Apparatus and method for auto-retroperfusion of a coronary vein

摘要

An apparatus for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein includes an intraluminal cannula having a main body portion extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is for connecting to an artery outside of the pericardium to automatically supply oxygenated blood from the artery for retroperfusion. The main body portion and the distal end portion are insertable through a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein and into the coronary vein. An expandable stent is attached to the distal end portion for expanding radially into engagement with the interior wall of the coronary vein to secure the distal end portion at a desired location within the coronary vein. Occluding structure for at least partially occluding the coronary vein is provided at the distal end to decrease the back-flow of blood into the right atrium during retroperfusion.