Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-sized prosthetic chordae assembly includes a male attachment unit and a female securing member. The male attachment unit includes a plurality of pre-sized prosthetic chordae fixedly connected to at least one male attachment member and a papillary muscle penetration member that is connected to and extends substantially axial to the at least one male attachment member. The female securing member is for receiving the papillary penetration member.

Abstract: A beverage stirring device comprising: a frame for supporting the beverage stirring device relative to a work surface, the frame comprising a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the work surface; a motor comprising a housing and a drive shaft rotatable relative to the housing, the drive shaft being substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the frame; a weight eccentrically mounted to the drive shaft; at least one spring for movably mounting the housing of the motor to the frame; and a container-receiving surface connected to the housing of the motor for receiving a beverage container, the container-receiving surface extending substantially parallel to the work surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame, whereby operation of the motor imparts a gyrating motion to a beverage container seated on the container-receiving surface, so as to stir a beverage contained in the beverage container.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a shuttle member that is magnetically coupled to a guide wire within a guide tube, through the guide-tube wall, so that translation of the shuttle member induces a corresponding translation of the guide wire within the guide tube, without penetrating or compromising the guide-tube wall. In this manner, when the guide tube is coupled to a medical tube where obstructions have formed, the guide wire and clearance member may be inserted into and withdrawn from the medical tube, via actuation of the shuttle member, to engage and help clear such obstructions from the medical tube without compromising the sterile field. Methods of clearing a medical tube of obstructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic chordae assembly includes a plurality of equally-sized, interconnected loop members formed from a single strand of a biocompatible material. Each of the loop members includes first and second ends respectively defining a first arcuate junction and a second arcuate junction. The prosthetic chordae assembly is adjustable to a pre-determined length by removing one of the loop members.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing the native chordae of a heart valve having at least two leaflets includes a prosthetic chordae assembly configured to extend from a papillary muscle to one of the at least two valve leaflets of the heart valve. The prosthetic chordae assembly has first and second end portions, and a middle portion extending therebetween. The prosthetic chordae assembly further includes a plurality of loop members interconnected at the first end portion for suturing to the papillary muscle. The middle portion is formed by two generally parallel strands of each of the loop members, and the second end portion is formed by an arcuate junction of the two strands of each of the loop members. The arcuate junctions are spaced apart and each of the junctions provides an independent location for attaching to one of the at least two valve leaflets of the heart valve.

Abstract: A first surgical retractor (302) according to the invention includes a handle (308) that defines an axis (320) and has first and second ends. A retractor blade (306) is secured to the second end of the handle. The blade is of a size and shape to engage the mitral valve of a heart so as to be able to retract the mitral valve and adjacent tissues. A second retractor (304) according to the invention has a relatively narrow, elongate blade (352) that can extend deep into the heart to engage the heart in the region of the atrial appendage so as to be able to retract the atrium and expose the pulmonary veins. The retractors are especially adapted to perform an atrial fibrillation surgical procedure.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for clearing surgical drains of solid and semi-solid material that collects in and obstructs the drains. The catheter has a solids removal member at its distal end. Preferably, the solids removal member is an inflatable balloon, a deployable umbrella member, a deployable spring, a slicer, or a fixed spring. The solids removal member is effective to aid removal of collected solids from the surgical drain. An aspiration port is also provided at the distal end of the catheter to remove or aspirate collected solids that are dislodged from the surgical drain by the solids removal member. A method for using such a catheter is also provided.