Patent ID: 7695452
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A system adapted for retrograde administration of cardioplegia solution to a heart of a patient during cardiopulmonary bypass comprising: an axially elongate cardioplegia delivery cannula comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a cardioplegia delivery lumen, an inflation lumen, and a vacuum lumen; wherein the lumens are oriented with their longitudinal axes parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cannula; a reservoir of cardioplegia solution external to the patient and comprising an outlet port; a cardioplegia solution infusion mechanism comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an inlet port affixed to the proximal end of the mechanism, and an outlet port affixed to the distal end of the mechanism; wherein the inlet port of the mechanism is operably connected to the outlet port of the reservoir and wherein the outlet port of the mechanism is operably connected to the proximal end of the cardioplegia delivery cannula; wherein the cardioplegia solution infusion mechanism receives cardioplegia solution and routes pressurized cardioplegia solution into the cardioplegia delivery lumen; a cardioplegia outlet port operably connected to the distal end of the cardioplegia delivery lumen, wherein the cardioplegia outlet port is configured to be located within a right atrium of the heart and proximate to a coronary sinus, without cannulating the coronary sinus; and a protection device affixed to the cannula near the distal end of the cannula comprising a balloon operably connected to the inflation lumen, and an annular seal ring affixed to the balloon and operably connected to the vacuum lumen; wherein the balloon is configured to be inflated against the interior of the right atrium of the heart and the inflated balloon forms an open channel between the cardioplegia outlet port and the coronary sinus, such that the annular seal ring contacts the right atrium and a vacuum pulled through the vacuum lumen causes the tissue of the right atrium to be drawn against the annular seal ring; wherein the annular seal ring is maintained in position by the inflated balloon; and wherein the protection device limits pressurization of the right atrium by the pressurized cardioplegia solution.