Surgical device and method for pericardium retraction

Abstract

A surgical device and method for retracting a pericardium tissue, the surgical device having a tissue-engaging member for providing a negative pressure suction force to the pericardium tissue which is sufficient to retract same. The surgical device may be positioned in a retracting configuration wherein it provides a tensile load on the contacted portion of pericardium tissue thereby also positioning the patient's heart, that is anatomically attached to the pericardium tissue, within the thoracic cavity of the patient. The surgical device may be temporarily coupled to a surgical platform in its retracting configuration.

1 . A surgical method for performing a surgical intervention on a target anatomic structure of a patient body, said patient body also including non-target anatomic structures and defining a thoracic cavity, said thoracic cavity including a patient's heart, said heart being substantially contained within a pericardium tissue and anatomically attached to at least a portion thereof, said thoracic cavity also defining a thoracic peripheral wall, said thoracic peripheral wall including a rib cage, said target anatomic structure being located within said thoracic cavity, said surgical intervention involving the use of a pericardium retraction device and surgical platform, said surgical platform being configured and sized for receiving at least a portion of said pericardium retraction device, said method comprising the steps of: 
 incising said pericardium tissue to expose at least a portion of said heart;    introducing said pericardium retraction device at least partially into said thoracic cavity of said patient body;    bringing said pericardium retraction device in negative pressure suction contact with at least a portion of said pericardium tissue;    positioning said pericardium retraction device in a retracting configuration wherein said pericardium retraction device provides a tensile load on said contacted pericardium tissue thereby positioning said heart being anatomically attached to said pericardium tissue within said thoracic cavity.    
   
   
       2 . A surgical method as recited in  claim 2  further comprising the step of at least temporarily coupling said pericardium retraction device to said surgical platform in said retracting configuration.