METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC CARDIAC SURGERY

摘要

Apparatus and surgical methods establish temporary suction attachment to a target site on the surface of a bodily organ for enhancing accurate placement of a surgical instrument maintained in alignment with the suction attachment (17). A suction port (19) on the distal end of a supporting cannula (10) provides suction attachment to facilitate accurate positioning of a needle (21) for injection penetration of tissue at the target site on the moving surface of a beating heart. Force applied via the suction attachment (17) to the surface of the heart promotes perpendicular orientation of the surface of the myocardium for enhanced accuracy of placement of a surgical instrument thereon.