Method of and means for intraaortic assist
First Claim
1. A method of intraaortic assist which comprises introducing an inflatable member up through the descending aorta, thence about the aortic arch, and downwardly through the ascending aorta to a point immediately adjacent the aortic valve, said point being determined by monitoring the blood pressure within the aortic system, moving said inflatable member against the aortic valve until the latter is pressed open to cause a substantial drop in the ventricular pressure curve at the time of systole, and then withdrawing said inflatable member away from the valve and into the ascending aorta, thereby permitting closure of the aortic valve as indicated by return to a normal pressure curve, and rythmically inflating and deflating said inflatable member, after it is positioned adjacent the aortic valve, in synchronism with the normal beat of the heart.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus are described to provide improved cardiac assist by the use of a new form of intraaortic balloon. A single small balloon may be placed in the ascending aorta close to the aortic valve, such placement being effective to produce a substantially stronger augmentation of heart action than with the use of a longer balloon normally placed, for example, in the descending aorta. Multiple small balloons positioned in the aortic arch, with or without a large balloon in the descending aorta, can be used to provide even stronger coronary flows. The external diameter of the balloons in their inflated condition should in all events never be so great as to block the aorta, even when the latter may become contracted.
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Citations
13 Claims
- 1. A method of intraaortic assist which comprises introducing an inflatable member up through the descending aorta, thence about the aortic arch, and downwardly through the ascending aorta to a point immediately adjacent the aortic valve, said point being determined by monitoring the blood pressure within the aortic system, moving said inflatable member against the aortic valve until the latter is pressed open to cause a substantial drop in the ventricular pressure curve at the time of systole, and then withdrawing said inflatable member away from the valve and into the ascending aorta, thereby permitting closure of the aortic valve as indicated by return to a normal pressure curve, and rythmically inflating and deflating said inflatable member, after it is positioned adjacent the aortic valve, in synchronism with the normal beat of the heart.
- 4. In an intraaortic balloon pump of the type in which an inflatable balloon is attached to the end of a catheter for insertion into the aorta and having means for rythmically inflating and deflating said balloon through said catheter in rhythm with the normal heart beat, the improvement comprising forming said balloon of such size and the attached catheter of such length that the balloon may readily pass about the aortic arch to a position in the ascending aorta adjacent the aortic valve without damaging the arch and attached arteries, said balloon being larger on one side of said tube than on the other side, whereby said balloon assumes a partially arcuate shape to assist it in passing about the aortic arch, and said balloon pump further comprising an open pressure-measuring tube extending through said catheter and through said balloon.
Specification