Patent ID: 6558318
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A method for manipulating a tissue structure within a thoracic cavity of a patient, comprising the steps of:providing a tissue positioning tool having a shaft, a tool support apparatus, and a tissue supporting member releasably connectable to the shaft, the tool support apparatus having a clamp assembly configured to secure the shaft to the tool support apparatus; positioning the tool support apparatus on an outer surface of a patient's chest; introducing at least a portion of the shaft and the tissue supporting member into the patient's thoracic cavity; attaching the tissue supporting member to the portion of the shaft disposed within the patient; contacting a tissue structure in the thoracic cavity with the tissue supporting member; applying a force to the shaft so that the tissue supporting member moves the tissue structure to a displaced position; and locking the shaft to the tool support apparatus with the clamp assembly after the applying step so that the tissue structure maintains the displaced position.