Long-Term Implantable Arterio-Venous Shunt Device

Abstract

A long-term implantable arterio-venous shunt device is provided that can be used as a therapeutic method. The shunt device is implanted between an artery and a vein, preferably between the aorta and the inferior vena cava. The shunt device decreases the systemic vascular resistance and allows a blood flow rate through the shunt device of at least 5 ml/min after the implantation. The blood flow rate could be controlled either via an open loop or a closed loop control means. The shunt device could also be a self-adjustable shunt device to self-adjust its structure to control the blood flow rate through its lumen. Based on the effects of the shunt device to the respiratory, cardiac and circulatory system, the implantable shunt device could be beneficial as a therapy to patients with problems or conditions related to these systems.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . An apparatus for therapy in a human, comprising:
 a long-term implantable arterio-venous shunt device adapted for placement between an artery and a vein in said human to divert a portion of the blood from the arterial circulatory system to the venous circulatory system to decrease the systemic vascular resistance, wherein the shunt device has an opening with a diameter selected to provide a blood flow rate through said shunt device of at least 5 ml/min after said implantation.   
     
     
         26 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein said artery is an aorta and said vein is an inferior vena cava. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein said opening has a cross sectional area in the range of about 19 mm 2  to about  750 mm   2 . 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , further comprising a control means to control said blood flow rate through said shunt at a blood flow rate level or range. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 28 , wherein said control means comprises one or more sensors to sense said blood flow rate or a pressure difference across said shunt device. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 28 , wherein said control means comprises one or more flow control elements. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein said shunt device is a self-adjustable shunt device that automatically self-adjust its cross sectional area or its length, or both, as a function of the pressure difference across said shunt device to automatically control said blood flow rate through said shunt at a predetermined blood flow rate level or range. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein the inner wall of said shunt device has a coating to prevent clot formation or atheroma formation. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein the shunt device is capable of carrying up to 5000 ml/min of blood at a pressure differential across the shunt device of 70 mmHg.