U.S. patent application number 11/214374 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for methods and systems for providing right and/or left heart support during cardiac surgery.
This patent application is currently assigned to A-Med Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Aboul-Hosn, Walid N., Kanz, William R..
Application Number | 20050279370 11/214374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35452491 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aboul-Hosn, Walid N. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Methods and systems for providing right and/or left heart support
during cardiac surgery
Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for
performing beating heart surgery involving the step of maintaining
at least partial blood flow through a protected blood flow path
within the right and/or left side of the heart during surgery. The
protected blood flow path may be established by positioning one or
more conduits within at least a portion of the right and/or left
sides(s) of the heart. In a first system, at least partial blood
flow may be maintained through the protected blood flow path by the
pumping action of a blood pump communicatively coupled to the
conduit. In a second system, at least partial blood flow is
maintained through the protected blood flow path by the pumping
action of the beating heart itself. The systems are therefore
capable of maintaining at least partial blood flow through the
right and/or left sides(s) of the heart, even during periods when
the cardiac output becomes compromised. The patient's lung(s) may
be used at all times utilized for blood oxygenation during heart
surgery, thereby avoiding the need for artificial cardiopulmonary
bypass (CPB) circuits and the attendant disadvantages of CPB.
Inventors: |
Aboul-Hosn, Walid N.; (Fair
Oaks, CA) ; Kanz, William R.; (Sacramento,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RYAN KROMHOLZ & MANION, S.C.
POST OFFICE BOX 26618
MILWAUKEE
WI
53226
US
|
Assignee: |
A-Med Systems, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35452491 |
Appl. No.: |
11/214374 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11214374 |
Aug 29, 2005 |
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09481730 |
Jan 11, 2000 |
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6935344 |
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09481730 |
Jan 11, 2000 |
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09462656 |
Jan 14, 2000 |
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09462656 |
Jan 14, 2000 |
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08933566 |
Sep 19, 1997 |
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6083260 |
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08933566 |
Sep 19, 1997 |
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08891456 |
Jul 11, 1997 |
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6123725 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/898 ;
604/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 60/857 20210101;
A61M 2205/32 20130101; A61M 60/205 20210101; A61M 60/50 20210101;
A61M 60/148 20210101; A61M 60/40 20210101; A61M 60/135 20210101;
A61M 2205/3334 20130101; Y10S 415/90 20130101; A61M 1/3659
20140204; A61M 1/3653 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/898 ;
604/009 |
International
Class: |
A61M 001/10 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method of performing beating heart surgery comprising the step
of maintaining at least partial blood flow through a protected
blood flow path within a portion of at least one of the left
atrium, the left ventricle and aorta of a beating heart.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/481,730, filed Jan. 11, 2000, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/462,656, filed
Jan. 14, 2000, entitled "Transport Pumps and Organ Stabilization
Apparatus Including Related Methods," which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/933,566, filed
Sep. 19, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,260, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/891,456, filed
Jul. 11, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,725.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] I. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention involves methods and systems for
performing heart surgery. More particularly, the present invention
is directed to methods and systems for providing right and/or left
heart support during beating heart surgery.
[0004] II. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0005] Major heart surgery is oftentimes accomplished by procedures
that require full cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) through the use of
artificial heart-lung machines and complete cessation of
cardiopulmonary activity. While the average mortality rate with
this type of procedure is low, it is nonetheless associated with a
complication rate that is often much higher compared to when
cessation of the heart and CPB are not required. The use of CPB
continues to represent a major assault on a host of body systems.
For example, there is noticeable degradation of mental faculties
following such surgeries in a significant percentage of patients
who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. The
CABG procedure generally involves open chest surgical techniques to
treat diseased vessels. During this procedure, the sternum of the
patient is cut in order to spread the chest apart and provide
access to the heart. During surgery the heart is stopped, and by
the use of CPB blood is diverted from the lungs to an artificial
oxygenator. In general CABG procedures, a source of arterial blood
is then connected to a coronary artery downstream from the
occlusion. The source of blood is often an internal mammary artery,
and the target coronary artery is typically among the anterior or
posterior arteries which may be narrowed or occluded. The
degradation of mental faculties resulting from CABG procedures is
commonly attributed to cerebral arterial blockage and emboli from
debris in the blood generated by the use of CPB. At the same time,
the dramatic increase in the life expectancy of the general
population has resulted in patients that are more likely to be
older and in poor health, with less cardiovascular, systemic, and
neurologic reserve needed to recover from the trauma caused by the
use of CPB. As a consequence, inflammatory, hemostatic,
endocrinologic, and neurologic stresses are tolerated to a much
lesser degree by a significant number of patients today, and play a
more significant role in CPB-induced morbidity.
[0006] The combined statistics of postoperative morbidity and
mortality continue to illustrate the shortcomings of CPB. The
extracorporeal shunting and artificially induced oxygenation of
blood activates a system wide roster of plasma proteins and blood
components in the body including those that were designed to act
locally in response to infection or injury. When these potent
actors are disseminated throughout the body without normal
regulatory controls, the entire body becomes a virtual
battleground. The adverse hemostatic consequences of CPB also
include prolonged and potentially excessive bleeding. CPB-induced
platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation also contribute to a
depletion in platelet number, and is further compounded by the
reversibly depressed functioning of platelets remaining in
circulation. The coagulation and fibrinolytic systems both
contribute to hemostatic disturbances during and following CPB.
However, the leading cause of morbidity and disability following
cardiac surgery is cerebral complications. Gaseous and solid micro
and macro emboli, and less often perioperative cerebral
hypoperfusion, produce neurologic effects ranging from subtle
neuropsychologic deficits to fatal stroke. Advances in computed
tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and other
imaging and diagnostic techniques have added to the understanding
of these complications. But with the possible exception of
perioperative electroencephalography, these technologies do not yet
permit real time surgical adjustments that are capable of
preventing emboli or strokes in the making. Doppler and ultrasound
evaluation of the carotid artery and ascending aorta, and other
diagnostic measures, can help identify surgical patients at
elevated risk for stroke and are among the growing list of
pharmacologic and procedural measures for reducing that risk.
[0007] CPB also affects various endocrine systems, including the
thyroid gland, adrenal medulla and cortex, pituitary gland,
pancreas, and parathyroid gland. These systems are markedly
affected not only by inflammatory processes, but also by physical
and biochemical stresses imposed by extracorporeal perfusion. Most
notably, CPB is now clearly understood to induce euthyroid-sick
syndrome which is marked by profoundly depressed triiodothyronine
levels persisting for days following cardiothoracic surgery. The
efficacy of hormone replacement regimens to counteract this effect
are currently undergoing clinical investigation. By contrast,
levels of the stress hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and
cortisol are markedly elevated during and following CPB, and
hyperglycemia is also possible.
[0008] Beating heart bypass surgery has been recognized as
desirable because it has the possibility of avoiding the necessity
of placing the patient on a full CPB system. However, attempts at
beating heart bypass surgery have met with limited success and have
essentially been limited to surgery on the anterior heart vessels
due to problems which develop when the beating heart is lifted or
displaced from its normal position in order to perform the beating
heart surgery. Typically when the beating heart is lifted or
manipulated in order to provide surgical access to posterior heart
vessels, a number of difficulties are encountered. When the beating
heart is lifted and manipulated, the right side of the heart tends
to collapse, particularly the right auricle or atrium and
frequently the right ventricle and/or pulmonary artery. When the
right side of the heart collapses, pulmonary blood flow either
ceases or becomes inadequate, thus forcing the use of CPB. Another
difficulty encountered is that, even if the right side of the heart
does not collapse, the pulmonary artery and/or the pulmonary vein
frequently become crimped or kinked thus also impeding the
pulmonary blood flow. Similarly, during the lifting and
manipulation of the beating heart for lateral or posterior access,
the left side of the heart, particularly the left auricle or left
atrium can also collapse or partially collapse, thus impeding
aortic circulatory blood flow. Further, when the beating heart is
lifted or manipulated for beating heart surgery access or during
catheterization or cannulation procedures, the heart may lapse into
arrhythmia or disrhythmia or may arrest at least a portion of the
time or most of the time that the surgery is being performed thus
likewise impeding pulmonary blood flow and arterial circulatory
blood flow. As a result, patients undergoing beating heart surgery
are at risk of having to be placed on CPB on an emergency basis in
the event that the pulmonary and/or circulatory blood flow is
compromised during the surgery, which presents the CPB-induced side
effects previously described.
[0009] The medical community is currently performing more beating
heart bypass surgery in an effort to avoid the use of full CPB. The
need is increasing for apparatus systems, methods and associated
equipment to enhance the capability and versatility of beating
heart surgery and to avoid CPB procedures in any heart surgery. The
current trend toward thoracoscopic methods of performing bypass
surgery, without opening the chest cavity, have resulted in limited
success and applicability primarily due to the limited number of
heart vessels which can be accessed through thoracoscopic methods.
A major limitation of thorascopic bypass surgery methods is due to
the fact that only the anterior heart vessels are accessible for
surgery. More importantly, even open chest surgery providing full
access to the heart also requires CPB when bypass surgery is
performed on the lateral or posterior vessels of the heart, due to
the fact that in conventional procedures the heart must be stopped
when it is lifted or rotated from its normal position and
manipulated for surgical access to the various heart vessels.
[0010] The present invention addresses this need by providing
systems and methods for performing cardiac surgery that eliminate,
or at least reduce, the need for full CPB.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides methods and systems for
performing cardiac surgery wherein the patient's lungs are used for
blood oxygenation, thereby avoiding the need for CPB or other
external blood oxygenation equipment or procedure. The present
invention accomplishes this goal by maintaining at least partial
blood flow through a protected blood flow path within the right
and/or left side(s) of a beating heart to ensure sufficient
pulmonary blood flow to the lungs and/or circulatory blood flow
throughout the body during beating heart cardiac surgery. In
reference to this invention, the "right side" of the heart refers
to and includes the vena cava veins (superior and inferior), the
right atrium, the right ventricle, the pulmonary artery and any
combination or all thereof. The "right side" of the heart provides
the pulmonary blood flow to the lungs. The "left side" of the heart
refers to and includes the pulmonary veins, the left atrium, the
left ventricle, the aorta and any combination or all thereof. The
"left side" of the heart provides the circulatory blood flow to the
body. The terms "pulmonary artery" and "pulmonary vein" include all
branches thereof, and the term "aorta" includes the aortic vessels
which are near the heart and are exposed or manipulated during open
chest cardiac surgery or are utilized during minimally invasive
cardiac surgery. As will be explained in greater detail below, in
accordance with the present invention the protected blood flow path
may be established by positioning one or more conduits within at
least a portion of the right and/or left sides(s) of the heart, and
at least partial blood flow may be maintained through the protected
blood flow path by the pumping action of a blood pump
communicatively coupled to the conduit or, alternately, by the
pumping action of the beating heart itself.
[0012] In an important aspect, the present invention ensures
sufficient pulmonary and/or circulatory blood flow during beating
heart surgery regardless of any compromise in cardiac output or
function experienced during beating heart surgery. Generally
speaking, such compromise conditions include any situation where
the cardiac output of the beating heart is diminished or disrupted
from normal levels. As noted above, the cardiac output of a beating
heart can become compromised in a multitude of ways during beating
heart surgery. For example, when the beating heart is lifted and
manipulated to provide surgical access to posterior or lateral
heart vessels, portions of the right and/or left side of the heart
may collapse, thereby causing the pulmonary and/or circulatory
blood flow to either cease or become inadequate. Even if collapse
does not occur, portions of the right and/or left side of the heart
may nonetheless become crimped or kinked (particularly the
pulmonary artery and/or the pulmonary vein) and thereby impede or
cease the pulmonary and/or circulatory blood flow during beating
heart surgery. The cardiac output of the heart may also become
compromised if the heart lapses even briefly into arrhythmia,
disrhythmia or arrest during beating heart surgery. Up until now,
the above-identified compromise conditions place patients
undergoing beating heart surgery at risk of being placed on CPB on
an emergency basis in the event that the pulmonary and/or
circulatory blood flow is compromised during the surgery. By
maintaining at least partial blood flow through the right and/or
left sides of the heart during beating heart surgery, the present
invention removes this risk and thus avoids the host of adverse
side-effects associated with CPB.
[0013] The present invention provides, generally speaking, two
types of systems for carrying out the methods of this invention,
which systems may be selected and employed (individually or in
combination) in the right and/or left side(s) of the heart to meet
the needs of a particular beating heart surgical procedure. The
first system involves a pump and cannula system for selectively
augmenting the heart's natural pumping ability during beating heart
surgery to ensure sufficient pulmonary and/or circulatory blood
flow, thereby avoiding the need for CPB. The second system involves
one or more conduits, such as cannulas and/or stents, positioned
within the heart to establish a protected blood flow path such that
the heart's natural pumping activity will maintain at least partial
blood flow therethrough during beating heart surgery, thereby
ensuring sufficient pulmonary and/or circulatory blood flow and
thus avoiding the need for CPB.
