A method and device for occluding a patient's ascending aorta, maintaining circulation
of oxygenated blood in the patient and delivering cardioplegic fluid to arrest
the patient's heart. An aortic occlusion catheter has an occluding member for occluding
the ascending aorta. The aortic occlusion catheter passes through a cannula. Delivery
of oxygenated blood is accomplished through either the cannula of the aortic occlusion
catheter. In another aspect of the invention, an arterial cannula having a curved
or angled distal portion. An introducer straightens the distal portion for introduction
into the patient. In still another aspect of the invention, an open-mesh stabilizer
is used to stabilize a discoid occluding member.
