Device and method for controlling in-vivo pressure

Abstract

A differential pressure regulating device is provided for controlling in-vivo pressure in a body, and in particular in a heart. The device may include a shunt being positioned between two or more lumens in a body, to enable fluids to flow between the lumens, and an adjustable flow regulation mechanism being configured to selectively cover an opening of the shunt, to regulate the flow of fluid through the shunt in relation to a pressure difference between the body lumens. In some embodiments a control mechanism coupled to the adjustable flow regulation may be provided, to remotely activate the adjustable flow regulation mechanism.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a CIP (Continuation In Part) of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 839,643, filed 20 Apr. 2001, entitled “Method and apparatus for reducing localized circulatory system pressure”, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. [0002] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 541,267, filed 3 Feb. 2004, entitled “Device for reducing blood pressure in heart chamber”, and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 573,378, filed 24 May 2004, entitled “Device and method for controlling blood flow”, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates to devices and methods for reducing or regulating pressure within a circulatory system, and in particular to regulate blood pressure in a heart. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] CHF is recognized as one of the most common causes of hospi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

CHF is a disorder characterized by low systemic perfusion and inefficient cardiac function.

Pathophysiologic mechanisms that are directly associated with CHF include reduced cardiac output, increase in cardiac filling pressures, and fluid accumulation, which may lead to, for example, pulmonar congestion and dyspnea.

Impairment of systolic function may result in poor left ventricular contraction and reduced cardiac output, which may generate clinical symptoms including effort intolerance, dyspnea, reduced longevity, edema (lung or peripheral) and pain.

With abnormal diastolic function, the left ventricle may be stiff and markedly less compliant partly because of abnormal relaxation leading to inadequate cardiac filling at normal pressures.

This mandatory rise of filling pressure to maintain cardiac filling and output may lead to pulmonary venous hypertension and lung edema.

Finally, there are at least three extremely invasive and complex surgical procedures for treatment of heart failure: 1) heart transplant; 2) dynamic cardiomyoplasty; and 3) the Batista partial left ventriculectomy.

Finally, cardiac transplantation may be used to treat extreme cardiac dysfunction cases, however this procedure is highly invasive and is limited by the availability of donor hearts.

The mechanical devices may allow propulsion of significant amount of blood (liters / min) and this is also their main limitation.

Images