Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6755780?dq=6,993,661
Timestamp: 2014-07-23 04:13:55
Document Index: 88329754

Matched Legal Cases: ['art. 2', 'art.\n17', 'art.\n18', 'art.\n44', 'art.\n45', 'art. 93']

Patent US6755780 - Method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the...http://www.google.com/patents/US6755780?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6755780 - Method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissueAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6755780 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/137,111Publication dateJun 29, 2004Filing dateApr 30, 2002Priority dateSep 20, 1995Fee statusPaidAlso published asCA2232580A1, CA2232580C, CN1137663C, CN1198664A, DE69628341D1, DE69628341T2, DE69636692D1, DE69636692T2, DE69637955D1, EP0939605A1, EP0939605B1, EP1240871A1, EP1240871B1, EP1743582A1, EP1743582B1, US5836311, US5927284, US6015378, US6328688, US6334843, US6336898, US6350229, US6364826, US6371906, US6394948, US6464630, US7048683, US7611455, US20020120177, US20020124856, US20060036128, WO1997010753A1Publication number10137111, 137111, US 6755780 B2, US 6755780B2, US-B2-6755780, US6755780 B2, US6755780B2InventorsCornelius Borst, Hendricus J. Mansvelt Beck, Paul F. Gr{overscore (u)}ndeman, Erik W. L. JansenOriginal AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (101), Non-Patent Citations (39), Referenced by (5), Classifications (16), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissueUS 6755780 B2Abstract A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart. The present invention features a suction device to accomplish the immobilization. The suction device is coupled to a source of negative pressure. The suction device has a series of suction ports on one surface. Suction through the device causes suction to be maintained at the ports. The device further is shaped to conform to the surface of the heart. Thus, when the device is placed on the surface of the heart and suction is created, the suction through the ports engages the surface of the heart. The suction device is further fixed or immobilized to a stationary object, such as an operating table or a sternal or rib retractor. Thus, the local area of the heart near the suction device is temporarily fixed or immobilized relative to the stationary object while suction is maintained. In such a fashion, the coronary artery may be immobilized even though the heart itself is still beating so that a bypass graft may be performed. In addition the suction device may be used in either a conventional, open-chest environment or in a minimally-invasive environment, e.g. endoscopic.
What is claimed is: 1. A surgical apparatus for use in a surgical procedure performed on a beating heart, the apparatus comprising:
an operating table; a first device including a first arm fixed to the operating table and a first member coupled to the first arm, the first member having a first contact surface for contacting the surface of the heart and a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through the first contact surface; and, a second device including a second arm fixed to the operating table and a second member coupled to the second arm, the second member having a second contact surface for contacting the surface of the heart. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a suction source coupled to the first member and communicating with the suction conduit.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first member comprises a suction port in fluid communication with the suction conduit and positioned along the first contact surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the suction port is generally cone-shaped.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the suction port is generally dome-shaped.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the suction port is generally cylindrical-shaped.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second member comprises a suction lumen open to the atmosphere through the second contact surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising one or more suction source(s) in fluid communication with the suction lumen of the first member and the suction lumen of the second member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second member comprises a suction port in fluid communication with the suction lumen and positioned along the second contact surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the suction port is generally cone-shaped.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the suction port is generally dome-shaped.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the suction port is generally cylindrical-shaped.
13. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a suture fixation member.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first or second contact surface include one or more electrodes.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a pulse generator and lead, the electrodes being coupled by the lead to the pulse generator.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second devices further comprises a means for dispensing or removing a fluid along the surface of the heart.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second devices further comprises a means for delivering light to the surface of the heart.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first member is coupled to the first arm by a hinge or joint thereby permitting the first member to move relative to the first arm.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the first member to rotate relative to the first arm.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the first member to swivel relative to the first arm.
21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the second member to rotate relative to the second arm.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the second member to swivel relative to the second arm.
24. the apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second arms is bendable.
25. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second arms includes at least one joint or hinge that may be moved or locked into position.
26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first or second arm is a variable friction arm.
27. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first or second arm has a ball and socket construction that may be moved or locked into position.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the ball and socket arm comprises a plurality of tube elements jointed together by a plurality of ball elements, the tube elements having socket ends shaped to mate with the ball elements, a cable disposed throughout the series of ball elements and tube elements and a locking actuator coupled to the cable, the locking actuator being capable of tightening the cable to lock the ball and socket arm into a rigid position.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm regardless of the orientation of any tube element to an adjacent ball element.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm comprises tapered bushings positioned within the lumen of the ball elements, the tapered bushings having a passage way thereout which has a first diameter at a first end, a second diameter in the middle and the first diameter at an end opposite the first end, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
31. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first or second arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the first or second arm comprising:
a plurality of links, the links being free to move relative to one another so that the arm articulates; a cable extending through the links, the cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a locking actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cable and the proximal end of the arm to tension the cable thereby locking the links relative to one another so that the arm changes from an articulating condition to a locked rigid condition. 32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the locking actuator comprises a rotatable handle coupled to the proximal end of the arm wherein rotating the handle changes the arm from the articulating condition to the locked rigid condition.
