Patent ID: 6602183
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for performing a medical procedure on a beating heart, comprising:a stabilization element, adapted to be applied to a segment of the heart in order to reduce motion of the segment; a plurality of suction ports, positioned on the stabilization element so as to form respective seals with the segment of the heart while the stabilization element is applied to the segment, which suction ports are adapted to apply suction forces to the segment of the heart so as to maintain the segment in contact with the stabilization element; and a suction control assembly, coupled to the ports, such that at least one of the suction ports is adapted to maintain its seal with the segment of the heart even when another one of the suction ports does not form a seal with the segment of the heart, wherein the suction control assembly comprises a valve coupled to one of the suction ports, said valve being adapted to close when the suction port coupled thereto does not form a seal with the segment of the heart.