[0014] The first system for carrying out the methods of the present
invention may take a variety of different forms. Generally
speaking, the cannula is positioned to establish a protected blood
flow path within a portion of the heart and the pump is selectively
operated to maintain at least partial blood flow therethrough
during beating heart surgery. For right heart support, the cannula
may extend through the tricuspid valve and/or pulmonary valve into
the pulmonary artery. For left heart support, the cannula may
extend through the bicuspid valve and/or aortic valve into the
aorta. In either embodiment, the pump is communicatively coupled to
the cannula to selectively (i.e. automatically or on-demand)
transport blood past the valve(s) through which the cannula passes
to augment the pumping ability of the right and/or left side of the
heart. The pump may be adapted as a miniaturized blood pump so it
can be positioned close to the heart, either in the open chest
cavity or at least in the sterile surgical field, thus providing a
minimum priming volume. Alternatively, the cannula can also be
adapted to be inserted into the heart in closed chest procedures
through the chest wall as part of a thorascopic procedure, through
the femoral vein, the jugular vein or any appropriate access point
in the venous system. In these instances, the pump is adapted to be
positioned as close to the body insertion point as possible in
order to keep priming volume to a minimum; for that reason
thorascopic or jugular access is preferred when a closed chest
procedure is elected. The pump may also comprise an intravascular
pump dimensioned to be positioned within the heart itself, having a
priming volume of approximately zero. The pump, in all embodiments,
is preferably variable output and controlled (automatically or
on-demand) in response to one of a variety of appropriate
parameters, including but not limited to blood pressure, blood
flow, blood oxygen level, and/or blood CO2 level.
[0015] In all embodiments, the pump and cannula system may be used
in both the right and left sides when bypass surgery is initiated.
The pump and cannula system of the present invention is
particularly useful during beating heart surgery to overcome or
prevent situations where cardiac output or outflow may become
compromised. As noted above, these situations may stem from, but
are not necessarily limited to, instances when the heart is lifted,
rotated or otherwise manipulated to access lateral or posterior
blood vessels, when the heart outflow is diminished or reduced such
as by a collapse, kink, or restriction in the heart chambers or in
the veins or arteries, when the heart goes into arrhythmia or
malfunctions in any way during the operation, or when the heart is
intentionally stopped such as by the application of cardioplegia to
perform procedures such as valve surgery, internal surgery or other
reason. This system is also desirable in any heart surgery
procedure, even for anterior vessel bypass, when lifting or
manipulating of the heart is not anticipated. This applies to both
open chest and minimally invasive procedures.
[0016] By having this system in place before cardiac surgery
begins, the present invention thus assures that the patient will at
all times during the surgery have adequate pulmonary blood flow
through the lungs and/or circulatory blood flow throughout the
body. More importantly, it will avoid the necessity of being placed
on a CPB machine in the event of an unexpected failure of the
beating heart to sustain adequate pulmonary or circulatory blood
flow during beating heart surgery. This allows the heart to
continue to beat and provide pulmonary and circulatory blood flow
to the extent it is capable, until there is a cardiac output
compromise (such as by collapse, kink, arrhythmia or arrest, etc.)
which decreases or stops the blood flow output by the heart. When
that occurs, the pump(s) in either or both sides of the heart may
be engaged to augment and/or replace the blood flow produced by the
heart such that the patient's pulmonary and/or circulatory blood
flows are maintained at sufficient levels to sustain them during
the surgery. By having this system in place at the beginning of the
beating heart surgery, even for anterior vessel surgery when no
need is anticipated, it can merely be engaged or turned on to
provide pump assisted blood flow if needed on an unexpected or
emergency basis, thus assuring that emergency CPB procedures are
avoided. Thus, this system assures that the patient's lungs are
utilized for oxygenation of the blood during the entire surgical
procedure, even if an unexpected compromise in blood flow from the
beating heart occurs.
[0017] In one embodiment, the pump and cannula system is provided
wherein the cannula portion is adapted for insertion through at
least the pulmonary valve and a sufficient length into the
pulmonary artery to provide a protected blood flow path within one
or more of the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery
and the pump may be selectively operated to maintain at least a
partial blood flow therethrough during beating heart surgery.
Access for insertion of the cannula portion can be through the vena
cava, e.g., from a femoral vein incision, through an incision in
the wall of the vena cava or in the wall of the right atrium. If
the cannula is not inserted through the tricuspid valve, but only
through the pulmonary valve and into the pulmonary artery, access
could be through an incision in the wall of the right ventricle or
reverse access can be used by entering through an incision in the
wall of the pulmonary artery. Separate cannulas can be employed,
i.e., one introduced through the right atrium and through the
tricuspid valve but ending in the right ventricle, and a second
introduced by any desired access and beginning in the right
ventricle and extending through the pulmonary valve and a desired
length, according to this invention, into the pulmonary artery. The
pump portion of the system is adapted for intake of blood upstream
of the pulmonary valve or upstream of the tricuspid valve and
output of blood into the right ventricle or into the pulmonary
artery during beating heart surgery. The pump system may be
integral with the above cannula or cannulas, particularly in a
concentric double wall cannula configuration, or can comprise pump
cannulas separate from and in addition to the above cannulas which
protect the right side from collapse.
[0018] In another embodiment, a separate pump and cannula system
may be provided for the left side wherein the cannula portion is
adapted for insertion through at least the aortic valve and a
sufficient length into the aorta to provide a protected blood flow
path within one or more of the pulmonary vein, left atrium, left
ventricle, and aorta, and the pump may be selectively operated to
maintain at least partial blood flow therethrough during beating
heart surgery. As indicated above for the right side, access for
the left side cannula or cannulas can be from any desired upstream
or downstream incision. One or two cannulas may be employed for
preventing collapse of the left side. The pump portion of the
system, which may have its separate cannulas, is adapted for intake
of blood upstream of the aortic valve or the bicuspid valve and
output of blood into the left ventricle or the aorta during beating
heart surgery.
[0019] The pump and cannula systems of the present invention may be
used in either the right side system or the left side system or
both depending on the particular patient or procedure. Whether the
cannula for pump output extends into the pulmonary artery/aorta or
extends only into the respective ventricle will similarly depend on
the requirements for a particular patient or procedure. In some
instances, the beating heart blood flow may be impeded due to
partial compression, wrinkling or other distortion of the ventricle
muscle. Although the muscle is working, it is unable to both fill
the ventricle with blood and expel or pump the blood in sufficient
quantity. The pump system of this invention can be used by
positioning the pump cannula output end in the ventricle to fill or
preload the ventricle with blood, so the heart muscle can then pump
or expel the blood from the ventricle, even though the muscle is
not in its normal shape or position. In this aspect of the
invention, beating heart blood flow can be maintained during
surgery without the necessity of the cannula extending through the
pulmonary/aortic valve. The heart may be stopped by short acting
drugs that which stop the heart for a short period of time, or by
electrical means affecting the electrical conduction of the heart
or neurological systems or by use of electrical current to paralyze
the nerves responsible for heart beating. While the heart is
stopped, the pump(s) will deliver 100% of the necessary pulmonary
blood flow to and from the lungs and/or 100% of the necessary
circulatory blood flow to and from the body without any assistance
from the heart. In the event the heart is stopped, and particularly
when the heart is opened (such as for valve surgery), it is
preferred to provide a seal by balloon sheath cannula, clamp or
otherwise to isolate the heart, or at least one side of the heart,
at the intake cannula and output cannula so that the pumped blood
is directed from the vein to the artery without leakage or backflow
into the heart during the surgery. This will enhance the pulmonary
and/or circulatory blood flow provided by the pump in the pump and
cannula system.
[0020] The pump and cannula systems disclosed herein for use in
heart surgery according to the present invention preferably have a
priming volume less than about 1,000 ml, and more preferably less
than about 100 ml. Optimally, each individual pump/cannula unit
will have a priming volume less than about 50 ml, preferably less
than about 30 ml and more preferably less than about 10 ml. In one
preferred embodiment, the pump and cannula system comprises
concentric intake and output conduits (forming a generally coaxial
dual cannula assembly), adapted for insertion into a single
incision. In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the
invention, the pump and cannula system comprise an intake cannula
for insertion in the upstream vessel or heart chamber and an output
cannula for insertion downstream into the pulmonary artery or the
aorta. In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect, the pump
and cannula system may comprise a miniaturized pump having a
sterile drive motor suitable for placement of the pump including
the drive motor close to the chest and in the sterile zone, or
preferably within the chest cavity itself during the heart surgery.
In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect, a reverse flow
pump and coaxial cannula combination may be employed having a
minimum priming volume, although it is to be understood that any
number of conventional pumping systems may be employed without
departing from the scope of the present invention, including but
not limited to a centrifugal pump, a cable driven axial flow pump,
and a roller pump.
[0021] In another aspect, this invention provides a cannula system
for protecting selected portions or all of the right side from
collapse or kinking during beating heart surgery, an optional
cannula system for protecting selected portions or all of the left
side from collapse or kinking, and optional pump systems for use
with the right and/or left side protection cannulas, if needed to
supplement or augment the blood flow provided by the beating heart.
In some patients all that may be required is the protection cannula
or cannulas in the right side to allow the beating heart to
maintain sufficient pulmonary and circulatory blood flow during the
beating heart bypass surgery and it may not be necessary to use the
pump system to provide supplemental pulmonary blood flow and may
not be necessary to protect the left side or to provide
supplemental circulatory blood flow. For such patients, this
invention enables beating heart bypass surgery without artificial
pumping of the blood and with minimum invasive apparatus. In some
patients, beating heart bypass surgery can be started or attempted
with only right side protection cannula(s) in place, then right
side supplemental pumping of pulmonary blood flow added during the
bypass surgery (or after the surgery) by separately inserting the
pump system according to this invention. Likewise, left side
protection cannula(s) and/or left side supplemental pumping of
arterial blood can be added as needed during (or after) the bypass
surgery by insertion of the cannula(s) and/or pump systems
according to this invention. Thus, this invention provides optional
incremental apparatus that may be selected by the surgeon and used
only according to particular patient needs in order to minimize the
invasiveness of the bypass surgery procedure.
[0022] The second system of the present invention may also take a
variety of different forms. Generally speaking, the second system
involves establishing a protected blood flow path within portions
of the heart such that the heart's natural pumping activity will
maintain at least partial blood flow therethrough during beating
heart surgery to ensure sufficient pulmonary and/or circulatory
blood flow, thereby avoiding the need for CPB. Establishing a
protected blood flow path may be accomplished through the placement
of one or more conduits, such as cannulas and/or stents, in certain
heart chambers, in the venous and/or arterial vessels proximate to
the heart, and/or in those areas or zones where collapse or kinking
during manipulation of the beating heart during surgery is likely
to occur and thus compromise the desired pulmonary and/or
circulatory blood flow. Such conduits are placed as desired before
or during surgery to allow the beating heart to provide at least a
minimum but sufficient pulmonary and circulatory blood flow during
surgery. Even when kinking, restriction or collapse of a vein,
artery or heart chamber occurs during surgery, the beating heart is
still provided a protected passageway equal to the inside diameter
of the conduit through which the heart can maintain at least
partial blood flow. In this system, no pump is provided and the
blood flow is provided solely by the beating heart. By protecting
the blood path from restriction or collapse, this system assures
the output of the beating heart is available at all times during
the surgery to sustain the patient during surgery with sufficient
pulmonary and circulatory blood flow. As is apparent, this system
is adapted for use exclusively in beating heart procedures.
Conduits according to the invention may be provided with or without
check valves and the placement thereof are described in detail
below.
[0023] In one aspect, the second system involves a valved cannula
for beating heart surgery having an outside diameter adapted for
positioning in the right ventricle through the pulmonary valve and
in the pulmonary artery, having a blood inlet in the ventricle
portion, a blood outlet in the artery portion, a one-way valve or
check valve between the inlet and outlet adapted to allow blood
flow substantially only in one direction from the inlet toward the
outlet. A positioning lead may be attached to the cannula for
holding the cannula in proper position. This pulmonary valve
cannula is adapted to receive blood through the inlet from the
right ventricle when the right ventricle contracts and expel the
blood through the outlet in the pulmonary artery. The one-way valve
is adapted to prevent significant back flow of blood through the
cannula back into the right ventricle. The cannula may be adapted
and sized to allow blood to flow between the pulmonary valve and
the external surface of the cannula when the right ventricle
contracts and to allow the pulmonary valve to substantially seal to
the external surface of the cannula and prevent significant back
flow of blood around the cannula back into the right ventricle,
when the right ventricle expands. The portion of the cannula
contacting the pulmonary valve can be a different outside diameter
than the ventricle portion or the artery portion of the cannula, or
both. It may be desirable in some patients to have the outside
diameter of the cannula at the pulmonary valve contact portion
smaller to allow the maximum beating heart blood flow around the
outside of the cannula when the pulmonary valve opens. In other
patients it may be desirable to have a larger diameter to maximize
the beating heart blood flow through the cannula as opposed to
around the cannula. The inlet and outlet can be conventional blood
cannula configurations and/or can comprise orifices, slits or other
openings at desired locations and intervals along portions of the
length of the cannula. The ends or openings can comprise baskets,
cages or other guards to prevent suction of heart tissue or blood
vessel wall into the cannula. The internal valve in the cannula can
be any suitable one-way or check valve, such as a flap valve, slide
valve, spring loaded circular valve or ball valve, membrane valve,
duck bill valve or other design and can be any material appropriate
for a blood flow valve. The positioning lead can be attached to the
cannula in any desired way and any desired location and adapted for
holding the cannula in position during use. The lead can also be
useful in inserting and guiding the cannula through the appropriate
vessel incision into proper position. The cannula can be inserted
with a guide wire/balloon arrangement from an upstream
incision.
