal section being flexible.
49. A manipulation system for cardiac presentation in cardiac
surgery comprising: a suspension means for suspending a beating
heart in an unnatural position for surgery and which is located
near the apical region of the heart and at least partially overlies
the right ventricle of the heart and which includes means for
attaching said suspension means to the heart and which accommodates
multiplanar movement of the heart.
50. The system defined in claim 49 further including a frame to
which said suspension system is attached and which is located
inside the patient during surgery.
51. The system defined in claim 49 further including a sternal
retractor.
52. The manipulation system defined in claim 49 further including a
surgery target immobilizing means for engaging a selected section
of the heart to immobilize that selected section as a surgery
target while permitting non-engaged sections of the heart to move
in a manner whereby essentially unabated cardiac output is
maintained while the heart is locally immobilized.
53. The manipulation system defined in claim 49 wherein the means
for attaching the suspension means to the heart includes a suction
cup having a rim which engages the myocardium and which moves in a
plurality of planes in conjunction with movement of the myocardium
to remain attached to the myocardium while the heart beats.
54. The manipulation system defined in claim 53 wherein the means
for attaching the suspension means to the heart further includes
means for accommodating multiplanar movement of the heart while the
heart beats.
55. The manipulation system defined in claim 53 wherein said
suction cup includes means for engaging heart tissue to prevent
that heart tissue from interfering with suction applied by the
suction cup to the heart.
56. The manipulation system defined in claim 55 wherein the means
for preventing heart tissue from interfering with suction applied
by the suction cup to the heart includes a mesh grid.
57. The manipulation system defined in claim 55 wherein the suction
cup includes a plurality of chambers.
58. The manipulation system defined in claim 54 wherein the means
for accommodating multiplanar movement of the heart includes a
flexible element.
59. The manipulation system defined in claim 52 wherein the surgery
target immobilizing means includes a suction cup having a rim which
engages the myocardium and which moves in a plurality of planes in
conjunction with movement of the myocardium to remain attached to
the myocardium while the heart beats.
60. The manipulation system defined in claim 59 wherein the surgery
target immobilizing means includes a suction cup having a rim which
engages the myocardium and which moves in a plurality of planes in
conjunction with movement of the myocardium to remain attached to
the myocardium while the heart beats.
61. The manipulation system defined in claim 60 wherein the means
for engaging heart tissue to prevent heart tissue from interfering
with suction applied by the suction cup of the surgery target
immobilizing means to the heart includes a mesh grid.
62. The manipulation system defined in claim 52 wherein the surgery
target immobilizing means includes an inflexible section for
locally immobilizing a selected section of the heart, and a
flexible section for attachment to the myocardium, said flexible
section being flexible in a plurality of planes to accommodate
movement of the myocardium during operation of the heart.
63. The manipulation system defined in claim 49 further including a
gross support means for supporting the mitral valve of the heart
and lifting the heart and being located at the base of the heart at
the left ventricle along the arterial ventricular groove.
64. The manipulation system defined in claim 63 wherein said gross
support means includes means for attaching said gross support means
to the heart.
65. The manipulation system defined in claim 64 wherein the means
for attaching said gross support means to the heart includes means
for applying suction to the heart.
66. The manipulation system defined in claim 65 wherein the means
of for attaching said gross support means to the heart for applying
suction to the heart includes means for engaging heart tissue to
prevent heart tissue from interfering with suction applied to the
heart.
67. The manipulation system defined in claim 66 wherein the means
for attaching said gross support means to the heart for applying
suction to the heart includes a mesh grid.
68. The manipulation system defined in claim 63 wherein said gross
support means further includes a handle.
69. The manipulation system defined in claim 50 further including a
gross support means for supporting the mitral valve of the heart
and lifting the heart and being located at the base of the heart,
said gross support means being attached to said frame.
70. The manipulation system defined in claim 63 wherein said gross
support means further includes a head that is flexible in at least
some sections thereof.
71. The manipulation system defined in claim 70 wherein the
flexible sections of the head of said gross support means is formed
of material that maintains a second configuration after being
deformed from a first configuration.
72. A method for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery
comprising: engaging the heart near the apical region of the right
ventricle and preventing collapse of the right ventricle; lifting
the heart into a position and orientation for surgery using the
engagement near the apical region; and maintaining engagement of
the heart while the heart and its myocardium move during
essentially unabated operation of the heart.
73. The method defined in claim 72 further including a step of
engaging the heart near the left ventricle along the arterial
ventricular groove.
74. The method defined in claim 73 further including a step of
lifting and rotating the heart to a preferred surgical access
position while supporting the mitral valve annulus to maintain
competent mitral valve function.
75. The method defined in claim 72 further including a step of
immobilizing a surgical target of the heart while non-immobilized
sections of the heart move to maintain essentially unabated cardiac
output.
76. The heart manipulation system defined in claim 17 wherein said
means for locally engaging a selected section of the heart further
includes a handle means which extends outside of the patient during
surgery for adjusting the location and position of said means for
locally engaging a selected section of the heart and moving the
selected section into a desired position and orientation,
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 08/936,184
filed on Sep. 17, 1997 by the inventors of the present application.
The disclosure of the just-referenced patent application is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the general art of cardiac
surgery, and to the particular field of heart retractors used in
beating heart surgery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are as many as 300,000 coronary bypass graft
procedures performed annually in the United States. Each of those
procedures may include one or more graft vessels. Currently, each
graft vessel must be hand sutured. As many as four or more grafts
are placed in a procedure. Until recently, coronary artery bypass
procedures have been performed with the patient on cardio-pulmonary
bypass whereby the heart is stopped with cardioplegia and the
surgery performed on an exposed and still heart.
[0004] Some pioneering surgeons are performing procedures in which
the coronary bypass is performed on a beating heart. That is,
without heart-lung bypass and cardioplegia. This minimizes the time
it takes to perform the procedure and reduces the cost of the
operation by eliminating the heart-lung bypass machine.
[0005] Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is performed and a
new blood supply to the heart muscle is established when coronary
arteries are blocked with calcium or plaque. A new blood supply
conduit is joined to the diseased coronary, distal to the blockage,
thus providing a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to the vessel in
question. Today, this is accomplished by hand suturing a graft
vessel (the new supply of blood) to the diseased vessel. This
junction is called an anastomosis of vessels. Many different types
of supply conduits can be used. Examples are cadaver vein,
saphenous vein, radial artery, internal mammary artery, and the
like.
[0006] By way of background, the basic operation of a heart will be
briefly discussed. The heart works like a pump. The left and right
ventricles are separate but share a common wall (the septum). The
left ventricle is thicker and pumps the blood into the systemic
circulation. The work it performs is much greater than the right
ventricle. The right ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary
circulation, which is a low pressure circuit. The left ventricle
wall (a low energy system) is much thinner than the right
ventricle.
[0007] The left ventricle fills in diastole and ejects in systole.
