Patent ID: 6540765
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: A61M,A61N

Abstract:
An apparatus for enabling placement of a pacing electrode in the coronary sinus of a heart to facilitate pacing of the left ventricle, said apparatus comprising:a) a flexible catheter having a distal end and a predetermined shape in an unflexed state to facilitate placement of said distal end into the os of the coronery sinus within the right atrium of the heart; b) a first lumen extending through said catheter from an entry port at a proximal end to an exit port at said distal end; c) a second lumen extending through said catheter from a first port disposed in said catheter in the vicinity of said proximal end and terminating at a second port which is in fluid communication with an inflatable/deflatable balloon disposed around the periphery of said catheter in the vicinity of said distal end; and d) at least one first port, disposed through an outer wall of said catheter on a distal side of said balloon which is in fluid communication with at least one second port, disposed through an outer wall of said catheter on a proximal side of said balloon.