Devices and methods for fistula formulation

Abstract

Described here are devices and methods for forming a fistula between two vessels. In some instances, the fistula may be formed between a proximal ulnar artery and a deep ulnar vein. The fistula may be formed using an electrode, and may be formed with a first catheter placed in a first blood vessel and a second catheter placed in a second blood vessel. In some instances, access to the proximal ulnar artery may be achieved through a brachial artery, and access to the deep ulnar vein may be achieved through a brachial vein.

1 .- 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A device for forming a fistula between two vessels comprising:
 a handle;   a first arm fixedly connected to the handle; and   a second arm adjustably connected to the handle, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a fistula forming element.   
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the fistula forming element comprises a rotatable blade. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 31 , wherein the rotatable blade is rotatably connected to a distal portion of the first arm. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 32 , wherein the handle comprises a first control configured to rotate the rotatable blade relative to the first arm. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 30 , further comprising an adjustment knob, wherein the adjustment knob is moveable between a first configuration to lock the second arm relative to the first arm and a second configuration to allow adjustment of the second arm relative to the first arm. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the first arm is formed from a first rigid material such that placement of the first arm in a first vessel causes the first vessel to conform to a shape of the first arm. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 35 , wherein the second arm is formed from a second rigid material such that placement of the second arm in a second vessel causes the second vessel to conform to a shape of the second arm. 
     
     
         37 . A device for forming a fistula between two vessels comprising:
 a handle comprising:
 a grip portion; and 
 a connection portion connected to the grip portion; 
   a first arm connected to the connection portion; and   a second arm connected to the connection portion, wherein the connection portion is configured to adjustably position the first arm and the second arm relative to each other.   
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the first arm is fixedly connected to the connection portion and the second arm is adjustably connected to the connection portion. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the second arm is lockable in a position relative to the first arm. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the first arm is configured to be inserted into a first vessel and the second arm is configured to be positioned into a second vessel, and wherein an adjustment of a position of the second arm relative to the first arm with the connection portion repositions the second vessel relative to the first vessel. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 37 , further comprising an adjustment knob, wherein the adjustment knob is moveable between a first configuration to lock the second arm relative to the first arm and a second configuration to allow adjustment of the second arm relative to the first arm. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the first arm is formed from a first rigid material such that placement of the first arm in a first vessel causes the first vessel to conform to a shape of the first arm. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 42 , wherein the second arm is formed from a second rigid material such that placement of the second arm in a second vessel causes the second vessel to conform to a shape of the second arm. 
     
     
         44 . A device for forming a fistula between two vessels comprising:
 a handle comprising:
 a grip portion; and 
 a connection portion connected to the grip portion; 
   a first arm connected to the connection portion; and   a second arm comprising a fistula forming element, wherein the second arm is connected to the connection portion and the connection portion is configured to adjustably position the first arm and the second arm relative to each other.   
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the first arm is fixedly connected to the connection portion and the second arm is adjustably connected to the connection portion. 
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 45 , wherein the second arm is lockable in a position relative to the first arm. 
     
     
         47 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the first arm is configured to be inserted into a first vessel and the second arm is configured to be positioned into a second vessel, and wherein an adjustment of a position of the second arm relative to the first arm with the connection portion repositions the second vessel relative to the first vessel. 
     
     
         48 . The device of  claim 44 , wherein the fistula forming element comprises a rotatable blade. 
     
     
         49 . The device of  claim 48 , wherein the rotatable blade is rotatable connected to a distal portion of the first arm.