Abstract: When both the IABP and the PCPS are used, they exhibit an excellent circulation assisting effect. In this case, however, sequela such as hypoxic encephalopathy may well occur after the heart failure is remedied. The invention provides an intraaortic balloon catheter capable of preventing such sequela. The balloon catheter of the invention includes a catheter main body part which is to be inserted into an aorta, and a balloon section formed on an outer peripheral portion of the catheter main body, to be inserted into the aorta together with the main body, and to be expandable and contractible in the aorta under the control of the IABP. An end portion of the catheter main body functions as an introductory portion of the catheter, and has a blood feed hole formed therein for introducing, into an artery such as the aortic arch, arterial blood of high oxygen concentration fed from a circulation assisting unit such as the PCPS.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary function assisting device includes a gas guide tube of which peripheral wall does not transmit gas or liquid such as blood and has a suitable rigidity and a suitable flexibility. A header is coaxially attached to an opening at the distal end of the gas guide tube. A plurality of balloons are attached to the distal end of the header. The balloons are formed of a gas permeable film and left in a blood vessel. Oxygen is supplied to the balloons through the gas guide tube, thereby expanding the balloons; oxygen is discharged from the balloons, thereby contracting the balloons. The expanding and contracting operations are repeated. As a result, when the balloons are expanded, oxygen is transmitted through the balloons and added to blood on the periphery of the balloons and the expanded balloons remove the blood away from the periphery. When the balloons are contracted, the periphery of the balloons is filled with blood.