Patent ID: 8828076
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for inserting an implantable prosthetic device for connection to a fluid flow pathway of a patient, comprising the steps of: identifying a fluid flow pathway of a patient; surgically exposing a first region of said fluid flow pathway for insertion of an implantable prosthetic device; securing a proximal end of said implantable prosthetic device to said first region of said fluid flow pathway, said implantable prosthetic device extending from said proximal end to a distal end, said implantable prosthetic device including a proximal structure at said proximal end, a distal structure at said distal end, and a furcated structure disposed between said proximal structure and said distal structure, said proximal structure and said distal structure only including a respective single tube, said furcated structure including a plurality of tubes, said single tube of said proximal structure being connected to each of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure to allow flow from said single tube of said proximal structure to each of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure, each of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure being connected to said single tube of said distal end to allow flow from each of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure to said single tube of said distal end; surgically exposing a second region of said fluid flow pathway; and securing said distal end of said implantable prosthetic device to said second region of said fluid flow pathway, wherein said implantable prosthetic device, when secured to said fluid flow pathway, introduces said furcated structure between said first region and second region of said fluid flow pathway, and fluid flows through said first region of said fluid flow pathway into said single tube of said proximate structure, said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure, and said single tube of said distal structure and back into said fluid flow pathway at said second region of said fluid flow pathway, said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure and said single tube of said distal structure only receiving fluid that flows through said single tube of said proximate structure, and said single tube of said proximate structure has a first cross-sectional area that is substantially equivalent to a respective cross-sectional area of at least one of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure.