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Abstract

An improved extracorporeal cannula apparatus suitable for use in a cardiac cannulation including a first elongated and flexible tube having an open proximal end and a distal end with at least one hole therein. At least one inflatable balloon is positionable within the lumen of the first tube adjacent the distal holes and is inflatable to occlude the cannula lumen and prevent the entrapment of air near the distal end. In the preferred apparatus, the balloon also extends to a point between the most distal portion and the most proximal portion of the holes thereby only partially obstructing the holes and permitting liquid to freely flow through the unobstructed portion of the distal end. The inflatable balloon is positionable by means of a second flexible tube threaded through the cannula lumen and a side-mounted tube attached near the proximal end of the cannula. When cannulation is begun, the first balloon is deflated and withdrawn into this side arm to prevent any possible interference with blood flow through the cannula. A method is further provided for inserting this improved cannula into the circulatory system of a person during a cardiac cannulation.

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First Claim