Importance

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Abstract

A catheter for retroperfusion of myocardium has an infusion tip, such that when retroperfusing myocardium, the tip extends within the coronary sinus to a depth in a range of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) from the coronary sinus ostium. The catheter also comprises a tube defining at least three channels. The channels include an infusion channel, which has a first infusion end coupled to an infusion port located in the infusion tip and a second infusion end coupled to an outlet orifice of a pump; a withdrawal channel, which has a first withdrawal end coupled to a withdrawal port located in the superior vena cava and a second withdrawal end coupled to an inlet orifice of the pump; and a pressure monitoring channel for monitoring pressure at pressure port at the infusion tip having a first monitoring end coupled to the pressure port and a second monitoring end coupled to a pressure sensor. The catheter also has a microprocessor for controlling the pump and measuring a rate of retroperfusate flow, whereby autologous venous blood entering the withdrawal port is continuously discharged at the infusion port at a flow rate in a range of about 5 to 50 mil./min. and at a pressure less than about 15 mm Hg. The tube and tip are made from biocompatible, non-thrombogenic material. Further, the catheter has remotely identifiable markers spaced along the tube, and a marker is located at said infusion tip. The invention also is a method for coronary sinus retroperfusion. The method includes the steps of inserting the catheter through the patient's jugular vein; guiding the catheter's infusion tip into the coronary sinus, such that when retroperfusing myocardium, the tip extends within the coronary sinus to a depth in a range of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) from the coronary sinus ostium; and providing a non-synchronized retroperfusate flow of autologous venous blood at a rate in a range of about 5 to 50 mil./min. and at a pressure less than about 15 mm Hg.

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First Claim