Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon occlusion device according to the invention is shown. The device is ideally suited for use in a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The device includes a body having at least one selectively inflated balloon provided on the distal end thereof. Preferably, the body is a closed end body so that fluid can only flow from the proximal end of the body into the balloon. In use, the distal end of the body and the balloon are inserted into an aperture provided in the aorta. The balloon is inflated and then the device is retracted until the balloon seats against the incision or aperture in the aorta, thereby effectively sealing the aperture from the blood flow through the aorta, but not occluding blood flow through the body of the aorta itself. Next, the graft vessel is telescopically positioned on the occlusion device and mounted to the aorta. Once the vessel is secured thereto, the balloon is deflated and then the occlusion device is retracted from both the aorta and the graft vessel.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon occlusion device according to the invention is shown. The device is ideally suited for use in a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The device includes a body having at least one selectively inflated balloon provided on the distal end thereof. Preferably, the body is a closed end body so that fluid can only flow from the proximal end of the body into the balloon. In use, the distal end of the body and the balloon are inserted into an aperture provided in the aorta. The balloon is inflated and then the device is retracted until the balloon seats against the incision or aperture in the aorta, thereby effectively sealing the aperture from the blood flow through the aorta, but not occluding blood flow through the body of the aorta itself. Next, the graft vessel is telescopically positioned on the occlusion device and mounted to the aorta. Once the vessel is secured thereto, the balloon is deflated and then the occlusion device is retracted from both the aorta and the graft vessel.

Abstract: An obturator for a cannula includes an elongate member and a flexible disc. The cannula has proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the cannula has a circular cross-section. The cannula also includes a first portion having a non-circular cross-section and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end. The flexible disc of the obturator is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, both of which are adapted to be telescopically received in the lumen of the cannula. The flexible disc is configured to restrict the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon occlusion device according to the invention is shown. The device is ideally suited for use in a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The device includes a body having at least one selectively inflated balloon provided on the distal end thereof. Preferably, the body is a closed end body so that fluid can only flow from the proximal end of the body into the balloon. In use, the distal end of the body and the balloon are inserted into an aperture provided in the aorta. The balloon is inflated and then the device is retracted until the balloon seats against the incision or aperture in the aorta, thereby effectively sealing the aperture from the blood flow through the aorta, but not occluding blood flow through the body of the aorta itself. Next, the graft vessel is telescopically positioned on the occlusion device and mounted to the aorta. Once the vessel is secured thereto, the balloon is deflated and then the occlusion device is retracted from both the aorta and the graft vessel.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon occlusion device according to the invention is shown. The device is ideally suited for use in a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The device includes a body having at least one selectively inflated balloon provided on the distal end thereof. Preferably, the body is a closed end body so that fluid can only flow from the proximal end of the body into the balloon. In use, the distal end of the body and the balloon are inserted into an aperture provided in the aorta. The balloon is inflated and then the device is retracted until the balloon seats against the incision or aperture in the aorta, thereby effectively sealing the aperture from the blood flow through the aorta, but not occluding blood flow through the body of the aorta itself. Next, the graft vessel is telescopically positioned on the occlusion device and mounted to the aorta. Once the vessel is secured thereto, the balloon is deflated and then the occlusion device is retracted from both the aorta and the graft vessel.

Abstract: An obturator for a cannula includes an elongate member and a flexible disc. The cannula has proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the cannula has a circular cross-section. The cannula also includes a first portion having a non-circular cross-section and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end. The flexible disc of the obturator is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, both of which are adapted to be telescopically received in the lumen of the cannula. The flexible disc is configured to restrict the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen.

Abstract: An obturator for a cannula includes an elongate member and a flexible disc. The cannula has proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the cannula has a circular cross-section. The cannula also includes a first portion having a non-circular cross-section and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end. The flexible disc of the obturator is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, both of which are adapted to be telescopically received in the lumen of the cannula. The flexible disc is configured to restrict the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen.

Abstract: An improved aortic cannula is formed from a cannula body and a tip provided on the distal end of the cannula body wherein the tip is designed to accommodate the fluid flow requirements of an extracorporeal bypass system while simultaneously minimizing any possible adverse impact of the cannula and fluid flow on the vessel in which the cannula is received. The tip has an axial fluid discharge aperture provided at the distal end thereof through which a portion of the fluid exiting the cannula flows. In addition, at least one lateral fluid discharge aperture is provided in the sidewall of the tip. A scoop or other diverting member is formed in the sidewall to direct a portion of the fluid flowing through the tip to exit the cannula through the lateral fluid discharge apertures.

