Importance

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Abstract

This invention is directed to specific methods and a system for the retrograde delivery of fluids containing a pharmacologic or diagnostic agent (via a catheter inserted into a patient's regional venous system) supplied into the microcirculatory system of the same region to which the arterial blood in flow is blocked or otherwise restricted. A catheter having an inflatable balloon on the distal end thereof is passed through the patient's venous system (e.g., for myocardial retroinfusion, and so that fluid containing pharmacologic (thrombolytic drugs or antiarrhythmic agents) or diagnostic agents is directed therethrough in a direction opposite to the normal blood flow and into the microcirculatory system of the jeopardized tissue. The fluid is held in the microcirculation for a period and at a pressure which facilitates its absorption or other function such as clot dissolution, pharmacologic action, or diagnostic contrast assessment with minimally invasive imaging methods. The balloon is then deflated after a particular treatment period, or else retroinfusion is reduced or terminated whenever the fluid pressure in the regional vein exceeds a predetermined maximal pressure which could lead to tissue damage. For coronary venous retroinfusion, the catheter tip balloon when inflated has preferably a broad base and tapers in the distal direction to the apex thereof.

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First Claim