A Self-Guiding Catheter for Cardiac and Pulmonary Arterial Catheterization and Occlusion.*

Abstract

A new type of self_guiding catheter is descr. for placement in the right heart or pulmonary arteries of dogs. This technique does not require a fluoroscope or any special skill and the localization of the catheter is detd. from concomitantly recorded pressures. The catheter can be placed quite rapidly with a min. of trauma to the heart and vessels. The catheter is completely flexible and carries at its tip a small balloon. When inflated the balloon acts as a sail and guides the catheter automatically downstream. It may also be used to block the blood flow at some particular site.