Patent ID: 7951069
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for enhancing visualization of a surgical procedure on a heart of a patient, the method comprising: introducing an elongate visualization device into the patient, the visualization device comprising a visualization member; advancing the visualization device to position at least one inflatable balloon on the visualization device between the heart and a layer of pericardium adjacent the heart and to position the visualization member of the visualization device between the heart and the layer of pericardium; inflating the at least one inflatable balloon while the at least one inflatable balloon is disposed between the heart and the layer of pericardium so as to create a space between the heart and the layer of pericardium; introducing a stabilization device through the visualization device; securing the stabilization device to the heart so as to stabilize the heart; and using the visualization member of the visualization device to visualize the heart during the surgical procedure while the visualization member is disposed in the space between the heart and the layer of pericardium created by the at least one inflatable balloon.