Multifunction Pericardial Drainage Catheter

Abstract

A longstanding controversy in the field of cardiac surgery is whether or not to repair the pericardium on completion of open heart surgery. The device proposed is a multilumen catheter that will allow for delivery and removal of fluids to and from the pericardial space. In more detail, the main lumen will allow for gentle suction. A second lumen will allow for targeted drug delivery if desired. Targeted drug deliver can be especially important in the case of adverse events such as infection or postoperative atrial fibrillation. A temporary pacing lead through the catheter will allow for increased rate control by means of antibradicardic pacing. The catheter can help reduce the complications involved with closing the pericardium and thus encouraging more surgeons to complete this task in more procedures in order to reduce complications among the ever-increasing number of repeat operations.