Abstract: A balloon-tipped extracorporeal cannula apparatus suitable for use in a cardiac cannulation technique including a first elongated and flexible tube having an open proximal end and a distal tip with at least a plurality of holes near the distal end, at least one inflatable balloon on the inside wall of the first tube adjacent to the holes, and a second flexible tube communicating with the balloon for readily inflating and deflating the balloon. When inflated, the balloon completely occludes the lumen of the first tube and extends at least to a point between the most distal portion and the most proximal portion of the holes near the distal end of the first tube thereby only partially obstructing the holes. In some applications, the inflated balloon may completely occlude the holes and occupy the entire intraluminal space in the distal end of the first tube to protect against the introduction of any entrapped air into the circulatory system upon initial insertion of the cannula.

Abstract: An improved extracorporeal cannula apparatus suitable for use in a cardiac cannulation including a first elongated and flexible tube having an open proximal end and a distal end with at least one hole therein. At least one inflatable balloon is positionable within the lumen of the first tube adjacent the distal holes and is inflatable to occlude the cannula lumen and prevent the entrapment of air near the distal end. In the preferred apparatus, the balloon also extends to a point between the most distal portion and the most proximal portion of the holes thereby only partially obstructing the holes and permitting liquid to freely flow through the unobstructed portion of the distal end. The inflatable balloon is positionable by means of a second flexible tube threaded through the cannula lumen and a side-mounted tube attached near the proximal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A balloon-tipped extracorporeal cannula apparatus suitable for use in a cardiac cannulation technique including a first elongated and flexible tube having an open proximal end and a closed distal tip with a plurality of holes near the distal end, an inflatable balloon on the inside wall of the first tube adjacent to and proximal of the holes, and a second flexible tube contacting the balloon for readily inflating and deflating the balloon. When inflated, the balloon completely occludes the lumen of the first tube and extends to a point between the most distal portion and the most proximal portion of the holes near the distal end of the first tube thereby only partially obstructing the holes.