| abstract |
The invention relates to devices and methods for positioning and manipulating the heart or another organ during a surgical procedure. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for positioning and manipulating the heart during a coronary procedure so that a target portion is exposed on the surface of the heart, with an asymmetric expandable portion having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured as such is that it contacts a posterior surface of the heart and lifts the heart anteriorly when it is expanded, and the second portion is configured to contact a lateroposterior surface of the heart and is sized to raise the heart both anteriorly and also turns media when it is expanded. The device has an elongated tubular member that is secured to the expandable member and has a fill lumen extending through its interior, a distal end of the fill lumen being in fluid communication with the expandable member. By filling the expandable part, the heart is raised anteriorly and partially rotated around a longitudinal center line of the heart. In this way, previously inaccessible sections of the heart surface are accessible through minimally invasive, endoscopic or thoracoscopic access procedures. Devices and methods such as ... |