Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.

Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. The ablation device can include a lower jaw assembly including a proximal jaw having a proximal electrode and a distal jaw having a distal electrode, and an upper jaw assembly including an upper jaw having an upper electrode. A proximal actuator can be movable between a first position in which the proximal jaw is open and a second position in which the proximal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw. A distal actuator can be movable between a third position in which the distal jaw is open and a fourth position in which the distal jaw is clamped with respect to the upper jaw.

Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.

Abstract: A device for providing suction to tissue is disclosed. A method of suctioning tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a heart positioning device, method and system for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart. The heart positioning device may include a suction head and a shaft with a means for remotely changing the position of the head from a first position axially aligned with the shaft to a second, unaligned position and a sleeve slideably positioned on the shaft and sized to receive the suction head in a compressed condition.

Abstract: An improved tissue engagement device such as a suction stabilizer or retractor. The stabilizer or retractor is provided with one or more suction pods mounted to the distal end of a flexible arm. The flexible arm is coupled to a base assembly, which attaches the arm to an associated retractor or other structure that is fixedly located relative to the operative site. The base assembly includes a fixed portion, which is coupled to the retractor or other fixed mounting point and a rotatable turret, allowing rotation of the arm relative to the fixed portion of the base assembly. A tensioning mechanism mounted to the turret applies tension to compress the turret around a corresponding pivot mounted to the fixed portion of the base to rotationally lock the turret and to lock the arm in its current configuration.

Abstract: A bird launcher for hunt training with a door through which a bird is placed in a guide belt in an interior of a housing substantially eliminates injury to the bird. An elastic spring mounted at one end of an operating rod substantially eliminates inadvertent movement of an operating rod thereby preventing a premature launch, thus improving the safety of the operator and the bird. A fixing member is centered on the bird launcher's longitudinal center line and extends to at least one-half of a length of guide rods. The fixing member places pressure in the approximate center of the guide rods thereby preventing the guide rods from opening at the ends and additionally creating a balanced release point when the bird launcher is activated. The balance release point ensures a more stabilized launch so that the bird is released in a desired direction.

Abstract: A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. A swiveling head assembly can allow the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and roll. Malleable jaws can permit curved lesion shapes. A locking detent can secure the jaws in a closed position during the procedure. An illuminated indicator provides confirmation that the device is operating. A fluid delivery system simplifies irrigated ablation procedures.

Abstract: An improved tissue engagement device such as a suction stabilizer or retractor. The stabilizer or retractor is provided with one or more suction pods mounted to the distal end of a flexible arm. The flexible arm is coupled to a base assembly, which attaches the arm to an associated retractor or other structure that is fixedly located relative to the operative site. The base assembly includes a fixed portion, which is coupled to the retractor or other fixed mounting point and a rotatable turret, allowing rotation of the arm relative to the fixed portion of the base assembly. A tensioning mechanism mounted to the turret applies tension to compress the turret around a corresponding pivot mounted to the fixed portion of the base to rotationally lock the turret and to lock the arm in its current configuration.

Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.

Abstract: An improved stabilizer or retractor or other surgical tool having an elongated distal arm carrying a tissue-contacting mechanism at its distal end and a tensioning mechanism at its proximal end for locking functional components of the tool in a desired position or configuration. The tensioning mechanism is mounted to a turret or other structure attaching the distal arm to a base by means of a shorter, proximally extending flexible arm. The flexible proximal arm allows the tensioning mechanism to be moved relative to the base so that it can be placed more conveniently in the operative field.

Abstract: A pet training device comprises a wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, a stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the use of one-touch digital switches located on the wireless training device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on an LCD. Stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or a shock and vibration. When the wireless receiver module is placed in a no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the training devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: The pet training device comprises a handheld wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the used of one-touch digital switches located on the device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on a LCD. The stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or both. When the wireless receiver is placed in the no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: A remote animal training system is described which allows training signals to be sent from a trainer's remote transmitter to a receiver attached to the animal. The trainer may send a short shock, a continuous shock or a vibration signal or a combination of these signals to the animal by selecting the signal mode desired. The unique receiving antenna is an insulated wire antenna woven into the fabric of the attaching collar which protects the antenna from damage from the elements or physical abuse.

Abstract: An electro-shock training system including remote voice command capability. The training unit includes a hand-held transmitter which remotely controls a receiver unit attached to a collar worn by the animal to be trained. Positive feedback and voice commands are communicated to the animal via a speaker associated with the receiver unit. Negative reinforcement is provided in the form of a mild electrical shock via electrodes associated with the receiver unit.