[0024] In another aspect, the second system involves a valved
cannula for beating heart surgery having an outside diameter
adapted for positioning in the right atrium through the tricuspid
valve and in the right ventricle, having a blood inlet in the
atrium portion, a blood outlet in the ventricle portion, a one-way
valve or check valve between the inlet and outlet adapted to allow
blood flow substantially only in one direction from the inlet
toward the outlet. A positioning lead may be attached to the
cannula for holding the cannula in proper position. This tricuspid
valve cannula is adapted to receive blood through the inlet from
the right atrium and expel the blood through the outlet in the
right ventricle when the right ventricle expands. The one-way valve
is adapted to prevent significant back flow of blood through the
cannula back into the right atrium when the right ventricle
contracts. The cannula is preferably adapted and sized to allow
blood to flow between the tricuspid valve and the external surface
of the cannula when the right ventricle expands and to allow the
tricuspid valve to substantially seal to the external surface of
the cannula and prevent significant back flow of blood around the
cannula back into the right ventricle when the right ventricle
contracts. The portion of the cannula contacting the tricuspid
valve can be a different outside diameter than the atrium portion
or the ventricle portion of the cannula, or both. It may be
desirable in some patients to have the outside diameter of the
cannula at the tricuspid valve contact portion smaller to allow the
maximum beating heart blood flow around the outside of the cannula
when the tricuspid valve opens. In other patients it may be
desirable to have a larger diameter to maximize the beating heart
blood flow through the cannula as opposed to around the cannula.
The inlet and outlet can be conventional blood cannula
configuration and/or can comprise orifices, slits or other openings
at desired locations and intervals along portions of the length of
the cannula basket or cage to prevent heart tissue suction. The
ends or openings can comprise baskets, cages or other guards to
prevent suction of heart tissue or blood vessel wall into the
cannula. The internal valve in the cannula can be any suitable
one-way or check valve, such as a flap valve, slide valve, spring
loaded circular valve or ball valve, membrane valve, duck bill
valve or other design and can be any material appropriate to a
blood flow valve. The positioning lead can be attached to the
cannula in any desired way and any desired location and adapted for
holding the cannula in position during use. The lead can also be
useful in inserting and guiding the cannula through the appropriate
vessel incision into proper position. The cannula can be inserted
with a guide wire/balloon arrangement from an upstream
incision.
[0025] In another aspect, the above pulmonary valve cannula and the
above tricuspid valve cannula may be combined or formed as a single
cannula adapted to the position through both the tricuspid and
pulmonary valves with the respective check valves, inlets and
outlets properly positioned according to the functions set forth
above for each. The advantages of this single cannula configuration
include single incision, single guide wire, and single positioning
lead.
[0026] In another aspect, the second system may comprise a
separately adapted stent to prevent collapse or kinking of the
pulmonary artery to maintain blood flow through the pulmonary
artery and/or through the stent during beating heart bypass
surgery. When the beating heart is lifted and manipulated for
surgical access to the posterior or lateral blood vessels, the
pulmonary artery tends to fold or kink and restrict or stop the
beating heart blood flow. A clamp or stabilizer can be applied to
the external surface of the heart to take in the slack from the
heart muscle and allow the muscle to function and to generate the
contraction to eject blood even if the heart muscle is wrinkled. As
used herein, the pulmonary artery "kink zone" is the portion of the
pulmonary artery between the heart and the lungs where the artery
tends to fold, kink or restrict when the beating heart is lifted or
manipulated for surgical access to the lateral or posterior heart
vessels. This kink zone is in the portion of the pulmonary artery
within about 15 cm from the heart and usually within about 10 cm.
In this aspect of the invention, the pulmonary artery stent is
adapted to have diameter and length appropriate to extend the
length of the kink zone and an appropriate distance on either side
of the kink zone to assure full protection of the pulmonary artery
during a beating heart surgical procedure. The pulmonary artery
stent may include a handle for inserting and withdrawing the stent
through an appropriate incision. Typically, the stent will further
comprise a guide wire/balloon for placement of the stent in the
proper position in the pulmonary artery. In some patients, the
pulmonary artery stent may be all that is required to protect the
left side during a particular beating heart surgical procedure. In
other instances, the beating heart surgery may require only the
pulmonary artery stent and the above tricuspid valve cannula. In
other instances, the use of a pump and cannula system described
above may be needed to supplement or augment the right side flow of
blood produced by the beating heart during bypass surgery.
[0027] This invention further provides the above stent adapted for
positioning in other portions of the right side to prevent collapse
or restriction in a similar "kink zone" in the vena cava veins,
right atrium or right ventricle and to maintain pulmonary blood
flow through the right side while the heart is displaced and
manipulated during beating heart bypass surgery. As is apparent,
the above stent may also be adapted for positioning in the aorta,
pulmonary veins, left atrium and/or left ventricle to maintain
aortic beating heart blood flow during beating heart bypass
surgery.
[0028] Both systems of the present invention may be used in
conjunction with procedures involving collapsing one lung and/or
partially reducing the size of the beating heart to provide
additional space in the chest cavity in which the surgeon can work.
In this regard, it is noted that one lung is normally sufficient to
sustain the patient during surgery. In some procedures the surgeon
prefers to collapse one lung to provide additional space inside the
chest cavity in which to work. Both systems of the present
invention can accommodate such a procedure while sustaining the
patient on one lung throughout the surgery and avoiding a CPB
machine. Likewise, it is sometimes desired by the surgeon to shrink
down the heart by evacuating blood from one or more chambers of the
heart, also to provide additional space within the chest cavity in
which to work. The pump and cannula system of the present invention
accommodates such a procedure because it can sustain adequate
pulmonary and circulatory blood flow throughout the surgical
procedure.
[0029] As is apparent, this invention enables the use of various
combinations of the above aspects of this invention to meet the
requirements of a particular patient for the successful performance
of beating heart surgery while assuring that the patient's lungs
(or lung) provides the oxygenated blood to sustain the patient
through the surgery and that a CPB machine and procedure is
avoided. Selective use of the above stents, cannulas and/or pump
and cannula systems in their various configurations results in
minimum invasiveness and minimum contact of the blood with
apparatus in or outside the body during beating heart bypass
surgery. Thus, this invention enables all beating heart surgical
procedures without the use of a CPB machine by providing methods
and apparatus systems ranging from one or more stents placed to
prevent restriction of blood flow produced by the beating heart to
pump and cannula systems placed through or around the entire right
side and/or through or around the entire left side to both protect
the beating heart blood flow and to augment, supplement or, when
necessary, temporarily replace the beating heart blood flow during
the surgery. This invention thus enables various heart surgery
procedures to be performed without the use of CPB machines by
maintaining sufficient pulmonary blood flow through the patient's
lungs (or lung) and sufficient circulatory blood flow through the
patient's body to sustain the patient during the surgery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a sectional schematic view showing first and
second pump and cannula systems within a heart for providing right
and/or left heart support during beating heart surgery according to
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary axial
pumping arrangement for use with the pump and cannula systems of
the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic views illustrating exemplary
centrifugal pumping arrangements for use with the pump and cannula
systems of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary roller
pumping arrangement for use with the pump and cannula systems of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a sectional schematic view showing first and
second pump and cannula systems within a heart for providing right
and/or left heart support during beating heart surgery according to
the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a sectional schematic view showing a dual cannula
arrangement within a heart for providing right heart support during
beating heart surgery according to the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 8 is side view of an inner cannula of the dual cannula
arrangement shown in FIG. 7;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view of an outer cannula of the dual
cannula arrangement shown in FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a sectional schematic view showing a dual cannula
arrangement with an integrated pump assembly within a heart for
providing right heart support during beating heart surgery
according to the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a sectional schematic view showing an
intravascular dual cannula arrangement within a heart for providing
right heart support during beating heart surgery according to the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a side view of an inner cannula of the
intravascular dual cannula arrangement shown in FIG. 11;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a side view of an outer cannula of the
intravascular dual cannula arrangement shown in FIG. 11;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a sectional schematic view of another
intravascular dual cannula arrangement within a heart for providing
right heart support during beating heart surgery according to the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a sectional schematic view showing another
intravascular dual cannula arrangement within a heart for providing
right heart support during beating heart surgery according to the
present invention;
[0044] FIGS. 16A-16D are cross-sectional views of the intravascular
dual cannula arrangement shown in FIG. 15 taken along lines 16-16
illustrating exemplary manners of slideably coupling the cannulas
to one another;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a side view of another intravascular dual cannula
arrangement for providing right heart support during beating heart
surgery according to the present invention;
[0046] FIGS. 18A-18B are cross-sectional views of the intravascular
dual cannula arrangement shown in FIG. 17 taken along lines 18-18
illustrating exemplary manners of slideably coupling the cannulas
to one another;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a sectional schematic view illustrating an
intravascular pump and cannula system within a heart for providing
right heart support during beating heart surgery according to the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a sectional schematic view illustrating an
intravascular pump and cannula system within a heart for providing
left heart support during beating heart surgery according to the
present invention;
[0049] FIG. 21 is a sectional schematic view illustrating first and
second valved cannulas within a heart for providing right and/or
left heart support during beating heart surgery according to the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a sectional schematic view illustrating first and
second valved cannulas within a heart for providing right heart
support during beating heart surgery according to the present
invention; and
[0051] FIG. 23 is a sectional schematic view illustrating a stent
within a heart for providing right heart support during beating
heart surgery according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] The present invention addresses the need to eliminate the
use of CBP or other external blood oxygenation devices or
procedures in beating heart surgery. The present invention
accomplishes this by providing a method of performing beating heart
surgery involving the step of maintaining at least partial blood
flow through a protected blood flow path within the right and/or
left side of the heart during surgery. Two basic systems are
disclosed herein for effectuating the methods of the present
invention. These systems can be employed alone or in combination
depending upon the cardiac procedure to be undertaken. In both
systems, the protected blood flow path is established by
positioning one or more conduits within at least a portion of the
right and/or left sides(s) of the heart. In the first system, at
least partial blood flow is maintained through the protected blood
flow path by the pumping action of a blood pump communicatively
coupled to the conduit. In the second system, at least partial
blood flow is maintained through the protected blood flow path by
the pumping action of the beating heart itself The following
discussion will initially address the multitude of pump and cannula
systems falling under the first system, followed by a discussion of
the multitude of cannula and/or stent embodiments falling under the
second system.
[0053] The first main system for carrying out the method of
performing beating heart surgery according to the present invention
can take any of a variety of forms. The common denominator between
all embodiments, however, is the combined use of at least one
cannula positioned within at least a portion of the right and/or
left heart to establish a protected blood flow path, and a pump to
maintain at least partial blood flow through the protected blood
flow path during beating heart surgery. It enables safe heart
surgery on anterior lateral and posterior blood vessels, in either
beating heart or still heart procedures, without the necessity of
using CPB. The pump and cannula systems disclosed herein can
provide right heart support during beating heart surgery by pumping
blood through or across the right side of the heart to augment or
supplement pulmonary blood flow produced by the beating heart
during surgery. If the heart temporarily collapses or lapses into
arrest or disrhythmia during surgery, the supplemental pulmonary
blood flow provided by the pump system of this invention eliminates
the necessity of the use of CPB. During beating heart surgery, a
temporary collapse or disrhythmia can be corrected to restore the
beating of the heart, during which time the pump system of this
invention will deliver sufficient supplemental pulmonary blood flow
through the lungs to satisfy the patient requirements. Similarly,
the pump system of this invention for the left side of the heart
can likewise provide sufficient supplemental arterial flow of blood
to satisfy the patient requirement until any compromise condition,
such as heart collapse or disrhythmia is corrected during beating
heart surgery, thereby avoiding the need for CPB. By way of example
only, the pump and cannula systems described below are useful in a
variety of cardiac applications, including but not limited to
procedures involving coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In
addition to avoiding the need for CPB, the pump and cannula systems
of the present invention are also advantageous in that, by
augmenting or replacing the pumping function of the right and/or
left ventricle, the heart naturally decompresses (due to the
reduced blood volume) which allows a greater degree of freedom to
rotate and manipulate the heart for better access to target bypass
vessels. This is particularly important in endoscopic surgery.
