Patents Assigned to CardioThoracic System
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Patent number: 6648898Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying ligating clips to perform minimally invasive vascular ligation. An actuating assembly contacts a clip applier to actuate the clip applier among at least a first position, a second position and a third position. The clip applier is capable of receiving a first ligating clip when the clip applier is in the first position and a second ligating clip when the clip applier is in the second position. The actuating assembly actuates the clip applier to the third position to close the ligating clip being held by the clip applier.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Wayne Baxter
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Patent number: 6644319Abstract: The invention comprises a method for performing a coronary artery bypass graft on a beating heart under thoracoscopic visualization without opening the chest wall. At least one small opening is formed in the patient's chest, a target artery for an arterial blood supply is located, instruments are introduced through one or more small openings formed in the patient's chest to prepare the target artery for fluid connection to the coronary artery, and instruments are introduced through one or more small openings formed in the patient's chest to connect the target artery to the coronary artery distal from a stenosis. In a preferred embodiment, a minimal left anterior intercostal thoracotomy provides access to form an anastomosis between the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and the left anterior descending artery (LAD) while thoracoscopic viewing facilitates harvesting the LIMA.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Federico J. Benetti
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Patent number: 6626830Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for accessing and stabilizing an unstable or moving tissue structure within a patient's body, and in particular, for temporarily stabilizing a target site on the beating heart. The devices generally involve tissue stabilizers having at least one multiple link support member operably connecting a stabilizer foot to a retractor. To minimize motion at the stabilizer foot and improve overall stabilization of the target site, the tissue stabilizer may involve the a stabilizer foot having multiple support members connected to the stabilizer foot at discreet locations. To improve the ability of an instrument support member to be easily articulated through an access incision to position the stabilizer foot as desired, the instrument support member may be operable associated with an attachment or mount which provides additional degrees of freedom at the connection to the retractor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Antonio Califiore, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II
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Patent number: 6602189Abstract: An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is preferably pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Federico J. Bennetti, Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Ivan Sepetka, Robert G. Matheny, Eugene E. Reis, Brent Regan, Richard M. Ferrari
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Patent number: 6599313Abstract: Minimally invasive techniques utilized in bypass grafting are disclosed. For instance, a method of implanting an end portion of a graft in the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure includes the steps of (i) advancing a medical instrument within a circulatory system of said body, (ii) guiding a distal end of said medical instrument out of said circulatory system through an opening defined in said circulatory system after said medical instrument advancing step, (iii) advancing said end portion of said graft within said medical instrument after said guiding step, and (iv) securing said end portion of said graft to a blood vessel of said circulatory system after said end portion advancing step.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Maginot
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Patent number: 6547821Abstract: Methods and devices for passively assisting the cardiac function of the heart are disclosed. A method of increasing the cardiac output of a heart includes providing a site of surgical access to the portion of the heart to be restrained, reducing the cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained, and maintaining the reduction of cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained for a substantial amount of time. Cardiac assist devices for increasing the cardiac output of the heart are disclosed comprising a reinforcing portion configured to contact a portion of the heart tissue wherein the reinforcing portion restricts the expansion of the portion of the heart tissue. The reinforcing portion can be a number of structures, including pads, frames, straps, and other retaining means for limiting cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart tissue to be restrained.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Michael V. Morejohn
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Patent number: 6511416Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for stabilizing tissue within a patient's body during a surgical operation to provide a relatively motionless surgical field. The devices involve tissue stabilizers which provide superior engagement with a tissue structure to be stabilized, for example the beating heart. The tissue stabilizer may have one or more stabilizer feet which provide for adjustment of the orientation of the features which engage the surface of the tissue structure. In one instance, the orientation may be adjusted to ensure the engaging features will be properly aligned with the surface of the tissue structure before engagement. In addition, once engaged with or connected to the tissue structure the orientation may be adjusted to yield an optimum surgical presentation of a portion of the tissue structure, for instance a coronary artery or the like. The tissue stabilizer may be configured to use friction, negative pressure, or both to engage the surface of the heart.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Harry Leonard Green, II, Joshua K. Wallin
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Publication number: 20020169360Abstract: Methods and devices for passively assisting the cardiac function of the heart are disclosed. A method of increasing the cardiac output of a heart includes providing a site of surgical access to the portion of the heart to be restrained, reducing the cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained, and maintaining the reduction of cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained for a substantial amount of time. Cardiac assist devices for increasing the cardiac output of the heart are disclosed comprising a reinforcing portion configured to contact a portion of the heart tissue wherein the reinforcing portion restricts the expansion of the portion of the heart tissue. The reinforcing portion can be a number of structures, including pads, frames, straps, and other retaining means for limiting cardiac expansion of the portion of the heart tissue to be restrained.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc., a California CorporationInventors: Charles S. Taylor, Michael V. Morejohn
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Patent number: 6478734Abstract: An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, so increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Dwight P. Morejohn
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Patent number: 6453906Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to aid in performing a procedure of detaching an internal mammary artery (IMA) and the like, from the connecting tissues and side branch vessels which surround the artery in its native location, wherein the detaching procedure is preliminary to the performing of a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure and wherein the IMA is detached via a minimally invasive thoracotomy. To this end, an elongated slender rod includes a handle at its proximal end and an artery engaging loop, arc, fork configuration, or hook at its distal working end. Embodiments may incorporate electrosurgical capability or electrical insulation. A surgeon thus has means for harvesting an intact and undamaged graft vessel from its native location through a minimally invasive incision with enhanced speed, visibility, and freedom of motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Hani Shennib, Michael V. Morejohn