33. A medical device to facilitate a surgical procedure to be performed on a beating heart comprising:
an operating table; a first suction device for temporarily engaging a first area of tissue of the beating heart, the first suction member having a first contact surface adapted to be placed against the heart, the first suction member having a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through the first contact surface, the first suction member coupled to a first arm; a first suction line coupled to the suction conduit wherein suction to the first suction line is communicated to the suction conduit; a first securing device coupled to the first arm, the first securing device being adapted for securing the first suction device to the operating table; a second suction device for temporarily engaging a second area of tissue of the beating heart, the second suction device having a second suction member, the second suction member having a second contact surface adapted to be placed against the heart, the second suction member having a suction lumen open to the atmosphere through the second contact surface, the second suction member coupled to a second arm; a second suction line coupled to the suction lumen wherein suction to the second suction line is communicated to the suction lumen; a second securing device coupled to the second arm, the second securing device being adapted for securing the second suction device to the operating table. 34. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first or second arm is bendable.
35. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first or second arm includes at least one joint or hinge that may be moved or locked into position.
36. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first or second arm is a variable friction arm.
37. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first or second arm has a ball and socket construction that may be moved or locked into position.
38. The medical device of claim 37 wherein the ball and socket arm comprises a plurality of tube elements jointed together by a plurality of ball elements, the tube elements having socket ends shaped to mate with the ball elements, a cable disposed throughout the series of ball elements and tube elements and a locking actuator coupled to the cable, the locking actuator being capable of tightening the cable to lock the ball and socket arm into a rigid position.
39. The medical device of claim 38 further comprising a means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm regardless of the orientation of any tube element to an adjacent ball element.
40. The medical device of claim 39 wherein the means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket arm comprises tapered bushings positioned within the lumen of the ball elements, the tapered bushings having a passage way thereout which has a first diameter at a first end, a second diameter in the middle and the first diameter at an end opposite the first end, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
41. The medical device of claim 38 wherein the first or second arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the arm comprising:
a plurality of links, the links being free to move relative to one another so that the arm articulates; a cable extending through the links, the cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a locking actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cable and the proximal end of the arm to tension the cable thereby locking the links relative to one another so that the arm changes from an articulating condition to a locked rigid condition. 42. The medical device of claim 41 wherein the locking actuator comprises a rotatable handle coupled to the proximal end of the arm wherein rotating the handle changes the arm from the articulating condition to the locked rigid condition.
43. The medical device of claim 33 wherein at least one of the first and second suction devices further comprises a means for dispensing or removing a fluid along the surface of the heart.
44. The medical device of claim 33 wherein at least one of the first and second suction devices further comprises a means for delivering light to the surface of the heart.
45. The medical device of claim 33 further comprising a suture fixation member.
46. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first or second contact surface corn one or more electrodes.
47. The medical device claim 42 wherein the electrodes are coupled by a lead to a pulse generator.
48. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first member is coupled to the first arm by hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the first member to move relative to the first arm.
49. The medical device of claim 48 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the first member to rotate relative to the first arm.
50. The medical device of claim 48 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the first member to swivel relative to the first arm.
51. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the second member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
52. The medical device of claim 51 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the second member to rotate relative to the second arm.
53. The medical device of claim 51 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the second member to swivel relative to the second arm.
54. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the second suction member comprises a neck which is used to couple the second suction member to the second arm.
55. The medical device of claim 54 wherein the neck of the second suction member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
56. The medical device of claim 55 wherein the suction lumen of the second suction member extends through the neck of the second suction member.
57. The medical device of claim 56 wherein the neck of the second suction member is bendable.
58. The medical device of claim 56 wherein the neck of the second suction member is rigid.
59. The medical device of claim 33 the operating table includes a mounting rail.
60. The medical device of claim 59 wherein the first securing device includes a first clamp for clamping to the mounting rail, and the second securing device includes a second clamp for clamping to the mounting rail.
61. The medical device of claim 60 wherein the mounting rail includes a clamp for clamping the mounting rail to the operating table.
62. The medical device of claim 33 wherein the first and second suction lines are coupled to one or more suction sources.
