Abstract: One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises features, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises features, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention. The method may include inputting patient data and creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data. The model may include features. The model may simulate at least one proposed cardiac intervention by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. A template and/or patient specific instrument may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a diseased heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises structural elements, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting structural elements to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. The simulating step may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a diseased heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises structural elements, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting structural elements to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. The simulating step may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, using a shaper, having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle, wherein the shaper is adapted to be temporarily placed into the enlarged left ventricle during a surgical procedure. Another aspect of one embodiment comprises a ventricular patch adapted for placement into the left ventricle of a heart made from a sheet of biocompatible material, and having a plurality of markings coupled to the sheet, wherein the markings are configured in distinct patterns for post operatively evaluating movement of the patch. In another aspect of one embodiment, a device is presented, comprising of a handle and a sizing template adapted to be coupled to the handle. Such components are also presented as a kit for use during ventricular restoration surgery.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises features, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.

Abstract: A device, or apparatus, is described for use as a guide to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a heart to the shape of an appropriate left ventricle. The device may be a shaper. In one embodiment, a shaper may have a shape substantially different than the shape of an appropriate left ventricle of a heart. The shaper may be positionable in a left ventricle of the heart for use during reconstruction of the left ventricle. In certain embodiments, the shaper may include an upper portion substantially similar in shape to an upper portion of the appropriate left ventricle and an apex portion substantially similar in shape to an apex portion of the appropriate left ventricle. In some embodiments, an attachment may be coupled to the shaper and/or the shaper may include an access port.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, using a shaper, having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle, wherein the shaper is adapted to be temporarily placed into the enlarged left ventricle during a surgical procedure. Another aspect of one embodiment comprises a ventricular patch adapted for placement into the left ventricle of a heart made from a sheet of biocompatible material, and having a plurality of markings coupled to the sheet, wherein the markings are configured in distinct patterns for post operatively evaluating movement of the patch. In another aspect of one embodiment, a device is presented, comprising of a handle and a sizing template adapted to be coupled to the handle. Such components are also presented as a kit for use during ventricular restoration surgery.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, using a shaper, having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle, wherein the shaper is adapted to be temporarily placed into the enlarged left ventricle during a surgical procedure. Another aspect of one embodiment comprises a ventricular patch adapted for placement into the left ventricle of a heart made from a sheet of biocompatible material, and having a plurality of markings coupled to the sheet, wherein the markings are configured in distinct patterns for post operatively evaluating movement of the patch. In another aspect of one embodiment, a device is presented, comprising of a handle and a sizing template adapted to be coupled to the handle. Such components are also presented as a kit for use during ventricular restoration surgery.

Abstract: A catheter (10, 38, 40, 50, 80, 90) having both a flexible (30) and a rigid reinforcement section (36). The catheter body (12) is comprised of an elastomeric material, such as silicone, having a resilient coil or spring member (30) within a fluid delivery lumen (20) along the proximal portion (14) thereof. The catheter is provided with a more rigid malleable reinforcement member (36) at the distal portion (16) thereof, also extending within the fluid delivery lumen (20) and positioned proximal the coil member (30) within the fluid delivery lumen (20). The rigid reinforced distal portion (16) of the catheter body helps the surgeon to hold the tip of the catheter more firmly, and makes insertion of the catheter tip into the body vessel easier. The more flexible support portion (30) at the proximal portion (14) of the elastomeric catheter body reinforces the catheter to prevent kinking, yet allows flexibility to facilitate the surgeon to move the proximal portion (14) of the catheter out of the surgical site.

Abstract: A catheter (10, 38, 40, 50, 80, 90) having both a flexible (30) and a rigid reinforcement section (36). The catheter body (12) is comprised of an elastomeric material, such as silicone, having a resilient coil or spring member (30) within a fluid delivery lumen (20) along the proximal portion (14) thereof. The catheter is provided with a more rigid malleable reinforcement member (36) at the distal portion (16) thereof, also extending within the fluid delivery lumen (20) and positioned proximal the coil member (30) within the fluid delivery lumen (20). The rigid reinforced distal portion (16) of the catheter body helps the surgeon to hold the tip of the catheter more firmly, and makes insertion of the catheter tip into the body vessel easier. The more flexible support portion (30) at the proximal portion (14) of the elastomeric catheter body reinforces the catheter to prevent kinking, yet allows flexibility to facilitate the surgeon to move the proximal portion (14) of the catheter out of the surgical site.

