Patent ID: 6701930
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method to install a coronary artery bypass graft from a source artery to a target coronary artery while the heart is beating comprising the steps of:1) providing an access space to the beating heart by a surgical procedure selected from the group consisting of a thoracotomy and a sternotomy, 2) introducing a stabilizing means through the access space, 3) contacting the surface of the beating heart proximate to the target artery at an anastomosis with a stabilizing means, 4) exerting a stabilizing force on the beating heart by positioning the stabilizing means, 5) restricting blood flow through the target artery while allowing the heart to continue to beat, 6) sewing an anastomosis to the target artery, 7) re-establishing blood flow through the target artery.