Abstract: A method for performing coronary artery bypass relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularaly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta. The coronary artery bypass procedures are formed under cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia, where an arterial blood source is created using least invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for thoracoscopically arresting the heart and establishing cardiopulmonary bypass, thus facilitating a variety of less-invasive surgical procedures on and within the heart and great vessels of the thorax. In one embodiment, the invention provides a thoracoscopic system for arresting a patient's heart including a clamp configured for introduction into the patient's thoracic cavity through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest. The clamp is positionable about the patient's ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery. The clamp is coupled to the distal end of an elongated handle means for manipulating the clamp from a location outside of the patient's thoracic cavity. A means for actuating the clamp is coupled to the proximal end of the handle means. When actuated, the clamp blocks blood flow through the ascending aorta.

Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.

Abstract: Endovascular grafting system having a capsule catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The capsule is generally cylindrical in shape and is formed of a helical wrap of a metal ribbon. The wraps are bonded into a unitary capsule permitting bending of said unitary capsule. A graft is disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. Hooks are secured to the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member and face in a direction outwardly towards the inner wall of the capsule. A push rod is disposed within the capsule catheter and engages the graft whereby upon relative movement between the push rod and the capsule catheter, the graft can be forced out of the capsule.

Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter into a vessel in the body of a patient comprising an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable between open and closed positions. The valve when open permits the catheter to be inserted into the sheath, and when closed serves to form a hemostatic seal about the catheter.

Abstract: Hand-held gun for inflating and deflating large volume balloons by the use of a syringe having a barrel and a syringe plunger having a head and slidably mounted in the barrel. The gun is provided with a handle adapted to be grasped by the hand. A housing is carried by the handle and is adapted to receive and retain the barrel of the syringe. A plunger rod is provided which has proximal and distal extremities and is slidably mounted in the handle for movement in a direction parallel to the movement of the syringe plunger between forward and rearward positions. A sleeve is secured to the proximal extremity of the plunger rod and extends coaxially for at least a portion of the plunger rod. A coil spring is mounted on the plunger rod for yieldably urging the plunger rod in a direction axially of the plunger rod toward the rearward position. A plate is secured to the sleeve and is adapted to be removably secured to the head of the syringe plunger.