Abstract: An improved catheter and method for infusing blood to the heart, clamping the aorta and delivering a cardioplegia solution. A single catheter (10, 100) is used having a unique balloon (102, 162, 172) for ccluding the aorta 12 In a first embodiment, a single catheter (10) is transthoracically inserted upwardly in the aorta to infuse oxygenated blood into the ascending aorta via an infusion opening (46) terminating at the distal end (32), with cardioplegia solution being delivered via openings (42) defined closely adjacent the balloon (40) on the proximal side of the balloon. In a second and third embodiment, a single catheter (100) is transthoracically and femorally inserted, respectively, inserted into the aorta to infuse blood via openings (102) into the ascending aorta proximate the Brachiocephalie Artery, and deliver cardioplegia solution via the distal opening (104) downward toward the aortic base.

Abstract: A catheter system and method of performing posterior epicardial revascularization and intracardiac surgery on a beating heart. Several catheter systems are provided to achieve a left ventricular isolation and a right ventricular isolation as required to facilitate surgery according to the methods of the present invention. Myocardial infusion is provided in either antegrade or retrograde flow to insure the myocardium meets its oxygen demand.

Abstract: A catheter system and method of performing posterior epicardial revascularization and intracardiac surgery on a beating heart. Several catheter systems are provided to achieve a left ventricular isolation and a right ventricular isolation as required to facilitate surgery according to the methods of the present invention. Myocardial infusion is provided in either antegrade or retrograde flow to insure the myocardium meets its oxygen demand.

Abstract: A catheter and method of use as an aortic balloon catheter having an integral expandable/collapsible lumen. The catheter comprises a main catheter body having a plurality of lumens extending therethrough, and further includes an expandable/collapsible lumen disposed thereabout and carried by the main catheter body. The expandable/collapsible lumen has a relatively large diameter when inflated with respect to the main catheter body, and is self-inflating by fluid pressure when the fluid flows therethrough. The large inflatable/collapsible lumen is attached at its distal end to the main catheter body and thus is carried therewith into a body vessel, and thus is also supported by the catheter body to avoid kinking.

Abstract: A surgical visualization and moisturizing device providing improved visualization and moisturizing of a surgical site such as an anastomosis. The device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of small flexible lumens extending through and terminating distal of a gas flow port to thoroughly mix and moisture the gas flow with a saline solution. Each of the plurality of flexible lumens, preferably forming a ribbon, are separated from one another slightly at the distal tip to permit vibration due to the gas flow exiting about and past each of the saline lumens. This spacing further facilitates uniform moisturizing of the gas flow. The distal ends of the saline lumens extend beyond the tip of the device such that the pressure of the gas flow approaches atmospheric pressure, whereby gas flow will not go against the head pressure of the saline bag. This eliminates the need for a pressure cuff on the saline bag.

Abstract: An integral aortic arch infusion clamp catheter (10, 90) suited to occlude the ascending aorta, infuse blood, and deliver cardioplegia solution on opposing sides of an inflated balloon (56). The catheter has a unique balloon (102) filled with a modular resilient material to permit further expansion and adaptation to irregular surfaces and diameters of body passageways. The inflatable balloon (56) is provided closely proximate the distal end (54) of catheter (10, 90). In a first embodiment, the catheter (10) has three lumens (60,70 and 80), one lumen (60) for inflating balloon (56), a second larger lumen (70) which is large enough to infuse blood out distal opening (72), and a third lumen (80) for delivering cardioplegia solution to proximal openings (82) adjacent balloon (56). In a catheter (90) according to a second embodiment, the third lumen (80) is significantly larger than the first lumen (60) and second lumen (70) such that the lumen can be oriented downwardly in the ascending aorta.

Abstract: An improved method of using a single catheter to infuse blood to the heart, clamping the aorta and delivering a cardioplegia solution. Patient trauma is significantly reduced using a single cannulation. A single catheter (10, 90, 92) is used having a unique balloon (56, 93, 102) for occluding the aorta. In a first embodiment, a single catheter (10) is positioned upwardly in the aorta to infuse oxygenated blood into the ascending aorta via an infusion lumen (72) terminating at the distal end (54), with cardioplegia solution being delivered via openings (82) defined closely adjacent the balloon (56) on the proximal side of the balloon. The inflated balloon (56) isolates the two delivery openings (72,82) from one another to facilitate use of an extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: A venous return catheter (30, 56, 60, 70) and method of use therefor having a semi-rigid support member (32) extending within a lumen (42) to prevent kinking thereof during insertion and use. The tubular walls of the catheter body (40,72) are sufficiently thin and flexible to provide maneuverability and allow clamping of the lumen (42) during use, but which outer diameter is sufficiently small and thus requires a smaller and less traumatic incision in the right atrium. The catheter is provided with a plurality of openings (34) along a length proximate the distal end of the catheter, and may have a second set of openings (74) in a two-stage catheter (70). The semi-rigid support member (32) is fixedly or selectively secured at a central location of the distal tip 44 free of the openings (34), but is free at the proximal end of the catheter to provide maneuverability. The semi-rigid support member may have a plurality of radially extending support members (57) to provide additional support.