Patents Examined by Kelly Riskin O'Hara
  • Method of using vagal nerve stimulation in surgery
    Patent number: 5651378
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for facilitating coronary surgery on the beating heart wherein the vagal nerve is electrically stimulated to temporarily stop or substantially reduce the beating of the heart. Such temporary stoppage or substantial reduction of the beating of the heart facilitates procedures such as suturing of an anastomosis which would otherwise be more difficult because of the motion induced by the beating heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Matheny, Charles S. Taylor