Abstract: A rescue line apparatus is configured as a horizontal tether for being readily connected between a door and a portion of the door jamb or other entry location and extending a line as the user moves within the structure. The device allows the user to readily locate their way back for egressing the structure, and can be readily disengaged by the user, which activates a braking system that prevents unit “run-away”. A multi-attach anchor head couples the far end of the line to any desired structure, and has a beacon assembly which outputs a light pattern of sufficient brightness to be seen by the user when visually locating their attachment point within the structure. A multi-element visual indicator is configured for indicating line extension distance, and displaying tether line status. Many options promote safety and a fully cooperative environment.

Abstract: Methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. A stabilizing device may be 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 in a vicinity of a site of surgery to be performed, is effectively eliminated. A surgeon may contact the heart with the stabilizing means, assess the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exert a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site. The stabilizing means may be attached to a rigid support or may be attached to a semi-rigid support which is rendered motionless mechanically, chemically, or by human intervention.