US7018328B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Tissue stabilizer
Assignee: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corp
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Filing: 2001-02-09
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Granted: 2006-03-28
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Expires: 2021-02-09
Abstract
Abstract A tissue stabilizer is disclosed that comprises a malleable planer foot integrated into a flexible membrane and is useful for stabilizing tissue such as the heart while performing surgery thereon. The malleable planar foot has an open central region and a rigid arm connected to the foot. The membrane integrated with the foot has a shape approximating the foot, a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized, and an upper section opposite the lower section. The membrane has an inner chamber in fluid communication through an opening with a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface. An outlet port connects the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source. The tissue stabilizer has a centrally-located open region through which the tissue to be stabilized can be accessed and is designed so that when the bottom surface of the membrane is positioned on a tissue to be stabilized and a negative pressure is applied to the outlet port, the bottom surface tends to conform to the surface contour of the tissue to be stabilized through the action of suction by the ports and compression by the foot.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry F. Mager
- 👤 Jerome B. Riebman
- 👤 Raymond Bertolero
- 👤 Arthur A Bertolero
- 👤 Tamer Ibrahim
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:52
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/02; A61B17/0218; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68; A61B17/80; A61B17/8085; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/0042; A61B2017/00429; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00858; A61B2017/0237; A61B2017/0243; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A tissue stabilizer that comprises a malleable planar foot having an open central region; a rigid arm connected to the foot; a membrane integrated with the foot and having a shape approximating the foot, a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized, and an upper section opposite the lower section; an inner chamber in the membrane; a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface, the suction ports in fluid communication with the inner chamber through an opening; an outlet port connecting the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source; and a centrally-located open region through which the tissue to be stabilized can be accessed, the stabilizer being designed so that when the bottom surface of the membrane is positioned on a tissue to be stabilized and a negative pressure is applied to the outlet port, the bottom surface tends to conform to the surface contour of the tissue to be stabilized through the action of suction by the ports and compression by the foot.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
A tissue stabilizer that comprises a malleable planar foot having an open central region; a rigid arm connected to the foot; a membrane integrated with the foot and having a shape approximating the foot, a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized, and an upper section opposite the lower section; an inner chamber in the membrane; a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface, the suction ports in fluid communication with the inner chamber through an opening; an outlet port connecting the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source; and a centrally-located open region through which the tissue to be stabilized can be accessed, the stabilizer being designed so that when the bottom surface of the membrane is positioned on a tissue to be stabilized and a negative pressure is applied to the outlet port, the bottom surface tends to conform to the surface contour of the tissue to be stabilized through the action of suction by the ports and compression by the foot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the suction ports are located around the outer perimeter of the bottom surface not directly beneath the malleable planar foot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface is modified to reduce movement of the stabilizer relative to the tissue to be stabilized.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 3 , wherein the bottom surface around the central opening is textured.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 3 , wherein nearly all of the bottom surface is textured.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 3 , wherein the modified bottom surface has a biocompatable medical-grade adhesive on it.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the shape of the foot and bladder is a “U” shape.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the shape of the foot and bladder is adjusted to approximate the contours of the surface of the tissue to be stabilized.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the tissue is of an internal organ.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the membrane is made of a medical grade, flexible polymeric material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 10 , wherein the membrane is a silicon polymer having a durometer rating of 50 to 100 Shore.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
58 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the membrane is about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch, the width of the tissue stabilizer is about 1.0 inch to about 3.0 inches, and the length of the tissue stabilizer is about 1.0 inch to about 3.0 inches.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 11 , wherein the volume of the internal chamber within the membrane is about 1500 mm 3 to about 24,000 mm 3 .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the surface area of the bottom surface is about 1.0 inch to about 9.0 inches.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , in combination with a negative pressure source.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The tissue stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein the inner chamber has a series of ridges protecting the opening leading to the suction port to prevent the upper section from covering the opening and preventing the suction action during operation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
187 words
A membrane for aiding the stabilization of a tissue during an operation on such tissue, which membrane comprises a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized; a top section opposite the lower section; at least one inner chamber in the membrane; a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface, each suction port being in fluid communication with the chamber through an opening; an outlet port connecting the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source; a centrally-located open region through which the tissue to be stabilized can be accessed; and a sleeve between the top and bottom sections designed to receive a malleable planar foot having an extension on each side of the central region, the membrane being designed so that when the planar foot is inserted into the sleeve, the membrane and foot are positioned on a tissue to be stabilized, and a negative pressure is applied to the port, the bottom surface conforms to the surface contour of the tissue to be stabilized through the action of suction by the ports and compression by the foot.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
187 words
A membrane for aiding the stabilization of a tissue during an operation on such tissue, which membrane comprises a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized; a top section opposite the lower section; at least one inner chamber in the membrane; a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface, each suction port being in fluid communication with the chamber through an opening; an outlet port connecting the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source; a centrally-located open region through which the tissue to be stabilized can be accessed; and a sleeve between the top and bottom sections designed to receive a malleable planar foot having an extension on each side of the central region, the membrane being designed so that when the planar foot is inserted into the sleeve, the membrane and foot are positioned on a tissue to be stabilized, and a negative pressure is applied to the port, the bottom surface conforms to the surface contour of the tissue to be stabilized through the action of suction by the ports and compression by the foot.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein the plurality of suction ports are located around the outer perimeter of the bottom surface away from the sleeve into which the planar foot fits.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface is modified to reduce movement of the bladder relative to the tissue to be stabilized.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The membrane of claim 19 , wherein nearly all of the bottom surface is textured.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The membrane of claim 19 , wherein the modified bottom surface has a biocompatable medical grade adhesive on it.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein the sleeve is designed to receive a “U” shaped foot with an extension of the “U” on each side of the central opening.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein after the foot is inserted into the membrane, the shape of the bottom surface is adjusted to fit the contours of the surface of the tissue to be stabilized.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein the tissue is chosen from tissue of an internal organ.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The membrane of claim 17 , made of a medical grade, flexible polymeric material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The membrane of claim 24 made of a silicone polymer having a durometer rating of about 50 to 100 Shore.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
57 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the bladder is about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch, the width of the tissue stabilizer is about 1.0 inch to about 3.0 inches, and the length of the tissue stabilizer is about 1.0 inch to about 3.0 inches.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein the volume of the chamber is about 1500 mm 3 to about 24,000 mm 3 .
