Abstract: The invention comprises retaining apparatus for transseptal catheterization and a procedure for the use of same. The retaining apparatus is a selectively deployable retaining means disposed at or proximal to the tip of a transseptal catheter or sheath which is placed across a septum, such as the interatrial septum, into the left atrium. The retaining means is configured to cooperate with the distal portion of the sheath to present a uniform cylindrical circumferential periphery when the retaining means is undeployed and to present a shape generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sheath when deployed. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means is a retaining balloon which, upon inflation, presents a relatively flat, disk-like shape to comprise a physical barrier preventing inadvertent retraction of the distal tip of the sheath from the left atrium during subsequent portions of the catheterization procedure.

Abstract: Gastro-duodenal ulcers, gastritis and gastro-duodenitis may be effectively treated with a composition comprising a sulfonamide having an --SO.sub.2 NH.sub.2 group linked to a thiazolic or benzothiazolic ring together with an alkali metal bicarbonate, an alkali metal citrate, a magnesium compound and optionally aluminum hydroxide.