| abstract |
An infusion/guide catheter which is adapted to be introduced into a coronary ostium of a coronary artery of the heart of a patient through an opening in an aorta of the patient, permitting blood perfusion from the aorta into the ostium. Preferably, the catheters can be placed without the use of fluoroscopy. In one embodiment, the infusion catheter generally comprises a tube having at least one lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end, the tube having at least one bend to facilitate placement of the distal end of the tube into the ostium of the coronary artery when the proximal end of the tube extends from the opening in the aorta, wherein the distal end of the tube is configured to fit within the coronary ostium while still permitting blood perfusion from the aorta into the ostium. The catheter, can be used to deliver a fluid, more locally in the heart to enhance the efficiency of fluid or drug administration. Several embodiments include a light delivery portion capable of illuminating a distal end of the catheter for visualization thereof through the vasculature. A guidewire having a light delivery portion is also capable of illuminating a distal end of a catheter for placement of the catheter in a coronary vessel without the use of fluoroscopy. |