The difference between the diastolic volume (largest) and the
systolic volume (smallest) (the stroke volume or amount of blood
ejected on each heartbeat) multiplied by heart rate determines the
cardiac output of the heart (liters/min. of flow). The heart
shortens during systole as the muscle contracts. There are a number
of motions during contraction (including a considerable amount of
rotation) but for practical purposes the heart can be thought of as
a truncated cone. Shortening occurs along its length and also along
its diameter. For purposes of this disclosure, the more important
of the two motions is the shortening along the diameter since the
ejection volume varies as the square vs. along the length which
varies with the first power.
[0008] The heart functions well whether the person is upright,
upside down, prone or supine. It sits inside the pericardium--a sac
which limits its motion and spreads the support on the heart so
that no matter how a person positions himself, it is not
particularly compressed and is able to fill and then eject with
each heartbeat. The concept of the pericardium spreading the load
is critical, i.e., when lying supine, the posterior pericardium
supports the heart over a large surface of the heart just as when
the person is lying on his stomach, the front of the pericardium
spreads the load.
[0009] When the chest is opened by a median sternotomy it is
possible to gain access to all chambers and surfaces of the heart.
This combined with the fact that this incision is usually less
painful than a thoracotomy (rib separation), makes this the
preferred surgical approach to the heart.
[0010] The coronary vessels are surface vessels, only occasionally
dipping into the myocardium making them accessible without opening
the heart. Traditionally, bypass surgery is done with the heart
arrested. This stops the motion of the heart and allows the arrest
of the coronary circulation so the surgeon sews in a bloodless and
easy to see field. Since the heart is stopped, the patient would
suffer irreversible damage to the brain and other tissues and
organs without the use of the heart-lung machine to support the
general circulation. Although the heart-lung machine has been
refined, it is particularly toxic to older and debilitated patients
and it is expensive.
[0011] It is possible to perform surgery off bypass, while the
heart is beating and the coronaries are under positive blood
pressure; however, there may be problems. One problem is that not
all vessels are accessible since some vessels are on the posterior
or inferior surfaces and that when such vessels are brought into
view by lifting the heart, cardiac performance is impaired such
that the cardiac output falls and blood pressure drops. A second
problem is that the heart moves so that suturing in vessels (12 to
15 stitches in a vessel under 2 mm in diameter) might be inaccurate
and a third problem is that there is blood in the field as the
coronary circulation is not interrupted. This last problem is now
largely solved by snares, which temporarily stop the flow of blood
through the targeted arteries. The problem of lifting the heart is
not to impair the performance of the heart while at the same time
adequately exposing the heart and regionally immobilizing the
vessel during beating heart surgery, and this problem is not solved
with any prior art system.
[0012] For the heart to be effective, it must have adequate
biventricular function (both right and left ventricles). The left
ventricle pumps into the high resistance systemic circulation and
is thicker and generates considerably more energy than the right
ventricle. It is primarily circular in cross section. This
displacement of blood (and thus heart output) depends on shortening
in the short axis (diameter of the cross section) and to a lesser
degree on shortening in the long axis (apex to base). There is also
rotational motion to the heart as it contracts, thus imparting
multiplanar motion to the heart as it beats; still further, the
surface of the heart undergoes multiplanar movement during
operation of the heart. The right ventricle pumps into the lower
resistance pulmonary circulation and is much thinner and its energy
generation is much less than that of the left ventricle. Function
of both of these ventricles must be maintained during surgical
manipulation of a beating heart.
[0013] Therefore there is a significant need for a means and a
method for moving a beating heart so as not to impair the
performance of the heart while at the same time adequately exposing
the heart and regionally immobilizing a vessel during beating heart
surgery.
[0014] Lifting of the heart is deleterious to heart function for
several reasons. First, the lifting of the heart impairs the venous
return to the heart so that there is less diastolic filling of the
heart (this can largely be corrected by putting the head down and
the feet up to increase venous return). Second, the heart is
distorted. Using a hand or spatula to lift the heart is quite
different than simply changing body position when the heart is
inside the chest. The force applied by the hand to the heart is
localized so that the heart is no longer a truncated cone, but is
much flatter. This shape is much less effective for ejection (the
circle is the most effective as it has the highest ratio of volume
to diameter) and flattening also limits the diastolic volume so
that inadequate filling occurs. Third, lifting pressure applied to
a beating heart may deleteriously affect valve function of the
heart, in particular, the mitral valve function may be adversely
affected by such lifting.
[0015] In order to perform cardiac surgery on a beating heart,
there is a need to lift, support and orient the heart without
reducing its ability to function. Therefore, there is a need for a
means and method to move and orient a beating heart into position
so any vessel of the heart can be accessed without unduly
interfering with the operation of the heart, especially the mitral
valve function.
[0016] In coronary bypass operations, grafts have to be anastomosed
to the anterior descending artery (right coronary artery branch),
the circumflex artery, and to the posterior descending artery. The
anterior descending artery lies on the front surface of the heart
and is easily accessible to the surgeon without particular help
from surgical assistants or using any devices. The circumflex and
posterior descending arteries, however, lie on the back surface of
the heart. Therefore, to expose the circumflex artery to a field of
view of the surgeon, it is mandatory to lift the heart and rotate
it about the axis of the inferior vena cava and the superior vena
cava. Likewise, to expose the posterior descending artery, it is
necessary to lift the heart and rotate it in the direction of its
apex. If the heart is moved improperly, it may go into
fibrillation.
[0017] Ordinarily, a surgical assistant is employed to lift the
heart by using his or her hand, this is satisfactory for an
arrested heart. However this is not satisfactory for a beating
heart. However, it is very difficult and tiring to keep the heart
in a steady position. Furthermore, the myocardium in contact with
the assistant's fingers may be damaged by pressure, avulsion, and
premature rewarming. Further, the assistant's hand in the operative
field can get in the way, and the assistant, who often stands next
to the surgeon may restrict the surgeon's movements.
[0018] To date, with the exception of the device disclosed in the
parent application, devices that have been directed toward is
facilitating beating heart surgery have been very simple
stabilization platforms. A two-tined fork is the simplest and works
well on directly exposed vessels such as the LAD. Another device is
comprised of a hollow support tube which can be clamped outside the
patient's body cavity. The support tube terminates in a suction
head with a number of suction ports arranged in a linear row in
such a way that they resemble the suction cups of an octopus. These
suction heads are attached to the myocardium and ideally allow the
heart to be regionally immobilized on either side of the target
artery. This allows for a very localized stabilization of an artery
to perform an anastomosis. This tool accomplishes the requirements
for immobilizing the target artery for surgery. However, this tool
is inadequate for actually lifting the heart to gain access to
vessels located on the posterior and lateral surfaces (circumflex
and right coronary distributions). This device really is a local
stabilizer, and cannot be adequately employed to assist in the
lifting or moving of the heart, which is necessary in some
instances, such as for a large heart, or the like. However, it has
also acquired another role, that of vessel presentation.
