Patent ID: 6379297
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for stabilizing moving tissue within the body, said apparatus comprising;a. a bifurcated member having a plurality of elongated prongs, each prong having a proximal end portion and an opposite distal end portion, said prongs being attached to each other adjacent the proximal end portions thereof, at least a portion of each prong adapted to engage a heart of a patient; b. an elongated handle segment having a distal end portion and an opposite proximal end portion; c. a first connector for rotatably and pivotally connecting the distal end of said handle segment to said bifurcated member, wherein said first connector allows said bifurcated member to rotate and pivot relative to said handle segment so that said bifurcated member is movable to a desired position; d. a movable member on said handle segment wherein movement of said movable member between first and second positions causes said first connector to engage said bifurcated member in a first position thereof and allows the removal of the bifurcated member from the handle segment in the second position thereof; e. Further including a second connector for mounting said handle segment to a rib retractor wherein said second connector includes a tightening member that is movable between first and second positions and said second connector is slidable along the rib retractor in the second position thereof and fixedly attached thereto in the first position thereof; and f. wherein said second connector is a swivel connector having a swivel head having a first portion, a second portion, and a tightening portion, the first portion defining a slot therethrough which is of a size to slidably and adjustably receive a portion of the handle segment therein, the second section defining an opening therethrough which is adapted to detachably and slidably engage a portion of the rib retractor, and the tightening portion being formed to secure the handle segment at a desired position in the slot of the first portion and to secure the swivel head at a desired position on the rib retractor and wherein in the first position of the tightening member, the handle segment is fixedly secured to the second connector and the second connector is fixedly secured to the rib retractor and the handle segment is movable relative thereto in the first position thereof.