Intra-atrial implants to directionally shunt blood
Inventors
McNamara, Edward • Celermajer, David • Forcucci, Stephen J. • Sugimoto, Hiroatsu • Finch, Matthew J.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10045766-B2
Publication Date
2018-08-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Several unique intracardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intracardiac pressure vents presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms but also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombus or other embolic material from entering the arterial circulation.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a device for treating a heart condition by implantation into the atrial septum of a patient’s heart. The device includes a core segment that defines a passage to enable fluid to flow from one side of the atrial septum to another side when implanted. This passage permits flow between a left atrial side and a right atrial side through the atrial septum.
The device further includes a first annular flange disposed distal to the core segment and adapted to engage a first surface of the atrial septum, and a second annular flange disposed proximal to the core segment and adapted to engage a second surface of the atrial septum opposite the first surface. The proximal and distal flanges engage respective septal surfaces on opposite sides of the atrial septum.
A flow control element comprises a baffle disposed proximal to the core segment. The baffle is configured to direct in a selected direction blood flowing through the passage from a left atrial side of the atrial septum to a right atrial side of the atrial septum, and is positioned at a fixed angle relative to the core segment.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim directed to a shunt device implanted into the atrial septum, with three inventive features centered on a core-defined passage, proximal and distal annular flanges engaging opposite septal surfaces, and a fixed-angle proximal baffle directing blood from the left atrial side to the right atrial side. Dependent claims refine deployment/expansion mode, gap accommodation, visualization, and specific flange construction characteristics.
A passage core segment implanted in the atrial septum
A core segment defining a passage to enable fluid to flow from one side of said atrial septum to another side of said atrial septum when implanted.
A distal and proximal annular flanges engaging opposite atrial septum surfaces
A first annular flange disposed distal to the core segment and adapted to engage a first surface of said atrial septum; and a second annular flange disposed proximal to the core segment and adapted to engage a second surface of said atrial septum, the second surface of said atrial septum opposite to the first surface of said atrial septum.
A fixed-angle proximal baffle directing left-to-right blood flow
A flow control element comprising a baffle disposed proximal to the core segment and configured to direct in a selected direction blood flowing through the passage from a left atrial side of the atrial septum to a right atrial side of the atrial septum, the baffle positioned at a fixed angle relative to the core segment and configured to extend into the right atrial side of the atrial septum.
Across the independent claim, the principal inventive structure is an atrial-septum-implanted core segment forming a passage between left and right atrial sides, secured by distal and proximal annular flanges engaging opposite septal surfaces, and a proximal baffle fixed at an angle to direct blood from the left atrium to the right atrium.
Stated Advantages
Vent blood from the left atrium (LA) to the right atrium (RA) while limiting reverse right-to-left flow to reduce thrombus/embolus risk.
Documented Applications
Treating a heart condition in a patient by implanting an atrial-septum device to enable fluid flow from one side of the atrial septum to another side.
Use as an intra-atrial pressure vent/shunt between the left atrium and the right atrium for heart failure context described in the document.
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