ANTEGRADE CARDIOPLEGIA CATHETER AND METHOD

摘要

A cardioplegia catheter (20) is configured to extend into the ascending aorta with a proximal portion of the shaft (26) extending into a left chamber of the heart through the aortic valve, and out of the heart through a penetration in a wall thereof. The cardioplegia catheter has an occlusion member (28) thereof. The cardioplegia catheter has an occlusion member (28) configured to occlude the ascending aorta between the brachycephalic artery, and the coronary ostia. An arterial return cannula delivers oxygenated blood to the arterial system downstream of the occlusion member, while cardioplegia fluid is delivered through a lumen in the cardioplegia catheter (20) upstream of the occlusion member to induce cardioplegia arrest.