Device for shunting blood between arterial and venous systems

Abstract

To provide a body fluid transferring apparatus, and particularly, shunts and shunting devices and methods for their use in transferring blood from the arterial system to the venous system of a patient.SOLUTION: A shunting system includes a housing through which a blood flow is regulated when passing therethrough, e.g., from the arterial side to the venous side of the circulatory system. The housing is easily separable into housing components, the separability enabling access to inner components including a blood filter which is easily removable from a connector disc, where the blood filter and connector disc are held in place in the housing when the housing components are coupled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application is related to and claims priority to commonly-assigned U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 165,856, filed March 25, 2021, entitled "Device For Shunting Blood Between The Arterial And Venous Systems Of A Patient," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to bodily fluid transfer devices, and more particularly to shunts and shunting devices and methods for their use in transferring blood from a patient's arterial system to the venous system. [Background technology]

[0003] Modern devices for transferring bodily fluids, including blood, include shunts, which typically serve to transfer blood from a patient's arterial system to their venous system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The disclosed devices and systems provide for shunting of blood from the arterial to the venous side of a patient's circulatory system, allowing clinicians to perform procedures with minimal disruption or impairment of blood flow without compromising the patient's health. For example, the disclosed devices and systems can be used to aid in the treatment of medical conditions in humans or animals, such as endarterectomies, neurovascular procedures, e.g., insertion of stents into the carotid artery, etc.

[0005] The disclosed devices and systems include a two-component housing, a first housing component, or trigger housing, for receiving an arterial tubing (also known as an arterial tube) that is connected to a patient's artery, and a second housing component that serves as a blood reservoir for receiving blood that has passed through the first housing component, which holds the blood to stabilize the pumping pressure of the blood before it leaves the reservoir through a venous tubing (also known as a venous tube) through which the blood is returned to the circulatory system via the veins.

[0006] The arterial tubing extends through the first housing component. An adjustable trigger (also known as a regulator) extends into the first housing component, contacts the arterial tubing, and depresses the arterial tubing at various depths, controlling the shape (e.g., diameter) of the lumen of the arterial tubing and, as a result, regulating (adjusting) the blood flow rate through the arterial tubing. A second housing component, or reservoir housing, joins the first housing component and contains a reservoir for blood entering from the arterial tubing. A venous tubing extends from the second housing component, through which blood flows from the reservoir into the patient's vein.

[0007] The blood filter extends into the reservoir and aligns with the arterial tubing so that all blood entering the reservoir is filtered. The filter is easily accessible and removable from the device (housing) because it is held in place in the first housing component by a snap fit with the connector disk, which acts as a capture mechanism or retainer for the filter. The connector disk is held in place in the first housing component by a compression or press fit with the second housing component when the second housing component is joined to the first housing component. The first and second housing components are joined by a friction fit, e.g., a press fit, so that they are easily separable from each other, and a portion of the proximal end of the second housing component is received by a friction fit, including a press fit, in a portion of the distal end of the first housing component. The connector ring maintains the press fit of the second housing component in the first housing component (and prevents the second housing component from moving distally) and is attached to the first housing component by a friction engagement, including a threaded engagement, with the first housing component.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a shunt comprising: a first housing configured to receive a first conduit for blood inflow, the first conduit extending into the first housing; a regulator extending into the first housing for communication with the first conduit and for controlling a blood flow rate through the first conduit; and a second housing removably attachable from the first housing, the second housing comprising a cavity for receiving and holding blood from the first conduit and configured to receive a second conduit configured to communicate with the cavity for blood outflow through the second conduit.

[0009] Optionally, the shunt further comprises a blood filter extending at least partially into the cavity of the second housing, such that the blood filter in the second housing is in communication with the first conduit in the first housing.

[0010] Optionally, the shunt further comprises a connector, eg, a connector ring, for coupling the first housing to the second housing, the second housing being such that it is removably attached from the first housing.

[0011] Optionally, the shunt is such that the first housing and the connector form a threaded connection, such that the first housing and the second housing are removably attachable to one another.

[0012] Optionally, the shunt is such that the regulator is adjustable between a plurality of positions, each of the positions corresponding to a blood flow rate through the first conduit.

[0013] Optionally, the shunt is such that the regulator includes a trigger lever, the trigger lever being movably mounted within the first housing.

[0014] Optionally, the shunt further includes a first conduit extending through the first housing for blood to flow into the first housing.

[0015] Optionally, the shunt further comprises a second conduit in communication with the cavity for outflow of blood from the cavity of the second housing.

