Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directionally dissecting and harvesting a vessel includes a dissector device that is at least temporarily secured to a harvester device.

Abstract: A multi-function minimally invasive vessel clipping and harvesting device includes at least two clipping devices positioned to advance surgical clips onto a tissue, and a severing device positioned to sever the tissue between the clips.

Abstract: An endoscopic vein dissector for removing a vein from a living body comprises a dissector tip adapted to penetrate between the vein and surrounding tissue. A handle is provided for manipulation by a device operator to guide the tip through an incision in the living body to the vicinity of the vein. A longitudinal rod is mounted between the dissector tip and handle such that the tip is movable with respect to the handle between a retracted position and an extended position. A driver applies motive power to move the dissector tip from the retracted position to the extended position. A control element is adapted to be activated by the device operator to assist in the desired penetration between the vein and the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.

Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.

Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for holding a heat exchanger particularly of the type used in administering cardioplegia during heart surgery. The mounting assembly both mounts the heat exchanger and provides heatexchanging fluid (e.g., water) to the heat exchanger. The mounting assembly also includes a valve and sealing mechanism which are simultaneously operated to ensure that the valve is not opened until after the heat exchanger is properly sealed. The sealing mechanism includes an expandable seal that is designed to hold the heat exchanger on the mounting assembly.