Aortic cannula

• US 6,387,087 B1
• Filed: 12/11/1996
• Issued: 05/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ronald K. Grooters
• Original Assignee: Ronald K. Grooters
• Inventors: Grooters, Ronald K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Casler, Brian L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): RODRIGUEZ, CRIS LOIREN
• Application Number:
  US08/763,728
• Time in Patent Office: 1,980 Days
• Field of Search: 604/4, 604/264, 604/93, 604/280, 604/53, 604/52, 604/30, 604/39, 604/273-275, 604/28, 604/93.01, 604/523, 604/500, 604/507, 604/508, 604/537
• US Class Current: 604/507
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3659 Cannulae pertaining to extracorporeal circulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0073 Tip designed for influencing the flow or the flow velocity of the fluid, e.g. inserts for twisted or vortex flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/127 Aorta
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0068 Static characteristics of the catheter tip, e.g. shape, atraumatic tip, curved tip or tip structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/007 Side holes, e.g. their profiles or arrangements; Provisions to keep side holes unblocked

Abstract

An improved aortic cannula for use in heart bypass surgery comprises an elongated tube with a terminal end. The improvement relates to the provision of two large openings adjacent the terminal end of the cannula, and an inverted cup at the terminal end to redirect the flow of blood as the blood exits through the discharge openings. The cup deflects a portion of the blood rearwardly so as to slow the velocity of the blood. The openings and the cup serve to reverse the flow of blood toward the ascending aorta and away from the aortic arch so as to prevent dislodging plaque, and thereby decreasing the chances of stroke.

Claims

1. A method of providing blood to the aorta of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

making an opening in the aorta of the patient;

inserting a cannula through the opening into the aorta, the cannula having an elongated tube with a terminal end having forward and rearward surfaces, at least one opening in the rearward surface, and a cup at the terminal end to deflect blood rearwardly; and

initiating blood flow through the cannula;

deflecting the blood flow with the cup for exit through the opening in the rearward surface and in the direction of the ascending aorta, and

preventing blood flow from the cannula in the direction of the aortic arch.

2. A method of cannulization for heart by-pass surgery comprising:

making an incision in the aorta of a patient;

inserting a cannula into the incision, the cannula having a terminal end with an opening therein positioned within the aorta;

orienting the opening in the terminal end away from the aortic arch such that blood from the cannula is directed only toward the ascending aorta.