Retraction of the left atrial appendage

摘要

A clamp is provided for attachment to the left atrial appendage (LAA). The clamp can be locked in a closed position so as to remain in place on the LAA. After being attached to the LAA, the clamp can be moved to a desired position such that the LAA can be retracted to a desired extent. The clamp can be held in any desired position, preferably by being connected to a thoracic retractor that is being used to retract the patient's sternum or ribs. A movable member is connected between the clamp and a stationary portion of the retractor. By locking the movable member in a fixed position relative to the stationary portion, the clamp can be maintained in a desired position and the LAA can be retracted as desired.

主权项

1. A device for retracting the left atrial appendage (LAA) of a heart during the course of a cardiovascular surgical procedure, comprising:
a clamp, the clamp having jaws that are movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position, the jaws in the closed position configured for clamping the LAA between them and the jaws in the open position being released from the LAA; a rod that projects outwardly from the clamp; means for engaging the rod and retracting the clamp to a desired retracted position relative to the heart while the jaws are in the closed position and are clamped to the LAA; and means for holding the clamp in the desired retracted position while the jaws are in the closed position and are clamped to the LAA.