63. A medical device for use in a surgical procedure performed on a beating heart of a patient, the medical device comprising:
a suction source; a first suction device for temporarily engaging a first area of tissue of the beating heart, the first suction device having a first arm and a first suction member, the first suction member coupled to the first arm, the first suction member having a suction conduit open to the atmosphere through a first contact surface for engagement with the first area of tissue, the suction conduit coupled to the suction source; a first securing device coupled to the first arm, the first securing device being adapted for securing the first suction device to a retractor or an operating table; a second suction device for temporarily engaging a second area of tissue of the beating heart, the second suction device having a second arm and a second suction member, the second suction member movably coupled to the second arm such that the second suction member is free to move relative to the second arm, the second suction member having a lumen open to the atmosphere through a second contact surface for engagement with the second area of tissue, the lumen coupled to the suction source; and, a second securing device coupled to the second arm, the second securing device being adapted for securing the second suction device to a retractor or an operating table. 64. The medical device of claim 63 wherein a portion of the first or second arm is bendable.
65. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the first or second arm includes at least one joint or hinge that may be moved or locked into position.
66. The medical device of claim 63 wherein a portion of the first or second arm includes a variable friction segment.
67. The medical device of claim 63 wherein a portion of the first or second arm has a ball and socket construction that may be moved or locked into position.
68. The medical device of claim 67 wherein the ball and socket construction comprises a plurality of tube elements jointed together by a plurality of ball elements, the tube elements having socket ends shaped to mate with the ball elements, a cable disposed throughout the series of ball elements and tube elements and a locking actuator coupled to the cable, the locking actuator being capable of tightening the cable to lock the ball and socket construction into a rigid position.
69. The medical device of claim 68 further comprising a means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket construction regardless of the orientation of any tube element to an adjacent ball element.
70. The medical device of claim 69 wherein the means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket construction comprises tapered bushings positioned within the lumen of the ball elements, the tapered bushings having a passage way thereout which has a first diameter at a first end, a second diameter in the middle and the first diameter at an end opposite the first end, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
71. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the first or second arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the arm comprising:
a plurality of links, the links being free to move relative to one another so that the arm articulates; a cable extending through the links, the cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a locking actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cable and the proximal end of the arm to tension the cable thereby locking the links relative to one another so that the arm changes from an articulating condition to a locked rigid condition. 72. The medical device of claim 71 wherein the locking actuator comprises a rotatable handle coupled to the proximal end of the arm wherein rotating the handle changes the arm from the articulating condition to the locked rigid condition.
73. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the first securing device or second securing device comprises a clamp adapted to be coupled to the retractor.
74. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the first suction member is coupled to the first arm by hinge or joint that maybe moved or locked into position thereby permitting the first suction member to move relative to the first arm.
75. The medical device of claim 74 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the first suction member to rotate relative to the first arm.
76. The medical device of claim 74 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the first suction member to swivel relative to the first arm.
77. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the second suction member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the second suction member to move relative to the second arm.
78. The medical device of claim 77 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the second suction member to rotate relative to the second arm.
79. The medical device of claim 77 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the second suction member to swivel relative to the second arm.
80. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the second suction member comprises a neck which is used to couple the second suction member to the second arm.
81. The medical device of claim 80 wherein the neck of the second suction member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint permitting the second suction member to move relative to the second arm.
82. The medical device of claim 80 wherein the suction lumen of the second suction member extends through the neck of the second suction member.
83. The medical device of claim 80 wherein the neck of the second suction member is bendable.
84. The medical device of claim 80 wherein the neck of the second suction member is rigid.
85. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the retractor includes a mounting rail.
86. The medical device of claim 85 wherein the first securing device includes a clamp for clamping to the mounting rail of the retractor.
87. The medical device of claim 85 wherein the second securing device includes a clamp for clamping to the mounting rail of the retractor.
88. The medical device of claim 63 wherein the operating table includes a mounting rail.
89. The medical device of claim 88 wherein the mounting rail includes a clamp for clamping the mounting rail to the operating table.
90. The medical device of claim 88 wherein the first securing device includes a clamp for clamping to the mounting rail of the operating table.
91. The medical device of claim 88 wherein the second securing device includes a clamp for clamping to the mounting rail of the operating table.
92. A medical device for use in a surgical procedure performed on a beating heart of a patient, the medical device comprising:
a retractor adapted for mounting on a portion of the patient's skeletal system; an operating table adapted for supporting the patient; a first device including a first arm secured to the retractor and a first member coupled to the first arm, the first member having a first contact surface adapted for engaging the surface of the heart; and, a second device including a second arm secured to the operating table and a second member coupled to the second arm, the second member having a second contact surface adapted for engaging the surface of the heart. 93. The medical device of claim 92 further comprising a suction source coupled to the first and second devices.
94. The medical device of claim 92 wherein a portion of the first or second arm is bendable.
95. The medical device of claim 92 wherein the first or second arm includes at least one joint or hinge that may be moved or locked into position.
