MAQUET Cardiovascular is releasing the newest model of the popular proximal anastomotic device for heart surgery, designed to offer a complete hemostatic seal without the need for an aortic side clamp. For those of you who are confused, HEARTSTRING now belongs to MAQUET Cardiovascular, after the firm acquired Boston Scientific’s Vascular Surgery and Cardiac Surgery divisions, which in turn included the products and services of Guidant Cardiac Surgery.
This latest version of MAQUET’s innovative HEARTSTRING proximal seal technology allows surgeons to perform coronary artery bypass grafts without the use of a partial occlusion clamp during beating heart surgery.
“We firmly believe that off-pump beating heart surgery results in better patient outcomes. The HEARTSTRING device provides a means to reduce aortic manipulation, a well-appreciated risk factor for adverse neurologic complications in coronary artery bypass,” said John D. Puskas M.D., Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Emory Crawford Long Hospital and Professor of Surgery. “With its unique features and improved delivery system, the new HEARTSTRING III system makes it easier for the cardiac surgeon to perform a clampless proximal anastomosis for either saphenous vein or radial artery conduits.”
The HEARTSTRING III system features an improved seal loader and delivery device for fast, easy placement. Once deployed, it maintains a low compliant profile for optimal hemostasis at the anastomotic site. The HEARTSTRING III system enables surgeons to use their own hand-suturing technique for creating a proximal anastomosis with either venous or arterial grafts. With its elegant design and small operational footprint, there is no foreign material left inside the vessel after completion of the anastomosis. The Aortic Cutter makes a single, clean hole in the aorta for graft placement. The HEARTSTRING III system allows for maximum surgical flexibility. Surgeons have the option to perform distal or proximal grafts first and to use grafts of varying lengths, hooded grafts, and angled take-offs.
Video showing the functionality of the system. (Windows Media)
Product page: HEARTSTRING® III Proximal Seal System
Press release: MAQUET Cardiovascular Launches HEARTSTRING III Proximal Seal System for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