While the pump and cannula systems disclosed herein are discussed
primarily with respect to their usefulness in providing right
and/or left heart support during beating heart surgery, it is to be
readily understood that these pump and cannula systems also enable
still heart surgery, such as valve or other internal heart repair,
without the use of CPB.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the pump and
cannula system utilizes a dual lumen cannula assembly having an
inner cannula extending generally concentrically or coaxially
through an outer cannula. The proximal ends of the inner and outer
cannulas are communicatively coupled to a pumping arrangement, and
the distal end of the inner cannula extends, in use, past the
distal end of the outer cannula. A first flow path is thus
established within the inner cannula, while a second flow path is
established within an annular space extending between the exterior
surface of the inner cannula and the interior surface of the outer
cannula. In this system, the concentric double cannula can be
introduced into the heart through a single incision and positioned
such that the distal end of the outer cannula is in a first
location and the distal end of the inner cannula is in a second
location. The pumping arrangement may then be employed to withdraw
blood from one of the locations and reroute the blood to the other
location. This system is advantageous in that it provides the
ability to unload portions of the heart in an effort to stabilize
the heart during beating heart surgery. It also advantageously
provides the ability to establish a protected blood path within the
right and/or left heart through which blood may be selectively
pumped to maintain adequate pulmonary and/or circulatory blood flow
during beating heart surgery.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary dual lumen cannula and pump
systems according to the first system for carrying out the methods
of the present invention. A pump and cannula system 10 is provided
for supporting the right heart during cardiac surgery. An optional
pump and cannula system 12 is provided for supporting the left
heart during cardiac surgery. Pump and cannula systems 10, 12 are
of the type shown and described in co-pending and commonly-assigned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/231,320, filed Jan. 13, 1999,
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/079,836, filed May 15,
1998, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0056] The pump and cannula system 10 for right heart support
includes an outer cannula 14, an inner cannula 16, and (by way of
example only) a reverse flow pump 18 communicatively coupled to the
proximal ends of the inner cannula 16 and outer cannula 14. The
outer cannula 14 extends through the wall 20 of the right atrium
22. The inner cannula 16 is disposed generally co-axially within
the outer cannula 14 and is preferably moveably displaceable
relative to the outer cannula 14 such that the distal end of the
inner cannula 16 may be selectively positioned to a predetermined
location within the heart. In the embodiment shown, the distal end
of the inner cannula 16 is positioned such that it extends, in use,
past the distal end of the outer cannula 14, through the tricuspid
valve 24, the pulmonary valve 26, and a sufficient length and
distance into the pulmonary artery 28. The reverse flow pump 18 may
be selectively operated (i.e. automatically or on-demand) to
withdraw blood from the right atrium 22, through the flow path
defined between the outer cannula 14 and the exterior of the inner
cannula 16, and through the flow path defined within the inner
cannula 16 for deposit into the pulmonary artery 28. In this
fashion, blood entering the right atrium 22 may be selectively
rerouted past the right ventricle 30 in an effort to supplement or
replace the pumping action of the right ventricle 30 and overcome
conditions where the cardiac output may become compromised during
beating heart surgery. The negative pressure that develops within
the right atrium 22 due to the pump 18 also advantageously draws
blood through or past areas of occlusion, collapse or kinking in
the superior vena cava 32 and the inferior vena cava (not
shown).
[0057] The pump and cannula system 10 for right heart support
enables the heart to continue pumping blood in its normal fashion
to provide pulmonary blood flow around cannula 14, to the extent
that the heart is capable, during the lifting and manipulation of
the heart during surgery. The cannula and pump system 10 assures a
supplemented or augmented flow of blood to the pulmonary artery 28,
even in the event of compromised cardiac output, such as by
disrhythmia or other interruption of pulmonary blood flow by the
beating heart. Under normal circumstances, and at most times during
the beating heart surgery, the internal support provided by cannula
16 will prevent the collapse of the right side of the heart and
enable the heart to continue pumping at least a portion of its
normal blood output into pulmonary artery 28. The combined flow of
the blood flow produced by the beating heart and the blood flow
produced by pump 18 and transported through the inner cannula 16 is
at all times sufficient to sustain adequate pulmonary blood flow to
sustain the patient during surgery. In the event of a disrhythmia,
the pump 18 can be increased in output to compensate until the
disrhythmia is corrected. The pump and cannula system 10 can thus
overcome any compromise in right heart function or output during
beating heart surgery (such as collapse or kinking that may occur
in the vena cava 32, right atrium 22, right ventricle 30, and/or
pulmonary artery 28 when the heart is lifted or manipulated) and
thus avoid the need for CPB.
[0058] The cannulas 14, 16 of the right heart support system 10 are
preferably inserted through a single incision in the wall 20 of
right atrium 22 as illustrated, although it is contemplated to
insert them through an incision in the vena cava 32 or right
ventricle 30. The outer cannula 14 is preferably sealed within the
incision formed in the wall of right atrium 22 through the use of a
purse-string suture, as well known in the art, or any other
suitable sealing mechanisms. The outer conduit 14 provides the
annular space between outer conduit 14 and inner conduit 16 for the
inflow of blood to the pump 18, which is driven by a motor 34. The
step of inserting the inner cannula 16 through tricuspid valve 24,
pulmonary valve 26 and into pulmonary artery 28 may be accomplished
in any conventional method, such as the optional use of a balloon
or guidewire. The length into which the inner cannula 16 extends
past the pulmonary valve 26 into pulmonary artery 28 will depend on
the beating heart surgical procedure being performed and on other
factors. In general, the inner cannula 16 should extend through and
past an area defined as the "kink zone," which will vary in size
and location depending on condition of the patient, the surgical
procedure performed and the extent of movement and manipulation of
the heart during surgery. The kink zone will frequently extend up
to the point where the pulmonary artery is not moved during
surgery. It is generally expected that the inner cannula 16 will
need to extend up to about 15 cm beyond pulmonary valve 26 and into
pulmonary artery 28. Such a length is generally sufficient to
prevent kinking or collapsing of pulmonary artery 28 during the
positioning of the heart for beating heart bypass surgery.
Preferably, the length beyond the pulmonary valve 26 will generally
be up to about 10 cm, or preferably up to about 7 cm, or about 4 cm
but may be as little as about 1 cm depending on the kind and size
of cannula used.
[0059] The pump and cannula system 12 for left heart support
functions in generally the same manner as the pump and cannula
system 10 for right heart support described above. The pump and
cannula system 12 for left heart support includes an outer cannula
36, an inner cannula 38, and (by way of example only) a reverse
flow pump 40 communicatively coupled to the proximal ends of the
outer cannula 36 and inner cannula 38. The outer cannula 36 extends
through the wall 42 of the left atrium 44. The inner cannula 38 is
disposed generally co-axially within the outer cannula 36 and is
preferably moveably displaceable relative to the outer cannula 36
such that the distal end of the inner cannula 38 may be selectively
positioned within the heart. As with the right side, concentric
cannulas 36, 38 are inserted into a single incision in the wall of
the left atrium 44 and preferably sealed with the wall at the
incision through any well known method, such as by a purse-string
suture. In the embodiment shown, the distal end of the inner
cannula 38 is positioned such that it extends, in use, past the
distal end of the outer cannula 36, through the bicuspid valve 46,
through the aortic valve 48, and a sufficient length into the aorta
50. The reverse flow pump 40 may be selectively operated (i.e.
automatically or on-demand) to withdraw blood from the left atrium
44, through the flow path defined between the outer cannula 36 and
the exterior of the inner cannula 38, and through the flow path
defined within the inner cannula 38 for deposit into the aorta 50.
This establishes a protected blood flow path within the left atrium
44, left ventricle 52, and aorta 50 such that, under the direction
of the pump 40, the aortic or circulatory blood flow from the heart
may be selectively augmented during beating heart surgery, thereby
avoiding the need for CPB. The pump and cannula system 12 is thus
capable of overcoming any compromise in left heart function or
output during beating heart surgery, such as collapse or kinking
that may occur in the left atrium 44, left ventricle 52, and/or
aorta 50 when the heart is lifted or manipulated to provide
surgical access to lateral or posterior heart vessels.
[0060] One advantage of the right and left heart support pump and
cannula systems 10, 12 is that they allow the beating heart to
continue to pump whatever blood it is capable of pumping under the
conditions of the beating heart surgery. When the right and/or left
side(s) of the heart is supported according to this invention to
establish a protected blood flow path therein (thus preventing
collapse, kinking, or occlusion of the right and/or left sides),
the beating heart can provide substantial, if not full or
sufficient, pulmonary and/or circulatory blood flow during the
beating heart surgery. The pump and cannula system 10 can
advantageously provide auxiliary or supplemental blood flow through
the right side into the pulmonary artery 28 to assure that adequate
pulmonary blood flow is maintained at all times during the surgery.
The pump and cannula system 12 can advantageously provide auxiliary
or supplemental blood flow through the left side of the heart into
the aorta 50 to assure that adequate arterial circulatory blood
flow is maintained at all times during the surgery. In an important
aspect the exemplary pump and cannula systems 10, 12 may be
employed, alone or in combination, to effectuate the method of
performing beating heart surgery according to the present invention
and thus avoid the need for CPB in such cardiac procedures.
[0061] In the embodiment shown, pumps 18, 40 each comprise reverse
flow pumps of the type disclosed in commonly assigned and
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/933,566, filed Sep. 19,
1997, and PCT Application Serial No. U.S.97/18674, filed Oct. 14,
1997, now published as WO 99/02204, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference. The pumps 18, 40 can be
controlled to provide essentially no auxiliary or supplemental
blood flow while the beating heart is providing adequate flow
through the supported portion or portions of the right and/or left
side(s), or to provide full supporting pulmonary and/or circulatory
blood flow in the event the output flow of the beating heart
decreases or stops. In a preferred embodiment, the pumps 18, 40 can
be controlled by a controller in response to conventional
parameters, such as oxygen level measured by conventional
oximeters, blood pressure measured by conventional means, or other
parameters desired to assure proper patient support during and
after surgery, such as CO.sub.2 level, flow rate, etc. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, any of a variety of alternate
pumps may be used other than the reverse flow pumps 18, 40 shown by
way of example in FIG. 1.
[0062] An advantage of the foregoing systems is that the generally
concentric cannulas, in combination with the reverse flow miniature
pump, enables the installation of the pumps 18, 40 essentially
adjacent to the incision where the double cannula 14, 16 is
inserted into the right atrium wall 20 and where the double cannula
36, 38 is inserted into the left atrium wall 42. In this fashion,
the priming volume of each pump and cannula system 10, 12 is
minimized to less than about 1,000 ml, preferably less than about
200 ml, more preferably less than about 100 ml, and most preferably
less than about 50 ml. In this context, "priming volume" refers to
the volume of each pump and cannula system 10, 12 which is external
of the patient and does not include the volume of the portions of
the cannulas which are inserted into the patient and thus are
immersed in the blood flow. It is especially preferred that the
priming volume of each pump and cannula system 10, 12 be very
small, typically less than 60 ml, preferably less than 30 ml, more
preferably less than 20 ml, and most preferably less than about 10
ml. The advantages of the very small priming volume will be
apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0063] Another advantage provided by the pump and cannula systems
10, 12 is that, by having the capability of placing the small
priming volume pump (including its drive motor) adjacent to or very
near the incision, the distance the blood must travel outside the
body is minimized, thereby minimizing the amount of contact between
the blood and the tubing, pump components and other apparatus.
Among other things, this prevents the occurrence of hemolysis in
the blood being transported. In addition, the pump can operate
essentially at body temperature, thus eliminating the necessity of
cooling or warming the blood, particularly because the blood is
outside the body a very short distance and for a very short time.
With this system, the entire pump and cannula system 10, 12 can be
positioned near the chest cavity, within the chest cavity itself,
near or adjacent to the heart, or can be positioned in a support
cradle near or adjacent the heart to obtain the minimum possible
pumped blood flow path. Other advantages will be apparent to one
skilled in the art, including the fact that with the entire pump,
drive motor and cannula system miniaturized and configured to be
contained in the chest cavity or in a support cradle with the
heart, this system eliminates the disadvantages of having numerous
tubes, cables, etc., from the patient's chest cavity to external
equipment. Even in the embodiment of the present invention where
the pump and cannula system 10 is installed in or across the right
side of the heart, and a separate pump and cannula system 12 is
installed or across in the left side of the heart, the only lines
extending from this system to external equipment is a single cable
from each pump 18, 40 to an external power supply for providing
power to these pumps. This single cable can contain electrical
connection for supplying electrical power to the pump motor near
the heart or can be a flexible drive cable to transmit power to the
pump from a remote motor. Thus, the pump and cannula systems 10, 12
of this embodiment provides the surgeon improved surgical access to
the heart and visibility of the heart by eliminating the CPB tubing
and other associated cables and pumps which are conventionally used
in bypass and other cardiac surgical procedures.
[0064] It is to be readily appreciated that the foregoing pump and
cannula systems 10, 12, while advantageous over the prior art in
many respects, are nonetheless presented by way of example and not
limitation. That is to say, any number of alternate cannula
configurations and designs may be employed without departing from
the scope of the present invention, several of which will be
discussed in detail below. Moreover, although shown above as a
reverse flow pump, it is to be readily understood that any number
of other known pumping arrangements can be employed with the dual
cannula assemblies disclosed herein for the purpose of carrying out
the methods of performing beating heart surgery according to the
present invention.
[0065] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate, by way of example only, several well
known pumping arrangements that can be employed with the various
dual cannula assemblies disclosed herein to carry out the methods
of performing beating heart surgery according to the present
invention. The dual cannula assemblies (to be described in detail
below) are represented generally at 54 and include an inner cannula
56 extending generally concentrically within and out the distal end
of an outer cannula 58. In each instance, a first flow path is
defined within the interior of the inner cannula 56 and a second
flow path is within the interior of the outer cannula 58 (including
the annular space defined between the interior surface of the outer
cannula 58 and the exterior surface of the inner cannula 56
extending to the distal end of the outer cannula 58). FIG. 2
illustrates an axial flow pump 60 that is communicatively coupled
between the proximal ends of the inner cannula 56 and the outer
cannula 58. The axial flow pump 60 may be selectively operated to
withdraw blood through the first flow path and transport it out the
second flow path or, alternately, the axial flow pump 60 may be
reversed to withdraw blood through the second flow path and
transport it out the first flow path. FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a
centrifugal pump 62 communicatively coupled between the proximal
ends of the inner cannula 56 and the outer cannula 58. In FIG. 3,
the centrifugal pump 62 may be operated to withdraw blood through
the first flow path and transport it out the second flow path. In
FIG. 4, the centrifugal pump 62 is configured to withdraw blood
through the second flow path and transport it out the first flow
path. FIG. 5 illustrates a roller pump 64 communicatively coupled
between the proximal ends of the inner cannula 56 and the outer
cannula 58. The roller pump 64 may be selectively operated to
withdraw blood through the first flow path and transport it out the
second flow path or, alternately, the roller pump 64 may be
reversed to withdraw blood through the second flow path and
transport it out the first flow path. As will be appreciated, the
foregoing pump and cannula systems 54 can be employed to provide
right and/or left heart support by selectively positioning the
distal ends of the inner and outer cannulas 56, 58 at
predetermined, separate locations within the right and/or left side
of the heart, and thereafter employing the pump to transport blood
through the first and second flow paths.
