Abstract: 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. The tissue stabilizer may have a stabilizer foot allowing for additional members to be connected to the stabilizer foot at discreet locations. The support member and the additional members may be attachable to a retractor. The support member and the additional members may be operably associated with attachments or mounts which provide additional degrees of freedom at a connection to the retractor.

Abstract: 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.