Abstract: A catheter for retrograde perfusion of the heart through the coronary sinus, which has an infusion lumen for introducing perfusion liquid into the heart, a retention means such as an inflatable balloon, and can have retention enhancements such as spikes, felt or a hydrophilic coating, on the surface of the retention means to keep it firmly in place.

Abstract: A catheter for retrograde perfusion of the heart through the coronary sinus, which has an infusion lumen for introducing perfusion liquid into the heart, a retention means such as an inflatable balloon, and can have retention enhancements such as spikes, felt or a hydrophilic coating, on the surface of the retention means to keep it firmly in place.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter for use in open heart surgery having an inflatable cuff adjacent the distal end in communication with the lumen of the catheter to self-inflate when perfusion liquid is introduced into the lumen. A plug in the lumen within the cuff causes lumen flow to by-pass from the proximal end of the cuff to the distal end of the cuff through transverse parts in the lumen. A flow restriction at the distal end of the lumen causes pressure build-up to inflate the cuff. A pressure monitoring lumen splices to the catheter tube to parallel the tube down to the distal end where it is in communication with the end of the catheter and also with the distal end of the cuff to register cuff pressure. An introducer shaft is provided to be inserted into the lumen to abut the plug to stiffen the catheter, thus facilitating insertion, and a stiffener spine at the cuff area of the catheter also provides rigidity to compensate for the weakening of the lumen resulting from the transverse ports.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter for use in open heart surgery having an inflatable cuff adjacent the distal end in communication with the lumen of the catheter to self-inflate when perfusion liquid is introduced into the lumen. A plug in the lumen within the cuff causes lumen flow to by-pass from the proximal end of the cuff to the distal end of the cuff through transverse parts in the lumen. A flow restriction at the distal end of the lumen causes pressure build-up to inflate the cuff. A pressure monitoring lumen splices to the catheter tube to parallel the tube down to the distal end where it is in communication with the end of the catheter and also with the distal end of the cuff to register cuff pressure. An introducer shaft is provided to be inserted into the lumen to abut the plug to stiffen the catheter, thus facilitating insertion, and a stiffener spine at the cuff area of the catheter also provides rigidity to compensate for the weakening of the lumen resulting from the transverse ports.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter for use in open heart surgery having an inflatable cuff adjacent the distal end in communication with the lumen of the cathether to self-inflate when perfusion liquid is introduced into the lumen. A reinforcing spine is installed at the cuff area to lend stiffness to the distal end. Flow through passsages in the cuff prevent stagnation and also permit pressure monitoring of the cuff pressure as well as pressure at the distal end of the catheter. An introducer shaft is provided to abut a plug in the lumen, the plug serving to shunt flow through the cuff and also to allow the introducer to apply pressure to the distal end of the catheter when the distal end is being projected into a body organ.

Abstract: A localization needle having an inner and outer needle, the outer needle having a window at the distal end and the inner needle having a barb to project out of the window upon relative axial movement of the needles. A first hub on the inner needle has axially spaced recesses to retain and locate a second hub on the outer needle. The first hub is expandable to allow motion of the second hub from a proximal to a distal position. A manually operable flexible oval within the first hub is used to expand the first hub to allow the relative movement of the second hub.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for administering cardioplegic solution to a heart during open heart surgery. A source of solution is delivered to a control switch from a single tube source and the tube is divided at a "Y" connector into two tubes, one for antegrade delivery and one for retrograde delivery. The control switch has a prime position with both divided tubes open. Movement from prime position to an operative position is irreversible. In the operative position, there is an "off" position with both tubes closed, an antegrade position with the antegrade tube open and the retrograde tube closed, and a retrograde position with the retrograde tube open and the antegrade tube closed. Movement from one position to the other requires movement through the "off" position so there can be no cross-flow from antegrade to retrograde. Pressure monitoring tubes are incorporated into the switch to be opened and closed with the respective tubes.