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Lens-invasive devices and methods for cardiac valve surgery

  • US 6,651,671 B1
  • Filed: 10/12/1999
  • Issued: 11/25/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of accessing an internal chamber of the heat through a vessel having a lumen in fluid communication with the chamber, the heart and the vessel being within a patient'"'"'s chest defined by a plurality of ribs connected to a sternum, the method comprising:

  • forming at least one percutaneous access port between at least one pair of adjacent ribs and positioning an instrument through a first access port of the at least one percutaneous access port and into an inner lumen of the vessel through a penetration in a wall thereof, a proximal end of the instrument extending out of the patient'"'"'s chest; and

    manipulating the proximal end of the instrument to advance a distal end of the instrument through the vessel and into the internal chamber of the heart;

    wherein all manipulations of the instrument are performed outside of the patient'"'"'s chest.

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