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Abstract

Described is a closed chest intravascular catheter system for a simultaneous biventricular approach to (1) intravascular cardiopulmonary surgery; (2) acute or prolonged mechanical circulatory support. The catheter system includes a left heart catheter and a right heart catheter with flow control members which segment the circulatory system into subcirculations of cardiopulmonary support. The left heart catheter has an elongated shaft with a first flow control member positioned at the entry site into a peripheral artery, a second flow control member positioned in the proximal descending aorta, a third flow control member positioned in the ascending aorta, and a fourth flow control member positioned within the left ventricle. The right heart catheter has an elongated shaft with a first flow control member positioned at the entry site into a vein, a second flow control member positioned within the right atrium, a third flow control member positioned within the coronary sinus, and a fourth flow control member positioned through the pulmonic valve. Alternatively, in a transseptal approach, the left or right heart catheter can be advanced across the atrial septum of the heart. Each catheter has a main lumen for insertion of an imaging system and robotic instruments into the chambers of the heart. Each catheter includes a flexible distal section with a removable guide for directing the catheter through the chambers of the heart and, optionally, a proximal limb branch with a fifth flow control member for perfusing or draining the peripheral vessel at the entry site.

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First Claim