Heartport, Inc.

James B Mullin

Hanson S Gifford, Iii

Michi E Garrison

Daniel C Rosenman

William S Peters

Brian S Donlon

Robert L Lathrop, Jr

Wiley Alan Kittrell

Gerald R Anderson

Sean Christopher Daniel

George Crothall

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 within the heart 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 in the patient's chest. At least one needle having a suture is then directed into the annulus while visualizing through the port placement of the needle into the annulus. The needle is then passed through the annulus.

Endoscopic suturing devices and methods

Growing community of inventors

Pleasanton, CA, United States of America

James B Mullin