Patent ID: 8852207
Filing Date: 2014-10-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of using a guiding catheter system for cannulating a coronary sinus of a patient's heart, the method comprising: introducing a guide apparatus into the coronary sinus, the guide apparatus comprising a distal end having a pre-shaped curve shaped for cannulating the coronary sinus from the right atrium; sliding a flexible shaft over the guide apparatus to introduce the flexible shaft into the coronary sinus, the flexible shaft having an open lumen dimensioned to receive and allow an implantable pacing lead to be passed through the flexible shaft, the flexible shaft formed without any pre-shaped curve and without variable flexibility along its length and anchoring a distal portion of the flexible shaft within the coronary sinus by inflating a unitary balloon within the coronary sinus, the balloon mounted on the distal portion of the flexible shaft, the balloon comprising a contiguous, expandable surface and circumferentially surrounding the distal portion of the flexible shaft, the balloon fluidly coupled to an inflation lumen arrangement and comprising: