Arteriovenous access valve system and process
AssigneeCreatiVasc Medical, LLC
InventorDavid L. Cull
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.
Claims20
A subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system comprising:
- an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end;
- a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft;
- and
- a single actuator in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device, the actuator being configured to open and close the valve devices simultaneously.
A hemodialysis method comprising:
- subcutaneously implanting an arteriovenous graft system in a patient, the arteriovenous graft system including an arteriovenous graft having a first end that is connected to an artery and a second end that is connected to a vein, the arteriovenous graft system further including a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft, the arteriovenous graft system further including a single actuator in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device;
- opening the first and second valve devices simultaneously using the single actuator causing blood to flow through the arteriovenous graft;
- inserting first and second hypodermic needles into the arteriovenous graft, the hypodermic needles being in fluid communication with a hemodialysis machine;
- circulating blood through the hemodialysis machine;
- and
- after a sufficient amount of blood has been circulated through the hemodialysis machine, closing the first and second valve devices using the single actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.