Dialysis valve and method
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling blood flow between and during dialysis treatments, comprising:
- implanting a dialysis valve device in a bodily limb between an artery and a vein;
attaching an arterial fistula graft of the dialysis valve device to the artery in the bodily limb;
attaching a venous fistula graft of the dialysis valve device to the vein in the bodily limb;
causing an adjustable tube of the dialysis valve device to convey blood from the arterial fistula graft to the venous fistula graft, the tube extending for a longitudinal length and defining an inner surface that is substantially smooth;
controlling an actuator of the dialysis valve device to selectively adjust from a first length to a second length in response to fluid or electric control, the actuator being coupled with the tube so that when the actuator adjusts from the first length to the second length, the tube contemporaneously increases in longitudinal length and decreases in diameter at a narrowed portion.
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Abstract
A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.
29 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of controlling blood flow between and during dialysis treatments, comprising:
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implanting a dialysis valve device in a bodily limb between an artery and a vein; attaching an arterial fistula graft of the dialysis valve device to the artery in the bodily limb; attaching a venous fistula graft of the dialysis valve device to the vein in the bodily limb; causing an adjustable tube of the dialysis valve device to convey blood from the arterial fistula graft to the venous fistula graft, the tube extending for a longitudinal length and defining an inner surface that is substantially smooth; controlling an actuator of the dialysis valve device to selectively adjust from a first length to a second length in response to fluid or electric control, the actuator being coupled with the tube so that when the actuator adjusts from the first length to the second length, the tube contemporaneously increases in longitudinal length and decreases in diameter at a narrowed portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification