April 14, 2008 - MAQUET Cardiovascular launched HEARTSTRING III Proximal Seal System for coronary artery bypass surgery procedures, a proximal seal technology that allows surgeons to perform coronary artery bypass grafts without the use of a partial occlusion clamp during beating heart surgery.
The HEARTSTRING III system is designed to eliminate the need for an aortic clamp, reducing the risk for cerebral emboli and potentially improving patient neurocognitive outcomes.
It features a reportedly 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 is said to enable surgeons to use their own hand-suturing technique for creating a proximal anastomosis with either venous or arterial grafts. The design and small operational footprint is supposed to eliminate foreign material from being left inside the vessel after completion of the anastomosis.
The Aortic Cutter should make a single, clean hole in the aorta for graft placement. Surgeons have the option to perform distal or proximal grafts first and to use grafts of varying lengths, hooded grafts, and angled take-offs.
"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."
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