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein the surface area of the bottom surface is about 1.0 square inch to about 9.0 square inches.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The membrane of claim 17 , in combination with a negative pressure source and an inserted planar foot.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
39 words
The membrane of claim 17 , wherein the inner chamber has a series of ridges protecting the opening leading to the suction port to prevent the upper section from covering the opening and preventing the suction action during operation.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
232 words
A method for stabilizing tissue, which method comprises (a) positioning a tissue stabilizer on the tissue to be stabilized, wherein the tissue stabilizer comprises (i) a malleable, planar foot having a central opening; (ii) a rigid arm connected to the foot; (iii) a membrane integrated with the foot and having a shape approximating the foot, a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized, and a top section opposite the bottom section; (iv) at least one inner chamber in the membrane; (v) a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface, each suction port being in fluid communication with the inner chamber; (vi) an outlet port for connecting the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source; (vii) a centrally-located open region through which the tissue to be stabilized can be accessed; and (viii) the stabilizer being designed so that when the bottom surface of the membrane is positioned on a tissue to be stabilized and a negative pressure is applied to the outlet port, the bottom surface conforms to the surface contour of the tissue to be stabilized through the action of suction and compression and (b) attaching a negative pressure source to the outlet port and providing compressive force to the foot though the rigid arm for a time sufficient to conform the proximal surface of the tissue stabilizer to the tissue area.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
232 words
A method for stabilizing tissue, which method comprises (a) positioning a tissue stabilizer on the tissue to be stabilized, wherein the tissue stabilizer comprises (i) a malleable, planar foot having a central opening; (ii) a rigid arm connected to the foot; (iii) a membrane integrated with the foot and having a shape approximating the foot, a lower section having a bottom surface for contacting the tissue to be stabilized, and a top section opposite the bottom section; (iv) at least one inner chamber in the membrane; (v) a plurality of suction ports on the bottom surface, each suction port being in fluid communication with the inner chamber; (vi) an outlet port for connecting the inner chamber and suction ports to a negative pressure source; (vii) a centrally-located open region through which the tissue to be stabilized can be accessed; and (viii) the stabilizer being designed so that when the bottom surface of the membrane is positioned on a tissue to be stabilized and a negative pressure is applied to the outlet port, the bottom surface conforms to the surface contour of the tissue to be stabilized through the action of suction and compression and (b) attaching a negative pressure source to the outlet port and providing compressive force to the foot though the rigid arm for a time sufficient to conform the proximal surface of the tissue stabilizer to the tissue area.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein the tissue is of an internal organ.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the tissue to be stabilized is heart tissue.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein after the tissue stabilizer has been placed upon the tissue, an operation is performed on the tissue through the centrally-located open region of the foot and membrane.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein the shape of the foot and membrane is a “U” shape.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein the suction ports are located around the outer perimeter of the bottom surface not beneath the malleable planar foot.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 32 , wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface around the central opening is modified to reduce the movement of the stabilizer relative to the tissue to be stabilized.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein the modified area of the bottom surface is coated with a light medical adhesive to allow it to lightly adhere to the tissue surface.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein the modified area of the bottom surface is textured.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein nearly the entire bottom surface is textured.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
77 words
A process for making the tissue stabilizer of claim 1 using an injection molding technique, which process comprises preparing an appropriate mold provided with removable mandrels for the inner chamber and the outlet port of the membrane, position the foot and connecting rod with the mold to be integrated into the membrane, injecting a polymeric material into the mold, curing the polymer, removing the mandrels, and adhering the upper section and lower section to form the chamber.
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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) | 2009-03-27 | 2009-09-26 | 2010-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-03-27 | 2013-09-26 | 2014-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-03-27 | 2017-09-26 | 2018-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |