Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.

An access device may be provided that includes a hub configured to improve the flow of blood within a lumen, in order to prevent, e.g., thrombus formation, while also avoiding hemolysis. The hub may have a removably attachable second arm, protrusions/depressions with the lumens of the hub or system, and/or plugs or plug analogs may be used to prevent flow from entering certain regions of the lumens within the hub. These hubs may be used, e.g., as part of an access device, which may have a modular configuration.

An access device may be provided that includes a hub configured to improve the flow of blood within a lumen, in order to prevent, e.g., thrombus formation, while also avoiding hemolysis. The hub may have a removably attachable second arm, protrusions/depressions with the lumens of the hub or system, and/or plugs or plug analogs may be used to prevent flow from entering certain regions of the lumens within the hub. These hubs may be used, e.g., as part of an access device, which may have a modular configuration.

A system and method for integrating and synchronizing an automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device with components of cardiac catheterization laboratories so as to enhance the efficacy of each intervention. Synchronization can include image gating so that a monitor shows real time images during relaxation of the CPR, and a static image during compression of the CPR.

A system and method for integrating and synchronizing an automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device with components of cardiac catheterization laboratories so as to enhance the efficacy of each intervention. Synchronization can include image gating so that a monitor shows real time images during relaxation of the CPR, and a static image during compression of the CPR.

Methods and apparatuses for pumping blood within a blood vessel are described. The methods and apparatuses can be used for renal decongestion by pumping blood through the kidney(s), thereby increasing a pressure gradient across the kidney(s). The apparatuses can include one or more inflatable elements that can be repeatedly inflated and deflated to cause a pumping action within the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the one or more inflatable elements are positioned within one or more stents.

Methods and apparatuses for pumping blood within a blood vessel are described. The methods and apparatuses can be used for renal decongestion by pumping blood through the kidney(s), thereby increasing a pressure gradient across the kidney(s). The apparatuses can include one or more inflatable elements that can be repeatedly inflated and deflated to cause a pumping action within the blood vessel. In some embodiments, the one or more inflatable elements are positioned within one or more stents.

Systems and methods are provided for treating conditions such as heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava for an interval spanning multiple cardiac cycles. A catheter with an occlusion device is provided along with a controller that actuates a drive mechanism to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, which reduces cardiac filling pressures, and induces a favorable shift in the patient's Frank-Starling curve towards healthy heart functionality and improved cardiac performance. The system may include sensors to determine the degree of occlusion of the superior vena cava. The occlusion system may be used to reduce volume in a heart and facilitate a cardiac procedure. The occlusion system may be used to relieve an overloaded chamber during and/or after deploying a VAD.

Systems and methods are provided for treating conditions such as heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava for an interval spanning multiple cardiac cycles. A catheter with an occlusion device is provided along with a controller that actuates a drive mechanism to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, which reduces cardiac filling pressures, and induces a favorable shift in the patient's Frank-Starling curve towards healthy heart functionality and improved cardiac performance. The system may include sensors to determine the degree of occlusion of the superior vena cava. The occlusion system may be used to reduce volume in a heart and facilitate a cardiac procedure. The occlusion system may be used to relieve an overloaded chamber during and/or after deploying a VAD.

A system for improving blood flow through a circulatory system of a patient is disclosed. The patient can have a wrist. The circulatory system can have a radial artery, an ulnar artery, and a descending aorta. The system can comprise at least one inflatable bladder that is configured to be received into the descending aorta of the patient. A pump can be configured to cyclically pump a fluid into the at least one inflatable bladder to inflate the at least one inflatable bladder. A conduit can be positioned between and in fluid communication with the at least one inflatable bladder and the pump. The conduit can be configured to communicate the fluid between the pump and the at least one inflatable bladder. The conduit can have a length of at least 110 cm.