Patent ID: 7824357

Claim:
A method for preventing contrast associated nephropathy comprising the steps of: providing a dual balloon multi-lumen catheter having a first lumen, a larger tapered balloon and a smaller spherical balloon connected to the larger tapered balloon by the first lumen and a suction orifice defined in the first lumen between the two balloons; providing a first inflation port for the larger tapered balloon and a second inflation port for the smaller spherical balloon and a third lumen connected to the port for draining blood from between the balloons; inflating the balloons after introducing a contrast solution into a patient's blood stream and removing blood containing contrast solution from between the two balloons; and including the steps of anchoring the catheter in place in a patient's coronary sinus with the smaller spherical balloon, inflating the larger tapered balloon when the contrast solution is introduced into the patient and deflating the larger taper balloon when the blood between the balloons has been removed.