Flow control method and device
First Claim
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1. A device for controlling fluid flow in a vessel that is part of a digestive tract of a human, the device comprising:
- a constriction applicator having a first member and a second member in relative positions and spaced apart by a gap that is sized to receive the vessel, wherein the second member is configured to be moved relative to the first member to change a size of the gap and thereby alter the amount of pressure against the vessel to thereby control the fluid flow in the vessel; and
a control portion that includes(1 ) a locking system constructed to lock the position of the second member relative to the first member, and(2 ) a release mechanism to release the locking system, wherein the release mechanism is constructed to displace the locking system away from the second member to release the locking system.
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Abstract
An arterio-venous graft (16) is provided with a constriction device (20) near its arterial end. The constriction device (20) is used to reduce the flow through the AV graft under normal conditions and to relieve the constriction when high flow through the AV graft is required, such as for vascular access for hemodialysis.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device for controlling fluid flow in a vessel that is part of a digestive tract of a human, the device comprising:
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a constriction applicator having a first member and a second member in relative positions and spaced apart by a gap that is sized to receive the vessel, wherein the second member is configured to be moved relative to the first member to change a size of the gap and thereby alter the amount of pressure against the vessel to thereby control the fluid flow in the vessel; and a control portion that includes (1 ) a locking system constructed to lock the position of the second member relative to the first member, and (2 ) a release mechanism to release the locking system, wherein the release mechanism is constructed to displace the locking system away from the second member to release the locking system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of fluid flow control in a vessel in a digestive tract of a human, the method comprising:
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providing an implantable device comprising a constriction applicator having a first member and a second member in relative positions and spaced apart by a gap that is sized to receive the vessel, wherein the second member is configured to be moved relative to the first member to change a size of the gap and thereby alter the amount of pressure against the vessel to thereby control the fluid flow in the vessel; and a control portion that includes (1 ) a locking system constructed to lock the position of the second member relative to the first member, and (2 ) a release mechanism to release the locking system, wherein the release mechanism is constructed to displace the locking system away from the second member to release the locking system; implanting the implantable device so that the constriction applicator engages the vessel in the gap; and from external a body of the human, selectively (1 ) operating system to lock the position of the second member relative to the first member to apply pressure on the vessel, and (2 ) operating the release mechanism to release the locking system to reduce pressure on the vessel by displacing the locking system away from the second member. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification