Catheter and method for evaluating competency of mitral valve

摘要

A catheter for evaluating the competency of a mitral valve has a main lumen and at least one additional lumen for venting the area immediately adjacent the catheter. The vent lumen has multiple vent apertures provided along the length thereof to ensure thorough venting. Preferably, a third lumen fluidly connected to a pressure-sensing device is also integrally formed into the catheter. In practice, the distal end of the catheter is inserted through an access aperture formed in the aorta, passed through the aortic valve into the left ventricle. Pressurized fluid is injected into the left ventricle through the main lumen of the catheter. The fluid pressure within the left ventricle is monitored through the pressure-sensing lumen while the surgeon visually inspects the valve competency. The vents are utilized prior and subsequent to evaluating the competency of the valve for removing air and fluid from the area adjacent the catheter.