Percutaneous perfusion of occluded coronary arteries with blood from the femoral artery: a dog study.

The idea of perfusing the distal coronary artery with arterial blood during balloon dilatation was implemented in early experimental coronary angioplasty but then abandoned. We pursued this concept in an animal model using a specially designed roller pump. The pump delivers blood from a femoral artery catheter through the central lumen of a balloon catheter occluding a coronary artery. Perfusion of large proximally occluded coronary arteries for at least 60 min was possible in 8 of 11 heparinized dogs. Hemolysis occurring in the pump system due to the small catheter lumen proved a minor problem. For a limited period of time, occluded coronary arteries can be adequately perfused with arterial blood by this percutaneous system that is readily applicable in any catheterization laboratory. Its use is conceivable not only for temporary treatment of acute complications during angioplasty but also for prolonged balloon dilatations of spastic or thrombosed coronary arteries.