Abstract: A multi-diameter, multi-purpose cannula connector for connection to vessels of different sizes and suitable for use in coronary artery bypass graft surgery comprising small flexible cannula with several graduated diameter flanges located adjacent the proximal end is disclosed.

Abstract: Flexible annuloplasty ring having internal close coiled helical spring embodied, inter alia, in a mitral ring having a curved semi-flexible stiffener member in the anterior segment to maintain intertrigonal distance during implantation, the plane of the anterior segment lying at an arc configuration of about 30°-75° to the plane of the posterior segment, arcing up across the anterior leaflet to prevent outflow tract obstruction.

Abstract: Multi-size, reusable punches as sets for use in coronary artery bypass grafting that include punch/die assemblies that may easily and quickly interchanged at the operating table under sterile conditions and without tools are disclosed.

Abstract: A suture holder comprising a prestressed spring secured to extend longitudinally in and laterally through a slot in a bracket in such a way that one side of the spring is available to receive sutures such that the resilient force of the spring retains the sutures in the spring against the bracket is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical retractor of the type that comprises a rack and pinion for moving an arm mount which supports the pinion and is moved when the pinion is turned, a hinge connecting the mount to an arm and a blade mount and a fixed arm mounted on the other end of the rack, a hinge connecting the mount to an arm and a blade mount wherein the improvement comprises a pair of opposed blade assemblies mounted on the respective blade mounts, said blade assemblies being so configured and constructed as to permit the respective blades to pivot independently of the blade mount and to be locked at an angle relative to each other and to the rack, is disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for temporarily immobilizing a small segment of the surface of the heart during coronary artery bypass grafting for obviating the necessity for placing the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass are disclosed.

Abstract: A sternal retractor for applying an opening force evenly along the respective edges of a patient's sternum during heart surgery comprises a curved rack having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the rack is curved in the thickness direction, hinged arms mounted to the rack, a cog mechanism for forcing one of the arms to move along the rack, and retractor blades pivotally mounted to the arms. An atrial retractor which are used to retract the left and right atrium connects to an arm of the sternal retractor by an H-shaped mounting rod assembly. The assembly comprises two elongated rods mounted in spaced parallel relationship by a clamp proximate the center of the rods. A ball clamp associated with the sternal retractor and atrial retractor comprises locking discoid blocks for releasably interconnecting a plurality of rods together.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter for use in open heart surgery having inner and outer concentric balloons adjacent to the distal end of the catheter wherein the inner balloon is a cuff that may be inflated by a syringe using either air or liquid via a second lumen in the catheter, the outer balloon self-inflating when perfusion liquid flows through the catheter, and a third and lumen of the catheter to monitor the infusion pressure at the distal end of the catheter, is disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular occluder clip including a resiliently-biased pair of clamping elements extending transversely to longitudinally-extending members. Gripping loops or pads are provided for grasping by the user and compression of the members against the biasing force to separate the clamping elements. The gripping loops or pads extend from the longitudinal members on the opposite side thereof from the clamping elements.

Abstract: Adjustable, flexible suture rings, tricuspid and tricuspid annuloplasty rings having internal drawstrings that emerge from the rings on the annular faces so that the drawstring knots are out of the bloodstream, the drawstrings being contained in clearly marked channels, the mitral ring having a curved semi-flexible stiffener member in the anterior segment to maintain intertrigonal distance during implantation are disclosed.

Abstract: A holder that aids the implantation of adjustable annuloplasty rings. The holder has an annular recess around its periphery, into which the inner portion annuloplasty ring containing the drawstring is retained, thus protecting the drawstrings from the implanting suture needle. The holder is also provided with one or more suture snuggers for tensioning the drawstring.

Abstract: Adjustable, flexible suture 2ings, mitral and tricuspid annuloplasty 2ings having internal drawstrings that emerge from the 2ings on the annular faces so that the drawstring knots are out of the bloodstream, the drawstrings being contained in clearly marked channels, the mitral 2ing having a curved semi-flexible stiffener member in the anteri/r segment to maintain intertrigonal distance during implantati/n are disclosed.

Abstract: Adjustable, flexible mitral and tricuspid annuloplasty rings having internal drawstrings that emerge from the rings on the annular faces so that the drawstring knots are out of the bloodstream, the drawstrings being contained in clearly marked channels, the mitral ring having a curved semi-flexible stiffener member in the anterior segment to maintain intertrigonal distance during implantation, the plane of the anterior segment lying at an angle of about 30.degree.-75.degree. to the plane of the posterior segment, arcing up across the anterior leaflet to prevent outflow tract obstruction.

Abstract: A smoke removing device used with an electrosurgical device consists of a a hollow tube for evacuating the smoke, a tubular housing including vortex means for creating a vortex at an entrance end of the tubular housing, and an exit end of the tubular housing connected to one end of the hollow tube, another end of the hollow tube being connected to a suction means for creating suction to remove the smoke from the air near the electrosurgical device.

Abstract: A method of removing plaque from vessels by at least partially isolating a portion of a vessel which is partially occluded by plaque from the remainder of the vessel, forcing a slurry to flow in contact with the plaque in the vessel to abrade the plaque, and withdrawing the slurry from the vessel, and apparatus for carrying out the method, are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved, disposable, inexpensive vessel holder suitable for use in coronary artery surgery for impaling the cut end of a vessel graft on three sharpened wire prongs, two if that can be made to extend laterally for holding the cut end of the graft in an open position for suturing to the obstructed coronary artery, is disclosed.

Abstract: A coronary artery retraction clip consisting of a single piece of stainless steel wire formed into a uniquely shaped spring, partially covered with a soft, polymer coating to provide a non-slip surface allowing the clip to be readily gripped with surgical forceps, or the gloved hand is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical tool to assist in handling and implantation of flexible annuloplasty rings. The holder takes the form of an oblate ring to which the annuloplasty ring is mounted. The annuloplasty ring is retained on the holder by means of radially extending fingers and sutures.

Abstract: A cardiac sling for supporting the heart during surgery a support a polymeric film net of interconnecting ribs of polymeric material for applying, in use, sufficient pressure to the portions of the surface of the heart adjacent the ribs to prevent hemorrhage from the anastomotic site of bypass grafting is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved vessel occluder that is suitable for use in coronary artery surgery, comprising two smooth bullet shaped occluders, thermoformed from extruded tubing, affixed to the each end of a monofilament, which is looped and passed through a length of radiopaque soft plastic tubing which acts as a simple holder is disclosed.