Abstract: A cannula assembly for intra-aortic balloon devices and the like comprising a Y-connector having a tube secured thereto with an inner diameter which is constant or which increases in diameter at the proximal end. Said tube is of a laminated construction in which the inner tubular member has a low friction characteristic while the outer tubular member provides the supporting strength for the laminated tubular construction.A positioning ring is permanently secured to the cannula a spaced distance from its distal end to limit the extent to which the cannula is inserted into an artery through the arterial wall. The proper length of the penetration into the artery is controlled by cutting off a portion of the distal end sufficient to prevent the cannula from being extended through the opposite arterial wall, for example. The ring is preferably a split ring to facilitate cutting of the cannula to remove the cannula from the balloon and balloon catheter.

Abstract: A system which is capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of waveforms on the face of a CRT which are representative of ECG, arterial pressures and operating states of the mechanical heart assistance devices, as well as a "timing bar" which sweeps across the CRT face in synchronism with the ECG trace, for example.Optical pickups are slidably mounted adjacent the CRT face across the path of the "timing bar" sweep for activating photodetectors which in turn initiate inflation and deflation of mechanical assistive devices at any desired point along the ECG or pressure trace. Any one of the pressure or ECG traces may be "frozen" on the display face to facilitate comparison between a trace of the condition of the heart prior to the use of heart assistance and a trace of the augmented condition. All traces may be freely moved to any location upon the display face so as to permit close positioning and even superimposition of two or more traces to still further facilitate visual comparisons.

Abstract: An adapter having a first bore which facilitates the insertion and accurate positioning of an intra-aortic balloon, and is designed to fit within a synthetic graft which is sutured, for example, to the femoral artery. An annular groove is provided in the adapter, permitting the graft to be tightly tied thereto in the region of the groove. The silicone rubber blood-tight seal integrally formed with the adapter body, together with the adapter body, allow the catheter to slide freely therein, enabling positioning of the balloon in the aorta after the sutures are tied.The adapter may further be provided with an additional bore for receiving an arterial pressure line. A separate silicone seal is provided to permit positioning of the pressure line while maintaining the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: A system which is capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of waveforms on the face of a CRT which are representative of ECG, arterial pressures and operating states of the mechanical heart assistance devices, as well as a "timing bar" which sweeps across the CRT face in synchronism with the ECG grace, for example.Optical pickups are slidably mounted adjacent the CRT face across the path of the "timing bar" sweep for activating photodetectors which in turn initiate inflation and deflation of mechanical assistive devices at any desired point along the ECG or pressure trace. Any one of the pressure or ECG traces may be "frozen" on the display face to facilitate comparison between a trace of the condition of the heart prior to the use of heart assistance and a trace of the augmented condition. All traces may be freely moved to any location upon the display face so as to permit close positioning and even superimposition of two or more traces to still further facilitate visual comparisons.