Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter with an added channel for delivering medication or removing body fluids distal to the site of angioplasty is disclosed. The balloons are especially useful in the treatment of occlusions in saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries arising from the aorta and branches thereof and in veins flowing to the heart or their tributaries and sub tributaries thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus to prevent reperfusion injury. In one embodiment, blood flow proximal to a lesion is occluded. An infusion catheter is advanced to a region distal to the lesion and an anti-reperfusion injury drug is delivered. The lesion may then be treated with a dilating device to reintroduce blood flow to the region distal to the lesion.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: An insertion assisting tool for an endoscope which is a tubular insertion assisting tool which is provided with an inflatable and deflatable balloon attached to a tip end outer peripheral part, and through which an insertion section for an endoscope is capable of being inserted, comprising: an air hole formed at an outer periphery and/or a tip end part of the insertion assisting tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a transgastric procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having the first lumen with open proximal end and a side opening distal end, and a second lumen with open ends. A balloon having a wall on the outside of the device surrounds the distal end and a fluid conduit extends along the device for inflating the balloon so that when the device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the balloon is inflated, the portion of the esophagus opposite the distal end is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus. The apparatus may also include a side access unit having an elongated flexible coaxial inner and outer tubes having proximal and distal ends and being movable relatively in the axial direction. First seals are mounted to the distal end of the outer tube, and second seals are mounted to the distal end of the inner tube, an actuator adjacent to the proxable ends of the tubes move the tubes relatively so as to vary the axial spacing the first and second seals.

Abstract: A multichannel catheter for extracorporeal circulation of blood to a patient undergoing cardiovascular treatments or surgery has three independent channels, an obturator and an expandable balloon. The first channel is the largest and is of a size that allows for delivery of blood through outlet parts in the wall of the first channel to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. The obturator is longitudinally insertable into the first channel. The second and third channels are integrated into the wall of the first channel. The second channel is suitable for delivering a biologically active fluid to the heart and/or venting the left heart. The third channel is suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion. The catheter provides an improved means of preparing for or performing cardiovascular surgery on a patient using a cardiopulmonary machine for extracorporeal circulation of blood.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter with an added channel for delivering medication or removing body fluids distal to the site of angioplasty is disclosed. The balloons are especially useful in the treatment of occlusions in saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries arising from the aorta and branches thereof and in veins flowing to the heart or their tributaries and sub tributaries thereof.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for delivering catheter brachytherapy to a subject comprising a medical balloon catheter (1) having a proximal (2) and distal (3) end, comprising a elongated catheter tube (5) with an inflation lumen (21) extending therewithin and at least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) towards the distal end (3) in fluid communication with the catheter tube (5) inflation lumen (21), the catheter tube (5) configured to unfold from a kinked condition permitting the inflation lumen (21) to slidably receive a removable inner tube (6), the inflation lumen (21) configured to carry inflation fluid to the least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) in the presence of the removable inner tube (6); and a removable inner tube (6) having an elongated body, an open (9) proximal end (7), a closed (10) distal end (8), and a source wire lumen (22) extending therewithin, wherein the removable inner tube (6) is configured for insertion into and removal from at least part of the length of the inflation lumen (21),

Abstract: A method of detecting and treating a microvascular obstruction is provided. In one embodiment, a catheter is provided for both detecting the microvascular obstruction and treating or removing the obstruction.

Abstract: A catheter system comprising a guidewire, an endovascular catheter, and an aspiration catheter. The guidewire has an expandable occluder mounted on a distal end. The guidewire and the endovascular catheter are insertable into a lumen of the aspiration catheter. The aspiration catheter also includes infusion and aspiration lumen(s) and port(s). Methods of using the catheter system for treating a vascular lesion and removing embolic material during the procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method implemented by a powered inflation device to prepare a balloon catheter for use during a medical procedure. In this embodiment, the method includes drawing an amount of medical fluid from a fluid reservoir into the inflation device during a first motorized operation of the inflation device, removing an amount of air from the balloon catheter during a second motorized operation of the inflation device, and injecting the amount of medical fluid from the inflation device into the balloon catheter during a third motorized operation of the inflation device to inflate a balloon located at a distal end of the balloon catheter The powered inflation device may be a stand-alone device in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the powered inflation device is coupled to an angiographic injector system. When it is coupled to an angiographic injector system, the balloon inflation device and the injector system may be controlled by a common control panel, or console, in one embodiment.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Material may be implanted or injected into cardiac veins as discrete masses for treating various cardiac conditions. A catheter suitable for delivering occluding agent into the cardiac venous system the heart includes a distal end that is positionable within a cardiac vein at a location where an occlusion is to be established. A barrier is provided for occluding the vein adjacent the barrier. A lumen (more than one lumen may be provided if desired) is disposed within the catheter tube and passes through the barrier to terminate at an aperture (more than one aperture may be provided if desired) distal of the barrier, for delivering the occluding agent into the vein beyond the barrier. An inner tube may be provided for introducing an occluder into the vein and spaced away from the barrier, for defining a vein segment between the barrier and the occluder. Methods and kits are also contemplated.

