Enhancing perfusion by contraction
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- enhancing perfusion of an organ that is upstream of a site of a first vein of a subject, the site of the first vein being upstream of a bifurcation of the first vein with a second vein of the subject, by;
driving a first electric current into the site of the first vein, via an electrode disposed on a mechanical support element;
configuring the electric current to divert blood in a downstream direction, into the second vein, by constricting the first vein at the upstream site,the mechanical support element being configured, subsequent to the constricting of the vein, to enhance perfusion of the organ, by causing the vein to fill with blood, by causing the vein to expand.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are described including a mechanical support element that is placed inside a first vein of a subject. At least one electrode disposed on the mechanical support element is placed inside the first vein, in a vicinity of a site upstream of a bifurcation with a second vein of the subject. A control unit enhances downstream blood flow from the first vein by driving the at least one electrode to divert blood downstream into the second vein by constricting the first vein at the upstream site, by driving the at least one electrode to apply a current to the vicinity of the site. The mechanical support element prevents the first vein from collapsing by providing mechanical support to the vein. Other embodiments are also described.
294 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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enhancing perfusion of an organ that is upstream of a site of a first vein of a subject, the site of the first vein being upstream of a bifurcation of the first vein with a second vein of the subject, by; driving a first electric current into the site of the first vein, via an electrode disposed on a mechanical support element; configuring the electric current to divert blood in a downstream direction, into the second vein, by constricting the first vein at the upstream site, the mechanical support element being configured, subsequent to the constricting of the vein, to enhance perfusion of the organ, by causing the vein to fill with blood, by causing the vein to expand. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification