Patent ID: 7922648
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting a myocardial patch on an epicardial surface of a patient, the patch having a fixation structure at least partially surrounded by a rim defining a lumen along the length of the rim, said method comprising: positioning the distal end of a lumen structure in the pericardial space; inserting a stylet into and along the length of the rim lumen of the patch, wherein the application of force by the stylet along the length of the rim lumen causes the patch to at least partially collapse; pushing the patch through the lumen structure and into the pericardial space; and removing the stylet from along the length of the rim lumen, wherein the absence of the application of force by the stylet along the length of the rim lumen allows the patch to assume its expanded state.