Abstract: A system for delivering an agent to tissue surrounding a target vessel includes an elongate delivery device and a source coupled to a proximal tubular portion of the device. A first lumen extends through the tubular portion and an expandable sheath of the device, wherein the expandable sheath has a proximal end that surrounds and overlies a distal end of the tubular portion. The device further includes a stiffening member, attached to the sheath, and a balloon attached to the stiffening member, at a location spaced apart from the sheath. A second lumen extends, within the tubular portion and the stiffening member, to the balloon. A volume of fluid may be delivered, from the source, through the first lumen and into a section of the target vessel that is downstream from the expandable sheath and upstream of the balloon, in order to expand the sheath, fill the section and apply a pressure sufficient to cause extravasation of the section.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a catheter body, a balloon at a distal end of the catheter body, and a guidewire tube within the balloon and separate from the catheter body. A catheter may be introduced over a guidewire by passing the guidewire through a guidewire lumen in the guidewire tube. No guidewire lumen is provided within the catheter body.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating a vascular condition by providing a catheter having proximal and distal regions, a balloon disposed on the distal region, and a plurality of delivery ports disposed in lateral surfaces of the catheter at locations proximal to the balloon. The balloon is adapted to treat the vascular condition, for example, by performing balloon angioplasty. Subsequently, the balloon may be deflated, the catheter advanced distally, and the plurality of delivery ports may be aligned with the vascular condition, e.g., to deliver a therapeutic agent such as an anti-restenosis drug. During the delivery of the therapeutic agent, the balloon may be partially or fully re-inflated to enhance localized delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method for repairing or modifying an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises directing at least a portion of a scanning beam assembly to an area of a patient's anatomy, applying a radiation-responsive agent to portion of the anatomy, and exposing the radiation-responsive agent to radiation directed onto the agent by the reflector to cause the agent to therapeutically interact with the site. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting radiation, a reflector that receives the radiation from the radiation source to direct the radiation onto the anatomy, wherein the reflector oscillates in at least two directions to create a scan of the anatomy, a detector to detect radiation returned from the anatomy, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable anatomy image.

