Methods and apparatus for reducing localized circulatory system pressure
US8091556B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M60/896
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for decreasing cardiac pressure in a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside a first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in a first portion is released. Preferably, the end diastolic pressure in the left ventricle is reduced, which is accomplished by having the shunt communicate with the left ventricle so a small volume of blood is released from the left ventricle. Most preferably, the shunt selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart above a threshold pressure, so that shunting is prevented during left ventricular systole, or, alternatively, selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart is between a lower threshold and a higher threshold. In certain embodiments a semi-passive check-valve is controlled and actuated by an external signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.