Devices and method for manipulation of organ tissue

A device for adhering temporarily to an organ, the device comprising:

• a seal member for engagement with organ tissue, the seal member having a wall and a skirt-like member coupled to the wall, the skirt-like member being formed from material that promotes adhesion to the organ tissue, the seal member further defining a chamber;
• a vacuum port in fluid communication with the chamber that receives a vacuum tube;
• a valve to regulate fluid flow through the vacuum port;
• and
• a grippable structure coupled to the seal member.

A method for manipulating a heart, the method comprising:

• engaging a seal member with the apex of the heart to define a chamber, at least a portion of the seal member being compliant and adhesive to heart tissue;
• applying vacuum pressure to the chamber such that a portion of the seal member deforms to substantially seal the chamber against leakage;
• and
• manipulating the heart by manipulating the seal member.

A method for manipulating a heart, the method comprising:

• engaging a seal member with the apex of the heart to define a chamber, at least a portion of the seal member being compliant and adhesive to heart tissue, and the seal member including an aperture and a flexible airtight and watertight membrane,
• drawing the membrane toward the aperture such that a portion of the seal member deforms to substantially seal the chamber against leakage;
• and
• manipulating the heart by manipulating the seal member.

A method for manipulating an organ, the method comprising:

• engaging a seal member with the organ, wherein the seal member defines a chamber, at least a portion of the seal member being compliant and adhesive to organ tissue;
• applying vacuum pressure to the chamber such that a portion of the seal member deforms to substantially seal the chamber against leakage;
• and
• manipulating the organ by manipulating the seal member.

A method for pacing a heart, the method comprising:

• engaging a seal member with the apex of the heart to define a chamber, at least a portion of the seal member being compliant and adhesive to heart tissue;
• applying vacuum pressure to the chamber such that a portion of the seal member deforms to substantially seal the chamber against leakage, the formed seal being substantially atraumatic to the heart;
• providing a pacing electrode at a point of engagement between the seal member and the heart;
• and
• pacing the heart by applying electrical stimulation to the heart through the electrode.

A method for manipulating a beating heart, the method comprising:

• engaging a seal member with the apex of the beating heart to expel air from the seal member through a valve, at least a portion of the seal member being compliant and adhesive to heart tissue;
• closing the valve to prevent air from entering the seal member;
• and
• manipulating the heart by manipulating the seal member.