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Patent number: 6428468Abstract: A device and method for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure such as a blood vessel from the body of a human or animal. The device includes a body portion having distal and proximal ends with at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the body portion. The lumen is sized to accommodate the vessel and at least one tool used in removing the vessel. Means is provided for isolating the vessel from the tools used in the removal procedure.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: David R. Knighton, Vance D. Fiegel
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Patent number: 6401721Abstract: A method for implanting an end portion of a graft within the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure is disclosed. The body has a circulatory system which includes a femoral artery and an aorta. The method includes the steps of (i) making an incision in the body of the patient so as to expose the femoral artery and an inguinal ligament, (ii) advancing an endoscope between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament until a distal end of the endoscope is positioned at a working site within the body, (iii) advancing the end portion of the graft between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament to the working site, wherein said end portion advancing step includes the step of advancing the end portion of the graft through the endoscope, and (iv) forming an anastomosis between the end portion of the graft and the aorta at the working site.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Maginot
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Patent number: 6394951Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing device, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing device such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Dwight P. Morejohn, Benjamin Sherman, Gary B. Weller, William Friederich Witt, Caralin R. Adair
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Patent number: 6387108Abstract: The invention is surgical instruments which facilitate substantially linear incisions, especially through the wall of vessels, such as arteries, which have been specifically designed for coronary artery bypass graft procedures (CABG) on the beating heart. The instruments of the invention are particularly useful to create the incision in the artery to which the bypass graft is sewed, typically the left anterior descending artery (LAD). The instruments of the invention allow incisions to be rapidly made, precisely measured, and cleanly formed so that a bypass graft can be rapidly sewn in place. In one embodiment, the invention is comprised of a hand-held instrument with a curved cutting edge formed on the interior edge of a curved or arcuitous segment located near the end of the instrument. The tip of the instrument has a point of penetrating the vessel wall. The point may have several alternate shapes to facilitate penetration of the vessel wall while maximizing the trauma to the surrounding tissue.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, John J. Frantzen, Ivan Sepetka
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Patent number: 6381499Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating coronary surgery on the beating heart wherein the vagus nerve is electrically stimulated to purposely temporarily stop or substantially reduce the beating of the heart under precisely controlled conditions. The apparatus controllably applies electrical stimulus to pre-selected locations along the vagus nerve and to pre-selected nerve branches related to the heart. The apparatus includes several clip and probe configurations for establishing electrical contact with the vagus nerve. Such purposely caused 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, Robert G. Matheny, Dwight P. Morejohn
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Patent number: 6355030Abstract: The present invention is methods and devices for improving valve function in a heart. Particularly a device of the present invention comprises a an elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end, a thermal heating member fixed to the distal end of the elongate member, wherein the thermal heating member includes at least one thermal heating element adapted to supply thermal energy to a heart valve structure, and an energy source in communication with the thermal heating element. In use, a thermal heating device of the present invention is inserted into working space proximate the valve to be treated and is used to selectively contract the collagen fibers of the valve structure treated so as to improve the performance and functioning of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: William N. Aldrich, Michael V. Morejohn, Richard A. Helkowski, Ivan Sepetka
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Patent number: 6346077Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Taylor, William N. Aldrich, Thomas L. Baughman, Federico J. Benetti, Brian J. Bennett, Michael J. Billig, Thomas J. Fogarty, John J. Frantzen, Richard S. Ginn, Robert C. Glines, Harry L. Green, Dwight P. Morejohn, Brent Regan, Eugene E. Reis, Amr Salahieh, Ivan Sepetka, Benjamin Sherman, Christian Skieller, Valavanur A. Subramanian, Gary B. Weller, William F. Witt
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Patent number: 6332468Abstract: Methods for performing a coronary artery bypass graft on a beating heart. Thoracoscopic visualization is used to view at least one of the steps of the procedure that include locating a target artery for an arterial blood supply; introducing instruments through one or more small openings in the patient's chest to prepare the target artery, and introducing instruments through one or more small openings in the patient's chest to connect the target artery with the coronary artery. At least one small opening is formed in the patient's chest, a target artery for an arterial blood supply is located instruments are introduced through one or more small openings formed in the patient's chest to prepare the target artery for fluid connection to the coronary artery, and instruments are introduced through one or more small openings formed in the patient chest to connect the target artery to the coronary artery distal from a stenosis.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Frederico J. Benetti
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Patent number: 6331158Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allow various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence W. Hu, David J. Paul, Eugene Edward Reis, Harry Leonard Green, II
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Patent number: 6319265Abstract: A surgical dissecting retractor for harvesting vascular conduits or vessels such as saphenous veins and the like is disclosed which dissects tissue and top and/or side branches from the vessel as it is advanced along a desired segment of the vessel via an entry incision in a patient's skin. The dissecting retractor is inserted while in a closed or “low profile” position to minimize trauma to the vessel and patient. Once installed above the vessel, the retractor is opened and locked to present a relatively “high profile”, thereby creating and maintaining an enlarged working space or tunnel in the region between the skin and the vessel being harvested. Completion of the vessel harvesting procedure proceeds with suitable surgical instruments for dissecting, ligating, cauterizing and/or clipping, with or without visualizing devices which comprise further adjunct features of the retractors in accordance with the invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: CardioThoracic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard S. Ginn