Inflatable heart elevation apparatus and method

An apparatus for improving positioning of cardiac tissue during cardiac surgical procedures, comprising:

• a. a substantially cylindrical inflatable chamber, said inflatable chamber further comprising:
• i) an interior space;
• ii) an anterior surface;
• and
• iii) a posterior surface;
• b. an insulation pad affixed to said posterior surface of said inflation chamber, said inflation pad further comprising a sufficient thickness so that will provide insulation for the phrenic nerves during use with cold, sterile fluids in the chest cavity;
• c. an access port communicating with said interior space of said inflatable chamber through which said inflatable chamber may be inflated and deflated, said access port further comprising inflation tubing in fluid communication with said interior space of said inflatable chamber;
• and
• d. a web member attached to said inflatable chamber, said web member constraining said anterior surface and said posterior surface of said inflatable chamber, said web member further allowing fluid communication throughout said interior space of said inflatable chamber.

A method for improved positioning of cardiac tissue during cardiac surgical procedures while avoiding damage to the phrenic nerves, comprising the steps of:

• a. obtaining an apparatus for improving access to cardiac tissue comprising:
• 1) an inflatable chamber, said inflatable chamber further comprising an interior space, an anterior surface and a posterior surface;
• 2) an insulation pad affixed to said posterior surface for protecting the phrenic nerves;
• and
• 3) an access port for inflating said inflatable chamber;
• b. introducing said apparatus through an incision in a chest of a subject;
• c. positioning said apparatus underneath a heart in said subject;
• and
• d. inflating said apparatus so as to position the heart to improve a surgeon's access thereto.