GLOBAL MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION CATHETER

摘要

A catheter (40, 40A, 40B) and method for retrograde perfusion of the heart through the coronary sinus is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter (40, 40A, 40B) has a pair of separate balloons (66, 66A, 66B, 68, 68A, 68B) that are located side-by-side on its distal end (44, 44A, 44B) and that can be positioned and expanded on opposite sides of the coronary sinus ostium. to anchor the catheter to the coronary sinus and to form an occlusive seal of the coronary sinus adjacent its ostium. Alternatively, a single asymmetric "dumbbell" or "hourglass" shaped balloon can be used such that one portion of the balloon inflates in the right atrium, and thereafter, the other portion of the balloon is inflated at a location crossing the ostium. and extends into the coronary sinus to occlude the ostium through radial expansion against the sinus at the ostium. The catheter and its method of use provide a tighter seal and improve distribution of cardioplegia and/or other substances, such as drugs or gene therapy vectors, to the myocardium.