Robert J Matheny

US Patent:

20070149844, Jun 28, 2007

Filed:

Feb 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/709392

Inventors:

Federico Benetti - Rosario-Santa Fe, AR
Robert Matheny - Carmel IN, US
Charles Taylor - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/00
A61F 13/00

US Classification:

600037000

Abstract:

The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site. In certain preferred embodiments, the devices described herein have structures to facilitate the use of additional surgical instruments such that the placement of negative pressure device permit the surgeon to advantageously manipulate the other instruments during surgery. The negative pressure is preferably imposed through a plurality of ports which may be disposed in a substantially planar surface of the instrument which contacts the cardiac tissue.

US Patent:

63287579, Dec 11, 2001

Filed:

Apr 23, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/298794

Inventors:

Robert G. Matheny - Carmel IN

International Classification:

A61M 2900

US Classification:

606213

Abstract:

A method and device for enabling direct visualization and access to a body organ without impeding or stopping the function of the organ is provided. The device includes a balloon catheter, having a balloon at or near its distal end, and a preferably funnel-shaped access member positioned around the catheter. In use, an incision is placed in a patient, and a path is cleared to the organ or tissue on which surgery is to be performed. The catheter is inserted into the organ and to or through the tissue requiring treatment. If the catheter moves through the tissue to be treated, the balloon is inflated to provide a seal preventing fluids from moving through the tissue. The access member is then advanced over the catheter to the tissue site, enabling the surgeon to directly see and access the tissue.

US Patent:

57275696, Mar 17, 1998

Filed:

Feb 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/603328

Inventors:

Federico J. Benetti - Rosario-Santa Fe, AR
Robert G. Matheny - Carmel IN
Charles S. Taylor - San Francisco CA

Assignee:

Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc. - Portola Valley CA

International Classification:

A61B 1900

US Classification:

128898

Abstract:

The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site. In certain preferred embodiments, the devices described herein have structures to facilitate the use of additional surgical instruments such that the placement of negative pressure device permit the surgeon to advantageously manipulate the other instruments during surgery. The negative pressure is preferably imposed through a plurality of ports which may be disposed in a substantially planar surface of the instrument which contacts the cardiac tissue.

US Patent:

56513780, Jul 29, 1997

Filed:

Feb 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/603411

Inventors:

Robert G. Matheny - Carmel IN
Charles S. Taylor - San Francisco CA

Assignee:

Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc. - Portola Valley CA

International Classification:

A61B 1900

US Classification:

128898

Abstract:

The invention comprises a method for facilitating coronary surgery on the beating heart wherein the vagal nerve is electrically stimulated to temporarily stop or substantially reduce the beating of the heart. Such temporary stoppage or substantial reduction of the beating of the heart facilitates procedures such as suturing of an anastomosis which would otherwise be more difficult because of the motion induced by the beating heart.