Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method for treating the heart and associated vessels and tissues, by controlling the temperature of the pericardial space and/or introducing therapeutic agents, drugs or the like thereto, includes providing a fluid, liquid(s), gas(es) or mixtures thereof, with or without therapeutic agents, drugs or the like, and heating and/or cooling, this fluid. At a time proximate to the heating and/or cooling of the fluid, the pericardial space is accessed by pericardiocentesis, such that the pericardium is punctured and the pericardial space is instrumentized at a location, and in particular, a location where treatment is desired. The heated and/or cooled fluid is then delivered to the pericardial space. At a time after delivery, the fluid is withdrawn from the pericardium, through either the same catheter, or through another catheter at different point along the pericardium, that was also instrumentized (catheterized) by standard pericardiocentesis procedures. This delivery and withdrawal of the fluid may be coordinated, so as to form a circuit.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim