Abstract: A press for removing supernatant from a flexible vessel includes cooperating press members having an open position to insert the vessel between them, and a closed position to compress the vessel between them. At least one of the press members has a compliant pad on its press surface. The compliant pad compensates for variable thickness of the vessel when it is compressed. The press is constructed to compress a first or lower portion of the vessel less than a second or upper portion of the vessel. Preferably, the press additionally includes a barrier structure that creates a barrier between the lower portion of the vessel and the upper portion of the vessel when the vessel is compressed. The press can also include a vessel holder having a structure for adjusting the position of the vessel within the press.

Abstract: A tissue dissociation device (10) includes a container (12) having a sterile interior for holding the tissue to be dissociated and a liquid medium. The device (10) also includes a dissociation element (54), inside the container (12), for engaging the tissue to cause dissociation of the tissue. The device (10) also includes a resistive element (81), inside the container (12), for resisting movement of the tissue in response to the engagement by the dissociation element (54). Relative motion between and the resulting resistance provided by the resistive element (81) allows the dissociation element (54) to effectively dissociate the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a heart includes a housing member having a plurality of elongate channels defined therein and is movable between a first collapsed position and a second expanded position. A tissue attachment member is positioned in each channel. In one aspect, the apparatus is adapted for performing an anastomosis and includes a housing member having a plurality of elongate channels defined therein and which is movable between a fist collapsed position and a second expanded position. A surgical clip is positioned in each channel. A clip deployment mechanism projects the clips from their respective housings and a registration member approximates and aligns the first and second tubular structures. In a further aspect, helical barbs are movably affixed within sleeves formed on a sheetg of biocompatible material adapted for placement within a heart ventricle. Methods for treating a heart and reducing the volume of a heart ventricle are also provided.