Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating a patient sustaining an acute ischemic stroke in a brain having a blood circulatory system including a torcular Herophili and adjoining transverse venous sinuses, includes steps for partially occluding the sinuses to partially obstruct venous blood drainage while permitting some antegrade venous blood flow from at least one of the sinuses. A flow of the patient's arterial blood is introduced into at least one of the sinuses to produce a continuous retrograde blood flow on the venous side of the brain. In an associated method including a blood pump and occlusion catheters, a heat exchanger is used to lower the temperature of the retrograde blood flow in order to achieve hypothermic treatment of the brain.

Abstract: A catheter for retroprofusing a venous junction formed by first, second and third veins, includes an elongate tube having a plurality of channels including a through-lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal balloon is inflatable to partially occlude the third vein, while a distal balloon is inflatable to partially occlude the second vein. An operative region of the catheter between the first and second balloons is adapted to pressurize the venous junction with arterial blood to produce retrograde blood flow in the first vein.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient sustaining an acute ischemic stroke in the brain. The brain has a blood circulatory system including a torcular Herophili and first and second transverse venous sinuses adjoining the torcular Herophili. The method comprises at least partially occluding the first and second transverse venous sinuses in first and second locations, respectively, adjacent to the torcular Herophili to partially obstruct venous blood drainage while permitting some antegrade venous blood flow from at least one of the transverse venous sinuses. A flow of the patient's arterial blood is introduced into at least one of the transverse venous sinuses to provide a substantially continuous retrograde blood flow into the venous side of the brain of the patient to overcome the lack of arterial blood flow for a period of time until the patient exhibits at least some resolution of ischemic brain symptoms.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip which permits selection of the clamping pressure applied by the clip to tissue is of single piece plastic construction and C-shaped configuration. A transversely extending region of reduced thickness at the center of the mid-portion of the clip defines the hinge axis of the clip. Cooperating latching members extend from the mid-portion on opposite sides of the reduced thickness region. A dispenser for the clips has a magazine for storing a series of clips, a dispensing mechanism for advancing clips from the magazine, and an applicator tip receiving the advanced clip and having adjustably spaced plates for determining the degree to which the clip is closed.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip applicator tool includes a replacable magazine for storing a series of clips, a dispensing mechanism for advancing clips from the magazine, and an applicator tip which receives the advanced clip and closes the same to a controlled degree of clamping pressure.