[0016] Optionally, the shunt further includes a connector disk for seating on the first housing, the connector disk including oppositely disposed first and second sides and an opening extending between the first and second sides, the connector disk connecting the first conduit on the first side and the blood filter on the second side, such that the first conduit communicates with the blood filter through the opening to form a blood flow pathway through the shunt.

[0017] Optionally, the shunt includes a connector disk including a conduit connector extending from a first side coincident with the opening for connecting with the first conduit with at least a friction fit, and a plurality of fingers extending outwardly and circumferentially arranged around the opening, the fingers adapted to receive a blood filter with at least a snap fit, such that the first conduit, the conduit connector, the opening and the blood filter are aligned to form a pathway for blood flow through the shunt.

[0018] Optionally, the shunt further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending into an internal cavity of the first housing for receiving and seating the connector disk within the first housing, such that when the first housing is removably attached to the second housing, the connector disk is retained within the first housing by a press fit between the plurality of protrusions and a portion of the second housing extending into the first housing.

[0019] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a medical device, comprising the steps of providing a shunt comprising: a first housing configured to receive a first conduit for blood inflow; a regulator extending into the first housing for communication with the first conduit and for controlling a blood flow rate through the first conduit; and a second housing removably attachable from the first housing, the second housing comprising a cavity for receiving and holding blood from the first conduit and configured to receive a second conduit. The first conduit is attached (e.g., joined or coupled) to the shunt at the first housing; and the second conduit is attached (e.g., joined or coupled) to the shunt at the second housing; whereby the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with each other via the shunt.

[0020] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for blood transfer in a mammalian patient, the method comprising providing a shunt comprising: a first housing configured to receive a first conduit for blood inflow; a regulator extending into the first housing for communication with the first conduit and for controlling a blood flow rate through the first conduit; and a second housing removably attachable from the first housing, the second housing comprising a cavity for receiving and holding blood from the first conduit and configured to receive a second conduit. The first conduit is attached to the shunt at the first housing and the second conduit is attached to the shunt at the second housing. The first conduit is disposed in communication with the mammalian patient at a first location on the mammalian patient and the second conduit is disposed in communication with the mammalian patient at a second location on the mammalian patient such that a blood flow pathway is established between the first conduit and the second conduit through the shunt.

[0021] Optionally, the method is such that the first location comprises an arterial portion of a circulatory system of the mammalian patient, and the second location comprises a venous portion of the circulatory system of the mammalian patient, and the blood flow pathway is from the first conduit to the second conduit via the shunt.

[0022] Optionally, the method further includes regulating blood flow along the blood flow pathway by placing a regulator in contact with the first conduit at a position along the first conduit and depressing the regulator to cause the first conduit to decrease in size adjacent the position.

[0023] Optionally, the method further includes the step of regulating blood flow along the blood flow pathway by releasing the regulator from downward contact with the first conduit at a location along the first conduit, causing the first conduit to increase in size adjacent to that location.

[0024] Non-limiting examples of embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally given the same numeral or letter in all figures in which they appear. Dimensions of illustrated components and features have been chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a shunting system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shunting system of FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shunting system of FIG. 1. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the shunting system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connector disk of a shunting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first housing of the shunt of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second housing of FIG. 1. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the trigger lever of the shunting system of FIG. 1. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a trigger lever of the shunting system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of the blood flow pathway of the shunting system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9B. [Figure 9D] FIG. 2 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] (overview) Shunting of blood by a system that transfers blood from an arterial system to a venous system is typically accomplished using a pressure differential between the arterial and venous circulation of a patient (e.g., a mammalian patient). However, when unimpeded flow is established between the two systems between two vascular entry points, e.g., the carotid artery and the femoral vein, the flow may overwhelm the body's ability to achieve neuro-vascular homeostasis, leading to complications during the procedure. The present disclosure provides a shunting system or shunt that compensates for the pressure differential and controls the rapid blood flow (e.g., rapid blood flow rate) into the blood reservoir of the device, allowing blood to flow into the venous system at a rate at which homeostasis is maintained.

[0027] The present disclosure provides devices and systems for temporarily reducing blood flow, e.g., blood flow velocity and / or pressure, through a shunting system in which blood is transferred from the arterial to the venous side of a patient's circulatory system. This temporary reduction in blood flow velocity in the shunting system reduces the risk of clotting and clogging of the fluid pathways.

[0028] The present disclosure provides a shunting system that includes a device including a housing through which blood flow is regulated as it passes, for example, from an arterial to a venous side of the circulatory system, the housing being readily separable into housing components that provide access to the internal components including a blood filter that is readily removable from a connector disk, the blood filter and connector disk being held in place within the housing when the housing components are mated.

