Abstract: An epicardial cooled stabilizer system is useful for surgical or laparoscopic applications, especially beating heart surgery. The system comprises a stabilizer connected to a cooler/pump where coolant flows into tubing at the distal end of the stabilizer. The tubing is positioned at a surgical site to enhance traction and minimize trauma.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: An epicardial cooled stabilizer system is useful for surgical or laparoscopic applications, especially beating heart surgery. The system comprises a stabilizer connected to a cooler/pump where coolant flows into tubing at the distal end of the stabilizer. The tubing is positioned at a surgical site to enhance traction and minimize trauma.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve having leaflets comprises a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. Preferably, the grasper has jaw that grasp, immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: An aqueous solution for organ preservation or maintenance, which contains: a vasodilator in an amount sufficient to maintain vascular homeostasis; D-glucose in an amount sufficient to support intracellular function and maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; magnesium ions in an amount sufficient to support intracellular function and maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; macromolecules of molecular weight greater than 20,000 daltons in an amount sufficient to maintain endothelial integrity and cellular viability; potassium ions in a concentration greater than about 110 mM; and a buffer in an amount sufficient to maintain the average pH of the organ preservation or maintenance solution during the period of organ preservation at about physiologic pH or above.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous solution for organ preservation or maintenance, including: a vasodilator in an amount sufficient to maintain vascular homeostasis; D-glucose in an amount sufficient to support intracellular function and maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; magnesium ions in an amount sufficient to support intracellular function and maintenance of cellular bioenergetics; macromolecules of molecular weight greater than 20,000 daltons in an amount sufficient to maintain endothelial integrity and cellular viability; potassium ions in a concentration greater than about 110 mM; and a buffer in an amount sufficient to maintain the average pH of the organ preservation or maintenance solution during the period of organ preservation at about the physiologic pH value. The invention also provides a method of preserving or maintaining an organ, including contacting the organ with the solution.