Method for using improved cardiopulmonary catheter system

A method for using an aortic occlusion catheter in cardiac surgical procedures, comprising the steps of:

• a. inserting an aortic occlusion catheter comprising a flexible tip, an inflatable balloon, and at least one perfusion outlet, into a peripheral artery;
• b. inflating said inflatable balloon to occlude the ascending aorta;
• c. arresting the heart;
• and
• d. perfusing the upper body through said at least one perfusion outlet.

A system for employing blood management during cardiac surgical procedures comprising at least:

• a. an aortic occlusion catheter designed for percutaneous introduction into a peripheral artery, said aortic occlusion catheter being advantageously positioned in the ascending aorta such that perfusion of oxygenated blood to the greater vessels and upper body is facilitated,
• said aortic occlusion catheter further providing a balloon positioned at the base of the ascending aorta just cephalid to the junction of the coronary arteries, said balloon providing for occlusion of the ascending aorta upon inflation;
• b. a femoral access arterial return catheter designed for percutaneous introduction into a femoral artery, said femoral access arterial return catheter positioned within a femoral artery and extended slightly therein to facilitate perfusion of the lower body with oxygenated blood,
• said femoral access arterial perfusion catheter terminating distally in a flexible tip comprising at least one exit hole designed to deter expulsive oxygenated blood flow therefrom;
• and
• c. a femoral access venous return catheter designed for percutaneous introduction into a femoral vein, said femoral access venous return catheter terminating distally in a flexible tip comprising a plurality of inlet openings to accommodate venous blood drainage.

A method for employing blood management during cardiac surgical procedures comprising the steps of:

• a. inserting an aortic occlusion catheter designed for percutaneous introduction into a peripheral artery, said aortic occlusion catheter further including
• i. a balloon positioned at the base of the ascending aorta just cephalid to the junction of the coronary arteries,
• ii. at least one perfusion outlet positioned in the aortic arch distal from said balloon, and
• iii. a tip with at least one opening located proximal to said balloon;
• b. positioning said aortic occlusion catheter in the ascending aorta such that perfusion of oxygenated blood to the greater vessels and upper body is facilitated;
• c. inserting an arterial return catheter for perfusion of the lower body with oxygenated blood;
• d. inserting a venous return catheter for collecting and transporting deoxygenated blood to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine;
• e. occluding the ascending aorta;
• f. providing cardioplegia to patient's cardiac muscle;
• and
• g. initiating cardiopulmonary bypass.

A system for employing blood management during cardiac surgical procedures comprising:

• a. an aortic occlusion catheter designed for percutaneous introduction into a peripheral artery, said aortic occlusion catheter being advantageously positioned in the ascending aorta such that perfusion of oxygenated blood to the greater vessels and upper body is facilitated,
• said aortic occlusion catheter further providing a balloon positioned at the base of the ascending aorta just cephalid to the junction of the coronary arteries, said balloon providing for occlusion of the ascending aorta upon inflation;
• b. a femoral access arterial return catheter designed for percutaneous introduction into a femoral artery, said femoral access arterial return catheter positioned within a femoral artery and extended slightly therein to facilitate perfusion of the lower body with oxygenated blood,
• said femoral access arterial perfusion catheter terminating distally in a flexible tip comprising at least one exit hole designed to deter expulsive oxygenated blood flow therefrom;
• c. a femoral access venous return catheter designed for percutaneous introduction into a femoral vein, said femoral access venous return catheter terminating distally in a flexible tip comprising a plurality of inlet openings to accommodate venous blood drainage from a right atrium;
• and
• d. a jugular retrograde perfusion catheter positioned for directing flow of cardioplegia into the coronary sinus, and comprising a balloon positioned within the coronary sinus such that fluid flow is occluded from the coronary sinus into the right atrium.

A method for providing blood management during cardiac surgical procedures comprising the steps of:

• a. obtaining a plurality of catheter devices for providing blood management, at least two of which being designed for perfusion of the upper body independently from perfusion of the lower body;
• b. positioning said plurality of catheters in selected vessels in a body of a patient;
• c. initiating cardiopulmonary bypass wherein perfusion of the upper body is provided independently from perfusion of the lower body;
• and
• d. stopping the beating of a patient's heart.