Implantable shunt systems and methods

Abstract

The present technology relates to interatrial shunting systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes interatrial shunting systems that include a shunting element having a lumen extending therethrough that is configured to fluidly couple the left atrium and the right atrium when the shunting element is implanted in a patient. The system can also include an energy receiving component for receiving energy from an energy source positioned external to the body, an energy storage component for storing the received energy, and/or a flow control mechanism for adjusting a geometry of the lumen.

1 - 50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . A system for shunting blood between a left atrium and a right atrium of a patient, the system comprising:
 a shunting element comprising one or more structural elements, wherein, when the system is implanted across a septal wall of the patient, the structural elements are configured to extend across the septal wall of the patient and stabilize the shunting element relative to the septal wall;   a biocompatible membrane at least partially covering the one or more structural elements, the biocompatible membrane defining a lumen through the shunting element that, when the system is implanted across the septal wall, fluidly connects the left atrium and the right atrium; and   a pressure sensor positioned within a biocompatible membrane, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to measure at least one of left atrial pressure or right atrial pressure.   
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the biocompatible membrane includes an outer membrane portion and an inner membrane portion, and wherein the pressure sensor is positioned between the outer membrane portion and the inner membrane portion. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the biocompatible membrane forms an at least partially enclosed chamber shaped and sized to house one or more system components, and wherein the pressure sensor is positioned within the at least partially enclosed chamber. 
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 53  wherein the enclosed chamber is configured to hold a fluid other than blood. 
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the biocompatible membrane is at least partially flexible. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the biocompatible membrane is impermeable. 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the biocompatible membrane is composed of ePTFE, polyester, polyurethane, and/or silicone. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the pressure sensor is a first pressure sensor configured to measure a left atrial pressure, and wherein the system further comprises a second pressure sensor configured to measure a right atrial pressure, and further wherein the second pressure sensor is positioned within the biocompatible membrane. 
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 58 , further comprising a processor configured to calculate a pressure differential between the left atrium and the right atrium. 
     
     
         60 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the shunting element further includes a flow control mechanism configured to selectively change a geometry of the lumen. 
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 60  wherein the flow control mechanism comprises a shape memory material. 
     
     
         62 . A system for shunting blood between a left atrium and a right atrium of a patient, the system comprising:
 a shunting element comprising one or more structural elements that, when the system is implanted across a septal wall of the patient, are configured to extend across the septal wall of the patient and stabilize the shunting element to the septal wall;   a biocompatible membrane at least partially covering the one or more structural elements, the biocompatible membrane defining a lumen through the shunting element that, when the system is implanted across the septal wall, fluidly connects the left atrium and the right atrium; and   a pressure sensing system configured to measure at least one of left atrial pressure or right atrial pressure, the pressure sensing system comprising a pressure responsive membrane and a pressure sensor,   wherein the pressure sensor is positioned within the biocompatible membrane, and   wherein, when the system is implanted across the septal wall, the pressure responsive membrane is exposed to at least one of the left atrium or the right atrium of the patient.   
     
     
         63 . The system of  claim 62  wherein the pressure sensing system further comprises an enclosed cavity containing a pressure transmission medium, and wherein:
 the pressure responsive membrane at least partially covers the enclosed cavity; and 
 the pressure sensor is in communication with the pressure transmission medium. 
 
     
     
         64 . The system of  claim 63  wherein the pressure transmission medium is a liquid. 
     
     
         65 . The system of  claim 62  wherein the biocompatible membrane includes an outer membrane portion and an inner membrane portion, and wherein the pressure sensor is positioned between the outer membrane portion and the inner membrane portion. 
     
     
         66 . The system of  claim 62  wherein the biocompatible membrane defines an at least partially enclosed chamber, and wherein the pressure sensor is positioned within the at least partially enclosed chamber. 
     
     
         67 . The system of  claim 62  wherein the shunting element further includes a flow control mechanism configured to selectively change a geometry of the lumen. 
     
     
         68 . An implantable system for shunting blood between a left atrium and a right atrium of a patient, the system comprising:
 a frame configured to extend between the left atrium and the right atrium of the patient when the system is implanted across a septal wall of the patient;   a biocompatible membrane coupled to the frame, wherein the biocompatible membrane at least partially defines a lumen through frame that, when the system is implanted across the septal wall, fluidly connects the left atrium and the right atrium, and   a pressure sensor configured to measure at least one of left atrial pressure or right atrial pressure, wherein the pressure sensor is positioned within the biocompatible membrane.   
     
     
         69 . The system of  claim 68  wherein the biocompatible membrane includes a first layer and a second layer, and wherein the pressure sensor is positioned between the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         70 . The system of  claim 69  wherein the first layer is an inner layer that at least partially defines the lumen. 
     
     
         71 . The system of  claim 69  wherein the first layer and the second layer are separated by a chamber, and wherein the sensor is positioned within the chamber. 
     
     
         72 . The system of  claim 68 , further comprising an actuation mechanism coupled to the frame, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to be selectively actuated to adjust a geometry of the lumen. 
     
     
         73 . The system of  claim 72  wherein the biocompatible membrane at least partially covers the actuation mechanism. 
     
     
         74 . The system of  claim 72  wherein the actuation mechanism at least partially defines the lumen. 
     
     
         75 . The system of  claim 72  wherein the actuation mechanism is at least partially composed of a shape memory material.