Abstract: An isolation thrombectomy catheter system where thrombus, clotted material, or the like is isolated by distally and proximally placed inflated occlusive balloons sealing a portion of the vasculature for subsequent removal of thrombus by cross stream jets. An isolation catheter accommodates either a jet assembly for ablation of thrombus and for drug or medication delivery, or accommodates a drug delivery device for introduction of lysing fluids, drugs or medications to a thrombus site. Alternating of lysing fluid delivery and ablation can be incorporated for a combined thrombectomy effort.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating blood vessels includes an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an infusion lumen extending there-through, a plurality of infusion holes in valved communication with the infusion lumen, and a valve member which is movable inside the infusion lumen from a first position in which some of the infusion holes are blocked to a second position where fewer of the infusion holes are blocked. According to one embodiment, the valve member is a tube coaxially disposed inside the infusion lumen. According to a second embodiment, the valve member includes a seal coupled to a wire. When the wire is pulled, more holes are unsealed. In both embodiments, an inflatable occlusion balloon is coupled to the distal end of the apparatus and an inflation lumen extends from it to the proximal end of the device.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter with an added channel for delivering medication or removing body fluids distal to the site of angioplasty is disclosed. The balloons are especially useful in the treatment of occlusions in saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries arising from the aorta and branches thereof and in veins flowing to the heart or their tributaries and sub tributaries thereof.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus captures thromboembolic material in the arterial and venous circulation. The apparatus includes an inner hollow tube and an outer hollow tube in sliding engagement with the inner hollow tube. A radially expandable segment, such as an inflatable balloon, is attached near the distal end of the catheter. One end portion of the balloon is attached to the inner tube and the other end portion is attached to the outer tube. When the catheter is advanced through a vessel to be treated, the balloon is deflated and the outer tube is slidably advanced to a storage position so that the balloon compactly surrounds the catheter. When the catheter is in place within the vessel, the outer tube is slidably advanced to a treatment position and the balloon is inflated. As the vessel is treated, the inflated balloon captures and contains thromboembolic particles that may be released, and the particles are suctioned out of the patient through apertures located in the outer hollow tube proximal to the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating rectovaginal fistulas, including a cannula of a predetermined length, open-ended on its first end having an inflatable balloon portion on its closed second end; the first end of the cannula further comprising a cone portion along its length to seal up against the exterior wall entrance to the rectum, after the second end of the cannula has been inserted into a patient's rectum; a fluid line is positioned within the cannula space for inflating the balloon after the cannula is in place in the rectum to seal the distal end of the rectum passage; a plurality of openings are provided along the wall of the cannula between the balloon and the cone at the first end of the cannula; a colored gel or other fluid insertable into the cannula to the extent that the gel or other fluid escapes the cannula through the openings and enters the void between the cannula and the wall of the rectum, with sufficient gel or other fluid entering the void so that gel or fluid would seep into any fistulas prese

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a catheter body, a balloon at a distal end of the catheter body, and a guidewire tube within the balloon and separate from the catheter body. A catheter may be introduced over a guidewire by passing the guidewire through a guidewire lumen in the guidewire tube. No guidewire lumen is provided within the catheter body.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter which includes a purge mechanism for purging air from the catheter prior to use. The purge mechanism is sized to allow air to pass through, but highly restricts the flow of liquids. Air remaining in the catheter after purging is allowed to diffuse through the balloon prior to use. The mechanism is especially useful with low-pressure, gas-permeable, compliant balloons.

Abstract: Clot disruption and dissolution are achieved using a catheter having the ability to infuse a thrombolytic agent, agitate the clot and agent, and aspirate broken-up clot from the blood vessel. A flow resistor in the catheter provides for infusion and/or aspiration to be concentrated primarily at a clot treatment area in a blood vessel while also providing optional infusion and/or aspiration distal to the treatment area. In some embodiments, infusion, aspiration and guidewire passage occur through a common lumen. The thrombolytic agent, such as tPA, streptokinase, or urokinase, is directly released into the clot at the point where the agitator is engaging the clot. In this way, the thrombolytic activity of the agent is enhanced and the dissolution of the clot is improved.

Abstract: A thrombolysis catheter system having a fixed length infusion zone is disclosed. The invention contemplates apparatus, method and kit aspects. The apparatus, which has the capability to track a guidewire, uses a multilumen catheter to deliver radially thrombolytic agent to an infusion zone defined by one or more balloon means. In one aspect, with an occluder means, a primary lumen of the catheter is used both for catheter placement and delivery of fluid. The method discloses utilization of radiopaque indicia to place the catheter in proximity to the occlusion or diseased tissue to be treated. The kit includes a catheter of the invention in conjunction with a steerable guidewire and a tip occluder wire, either or both of the tip occluder wire and the guidewire having an enlargement on their distal tip which cooperates with a reduced diameter portion of the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system.

Abstract: A diversion catheter for use during ablation procedures includes a distal occlusion device such as a diversion balloon. The diversion balloon blocks blood flowing through a cardiac vein. The diversion catheter employs ports proximal and distal to the diversion balloon. The proximal and distal ports are in fluid communication so that blood flow through the cardiac vein is diverted through the distal and proximal ports and away from a cardiac surface intended for ablation.

Abstract: A low profile catheter valve comprises a movable sealer portion positioned within the inflation lumen of a catheter. The sealer portion forms a fluid tight seal with the inflation lumen by firmly contacting the entire circumference of a section of the inflation lumen. The sealer portion may be positioned proximally of a side-access inflation port on the catheter, to establish an unrestricted fluid pathway between the inflation port and an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the catheter. As desired, the clinician may move the sealer portion to a position distal of the inflation port, thereby preventing any fluid from being introduced into or withdrawn from the balloon via the inflation port.

