Patent ID: 6602189
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A minimally invasive method of thoracic surgery comprising the steps ofcreating an incision in a chest region of a patient; spreading a first side of the incision relative to a second side of the incision in a generally lateral direction; raising the first side of the incision relative to the second side of the incision in a generally vertical direction; lowering the second side of the incision relative to the first side of the incision in a generally vertical direction; dissecting a distal portion of an internal mammary artery of the patient; leveling the first and second sides of the incision; raising the second side of the incision relative to the first side of the incision in a generally vertical direction; lowering the first side of the incision relative to the second side of the incision in a generally vertical direction; and dissecting a proximal portion of an internal mammary artery of the patient.