Abstract: A method of surgical dissection of tissue with a dissector comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a plurality of segments that articulate with respect to one another and the plurality of segments includes a distal segment having a distal end; and a handle attached to the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein the handle comprises controls for articulating the plurality of segments of the distal portion of the shaft with respect to one another, comprising the steps of: positioning the distal end of the dissector in a body; advancing the distal end through the body to dissect tissue; and simultaneously articulating the plurality of segments with respect to one another. A method of surgical dissection of tissue and guiding a second device to a desired physiological location with a first device.

Abstract: A method of surgical dissection of tissue with a dissector comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a plurality of segments that articulate with respect to one another and the plurality of segments includes a distal segment having a distal end; and a handle attached to the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein the handle comprises controls for articulating the plurality of segments of the distal portion of the shaft with respect to one another, comprising the steps of: positioning the distal end of the dissector in a body; advancing the distal end through the body to dissect tissue; and simultaneously articulating the plurality of segments with respect to one another. A method of surgical dissection of tissue and guiding a second device to a desired physiological location with a first device.

Abstract: A method of surgical dissection of tissue with a dissector comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a plurality of segments that articulate with respect to one another and the plurality of segments includes a distal segment having a distal end; and a handle attached to the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein the handle comprises controls for articulating the plurality of segments of the distal portion of the shaft with respect to one another, comprising the steps of: positioning the distal end of the dissector in a body; advancing the distal end through the body to dissect tissue; and simultaneously articulating the plurality of segments with respect to one another. A method of surgical dissection of tissue and guiding a second device to a desired physiological location with a first device.

Abstract: An apparatus for oxygenating blood including a housing and an oxygenator bundle. The housing defines a primary chamber, a blood inlet port open to the primary chamber, and a blood outlet region. The outlet region includes a blood outlet port, an outlet chamber open to the outlet port, and a partition. The partition establishes spaced apart, first and second passageways from the primary chamber to the outlet chamber. The oxygenator bundle is disposed within the primary chamber. A blood flow path is formed from the blood inlet port, through the oxygenator bundle and to the blood outlet port, and includes first and second outlet flow paths within the outlet chamber via the first and second passageways, respectively. The first and second outlet blood flow paths merge at the blood outlet port. A dual port blood outlet is created, increasing mixing of blood immediately upstream of the outlet port.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system for occluding a left atrial appendage of a patient. Some embodiments of the system can include a ring occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage and a ring applicator to position the ring occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage. One embodiment discloses a method of accessing endocardial surfaces of the heart through the atrial appendage. Additional embodiments of the invention provide a clip occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage. A clip applicator can position the clip occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A method of surgical dissection of tissue with a dissector comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a plurality of segments that articulate with respect to one another and the plurality of segments includes a distal segment having a distal end; and a handle attached to the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein the handle comprises controls for articulating the plurality of segments of the distal portion of the shaft with respect to one another, comprising the steps of: positioning the distal end of the dissector in a body; advancing the distal end through the body to dissect tissue; and simultaneously articulating the plurality of segments with respect to one another. A method of surgical dissection of tissue and guiding a second device to a desired physiological location with a first device.

Abstract: A device for dissecting tissue and/or guidance of a second device to a desired physiological location, the device comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a plurality of segments that articulate with respect to one another; and a handle attached to the proximal portion of the shaft, wherein the handle comprises controls for articulating the plurality of segments of the distal portion of the shaft with respect to one another. A system for dissecting tissue and/or guiding a medical device to a desired physiological location.