Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatus for treating heart patients employing the coordinated efforts of dispensing and balloon pumping catheters. A balloon pumping catheter is inserted and properly positioned within the aortic arch. The balloon catheter has a lumen through which a dispensing catheter extends. The distal end of the dispensing catheter is guided to the operative position, preferably by means of a guide wire extending through the dispensing catheter. The guide wire is removed prior to a dispensing operation. Measured doses of a medicinal solution, such as, for example, a blood thinner, are periodically dispensed through the dispensing catheter and in coordination with the pumping operation. A single pumping source may be utilized for powering the balloon pumping and dispensing operations. An adjustable delay provided between the source and one of the catheter assemblies provides the proper coordination between the balloon pumping and dispensing operations. The dispensing catheter may include a small dilatation balloon having a first lumen for dispensing a medicinal solution and a second lumen for inflating the dilatation balloon.

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First Claim