AORTIC CATHETER WITH FLOW DIVIDER AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING CEREBRAL EMBOLIZATION

摘要

The invention is a catheter with a fluid flow divider positioned near thedistal end of the catheter for dividing a first lumen into two channels at apoint where a second lumen branches from the first lumen, and for selectivelyperfusing the branch lumen and the first lumen. The invention is particularlysuited for use in the aortic arch. The fluid flow divider may comprise one ormore inflatable chambers or one or more deployable shrouds comprising aplurality of arms with a web extending between adjacent arms. The inflatablechambers may be relatively noncompliant or they may be compliant, exhibitingelastic behavior after initial inflation, to closely fit the aortic lumen sizeand curvature. The catheter may further include one or more additional orauxiliary flow control members located upstream or downstream from the fluidflow divider to further segment the patient's circulatory system for selectiveperfusion to different organ systems within the body or to assist in anchoringthe catheter in a desired position. The catheter may also include aselectively deployable embolic filter for capturing embolic materials in theblood stream.