Medtronic, Inc.

Dlp Limited

Russell A Corace

Roderick E Briscoe

Paul F Rom

Curtis D Kinghorn

Steven M Gronsman

Frederick W VanderJagt

An autoinflating catheter and balloon assembly having an autoregulating structure to prevent overinflation of the balloon as a result of variable fluid flow rates through the catheter lumen. A tight-fitting elastomeric balloon is provided on the distal end of the catheter body, and the assembly is constructed so that at least a portion of the fluid flow through the lumen is directed to the balloon to inflate it. As the balloon is inflated, more and more of the fluid flow through the catheter is discharged from the catheter, thereby preventing overinflation of the balloon.

Catheter with autoinflating, autoregulating balloon

A device for repositioning an organ, such as the heart, during minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a pod having a plurality of inflatable/deflatable pillows on at least an upper surface thereof, each pillow forming a separately sealed chamber. Each chamber may include a separate lumen or supply line in direct communication therewith. Each lumen is in turn connected to a fluid source through either a manually or electrically actuatable valve. The valve associated with each supply line permits fluid to be selectively introduced into or withdrawn from any number of chambers by manipulating the valves to thereby selectively inflate or deflate the selected chambers. Preferably, a pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure in one or more chambers and means are incorporated to selectively inflate or deflate the chambers in response to the detected pressure.

Device and method for repositioning the heart during surgery

A device for continuously monitoring the output of a heart in a surgical patient includes a probe head attached at one end to a catheter adapted to be inserted into the patient. The probe head includes a probe and a pair of flexible flat projections extending outwardly from opposite sides of the probe for securing the probe head in the transverse sinus of the patient. At least one transducer is positioned in the probe for detecting a condition of the heart. A hollow needle is adapted for receiving the probe head prior to its installation in the patient, such that the probe head can be installed in the patient immediately after medianstemotomy and division of the patient's pericardium by inserting the needle through the patient's chest wall. A method for continuously monitoring the condition of the heart in a surgical patient includes the steps of providing a probe head responsive to heart function; positioning the probe head in the transverse sinus of the patient proximal to the aortic valve and behind the ascending aorta; and displaying an output of the probe head reflective of the heart condition.

Method for using continuous cardiac output monitor

An active intravascular lung includes a gas exchanger for delivering oxygen to blood flowing across the gas exchanger when positioned within the cavity and a pump in proximity to the gas exchanger for creating a differential blood pressure across the gas exchanger. When the gas exchanger is positioned percutaneously in the blood flow cavity, oxygen can be delivered to the blood independent of the operation of the patient's heart.

Active intravascular lung

An intravascular pump and balloon catheter assembly is shown. The assembly includes a primary catheter having a balloon provided thereon and an intravascular pump provided therein. The pump is adapted to generate a pressure differential between the inlet of the catheter and the outlet. With this structure, fluid is supplied, under pressure, to multiple arteriotomy cannulae provided at the terminal end of the assembly. The cannulae are inserted into blood vessels at appropriate points so that an occlusion or restriction in a blood vessel can be bypassed while still maintaining blood flow throughout the body.

Intravascular pump and bypass assembly and method for using the same

A device for continuously monitoring the output of a heart in a surgical patient includes a probe head attached at one end to a catheter adapted to be inserted into the patient. The probe head includes a probe and a pair of flexible flat projections extending outwardly from opposite sides of the probe for securing the probe head in the transverse sinus of the patient. At least one transducer is positioned in the probe for detecting a condition of the heart. A hollow needle is adapted for receiving the probe head prior to its installation in the patient, such that the probe head can be installed in the patient immediately after mediansternotomy and division of the patient's pericardium by inserting the needle through the patient's chest wall. A method for continuously monitoring the condition of the heart in a surgical patient includes the steps of providing a probe head responsive to heart function; positioning the probe head in the transverse sinus of the patient proximal to the aortic valve and behind the ascending aorta; and displaying an output of the probe head reflective of the heart condition.

Continuous cardiac output monitor

Electrocautery handle

An apparatus for the sanitary simultaneous removal of a plurality of indwelling tubes from an implantation site in a patient comprises a tube adapter that is connectable to the indwelling tubes. An impervious sleeve is fan-folded into a hub which extends around the tube adapter. In assembly the folded sleeve is retained by a shrink-wrapped plastic film. The sleeve can be extended for receiving the indwelling tubes therethrough and to encompass the implantation site. The indwelling tube and the implantation site are isolated from the environment when the distal open end of the sleeve is extended and applied about the implantation site and the indwelling tube is withdrawn into the sleeve. A drawstring is provided for closing the distal end of the sleeve after the tube has been withdrawn. The indwelling tubes can be maintained under suction or in connection with a drain during the removal operation.

Apparatus for removing an indwelling tube

There is disclosed an apparatus for the sanitary removal of an indwelling tube from an implantation site in a patient, comprising a tube adapter that is connectable to the indwelling tube. An impervious sleeve is fan-folded into a hub which extends around the tube adapter. In assembly the folded sleeve is retained by a shrink-wrapped plastic film. The sleeve can be extended for receiving the indwelling tube therethrough and to encompass the implantation site. The indwelling tube and the implantation site are isolated from the environment when the distal open end of the sleeve is extended and applied about the implantation site and the indwelling tube is withdrawn into the sleeve. A drawstring is provided for closing the distal end of the sleeve after the tube has been withdrawn. Embodiments are shown for removing a plurality of indwelling tubes in one operation, and for maintaining the lumen of the indwelling tube under suction or in connection with a drain during the removal operation.

Growing community of inventors

Grand Rapids Township, MI, United States of America

Russell A Corace