Retrograde venous cardioplegia catheters and methods of use and manufacture

Abstract

Abstract This invention relates to a retrograde cardioplegia catheter (10) and its method of use. The catheter contains two lumens, an infusion lumen (18) through which the cardioplegic solution flows and a pressure sensing lumen (20) for monitoring the fluid pressure at the point where the solution exits the catheter. A slightly tapered, self-filling balloon (22) is secured to the distal end of the catheter (10). Also, located at the distal end of the catheter is a soft, rounded tip (14) to prevent damage to the sensitive intimal tissues of the coronary sinus (50). A stylet (36) having a handle (38) at one end and a predetermined curve at the other end enables the cardioplegia catheter (10) to be inserted quickly and accurately within the coronary sinus (50) through a very small incision made in the right atrium. After the catheter is secured in place, the stylet is withdrawn.

Inventors

• 👤 Gerald D. Buckberg
• 👤 Robert J. Todd

Bibliographic Details