Quest Medical, Inc.

Andrew S Wechsler

Thomas C Thompson

Tamera L Clark

The present invention relates to a retrograde cardioplegia catheter for the delivery of a cardioplegia solution to a patient's heart during open heart surgery. The catheter includes a flexible, elongated cannula having a proximal and a distal end. The cannula includes at least two lumens, the primary lumen being utilized to deliver cardioplegia solution. Typical of retrograde catheters, a sealing member is positioned and secured about the distal end of the cannula. In contrast to conventional catheters, however, the sealing member is comprised of (i) a thin-walled membrane that defines an interior chamber and (ii) a compressible, resilient form positioned within such chamber to fully support the membrane. The resilient form is in an expanded state when relaxed. The resilient form of the present invention enables the distribution of a consistent, definable force across the surface of the semi-rigid sealing member, whereby the resilient form empowers the sealing member of the present invention to overcome migratory tendencies of air- and fluid-filled sealing members typical of conventional retrograde cardioplegia catheters.

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Richmond, VA, United States of America

Andrew S Wechsler