| abstract |
An inflatable catheter and method of medical treatment in which the flexible balloon material stretches when inflated to produce an acorn-shaped balloon, the broadened base of which seals against the vein interfacing the coronary sinus orifice of the heart to allow for stoppage of the natural flow of blood in the vessel, and which facilitates anterograde controlled, synchronous retroinfusion of pharmacologic or angiographic agents into the myocardium. An inflated catheter and method of medical treatment in which the apex of the inflated acorn-shaped balloon tapers away from the walls of the coronary sinus to prevent blockage of fluid flow through the middle cardiac vein thereby preventing pressure build up and edema in the myocardium. |