Method to protect the esophagus and other mediastinal structures during cardiac and thoracic interventions

摘要

Devices and methods are disclosed for preventing injury to a target tissue in proximity to the heart. The methods may include the use a device to externally manipulate the heart to move a portion of the heart away from the target tissue. The methods may also include applying therapy to the heart with the device.

主权项

1. A method for protecting a patient's mediastinal structure while ablating tissue of the patient's heart, the method comprising:
placing a protection member between the mediastinal structure and the posterior heart by a subxiphoid approach; expanding the protection member, thereby separating the mediastinal structure from the heart; ablating cardiac tissue from within the heart; and applying simultaneous therapy to the heart and the mediastinal structure with the protection member.