Multi-function aortic catheterization and bumper instrument

Abstract

Abstract An aortic catheterization and bumper instrument is formed with an elongated tubular shaft adapted to extend from an external location to a selected location in a patient's aortic root. The tubular shaft includes a lumen for communicating fluid from a proximal port to a distal port located within the aorta. The instrument incorporates a bumper device or mechanism with retractably deployable bumper elements configured to contact and engage the aortic root or aortic valve leaflets as the instrument is inserted into the patient's aorta to give tactile feedback to the surgeon that the instrument is precisely positioned in the intended location. Preferably, the bumper elements are shaped to conform to the shape of one or more leaflets of the aortic valve to hold the valve leaflets in a closed position when the bumper mechanism is deployed. Various configurations of the bumper elements are disclosed, including inflatable balloons, preshaped extendible wires and an extendible wire-frame skeleton that supports the bumper material. In addition, the instrument may also include a catheter position stabilizer-flow regulator, such as an inflatable aortic occlusion balloon which, when deployed, is designed to prevent flow of fluid past the stabilizer and to prevent longitudinal or radial displacement of the instrument when it is in the operative position.

Inventors

• 👤 John A. Macoviak
• 👤 James J. Leary
• 👤 Wilfred J. Samson

Bibliographic Details