Device for marking and aligning positions on the heart

摘要

According to the present invention, an alignment device for marking and aligning selected positions on a heart's surface is provided. The device includes a handle assembly having upper and lower handle portions which are detachable from one another. Each handle portion is connected to a tissue engaging member which may be secured to the surface of the heart via a vacuum. The tissue engaging members are articulatable with respect to the handle portions, such that movement of the handle portions after the tissue engaging members are secured to the heart's surface will not dislodge or displace the tissue engaging members. The tissue engaging members may be permanently or detachably connected to the handle portions. The tissue engaging members may also be used to locate and mark desired positions on the heart. In use, after the tissue engaging members are secured to the surface of the heart, the handle portions are manipulated to connect to one another.