DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ALLEVIATING LYMPHATIC SYSTEM CONGESTION

• US 20170197066A1
• Filed: 06/26/2015
• Published: 07/13/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania (University of Pennsylvania)
• Original Assignee: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation), Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania (University of Pennsylvania)
• Inventors: Itkin, Maxim, Dori, Yoav
• Granted Patent: US 10,639,458 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0405 Lymph
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 27/002 Implant devices for drainage of body fluids from one part of the body to another intraocular A61F9/00781; middle ear A61F11/202
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/24 Check- or non-return valves

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and devices for decompressing the lymphatic system. In particular, the present disclosure provides devices for actively or passively decompressing the lymphatic system and methods of their use and deployment within a subject. In certain non-limiting embodiments, a device of the present disclosure can include a pump for actively transferring lymph fluid from the lymphatic fluid into the venous system.

Claims

1. A device for reducing the congestion of the lymphatic system comprising:

a. an inlet tubular member;

b. a pump coupled to the inlet tubular member;

c. an outlet tubular member coupled to the pump;

d. a controller coupled to the pump; and

e. a sensor coupled to the controller,

wherein an increase in pressure detected by the sensor results in the activation of the pump by the controller to transfer lymph fluid from the lymphatic system via the inlet tubular member to the venous system via the outlet tubular member.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pressure controlled chamber, coupled to the inlet tubular member and the pump, for providing a favorable pressure gradient for flow of the lymph fluid from the lymphatic system.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising an access chamber, coupled to the outlet tubular member and the pressure controlled chamber, wherein the activation of the pump results in the flow of lymph fluid from the pressure controlled chamber to the access chamber.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising an isolation valve, coupled to the outlet tubular member, wherein the isolation valve functions to isolate the device from blood of the venous system.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the increase in pressure detected is an increase in central venous pressure.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the increase in pressure detected is an increase in the pressure of the thoracic duct.

14. A method for reducing the congestion of the lymphatic system comprising:

a. providing a tapered tubular member;

b. coupling a device of any of the claims 1-13 to the tubular member;

c. guiding the coupled tubular member and device to a site of implantation;

d. implanting the device at the site of implantation; and

e. removing the tapered tubular member.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the coupled tubular member is guided through the venous system to the thoracic duct outlet.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the coupled tubular member is guided through the venous system through the thoracic duct outlet and into the thoracic duct.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the coupled tubular member is guided through the thoracic duct to the thoracic duct outlet.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the site of implantation is the junction between the venous system and the thoracic duct.

19. The method in claim 14, wherein the site of implantation is under the skin.

20. The method in claim 14, wherein at least one component of the device sits on top of the skin.

21. The method in claim 14, wherein the device is delivered transcutaneously directly into the thoracic duct.

7. A device for reducing the congestion of the lymphatic system comprising:

a. a pressure controlled chamber;

b. a pump coupled to the pressure controlled chamber;

c. a controller coupled to the pressure controlled chamber and the pump; and

d. a sensor coupled to the controller,

wherein an increase in pressure detected by the sensor results in the activation of the pump by the controller to remove lymph fluid from the lymphatic system.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising an inlet tubular member coupled to the pressure controlled chamber for promoting the flow of the lymph fluid from the lymphatic system to the pressure controlled chamber.

9. The device of claim 7, further comprising an outlet tubular member coupled to the pump for promoting the flow of the lymph fluid from the pump to the venous system.

10. A device for reducing the congestion of the lymphatic system comprising:

a. a stent; and

b. a valve coupled to the stent,

wherein the valve prevents reflux of the blood from the venous system into the thoracic duct.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the stent is a self-expanding stent.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the stent is a bare stent.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the stent is a covered stent.