Patent ID: 6666861
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for treating the atrial appendage comprising:entering the chest cavity with a surgical instrument creating a surgical opening; introducing a pericardial access device through said opening; entering the pericardial space between the pericardium and the heart at a location remote from the atrial appendage; navigating an endoscopic suturing device to the atrial appendage whereby said endoscopic suturing device remains between the endocardial surface and the intact pericardial surface at the site of the atrial appendage; activating the suturing device to ensnare the atrial appendage with a suture, thereby closing off the atrial appendage; introducing a knot pusher along said suture into the pericardial space to tighten said suture; removing both the endoscopic suturing device and the knot pusher.