US6338738B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Device and method for stabilizing cardiac tissue
Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corp
•
Filing: 1999-08-31
•
Granted: 2002-01-15
•
Expires: 2019-08-31
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is directed to a new and useful device and method for stabilizing cardiac tissue at a surgical site during heart surgery, and specifically useful during beating heart surgery. The device includes a foot for contacting a heart tissue and two arms movably connected together for selective movement to vary and adjust the position of the foot on the heart. The foot and the arm assembly are designed to optimize stability of the foot in contact with heart tissue, and therefore, to optimize stability of the heart during surgical procedure. The device is capable of being mounted on a chest spreader. The foot has a bottom surface which is angled for better stabilization and engagement with the heart.
Inventors
- 👤 Marc Bellotti
- 👤 Alan W. Marttila
- 👤 Kenneth J. Steele
- 👤 Scott R. Ariagno
- 👤 Atif M. Yardimci
- 👤 Donald R. Heslington
- 👤 Charles R. Weyrauch
- 👤 Lise J. Herriott
- 👤 Donald A. Smith
- 👤 Cristina J. Stadler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:57
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16M; F16M11/00; F16M11/20; F16M11/24; F16M11/40; A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/0206; F16M11/02; F16M11/04; F16M11/043; F16M11/045; F16M11/18; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/0237; A61B2017/0243; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; F16M2200/00; F16M2200/02; F16M2200/021; F16M2200/022; F16M2200/024; F16M2200/06; F16M2200/066; F16M2200/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 60
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A surgical device for stabilizing cardiac tissue during surgery, said device comprising: a support structure having a distal end and a proximal end; and a stabilizing foot attached to said support structure at a distal end, the foot comprising two laterally spaced apart fingers connected by a bridge at one end of the fingers, said fingers each having an inner edge with said edges being located generally in a first plane and defining a surgical site therebetween, said fingers having bottom surfaces, each said bottom surface having a beveled surface portion extending upwardly and away from the inner edge at an angle in the range of between about 10° and about 35° from the first plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A surgical device for stabilizing cardiac tissue during surgery, said device comprising: a support structure having a distal end and a proximal end; and a stabilizing foot attached to said support structure at a distal end, the foot comprising two laterally spaced apart fingers connected by a bridge at one end of the fingers, said fingers each having an inner edge with said edges being located generally in a first plane and defining a surgical site therebetween, said fingers having bottom surfaces, each said bottom surface having a beveled surface portion extending upwardly and away from the inner edge at an angle in the range of between about 10° and about 35° from the first plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical device of claim 1 wherein said inner edges are generally parallel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The surgical device of claim 1 wherein said bottom surfaces each include a second surface portion extending at an angle from the beveled surface to an outer edge of each finger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical device of claim 3 wherein each second surface portion of the bottom surfaces is generally parallel to the first plane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bottom surfaces are textured.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical device as set forth in claim 5 wherein the texture is a plurality of generally concentric ribs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical device of claim 1 further comprising a mounting post for connecting the foot to the support structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical device of claim 7 wherein the mounting post is secured to the bridge and projects therefrom.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical device of claim 7 wherein the mounting post is secured to the finger and projects therefrom.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surgical device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said mounting post is generally normal to said first plane.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical device of claim 7 wherein said post is generally parallel to said first plane and generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of each said finger.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical device of claim 7 wherein said post is generally parallel to said first plane and generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each said finger.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical device of claim 1 wherein said bridge has a bottom surface that has a substantial portion thereof spaced above said first plane.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The surgical device of claim 1 wherein said each finger has a top surface that meets the beveled surface portion of the bottom surface of each finger at the corresponding inner edge.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The surgical device of claim 14 wherein the top surface of each finger gradually converges with the beveled surface portion of the bottom surface of each finger in the area of the inner edge.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical device of claim 1 wherein said beveled surface portion are at least 6 mm wide.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inner edges are spaced apart a distance in the range of between about 6 mm and about 13 mm.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical device of claim 7 wherein the mounting post is removably connected to the support structure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical device of claim 18 wherein the connection of the mounting post to the support structure is a snap-fit connection.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The surgical device of claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a first elongate arm and wherein the stabilizing foot is connected to said first elongate arm.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical device of claim 20 wherein the stabilizing foot is movably connected to the first elongate arm.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
59 words
The surgical device of claim 21 further comprising a first joint and a first lock means cooperating with the first joint and having a locked position for selective locking of the first arm relative to the stabilizing foot and an unlocked position wherein said first joint is operable to be maintained substantially in position until moved by an operator.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The surgical device of claim 20 wherein the support structure further comprises a second elongate arm movably connected to the first elongate arm for selective multi-axis movement of the first and second arms relative to one another.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
62 words
The surgical device of claim 23 further comprising a second joint and a second lock means with a locked position for selective locking of the first and second arms in a selected position relative to one another, and an unlocked position wherein said second joint is operable to maintain said first and second arms substantially in position until moved by an operator.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical device of claim 1 wherein the proximal end of the support structure is movably mounted to a surgical spreader.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The surgical device of claim 24 further comprising a third joint and a third lock means cooperating with said third joint to removably mount the surgical device to a chest spreader.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
43 words
