Gish Biomedical, Inc.

Brian Strauss

Jack W Brown

George W White

Kenneth M Galt

A system and method for delivery of cardioplegic solution to the heart of a patient incorporates novel venturi flow cells individually adapted for insertion in the blood and crystalloid solution lines together with transducers for measuring a pressure drop across each venturi flow cell and transmitting it to a microprocessor to calculate flow rate for display on a monitor. The novel self-venting and self-priming transducers and venturi flow cells are incorporated in a disposable cassette. The transducers in the disposable cassette are removably snap connected to a hand set or plug housing which communicates with the computer or microprocessor and monitor. A novel variable ratio valve permits infinitely variable ratios of blood and crystalloid solution.

Cardioplegia monitoring system, flow cell cassette, variable ratio

An antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia valve, system and method are provided. The valve includes conduits for entry of blood and cardioplegic solution, for pressure sensing, and for delivery of blood and cardioplegic solution to the aortic root by means of an aortic root cannula for antegrade infusion or to the coronary sinus by means of a coronary sinus cannula for retrograde infusion. Within the valve a cylindrical sliding member slides axially within an inner cylindrical chamber for selection of retrograde or antegrade infusion. An independent conduit communicates with the coronary sinus cannula for continuous coronary sinus pressure monitoring. A method and system incorporating the valve are also provided.

Antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia method and system

A combined cardiotomy and venous reservoir with filtration for autotransfusion of cardiotomy blood and venous blood during surgery and for postoperative wound site pleural drainage of shed blood for continued autotransfusion using the same unit. Vacuum regulation in the form of a manometer combined with a water seal are integral with the unit.

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Mission Viejo, CA, United States of America

Brian Strauss