Abstract: Cannulas for apical cannulation and methods of making and using the same are provided. The cannula includes a first elongated body defining a primary lumen, a second elongated body defining a first secondary lumen, a third elongated body defining a second secondary lumen, and a fourth elongated body defining a third secondary lumen. The primary lumen is configured to allow blood to flow therethrough. The first secondary lumen is configured to inflate an inflatable body, which is configured to engage an aortal wall proximate the aortic valve of the patient's heart to define a treatment space. The second secondary lumen is configured to selectively remove blood from the treatment space or introduce a cardioplegic solution into the treatment space. The third secondary lumen is configured to administer active decompression of the left ventricle of the patient's heart via suction.

Abstract: An aortic root prosthesis for being implanted into a patient during a valve sparing surgery as a replacement for a biological aortic root segment of an ascending aorta is disclosed. The aortic root prosthesis includes a hollow, annular tube having proximal and distal ends, and an inner and outer wall. The distal end is for being attached to the ascending aorta. A plurality of sinuses are circumferentially connected to the proximal end of the tube. Each of the sinuses is adapted for being attached to the aortic wall. Each of the sinuses also includes contouring means for imparting a convex contour to an outer wall of the sinus to thereby create a space between the open leaflet and its respective sinus to prevent impact between the leaflet of the valve and the inner wall of the sinus.

Abstract: A ring-handled bypass clamp provide a spoon-shaped blade insertable through a temporary incision in the ascending aorta and a cooperating ring positionable on the exterior of the aorta opposite to the blade. An aortotomy is performed on the portion of the aorta wall inside the ring to provide an annular portion of the wall to which a graft is sutured.

Abstract: An ascending aortic prothesis has a root wall portion with annularly spaced bulges simulating the sinuses of Valsalva to provide a more natural functioning of the aortic valve following surgery to implant such prothesis in comparison to conventional aortic protheses which are of uniform tubular diameter.

Abstract: A medical appliance worn about a patient's lower leg for treating venous insufficiency of the leg includes foot and leg portions having a hollow interior area extending therebetween for inflation into conformity with the patient's leg. When the patient is at rest, internal air pressure causes the stocking to function as an elastic stocking, but when the patient stands and walks, the force placed on the foot forces inflating air from the foot portion into the leg portion to increase the compressive action in the nature of a compression boot.

Abstract: A self-contained two-way suction device for use in surgical operations provides a suction nozzle and a two-way valve selectively determining communication between the nozzle and two parallel exhaust tubes for selectively providing return suction of shed blood to a heart-lung machine or other blood saver device and discard suction of saline solution or the like to a discharge location or cell washing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a pulsatile heart-lung bypass pump, intra-aortic balloon pump or the like on a patient whose heart is externally paced by a pacemaker of the type having a surface with an optical indicating device which emits optical signals corresponding to pacer signals generated by the pacemaker. The method comprises the steps of optically sensing the optical signals, converting the optical signals sensed into electrical signals phased with the pacer signals generated by the pacemaker, and activating the pump in response to the electrical signals for operation of the pump in phase with the pacer signals.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac pacing lead is provided with a multiple stranded flexible wire conductor having an insulating coating extending over a major portion of the length of the wire except for an uninsulated terminal forming portion at each end of the wire conductor. A curved needle is attached to one end of the wire conductor and a straight needle is attached to the other end of the wire conductor. The curved needle is passed through the surface of the wall of the heart and is then drawn back out through the surface of the wall so that a portion of one uninsulated terminal forming portion is embedded in the wall and a portion thereof extends out of the wall of the heart. The needle is then passed through a disk-shaped silastic button. The button is moved frictionally on the wire conductor into contact with the surface of the wall of the heart and the portion of the terminal forming portion extending out of the wall is then severed at a position intermediate the needle and the button.