Unfortunately, the device was not implicitly designed for this
function. Vessel presentation during beating heart surgery is a
different function and more complex since it must allow the entire
heart to function. Yet it is the more commercially valuable
application of this tool since there are no other mechanical
stabilizers available which are simple and acceptable to lift the
functioning heart to access all vessels and eliminate the need for
cardio-pulmonary bypass.
[0019] Therefore, there is a need to provide a tool that is
commercially viable and which can be used for vessel presentation,
and which can be used to assist in lifting and/or orienting the
heart when needed.
[0020] The surgeon would like a very localized, immobilized area,
such as one to two cm, on either side of the target vessel. The
above-mentioned tool immobilizes the heart transmurally for a
distance of two to 3 cm on each side. Small suction heads, like the
surgeon prefers for local immobilization, unfortunately cannot lift
the heart and larger suction heads impair heart function by
immobilizing too large an area around the suction head. If several
rigid heads are used circumferentially around the heart in order to
lift it, a large amount of the heart is prevented from contraction.
This will immobilize too much of the heart circumference to
maintain effective heart function.
[0021] Therefore, there is need for a means and method for
immobilizing a particular area on the heart without unduly
interfering with the functioning of the heart, and which can be
used to lift the heart as well, again, without interfering with the
operation of the heart. There is also a need for a system for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will support the
heart in position for coronary bypass surgery of the circumflex
coronary artery and posterior descending artery.
[0022] Still further, the myocardium of a beating heart undergoes
multiplanar movement and motion during operation of the heart. A
suction cup applied to such a moving surface may have a tendency to
become separated from the myocardium thereby interrupting the
suction being applied to the heart. Such interruption of suction
may interfere with the attachment of the device to the heart.
[0023] Therefore, there is a need for a means and method for
manipulation of a heart during cardiac surgery that will not be
impaired by movement of the myocardium during operation of the
heart.
[0024] One remedy for this problem is to make the suction cups
larger. However, this is not practical since too much of the
myocardium might be influenced by such a solution.
[0025] Therefore, there is a need for a means and method for
manipulation of a heart during cardiac surgery that will not be
impaired by movement of the myocardium during operation of the
heart, while influencing a minimum amount of the myocardium.
[0026] Another prior art method of supporting a heart is by use of
a sling. A sling is a network of fabric or plastic that is placed
around the heart in the manner of a hammock. The heart is then
supported by the sling. It is noted that in order for a sling to
work as a retractor, the surgeon is required to arrange the ties to
be pulled from the proper direction, such as normal to the desired
direction of lift, which can be onerous. This presents a serious
problem since there are no easy reference points above the patient
in which to attach these ties.
[0027] While the art has included several inventions intended to
support the heart during coronary bypass surgery of the circumflex
coronary artery, these inventions have several drawbacks that have
hindered their acceptance in the art. For example, the use of nets
to support the heart exposes the heart to fine stands which impinge
on the heart and may cause damage. Furthermore, nets may impede the
surgical target and require special techniques or procedures to
remove the net from the surgical target area. This is especially
onerous if the net mesh is fine. Flat cloth tapes are a form of
net, and may damage the heart due to a rough texture of the cloth
and the small area of contact between the tape strands and the
heart. Further, tapes and similar devices that do not have large
surface areas contacting the heart may not support the heart in a
uniform manner and may create large pressure areas at the contact
points.
[0028] Therefore, there is a need for a manipulation system for use
in cardiac surgery which will support the heart in position for
coronary bypass surgery of the circumflex coronary artery in a
manner that tool not damage the heart yet will provide easy access
to the surgical target and keeps working while cardiac output is
maintained.
[0029] Still further, some prior art means for supporting the heart
during cardiac surgery may tend to interfere with ventricle
operation.
[0030] Therefore, there is a need for a means and a method for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will not
interfere with ventricle operation of the heart while a beating
heart is supported in position and orientation for surgery.
[0031] The parent disclosure discussed a means and method for
lifting the heart during surgery. This means and method included a
gross support means for engaging the apex portion of the heart and
which is fixed to a stationary element, such as the operating table
or the like. The preferred form of the gross support means includes
a cup-shaped element that fits around the apex of the heart to
support the weight of the heart and which is attached to a source
of suction.
[0032] The means and method disclosed in the parent disclosure work
well, but the inventors have since discovered that it would be
beneficial to the overall success of beating heart surgery to
contact the least amount of myocardium as possible in moving the
heart for surgery.
[0033] A further consideration in coronary artery surgery is
hemorrhage from the incision into the coronary artery at the
proposed anastomotic site. Therefore, heretofore, coronary artery
surgery has been carried out under conditions of cardiac arrest and
aortic root cross clamping. Hence, the myocardium is temporarily
deprived of coronary blood supply. In some patients, an additional
coronary blood supply, through the form of bronchial circulation,
causes significant hemorrhage during the bypass grafting process.
This hemorrhage is inconvenient, as it masks the surgeon's view
during the delicate suturing process, and threatens the well-being
of the patient. Performing surgery in this manner has several
additional drawbacks, including the need to stop the heart, the
need to insert special equipment and procedural steps to carry out
the function of moving blood through the patient's body while the
heart is stopped.
[0034] Therefore, there is a need for a heart retractor which will
support the heart in position for coronary bypass surgery of all of
the coronary arteries, including the circumflex coronary artery, in
a manner such that the tool does not damage the heart while cardiac
output is maintained yet will provide easy access to the surgical
target and which can be used in a manner that does not require the
heart to be stopped.
[0035] Still further, there is a need for a system for manipulating
the heart during cardiac surgery which permits regional as well as
specific immobilization of the heart.
[0036] However, the continued operation of the heart will produce
problems, in addition to the above-discussed problems, of forming a
moving target for the surgeon. That is, since the heart continues
to beat during the operation, the surgical target will move in
connection with such beating movement. The heart cannot be stopped
or unduly constrained without increasing the danger of
fibrillation.
[0037] Therefore, there is a need for a system for manipulating the
heart during cardiac surgery which will support a beating heart in
position for coronary bypass surgery of coronary arteries in a
manner that will not damage the heart yet will provide specific and
regional support while allowing unabated cardiac output.
[0038] Recently, there has been interest in minimally invasive
coronary bypass surgery. This is not surprising since a median
sternotomy and a run on the cardiopulmonary bypass pump are not
well tolerated by some patients, combined with the added cost of
coronary bypass equipment and staff. The procedure results in
considerable recovery time and is associated with a risk of death
and major complication. While the ultimate goal is to provide
bypass to all vessels by port access (like gallbladder surgery) and
to eliminate the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, a more limited
but reasonable option for the next number or years will be to
perform bypass off pump with an incision (sternotomy or
thoracotomy). A tool which could allow performance of multivessel
off pump bypass would be most helpful.
[0039] Therefore, there is a need for a heart retractor which will
support the heart in position for minimally invasive coronary
bypass surgery of coronary arteries, including the circumflex
coronary artery, in a manner that will not damage the heart yet
will provide easy access to the surgical target without requiring
the heart to be stopped yet without unduly constraining the
heart.