[0029] The device includes a first housing component, the trigger housing, which is mechanically coupled to a second housing component, the reservoir housing, including a manually operable trigger within the trigger housing, which when actuated controls the rate of blood flow through the trigger housing (and downstream through the reservoir housing and the venous tubing).

[0030] The trigger housing may include a manually operable adjustable trigger (also known as a regulator) for reducing the flow rate through the housing, as well as an inlet portal to allow for the reception of the arterial tubing. The trigger housing may have an outlet portal to which the distal end of the arterial tubing (where blood enters from the arterial access point) may be attached. The reservoir housing includes an internal cavity that serves as a blood reservoir and receives blood from the arterial tubing in the trigger housing via the inlet portal. The blood reservoir also includes an outlet portal to which the venous tubing is attached such that the arterial blood re-enters the body through the venous side of the circulatory system. The blood filter extends through the blood reservoir and receives blood from the inlet portal. The blood filter captures particles, including plaque or other debris that may be generated by an intervention or other medical procedure, as the shunted blood flows through the filter, along a path to the venous tubing, and into the venous system through the venous access point.

[0031] The two housing components are mechanically coupled by a connector ring, which joins and holds the first and second housing components together. The first and second housing components are mechanically coupled, for example, by a press fit, such that a portion of the proximal end of the second housing component is received by a friction fit, including a press fit, into a portion of the distal end of the first housing component. The connector ring maintains the press fit of the second housing component in the first housing component (and prevents the second housing component from moving in a distal direction) and is attached to the first housing component by a friction engagement, including a threaded engagement, with the first housing component. When the second housing component presses the connector ring, the blood filter is held in the housing by this mechanical coupling against the protrusion of the first housing component. The connector ring is snap-fitted to the blood filter. The blood filter extends at least partially into the blood reservoir. The snap-fit ​​makes the blood filter easily and quickly removable (separable) from the connector disc. Both the snap-fit ​​of the blood filter onto the connector disc and the press-fit of the connector disc with the joined housing components (e.g., multiple sections) and the joined housing components typically do not use fasteners such as glue, adhesives, welds, tapes, mechanical means, screws, nails, rivets, etc. As a result, the housing is easily disassembled, and the connector disc and the blood filter held thereby are easily accessible, removable from the device, and easily separable from each other. Moreover, the disclosed device 100a and system 100 can be subsequently reassembled into the original configuration without additional fasteners and / or fastening procedures.

[0032] The mechanical friction fit, e.g., snap fit, press fit, compression fit, threaded engagement described above, holds the device and its components together in such a way that the retention force is sufficient to maintain the housing and components therein in mechanically tight engagement, so that no adhesives or fastening techniques such as glue or welding, screws, rivets, clips, etc. This engagement of the system components reduces the risk of failure of the system components and makes it easier for a user to open the system (e.g., the housing of the system) to inspect and / or remove the blood filter as desired.

[0033] For example, the blood filter is easily removable from the housing intact, allowing for rapid inspection of particles within the filter by the clinician. This construction of the disclosed housing avoids the problem of blood filters that are welded and / or bonded to the housing components or other internal components used within the housing components and are therefore prone to mechanical failure, as the connector disk and / or blood filter may become dislodged and disrupt blood flow during the procedure, with potentially fatal consequences for the patient.

[0034] In some embodiments, the system includes a trigger housing having a trigger that can quickly and easily reduce or adjust blood flow through the system. The trigger housing typically has an entry portal that allows for the reception of a tube that is attached to an arterial vascular access point.

[0035] In other embodiments, the trigger housing includes a blood reservoir housing having a portal to which the venous tubing is attached, allowing blood to exit the blood reservoir to a venous access point. The system includes, for example, an arterial tubing that extends into the trigger housing and communicates with an inlet portal or opening in the blood reservoir. The blood reservoir typically has an outlet portal to which the venous tubing connects, which typically connects to the venous access point.

[0036] The trigger housing includes, for example, a trigger lever with a button that can be depressed to engage the trigger lever with an arterial tubing secured within the trigger housing and depress the arterial tubing to allow a temporary reduction in blood flow to the blood reservoir, and the trigger lever is releasable and disengages in a spring-like manner, coupled with the resiliency of the arterial tubing, increasing blood flow to the blood reservoir as the arterial tubing adapts to expand its lumen size, and when all pressure is released from the trigger lever, the lumen returns to its original size.

