Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, using a shaper, having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle, wherein the shaper is adapted to be temporarily placed into the enlarged left ventricle during a surgical procedure. Another aspect of one embodiment comprises a ventricular patch adapted for placement into the left ventricle of a heart made from a sheet of biocompatible material, and having a plurality of markings coupled to the sheet, wherein the markings are configured in distinct patterns for post operatively evaluating movement of the patch. In another aspect of one embodiment, a device is presented, comprising of a handle and a sizing template adapted to be coupled to the handle. Such components are also presented as a kit for use during ventricular restoration surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for isolating a cardiac surgical site. The device includes a first finger having a clinging accessory for attaching the first finger to a heart, a second finger having a clinging accessory for attaching the second finger to the heart, a first joint disposed on the first finger so that the first finger may rotate on a surface of the heart such that the rotation stretches a surgical site, a first stopper disposed on the first finger for preventing undesired rotation of the first finger to isolate the surgical site, and a link for coupling the first finger to the second finger. Also disclosed is a method of isolating a cardiac surgical site. The method includes the steps of disposing a first finger on a heart, clinging the first finger to the heart surface, disposing a second finger on a heart, clinging the second finger to the heart surface, and then rotating the first finger for achieving selective isolation of the heart surface.

Abstract: A catheter system and method of performing posterior epicardial revascularization and intracardiac surgery on a beating heart. Several catheter systems are provided to achieve a left ventricular isolation and a right ventricular isolation as required to facilitate surgery according to the methods of the present invention. Myocardial infusion is provided in either antegrade or retrograde flow to insure the myocardium meets its oxygen demand.

Abstract: A surgical visualization and moisturizing device providing improved visualization and moisturizing of a surgical site such as an anastomosis. The device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of small flexible lumens extending through and terminating distal of a gas flow port to thoroughly mix and moisture the gas flow with a saline solution. Each of the plurality of flexible lumens, preferably forming a ribbon, are separated from one another slightly at the distal tip to permit vibration due to the gas flow exiting about and past each of the saline lumens. This spacing further facilitates uniform moisturizing of the gas flow. The distal ends of the saline lumens extend beyond the tip of the device such that the pressure of the gas flow approaches atmospheric pressure, whereby gas flow will not go against the head pressure of the saline bag. This eliminates the need for a pressure cuff on the saline bag.

Abstract: A venous return catheter suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit having a helical support member supporting the catheter about venting openings. A two-stage catheter is provided with a plurality of proximal openings at the midsection thereof with a substantially rigid helical support member being defined thereabout to prevent collapse or kinking of the catheter about the proximal openings when bent or twisted. The catheter has a proximal helical support member and a distal helical support member reinforcing the catheter body therealong. The spacing of the substantially rigid helical support member about the proximal openings is sufficient to permit large proximal openings. The cross section diameter of the substantially rigid helical support member is greater than the cross section diameter of the proximal and distal support members. The three helical support members are continuous with one another to support the length of the catheter body.

Abstract: An integral aortic arch infusion clamp catheter (10, 90) suited to occlude the ascending aorta, infuse blood, and deliver cardioplegia solution on opposing sides of an inflated balloon (56). The catheter has a unique balloon (102) filled with a modular resilient material to permit further expansion and adaptation to irregular surfaces and diameters of body passageways. The inflatable balloon (56) is provided closely proximate the distal end (54) of catheter (10, 90). In a first embodiment, the catheter (10) has three lumens (60,70 and 80), one lumen (60) for inflating balloon (56), a second larger lumen (70) which is large enough to infuse blood out distal opening (72), and a third lumen (80) for delivering cardioplegia solution to proximal openings (82) adjacent balloon (56). In a catheter (90) according to a second embodiment, the third lumen (80) is significantly larger than the first lumen (60) and second lumen (70) such that the lumen can be oriented downwardly in the ascending aorta.

Abstract: An improved method of using a single catheter to infuse blood to the heart, clamping the aorta and delivering a cardioplegia solution. Patient trauma is significantly reduced using a single cannulation. A single catheter (10, 90, 92) is used having a unique balloon (56, 93, 102) for occluding the aorta. In a first embodiment, a single catheter (10) is positioned upwardly in the aorta to infuse oxygenated blood into the ascending aorta via an infusion lumen (72) terminating at the distal end (54), with cardioplegia solution being delivered via openings (82) defined closely adjacent the balloon (56) on the proximal side of the balloon. The inflated balloon (56) isolates the two delivery openings (72,82) from one another to facilitate use of an extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: A catheter and method of use adapted to intermittently deliver fluids to and drain fluids from a body vessel having an interior lumen occluding balloon. The selective inflation and deflation of the inner balloon controls the occlusion or communication of an inner lumen. The inner occluding balloon is defined between the distal end of the catheter and a proximal lumen opening allowing for the selective isolation of the proximal openings from the catheter distal end. The catheter of the present invention and several methods of use thereof are ideally suited for aortic perfusion and providing myocardial infusion in antegrade fashion using a single lumen. The catheter is further provided with a double lobed outer balloon for selectively occluding the body vessel, such as the aorta, and to provide a bloodless region to complete the proximal end of an anastomosis while perfusing the myocardium to restart the heart.

Abstract: A venous return catheter (30, 56, 60, 70) and method of use therefor having a semi-rigid support member (32) extending within a lumen (42) to prevent kinking thereof during insertion and use. The tubular walls of the catheter body (40,72) are sufficiently thin and flexible to provide maneuverability and allow clamping of the lumen (42) during use, but which outer diameter is sufficiently small and thus requires a smaller and less traumatic incision in the right atrium. The catheter is provided with a plurality of openings (34) along a length proximate the distal end of the catheter, and may have a second set of openings (74) in a two-stage catheter (70). The semi-rigid support member (32) is fixedly or selectively secured at a central location of the distal tip 44 free of the openings (34), but is free at the proximal end of the catheter to provide maneuverability. The semi-rigid support member may have a plurality of radially extending support members (57) to provide additional support.