Arterial perfusion cannula for extracorporeal circulation and other uses

Claim 1

Arterial perfusion cannula, for effecting extracorporeal circulation, wherein one part is inserted into the aortic vessel, and the other part is connected to a cardiopulmonary machine, comprising: a single multi-channel catheter having a tubular body end region and including at least separate and independent first, second and third pathways each of which having corresponding at least one first, second and third openings in said tubular body end region; wherein the first and second pathways define separate non-communicating passages within said catheter; the third pathway comprising a further independent passage in said catheter channelizing a fluid with the corresponding third opening of said third pathway feeding at least one inflatable balloon which is located between the first and second openings, as an arterial occlusive element operative to be adjustable against the internal vessel walls; with the sole openings in the tubular body end region being the first, second and third openings; wherein the first pathway has its sole opening to the tubular body end region in the at least one first opening downstream of said balloon, and the second pathway has its sole opening to the tubular body end region in the at least one second opening upstream of said balloon; and wherein the first pathway and at least one corresponding first opening are of a size suitable for infusion of oxygenated blood from a cardiopulmonary machine for the whole organism in sufficient amounts to maintain circulation.