[0037] (System Description) Throughout this specification, there are references to directions and orientations such as proximal, distal, medial-lateral, longitudinal, lateral, inward, outward, medial, lateral, superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, upper, lower, lateral, upstream, downstream, and derivatives thereof. These directional and orientation references are exemplary for purposes of describing and explaining the present disclosure and embodiments thereof and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0038] 1 illustrates a system 100 that allows for the shunting of blood from an arterial to a venous side of a patient's circulatory system. System 100 includes a shunt 100a (also known as a device, and these terms are used interchangeably herein) having a proximal end 100ap and a distal end 100ad along a longitudinal axis LA. The longitudinal axis LA extends from a proximal end PE to a distal end DE, and these orientations of "proximal" and "distal" ends are used herein for reference purposes in describing system 100 and its components.

[0039] The shunt 100a is attached to arterial tubing 101 at a proximal end 100ap and to venous tubing 102 at a distal end 100ad of the shunt 100a. The shunt 100a includes a housing 100a' (or body, these terms are used interchangeably herein) formed, for example, from two matable housing components. These components include a first housing component or trigger housing 103 that is attached to a second housing component or reservoir housing 105 (or blood reservoir) by a connector ring 104 of the reservoir housing 105 threadably engaging or screwing into a corresponding threaded 124 flange 125 on the exterior surface of the trigger housing 103 (FIGS. 2A-2C). The system 100 is configured such that blood is conveyed from an arterial entry or starting point through the device 100a (from the first housing (component) 103 to the second housing (component) 105) to a venous entry or ending point, this direction of blood flow being known as "downstream." For example, the trigger housing 103, connector ring 104, and reservoir housing 105 are symmetrical along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0040] The arterial tubing 101 attaches to a patient's arterial entry point (not shown) for blood inlet into the system 100. The tubing 101 fits (e.g., bonds or couples) to an entry portal 110 of the trigger housing 103, for example, by frictional engagement. The venous tubing 102 attaches to a patient's venous entry point (not shown) for blood outlet from the system 100. The tubing 102 also attaches (e.g., bonds or couples) to an exit portal 111 of the blood reservoir 105, for example, by frictional engagement on the exit portal 111.

[0041] Trigger housing 103 includes an entry portal 110 that extends outwardly to allow the distal end of arterial tubing 101 to fit and enter trigger housing 103, extending therethrough until it connects to a port formed by a protrusion 141 extending proximally from connector disk 117 (FIGS. 2A-2C) on the interior of trigger housing 103.

[0042] The trigger lever 126, also known as a regulator (shown in more detail in FIGS. 2A-2C, 7A and 7B), includes a button 107 and an engagement arm 108 from which an outwardly projecting tab 109 extends. The trigger lever 126 extends outwardly, e.g., upwardly, through a slot 120 formed in the trigger housing 103. The remainder of the trigger level button 107 resides in an interior cavity 118 of the trigger housing 103. A trigger lever pin 106 located on each of the opposing arms 106a of the trigger level button 107 extends outwardly from opposing mounting holes 112 (only one shown) in the trigger housing 103 such that the trigger lever 126 is pivotally (rotatably) mounted to the trigger housing 103. This pivotable mounting allows the trigger lever 126 to be moved or depressed, for example manually, to various positions inside and outside the trigger housing 103, the position of the trigger lever 126 regulating blood flow through the trigger housing 103 and downstream therefrom.

[0043] 2A-2C also show an exploded view of the system 100. The trigger housing 103 includes an entry portal 110, a slot 120 on an upper proximal face, and an internal cavity 118. The trigger housing 103 terminates in a distal rim 103x at a distal end 103x' of the housing 103. A threaded flange 125 extends proximally from the distal edge 103x' to a ring stop 122 of a larger diameter than the connector ring 104 to act as a travel limit for proximal movement of the connector ring 104 when the trigger housing 103 and blood reservoir 105 are joined together.

[0044] The arterial tubing 101 extends into the entry portal 110 of the trigger housing 103 where it connects to a protrusion 141 on the connector disk 117 (shown in detail in FIGS. 8A and 8B). Protrusion 141 includes an outer surface 140 that slopes distally and upwardly away from its proximal end. This connection is made such that an inner wall 101a of the arterial tubing 101 typically extends over a circumferential protrusion 140a to engage protrusion 141 and form a secure attachment, as shown in FIG.

[0045] The arterial tubing 101 is received in the receiving channel 184 along a surface 110a formed on the bottom or underside of the interior cavity 118 of the trigger housing 103, as shown in FIG. 5. The surface 110a is formed to fit snugly around the bottom and sides of a portion of the outside diameter of the arterial tubing 101 to hold the arterial tubing 101 in place. For example, the sides and bottom of the distal bottom surface 110a of the receiving channel 184 of the trigger housing 103 are circular, like a tube, to form the receiving channel 184. The surface 110a of the receiving channel 184 may, for example, mirror the shape of the arterial tubing 101, but fit snugly around the arterial tubing 101 along an arc of, for example, between about 120 degrees and 270 degrees (e.g., such that the top circumference of the arterial tubing 101 does not contact the receiving channel surface 184).

