Patent ID: 7976531
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of cannulating a coronary sinus of a heart, the method comprising: providing a guide catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having a preformed shape including a first arc adjacent the proximal portion having a first arc radius of from about 3.0 to about 4.0 inches, a second arc distally adjacent the first arc having a second arc radius of from about 1.2 inches to about 1.8 inches, a third arc distally adjacent the second arc having a third arc radius of from about 2.2 inches to about 3.7 inches, a fourth arc distally adjacent the third arc having a fourth arc radius of from about 1.0 inch to about 1.5 inches and a generally straight terminal portion extending distally adjacent the fourth arc and having a length of from about 0.3 to about 1.9 inches; inserting the distal portion into the superior vena cava; advancing the distal portion into the right atrium using the superior vena cava to support the distal portion until the terminal portion crosses the tricuspid valve; torquing the distal portion 90 degrees counterclockwise to maneuver the terminal portion into the same plane as the coronary sinus ostium; withdrawing the distal portion back into the right atrium while maintaining the torque; and advancing the terminal portion into the coronary sinus ostium while maintaining the torque.