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US 6,471,644 B1Granted
Endoscopic stabilization device and method of use
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorWilliam E. Sidor, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An endoscopic stabilization device is provided. The device includes first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element; and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element. Methods of using the device to stabilize and immobilize components in the body are also provided.
Claims32
An endoscopic stabilization apparatus comprising:
- first and second support elements positioned opposite each other;
- a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element;
- and
- a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;
- further comprising a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to a face of each of the first and second support elements.
2 more elements
A method of bracing an organ comprising:
- providing an endoscopic support apparatus comprising first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element;
- and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;
- positioning the apparatus in a collapsed configuration;
- inserting the apparatus in a collapsed configuration into a body cavity;
- separating the support elements by movement of the cable;
- and
- bracing at least one of the support elements against a component within the body cavity;
- wherein the support elements have a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face, further comprising:
- grasping the component within the body cavity with at least one of the suction elements.
6 more elements
A method of stopping movement of a heart comprising:
- providing an endoscopic support apparatus comprising first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element;
- and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;
- positioning the apparatus in a collapsed configuration;
- inserting the apparatus in a collapsed configuration into a chest cavity;
- separating the support elements by movement of the cable;
- bracing the first support element against an area of chest wall;
- and
- bracing the second support element against an area of the heart with sufficient pressure to stop movement of the heart.
5 more elements
A support apparatus for separating an organ from a chest wall, comprising:
- an elongated handle including an opening formed therein;
- a cable received in the handle opening;
- first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, the support elements having a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face;
- a first linkage connected adjacent a first end of each of the first and second support elements;
- a midpoint of the first linkage connected to the cable;
- a second linkage connected adjacent a second end of each of the first and second support element;
- and
- a midpoint of the second linkage connected to the cable;
- wherein the cable is pulled to move the first and second support elements away from each other to separate the organ from the chest wall.
6 more elements
An endoscopic stabilization apparatus comprising:
- first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, the support elements having a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face;
- means for movably attaching the first support element to the second support element;
- and
- cable means operatively attached to the means for movably attaching the first and second support elements for allowing a user to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element.
1 more element
A method of surgical treatment of a heart comprising:
- providing an endoscopic support apparatus comprising first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element;
- and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;
- making an opening in the chest cavity such that the heart remains behind the sternum;
- positioning the apparatus in a collapsed configuration;
- inserting the apparatus in a collapsed configuration through the opening into the chest cavity;
- separating the support elements by movement of the cable;
- bracing the first support element against an area of chest wall;
- and
- bracing the second support element against an area of the heart.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.