[0046] 3 shows in detail the connector disk 117 for seating in the trigger housing 103 when moved distally (towards the distal end DE) along the longitudinal axis LA. The connector disk 117 is adapted to fit within the internal cavity 118 of the trigger housing 103, for example by being circular in cross section and seating against a protrusion 180 that extends inwardly of the internal cavity 118. The connector disk 117 includes an inner base or plate 117a and an outer cylinder 117b that tapers proximally outwardly, for example (towards the proximal end PE of the longitudinal axis LA) towards an outer platform 117c. The outer platform 117c includes along its periphery 150, for example, two first segments 150a between second segments 150b, the first and second segments 150a extending along an arc length at different heights. The first segment 150a is formed by a groove along the periphery 150 that terminates in a longitudinally extending surface 150a'.

[0047] 4 and 5, the first segments 150a receive and contact a set of protrusions 180, with each set of protrusions at the same height (extending the same distance into the cavity 118). The sets of protrusions 180 are arranged to fit within the respective grooves of each first segment 150a and extend along an arc length that is slightly less than the arc length (distance) of the grooves that form the first segments 150a. Between each set of protrusions is an open area 181. For example, the sets of protrusions are arranged opposite one another, as are the open areas 181 between the sets of protrusions.

[0048] For example, the protrusions 180 are formed in sets and extend circumferentially around the inner distal surface 118 proximate the location of the flange 125 on the trigger housing 103. The protrusions 180 are sized to capture and mate with the first segments 150a of the connector disk 117. For example, the protrusions 180 are linear in shape, e.g., knife-shaped. For example, there are two sets of protrusions, each spanning an arc length slightly less than the corresponding arc length of the first segment 150a (e.g., its groove).

[0049] The end projections 180x of each projection set are positioned to abut or be adjacent to the longitudinally extending surface 150a' of each first segment 150a to fit within the grooves of the first segment 150a. The end projections 180x act as stop surfaces or rotational movement limits to prevent the connector disk 117 from rotationally moving so that the connector disk 117 seats within the internal cavity 118 of the trigger housing 103 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Although two projection sets with two open areas 181 are shown, any number of projection sets with corresponding open areas are permissible, provided that grooves are present in the first segment 150a to accommodate the projections 180 and the connector disk 117 is substantially free to rotate and seat within the trigger housing 103 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0050] Returning to Figures 2B, 2C and 3, the connector disk 117 has a protrusion 141 extending proximally from a proximal side 117p of the base 117a of the connector disk 117. The protrusion 141 extends, for example, through an open area 181 between a set of protrusions 180. As shown in detail in Figures 8A and 8B, the base 117a has an opening 129 extending therethrough that communicates with the lumen 142 (Figures 8A and 8B) of the protrusion 141 and aligns with the opening 113a of the housing ring 113 at the proximal portion of the blood filter 115 to form a blood flow path between the trigger housing 103 and the blood reservoir 105.

[0051] The distal side 117d of the connector disk 117 includes circumferentially spaced fingers 130 extending outwardly from its distal surface, the fingers 130 having recesses 131 formed therein. The recesses 131 provide additional friction or retention force to each finger 130. The fingers 130 may, for example, extend distally from the connector disk 117 with an inward slope or taper such that the proximal portions of the fingers 130 have a diameter slightly larger than the blood filter housing ring 113 while the distal ends of the fingers have a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the blood filter housing ring 113. This smaller diameter formed by the distal fingers 130 serves to secure the blood filter 115 in the connector disk 117 with an interference fit (e.g., against or adjacent the base 117a). Because the fingers 130 are of a resilient material, they behave like a spring and frictionally engage and hold the blood filter 115 with the housing ring 113 in the above mentioned interference fit.

[0052] The housing ring 113 of the blood filter 115 includes an opening 113a. A transverse "U" shaped stabilizer 114 extends (e.g., distally) from the housing ring 113. The U-shaped stabilizer 114 supports a filter fabric material 115a. The blood filter 115 extends to a length suitable for the blood filter 115 to seat in a correspondingly shaped internal cavity 165 (FIG. 6) of the blood reservoir 105.

[0053] The filter fabric material 115a is, for example, a cross-woven monofilament made of a blood compatible material such as nylon or polypropylene. The material 115a is suitable for trapping particles, for example, about 100 microns or larger. Other suitable filter fabric materials trap particles, for example, about 200 microns or larger, and still other filter fabric materials trap particles, for example, about 300 microns or larger. The filter fabric material 115 can be attached around the inner circumference of the housing ring 113 and attached to the stabilizer 114 to form a tube through which fluid or blood moving through the system 100 (e.g., downstream, entering the filter 115 at the opening 113x of the housing ring 113) moves through the filter 115 to the blood reservoir 105.

