INCISION TEMPLATE AND METHODS FOR USE

The present invention provides templates, methods, and kits for locating a site on a patient's chest suitable for establishing percutaneous intercostal acce ss to the patient's heart. In particular, the present invention provides templates, methods, and kits which effectively and rapidly locate an incision site for intercostal access by sharp and/or blunt dissection for subsequent placement of minimally invasive direct cardiac massagers, chest tubes, defibrillation electrodes, and the like. An incision template accordi ng to the present invention comprises a structure placeable on a patient's chest. The structur e has at least one marker which can be aligned with at least one anatomical feature of the patient and a target zone which lies over a preselected location for intercostal access when the marker is aligned with the anatomical feature.