| 摘要 |
<p>The invention provides devices and methods for suture placement while performing less invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides for the placement of sutures (24) within the heart (H) or a great vessel that is accessed from outside the closed chest. According to one exemplary method, the patient's heart valve is accessed through an intercostal port (56) in the patient's chest. At least, one needle (26) having a suture (24) is then directed into the annulus while visualizing through the port placement (56) of the needle into the annulus. The needle (26) is then passed through the annulus.</p> |
