Method and apparatus for performing transesophageal cardiovascular procedures

An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening;
• inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening;
• a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated, the portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening;
• and
• a side access unit comprising:
• elongated flexible coaxial inner and outer tubes each having proximal and distal ends and being moveable relatively in the axial direction, the inner tube having at least one lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends;
• second sealing means mounted to the distal end of the outer tube;
• third sealing means mounted to the distal end of the inner tube;
• and
• means adjacent to the proximal ends of the inner and outer tubes for moving the inner and outer tubes relatively so as to vary the axial spacing of the second and third sealing means.

An apparatus for performing a transesophageal procedure, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongated tubular access device having a proximal end, a distal end and a wall extending between said ends;
• a first lumen extending along the access device, said first lumen having an open proximal end and an open distal end constituted by a side opening the wall of the device near the distal end;
• expandable sealing means on the outside of the access device and extending above and below the side opening;
• expanding means extending along the access device for expanding said sealing means so that when the access device is inserted into the esophagus and the sealing means are expanded, a portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the tract above and below the side opening;
• a side access unit comprising elongated flexible coaxial inner and outer tubes, the inner and outer tubes each having proximal and distal ends and being movable relatively in the axial direction, the inner tube having at least one lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends;
• second sealing means mounted to the distal end of the outer tube;
• third sealing means mounted to the distal end of the inner tube, and
• means adjacent to the proximal ends of the inner and outer tubes for moving the inner and outer tubes relatively so as to vary the axial spacing of the second and third sealing means.

A method for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure, the method comprising:

• inserting a main access device into a patient's esophagus, the main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall, the second lumen adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device;
• and
• sealing a portion of the patient's esophagus proximal to the distal side opening, and
• wherein the act of sealing includes actuating a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device to generate a seal above and below the distal side opening.