Abstract: A device and method for delivering an agent to the uterine cervix make use of a seal member that defines a chamber upon engagement with the cervix. An agent delivery port in fluid communication with the chamber is provided for delivery of the agent to the uterine cervix. A vacuum port in fluid communication with the chamber allows application and retention of vacuum pressure to the chamber. At least a portion of the seal member can be made deformable in response to contact with the outer surface of the uterine cervix and application of vacuum pressure. Upon deformation, the seal member substantially seals the chamber against leakage of the agent. The seal member may include a skirt-like member that promotes adhesion of the seal member to the cervix, and enhances the effectiveness of the seal. The device facilitates vacuum application, cervical fixation, and a resulting barrier against uterine fluid leakage, providing an atraumatic, temporary cervical plug that remains effective while the vacuum is applied.

Abstract: Methods are provided to assist a surgeon in ablating conduction paths in tissue, such as a heart. In one embodiment, the invention presents a method that includes placing a guide in contact with the tissue to be ablated, applying an ablation probe to the tissue using the guide to assist in control of movement of the ablation probe, measuring the effectiveness of the ablation probe in ablation of the conduction paths, and deactivating the ablation probe when the measured effectiveness meets a desired level. Placement of the guide in contact with the tissue allows the surgeon to more easily sever the conduction path to form a lesion in a desired location.

Abstract: Devices and a method are provided to assist a surgeon in ablating conduction paths in tissue, such as a heart. A device can be configured to operate as a template that adheres to the tissue surface, and allows the surgeon to more easily sever the conduction path to form a lesion in a desired location. In particular, the template can be used to guide the surgeon's use of a surgical instrument along a desired ablation path. In some case, the template may incorporate hardware that structurally supports the instrument for travel along the ablation path. A surgical instrument such as an ablation probe, e.g., radio frequency, laser, ultrasonic, microwave, thermal, chemical, mechanical, or cryogenic ablation probe, may be used to sever the conduction paths. Measurements made substantially contemporaneously with the conduction path ablation operation may be used to evaluate whether the desired degree of ablation has been achieved.

Abstract: Devices and methods of manipulating and stabilizing organ tissue, such as heart tissue. The devices, which are of varying sizes, shapes and conformations, generally include a seal member having a chamber with a wall and a skirt-like member that extends outward from the chamber wall for contact with a surface of an organ. The skirt-like member is substantially compliant and tacky, thereby promoting adhesion with the organ surface. Adherence of the device to the tissue may be enhance by the mechanical or hydraulic application of vacuum pressure. The methods describe steps for manipulating, including moving, lifting, immobilizing, turning and reorienting, organ tissues. Additional methods describe steps for manipulating the heart.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for securing a manipulating device that holds a moving organ, such as a beating heart. The manipulating device may be held securely and yet accommodate the natural rotational motion of the organ. In an exemplary application of the invention, an manipulating device holds the heart by the apex. The manipulating device is coupled to a support shaft, which is coupled to a key. The key is shaped so that it can engage a socket of a keyway in a securing structure. When the key engages the socket, the securing structure supports the key, which in turn supports the support shaft, the manipulating device and the heart. The rotational freedom of the heart is accommodated by, for example, allowing the support shaft to twist or by allowing the key to rotate in the socket.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for holding a moving organ, such as a beating heart. A manipulation device that holds the organ includes an outer shell and an inner shell. Vacuum pressure applied to the outer shell draws the organ into the inner shell. The vacuum pressure is communicated to the inner shell chamber via one or more apertures in the inner shell. The inner shell may have a structure and a texture that enhances the hold on the organ, and the manipulation device may also include a skirt-like member to improve the seal between the manipulation device and the organ.

Abstract: Devices and methods of manipulating and stabilizing organ tissue, such as heart tissue. The devices, which are of varying sizes, shapes and conformations, generally include a seal member having a chamber with a wall and a skirt-like member that extends outward from the chamber wall for contact with a surface of an organ. The skirt-like member is substantially compliant and tacky, thereby promoting adhesion with the organ surface. Adherence of the device to the tissue may be enhance by the mechanical or hydraulic application of vacuum pressure. The methods describe steps for manipulating, including moving, lifting, immobilizing, turning and reorienting, organ tissues. Additional methods describe steps for manipulating the heart.

Abstract: Devices for and methods of moving, manipulating, or holding an organ of the body, particularly a heart, are disclosed. A manipulating device includes a seal member, which includes two or more protrusions, that adheres to the surface of the organ when vacuum pressure is applied to a chamber defined by an inner surface of the seal member. The seal member may be made of a substantially compliant and flexible material. The protrusions may enable the seal member to more easily conform to the irregular shape of the organ, may accommodate patient-to-patient variations in the size and shape of organs, may increase the strength of the attachment between the seal member and the organ, may reduce the likelihood of damage to the surface of the organ and may expose areas of the organ for surgical procedures.

Abstract: Devices and a method are provided to assist a surgeon in ablating conduction paths in tissue, such as a heart. A device can be configured to operate as a template that adheres to the tissue surface, and allows the surgeon to more easily sever the conduction path to form a lesion in a desired location. In particular, the template can be used to guide the surgeon's use of a surgical instrument along a desired ablation path. In some case, the template may incorporate hardware that structurally supports the instrument for travel along the ablation path. A surgical instrument such as an ablation probe, e.g., radio frequency, laser, ultrasonic, microwave, thermal, chemical, mechanical, or cryogenic ablation probe, may be used to sever the conduction paths. Measurements made substantially contemporaneously with the conduction path ablation operation may be used to evaluate whether the desired degree of ablation has been achieved.