[0040] Still further, the inventors have observed that not all
hearts are the same size, shape and have the same spacing between
corresponding areas. Thus, while all hearts are basically the same,
there may be a variation between individual hearts. Therefore, a
device that supports a heart should account for these variations.
This is especially true if the heart is to continue pumping during
the operation and while it is supported. If the support is not fit
to the particular heart, it may constrict the heart in some manner
and thus interfere with the continued output of the heart.
[0041] Therefore, there is a need for a system for manipulating a
heart during cardiac surgery which will support a heart, especially
a beating heart, during cardiac surgery and which can be adjusted
to fit the particular needs of the individual heart and will
support the heart both in gross and regionally.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0042] It is main object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support the weight of a beating heart and maintain cardiac output
unabated and uninterrupted even though the heart is maintained in
an unnatural position and/or orientation.
[0043] It is another object of the present invention to improve the
retractor disclosed in the parent disclosure.
[0044] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support a beating heart in position for coronary bypass surgery and
which can support the heart both regionally and in gross.
[0045] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support a beating heart in position for coronary bypass surgery and
which can support the heart both regionally and in gross and which
can account for variations in individual hearts.
[0046] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support a beating heart in position for coronary bypass surgery of
the coronary arteries, including the circumflex coronary
artery.
[0047] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support the heart in position for coronary bypass surgery of the
coronary arteries in a manner that will not damage the heart yet
will provide easy access to the surgical target.
[0048] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support the heart in position for coronary bypass surgery in a
manner that will not damage the heart yet will provide easy access
to the surgical target and which can be used in a manner that does
not require the heart to be stopped.
[0049] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which can
support the heart while maintaining competent mitral valve
function.
[0050] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support the heart in position for coronary bypass surgery in a
manner that prevents collapse of the right ventricle during
manipulation of the heart.
[0051] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support the heart in position for coronary bypass surgery in a
manner that will not damage the heart yet will provide easy access
to the surgical target without requiring the heart to be stopped
yet without unduly constraining the heart.
[0052] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
support the heart in position for minimally invasive coronary
bypass surgery in a manner that will not damage the heart yet will
provide easy access to the surgical target without requiring the
heart to be stopped yet without unduly constraining the heart.
[0053] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
provide regional and specific immobilization of the heart.
[0054] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which will
isolate one region of the heart while allowing cardiac output to be
sustained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0055] These, and other, objects are achieved by a system for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery which suspends the
heart from the apical region near the right ventricle and prevents
collapse of the right ventricle during the manipulation. The heart
can be supported by this suspension, but also has a gross support
that is located near the left ventricle and extends along the
arterial ventricular (AV) groove to lift and rotate the heart while
supporting the mitral valve annulus to maintain competent valve
function of the mitral valve. Two-point support can thus be
provided in a manner that maintains cardiac operation unimpeded.
Still further, the system can include a surgical target
immobilizing means that is, itself, capable of assisting in the
lifting of the heart under some circumstances and thus can be used
to assist in the movement of the heart during cardiac surgery. The
location and design of the elements of the system of the present
invention achieves the lifting and orienting of the heart in a
manner that presents the heart in the most advantageous position
and orientation for surgery while permitting the heart to maintain
cardiac output in an essentially unabated manner. This provides a
stationary target for the surgeon while supporting the heart in a
safe manner and in a manner that does not interfere with the
surgeon or his field of sight. In this manner, the system of the
present invention can be used to support a heart during cardiac
surgery without requiring an assistant to hold the heart, yet will
permit the surgical procedure to be carried out without requiring
cardiac arrest.
[0056] Furthermore, the system of the present invention includes a
frame that is located within the patient's thoracic cavity whereby
movement of the patient automatically moves the heart supporting
elements in a corresponding manner. This maintains the surgical
work field clear and automatically repositions and reorients the
heart supporting elements as the patient is moved. This efficiently
keeps the heart supported during surgery.
[0057] More specifically, a first form of the system for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery includes an element
that can be cup-like and which has a flexible rim that engages the
myocardium of the heart in a manner that maintains the engagement
even while the myocardium moves during heart operation. Still
further, the cup-like element is designed so that heart tissue will
not interfere with the operation of the element. The cup-like
element applies suction to the heart to hold the element associated
with the cup-like element on the heart. The cup-like element is
used in connection with the suspension head discussed above as well
as in connection with the surgery target immobilizing element.
Flexible means on the cuplike element permit that element to move
to accommodate multiplanar movement of the heart during operation
of the heart. Still further, the gross support means may also use
suction to hold the support against the heart. If used, the suction
interface is designed so heart tissue will not interfere with the
suction applied via the gross support means. The design of the
suspension head, the suction cups and the surgical target
immobilizing means is such that the system of the present invention
can accommodate an individual heart and is amenable to use on
hearts of different sizes, weights and even locations. In this
manner, a heart, especially a beating heart, can be supported in
the manner that is most effective for that particular heart. Thus,
in the case of a beating heart, cardiac output can be maintained in
an unabated and uninterrupted manner as there will be virtually no
constrictions on the heart because the support will be perfectly
fitted the particular heart.
[0058] A form of the system of the present invention can be used in
minimally invasive surgery. The system may include a handle on the
gross support means to move the gross support means as required,
and a handle can be placed on the target-immobilizing means to move
that means as necessary as well. The distal ends of a handles are
located to provide access to the handle while remaining
unobtrustive during surgery. Detachable handles could also be used
whereby the handles are revoved after correct placement of the
head.
[0059] While this invention is disclosed in the preferred form for
open chest procedures for beating heart surgery, it may also be
utilized for minimally invasive procedures as well as those that
use cardioplegia due to its novel time saving and enabling
features. It is also noted that this disclosure is not directed to
the art of anastomosis per se. However, it is directly related to
enabling a surgeon to perform an anastomotic procedure in a precise
and controlled manner.
[0060] The inventive device disclosed herein eliminates the need
for use of the heart-lung machine. It allows a surgeon to lift and
displace the heart to expose all vessels to regionally immobilize
them for suturing without seriously impairing heart
performance.
[0061] The advances made using the retractor disclosed in the
parent disclosure are thus improved.
[0062] Once the stabilization of the beating heart has been
achieved as with the system of the present invention, it then
becomes more feasible to entertain the idea of performing this
surgery in a minimally invasive manner precluding the need for the
median sternotomy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0063] FIG. 1 illustrates blood flow in a normal heart.
[0064] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate the pumping action of a normal
heart.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view of the system for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery disclosed in the parent
application.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the system for manipulating a
heart during cardiac surgery disclosed in the parent
application.
[0067] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system for manipulating
a heart during cardiac surgery of the parent application in place
on a heart.
[0068] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate operation of a prior art suction
cup.
[0069] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate operation of a multipart suction
cup embodying the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a beating system for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery embodying the present
invention.
