Abstract: A mechanism advances to stretch an intraaortic balloon prior to insertion or removal. One embodiment includes a member which extends through a catheter from the handle to the balloon, and which advances to extend the balloon without appreciably twisting it. A spring detent assembly in the handle defines a precise amount of extension delivered by the member. The mechanism permits the balloon to be fully relaxed once it is inserted and to be recompacted, following use, for removal from the patient. The device is of particular utility for a large diameter, irregular or polygonal non-cylindrical balloon, and for inserting a balloon along an arterial path having a narrow passage or sharp curve.

Abstract: An intra-arterial cardiac support system including multiple balloons for placement in the descending aorta with one balloon serving as a pumping balloon and one or more balloons serving as valve balloons, at least one of the valve balloons being positioned distal to the natural heart. The balloons are individually inflated and deflated to provide for sequential pumping action, with the sequence operating in timed relation to the sytstole and diastole of the natural heart.