Abiomed, Inc.

Robert L Buck

Michael Milbocker

Robert B Stewart

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for attaching cardiac devices onto a natural heart by employing arrays of gripping elements, such as hooks or barbs. The gripping elements are designed to penetrate and lodge themselves in the epicardial tissue in order to secure the device to at least a portion of the surface of the heart muscle. The gripping elements, although designed to penetrate the surface of the heart, have limited depth penetration so as to avoid puncture of blood vessels. The attachment mechanisms disclosed herein can also permit both attachment and detachment of device.

Apparatus and method for detachably securing a device to a natural heart

A system and method for implanting a wrap on a patient's heart or other organ provides a wrap having finger-engagement members typically defining loops that encompass all or a substantial portion of the fingers of a surgeon's treatment hand. The loops retain the fingers to the wrap during implant, and enable the fingers to be detached after the procedure is complete. The loops can be detachable from the wrap after the procedure is completed or can be formed to remain with the wrap.

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Methuen, MA, United States of America

Robert L Buck