Patent ID: 6287319
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A cannula apparatus, comprising:a bio-compatible structure having a cannula portion and a guide catheter portion, said guide catheter portion having a substantially smaller diameter than the diameter of the cannula portion;said cannula portion having a proximal flow port formed in a proximal end thereof, a distal flow port formed in distal end thereof, and a non-apertured region extending between said proximal and distal flow ports, said cannula portion defining a blood flow lumen extending between said proximal and distal flow ports, said non-apertured region enabling continuous and leak-proof transmission of blood between said proximal and distal flow ports;said guide catheter portion having an inflatable balloon mounted on a distal end thereof, a balloon inflation lumen disposed therein for delivery of inflating fluid from a fluid source to the inflatable balloon, and a closed distal end to prevent blood flow through said guide catheter portion; andsaid inflatable balloon being dimensioned to have a diameter, when fully inflated, less than a diameter of a blood vessel or heart chamber through which the inflatable balloon is to be passed, such that said balloon may be inflated following insertion into the body to act as a sail within the blood stream and thus facilitate placement of said cannula portion at a location within the body.