[0071] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the system for manipulating
a heart during cardiac surgery in place on a heart.
[0072] FIG. 10 shows the FIG. 8 retractor in place in a
patient.
[0073] FIG. 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.
[0074] FIG. 12 shows a portion of the gross support means of the
retractor of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the flexible head of the gross
support means of the retractor.
[0076] FIG. 14A is a view along line 14A-14A of FIG. 13 showing the
mesh means that prevents heart tissue from interrupting suction
applied to maintain the gross support means in place on the
heart.
[0077] FIG. 14B is an exploded view of the gross support means
shown in FIG. 12.
[0078] FIG. 14C is an exploded view of the gross support means in
larger detail.
[0079] FIG. 15 shows a portion of a preferred form of the mesh
means.
[0080] FIGS. 16A and 16B show the flexible multisection suction cup
of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 17 shows another form of the multisection suction
cup.
[0082] FIGS. 18A and 18B show another configuration of the flexible
suction cup of the present invention.
[0083] FIGS. 19A and 19B show another form of the multisection
suction cup.
[0084] FIGS. 20A and 20B show another form of the multisection
suction cup.
[0085] FIGS. 21A and 21B show another form of the multisection
suction cup.
[0086] FIGS. 22A and 22B show another form of the multisection
suction cup.
[0087] FIG. 23 shows a bottom plan view of a prior art tool used to
immobilize a section of a beating heart to define a surgical
target.
[0088] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of a means of the present
invention for immobilizing a surgical target area of a beating
heart.
[0089] FIG. 25 is an elevational view of the means of the present
invention for immobilizing a surgical target area.
[0090] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternative form of the
retractor of the present invention.
[0091] FIG. 27 shows an alternative form of the system for
manipulating the heart during cardiac surgery embodying the present
invention.
[0092] FIG. 28 is a top view of the system shown in FIG. 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
[0093] By way of introduction, the operation of a heart will be
discussed before describing the system embodying the present
invention. In FIG. 1, the normal circulatory pattern of blood
through heart 10 is illustrated. Blood from the venous system
enters the first chamber of the heart, the right atrium (R.A.) 12.
From right atrium 12, it passes through tricuspid valve 14 into
right ventricle (R.V.) 16 via pulmonic valve 18, entering pulmonary
artery 20 which leads to lungs 22. In lungs 22, carbon dioxide is
released and the blood is reoxygenated. Blood then exits lungs 22
back into pulmonary vein 24 which leads to left atrium (L.A.) 26.
From left atrium 26, blood passes through mitral valve 28 into left
ventricle (L.V.) 30. Blood then exits heart 10 via aortic valve 32
into aorta 34 and the generalized arterial circulation.
[0094] Cardiac contraction is orchestrated by electrical impulses
originating from the heart's nervous system. Electrical stimulation
to the myocardial fibers results in muscular contraction.
Specifically timed electrical signals originating in the upper
chambers of the heart cause the atriae to contract and empty blood
into the ventricles 16 and 30. After atrial contraction, a short
electrical delay takes place. This pause allows the ventricles 16
and 30 to receive blood from atriae before they are stimulated to
contract. With ventricular contraction, blood is ejected from heart
10.
[0095] FIG. 2A-2E illustrate a simplified diagram of normal cardiac
contraction as visualized from left ventricle 30. The cardiac cycle
can be broken down into two major stages: diastolic and systolic.
Diastolic is the relaxation phase of the ventricular contraction
cycle. During this time the ventricle relaxes and fills up with
blood in preparation for the next contraction. Systole is the
ventricular phase involved with contraction and the process of
ejecting blood from the heart.
[0096] FIG. 2A illustrates the first phase of diastole which is
isovolumetric relaxation immediately following a systolic
contraction. This represents the transition phase between diastole
and systole.
[0097] FIG. 2B illustrates that with further ventricular
relaxation, a building of negative pressure within the ventricle
due to dilation results in a rapid influx of blood. Additionally,
the geometric angle formed between the ventricular wall, papillar
muscle (P.M.) 36, chordac tendinea (C.T.) 38 and mitral valve
(M.V.) 28 widens. This combined process results in the opening of
mitral valve 28.
[0098] FIG. 2C illustrates the latter stages of diastolic
ventricular filling. During this phase, left atrium 26 contracts to
allow for maximal ventricular filling.
[0099] In FIG. 2D, left ventricle 30 begins to build muscular
tension prior to actually contracting and secondarily reducing
ventricular volume. This phase demonstrates isovolumetric
contraction and is referred to as pre-systole. With building
ventricular contraction, the intraventricular pressure increases
which helps force mitral valve 28 closed. Additionally, the
geometric relationship between the valve cusp and muscle-tendon
supporting structures narrows with ventricular contraction which
assists in mitral valve closure.
[0100] FIG. 2E illustrates that as ventricular contraction
progresses, the intraventricular volume decreases and pressure
builds. Once the ventricular pressure exceeds the blood pressure
within aorta 34, aortic valve (A.V.) 32 is pushed open. Blood is
then ejected from the ventricular cavity into aorta 34. This phase
is called systole.
[0101] By way of further introduction, the retractor disclosed in
the parent disclosure will be briefly discussed. The retractor
disclosed in the parent disclosure clamped the heart in a manner
that restricts the length dimension while permitting the other
dimensions to change. By immobilizing the heart in a direction
along dimension L, but allowing the remainder of the heart to
operate in a normal manner, operation of the heart is not
restricted. The retractor of the present invention further
immobilizes only the specific surgery target area whereby the
remainder of the heart operates in an unrestricted manner. Thus,
only the specific surgery location is immobilized. This is all that
is required for a successful surgery and the entire heart need not
be immobilized. The system for manipulating a heart during cardiac
surgery of the present invention also lifts the heart in a manner
that permits unrestricted operation of the heart as well.
[0102] Since the present invention is an improvement over the
parent disclosed invention, it will be instructive to briefly
review that parent retractor. Further discussion of the parent
retractor can be found in the parent disclosure which is
incorporated herein by reference. Referring specifically to FIGS.
3-5, system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery 50 of
the parent invention is shown in detail. The retractor permits
regional and specific immobilization of the heart while permitting
essentially unabated cardiac output whereby all coronary arteries,
including the circumflex coronary artery, to be bypassed and the
heart maintained in an unnatural position and/or orientation. The
retractor includes a gross support means 52 for engaging an apex
portion (gross weight) of a heart to support the heart when the
heart is lifted for surgery. Support means 52 includes a cup-shaped
portion 54 having a top rim 56 and an apex 58 with ribs 60 defined
adjacent to the apex to support the heart in the cup-shaped
element. While a cupshaped element is preferred, one could
substitute other attachment configurations without departing from
the scope of this disclosure. The only requirement is that the
element be sized and shaped to adequately support the heart to
achieve the results discussed herein, to wit: supporting the heart
in an orientation suitable for the type of heart surgery of
interest here. Thus, no limitation as to specific shape is intended
for element 52. Vacuum ports 62 are defined through the cup-shaped
element at apex 58 to be fluidically connected with a vacuum source
for securing the heart in place in the cup-shaped element. A vacuum
source V is fluidically connected to holes 62 via main support arm
64 which has one end thereof fixed to a stationary support S (see
FIG. 5), such as the operating table, or a rib spreader, and the
other end thereof attached to the cup-shaped element via fastener
66 attached to anchor 68. A manifold-like portion 70 of the
cup-shaped element distributes the vacuum to the various ports,
such as ports 62 to be applied to secure retractor 50 to the heart.
An alternative form of the retractor includes a separate hose 72 to
transfer vacuum to the manifold 70. Ribs 60 keep heart fat from
clogging the vacuum manifold section.
[0103] The retractor of the parent disclosure further includes a
fine support means for immobilizing selected portions of the heart
while permitting non-immobilized portions to move in a manner that
continues heart operation. This fine support means includes a
plurality of rigid arms 80 each being fixed at one end thereof to
anchor 68 and having a heart-attaching element 82 thereon, such as
at the outer end thereof. As used herein, the term "rigid" is a
relative term and means that the arms are rigid enough whereby the
force of the heart won't move them. But they can be adjustable such
as being formed of a wire-wound gooseneck or soft metal which
allows each arm to be individually shaped according to the needs of
the attachment location. The heart-attaching elements can be
suction attachment points, such as suction cups that are
fluidically connected to manifold 70. Other means of attaching the
elements to the heart, can be used as well without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure as will occur to those skilled
in the art based on the teaching of this disclosure. Examples of
other such elements include glue, sutures, clamps, shallow pins,
pincers or the like, with attachment points being located on the
arm as suitable. The rigid arms secure small or fine areas of the
heart in place with respect to gross element 52 while permitting
the heart to move as required to continue unabated cardiac output.
Support means 50 further includes a plurality of flexible support
arms 84 each fixed at one end thereof to anchor 68 and having a
heart-attaching element 86 on the outer end thereof. Elements 86
can be suction elements similar to the just-discussed elements 82.
Flexible arms 84 can be adjusted to secure the heart in the most
advantageous locations whereby the heart can continue to operate
without undue restriction.
[0104] Therefore, broadly, the overall parent retractor comprises a
main support which includes the arms, the hub and a stationary
member, such as a table top, the floor or the like; a gross support
which includes the apex cup and fine support means which regionally
immobilizes portions of the heart while leaving other regions of
the heart free to operate in an unabated manner to maintain heart
output during the surgical procedure. The fine support means can
include the rigid arms as well as the surgery target immobilizing
means. In this manner, the heart is supported regionally yet
operates to maintain blood flow during coronary surgery.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that parent retractor 10
includes a surgery target-immobilizing element 100 for immobilizing
that exact location of the heart on which surgery is being
performed. Element 100 includes a rigid arm 102 fixed at one end
104 to connecting arm 106 of stationary main arm 64 and having a
U-shaped target-defining element 108 on the other end. Element 108
includes two legs 110 and 112 connected by a central section 114.
As shown in FIG. 5, the target vein 116 being incised at 118 is
located between legs 110 and 112. Element 108 is rigid as is arm
102 so target area 118 will be immobile even though the remainder
of the heart adjacent to this area will be moving. However, only a
small section of the heart will be immobilized and thus should not
affect the overall operation of the heart during the operation. The
target-immobilizing element can be moved anywhere it is needed by
simply loosening clamp 120 and moving arm 102 as necessary.
[0106] As was discussed in the parent disclosure, during operation
of the heart, the left ventricle is a conical shaped cavity
narrowest at the apex. It shortens both in length an din diameter
during a pumping stroke (contraction). Since the volume of blood
displaced is more dependent on the reduction in diameter (square)
than the shortening in length (first power), any measure which
reduces the diameter of shortening is very detrimental. Also, the
right ventricle is attached to the left ventricle and is
considerably thinner and less powerful. Suction attachments to this
part of the heart which would impede the shortening of muscle may
be poorly tolerated. The invention disclosed and taught herein uses
a series of linked attachments to the heart. Attachments which are
near the artery to be bypassed are paired on opposite sides of the
artery and do not move--they immobilize the artery and therefore
the muscle in the target region. A lifting suction is applied at
the apex of the heart. If this were the only site of lifting, the
heart would be stretched and there would be no diameter left. Thus,
no blood could be ejected. However, this invention adds additional
heart attaching elements that are attached to the heart to lift it.
These attachment points would be mobile in that they could allow
the heart to move inward and reduce the diameter and eject blood.
The key to the invention is the linking of lifting (both at the
apex and around the circumference of the heart) and regional
immobilization which stops one part around the circumference from
moving and therefore allows easy suturing.
[0107] As discussed above, while the parent retractor works well,
it can be improved. Referring to FIGS. 6A-28, a system for
manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery is shown which has
improved operation over the parent retractor.
[0108] The heart manipulation system of the present invention
utilizes a special suction cup to attach various elements thereof
to the beating heart in a manner that permits the heart and the
myocardium to move during heart operation without unduly affecting
the attachment of the element to the heart. Specifically, the
suction cup of the present invention applies suction to the heart
surface from a source of suction (not shown, but discussed in the
parent disclosure). Suction cup 200 of the present invention is
best shown in FIG. 7A which shows a suction cup that is most useful
with non-flaccid tissue in which it is easier to make the suction
cup conform to the tissue than to force the tissue to conform to
the suction cup, and FIG. 7B which shows a suction cup that is most
useful with flaccid tissue which is easier to force to confrom to
the shape of the suction cup. Both suction cups 200 can be compared
to a prior art suction cup S shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B, prior art suction cup S includes a single chamber
C that is fluidically connected to a suction line L and which has a
rim R for engaging the surface, such as tissue T, to which suction
cup S is attached. Suction pressure is applied over an area A which
corresponds to the area of the suction line L. As will be
understood by those skilled in the art, if tissue T moves it can
move away from rim R thereby breaking the suction being applied to
tissue T. Still further, if tissue T moves, it might move into
suction line L thereby interfering with application of suction to
the tissue, as is indicated in FIG. 6B. This latter situation is
likely since the maximum suction force is applied over area A and
will tend to distort tissue T in the manner indicated in FIG. 6B.
Such distortion also tends to move the tissue away from rim R.
[0109] However, suction cup 200 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B does not
have these drawbacks because it includes a plurality of chambers
and a means for preventing tissue from interfering with suction
being applied thereto. Specifically, suction cup 200 is a
multisection suction cup which includes a first chamber 202 having
a flexible rim 204 for engaging the tissue M of a heart, a second
chamber 206 for fluidically connecting first chamber 202 the source
of suction via suction line 208. Second chamber 206 of the suction
cup has a size that is different from the size of first chamber
202, and a shoulder 209 is formed at the connection between first
and second chambers 202 and 206. A mesh grid element 210 is
connected to the suction cup, preferably adjacent to shoulder 209,
and spans first chamber 206, flexible rim 204 is flexible in a
plurality of planes to accommodate multiplanar movement of the
surface of the beating heart without breaking contact between the
surface of the heart and flexible rim 204.
[0110] As can be understood from FIGS. 7A and 7B, suction cup 200
will not break suction with tissue T even if the tissue is drawn
into the suction cup and a large area of applied suction is
maintained due to the large area of first chamber 206 vis a vis
area A of suction cup S. Thus, suction cup 200 is able to adapt to
movement of the heart and movement of the myocardium while
maintaining a large suction force on the tissue. This permits
smaller amounts of myocardium to be affected by the system of the
present invention than even the parent retractor. Since chamber 202
is large, rim 204 can be large and thus its flexibility can be
increased over rim R of suction cup S. This permits rim 204 of
suction cup 200 to follow movement of tissue T far better than rim
R of suction cup S.
[0111] Suction cup 200 is the best mode used in the present
invention; however, other forms of suction cups can be used without
departing from the scope of the present invention and disclosure.
The other forms of the suction cup will also have at least one
first chamber and one second chamber and a flexible rim as well as
a mesh grid element preventing tissue from interfering with suction
applied via the suction cup. Other forms of the suction cup are
indicated in FIGS. 17 and 18A through 22B, with FIG. 17 showing a
multiplicity of chambers and a multiplicity of shoulders; FIGS. 18A
and 18B showing an off center chamber 202'; FIGS. 19A and 19B
showing a plurality of suction lines 208' and 208"; FIGS. 20A and
20B showing a reinforcing ring RR surrounding suction line 208'";
FIGS. 21A and 21B showing a ring RR' around a plurality of suction
lines; and FIGS. 22A and 22B showing a suction cup 200K having a
kidney-shaped perimeter. One or more suction lines can be
associated with cup 200K as is indicated in FIG. 22A. Suction cup
200 has walls 200W and 200W1 that are oriented at a sharper angle
with respect to base 200B of the suction cup than are the wall W of
suction cup S. This permits the walls of cup 200 to be more
flexible than the walls of cup S.
[0112] Mesh grid element 210 functions to preserve suction pressure
on the tissue even if the tissue is drawn into the suction cup.
Thus, mesh grid element 210 has a first portion that can be engaged
by the tissue, and a second portion that will remain open even when
the first portion is engaged by tissue. An example of such a mesh
grid element is shown in FIG. 15 as including a first portion 212
and a second portion 214 that are arranged orthogonally with
respect to each other. Thus, even if tissue engages portion 212,
that tissue will be spaced from portion 214 and a fluid passage
will remain open between the tissue and the source of suction
thereby maintaining suction force on the tissue. Other forms of the
mesh grid element can be envisioned by those skilled in the art
based on the teaching of this disclosure, and such other forms are
also intended to be encompassed by this disclosure.
[0113] As will be evident to those skilled in the art based on the
teaching of the present disclosure, this flexible rim multichamber
suction element with a mesh grid element will be used in those
elements of the heart manipulation system of the present invention
that engage the heart to apply force to the heart to move and
manipulate that heart during cardiac surgery.
[0114] A heart manipulation system 300 for use in cardiac surgery
is broadly shown in FIG. 8 as comprising a frame 302 that, as
indicated in FIG. 11, is located within the patient's thoracic
cavity during beating heart surgery and which includes means for
engaging the pericardial cavity of the patient for mounting said
frame on the patient to move with the patient if the patient is
moved or re-oriented during surgery.
[0115] Frame including a cross bar 303 that includes a multiplicity
of teeth 303T thereon for a purpose that will be understood from
the following disclosure. Frame 300 further includes means for
engaging the patient to support the frame in position in the
patient. A preferred form of this means includes two sternal
spacers 304 which set the depth of the frame inot the chest cavity
and keep the frame from twisting as the lungs inflate and which are
connected on cross bar 303 by a ratchet-like mechanism 305 that has
teeth which engage teeth 303T when the spacers are in the desired
location. The frame is expanded inside the pericardial cavity with
the cross bar. A handle 305H is operated to set the teeth of the
mechanism 305 to teeth 303T. The frame can be either C-shaped or
hoop shaped and can be secured to the patient or to an outside
stable support. Other anchor means can be used as will occur to
those skilled in the art based on the teaching of the present
disclosure, and these means are intended to be within the scope of
this disclosure as well.
[0116] As was the case in the parent disclosure, a source of
suction is located outside the patient and is used to attach
various elements to the patient's heart. Most often, a source of
vacum is from the operating room source which provides
approximately
[0117] 100 to
[0118] 180 mm of Hg vacuum. The source of suction is not shown
herein as those skilled in the art will understand where such
source is best located and what source is best suited to the
particular application based on the teaching of the present
disclosure.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 8, system 300 includes a suspension head
mechanism 312 movably mounted on frame 300 for lifting the heart.
Mechanism 312 includes a head 314 which engages the heart and which
is shown in FIG. 9 as being located near the apical region of the
right ventricle to prevent collapse of the right ventricle during
manipulation of the heart, as is also shown in FIG. 9, suspension
head 314 at least partially overlies the right ventricle.
Suspension head mechanism 312 includes a flexible means 316, such
as a spring, for connecting flexible head 314 to arm 318 and for
permitting multiplanar relative movement between the beating heart
and arm means 318 mounting suspension head 314 on frame means 300.
Suspension head 314 includes a suction cup such as disclosed above
in FIGS. 7A and 7B connected to the source of suction and which
includes a flexible rim engaging the myocardium of the heart and
being flexible in a plurality of planes so multiplanar movement of
the myocardium during operation of the heart will be accommodated
by the flexible rim whereby suction applied to the myocardium by
the suction cup will not be broken by separation of the myocardium
from the suction cup, As discussed above, the suction cup of head
314 includes means, such as the above-discussed mesh grid, for
preventing heart tissue from interfering with suction being applied
to the myocardium via head 314.
[0120] Arm 318 is flexible in one condition as discussed in the
parent disclosure, and is made rigid by manipulation of control and
anchor element 324. Anchor element 324 includes a base 326 which is
movably mounted on cross bar 302 and has internal teeth that engage
teeth 303T, and a lever system for locking the internal teeth of
element 324 to teeth 303T when desired. A further lever-operated
mechanism locks corresponding elements in arm 318 whereby arm 318
is rendered rigid. Arm 318 includes a flexible central line
extending from head 314, through flexible element 316 to anchor
element 324 and a plurality of relatively movable sections, such as
balls 326 interposed between links 328, on the central line. A
lever 330 is connected to the central line and when the lever is
operated, the elements 326 and 328 are forced together to render
the arm rigid. In this manner, the suspension head 314 can be
easily maneuvered on a flexible arm into the desired position and
then locked into that position by rendering arm 318 rigid. Flexible
means 316 permits multiplanar movement of suspension head 314 even
after arm 318 is made rigid whereby movement of a beating heart is
accommodated by suspension head mechanism 312. When suction is
applied to the heart via head 314 the heart will be suspended and
can be lifted into the desired position and orientation for cardiac
surgery without interrupting cardiac output. The combination of the
suction cup, the flexible/rigid arm, the flexible means and the
location of the head on the heart effect this result. Various forms
of head 314 can be used without departing from the scope of the
present invention, and a second form of the head is shown in FIG.
