| abstract |
The invention provides devices and methods for performing less invasive surgical procedures with an organ or vessel. One embodiment provides a method of closed chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart. The patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary by-pass is established. A scope (25) extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. The penetration is formed in a wall of the heart using a cutter (110) introduced through the percutaneous penetration. An interventional tool is then introduced through a cannula (22) positioned in the penetration. The interventional tool is inserted through the penetration to perform a surgical procedure within the internal cavity under visualization by a scope (25). A cutting tool is introduced into the patient's left atrium from a right portion of the patient's chest to remove the patient's mitral valve. A replacement valve (36) is then introduced through the intercostal space and through the penetration in the heart, and the replacement valve is attached in the mitral valve position. |