Method for introducing cardioplegia solution into the coronary sinus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In its broader aspects, the invention comprises a catheter for supplying liquid to the coronary sinus in a perfusion procedure.
The catheter comprises a tubular catheter body having an interior lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end.
An inflatable cuff adjacent to the distal end of the catheter has a proximal end and a distal end.
The proximal and distal ends of the cuff encircle the catheter body and hermetically seal thereto.
The cuff further comprises an elongated central section disposed between the ends thereof and having a length of at least a magnitude whereby when the cuff is inserted into the coronary sinus a sufficient distance that the cuff will be securely retained within the coronary sinus, and when the cuff is then inflated, the cuff will block the left coronary vein where it intersects the coronary sinus.
Preferably, the length of the central section along the catheter body is at least one inch.
Also, the cuff preferably comprises elastic silicone material.
In one of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the cuff comprises a tubular section of elastic material, and the material of the cuff is relaxed in the axial direction when the cuff is deflated.
Alternatively, the material of the cuff can be compressed in the axial direction when the cuff is deflated.
In a further aspect of the invention, the cuff includes a pair of end panels.
A first one of the end panels is defined between the proximal end of the cuff and the central section thereof, and a second one of the end panels is defined between the distal end of the cuff and the central section thereof.
Each of the end panels assumes a configuration upon inflation of the cuff which allows flexure between the central section and the respective end of the cuff.
Preferably, the end panels assume an S-shape in cross section upon inflation of the cuff.
A further aspect of the invention comprises a stop on the catheter body, positioned a predetermined distance proximally from the cuff, whereby as the cuff is inserted into the coronary sinus, the stop abuts the heart muscle surrounding the opening of the coronary sinus, and the cuff is thereby correctly positioned within the coronary sinus