Systems and methods for treating pulmonary edema

A system for treating edema, the system comprising:

• a pump comprising an inlet and an outlet;
• an inflow tube operably coupled to the inlet;
• a pressure sensor coupled to the inflow tube, wherein the inflow tube and pressure sensor are configured to be positioned in, and measure pressure in, an area of a junction of a subclavian vein and an internal jugular vein with at least a portion of the inflow tube positioned in the vicinity of a lymphatic duct outlet within the junction;
• a controller operably coupled to the pressure sensor and the pump and configured to receive a pressure measurement from the pressure sensor, wherein the controller includes programming that operates the system to regulate pressure in the vicinity of the lymphatic duct outlet to a safe and normal level within a range of about 2 to 6 mmHg and that does not inhibit lymphatic return by, when the pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor indicates a pressure of at least 6 mm Hg at the junction of the subclavian vein and the internal jugular vein, triggering activation of the pump to decrease pressure in vicinity of the lymphatic duct outlet;
• and
• a fluid sack configured to be implanted within the patient to facilitate pumping of the pump;
• and a fluid in the fluid sack, wherein the fluid includes a coagulation medication that facilitates long term patency of the pump.