Heart presentation device and method

A medical instrument effective to assist in positioning an internal organ during a surgical procedure, comprising:

• a body;
• a tissue grasping element operatively disposed within the body and having at least one tissue penetrating claw selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended, tissue grasping position;
• a flexible member having a first end and a second end, the first end secured to the body;
• a handle mated to the second end of the flexible member;
• an actuating member slidably communicating between a portion of the handle and the tissue grasping element effective to move the tissue grasping element between the retracted and extended positions;
• and
• a lever movably disposed on the handle and attached to the actuating member, the lever effective to move the actuating member and thereby move the tissue grasping element between the retracted and extended positions.

A method for positioning a body organ, comprising:

• providing a medical instrument having
• a body,
• a tissue grasping element appended to the body and having at least one tissue penetrating claw selectively movable between an open position and a closed position,
• an actuating member mated to the body and effective to move the tissue grasping element between the open and closed positions, and
• a flexible member having a portion secured to the body and at least one free end that is selectively fastenable to a support;
• positioning the body in proximity to an internal organ to be repositioned;
• manipulating the body so that the tissue grasping element grasps a desired portion of tissue;
• and
• applying tension to the flexible member to reposition and secure the body organ.