[0066] The pump arrangements disclosed herein are preferably
regulated through the use of a controller for each pump or a
controller to control all pumps in a particular system. In one
embodiment, pump speed and output may be controlled based on the
measurement of a pressure transducer disposed at the arterial blood
flow area to measure pulmonary artery blood pressure and aorta
blood pressure. The central venous pressure can also be used
separately or with the pulmonic and/or aortic pressure. The
selected blood pressure measurement can provide the basis for a
manual or automatic control of the individual and separate pump
speeds and outputs. The desired or target pulmonary and aortic
blood pressures can be determined by the surgical team for each
patient depending on condition of the patient and surgical
procedure being performed. The desired or target pressures may
change or be different for different stages of the surgical
procedure. In general, a desired pressure range is about 20-30
mmHg, although pressures as low as about 10-15 mmHg may be
acceptable for limited periods of time. The controller can operate
in response to one selected pressure or can operate in response to
other parameters. It is further preferred that the controller and
the control system incorporate other input data, in addition to
arterial pressure, such as blood pressure elsewhere in the body,
blood oxygen level, actual blood flow volume, blood CO.sub.2 level,
etc. A desired automatic control criteria is where a control loop
for each pump is established whereby a target total blood flow is
maintained by the sum of any beating heart blood flow output plus
the pump flow output. Thus, the patient is assured of adequate
pulmonary and circulatory blood flow throughout the surgery
regardless of the output of the heart, without any CPB machine use.
The pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary blood flow rates will
need to be adjusted accordingly when only one lung is being used
during the surgery, and the aortic circulatory blood flow may also
have to be adjusted in such mode of operation. The pump and cannula
systems of this invention can provide 0-100% of the required blood
flow to sustain the patient with the heart providing 100-0% of the
blood flow. When the pump system is providing part of the blood
flow in a beating heart procedure, the pump can provide about 10,
20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the total blood flow for the
side of the heart in question with the beating heart providing the
remainder of the blood flow needed to sustain the patient during
the surgery.
[0067] As noted above, it is to be readily appreciated that any
number of cannula configurations and designs (other than those
represented in FIG. 1) may be employed without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Following is a discussion of
various dual lumen cannula embodiments that can be employed with
any of the above-described pumping arrangements (including but not
limited to reverse flow, axial flow, centrifugal flow, and roller
types) to provide right and/or left heart support during cardiac
surgery according to the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates additional dual lumen cannula and pump
systems for carrying out the methods of the present invention. A
pump and cannula system 66 is provided for supporting the right
side of the heart during cardiac surgery. An optional pump and
cannula system 68 may also be provided for supporting the left side
of the heart during cardiac surgery. Pump and cannula systems 66,
68 are of the type shown and described in co-pending and
commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/891,456,
filed Jul. 11, 1997, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/933,566, filed Sep. 19, 1997, the contents of which are both
incorporated by reference herein.
[0069] The pump and cannula system 66 for right heart support
includes an outer cannula 70, an inner cannula 72, and (by way of
example only) a reverse flow pump 74 communicatively coupled to the
proximal ends of the outer cannula 70 and inner cannula 72. The
outer cannula 70 extends through the wall 76 of the pulmonary
artery 28. The inner cannula 72 is disposed generally co-axially
within the outer cannula 70 and is preferably moveably displaceable
relative to the outer cannula 70 such that the distal end of the
inner cannula 72 may be selectively positioned within the heart. In
the embodiment shown, the distal end of the inner cannula 72 is
positioned such that it extends, in use, past the distal end of the
outer cannula 70, through the pulmonary artery 28, the pulmonary
valve 26, and a sufficient length into the left ventricle 52. The
reverse flow pump 74 may be the same type as those shown and
described above with reference to FIG. 1. Pump 74 may be
selectively operated (i.e. automatically or on-demand) to withdraw
blood from the right ventricle 30, through the interior of the
inner cannula 72, and through the flow path defined between the
outer cannula 70 and the exterior of the inner cannula 72 for
deposit into the pulmonary artery 28. Blood within the right
ventricle 30 may thus be selectively transported through the
pulmonary valve 26 and into the pulmonary artery 28 to supplement
or replace the pumping action of the right ventricle and overcome
conditions where the cardiac output may become compromised during
beating heart surgery. In an important aspect, the suction or
negative pressure that develops within the right ventricle 30 due
to the pump 74 may serve to draw blood into the right atrium 22 and
right ventricle 30 through or past areas of occlusion, collapse or
kinking in the vena cava 32 (superior or inferior). The pump and
cannula system 66 is thus capable of overcoming any compromise in
right heart function or output during beating heart surgery, such
as collapse or kinking that may occur in the vena cava 32, right
atrium 22, right ventricle 30, and/or pulmonary artery 28 when the
heart is lifted or manipulated to provide surgical access to
lateral or posterior heart vessels.
[0070] The pump and cannula system 68 for left heart support
includes an outer cannula 78, an inner cannula 80, and (by way of
example only) a reverse flow pump 82 communicatively coupled to the
proximal ends of the outer cannula 78 and inner cannula 80. The
outer cannula 78 extends through the wall 84 of the aorta 50. The
inner cannula 80 is disposed generally co-axially within the outer
cannula 78 and is preferably moveably displaceable relative to the
outer cannula 78 such that the distal end of the inner cannula 80
may be selectively positioned within the heart. In the embodiment
shown, the distal end of the inner cannula 80 is positioned such
that it extends, in use, past the distal end of the outer cannula
78 through the aorta 50, the aortic valve 48, the bicuspid valve
46, and into the left atrium 44 (or, although not shown, the left
ventricle 52). The reverse flow pump 82 may be selectively operated
(i.e. automatically or on-demand) to withdraw blood from the left
atrium 44 through the flow path defined within the inner cannula
80, and through the flow path defined between the outer cannula 78
and the exterior of the inner cannula 80 for deposit into the aorta
50. This establishes a protected blood flow path within the left
atrium 44, left ventricle 52, and aorta 50 such that, under the
direction of the pump 82, the aortic or circulatory blood flow from
the heart may be selectively augmented during beating heart
surgery, thereby avoiding the need for CPB. The pump and cannula
system 68 is thus capable of overcoming any compromise in left
heart function or output during beating heart surgery, such as
collapse or kinking that may occur in the left atrium 44, left
ventricle 52. and/or aorta 50 when the heart is lifted or
manipulated to provide surgical access to lateral or posterior
heart vessels.
[0071] As will be appreciated, the pump and cannula systems 66, 68
of FIG. 6 share many of the same advantages and features of the
pump and cannula systems 10, 12 shown and described in FIG. 1. For
example, the outer cannulas 70, 78 of the pump and cannula systems
66, 68 can each be inserted through a single incision in the heart
and sealed through the use of a purse-string suture, as well known
in the art, or any other suitable sealing mechanisms. In each
instance, the inner cannulas 72, 80 serve to establish a protected
blood flow path within or through regions or zones where kinking or
collapse may otherwise occur when the heart is lifted or
manipulated during beating heart surgery. The pump and cannula
systems 66, 68 allow the heart to continue pumping blood in its
normal fashion to provide pulmonary and circulatory blood flow
around the inner cannulas 72, 80 to the extent that the heart is
capable during surgery. In the event of cardiac output compromise
(such as decreased cardiac output due to collapse, kinking, or
arrhythmia), the pump and cannula systems 66, 68 may be selectively
employed (alone or in combination) to ensure a supplemented or
augmented flow of blood to the pulmonary artery 28 and/or aorta
50.
[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another dual lumen cannula and pump
system for carrying out the methods of the present invention. In
this embodiment, a pump and cannula system 86 comprises a dual
cannula assembly 88 communicatively coupled to a pump (not shown)
for supporting the right side of the heart during cardiac surgery.
Pump and cannula system 86 is of the type shown and described in
co-pending and commonly-assigned Int'l Patent App. Ser. No.
PCTUS99/13666. filed Jun. 18, 1999, which claims priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/099,713, filed Jun. 19, 1998, and
U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 60/113,727, filed Dec. 23,
1998, the contents of which are incorporated by reference
herein.
[0073] With combined reference to FIGS. 7-9, the dual cannula
assembly 88 of this embodiment comprises an outer cannula 90
adapted to be introduced into the heart through the atrial
appendage 94, and an inner cannula 92 disposed generally
concentrically within the outer cannula 90 and having a distal end
96 adapted to extend, in use, past a distal end 98 of the outer
cannula 90 and a sufficient length into the pulmonary artery 28.
The outer cannula 90 is constructed by combining a main body 100,
an inflow port 102, and a curved portion 104. A Y-connector 106 is
coupled on the proximal end of the main body 100 and contains a
hemostasis valve 108 which seals around inner cannula 92 and allows
the inner cannula 92 to be slideably advanced through the outer
cannula 90 while reducing the possibility of blood leakage or
emboli forming within the patient's blood stream. The inflow port
102 is equipped with a plurality of fluid openings 110. In use, the
outer cannula 90 is preferably introduced through a single incision
in the heart such that the inflow port 102 is disposed within the
right atrium 22. In an important aspect, the curved portion 104 is
dimensioned such that, in use, its distal opening is positioned
within the right ventricle 30 and directed generally at the
pulmonary valve 26 to provide a guiding function for the placement
of the inner cannula 92. Once the outer cannula 90 is positioned
within the heart, the inner cannula 92 may be slideably advanced
through the main body 100, the inflow port 102, and the curved
portion 104 and guided into the pulmonary artery 28. The inner
cannula 92 is thereafter preferably restricted from moving
independent of the outer cannula 90, such as by clamping the inner
cannula 92 proximal to they-connector 106.
[0074] With the inner cannula 92 disposed generally concentrically
within the outer cannula 90, a blood flow path to the pump is
defined in the annular space between the exterior surface of the
inner cannula 92 and the interior surface of the outer cannula 90,
and a blood flow path from the pump is defined in the lumen of the
inner cannula 92. The outer and inner cannulas 90, 92 therefore
combine to establish a protected blood flow path within the right
side of the heart. A pump (not shown) communicatively coupled to
the proximal ends of the outer and inner cannulas 90, 92 is capable
of maintaining at least partial blood flow within the protected
blood flow path by selectively withdrawing blood from the right
atrium 22 and transporting it through the tricuspid valve 24, the
right ventricle 30, and pulmonary valve 26 for deposit into the
pulmonary artery 28. In this fashion, the pump and cannula system
86 may be utilized to provide right heart support to overcome any
of the above-identified compromise conditions in cardiac output
that may occur during beating heart surgery.
[0075] The outer cannula 90 and inner cannula 92 may be formed of
materials ranging from rigid to flexible, in the preferred
embodiment comprises a semi-rigid transparent material such as
polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other material. If
needed, spiraling wire (not shown) may be molded into the walls of
the outer and/or inner cannulas 90, 92 to provide additional
structural support. As will be recognized, the wire adds rigidity
and thus facilitates the handling and placement of the cannulas 90,
92. When imbedded in the outer cannula 90, the reinforcement wire
reduces the possibility that it will collapse or become pinched
shut so as to close off the flow of fluid to or from the patient,
or impede or prevent the user from advancing the inner cannula 92
through the outer cannula 90. Other ways of reinforcing the
cannulas 90, 92 are known in the art and will adapt equally well to
the present invention. In addition, no reinforcement may be needed
if the cannula material is sufficiently rigid or if sufficient
fluid pressure is present within the cannula. The wire may be wound
at varying pitch and density within the walls of the cannulas 90,
92 to create varying degrees of stiffness. For example, the curved
portion 104 may thus be formed so that it is sufficiently stiff to
provide the user with the ability to align distal tip 98 with the
patient's pulmonary valve 26 so that the inner cannula 92 can be
easily passed through the outer cannula 90 and directed into the
pulmonary artery 28, and yet sufficiently flexible such that when
the heart is rotated, the curved portion 104 will deflect or rotate
with the heart. Although not shown, the outer and/or inner cannulas
90, 92 may be provided with any number of additional features. For
example, the inner cannula 92 may be equipped with lumens disposed
within the wall for inflating or deflating balloons disposed about
the outer surface of the inner cannula 92 to assist in the
placement of the inner cannula 92 within the pulmonary artery 28.
Pressure transducers may also be provided within the walls of the
outer and/or inner cannulas 90, 92 for determining flow rate within
the respective cannula(s). The curved portion 104 of the outer
cannula 90 may be equipped with one or more fluid inlet apertures
to facilitate the withdrawal of blood from right atrium 22 and/or
right ventricle 30.
[0076] FIG. 10 illustrates another dual lumen cannula and pump
system for carrying out the methods of the present invention. In
this embodiment, a pump and cannula system 112 comprises a dual
cannula assembly 114 communicatively coupled to a pump (not shown)
for supporting the right side of the heart during cardiac surgery.
Pump and cannula system 112 is of the type shown and described in
co-pending and commonly-assigned U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser.
