Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.

Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula in inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.

Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.

Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.

Abstract: An obturator for a cannula includes an elongate member and a flexible disc. The cannula has proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the cannula has a circular cross-section. The cannula also includes a first portion having a non-circular cross-section and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end. The flexible disc of the obturator is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, both of which are adapted to be telescopically received in the lumen of the cannula. The flexible disc is configured to restrict the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen.

Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.

Abstract: An obturator for a cannula includes an elongate member and a flexible disc. The cannula has proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the cannula has a circular cross-section. The cannula also includes a first portion having a non-circular cross-section and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end. The flexible disc of the obturator is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, both of which are adapted to be telescopically received in the lumen of the cannula. The flexible disc is configured to restrict the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen.

Abstract: An obturator for a cannula includes an elongate member and a flexible disc. The cannula has proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the cannula has a circular cross-section. The cannula also includes a first portion having a non-circular cross-section and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end. The flexible disc of the obturator is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, both of which are adapted to be telescopically received in the lumen of the cannula. The flexible disc is configured to restrict the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen.

Abstract: A cannula comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein at least a portion of the cannula body is non-circular in cross section, preferably oval. A cannula wherein a portion of the cannula body is oval in cross section is ideally suited in surgical procedures wherein the cannula extends through a percutaneous aperture. The oval portion of the cannula body utilizes the space of the percutaneous aperture efficiently, thereby minimizing the necessary size of the access aperture.

Abstract: A cannula comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein at least a portion of the cannula body is non-circular in cross section, preferably oval. A cannula wherein a portion of the cannula body is oval in cross section is ideally suited in surgical procedures wherein the cannula extends through a percutaneous aperture. The oval portion of the cannula body utilizes the space of the percutaneous aperture efficiently, thereby minimizing the necessary size of the access aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for administering cardioplegic solution to a heart during open heart surgery. A source of solution is delivered to a control switch from a single tube source and the tube is divided at a "Y" connector into two tubes, one for antegrade delivery and one for retrograde delivery. The control switch has a prime position with both divided tubes open. Movement from prime position to an operative position is irreversible. In the operative position, there is an "off" position with both tubes closed, an antegrade position with the antegrade tube open and the retrograde tube closed, and a retrograde position with the retrograde tube open and the antegrade tube closed. Movement from one position to the other requires movement through the "off" position so there can be no cross-flow from antegrade to retrograde. Pressure monitoring tubes are incorporated into the switch to be opened and closed with the respective tubes.

Abstract: A combined percutaneous needle, stylet and needle guard. The guard has a friction fit with the distal end of the needle and stylet to retain the guard. When in use, the guard is transferred to the hub end of the needle to interfit with a proximal end of the needle and serve as a guide for a guidewire to be projected through the needle.