Abstract: A method for accessing a mitral valve that includes forming an incision and inserting a first catheter comprising a lumen. The first catheter is adapted to be directed towards a left atrium and the first catheter has a working length of approximately 15 cm to approximately 52 cm. The method further includes utilizing a trocar in the first catheter to penetrate a pericardium and utilizing the trocar to penetrate the left atrium. The method further includes accessing the mitral valve from an antegrade direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theater equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post incorporating a jack, and a lifting arm pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence program, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theatre equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame (12) attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post (18) incorporating a jack (54), and a lifting arm (17) pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing (57) to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports (71, 72, 73) and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence program, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an operating theatre equipped with a surgical table, comprises a lifting frame attachable to the surgical table and adapted for lifting a body part of a subject undergoing a surgical procedure upon the surgical table, and comprising an upright support post incorporating a jack, and a lifting arm pivotally mounted upon the post, whereby the arm can be turned about the upright support post on thrust bearing to either overhang the surgical table, or be pivoted away to permit access to the surgical table. The arm is adapted to support a retractor that comprises a blade portion incorporating a plurality of independent lighting devices positioned in light ports and configured to provide discrete illumination selectively to zones within the surgical field according to (a) a predetermined sequence programme, or (b) a sequence determined by a user of the retractor.