96. The medical device of claim 92 wherein a portion of the first or second arm includes a variable friction segment.
97. The medical device of claim 92 a portion of the first or second arm has a ball and socket construction that may be moved or locked into position.
98. The medical device of claim 97 wherein the ball and socket construction comprises a plurality of tube elements jointed together by a plurality of ball elements, the tube elements having socket ends shaped to mate with the ball elements, a cable disposed throughout the series of ball elements and tube elements and a locking actuator coupled to the cable, the locking actuator being capable of tightening the cable to lock the ball and socket construction into a rigid position.
99. The medical device of claim 98 further comprising a means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket construction regardless of the orientation of any tube element to an adjacent ball element.
100. The medical device of claim 99 wherein the means for maintaining the same length of the cable within the ball and socket construction comprises tapered bushings positioned within the lumen of the ball elements, the tapered bushings having a passage way thereout which has a first diameter at a first end, a second diameter in the middle and the first diameter at an end opposite the first end, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
101. The medical device of claim 92 wherein the first or second arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the arm comprising:
a plurality of links, the links being free to move relative to one another so that the arm articulates; a cable extending through the links, the cable having a distal end and a proximal end; a locking actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cable and the proximal end of the arm to tension the cable thereby locking the links relative to one another so that the arm changes from an articulating condition to a locked rigid condition. 102. The medical device of claim 101 wherein the locking actuator comprises a rotatable handle coupled to the proximal end of the arm wherein rotating the handle changes the arm from the articulating condition to the locked rigid condition.
103. The medical device of claim 92 wherein the first member is coupled to the first arm by hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the first member to move relative to the first arm.
104. The medical device of claim 103 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the first member to rotate relative to the first arm.
105. The medical device of claim 103 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the first member to swivel relative to the first arm.
106. The medical device of claim 92 wherein the second member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint that may be moved or locked into position thereby permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
107. The medical device of claim 106 wherein the hinge or joint is a ball bearing joint thereby permitting the second member to rotate relative to the second arm.
108. The medical device of claim 106 wherein the hinge or joint comprises a pin thereby permitting the second suction member to swivel relative to the second arm.
109. The medical device of claim 92 wherein the second member comprises a neck which is used to couple the second member to the second arm.
110. The medical device of claim 109 wherein the neck of the second member is coupled to the second arm by a hinge or joint permitting the second member to move relative to the second arm.
111. The medical device of claim 109 wherein the neck includes a suction lumen.
112. The medical device of claim 109 wherein the neck of the second member is bendable.
113. The medical device of claim 109 wherein the neck of the second member is rigid.
114. The medical device of claim 92 wherein the retractor includes a mounting rail.
115. The medical device of claim 114 wherein the first device includes a clamp for clamping to the mounting rail of the retractor.
116. The medical device of claim 92 wherein the operating table includes a mounting rail.
117. The medical device of claim 116 wherein the mounting rail includes a clamp for clamping the mounting rail to the operating table.
118. The medical device of claim 116 wherein the second device includes a clamp for clamping to the mounting rail of the operating table.
RELATED APPLICATION This is a continuation application claiming priority from application Ser. No. 09/493,629 filed Jan. 28, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,630, which is a divisional application claiming priority from application Ser. No. 09/334,531 filed Jun. 16, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,826, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/725,371 filed Oct. 3, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,378 which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 08/531,363 filed Sep. 20, 1995 of Borst et al entitled �Method And Apparatus For Temporarily Immobilizing A Local Area Of Tissue�, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,311.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a view of the immobilizing device 11 being used to temporarily immobilize an area of heart tissue. In the preferred embodiment, surgical access to the local area of heart tissue is achieved through a mini-thoracotomy, preferably performed within either the fourth or fifth intercostal space. An incision 10 of approximately 10 centimeters is made into chest cavity between the ribs (seen here in phantom.) The rib cartilage may be temporarily removed and the ribs surrounding the incision slightly spread apart using a retractor (not shown) to provide adequate surgical access to the mammary artery and the heart. As seen, a pair of suction devices 12, 13 are introduced. The first suction device 12 is introduced through a small stab wound 8 in between the ribs approximately 10 cm. below incision 10. This stab wound is made in any acceptable manner. Incidentally, once the surgery has been completed, the stab wound may be used for the thorax drain after the closure of the chest. As discussed below with reference to FIG. 19, the suction device has a covering 180, made from latex rubber, over the distal end when it penetrates the chest wall in order to avoid blood and tissue from entering the suction ports and block suction apertures. Once suction device is introduced, covering 180 is removed and the distal end is positioned onto heart. The second suction device 13 is introduced through incision 10 onto the surface of the heart. As seen, the distal end of each suction device is ultimately positioned in the local area of heart tissue to be immobilized, i.e. on either side of a coronary artery upon which a graft is to be made.
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