Device and method for controlling in-vivo pressure

A device for implantation in an opening in a septal wall in a heart of a patient, the device comprising:

• a core segment defining a passage, after implantation of the device, that enables flow to traverse from one side of the septal wall to another side of the septal wall, the core segment having a first diameter when deployed;
• a first annular structure contiguous with the core segment;
• and
• a second annular structure contiguous with the core segment,
• wherein the device is collapsible, so that the core segment has a second diameter less than the first diameter to enable percutaneous delivery of the device to the heart of the patient,
• wherein the first annular structure is configured to form a substantially flat surface that contacts one side of the septal wall, thereby forming a first contacting surface,
• wherein a distal portion of the second annular structure is configured to lie parallel to and in contact with the other side of the septal wall, thereby forming a second contacting surface,
• wherein at least a portion of the first and second annular structures define an annular gap, and
• wherein the annular gap has a width less than a length of the core segment.

A device for implantation in an opening in a septal wall in a heart of a patient, the device comprising:

• a core segment defining a passage, after implantation of the device, that enables flow to traverse from one side of the septal wall to another side of the septal wall, the core segment having a first diameter when deployed;
• a first annular structure contiguous with the core segment;
• a second annular structure contiguous with the core segment;
• and
• a flow control element attached to the core segment and actuated by a shape-memory component,
• wherein the device is collapsible, so that the core segment has a second diameter less than the first diameter to enable percutaneous delivery of the device to the heart of the patient.

A device for directing blood flow across an atrial septum in a heart of a patient, the device comprising:

• a core segment having a length greater than a width of the atrial septum, the core segment configured to define a passage having a first diameter when deployed;
• a first flexible annular structure coupled to the core segment, the first flexible annular structure having a first contacting surface configured to lie substantially flat surface against one side of the atrial septum when deployed;
• and
• a second flexible annular structure coupled to the core segment, a distal portion of the second flexible annular structure having a second contacting surface configured to lie parallel to and to contact the other side of the atrial septum when deployed,
• wherein the device is collapsible, and the core segment has a second diameter less than the first diameter to enable percutaneous delivery of the device to the heart of the patient,
• wherein at least a portion of the first and second annular structures defines an annular gap, and
• wherein the core segment comprises a tube that extends beyond the first flexible annular structure or the second flexible annular structure into an atrial chamber.