Abstract: A device for delivering oxygenated blood and occluding the ascending aorta is provided. The device has a blood flow lumen with a movable portion. The movable portion is movable from a position contained within a body of the device to a position which extends outwardly from the device. The movable portion is made of a tube of flexible material and everts when moving to the extended position.

Abstract: A method for draining and sealing a pseudo aneurysm in which a guide wire is inserted over a needle. Then a multi-lumen catheter is inserted over the guide wire. The catheter is used to occlude the vessel puncture and inhibit the flow of fluids between the vessel and the pseudo aneurysm. The pseudo aneurysm is then aspirated and the vessel puncture is allowed to clot and heal.

Abstract: The medical balloon catheter of the present invention comprises a catheter shaft composed of a distal end shaft and a proximal end shaft and a balloon on the distal end of the distal end shaft, wherein the proximal end shaft is composed of a single member and the distal end portion of the proximal end shaft is lower in rigidity than the other parts thereof. The present invention also provides a medical balloon catheter having a structure in which a tube for passing a guidewire inside thereof is arranged so as to pass inside the balloon and the balloon and tube are fused together in the vicinity of the distal end of the catheter, wherein the ratio of the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion on the distal end side of the tube to the outer diameter of the proximal end portion is no less than 0.85.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter for the ascending aorta capable of obstructing the blood flow within the ascending aorta without inserting through the femoral artery. The occlusion catheter is provided with a drug release aperture formed in the region, which is closer to the proximal end of the catheter tube than a balloon on the outer circumference of the distal end and which is to be located in the vicinity of the coronary ostium when the balloon is placed within the ascending aorta. The present occlusion catheter, when inserted directly into the ascending aorta in the vicinity of the heart to obstruct the blood flow therewithin, enables delivery of a cardiac muscle protective drug to the vicinity of the coronary ostium without inserting the occlusion catheter through the femoral artery in the conventional manner.

Abstract: An over-the-wire balloon dilatation catheter has a stainless steel hypotube catheter shaft, an intermediate sleeve section bonded to the shaft and a distal balloon section connected to the sleeve section. The sleeve section is forced from relatively flexible polymer materials and includes an inner core tube which defines a guide wire lumen extending only through a distal portion of the catheter (including its sleeve and balloon sections) to facilitate fast balloon catheter exchanges. A distal end of the hypotube shaft is crimped laterally and the core tube is nested and bonded within the crimp to provide a proximal outlet for the guide wire lumen. The hypotube shaft provides an inflation lumen for the balloon, with the inflation lumen being continued as an annular inflation lumen through the sleeve section where an outer sleeve is bonded about the core tube and extends from the distal end of the hypotube shaft to the balloon section.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and devices for performing cardipulmonary bypass (CPB), cardioplegic arrest, suction of fluid from the aorta to remove embolic or other fluid from the general circulation and the selective segmentation of the arterial system to perform differential perfusion eliminating hypoperfusion. An aortic catheter having an arch lumen which extends at least in part along the length of the catheter shaft has a proximal opening coupled to a CPB machine and a distal arch opening. A corporeal lumen extends at least in part along the length of the catheter shaft and has a proximal opening coupled to a CPB machine and a distal corporeal opening. A suction lumen extends at least in part along the length of the catheter shaft and has a proximal suction opening coupled to a suction source and a distal suction opening residing in the aortic lumen of a patient.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a multi-balloon catheter, such as a double-balloon catheter, with coating comprising a hydrogel polymer on the exterior surface of the occlusion balloons is provided. The balloons may be inflated inside the lumen to occlude a plaque-affected segment of the lumen thereby forming a lumen space between the balloons, wherein this plaque-affected lumen segment may be treated with a biologically active agent. The presence of the coating can reduce de-nuding of healthy endothelial lumen tissue after contact with the inflated balloons during the occlusion. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for using a multi-balloon catheter having a coating comprising a hydrogel polymer for treating a plaque-affected lumen segment, the method reducing the subsequent de-nuding or injury to healthy endothelial tissue that is contacted by the balloon during occlusion.

