Abstract: The expandable sheath and system (10) for intravascular insertion of a medical implement includes a cannula (70) for entering a lumen of a vascular vessel of a patient, a guide wire (72) insertable into the lumen, an introducer and dilator (62) adapted to follow the guide wire (72) into the lumen, an expandable sheath (40) positioned on the introducer and dilator (62), with the expandable sheath (40) being adapted to be positioned in the vessel, and an extension collar (76). The medical implement is received within the vessel by passing through the sheath (40) upon separating the introducer and dilator (62) therefrom. In one embodiment, a linear array of perforations (50) formed through the expandable sheath (40) allow for expansion. Alternatively, an external slit (16) may be provided for selective expansion of the sheath (40).

Abstract: The expandable sheath and system for intravascular insertion of a medical implement includes a cannula for entering a lumen of a vascular vessel of a patient, a guide wire insertable into the lumen, an introducer and dilator adapted to follow the guide wire into the lumen, an expandable sheath positioned on the introducer and dilator, with the expandable sheath being adapted to be positioned in the vessel, and an extension collar. The medical implement is received within the vessel by passing through the sheath upon separating the introducer and dilator therefrom. In one embodiment, a linear array of perforations formed through the expandable sheath allow for expansion. Alternatively, an external slit may be provided for selective expansion of the sheath.

Abstract: The expandable sheath and system for intravascular insertion of a medical implement includes a cannula for entering a lumen of a vascular vessel of a patient, a guide wire insertable into the lumen, an introducer and dilator adapted to follow the guide wire into the lumen, an expandable sheath positioned on the introducer and dilator, with the expandable sheath being adapted to be positioned in the vessel, and an extension collar. The medical implement is received within the vessel by passing through the sheath upon separating the introducer and dilator therefrom. In one embodiment, a linear array of perforations formed through the expandable sheath allow for expansion. Alternatively, an external slit may be provided for selective expansion of the sheath.

Abstract: The system for removing blood containing contrast dye includes an inner catheter having a fixed proximal end and a distal free end, and an outer catheter coaxially disposed around a portion of the inner catheter, defining an inner lumen and an annular outer lumen. The fixed end of the inner catheter is coincident with the proximal end of the outer catheter, and the distal end of the inner catheter extends outward from the outer catheter. A valve manifold provides a single operator control over the operation of the catheters and balloon in order to drain the dye from the coronary sinus system.

Abstract: The system for removing blood containing contrast dye includes an inner catheter having a fixed proximal end and a distal free end, and an outer catheter coaxially disposed around a portion of the inner catheter, defining an inner channel and an annular outer channel. The fixed end of the inner catheter is coincident with the proximal end of the outer catheter, and the distal end of the inner catheter extends outward from the outer catheter. An annular suction orifice is defined between the distal end of the outer catheter and the inner catheter. First and second balloons are mounted adjacent the distal ends of the outer and inner catheters. The distal free end of the inner catheter extends beyond the second balloon. In use, the first and second balloons are inflated in the coronary sinus and blood containing contrast dye is then removed from between the first and second balloons.

Abstract: The system for removing blood containing contrast dye includes an inner catheter having a fixed proximal end and a distal free end, and an outer catheter coaxially disposed around a portion of the inner catheter, defining an inner channel and an annular outer channel. The fixed end of the inner catheter is coincident with the proximal end of the outer catheter, and the distal end of the inner catheter extends outward from the outer catheter. An annular suction orifice is defined between the distal end of the outer catheter and the inner catheter. First and second balloons are mounted adjacent the distal ends of the outer and inner catheters. The distal free end of the inner catheter extends beyond the second balloon. In use, the first and second balloons are inflated in the coronary sinus and blood containing contrast dye is then removed from between the first and second balloons.

Abstract: A method for preventing contrast associated nephropathy includes the steps of providing a multi-lumen dual balloon catheter and inserting the catheter into a patient's coronary sinus. The method also includes the steps of inflating the two balloons to block blood flow from the coronary sinus into the right atrium and draining blood containing contrast solution from between the two balloons through the catheter while the blood flow is blocked. A hemo filtration unit is used to remove contrast solution from the drained blood and the filtered blood returned to the right atrium. A multi-lumen dual balloon catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preventing contrast associated nephropathy includes the steps of providing a multi-lumen dual balloon catheter and inserting the catheter into a patient's coronary sinus. The method also includes the steps of inflating the two balloons to block blood flow from the coronary sinus into the right atrium and draining blood containing contrast solution from between the two balloons through the catheter while the blood flow is blocked. A hemo filtration unit is used to remove contrast solution from the drained blood and the filtered blood returned to the right atrium. A multi-lumen dual balloon catheter is also disclosed.