No. 60/115,786, filed Jan. 13, 1999, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
[0077] The pump and cannula system 112 is similar in many respects
to the pump and cannula system 86 described above with reference to
FIGS. 7-9, except that the pump (not shown) is integrated into the
dual cannula assembly 114 such that it pumps blood from the right
atrium 22 directly into the pulmonary artery 28 without being first
transported outside the heart. The dual cannula assembly 114
includes an outer cannula 116 adapted to be introduced into the
heart through the atrial appendage 94, and an inner cannula 118
disposed generally concentrically within the outer cannula 116 and
having a distal end 120 adapted to extend, in use, past a distal
end 122 of the outer cannula 116 and a sufficient length into the
pulmonary artery 28. The outer cannula 116 includes a main body
124, an inflow port 126, and a curved portion 128. A miniaturized
pump (not shown) is coupled to or forms part of the inner cannula
118 such that, when the inner cannula 118 is advanced within the
outer cannula 116 as shown, the pump will be disposed within the
curved portion 128 of the outer cannula 116. A Y-connector 130
coupled to the proximal end of the main body 124 contains a
hemostasis valve 132 which can seal around the inner cannula 118. A
sheathed power cable or drive shaft 134 may be extended through the
inner cannula 118 depending upon whether the motor (not shown) for
driving the pump is disposed within the dual cannula assembly 114
or located external to the dual cannula assembly 114. In some
embodiments, the inner cannula 118 may be positioned entirely
within the outer cannula 116, in which case the hemostasis valve
132 will seal around the sheathed power cable or drive shaft 143.
In either event, the hemostasis valve 132 reduces the possibility
of blood leakage or emboli forming within the patient's blood
stream. The inner cannula 118 and outer cannula 116 combine to
provide a protected blood flow path within the right side of the
heart. Under the direction of the pump, blood from within the right
atrium 22 may be selectively transported directly through the inner
cannula 118 into the pulmonary artery 28. In this fashion, the pump
and cannula system 112 may be utilized to provide right heart
support to overcome any of the above-identified compromise
conditions in cardiac output that may occur during beating heart
surgery to avoid the need for CPB.
[0078] The methods of the present invention may also be
accomplished through the use of any of a variety of pump and
cannula systems having dual lumen cannula assemblies capable of
entering the heart intravascularly, such as through the superior
and/or inferior vena cava after entering the vasculature through
the femoral and/or jugular vein. Exemplary embodiments of such
intravascular dual cannula assemblies will be described below with
reference to FIGS. 11-18, which intravascular cannula assemblies
are shown and described in co-pending and commonly-assigned Int'l
Patent App. Ser. No. PCT/US99/19537, filed Aug. 27, 1999, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No.
60/098,118, filed Aug. 27, 1998, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein. In each instance, the dual lumen
cannula assemblies, when placed within the heart, create a
protected blood flow path such that the associated pump can
maintain at least partial blood flow therethrough during beating
heart surgery, regardless of any compromise condition in cardiac
output that may occur, such as reduced cardiac output due to
collapse or kinking of the vessels or heart chambers when the heart
is lifted or manipulated during surgery. As will be appreciated,
the various intravascular dual cannula assemblies described herein
may be employed with any of the above-described pumping
arrangements (including but not limited to reverse flow, axial
flow, centrifugal flow, and roller types) to provide right and/or
left heart support during cardiac surgery according to the present
invention.
[0079] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an
intravascular cannula assembly 140 for carrying out a method of
providing right heart support during cardiac surgery according to
the present invention. The cannula assembly 140 of this embodiment
includes an outer cannula 142 dimensioned to receive an inner
cannula 144 through an interior lumen (not shown) extending between
a proximal end 146 and a distal end 148. The outer cannula 142
includes a plurality of fluid inlet apertures 150 disposed along a
main body portion 152, and a curved portion 154 extending distally
from the main body portion 152. In use, the outer cannula 142 is
introduced into the vasculature of the patient and advanced into
the heart such that the plurality of fluid inlet apertures 150 are
preferably disposed within the right atrium 22. The curved portion
154 is preferably dimensioned such that, in use, it extends through
the tricuspid valve 24 and into the right ventricle 30 such that an
aperture (not shown) in its distal end 148 is directed generally at
the pulmonary valve 26. As will be appreciated, the curved portion
154 of the outer cannula 142 thus serves a guiding function that
facilitates the placement of the inner cannula 144 into the
pulmonary artery 28 according to the present invention. The inner
cannula 144 is disposed generally concentrically within an outer
cannula 142 and includes a distal end 156 that extends, in use,
past the distal end 148 of the outer cannula 142, through the
pulmonary valve 26, and a sufficient distance into the pulmonary
artery 28. In use, the proximal ends 146, 158 of the outer and
inner cannulas 142, 144 lie outside the patient's body and are
communicatively coupled to any of a variety of pumping arrangements
(not shown). The pump, which may comprise any of the variety
disclosed herein, may be selectively operated (i.e. automatically
or on-demand) to withdraw blood from the right atrium 22 through a
flow path defined by the generally annular space between the
interior surface of the outer cannula 142 and the interior surface
of the inner cannula 144 and transport this blood through a flow
path defined within the lumen of the inner cannula 144 for deposit
into the pulmonary artery 28. In this fashion, the intravascular
cannula assembly 140 establishes a protected blood flow path within
portions of the right heart such that, under the direction of the
pump (not shown), at least partial blood flow may be maintained
during cardiac surgery so as to avoid the need for CPB.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 13, a Y-connector 160 is provided coupled
to the outer cannula 142 such that the inner cannula 144 may be
slideably advanced through the outer cannula 142 according to the
present invention without resulting in blood leakage or the
formation of air emboli within the patient's blood. It will be
readily understood that Y-connector 160 is presented by way of
example only and that the cannula assembly 140 of the present
invention is not dependent upon a particular type of connector. As
shown in FIG. 12, the inner cannula 144 comprises a substantially
tubular structure having a wall 162 defining an internally disposed
lumen (not shown). The inner cannula 144 is provided at it proximal
end 158 with a connector 164, which is suitably sized to interface
with the given pumping arrangement. The length of the outer and
inner cannulas 142, 144 is application specific and depends for
example on the size of the patient and the distance from the access
point into the patient's vasculature (i.e. an incision in the neck)
to the destination in the patient's pulmonary system. In a CABG
application, for example, the pulmonary artery is a destination
into which blood may be returned into the patient from the pump
system via the inner cannula 144, and the dimensions of the inner
cannula 144 are selected accordingly. The inner cannula 144 may be
provided with one or more fluid outlet apertures 166 disposed at
the distal end 156, or (although not shown) may be open-ended with
a single fluid outlet aperture, in order to facilitate the deposit
of blood into the pulmonary artery 28.
[0081] The outer and inner cannulas 142, 144 can be formed of
materials ranging from rigid to flexible, and in the preferred
embodiment comprise a semi-rigid transparent material such as
polyurethane or silicone having a hardness of between about 30 A
and 90 A on a Shore durometer scale and capable of withstanding
sterilization by ethylene oxide (ETO). Rigid clear materials can be
used for the y-connector 160, and preferably y-connector 160 is
constructed of polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride. The outer and
inner cannulas 142, 144 may also contain radiopaque markings (not
shown) to determine placement within the patient's body. To provide
structural reinforcement, a spiraling wire (not shown) can be
provided for support of the walls of the outer and inner cannulas
142, 144. The spiraling wire (not shown) may be molded into the
walls or is otherwise supported therein, and may extend either
partially or fully across the length of the cannulas 142, 144. The
wire facilitates handling of the cannulas and reduces the
possibility of the cannulas' collapsing or being pinched shut and
thus closing off the flow of fluid to or from the patient. Other
ways of reinforcing the tubular bodies of the cannulas 142, 144 are
known in the art and will adapt equally well to the present
invention. Such reinforcement may be omitted if the cannula
material is sufficiently rigid or if sufficient fluid flow is
present within the cannulas 142, 144.
[0082] One or more pre-formed curves may be provided in the outer
and/or inner cannulas 142, 144. As will be appreciated, such
preformed curves serve to facilitate cannula maneuverability during
insertion in the patient's body, permitting the negotiation of
tortuous passages such as through the atria, ventricular valve and
pulmonary valve. The angle of the pre-formed curves may be anywhere
in the range of 0-180 degrees, with the curves being disposed
anywhere along the length of the cannulas 142, 144 and in any one
or more distinct planes, depending on the particular application.
The curves may also be of an adjustable angle, formed by expandable
joints, such as through the use memory shaped material which, in
the presence of current, will either change length or shape
depending upon the characteristics of material used. An example of
such a material is Nitinol, commercially available from Educational
Innovations, Inc. 151 River Road, Cos Cab Conn. 06807. If imbedded
within the walls of the cannulas 142, 144 and activated with
electrical current, Nitonol may allow an operator to selectively
alter the position and orientation of distal ends 148, 156. In
another construction, auxiliary lumens may be provided within the
walls of the outer and/or inner cannulas 142, 144 such that cables
or wires may be selectively introduced therein and employed to
impart or relieve forces so as to induce deformation and curvature
of the outer and/or inner cannula 142, 144.
[0083] The cannula assembly 140 may be introduced into the
patient's vasculature to achieve the intravascular access into the
heart through any number of access points, including but not
limited to the internal jugular vein, the brachiocephalic vein,
carotid artery, axillary artery, and femoral vein. As is well known
in the art, such intravascular access may be achieved through the
use of the Seldinger technique. Generally speaking, this procedure
involves locating and piercing the patient's target vessel using a
long, hollow needle attached to a syringe. When blood enters the
syringe, the distal end of a thin guide wire is inserted through
the needle and into the target vessel. The needle is then removed,
leaving guide wire in place in the target vessel. The proximal end
of the guide wire is then passed through a dilator, which is
disposed axially within the outer cannula 142 such that its end
protrudes through the distal tip 148 thereof (At this point, the
outer cannula 142 does not contain the inner cannula 144--that is,
the cannula assembly 140 is not in the assembled configuration).
The distal end of the dilator is then inserted into the target
vessel so as to expand the incision. The outer cannula 142 may then
be advanced into position, either partially or fully, within the
target vessel, after which point the dilator is then withdrawn. The
inner cannula 144 can then be inserted through the outer cannula
142 form the cannula assembly 140, which insertion can be achieved
in one of several ways. One option involves advancing a balloon
catheter (not shown) through the outer cannula 142 such that the
balloon is positioned in a desired location within the heart (i.e.
the pulmonary artery) under the direction of the natural blood
flow. The inner cannula 144 may then be threaded over the balloon
catheter and advanced into position within the desired location,
after which point the balloon catheter may be withdrawn. A second
option for inserting inner cannula 144 into position within the
patient's body is to use a guide wire to guide the inner cannula
144 to its final destination. A particularly suitable guide wire
for this would be one of the J-hook type which would facilitate
negotiation of the tortuous turns involved, especially between the
right atrium 22 and pulmonary artery 28. As discussed above, this
negotiation may be further facilitated by providing the inner
cannula 144 with one or more preformed curves (i.e. on or near the
distal end 156). It should also be recognized that a guidewire may
be inserted into a balloon catheter to stiffen the balloon catheter
and thereby facilitate its placement within the patient's body.
[0084] A major advantage of the foregoing intravascular cannulation
arrangement is the placement of the pump system and attendant
connections, sensors, and other equipment out of the immediate
vicinity of the beating heart surgical procedure, thereby freeing
up space in which the surgeon can operate. Other advantages include
a low priming volume requirement as the pump system can be located
closer to the patient's body (i.e. near the patient's neck region)
since that region is not being operated on. Additionally, the
insertion procedure for the cannulation assembly 140 can be
performed prior to the surgical operation, by someone other than
the surgeon, such as the anesthesiologist, thereby reducing the
length of time required for the heart surgery itself. More
importantly, however, the intravascular cannulation arrangement
described above provides yet another manner of establishing a
protected blood flow path within the heart (the right side, in the
embodiment shown above), such that a pump can be selectively
employed to maintain at least partial blood flow through the
protected blood flow path during beating heart surgery. In this
fashion, the intravascular cannulation arrangement provides the
same advantages as the other cannula arrangements disclosed herein,
namely, it advantageously overcomes any of the above-identified
conditions when cardiac output may become compromised during
beating heart surgery, thereby avoiding the need for CPB.
[0085] The foregoing intravascular cannula assembly 140 is set
forth by way of example only, and it is to be readily understood
that any number of additional intravascular cannula assemblies may
be employed without departing from the scope of the present
invention. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates an intravascular
cannula assembly 170 for use in providing right heart support
during beating heart surgery. The cannula assembly 170 is similar
in virtually all respects to the intravascular cannula assembly 140
described above with reference to FIG. 11, except that the outer
cannula 172 does not includes a curved portion such that the inner
cannula 174 must be advanced through the tricuspid valve 24, the
right ventricle 30, the pulmonary valve 26, and a sufficient
distance into the pulmonary artery 28 without the guiding function
of the curved portion 154 shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. The placement
of the inner cannula 174 may be accomplished through the use of any
known guiding mechanism in the prior art. These may include, but
are not necessarily limited to, the use of an inflatable balloon
catheter, providing an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the
inner cannula 174 itself, or employing guidewires or other
mechanisms for selectively altering the configuration of the inner
cannula 174 to assist in negotiating the tortuous pathway to place
the distal end 176 into the desired location in the heart. In all
other respects, the intravascular cannula assembly 170 is identical
in operation and construction as that shown and described with
reference to FIGS. 11-13 such that a duplicate discussion is not
necessary.
[0086] The intravascular cannulation assemblies for use in carrying
out the methods of the present invention may also take the form a
pair of cannulas disposed in slideable and side-by-side relation.