17 as head 314' and which includes a multiplicity of chambers. Any
of the suction cup forms shown in FIGS. 16A-22B can also be used
for head 314 if desired.
[0121] With the heart supported by suspension means 312, the
cardiac surgery can be completed if desired. As will be discussed
below, however, additional support can be provided. Cardiac surgery
was discussed above and in the parent disclosure, reference being
made thereto for such discussions. As was discussed, a surgery
target immobilizer is used to locally immobilize the heart while
permitting the non-engaged portions of the heart to continue to
operate so as to maintain cardiac output essentially unabated.
Shown in FIG. 23 is a surgery target immobilizer SI discussed in
the parent disclosure. Immobilizer SI includes two rigid sections,
such as section SIR, each of which includes a plurality of suction
cups 200 fluidically connected to a source of suction via a line L
to be attached to the heart with the surgical target immobilized
for surgery.
[0122] The system of the present invention improves this by
including a means 340 for locally engaging a selected section of
the heart and locally immobilizing the heart adjacent to a surgery
target so the heart is supported by the suspension head mechanism
and can receive further support from the surgery target
immobilizing means and can thus be free to operate during surgery
while it is also locally immobilized at the surgery target with
non-engaged sections of the heart free to move in a manner whereby
essentially unabated cardiac output is maintained while the heart
is locally immobilized. The surgery target immobilizing means 340
of the present invention includes a flexible section 342, such as
suction cup 200, on each rigid element SIR. The suction cups 200
attached to each rigid element function and operate as discussed
above and shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 are connected to the source of
suction and each includes a flexible rim engaging the myocardium of
the heart and being flexible in a plurality of planes so
multiplanar movement of the myocardium during operation of the
heart will be accommodated by the flexible rim of the
surgery-target immobilizing means whereby suction applied to the
myocardium by the suction cup of the surgery target immobilizing
means will not be broken by separation of the myocardium from the
suction cup of the surgery target immobilizing means. As was
discussed above, suction cups of the surgery target immobilizing
means each include means for preventing heart tissue from
interfering with suction being applied to the myocardium via said
suction cup of the surgery target immobilizing means.
[0123] As discussed above, in some circumstances, two point support
is preferred when performing cardiac surgery. Accordingly,
manipulation system 300 of the present invention provides a gross
support means 400 movably mounted on frame 300 for engaging the
heart to support the heart when the heart is oriented for surgery
and which is located at the base of the heart and which cradles the
myocardium of the left ventricle along the arterial ventricular
groove (AV). Gross support means 400 is shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 12,
13, and 14A-14C. As broadly shown in FIG. 8, gross support means
400 includes a head 402 that is engaged with the heart and which is
movably connected to frame 300 by an arm mechanism 403 similar to
arm 318 to be flexible and movable with respect to the heart and
with respect to frame 300 when desired, and then rendered rigid by
operation of a lever 404 of an anchor mechanism 406 that can be
located on cross bar 302 or on one of the sternum retractors 304.
Operation of the flexible arm 403 is identical to that of arm 318
and thus will not be again discussed.
[0124] Gross support means 400 supports the mitral valve annulus to
maintain competent mitral valve function and head 402 is placed
beneath an infolded section of myocardium. Gross support means 400
includes a handle 408 which is attached to head 402 and which
extends outside of the patient during surgery for adjusting the
location of gross support means head 402.
[0125] Head 402 is shown in FIGS. 12-14C as including a rigid
support section 406 connected to a flexible section 408 having
malleable rod means 410 received in bores 411 defined in head 402
for retaining a configuration that has been set for head 402 and
for connecting head 402 to the arm 403 for mounting gross support
means 400 on frame 302. Head 402 can include a plurality of
sections which are movable relative to each other and means for
maintaining those sections in a selected relative orientation. In
this manner, head 402 can be shaped to best support the heart and
can be adjusted to meet the needs of an individual heart. As head
314 is also adaptable to the size and shape of an individual heart,
the two-point support of system 300 can be adjusted and customized
to fit the exact needs of each individual heart. The flexible and
adjustable feature of head 402 is indicated in FIG. 13.
[0126] As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, head 402 includes means for
applying suction from the source of suction to the heart. As best
shown in FIG. 14A, this means includes a mesh grid means 210
attached to head 402 and spanning a first chamber 420 above a
suction applying manifold 422 that is fluidically connected to the
source of suction by suction line 208 for preventing heart tissue
from interfering with suction applied by suspension head 402 to the
heart. A frame 424 maintains mesh grid means 210 in place on head
402, and ribs, such as rib 426 and 428 can be used to maintain the
desired position of mesh grid element 210 with respect to suction
holes 208.
[0127] Using the system 300, a method of performing heart surgery
comprises steps of placing frame 300 in the patient, slightly
infolding the left atrium of a heart adjacent to the base of the
heart, engaging the heart under the edge of the myocardium at the
base of the heart with gross support means 400 then using handle
408 tilting and lifting the heart. The heart is engaged near the
apex of the heart with suspension head 314 to lift the heart. Such
engagement prevents right ventricle collapse. This provides two
point support if desired. However, as discussed above, the
suspension means alone may be sufficient in some cases to move the
heart as necessary. The method can further including a step of
using surgery target immobilizing means 340 shown in FIG. 24 to
apply suction to the heart adjacent to the selected surgical target
for engaging that selected section of the heart and immobilizing
that selected section as a surgery target while permitting
non-engaged sections of the heart to move and permitting
essentially unabated cardiac output to be maintained while the
heart is regionally immobilized.
[0128] Alternative forms of the frame 300 can be used without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure, just so the
frame is located to move with the patient. Thus, a frame 300' shown
in FIG. 26 can be used. Frame 302' essentially completely surrounds
the heart and includes elements 304' for engaging the patient to
support frame 302' in place, a handle 302H can be used to adjust
the location of frame 302'. Handle 302H includes a knob 302K which
operates a pinion system for engaging teeth 303T to adjust the size
of the frame circumference as indicated by arrow 302S in FIG.
26.
[0129] Yet another form of the manipulation system of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. System 300" includes a gross
support system 500 which extends around the heart near the base of
the heart and which can include a plurality of suspension heads
314" located at various locations on the heart, including near the
apical region and which are connected to flexible/rigid arm 502
which corresponds in structure to arms 318 and 403 discussed above
and which are mounted on the frame.
[0130] It is understood that while certain forms of the present
invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to
be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described
and shown.
* * * * *