Abstract: A urinary catheter of the type which is retained in the urethra by means of a locating balloon also includes an inflatable valve by means of which the lumen (3) of the catheter may be opened or closed by the user. The catheter is manufactured as a two or three layered tube: the outer layer (1) includes an inflatable portion (5) for forming a locating balloon, whilst the inner layer (2) includes a further inflatable portion (6) providing the internal valve. A supply of fluid, e.g. saline, is fed to the inflatable portions, via relatively small diameter tubing encased in the laminar catheter structure. The pressure of the fluid is controlled by a manual pressure control device (19, 29).

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system, such as a dilatation catheter system for angioplasty procedures, which provides for the replacement of the catheter or the guidewire during the procedure. The intravascular catheter has a guidewire-receiving inner lumen extending along its length. A first guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at or near the proximal end of the catheter. A second guidewire port is provided in the catheter body at a location spaced distally from the first guidewire port and proximally from a diagnostic or therapeutic tool, such as a dilatation balloon, on a distal portion of the catheter. A third guidewire port is provided in the distal end of the catheter. The guidewire ports are in communication with the guidewire-receiving inner lumen.

Abstract: A device (1) for staunching bleeding from an incision (2) made in the wall (3) of the vagina (4) of a subject comprises an inflatable member (8) carried on a tubular carrier member (5) which is inflatable within the vagina (4) for applying pressure to the wall (3) of the vagina (4) for urging a portion of the wall (3) adjacent the incision (2) against an adjacent portion of the anatomy, for example, the pubic bone (41) for staunching bleeding from the incision (2). The inflatable member (8) is inflated through the carrier member (5) through a releasable one-way valve (27) which retains inflatable medium, for example, air in the inflatable member (8) and which also facilitates exhausting of the inflatable medium from the inflatable member (8) for removal of the inflatable member (8) from the vagina (4). A drain tube (30) extending through the carrier member (5) drains blood and other fluids from the vagina (4) between the inflatable member (8) and the cervix (33).

Abstract: An occlusion catheter for the ascending aorta capable of obstructing the blood flow within the ascending aorta without inserting through the femoral artery. The occlusion catheter is provided with a drug release aperture formed in the region, which is closer to the proximal end of the catheter tube than a balloon on the outer circumference of the distal end and which is to be located in the vicinity of the coronary ostium when the balloon is placed within the ascending aorta. The present occlusion catheter, when inserted directly into the ascending aorta in the vicinity of the heart to obstruct the blood flow therewithin, enables delivery of a cardiac muscle protective drug to the vicinity of the coronary ostium without inserting the occlusion catheter through the femoral artery in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A perfusion cannula for treating a patient. The, cannula includes a hollow tube adapted for insertion into a vessel of the patient and adapted for fluid flow. The tube has a proximal end. The tube has a primary hole disposed in proximity to the proximal end for release of fluid from the tube and at least a first perfusion hole disposed in the tube wall for release of fluid from the tube. The cannula includes a widener extending from the outer surface of the tube and effectively extending the outer diameter of the tube. The inner diameter of the tube is smooth and continuous and has a circular, cross-section throughout. The widener is in spaced relation from the proximal end and in proximity to and in operational relation with the first perfusion hole wherein fluid in able to escape from the first perfusion hole without obstruction by the vessel wall when the tube is in the vessel wall. A perfusion cannula for treating a patient having at least a first ridge. A system for treating a patient.

Abstract: A method for removing an object from a body lumen includes dispensing fluid into the body lumen, and causing the dispensed fluid to propel the object along the body lumen. A device for removing an object from a body lumen includes a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid into the body lumen, and a pump in fluid communication with the dispenser.

Abstract: A catheter system for use in minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures. The catheter system diminishes certain trauma generally associated with invasive cardiac procedures while providing aortic occlusion, extracorporeal circulation, cardiac arrest, and cardiac venting. The catheter system provides a minimally invasive and simplified system that performs total cardiopulmonary bypass with ease of insertion, shortened recovery periods, and improved whole body perfusion wherein the upper body is perfused independently of the lower body. The catheters are refined, with reduced diameters and specialized functions for maximum control of each aspect of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: The fluid delivery device has an inflatable vesicle (5) mounted about a shaft (2) and has fluid ports (8) located beyond the vesicle (5) so that when inflated the vesicle (5) prevents fluid delivered through the ports (8) flowing back along the shaft (2) of the delivery device. The device is particularly suited to the delivery of anaesthetic agents for intraurethral procedures.