Importance

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Abstract

Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing tissue, e.g., a beating heart, within a patient's body. In certain embodiments, the subject devices are characterized by having a shaft and at least two contacting members operatively associated with the shaft where the contacting members are capable of assuming a substantial coaxial alignment when in a low profile configuration and also capable of assuming an open, working configuration. In other embodiments, the devices are characterized by having a shaft and at least one tissue contacting member associated with the shaft using a ball and socket mechanism, wherein the at least one tissue contacting member may be caused to pitch and/or roll and/or yaw. In the subject methods, a subject device is advanced to the target site and stabilizes the target tissue using compression, negative pressure or both. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

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First Claim