Apparatus and methods for perfusing ischemic myocardium, and optionally,
for reducing the load on a patient's left ventricle, are provided using a
inlet conduit having an inlet end configured for insertion into an
oxygenated blood source, including without limitation, the left atrium,
left ventricle, aorta, pulmonary vein, subclavian artery, brachiocephalic
artery, radial artery or femoral artery, coupled to an outlet conduit
having an outlet end configured for insertion into the coronary venous
vasculature via the coronary ostium. The inlet conduit may include a
stylet or elastomeric sleeve that facilitates placement, while the outlet
conduit may include a valve for limiting a peak pressure attained in the
coronary venous system. A motor-driven or hydraulically-actuated pump
optionally may be coupled in the flow path, and control circuitry
provided to control the pump with a user selected duty cycle.