Abstract: System for the retrograde delivery of fluid containing pharmacologic or diagnostic fluids to a patient's microcirculatory system through a vein which drains the microcirculatory system comprising a catheter having an inflatable balloon at the distal end thereof and adapted to be inserted into and advanced through a patient's venous system to a position in the vein which drains the microcirculatory system. The balloon is inflated to block the interior of the vein and prevent the fluid from flowing in the vein in the same direction as normal blood out-flow. Fluids containing pharmacologic or diagnostic agents are introduced through the catheter and the vein and into the microcirculatory system in a retrograde direction which is opposite to the normal blood flow therethrough. The fluid is maintained in the microcirculatory system for a minimum period and at sufficient pressure to facilitate the desired performance of the pharmacologic or diagnostic agent.

Abstract: This invention is directed to specific methods and a system for the retrograde delivery of fluids containing a pharmacologic or diagnostic agent (via a catheter inserted into a patient's regional venous system) supplied into the microcirculatory system of the same region to which the arterial blood in flow is blocked or otherwise restricted. A catheter having an inflatable balloon on the distal end thereof is passed through the patient's venous system (e.g., for myocardial retroinfusion, and so that fluid containing pharmacologic (thrombolytic drugs or antiarrhythmic agents) or diagnostic agents is directed therethrough in a direction opposite to the normal blood flow and into the microcirculatory system of the jeopardized tissue. The fluid is held in the microcirculation for a period and at a pressure which facilitates its absorption or other function such as clot dissolution, pharmacologic action, or diagnostic contrast assessment with minimally invasive imaging methods.