Importance

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Abstract

An intra-aortic balloon adapted for percutaneous insertion and having a stylet whose distal end is coupled to an electrode arranged in the tip of the balloon. The stylet extends rearwardly through the balloon and catheter tube and is accessible at a location external to the body for coupling to an instrument such as a cathode ray tube establishing an electrical path from the electrode to the instrument. The stylet thus performs the dual function of providing twisting and untwisting of the balloon and providing an electrical path from the EKG electrode to the exterior of the body. The electrode may be arranged adjacent to either the distal or the proximal end of the balloon. An electrode arranged adjacent to the proximal end of the balloon may be coupled to a conductor embedded within the wall of the catheter tube, enabling the intra-aortic balloon to be provided with electrodes arranged adjacent to both the distal and proximal ends of the balloon.

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First Claim