Abstract: A cardioplegia delivery system which includes a first delivery unit adapted for connection in a manner allowing delivery of cardioplegia fluid to a patient's heart during surgery. A second delivery unit may be added to the cardioplegia delivery system. The second delivery unit includes a heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the cardioplegia fluid. The second delivery unit may be connected during the surgical procedure to allow conversion from warm cardioplegia delivery to cold cardioplegia.

Abstract: A cardioplegia delivery device and method of use for delivering warm or cold cardioplegia fluid to the heart of a patient. The delivery device includes an air chamber having a housing with an integral pressure relief valve for diversion of cardioplegia fluid if the fluid pressure within the housing exceeds a predetermined pressure. The air chamber includes a membrane and one-way valve located near the top of the housing for removal of air from the cardioplegia fluid. The delivery device may include an integral heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of the cardioplegia fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stylet for use with a retrograde cardioplegia catheter and its methods of use. The stylet includes a stylet rod, a handle on the proximal end of the stylet rod and a predetermined curve in the distal end of the stylet rod. The handle has a thumb rest on the proximal end and a one or two finger loops extending outward from the handle. An obturator is located on the distal end of the predetermined curve to impede blood flow through a tip of the cardioplegia catheter during insertion of the catheter. The invention also contemplates methods for using the stylet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retrograde cardioplegia catheter and its method of use. The catheter contains two lumens, an infusion lumen through which the cardioplegic solution flows and a pressure sensing lumen for monitoring the fluid pressure at the point where the solution exits the catheter. A slightly tapered, self-filling balloon is secured to the distal end of the catheter. Also, located at the distal end of the catheter is a soft, rounded tip to prevent damage to the sensitive intimal tissues of the coronary sinus. A stylet having a predetermined curve at the distal end and a handle at the proximal end is removably located within the infusion lumen. The predetermined curve at one end of the stylet enables the cardioplegia catheter to be inserted quickly and accurately within the coronary sinus through a very small incision made in the right atrium. After the catheter is securerd in place, the stylet is withdrawn.

Abstract: A cannula adapted for antegrade administration of cardioplegic solutions during surgical procedures on the heart. The cannula includes a flow lumen having a smooth interior surface to reduce hemolysis when blood is passed therethrough during reperfusion. Structures are included to allow the wall of the vessel, generally the aortic root, to be readily pierced so that fluid may pass through the flow lumen of the cannula into the heart. A suture flange is provided to secure the cannula to the heart. A pressure lumen is provided to communicate the pressure within the heart to a location where it can be monitored. A vent line is also provided to allow a surgeon to readily vent fluids out of the heart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to arrest or reverse heart damage from myocardial infarction by using a peripheral, femoral-femoral full bypass along with the venting of the left ventricle wherein the rate at which blood is drawn from the femoral vein and the rate at which the left ventricle is vented are related in a predetermined manner. The damaged area is treated with a cardioplegic solution; the blockage causing the heart attack is then removed by a thrombolytic solution or by angioplasty, while blood is prevented from entering the ventricle and from reactivating the heart from its at-rest condition. Normal blood flow is then restored, and the various catheters and bypass mechanisms removed. The system is also useful for peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass systems not involving the application of a cardioplegic solution. The catheters are specially designed for their function.

Abstract: An improved amino acid enriched cardioplegic solution adapted for use in preventing and treating heart muscle damage due to regional ischemia. The solution includes a calcium ion concentration of between about 50-300 umol, a metabolizable substrate concentration of 400-1000 mg % and an osmolarity of between about 400-500 mOsmols.

Abstract: An arterial cannula is formed with an angled shoulder that limits the degree of insertion of cannula tip into an artery. The shoulder also forms a seal with the artery. Suture flaps are formed on the cannula to attach the cannula to the patient's skin. A stylet for the cannula has a stop on its exterior that prevents blood flow between the cannula and the stylet, and permits clamping of the cannula with the stylet partially withdrawn. A removable anti-backflow ring seals the cannula and provides a convenient initial movement limit for the stylet stop.

Abstract: The invention is an improved delivery system for injecting a cardioplegic solution made mostly of a patient's own blood into his heart in order to arrest it. The delivery system is used in combination with a cardiopulmonary bypass apparatus which includes an oxygenator, a roller pump, and typing connecting the patient's heart to the oxygenator so that patient's blood will flow into the oxygenator and the roller pump will pump it out of the oxygenator back into the patient's heart.