Patent ID: 6383172
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A method for retrograde venous perfusion, comprising the steps of:providing a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a first lumen extending from the proximal end to an infusion port located at the distal end, an expandable occluder located proximal the infusion port, and a second lumen extending from the proximal end to a return port located proximal the expandable occluder; inserting the catheter into the vena cava; positioning the occluder in the superior vena cava; expanding the occluder; withdrawing venous blood from the vena cava through the return port and the second lumen; and infusing oxygenated medium into the superior vena cava through the first lumen and infusion port, wherein oxygenated medium is returned to the cerebral tissues by retrograde venous perfusion.