An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without the need for
cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may then be attached to a second conduit that has a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may be connected to the
aorta prior to the first conduit being attached to the heart. The prosthetic device may be a
prosthetic valve or a pump, for example. The apparatus of the present invention includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a
retractor expansion component, a
coring component, and a pushing component. The
retractor expansion component is slide-ably coupled to the
coring component. The
retractor expansion component serves to seat against and separate the inside apical wall of the left
ventricle so that the
coring component may
cut cleanly through the myocardium to form a tissue plug without leaving any hanging attachments to the inside walls. By remaining seated against the inside wall, the retractor expansion component follows the tissue plug into the coring component. The surgeon applies force and rotary motion to the pushing component sufficient to
cut the tissue plug and
implant the prosthetic component.