The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 19, 1999
Filed:
Jan. 31, 1996
Sean Christopher Daniel, San Francisco, CA (US);
Brian S Donlon, Los Altos Hills, CA (US);
Michi E Garrison, Belmont, CA (US);
Hanson S Gifford, III, Woodside, CA (US);
Daniel C Rosenman, San Mateo, CA (US);
William S Peters, Elwood, AU;
Robert L Lathrop, II, San Jose, CA (US);
George Crothall, Santa Clara, CA (US);
James B Mullin, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Gerald R Anderson, Campbell, CA (US);
Wiley A Kittrell, Fremont, CA (US);
Heartport, Inc., Redwood City, CA (US);
Abstract
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.