FIG. 15 illustrates one such intravascular cannula assembly 180 for
use in providing right heart support during beating heart surgery.
The cannula assembly 180 includes a first cannula 182 slideably
coupled to a second cannula 184. As with the foregoing embodiments,
the proximal ends (not shown) of the first and second cannulas 182,
184 are communicatively coupled to a pump (not shown) that may be
selectively operated to withdraw and reintroduce blood between
various points in the heart. FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate a variety of
exemplary coupling mechanisms 186 that can be employed to provide
the slideable relation between the first cannula 182 and second
cannula 184. In the embodiments shown, coupling mechanisms 186
generally comprise an elongated engagement member 188 disposed
along all or certain portions of one of the two cannulas 182, 184
capable of matingly engaging with an elongated groove or channel
190 disposed along all or certain portions of the other cannula
182, 184. In an important aspect, this allows the user great
flexibility in selectively positioning the distal tip 192 of the
first cannula 182 and the distal tip 194 of the second cannula 184
at predetermined positions within the heart. For example, with
reference to FIG. 15, the slideable function of the coupling
mechanism 186 may be employed to selectively position the distal
end 192 of cannula 182 in a first predetermined location (i.e. in
the right atrium 22) and selectively position the distal end 194 of
cannula 184 in a second predetermined location (i.e. in the
pulmonary artery 28). In this fashion, the first conduit 182 may be
used as an inflow conduit to the externally located pump for the
purpose of withdrawing blood from the right atrium 22, and the
second conduit 184 may be used as an outflow conduit from the pump
for the purpose of depositing this blood into the pulmonary artery
28.
[0087] As with the previously described intravascular cannula
assemblies, the cannula assembly 180 of this embodiment may be
introduced into the patient's vasculature by utilizing the
Seldinger technique as described above. It will be appreciated that
the engagement members which form part of the coupling mechanism
186 may extend along all or portions of the respective length of
the cannula 182, 184. Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18A-18B,
the slideable coupling mechanism between the individual cannulas
182, 184 may also be constructed from one or more barrel portions
196 fixedly attached to the first cannula 182. In so doing, the
first and second cannulas 182, 184 may be selectively positioned
independent of the other based on this slideable coupling. It
should also be understood that, although the foregoing
intravascular cannula arrangements have been shown and described
for use in providing right heart support, this does not limit the
applications of this invention for use in right heart support only.
Rather, the intravascular cannula arrangements shown herein are
equally applicable in providing left heart support during beating
heart surgery according to the methods of the present
invention.
[0088] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a still further pump and cannula
system 200 for carrying out the methods of performing beating heart
surgery according to the present invention. In FIG. 19, the
intravascular pump and cannula system 200 is shown positioned
within the heart to provide right heart support during beating
heart surgery. In FIG. 20, the intravascular pump and cannula
system 200 is shown positioned within the heart to provide left
heart support during beating heart surgery. Intravascular pump and
cannula system 200 is of the type shown and described in co-pending
and commonly-assigned U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No.
60/152,249, filed Sep. 3, 1999, the contents of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0089] The intravascular pump and cannula assembly 200 includes a
single cannula 202 having a fluid inlet 204 at one end and a fluid
outlet 206 at an opposite end, and an internally disposed pump 208
for transporting blood from the fluid inlet 204 to the fluid outlet
206. A cable assembly 210 is preferably provided coupled to the
pump 208 for selectively controlling the operation of the pump 208
depending upon the particular pumping needs. For right heart
support, the intravascular pump and cannula assembly 200 may be
introduced into the patient's vasculature (in the manner described
above) and advanced into the position shown in FIG. 19 such that
the fluid inlet 204 is disposed within the vena cava (or right
atrium) and the fluid outlet 206 is positioned within the pulmonary
artery 28. The pump 208 may then be selectively (i.e. automatically
or on-demand) controlled to transport blood from the vena cava (or
right atrium) through the tricuspid valve 24, the right ventricle
30, and the pulmonary valve 26 for deposit within the pulmonary
artery 28. For left heart support, the intravascular pump and
cannula assembly 200 may be introduced into the patient's
vasculature (in the manner described above) and advanced into the
position shown in FIG. 20 such that the fluid inlet 204 is disposed
within the left atrium 44 and the fluid outlet 206 is positioned
within the aorta 50. The pump 208 may then be selectively
controlled to transport blood from the left atrium 44 through the
bicuspid valve 46, the left ventricle 52, and the aortic valve 48
for deposit into the aorta 50. The cannula 202 may thus be employed
to establish a protected blood flow path within the right and/or
left sides of the heart, and the pump 208 employed to maintain at
least partial blood flow therethrough to overcome any compromise
conditions in cardiac output, thereby avoiding the need for CPB
during beating heart surgery.
[0090] Various pump and cannula arrangements have been described
and shown above for providing right and/or left heart support
wherein blood is deliberately re-routed through and past the right
and/or left ventricle in an effort to reduce the volume of blood to
be pumped by the particular ventricle. While "unloading" the
ventricles in this fashion is preferred in certain instances, it is
to be readily understood that the pump and cannula arrangements
described herein may also be employed to "preload" the ventricles.
Ventricular preloading may be accomplished by positioning the
outflow cannula from the pump into a given ventricle such that the
pump may be employed to fill or preload the ventricle with blood.
This may be particularly useful with the right ventricle. On
occasion, the right ventricle is not supplied with sufficient
levels of blood from the right atrium such that, upon contraction,
the right ventricle delivers an insufficient quantity of blood to
the pulmonary artery. This may result when the right ventricle
and/or right atrium are in a stressed or distorted condition during
surgery. Preloading overcomes this problem by actively supplying
blood into the right ventricle, thereby facilitating the delivery
of blood into the pulmonary artery. The same technique can be used
to preload the left ventricle and thus facilitate the delivery of
blood from the left ventricle into the aorta.
[0091] FIGS. 21-23 set forth exemplary embodiments of the second
main system for carrying out the methods of performing beating
heart surgery according to the present invention. The common
denominator between all embodiments is the use of at least one
conduit (cannula and/or stent) positioned within at least a portion
of the right and/or left heart to establish a protected blood flow
path such that the action of the beating heart can maintain at
least partial blood flow therethrough during beating heart surgery.
The cannula and/or stent embodiments are of the type shown and
described in described in co-pending and commonly-assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/231,320, filed Jan. 13, 1999, which
claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/079,836,
filed May 15, 1998, the contents of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference. In this system no pump is provided and the
blood flow is provided solely by the beating heart. As such, this
system is adapted for use exclusively in beating heart procedures.
By protecting the blood path from restriction or collapse, the
cannulas and/or stents assure the output of the beating heart is
available at all times during the surgery to sustain the patient
during surgery with sufficient pulmonary and circulatory blood
flow. The protected blood flow path established within the right
and/or left side(s) of the heart thereby serves to overcome
compromise conditions in cardiac output, such as reduced or
diminished blood flow due to kinking or collapse in the atria,
ventricles, vena cava, pulmonary artery, and/or aorta that may
occur when the heart must be lifted or manipulated to gain surgical
access to anterior lateral and posterior blood vessels. In so
doing, the cannulas and/or stents of the present invention obviate
the need for CPB during beating heart surgery.
[0092] FIG. 21 illustrates first and second cannula arrangements
for carrying out the methods of performing beating heart surgery
according to the present invention. A first cannula 220 is provided
for establishing a protected blood flow path within portions of the
right side of the heart to provide right heart support during
beating heart surgery. An optional second cannula 222 is provided
for establishing a protected blood flow path within the left side
of the heart to provide left heart support during beating heart
surgery. In the main embodiment shown, the first cannula 220 is a
generally tubular hollow structure which is introduced into the
heart through an incision in the wall 20 of the right atrium 22,
after which point it passes through the tricuspid valve 24, the
right ventricle 30, the pulmonary valve 26, and a sufficient
distance into the pulmonary artery 28. The cannula 220 is
preferably equipped with a fluid inlet aperture 224 in the right
atrium 22 and a fluid inlet aperture 226 in the right ventricle 30
which, under the pumping action of the heart, permit blood to enter
the protected flow path within the cannula 220 for passage into the
right ventricle 30 and onward into the pulmonary artery 28.
Internal valves 228 are preferably provided within the cannula 220
(at or near the tricuspid valve 24 and pulmonary valve 26) so as to
prevent unwanted back flow of blood from the right ventricle 30
into the right atrium 22 and from the pulmonary artery 28 into the
right ventricle 30. The internal valves 228 may comprise any
suitable mechanism for preventing back flow, including but not
limited to a one-way or check valve such as a flap valve, a slide
valve, a spring loaded circular valve or ball valve, a membrane
valve, a duck bill valve, or any other valve design capable of
functioning to prevent blood back flow. As shown in phantom, the
cannula 220 may also be introduced into the heart in alternate
fashions. For example, the cannula 220 may be introduced through an
incision in the wall of the right ventricle 30 before passing
through the right ventricle 30, the pulmonary artery 26, and into
the pulmonary artery 28. In both of these embodiments, the cannula
220 should preferably be equipped with fluid plugs 230 at or near
the junction where it passes through the wall of the heart to
prevent the leakage of blood out the incision. The cannula 220 may
also be introduced into the heart intravascularly from an incision
in another part of the body such as a femoral vein or jugular vein
or other desired access point. For example, as shown in phantom,
the cannula 220 may be introduced intravascularly such that it
enters the right atrium 22 through the superior vena cava 32.
Although not shown, it will be readily appreciated that the cannula
220 may similarly enter the right atrium 22 through the inferior
vena cava.
[0093] The optional second cannula 222 is a generally tubular
hollow structure which is introduced into the heart through an
incision in the wall of the left atrium 44, after which point it
passes through the bicuspid valve 46, the left ventricle 52, the
aortic valve 48, and a sufficient distance into the aorta 50. The
cannula 222 is preferably equipped with a fluid inlet aperture 232
in the left atrium 44 and a fluid inlet aperture 234 in the left
ventricle 52 which, under the pumping action of the heart, permit
blood to enter the protected flow path within the cannula 222 for
passage into the left ventricle 52 and onward into the aorta 50 to
maintain at least partial circulatory blood flow during beating
heart surgery. As with the pulmonary valve 220 described above,
internal valves 228 are preferably provided within the cannula 222
(at or near the bicuspid valve 46 and aortic valve 48) so as to
prevent unwanted back flow of blood from the left ventricle 52 into
the left atrium 44 and from the aorta 50 into the left ventricle
52. The internal valves 228 may similarly comprise any suitable
mechanism for preventing back flow, such as those enumerated by way
of example with regard to the pulmonary cannula 220. Although not
shown, the cannula 222 may also be introduced into the heart in
number of alternate fashions, such as through an incision in the
wall of the left ventricle 52, or intravascularly through the
pulmonary vein 45. If passing through the wall of the heart, the
cannula 222 should preferably be equipped with a fluid plug 230 at
or near the incision to prevent the leakage of blood out the
incision.
[0094] FIG. 22 illustrates additional cannula arrangements for
carrying out the method of providing right heart support during
beating heart surgery according to the present invention. A first
cannula 240 is provided having a fluid inlet 244 disposed in the
vena cava 32, a fluid outlet 246 disposed in the right ventricle
30, and a generally tubular hollow body 248 extending therebetween
for establishing a protected blood flow path within portions of the
vena cava 32, right atrium 22, and right ventricle 30. A second
cannula 242 is provided having a fluid inlet 250 disposed within
the right ventricle 30, a fluid outlet 252 disposed within the
pulmonary artery 28, and a generally tubular hollow body 254 for
establishing a protected blood flow path within portions of the
right ventricle 30 and pulmonary artery 28. Under the pumping
action of the heart, the first cannula 240 permits blood to flow
from the vena cava 32 and/or the right atrium 22 (through the
protected flow path established within the first cannula 240) for
passage into the right ventricle 30, while the second cannula 242
permits blood to flow from the right ventricle 30 (through the
protected blood flow path established within the second cannula
242) for passage into the pulmonary artery 28. Optional fluid inlet
apertures 256 may be provided to facilitate the introduction of
blood into the protected flow paths established within the cannulas
240, 242. Internal valves 228 are preferably provided within the
cannulas (at or near the tricuspid valve 24 and pulmonary valve 26)
so as to prevent unwanted back flow of blood from the right
ventricle 30 into the right atrium 22 and from the pulmonary artery
28 into the right ventricle 30. The internal valves 228 may
comprise any suitable mechanism for preventing back flow, including
but not limited to those set forth by way of example in reference
to FIG. 21. It should be noted that, like the pump and cannula
systems discussed above, the cannulas described herein which are
equipped with internal valves 228 may be employed to "preload" the
ventricles. Such ventricular preloading may be accomplished by
positioning the fluid outlet into a given ventricle such that the
cannula may be employed to fill or preload the ventricle with
blood. Handles 258 may also be provided for inserting the cannulas
240, 242 into proper position and for maintaining the them in the
proper position during the beating heart bypass surgery
procedure.
[0095] The first and second cannulas 240, 242 serve to prevent
collapse and kinking within the right side of the heart such that,
according to the present invention, at least partial pulmonary
blood flow may be maintained by the action of the beating heart,
thereby avoiding the need for CPB during beating heart surgery.
