Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation with concurrent hypothermia

摘要

Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders characterized by low cardiac output. The devices, systems and methods use intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in combination with hypothermia of all or a portion of a human or veterinary patient's body to improve coronary perfusion and cardiac output. To effect the hypothermia, a heat exchange catheter may be positioned in the a patient's vasculature separately from the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter. Alternatively, a combination Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation/heat exchange catheter may be utilized. Such combination catheter comprises a) a catheter sized for insertion into the aorta, b) a counterpulsation balloon and c) a heat exchanger. A drive/control system receives temperature and electrocardiograph signals and drives the inflation/deflation of the counterpulsation balloon as well as the heating/cooling of the heat exchanger.

主权项

1. A method for providing circulatory support while decreasing metabolic demand in a human or veterinary patient, said method comprising the steps of:
a. providing a heat exchange catheter comprising i) a heat exchange catheter body and ii) at least one heat exchanger for exchanging heat with blood flowing through a blood vessel into which the heat exchange catheter body is inserted; b. providing an intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter comprising i) a counterpulsation catheter body and ii) a counterpulsation balloon useable for effecting intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation; c. inserting the heat exchange catheter into the patient's vasculature such that blood flows in heat exchange proximity to the heat exchanger; d. inserting the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter into the patient's vasculature such that the counterpulsation balloon is positioned within the patient's aorta; e. using the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation catheter to effect circulatory support by intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation; and, f. using the heat exchange catheter to cool the patient's body temperature to a temperature that is at least 1° C. below normothermia and which decreases the patient's metabolic demand.