Abstract: A method for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure.

Abstract: A method for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure.

Abstract: A method for an operator to handle a rake includes gripping, with a first hand, a handle of the rake in proximity to a mid-shaft portion of the handle, and gripping, with a second hand, the handle of the rake in close proximity to a free end of the handle such that a line extending across the row of teeth, being approximately perpendicular to the extension of a centrally located tooth of the row of teeth, forms an angle of less than ninety degrees with portions of the handle, the angle being on a first lateral side of the rake head that is adjacent to the operator.

Abstract: An ergonomic rake includes a handle extending from a free end through a mid-shaft portion, which includes first and second gripping locations. A head of the rake includes a row of teeth extending distally therefrom and is coupled to a coupling end of the handle such that a line extending across the row of teeth forms an angle of less than ninety degrees with the first and second gripping locations.

Abstract: A method for delivering physiological pacing includes selecting an electrode implant site within an interventricular septal zone, which is in proximity to the bundle of His where pacing stimulation results in a rhythm breaking out at an intrinsic location, and wherein a ratio of sensed P-wave amplitude to sensed R-wave amplitude is less than approximately 0.5 and a pacing threshold is less than or equal to approximately 1.5 volts.

Abstract: A medical lead is adhered to a tissue site using a tissue adhesive.