Abstract: A device for continuously monitoring the output of a heart in a surgical patient includes a probe head attached at one end to a catheter adapted to be inserted into the patient. The probe head includes a probe and a pair of flexible flat projections extending outwardly from opposite sides of the probe for securing the probe head in the transverse sinus of the patient. At least one transducer is positioned in the probe for detecting a condition of the heart. A hollow needle is adapted for receiving the probe head prior to its installation in the patient, such that the probe head can be installed in the patient immediately after medianstemotomy and division of the patient's pericardium by inserting the needle through the patient's chest wall.

Abstract: An intravascular pump and balloon catheter assembly is shown. The assembly includes a primary catheter having a balloon provided thereon and an intravascular pump provided therein. The pump is adapted to generate a pressure differential between the inlet of the catheter and the outlet. With this structure, fluid is supplied, under pressure, to multiple arteriotomy cannulae provided at the terminal end of the assembly. The cannulae are inserted into blood vessels at appropriate points so that an occlusion or restriction in a blood vessel can be bypassed while still maintaining blood flow throughout the body.

Abstract: A device for continuously monitoring the output of a heart in a surgical patient includes a probe head attached at one end to a catheter adapted to be inserted into the patient. The probe head includes a probe and a pair of flexible flat projections extending outwardly from opposite sides of the probe for securing the probe head in the transverse sinus of the patient. At least one transducer is positioned in the probe for detecting a condition of the heart. A hollow needle is adapted for receiving the probe head prior to its installation in the patient, such that the probe head can be installed in the patient immediately after mediansternotomy and division of the patient's pericardium by inserting the needle through the patient's chest wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sanitary simultaneous removal of a plurality of indwelling tubes from an implantation site in a patient comprises a tube adapter that is connectable to the indwelling tubes. An impervious sleeve is fan-folded into a hub which extends around the tube adapter. In assembly the folded sleeve is retained by a shrink-wrapped plastic film. The sleeve can be extended for receiving the indwelling tubes therethrough and to encompass the implantation site. The indwelling tube and the implantation site are isolated from the environment when the distal open end of the sleeve is extended and applied about the implantation site and the indwelling tube is withdrawn into the sleeve. A drawstring is provided for closing the distal end of the sleeve after the tube has been withdrawn. The indwelling tubes can be maintained under suction or in connection with a drain during the removal operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for the sanitary removal of an indwelling tube from an implantation site in a patient, comprising a tube adapter that is connectable to the indwelling tube. An impervious sleeve is fan-folded into a hub which extends around the tube adapter. In assembly the folded sleeve is retained by a shrink-wrapped plastic film. The sleeve can be extended for receiving the indwelling tube therethrough and to encompass the implantation site. The indwelling tube and the implantation site are isolated from the environment when the distal open end of the sleeve is extended and applied about the implantation site and the indwelling tube is withdrawn into the sleeve. A drawstring is provided for closing the distal end of the sleeve after the tube has been withdrawn. Embodiments are shown for removing a plurality of indwelling tubes in one operation, and for maintaining the lumen of the indwelling tube under suction or in connection with a drain during the removal operation.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for the sterile introduction of a catheter into a body cavity is disclosed. The catheter assembly comprises a catheter, a stylet received within the catheter and a needle selectively mounted on one end of the catheter. Gripping means are incorporated on one or more of the stylet, needle or catheter to selectively mount the needle to the catheter.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus comprising a hub that includes an annular container disposed about a central aperture for receiving an exterior portion of an indwelling tube therethrough to engage a bottom portion of the container in sealing contact with the implantation site. An extensible impervious membrane is folded within the container and is in sealing contact therewith, the membrane being arranged to form an open sleeve for receiving the tube and being coextensible therewith during withdrawal of the tube. A tie is provided to seal the sleeve about the exterior wall of tube, leaving the free end of the tube accessible to the operator. The indwelling tube can then be withdrawn through the central aperture into the coextending closed sleeve. A plastic film that adheres to the bottom portion of the container is provided for closing the central aperture to enclose the removed tube in the sleeve.