[0054] 6, the blood reservoir 105 tapers outward in the proximal direction to an outwardly protruding ring 160, also known as a stop ring. The stop ring 160 has a diameter equal to the rim 103x of the trigger housing 103 to act as a travel limit (e.g., a stop surface) for the reservoir housing 105 when the reservoir housing is joined to the trigger housing 103 (via the connector ring 104). The diameter of a collar 161 extending proximally from the stop ring 160 and terminating at a proximal end 164 is smaller than the stop ring 160. This dimension allows the collar 161 to fit between the outer cylinder 117b of the connector ring 117 and the inner wall 118a of the internal cavity 118 of the trigger housing 103 when the trigger housing 103 and the blood reservoir 105 are joined together to form a housing 100a' for the shunt 100a. An edge 164 of the collar 161 abuts or is adjacent to a platform 117 c of the connector disk 117 .

[0055] The outlet portal 111 extends from the reservoir housing 105 and opens into the interior cavity 165 of the reservoir housing 105 through a proximally extending finger tube 162 formed in the inner surface of the distal end of the blood reservoir 105 around a hole 162a that leads to the outlet portal 111. The outlet portal 111 is shaped to receive and retain the venous tubing 102.

[0056] The connector ring 104 is designed to be moved over the reservoir housing 105 such that the connector ring inner side 135 is received over the threaded flange 125 of the trigger housing 103 when the trigger housing 103 and the reservoir housing 105 are engaged together. The inner side 135 of the connector ring 104 is threaded along its surface to correspond to the threaded flange 125 to form a mechanically secure frictional connection. The connector ring 104 has a recess 136 which provides a gripping surface for the user. The connector ring 104 is limited in proximal movement by a ring stop 122 which extends circumferentially around the trigger housing 103 to a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the connector ring 104.

[0057] Connector ring 104 has an inner diameter "V" that is larger than diameter "T" of stop ring 160 such that its proximal end 136a fits over stop ring 160. Distances "R" and "T" may, for example, be approximately equal, where "T" is the outer diameter of stop ring 160 and "R" is the inner diameter of connector ring 104. For example, proximal end 136a of connector ring 104 is sized to include sections of varying diameters that are wide enough for connector ring 104 to slide over stop ring 160 (e.g., when connector ring 104 is moving proximally). Distal end 136b is sized to fit and engage flush with ring stop 122.

[0058] 7A and 7B show the trigger lever 126 in detail. The trigger lever 126 is, for example, a single piece formed of a resilient material, such as a polymer, by a technique such as, for example, injection molding. The trigger lever 126 includes a button 107, which is the main part or body of the trigger lever 126. The trigger lever 126 and the button 107 are, for example, symmetrical about a longitudinal axis LA', which is, for example, parallel to and coplanar with the longitudinal axis LA of the device 100a.

[0059] The trigger lever 126 includes an engagement arm 108 having a tab 109 formed on its proximal surface, a "U" shaped protrusion 128, and an engagement pin 106 formed on each of its distal arms 106a. The tab 109 protrudes from the arm 108 along the proximal surface 109a and tapers outwardly in an upward direction along the proximal surface 109b. The arm 108 is caused to behave like a spring by the resilient material. Thus, the arm 108 can be moved inward (e.g., distally) or otherwise bent or pushed along the proximal surface 109a to release the tab 109 from abutment with a shoulder 120x (FIG. 5) of the slot 120 of the trigger housing 103. Additionally, as the arm 108 is moved downward, it will move inward and as the tab 109 along its outer surface 109b slides along the shoulder 120x of the slot 120, the arm 108 will spring back into place (moving proximally) once the tab 109 moves sufficiently downward and clears the shoulder 120x of the slot 120 (so that the upward movement of the trigger lever 126 is limited). The resilient material also allows the pin 106 to be inserted and removed from the mounting hole 112 of the trigger housing 103.

[0060] A U-shaped protrusion 128 on the lower part of the trigger lever 126 is used to apply varying amounts of pressure (typically manually) to the arterial tube 101 inside the trigger housing 103, for example to change the size of the lumen 101c of the arterial tube 101, including deforming the lumen 101c to a smaller size (e.g., to reduce the diameter of the arterial tube 101), thereby regulating blood flow therethrough (and consequently downstream through the blood filter 115, the reservoir 105, and ultimately the venous tube 102). For example, the "U" shaped protrusion 128 is formed to have a lower width "Q", where "Q" is 100% to 40% of the width of the arterial tube 101.

