The invention is a catheter with a fluid flow divider positioned near the distal end of the catheter for dividing a first lumen into two channels at a point where a second lumen branches from the first lumen, and for selectively perfusing the branch lumen. The invention is particularly suited for use in the aortic arch. The fluid flow divider may comprise one or more inflatable chambers or one or more deployable shrouds comprising a plurality of arms with a webbing extending between adjacent arms. The inflatable chambers may be relatively noncompliant or they may be compliant, exhibiting elastic behavior after initial inflation, to closely fit the aortic lumen size and curvature. The catheter may further include one or more additional or auxiliary flow control members located upstream or downstream from the fluid flow divider to further segment the patient's circulatory system for selective perfusion to different organ systems within the body or to assist in anchoring the catheter in a desired position.

A catheter having a tubular portion, a corrugated section, and a tubular tip portion. The tip portion may have side holes. A method of inserting the catheter into a selected artery by first inserting the catheter into an artery, until the tip of the catheter is near the selected artery. Then, the proximate end of the catheter is manipulated to bend a corrugated section of the catheter by forcing the tip of the catheter into the wall of the artery and pushing on the proximate end of the catheter. The proximate end of the catheter is then maneuvered to insert the tip of the catheter into the selected artery.

A method and apparatus for providing circulation to distal organs and blood flow for intercostal lumbar perfusion during aortic surgery by means of an intercostal and lumbar perfusion shunt having a main tubular member defining a first flow path and a plurality of side tubular members connected intermediate the ends of the main tubular member and defining a plurality of second flow paths. The method includes the steps of shunting a pathologic section by connecting the free ends of the main tubular member to the aorta proximal and distal to the pathology for providing blood flow to the distal organs and by connecting the free ends of the side tubular members to the intercostals through an opening in the aorta for providing blood flow to the intercostals during surgery.

Methods and apparatus are provided for use in intraoperative and percutaneous procedures for supplying long-term retrograde perfusion of the myocardium via one or more conduits disposed between the left ventricle and the coronary venous vasculature. The conduits are of a selected size and number, and portions of the venous vasculature or coronary ostium are partially or completely occluded, to maintain a parameter related to the pressure attained in the venous vasculature to a value less than a predetermined value.

A method, device and system for providing a flow of oxygenated perfusion fluid (e.g. oxygenated whole blood) through a balloon angioplasty catheter to perfuse tissues which would normally be deprived of blood flow when the balloon of the angioplasty catheter is inflated. In accordance with the invention, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device is fluidly connected to the angioplasty catheter such that oxygenated fluid (e.g. oxygenated whole blood) may be passed through the catheter and caused to exit the catheter distal to the angioplasty balloon. The patient's own blood may be withdrawn, oxygenated by the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device and subsequently reinfused through the angioplasty catheter. A dual-lumen introducer sheath may be employed for the dual function of a) facilitating insertion of the catheter and b) allowing withdrawal of blood for subsequent oxygenation and reinfusion through the angioplasty catheter.