Patent ID: 6106497
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A system for preventing an air embolism in the brain of an animal in a cardiovascular surgical procedure, comprising:a) a source of a gas;b) a mechanism for controlling pressure and flow of the gas therethrough, having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being connected to the gas source; andc) a tube for conveying the gas therethrough having a first end and a second end, and a member for preventing blood from flowing from the heart into the gas conveying tube; the first end adapted for placement in the heart of the animal and having a plurality of apertures for passage of the gas therethrough into the heart;wherein the pressure/flow controlling mechanism is disposed between the gas source and the gas conveying tube; and the gas source, the pressure/flow controlling mechanism and the gas conveying tube are in fluid flowing communication for conveying the gas therethrough;and the pressure/flow controlling mechanism is operable to provide a flow of the gas through the system such that when the first end of the gas conveying tube is placed into the heart, the pressure and flow of the gas from the pressure/flow controlling mechanism through the gas conveying tube into the heart is effective to inhibit air from entering the heart, great vessel, or both, or to remove air from the heart, the great vessel, or both.