Patent ID: 7935075
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A cardiac lead implantation system comprising: an outer catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and an outer tubular wall which defines an outer lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, an inner catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and an inner tubular wall which defines an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, the inner catheter being sized and shaped to pass through the outer lumen, the inner lumen being sized and shaped to facilitate passage of a cardiac lead; a completely fluid impermeable expandable membrane secured to the inner catheter, the completely fluid impermeable expandable membrane having in an expanded position an open distal end receiving retrograde blood flow and a closed, fluid impermeable proximal end occluding and re-circulating the retrograde blood flow such that contrast agent is delivered distally of the membrane to provide imaging contrast in a region where visualization is desired; and a cardiac lead for implantation in a coronary vessel, the cardiac lead being adapted to extend through the inner lumen.