ENDOVASCULAR CORONARY SINUS CATHETER AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

The coronary sinus catheter (2) has a balloon (8) for occluding the coronary sinus, and a lumen (24) for delivering fluid distal to the occluding member. The catheter has a proximal portion (20) which is relatively stiff to provide column strength to facilitate insertion, advancement, and steering of the catheter. The catheter also has a distal portion which is more flexible than the proximal portion to provide an atraumatic, kink-resistant distal end. The flexible distal portion also helps prevent damage to the coronary sinus, and facilitates guiding the catheter into the coronary sinus.