[Cardioendoscopes for cardiac laser surgery]

The article describes two types of experimental cardioendoscopes of original design for laser surgery on the heart conductive pathways under visual control. The rigid cardioendoscope made on the basis of Fridel's bronchoscope is introduced into the heart through the purse-string suture under thoracotomy. The flexible version is introduced transvenously. In both cases the visualization of the intracardiac reference points is achieved by a transparent balloon inflated with saline solution and situated at the distal end of the instrument. Laser irradiation of the cardiac structure is performed through the optical fiber from inside the balloon. The prospects of the above method are under discussion.