SURGICAL SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR TREATMENT OF MEDICALLY REFRACTORY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
摘要
<p>The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes (57) is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft (66) having an elongated ablating surface (65) of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft (66) and the elongated ablating surface (65) of each probe (57) are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device (145) affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.</p>