Patent ID: 6033420
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for minimally invasive aortic cannulation, comprising the steps of:providing a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween, the cannula having an expandable occluder mounted on the distal end;providing an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, an actuating mechanism mounted at the proximal end of the elongate member, and a surgical blade mounted on the distal end of the elongate member and operable by manipulating the actuating mechanism at the proximal end;inserting the elongate member into the lumen of the cannula;making an incision on the aorta by activating the surgical blade on the elongate member;inserting the cannula through the incision;advancing the distal end of the cannula into the aorta;withdrawing the elongate member from the lumen of the cannula; andexpanding the occluder to isolate the heart and coronary blood vessels from the peripheral vascular system.