Organ manipulator having suction member supported with freedom to move relative to its support

Abstract

An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disc mounted to a compliant joint, a flexible locking arm for mounting such suction member or compliant joint, and a method for retracting and suspending an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) in at least the vertical direction during both steps. In preferred embodiments, a suction member exerts suction to retract a beating heart and suspend it in a retracted position during surgery. As the retracted heart beats, the compliant joint allows it to expand and contract freely (and otherwise move naturally) at least in the vertical direction so that hemodynamic function is not compromised. The suction member conforms or can be conformed to the organ anatomy, and its inner surface is preferably smooth and lined with absorbent material to improve traction without causing trauma to the organ. The compliant joint can connect the member to an arm which is adjustably mounted to a sternal retractor or operating table. The compliant joint can be a sliding ball joint, a hinged joint, a pin sliding in a slot, a universal joint, a spring assembly, or another compliant element. In preferred embodiments, the method includes the steps of affixing a suction member to a beating heart at a position concentric with the heart's apex, and applying suction to the heart while moving the member to retract the heart such that the heart has freedom to undergo normal beating motion at least in the vertical direction during retraction.