Method to Protect the Espohagus and Other Mediastinal Structures During Cardiac and Thoracic Interventions

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for preventing injury to a target tissue in proximity to the heart. The methods may include the use a device to externally manipulate the heart to move a portion of the heart away from the target tissue. The methods may also include applying therapy to the heart with the device.

1 . A method for protecting a patient's mediastinal structure while ablating tissue of the patient's heart, the method comprising: placing a protection member between the mediastinal structure and the heart; expanding the protection member; ablating cardiac tissue; and applying therapy to the heart with the protection member. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the protection member comprises a balloon. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the applying step comprises chilling the heart with the protection member. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the protection member comprises a balloon containing chilled fluid. 
     
     
         5 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the protection member comprises a weeping balloon. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the applying step comprises providing electrical ground on the protection member for use in ablating the heart. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the protection member is an expandable basket. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the applying step comprises chilling the mediastinal structure with the protection member. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the applying step comprises delivering a therapeutic substance from the protection member to the mediastinal structure. 
     
     
         16 . A protection member adapted to protect a patient's mediastinal structure during ablation of cardiac tissue, the protection member comprising: a conformable and expandable body configured to be placed between a heart and the patient's mediastinal structure; and a therapeutic port in fluid communication with a reservoir, the therapeutic port adapted to deliver a therapeutic substance to the heart. 
     
     
         17 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the therapeutic port is further adapted to deliver a therapeutic substance to the mediastinal structure. 
     
     
         18 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the conformable and expandable body is a balloon. 
     
     
         19 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the conformable and expandable body is a basket. 
     
     
         20 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the therapeutic substance is a drug. 
     
     
         21 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the therapeutic substance is a coagulant. 
     
     
         22 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the therapeutic substance is a sealant. 
     
     
         23 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the conformable and expandable body is shaped to prevent injury to the mediastinal structure. 
     
     
         24 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the conformable and expandable body is shaped to cup the heart. 
     
     
         25 . The protection member of  claim 16  wherein the conformable and expandable body is shaped to move the heart in a preferential direction.