[0061] The trigger housing 103, connector ring 104, blood reservoir 105, blood filter ring 113 and lateral stabilizer 114, and connector disk 117 of the system 100 can be formed, molded or made of a suitable material, such as hard polycarbonate or other suitable plastic. These components are typically formed as a single piece by processes such as injection molding and other polymer molding techniques (optionally, the blood filter ring 113 and stabilizer 114 are formed separately and joined together by adhesive and / or welding). The components, including the blood filter 115 and trigger lever 126, fit together with one or more types of friction fit, including, for example, a snap fit, press fit, and / or compression fit, eliminating the need for adhesives or welding, reducing the risk of failure of the components of the system, and making it easier for the user to open the system to inspect or remove the blood filter, if necessary. The above-mentioned components can be, for example, colored, painted, clear or opaque, or a combination of these finishes.

[0062] Also for example, arterial tubing 101 and venous tubing 102 may be made from a flexible polymeric material, such as Tygon Medical / Surgical Tubing S-50-HL, and may be fitted with phlebotomy needles for accessing the arteries and veins, respectively.

[0063] (System Operation) 8A and 8B show in detail the blood flow from arterial tubing 101 (in trigger housing 103), through connector disk 117, to blood filter 115 (in blood reservoir 105).

[0064] 8A shows the connection between the connector disk 117 and the arterial tube 101 proximal to the connector disk 117 and the blood filter 115 distal to the connector disk 117. The opening 129 in the base 117a of the connector disk 117 aligns with the lumen 142 of the protrusion 141 and the lumen 101c of the arterial tube 101. A flow AA of fluid (e.g., blood) is shown traveling through the lumen 101c of the arterial tube 101, through the opening 129 in the connector disk 117, through the opening 113a in the housing ring 113 of the blood filter 115, and into the blood reservoir 105 (e.g., the internal cavity 165 of the blood reservoir 105) before flowing downstream.

[0065] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8A. Fluid or blood flow "AA" is shown traveling downstream through the lumen 101c of the arterial tubing 101, into the lumen 142 of the protrusion 141, and then through the opening 129 in the base 117a of the connector disk 117. The blood then flows downstream, through the housing ring 113 of the blood filter 115, through the filter mesh 115a of the blood filter 115, and into the blood reservoir 105. Blood exiting the blood reservoir 105 passes through the outlet portal 111 (to which the venous tubing 102 is attached), through which the blood is returned to the circulatory system through the venous system.

[0066] 9A-9D show the operation of a trigger lever 126 on the arterial tubing 101 received within trigger housing 103 to control the amount of blood flow (e.g., blood flow velocity) through the arterial tubing 101 and downstream arterial tubing 101. In these figures, blood flow is shown in the downstream direction and is designated "AA." The trigger lever 126 is adjustable between multiple positions, each of which moves a protrusion 128 that applies or releases pressure to the arterial tubing 101 to control the lumen size / diameter. The lumen size / diameter corresponds to the blood flow velocity through the arterial tubing 101.

[0067] 9A, tab 109 of engagement arm 108 of trigger lever 126 rests on shoulder 120x of trigger housing 103. Lumen 101c of arterial tube 101 is at its maximum diameter because trigger lever 126 is not exerting pressure on arterial tube 101 through its protrusion 128. The inside diameter of lumen 101c is Q1, which is equal to X.

[0068] In Figure 9B, tab 109 has been moved down shoulder 120x by a force represented by arrow M, which may be a manual force, such that protrusion 128 impacts exterior surface 101b of arterial tubing 101, moving exterior surface 101b inward and deforming tubing 101, e.g., making the lumen smaller. The diameter of lumen 101c decreases from "X" to "Q2", decreasing the blood flow velocity.

[0069] Figure 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9C-9C in Figure 9B. In this view, distance "D" represents the outer diameter of arterial tubing 101 inside trigger housing 103, and "E" represents the width of the bottom of "U"-shaped protrusion 128 of trigger lever 126. In some embodiments, length "E" is between 40% and 100% of distance "D". As a result, blood flow rate (blood flow velocity) is regulated by slowing it down.

[0070] 9D, trigger lever 126 is fully depressed by a force (e.g., a manual force) represented by arrow M, reducing the diameter of lumen 101c completely from "X" to zero, closing or otherwise gripping arterial tubing 101. Blood flow through arterial tubing 101 is now stopped.

[0071] Although the embodiments described herein primarily address blood transport through shunts, the methods and systems described herein can also be used for other applications, such as transporting other bodily fluids, as well as draining fluids from the body and injecting fluids into the body.

