Importance

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Abstract

A cannula is disclosed through which cardioplegia and other types of material may be inserted into a coronary sinus without the need for directly cannulating or manipulating the sinus. The cannula is inserted through the right atrial appendage of the heart, and enters the inferior vena cava while traversing the right atrium cavity. The cannula contains inflatable seals for blocking the inferior vena cava and the right atrium cavity thereby isolating a portion of the heart which contains the coronary sinus. The coronary sinus is therefore made to be the only exit from this isolated portion. Cardioplegia or the like is injected into the isolated portion for subsequent flow into the coronary sinus. Additionally, the cannula contains a plurality of passages which allow for de-oxygenated blood flowing within the superior and inferior vena cavas to enter the cannula such that the blood may be directed, by the cannula, to suitable oxygenating apparatus.

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First Claim