A heart vent catheter includes an elongate, flexible tube that defines a first passageway. The catheter has a distal end, a central portion, and a proximal end. A balloon is included as part of the distal end and surrounds at least a portion of the tube. A plurality of first openings are formed in the tube adjacent the balloon on the forwardmost side of the balloon. A plurality of second openings can be formed in the tube adjacent the balloon on the proximal side of the balloon. After the distal end has been inserted into a desired part of a patient's heart, such as the left ventricle, the balloon can be inflated so as to engage a part of the heart such as the mitral valve and thereby prevent undesired withdrawal of the catheter. The proximal end includes a formation that can be connected to a vacuum source. The openings in the tube in the distal end permit blood, other fluid, debris and/or air to be withdrawn from the heart through the first passageway under suction. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the balloon can be collapsed and the catheter can be withdrawn from the heart.