[0072] The above-described embodiments are given by way of example, and it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described herein, as well as variations and modifications thereof that would occur to one skilled in the art upon reading the above description and that are not disclosed in the prior art. Documents incorporated into this application by reference are considered to be an integral part of this application, except that to the extent that any term is defined in these incorporated documents in a manner that is inconsistent with the definitions expressly or impliedly made herein, only the definitions in this specification shall be considered.

Claims

1. A shunt, a first housing configured to receive a first conduit for blood inflow, the first conduit extending into the first housing; a regulator extending into the first housing for communication with the first conduit for controlling a blood flow rate through the first conduit; a second housing removably mountable from the first housing; Equipped with The second housing has a cavity for receiving and holding blood from the first conduit and is configured to receive a second conduit, the second conduit being configured to communicate with the cavity for the outflow of blood through the second conduit.

2. 10. The shunt of claim 1, further comprising a blood filter extending at least partially into the cavity of the second housing, the blood filter in the second housing in communication with the first conduit in the first housing.

3. The shunt of claim 1 , further comprising a connector for coupling the first housing to the second housing, the second housing adapted to be removably attached from the first housing.

4. The shunt of claim 3 , wherein the first housing and the connector form a threaded connection such that the first housing and the second housing are removably attachable to one another.

5. The shunt of claim 1 , wherein the regulator is adjustable between a plurality of positions, each of the positions corresponding to a blood flow rate through the first conduit.

6. The shunt of claim 5 , wherein the regulator includes a trigger lever, the trigger lever being movably mounted within the first housing.

7. The shunt of claim 1 , further comprising a first conduit extending through the first housing for blood to flow into the first housing.

8. 8. The shunt of claim 1, further comprising a second conduit in communication with the cavity of the second housing for blood outflow from the cavity.

9. 3. The shunt of claim 2, further comprising a connector disk for seating on the first housing, the connector disk including first and second oppositely disposed sides and including an opening extending between the first and second sides, the connector disk connecting the first conduit on the first side and the blood filter on the second side, such that the first conduit communicates with the blood filter through the opening to form a blood flow path through the shunt.

10. 10. The shunt of claim 9, wherein the connector disk includes a conduit connector extending from the first side coincident with the opening for connecting with a first conduit with at least a friction fit, and a plurality of fingers arranged circumferentially extending outwardly around the opening, the fingers adapted to receive a blood filter with at least a snap fit, whereby the first conduit, the conduit connector, the opening and the blood filter are aligned to form a pathway for blood flow through the shunt.

11. 10. The shunt of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of protrusions extending into an internal cavity of the first housing for receiving and seating the connector disk within the first housing, wherein when the first housing is removably attached to the second housing, the connector disk is retained within the first housing by a press fit between the plurality of protrusions and a portion of the second housing that extends into the first housing.

12. 1. A method of assembling a medical device, comprising: Providing a shunt, comprising: The shunt comprises: a first housing configured to receive a first conduit for blood inflow; a regulator extending into the first housing for communication with the first conduit for controlling a blood flow rate through the first conduit; a second housing removably attachable to the first housing, the second housing having a cavity for receiving and retaining blood from the first conduit and configured to receive a second conduit; providing the shunt, attaching the first conduit to the shunt in the first housing; attaching a second conduit to the shunt in the second housing; whereby the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with each other via the shunt. method.

13. 1. A method of transferring blood in a mammalian patient, comprising: Providing a shunt, the shunt comprising: a first housing configured to receive a first conduit for blood inflow; a regulator extending into the first housing for communication with the first conduit for controlling a blood flow rate through the first conduit; a second housing removably attachable to the first housing, the second housing having a cavity for receiving and retaining blood from the first conduit and configured to receive a second conduit; providing the shunt, attaching the first conduit to the shunt in the first housing; attaching a second conduit to the shunt in the second housing; placing the first conduit in communication with the mammalian patient at a first location on the mammalian patient; placing the second conduit in communication with the mammalian patient at a second location on the mammalian patient; whereby a blood flow pathway is established between the first conduit and the second conduit through the shunt.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first location comprises an arterial portion of a circulatory system of a mammalian patient, the second location comprises a venous portion of a circulatory system of the mammalian patient, and the blood flow pathway is from the first conduit to the second conduit via a shunt.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising regulating the blood flow along the blood flow pathway by placing the regulator in contact with the first conduit at a location along the first conduit and depressing the regulator to cause the first conduit to decrease in size proximate the location.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising regulating the blood flow along the blood flow pathway by releasing the regulator from downward contact with the first conduit at a location along the first conduit, causing the first conduit to increase in size adjacent to the location.

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