Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in open surgical and transluminal methods for supplying long-term retrograde perfusion of the myocardium via a conduit disposed between the left ventricle and the coronary sinus. In a first method, an opening is formed between the left ventricle and the coronary sinus, and the coronary ostium is partially occluded using a stent that prevents the pressure in the coronary sinus from exceeding a predetermined value. In an alternative method, a first end of a conduit is inserted transeptally through the right atrium and obliquely into the posterior septal endocardium of the left ventricle via the posterior pyramidal space, while a second end of the conduit is inserted into the coronary sinus via the coronary ostium. A pressure-limiting valve is included in the conduit. In either method, the outlet from the left ventricle to the coronary sinus may include a one-way valve to prevent backflow from the coronary sinus into the left ventricle during cardiac diastole.

Abstract: Methods are provided for use in open surgical and transluminal methods for supplying long-term retrograde perfusion of the myocardium via a conduit disposed between the left ventricle and the coronary sinus. In a first method, an opening is formed between the left ventricle and the coronary sinus, and the coronary ostium is partially occluded using a stent that prevents the pressure in the coronary sinus from exceeding a predetermined value. In an alternative method, a first end of a conduit is inserted transeptally through the right atrium and obliquely into the posterior septal endocardium of the left ventricle via the posterior pyramidal space, while a second end of the conduit is inserted into the coronary sinus via the coronary ostium. A pressure-limiting valve is included in the conduit. In either method, the outlet from the left ventricle to the coronary sinus may include a one-way valve to prevent backflow from the coronary sinus into the left ventricle during cardiac diastole.