Retrograde perfusion

Abstract

Tumors in the body of a patient are studied in situ by a monitor, such as computer assisted tomography, X-ray or the like, while optimal flow paths through the tumor area are established. A catheter with a suction lumen and an infusion lumen, with seals associated with each, is placed in the patient's vein near the tumor. Flow is then sealed in the vein with the infusion seal. A carrier medium dye is injected into the tumor at selected flow rates and differential pressures. Flow of the dye through the tumor is observed on the monitor to determine optimal retrograde perfusion paths through the tumor for the selected flow rates and differential pressures. Once the optimal perfusion paths are noted, a preferential attack area in the tumor is located using a different, less dense carrier dye and increased fluid back pressure in the infusion system. Once the attack area in the tumor is located, microspheres with active ingredients, such as chemotherapy, can be selectively perfused through one of the paths in the tumor to the attack site and forced into the tumor, once at the attack site, using increased back pressure. The process may be cyclically repeated using the same or different active ingredients. The procedure may be repeated through the tumor in different paths and attack points at desired active ingredient dosages using increased back pressures.