A modification of the coronary counterpulsation catheter has been developed to allow the placement of the catheter into the patient in an emergency room or while in triage without fluoroscopy (X-ray).  By lodging the catheter in the ascending aorta above the opening to the coronaries, using an inflatable balloon seal, the catheter can be used to support the heart during emergency transfer to the operating theater during a heart attack or during severe heart failure.  The same advantages are provided by this modified catheter as identified for the coronary counterpulsation catheter.  In addition, the catheter provides changes in flow in both the right and left coronary vessels.

© Cardiovascular Research Institute, February 2000
An Institute of Discovery at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth