Patent ID: 6129758
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A surgical instrument for holding a piece of tissue in a configuration of at least one leaflet of a circulatory system valve to facilitate surgical attachment of the tissue, the instrument comprising:a. a first and second former having respective first and second tissue forming surfaces, wherein the first tissue forming surface is complementary and engagable to the second tissue forming surface, such that when tissue is placed between the first tissue forming surface and the second tissue forming surface, and the tissue forming surfaces are brought into complementary engagement, the tissue is held in a configuration of at least one leaflet of a closed or partially closed circulatory system valve; andb. a first handle attached to the first former and a second handle attached to the second former for holding the tissue forming surfaces in complementary engagement, whereby the tissue may be held in place for surgical attachment.