A Modified Needle Holder for Mitral Valve Surgery

Abstract

Maneuvers to improve access dur ing diff icult mitraI velve surgery suc h as excesslve trectlon c n the mitral annulus. retractlo n and lnve rslo n ere attended with lnc reesed risk of serious comp licat ions. A needle holder has been designed to taciltte te the placement of sutu res during mitra l vetve or other Int racarcle c procedures where access is d iff icult .