More specifically, the establishment of a protected blood flow path
ensures that blood may be routed through the right side of the
heart under the pumping action of the heart, notwithstanding a
compromise in cardiac output such as by a restriction in blood flow
due to collapse or kinking that may occur in portions of the vena
cava 32, right atrium 22, right ventricle 30 and/or pulmonary
artery 28 when the beating heart is lifted and manipulated during
beating heart bypass surgery in order for the surgeon to gain
surgical and visual access to the lateral and posterior vessels of
the heart. The length and actual area of the portions of the right
heart which tend to collapse or kink may vary from patient to
patient and vary depending on the bypass procedure being performed
and the extent to which the heart is moved and manipulated. The
area within the pulmonary artery 28 that is subject to such
collapse or kinking (referred to generally as a "kink zone" and
denoted for clarity at 260) may be the area extending about 15 cm
from the pulmonary valve 26. In the embodiment shown, the pulmonary
cannula 242 is positioned such that the fluid outlet 252 is
disposed downstream of this kink zone 260. Another area (referred
to generally as a "collapse zone" and denoted for clarity at 262)
includes portions of the right atrium 22 and vena cava 32 that are
subject to collapse or kinking when the heart is lifted or
manipulated during beating heart surgery. In the embodiment shown,
the atrial or tricuspid cannula 240 is positioned such that the
fluid inlet 244 is disposed upstream of this collapse zone 262.
[0096] Cannulas 240, 242 can be introduced into the heart in any
number of fashions. For example, as shown, cannulas 240, 242 may be
inserted with handles 258 through the vena cava 32 after passing
through an incision in the wall of the vena cava 32 or an incision
in a remote vein, such as the femoral vein or jugular vein.
Although not shown, the cannulas 240, 242 may also be inserted
through an incision in the wall of the right atrium 22 or through
an incision in the wall of the right ventricle 30. However, remote
access incision is preferred in order to keep the heart relatively
free of encumbrances and other incisions to enhance the access for
beating heart bypass surgery. It should also be understood that,
with cannulas 240, 242 in position, the beating heart blood flow
may also be maintained around the outside of the cannulas. That is
to say, the cannulas 240, 242 may be dimensioned such that blood
may flow around the outside of the cannulas when the tricuspid
valve 24 and pulmonary valve 26 open, and blood may flow through
the interior of the cannulas when there is any constriction which
prevents the blood flow around the outside of the particular
cannula. In a preferred embodiment, the pulmonary cannula 242 may
include a balloon tip at or near the fluid outlet 252 in order to
aid in the insertion and proper positioning of the cannula 242
within the pulmonary artery 28. With the pulmonary cannula 242 is
in position, the heart may be lifted and manipulated and, by virtue
of the protected blood flow path established within or around the
pulmonary cannula 242, at least partial blood flow through the kink
zone 260 may be maintained by the pumping action of the heart. With
the atrial or tricuspid cannula 240 in position, the heart may be
lifted and manipulated and, by virtue of the protected blood flow
path established within or around the cannula 240, at least partial
blood flow through the collapse zone 262 may be maintained by the
pumping action of the heart.
[0097] The configuration of the cannulas 240, 242 are presented in
FIG. 22 by way of example only, and it is to be readily appreciated
that these cannulas may be provided in any number of different
fashions without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the portion of the cannulas 240, 242 which extends
through and contacts the tricuspid valve 24 and pulmonary valve 26
may have a different outside diameter than the respective portions
disposed in the right atrium 22, right ventricle 30, and pulmonary
artery 28. It may be desirable in some patients to have the outside
diameter of the cannulas 240, 242 at the valve contact portion
smaller to allow the maximum beating heart blood flow around the
outside of the cannulas when the respective valve opens. In other
patients, it may be desirable to have a larger diameter at the
portion at valve contact to maximize the beating heart blood flow
through the cannula 240, 242 as opposed to around the cannula. The
fluid inlets and outlets of the cannulas disclosed herein may also
comprise conventional blood cannula configuration and/or can
comprise orifices, slits or other openings at desired locations and
intervals along portions of the length of the cannula basket or
cage to prevent heart tissue suction. The ends or openings can
comprise baskets, cages or other guards to prevent suction of heart
tissue or blood vessel wall into the cannula.
[0098] It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the
cannulas 240, 242 together to be operated as a single cannula, or
to manufacture them as a single continuous cannula having the
appropriate openings and internal valves 228 as described above. In
this embodiment, such a single valved cannula can simultaneously
establish a protected flow path extending through both the collapse
zone 262 and the kink zone 260. An advantage of such a
configuration would be that the cannula can be inserted through a
single incision with a single guidewire or balloon for guidance,
and employ a single handle 258 for positioning and holding the
cannula in proper position during surgery. In another embodiment,
the cannulas 240, 242 may be dimensioned so that one will nest or
telescope inside the other during insertion, such as by providing
one of the cannulas 240, 242 having a slightly smaller diameter so
that it will nest inside the other cannula during insertion. In
this fashion, the two cannulas 240, 242 can be inserted through a
single incision and a single guidewire and/or balloon may be
employed (preferably at the outlet end of one of the cannulas) to
guide both cannulas into proper position. However, each cannula
240, 242 would preferably have a separate handle 258 for
positioning and holding the respective cannula in position during
surgery. In such an embodiment, the nested cannulas 240, 242 would
be inserted through the appropriate incision and, when the atrial
or tricuspid cannula 240 reaches its proper position at the
collapse zone 262, the handle 258 may be used to hold cannula 240
in its proper position, while the pulmonary cannula 242 can
continue on its path of insertion until it is properly positioned
across the pulmonary valve 26 and into the kink zone 260 within the
pulmonary artery 28. To facilitate this insertion and deployment
process, the inner cannula (i.e. the atrial or tricuspid cannula
240) may be provided with an auxiliary lumen to pass the handle 258
of the outer cannula (i.e. the pulmonary cannula 242) therethrough.
Other configurations and embodiments of the cannula system
illustrated in FIG. 22 will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
For example, although only the right side of the heart is shown, it
will be equally apparent to one skilled in the art that the same
cannula systems shown and described in FIG. 22 may be readily
adapted for use in the left side of the heart for protection of the
left atrium 44, left ventricle 52, and aorta 50 from collapse or
kinking during beating heart bypass surgery.
[0099] FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary stent arrangement for
carrying out the methods of performing beating heart surgery
according to the present invention. A stent member 270 is provided
having a fluid inlet 272, a fluid outlet 274, and a generally
tubular hollow body 276 extending therebetween to establish a
protected blood flow path within the pulmonary artery 28. In the
embodiment shown, the fluid inlet 272 is disposed near the
pulmonary valve 26 and the fluid outlet 274 is disposed downstream
from the kink zone 260. The stent 270 is preferably of sufficient
size, strength and flexibility to provide protection against the
pulmonary artery 28 becoming folded, kinked or otherwise obstructed
when the heart is lifted and manipulated during beating heart
bypass surgery for surgical access to the lateral or posterior
vessels of the heart. Stent 270 may be sized to approximate the
size of the pulmonary artery 28 in which it is placed so that
essentially all of the beating heart blood flow passes through the
interior of the stent 270 with a minimum amount, if any, of blood
flow around the outside of the stent 270. An optional handle 258
may be employed for inserting the stent 270 through an appropriate
incision, for holding the stent 270 in proper position during the
beating heart bypass surgery, and for withdrawing the stent 270.
The stent 270 may also be equipped with an optional
guidewire/balloon portion 278 for facilitating the guidance of
stent 270 through vena cava 32 and the heart chambers and valves as
well as other blood vessels in order to properly position stent 270
and across the kink zone 260 of pulmonary artery 28.
[0100] In some patients undergoing beating bypass surgery,
inserting the stent 270 to protect the pulmonary artery 28 from
blood flow compromise may be all that is required to assure that
the beating heart blood flow is maintained during the beating heart
bypass surgery. However, in other patients, and depending on the
surgical procedure to be performed, other devices disclosed herein
may be used in combination with stent 270. For example, it may be
desirable to protect the right atrium 22 from collapse by also
using atrial or tricuspid cannula 240 illustrated in FIG. 22, which
cannula 240 can be inserted separately after stent 270 is inserted
and properly placed. The cannula 240 may also be nested or
telescoped with stent 270 (in the manner discussed above with
reference to the cannulas 240, 242 of FIG. 22) so that they are
inserted at the same time through the same incision, then separated
at the time that they reach tricuspid valve 24 such that the
cannula 240 is retained in proper position across the collapse zone
262 and the stent 270 is allowed to continue through right
ventricle 30, the pulmonary valve 26, and positioned within the
pulmonary artery 28. In another embodiment of this invention, a
second stent can be used in addition to the pulmonary stent 270,
wherein the second stent is positioned across collapse zone 262 of
vena cava 32 and right atrium 22, preferably such that the fluid
outlet of the second stent is positioned close to (but not
extending through) the tricuspid valve 24. Such embodiment
employing two stents, one positioned in collapse zone 262 and one
positioned in kink zone 260, may provide sufficient protection in
some patients for the beating heart blood flow during lifting and
manipulation of the heart during beating heart bypass surgery. It
is also within the scope of the invention to position members
having no internal flow path within portions of the right and/or
left heart for maintaining at least partial blood flow through the
right and/or left sides during beating heart surgery. Such members
may be a solid, flexible rod or a closed tube which provides
support for preventing the collapse of the right and/or left sides
of the heart. For example, one or more of such members having no
internal flow may be positioned within the vena cava 32, the right
atrium 22, right ventricle 30, and pulmonary artery 28 to provide a
support structure around which the beating heart can continue to
pump blood even though a portion of the right side of the heart may
have folded or collapsed against a portion of the surface of the
member, such as when the heart is lifted or manipulated during
beating heart surgery.
[0101] As will be apparent, other combinations of the various
embodiments of the present invention can be used as appropriate for
a particular patient. For example, stent 270 may be positioned in
kink zone 260 and used in combination with a right heart pump and
cannula system as shown and described above with reference to FIGS.
1-20, except that the cannula of the pump and cannula system would
preferably be modified to extend only into the right ventricle 30
and not through pulmonary valve 26. In such a combination, the
pulmonary blood flow from vena cava 32 and right atrium 22 would
not only be protected, but could be augmented and supplemented by a
pump employed to transfer blood from the right atrium 22 into the
right ventricle 30. As also will be apparent to one skilled in the
art utilizing the disclosure of the present invention, the stent
270 can also be utilized for insertion into the left side of the
heart to prevent the collapse, kinking or other restriction within
areas subject to experience such conditions, such as may result
within the aorta 50, right ventricle 52, left atrium 44, and
pulmonary vein 45 when the heart is lifted or manipulated to gain
surgical and visual access to the lateral and posterior vessels on
the heart.
[0102] As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, the above
discussed cannulas, stents, tubing and the like will obviously be
made of appropriate flexible bio-compatible materials which have
sufficient flexibility, radial stiffness and other strength
properties appropriate to the function intended in this invention.
In most applications the cannulas and stents utilized in this
invention must have appropriate radial strength and stiffness to
resist collapsing or kinking under the stresses and compressive
loads imposed on them when inserted in the appropriate blood
vessels and the heart lifted and manipulated during beating heart
bypass surgery. In some instances, soft and flexible materials such
as silicones may be desirable and may need to be reinforced with
wire or other material to provide the radial stiffness and
resistance to collapsing necessary to be useful in the present
invention.
[0103] In another aspect, this invention provides apparatus and
methods for placement and positioning of the stents and cannulas of
this invention. In this aspect, a pressure transducer is provided
on the end of the cannula or stent for detection of the blood
pressure patterns present at the end of the cannula or stent. Since
the pressure patterns are different and distinct in different parts
of the system, the pressure transducer may be used to determine
whether the end of the cannula or stent is in the vein, atrium,
ventricle or artery. The pressure transducer on the end of the
cannula or stent enables precise placement at the desired location.
Multiple transducers may be used along the length of the cannula or
stent or at both ends thereof to provide the information needed for
precise placement of the cannula or stent. For example, side ports
along the cannula with separate lumens for the transducer
connecting wire can be used to provide desired information for
monitoring the condition of the patient, such information is also
useful in controlling the pumps in the pump and cannula system
employed according to this invention.
[0104] There has been shown and described herein various systems
for carrying of methods of beating heart cardiac surgery according
to the present invention. In utilizing the various aspects and
combinations of the present invention, the basic method of the
present invention includes the first step of inserting into the
patient the selected stents, cannulas and/or pump and cannula
systems as appropriate for a particular patient and a particular
surgical procedure to be performed. After the appropriate
combination of apparatuses has been inserted into the patient (and
particularly into the kink zones and the collapse zones within the
right and/or left sides of the heart), then the beating heart can
be subjected to lifting and manipulation without unduly restricting
the blood flow. If the beating heart blood flow is constricted or
temporarily interrupted, or if a still heart surgical procedure is
to be performed, the pump and cannula systems of this invention
will provide supplemental or total pulmonary and/or aortic blood
flow during the time that the beating heart blood flow is
restricted or interrupted. Thus, this invention enables all beating
heart surgical procedures without the use of a CPB machine by
providing methods and apparatus systems ranging from one or more
stents placed to prevent restriction of blood flow produced by the
beating heart, to pump and cannula systems placed through or around
the entire right side and/or through or around the entire left side
to both protect the beating heart blood flow and to augment,
supplement or, when necessary, temporarily replace the beating
heart blood flow during the surgery. This invention thus enables
various heart surgery procedures to be performed without the use of
CPB machines by maintaining sufficient pulmonary blood flow through
the patient's lungs (or lung) and sufficient circulatory blood flow
through the patient's body to sustain the patient during the
surgery.
* * * * *