Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for performing beating heart surgery, in which a single articulating arm supports multiple suction pods. Once the suction pods are applied to the heart surface, tightening a cable fixes the arm in place. Then, the suction pods may be spread apart from each other to tighten the surface of the cardiac tissue lying between the suction pods. In one embodiment, fixation of the arm as well as the spreading apart of the suction pods may occur concurrently or almost concurrently through the tensioning of a single cable. Additional embodiments of the method, system and its components are shown.

Abstract: The present invention, the ASD, is a mechanical device for anchoring hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels, bowels and ureters. It facilitates positioning needles or catheters in blood vessels and it prevents those from dropping out of the vessel or from “wandering off” in the vessel. The ASD can be used in every interventional medical situation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The ASD is very easy to fix onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention, the screw-device, is a mechanical device for anastomosing hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels, bowels and ureters. It is thus not restricted to (micro-)vessels. It can be used in every surgical operation dealing with anastomosis and bypass operations. It allows anastomosing end to side or side to side. The screw-device is very easy to apply onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. Another advantage is that the screw-device can be mounted onto the receptor vessel without first opening and/or occluding this vessel. Later on, the receptor vessel wall can be opened with laser or scalpel. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart.

Abstract: This invention provides an operation element for use in by-pass surgery, comprising a ring shaped element having windings, preferably at least one-and-a-half winding, at least partly of wire material in close proximity, provided with at least one sharpened end.

Abstract: A device (1) for making a cut in a tissue, such as a blood vessel (2), capsule and the like, includes a trocar (3), the distal end (4) of which can be placed on the tissue (2) and inside which trocar (3) a reduced pressure can be generated for holding the tissue pressed against the distal end (3) under the influence of the reduced pressure, as well as a cutting member (6) located in the trocar (3), such that the tissue (2) pressed against the distal end (4) and the cutting member (6) can be moved relative to one another to make the cut (9). A tissue support (10) is provided in the trocar (3) close to the distal end (4) thereof with which the tissue (2) that extends over the lumen of the trocar (3) can make contact under the influence of the reduced pressure inside the trocar (3).