Method and Devices for Improved Tissue Stabilization

Devices and methods are disclosed for accessing and stabilizing an unstable or moving tissue structure within a patient's body, and in particular, for temporarily stabilizing a target site on the beating heart. The devices generally involve tissue stabilizers having at least one multiple link support member operably connecting a stabilizer foot to a retractor. The tissue stabilizer may have a stabilizer foot allowing for additional members to be connected to the stabilizer foot at discreet locations. The support member and the additional members may be attachable to a retractor. The support member and the additional members may be operably associated with attachments or mounts which provide additional degrees of freedom at a connection to the retractor.