The surgical device of claim 24 wherein said second joint includes a pair of C-clamps pivotally secured to one another with each said C-clamp having an arm receiving bore therethrough frictionally engaging the respective first or second arm mounted in the respective bore.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
44 words
The surgical device of claim 27 wherein said C-clamps each have a toothed surface in engagement with one another to selectively pivotally lock the C-clamps in a plurality of pivoted positions and the first pivot joint including a fastening member securing the C-clamps together.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The surgical device of claim 27 wherein each respective first and second arm can move axially, rotationally and pivotally relative to one another within the C-clamps.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surgical device of claim 26 wherein said first and third lock means include a preload pad.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
83 words
The surgical device as set forth in claim 30 wherein said first and third lock means includes a rod member mounted in the respective arm for selective axial movement therein, one end of the rod is selectively in force applying engagement with the respective preload pad whereby axial movement in a direction toward the respective preload pad will increase the friction and movement in a direction away from the respective preload pad will reduce the friction to as low as the preload friction.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
67 words
A foot for use with a heart stabilizing device for engaging a portion of a heart during a heart surgery procedure, said foot comprising: two laterally spaced apart fingers, said fingers each having an inner edge with said edges defining a surgical site therebetween, each finger having a bottom surface, each said bottom surface having an angled surface portion extending upwardly and away from the inner edge.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
67 words
A foot for use with a heart stabilizing device for engaging a portion of a heart during a heart surgery procedure, said foot comprising: two laterally spaced apart fingers, said fingers each having an inner edge with said edges defining a surgical site therebetween, each finger having a bottom surface, each said bottom surface having an angled surface portion extending upwardly and away from the inner edge.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The foot of claim 32 wherein an included angle between the angled surface portions is in the range of between about 110° and about 160°.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The foot of claim 32 wherein an included angle between the angled surface portions is in the range of between about 120° and about 140°.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The foot of claim 32 further comprising a bridge secured to and extending between the fingers adjacent one end of each finger.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The foot of claim 33 further comprising a mounting post secured to the bridge or one of the fingers and extending therefrom.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
The foot of claim 32 wherein said inner edges are generally parallel.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
The foot of claim 32 wherein said bottom surfaces each include a second surface portion extending at an angle from the angled surface portion to an outer edge of each finger.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
33 words
The foot of claim 38 wherein said second surface portion extends at an angle relative to the respective angled surface portion which is in the range of between about 145° and about 170°.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
11 words
The foot of claim 32 wherein said bottom surface is textured.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The foot of claim 40 wherein said texture is a plurality of generally concentric ribs running generally lengthwise of the respective finger.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The foot of claim 36 wherein the inner edges of the fingers lie in a first plane and said mounting post is generally normal to said first plane.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
The foot of claim 36 wherein the inner edges of the fingers lie in a first plane and said mounting post is located at an angle to said first plane.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
39 words
The foot of claim 36 wherein the inner edges of the fingers lie in a first plane and said mounting post is generally parallel to said first plane and generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of each said finger.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
39 words
The foot of claim 36 wherein the inner edges of the fingers lie in a first plane and said mounting post is generally parallel to said first plane and generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each said finger.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The foot of claim 35 wherein said bridge has a lower surface that has a substantial portion thereof spaced above a plane defined by the inner edges.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
The surgical device of claim 32 wherein said each finger has a top surface that meets the angled surface portion of the bottom surface at the corresponding inner edge at an acute angle.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The surgical device of claim 32 further comprising a pad removably secured to the bottom surface of the foot.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The foot of claim 32 wherein said inner edges are spaced apart a distance in the range of between about 6 m and about 13 mm.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
The foot of claim 32 wherein the angled surface portion of the bottom surface of each finger has a width of at least about 6 mm.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
22 words
The foot of claim 36 wherein the mounting post is adapted for removable connection of the foot to the heart stabilizing device.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
93 words
The method for selectively isolating and stabilizing cardiac tissue at a surgical site comprising the steps of: obtaining a device for isolating and stabilizing cardiac tissue comprising a stabilizing foot having at least two heart engaging bottom surfaces, such bottom surfaces being inwardly angled relative to each other; placing said angled heart engaging bottom surfaces on opposite sides of the surgical site; applying force to the heart through said angled heart engaging bottom surfaces to thereby stretch and stabilize cardiac tissue at the surgical site; performing a medical procedure on the cardiac tissue.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
93 words
The method for selectively isolating and stabilizing cardiac tissue at a surgical site comprising the steps of: obtaining a device for isolating and stabilizing cardiac tissue comprising a stabilizing foot having at least two heart engaging bottom surfaces, such bottom surfaces being inwardly angled relative to each other; placing said angled heart engaging bottom surfaces on opposite sides of the surgical site; applying force to the heart through said angled heart engaging bottom surfaces to thereby stretch and stabilize cardiac tissue at the surgical site; performing a medical procedure on the cardiac tissue.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the heart is beating during the medical procedure.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the force applied through the stabilizing device is a mechanical force.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the force applied through the stabilizing device is a vacuum force.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 52 further comprising a step of adjusting the orientation of a stabilizing foot relative to the surgical site.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 56 wherein the adjusting step further comprises locking the position and orientation of the stabilizing foot relative to the surgical site.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-01-14 | 2005-07-16 | 2006-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-01-14 | 2009-07-16 | 2010-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-01-14 | 2013-07-16 | 2014-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |