Abstract: A vent cannula includes a tubular base having a primary longitudinal passage therein with a primary distal tip for insertion into a body vessel. The base has a tubular junction interconnected and extending at an acute angle having a secondary passage therein communicating with the primary passage. A flexible tube is slidably retained within the secondary passage. The flexible tube has a flexible distal portion with a flexible distal tip thereon, a flexible proximal portion with a side port therein and with a proximal handle. The flexible tube is initially positioned at a “first position” wherein the flexible distal tip is within the secondary passage; and is slideable to a “second position” wherein the side port of the flexible proximal portion is at the junction of the primary and secondary passages, and the flexible distal tip is inserted into the primary passage and extended from the primary distal tip to thereby extend the functional tip of the cannula.

Abstract: A medical suction tube tip includes a tubular connector that has a proximal end for engaging the inner diameter of the suction tube, and has a distal end having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. An inner suction tube has a proximal end connected within the inner diameter of the tubular connector, and has a distal end having laterally extending retaining fingers. A coiled wire spring is positioned on the inner suction tube, and is retained between the distal end of the connector and the retaining fingers on the distal end of the inner suction tube. A tubular outer cover encloses the inner suction tube and spring, and has a proximal end connected over the distal end of the tubular connector, and has an enclosed distal end. The cover further includes a plurality of longitudinal flutes extending along the outer surface, and has a plurality of apertures arranged along the flutes. A second embodiment includes the same suction tube, tubular connection, inner suction tube and tubular outer cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter having an elongated cannula with an infusion lumen and a pressure-sensing lumen, and a portion of the cannula which tapers to form a distal end which is narrower than the more proximal portions of the cannula. The distal end of the cannula has a rounded tip and forms at least one infusion lumen opening and a pressure-sensing opening. A balloon is attached to and surrounds the cannula near the distal end while being in fluid communication with the infusion lumen through one or more inflation openings. The infusion lumen openings are smaller than the inflation openings so as to make the balloon self-inflating. Also disclosed is a method for using such a catheter to perform cardioplegia by the retrograde infusion of a cardioplegic fluid into the coronary sinus.