Single-arm stabilizer having suction capability

Abstract

A single-arm stabilizer having suction capability includes a single, small leg through which suction can be applied. The leg has an upper surface and a lower surface that are spaced apart to define a chamber. The lower surface includes a plurality of openings that are disposed adjacent each other. A support arm is connected to the leg in order to position the leg as desired. A suction line is in fluid communication with the chamber in order to create a vacuum within the chamber. The stabilizer can be used to stabilize any desired portion of a patient's body, but is particularly effective at stabilizing the septum of a patient's heart. Such stabilization can be accomplished by inserting the leg into the patient's heart through the aorta.

Claims

1. A method of stabilizing the septum of a patient's heart, comprising the steps of: providing a single-arm stabilizer having: a single, small leg through which suction can be applied through the lower surfaces thereof, the leg having an upper surface and a lower surface that are spaced apart to define a chamber, the lower surface including a plurality of openings that are disposed adjacent each other; a support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the support arm being connected to the leg and the second end of the support arm being connectable to a supporting member such as a cardiovascular retractor; and a suction line having a first end and a second end, the first end of the suction line being in fluid communication with the chamber and the second end being connectable to a suction source, whereby, when the second end is connected to a suction source a vacuum will be established within the chamber; disposing the leg in contact with the septum of the patient's heart by inserting the leg through the patient's aorta; and applying a vacuum to the chamber so that the lower surface of the leg is connected to the septum of the patient's heart.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a single-arm stabilizer includes (a) providing a single, small leg in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular housing and (b) providing a support arm in which the first end of the support arm extends through the housing and defines a portion of the upper surface of the leg.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying a vacuum to the chamber so that the lower surface of the leg is connected to the desired portion of the patient's body is accomplished by providing a support arm in which the first end of the support arm is hollow and includes a terminal portion having one or more openings in fluid communication with the chamber, and the first end of the suction line is connected to the support arm adjacent the first end thereof such that the suction line can apply a vacuum to the chamber through the first end of the support arm.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying a vacuum to the chamber so that the lower surface of the leg is connected to the desired portion of the patient's body is accomplished by connecting the first end of the suction line directly to the leg.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a single-arm stabilizer includes providing a housing made of a plastics material.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a single-arm stabilizer includes providing a leg about 2-3 cm long, 5-7 mm wide and about 4-5 mm high.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical retractor according to the invention in which a suction capability is provided;

(2) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the retractor of FIG. 1; and

(3) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the surgical retractor according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(4) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a surgical stabilizer according to the invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The stabilizer 10 includes a hollow leg 12. The leg 12 is formed by an elongate, hollow arm 14 to which a housing 16, preferably of a plastic material, is attached. The end of the leg 12 is provided with a plurality of spaced openings 18. The housing 16 is hollow and defines a chamber 20. The housing 16 and the arm 14 form an upper surface 22. The underside of the housing 16 forms a lower surface 24. The lower surface 24 has a plurality of openings 26 that are disposed adjacent to each other, in this instance in a straight line.

(5) A suction line 28 is spliced into the hollow arm 14 at a location remote from the housing 16. The suction line 28 can be connected to a wall-mounted suction port typically found in operating rooms. A clamp 30 is mounted at the distal end of the arm 14. The clamp has a C-shaped opening 32 that can be fitted about a generally flat portion of a cardiovascular retractor and retained in place there by a thumbscrew 34.

(6) Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the invention is indicated by the reference numeral 40. The embodiment 40 is similar to the embodiment 10. The stabilizer 40 includes a hollow leg 42. The leg 42 is formed by an elongate, solid arm 44 to which a housing 46, preferably of a plastic material, is attached. The housing 46 is hollow and defines a chamber 50. The housing 46 and the arm 44 form an upper surface 52. The underside of the housing 46 forms a lower surface 54. The lower surface 54 has a plurality of openings 56 that are disposed adjacent to each other, in this instance in a straight line.

(7) A suction line 58 is connected to the housing 46 and is in fluid communication with the chamber 50. The suction line 58 can be connected to a wall-mounted suction port typically found in operating rooms. A clamp (not shown) similar or identical to the clamp 30 can be used to connect the arm 44 to a stable member such as a retractor.

(8) Since the stabilizers 10, 40 are expected to be inserted through the aorta, they must be very small. Typically, the legs 12, 42 will be about 2 or 3 cm long, 5 to 7 mm wide, and approximately 4 or 5 mm high. The arms 14, 44 will be about 6 cm long.

(9) As will be appreciated from the foregoing description, the stabilizer according to the invention can apply suction to the lower surfaces 24, 54 of the legs 12, 42 in an effective manner. The stabilizer according to the invention enables the septum or other engaged surface to be pushed or pulled into a desired position for the course of the surgical procedure.

(10) Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it will be understood that the present disclosure of the preferred embodiment has been made only by way of example and that various changes may be resorted to without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed and claimed.