Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices and methods for making a small incision with a surgical scalpel through skin overlying an intercostal space to establish an access tract for the subsequent placement of minimally invasive direct cardiac massagers, chest tubes, defibrillation electrodes, and the like. A sheathed scalpel according to the present invention comprises a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting blade attached to the distal end of the handle and having a cutting edge and a tip, and a sheath attached to the handle and having a central passage configured to receive the blade. The sheath covers the blade when the blade is retracted within the central passage and exposes the cutting edge of the blade but not the tip when the blade is advanced within the central passage.

Abstract: Medical devices capable of exhibiting stress-induced martensite, but which do not exhibit stress-induced martensite during deployment or removal. The medical devices are sized and proportioned such that deformation of the device during deployment or removal is elastic, thus avoiding stress-induced martensite during deployment and removal. The use of stress-induced martensite materials decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices. The SIM materials also allow the medical devices, while in use inside the body, to repeatedly deform and revert to their original shape at constant force without metal fatigue.

Abstract: Patients on immobilization backboards may be elevated by selective attachment to a separate stand. The stand may be attached to the foot end of the backboard to raise the patient's feet. The stand may be attached to the head end of the backboard to raise a patient's head. The stands are collapsible for convenient storage. Optionally, straps or other mechanisms are provided for selectively attaching a patient's ankle or arms to the backboard while the patient is elevated.

Abstract: A cardiac electrode deployment device comprises a support and an electrode structure deployable from the support. The electrode structure includes a planar region and a conformable, raised center region, wherein the electrode surfaces on the planar region and on the center region are electrically isolated from each other. The electrode structure is configured to engage against an outer surface of the heart, such as the pericardium, in order to provide electrical contact with the heart for EKG monitoring of the heart, delivery of pacing energy, and/or other low power applications. Usually, the electrode structure will also be suitable for performing direct cardiac massage.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices and methods for establishing intercostal access for subsequent placement of minimally invasive direct cardiac massagers, chest tubes, defibrillation electrodes, and the like. In particular, the present invention provides devices and methods which facilitate rapid, safe, and sterile intercostal dissection for the subsequent deployment of minimally invasive direct cardiac massagers. An intercostal device according to the present invention comprises a support having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting tip coupled to the distal end of the support, and rib engaging means coupled to the support or cutting tip. The cutting tip is adapted to penetrate percutaneously through intercostal tissue between adjacent ribs to a thoracic cavity over a heart. Means coupled to the support or cutting tip penetrate or dilate tissue, engage at least one rib, and stop advancement of the cutting tip into the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A device for performing minimally invasive closed chest heart massage comprises a support having a plurality of curved, deployable struts, optionally carrying a sheet or inflatable bladder for engaging the pericardium. The struts are delivered to the space between the pericardium and the posterior rib cage in a radially collapsed configuration and deployed radially outwardly with minimum advancement in the axial direction.

Abstract: A device for performing minimally invasive closed chest heart massage comprises a support having a plurality of curved, deployable struts, optionally carrying a sheet or inflatable bladder for engaging the pericardium. The struts are delivered to the space between the pericardium and the posterior rib cage in a radially collapsed configuration and deployed radially outwardly with minimum advancement in the axial direction.

Abstract: A device for performing minimally invasive closed chest heart massage comprises a support having a plurality of curved, deployable struts, optionally carrying a sheet or inflatable bladder for engaging the pericardium. The struts are delivered to the space between the pericardium and the posterior rib cage in a radially collapsed configuration and deployed radially outwardly with minimum advancement in the axial direction.