Emory University

Other

Scanlan International, Inc.

Puskas, John D.

John D Puskas

Brian Andrew Wong-Shui

Mark Joseph Moneypenny

Kelly Kloster Hon

Erick Eladio Rios

Gaylord Kube

Erick Eladio Rio

Devices and methods for sternal retraction that reduces bleeding from the cut edges of a sternum and reduces fracturing of the sternum during retraction. The devices and methods involve the use of sternal retractor blades having a certain geometry and inserts placed inside the sternal retractor blades during retraction of the sternotomy incision. The blades and inserts act to tamponade the blood flow from the cut sternal edge and reduce fracturing of the sternum during retraction.

Sternal retractor

A method of performing an intracardiac procedure using controlled intermittent diastolic arrest (CIDA) to expand the chambers of the heart to a volume between about 75 to 200% of their normal end-diastolic volume. In one embodiment, CIDA is conducted so that cardiac arrest with cardiac distention is achieved in about 5 to 15 seconds and diastolic arrest is maintained for a time between about 5 and 90 seconds. Intracardiac procedures that are facilitated with CIDA include heart valve repair or replacement. The method involves the use of CIDA and wherein the procedure is performed in or on the heart with the use of a catheter or catheter-delivered device, therapy, or agent. In one aspect, the heart is accessed during CIDA via a left ventricular apical access port or device. In one aspect CIDA is conducted via stimulation of the vagal nerve alone or in combination with one or more of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, a &#x3b2;-adrenergic receptor blocker, and/or a calcium channel blocker.

Methods for intracardiac surgery and intracardiac delivery of therapies and devices

A hand-operated surgical instrument with sequentially engaged tip closing guides. The instrument includes first and second arms having tips that close during a closure operation. A slotted tip closure guide on the arms engages first during the closure operation. A pin closure guide on the arms between the slotted closure guide and the tips engages during the closure operation after the engagement of the slotted closure guide. The sequential engagement of the guides provides precise approximation of the instrument tips and prevents 'scissoring' of the tips.

Dual closing guide for a surgical instrument

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for electrically inducing, pharmacologically maintaining cardiac asystole. The present invention also provides cutaneous array electrodes () that may be used non-invasive to stimulate the vagus nerve.

Devices and methods for vagus nerve stimulation

A method for indirectly stimulating a vagus nerve of a patient includes the steps of positioning one or more electrodes in the vicinity of the vagus nerve and then actuating the electrode(s) to create an electrical field for stimulating the vagus nerve. Disclosed embodiments include positioning one or more electrodes in the esophagus, trachea, or jugular vein, on the neck of the patient, and combinations thereof.

Methods of indirectly stimulating the vagus nerve to achieve controlled asystole

An apparatus for indirectly stimulating a vagus nerve of a patient includes electrodes positioned within the esophagus, trachea, or a jugular vein of a patient, on the neck of the patient, or in combinations of these locations. The apparatus further includes a means for actuating the electrodes to create an electrical field for stimulating the vagus nerve.

Apparatus for indirectly stimulating the vagus nerve with an electrical field

Controlled cessation of heart beat during coronary bypass surgery and other cardiac surgeries on a beating heart improves surgical technique, and is achieved typically by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve and administration of a combination of drugs.

Methods of indirectly stimulating the vagus nerve with an electrical field

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for electrically inducing and pharmacologically maintaining cardiac asystole. The present invention combines electrostimulation of the vagus nerve to transiently arrest the heart, and the administration of a pharmaceutical composition that suppresses the tendency of the heart to escape from the induced asystolic state. The present invention provides an apparatus to interrogate the response of a heart to an electric pulse applied to the vagus nerve and to select the optimum location of an electrode and pulse to arrest the heart. The present invention further provides embodiments of catheter and tube electrode devices that incorporate expanding electrodes intended to contact the interior walls of blood vessels or anatomic structures in which the electrode devices are implanted. The present invention also provides cutaneous array electrodes that may be used non-invasively to stimulate the vagus nerve.

Methods of performing vagal-induced asystole

Pharmacologic drug combination in vagal-induced asystole

Pharmacological drug combination in vagal-induced asystole

A endoscopic device provides improvements in the endoscopic working space by the use of a semi-tubular hood with an arched top wall and self-supporting walls that allow simultaneous manipulations of dissection, cutting, ligation, and retraction, and the like, without requiring constant application of external force; while enhancing visualization and reducing the need for cleaning the endoscopic lens.

Growing community of inventors

Atlanta, GA, United States of America

John D Puskas