| abstract |
An intravascular cardiac assist device is disclosed which in one embodiment comprises an elongated tubular member adapted for insertion into a blood vessel, such as a pulmonary artery, the tubular member comprising a lumen defining a perfusion path within the vessel through the tubular member, an inlet port, an outlet port, an optional inlet valve associated with the inlet port and an optional outlet valve associated with the outlet port, and an inflatable member positioned in the lumen and selectively moveable between a deflated position and one or more inflated positions during which blood is propelled from the inlet port axially through the lumen and back into the vessel through the outlet port and the optional outlet valve. |