Patent ID: 6866647
Filing Date: 2005-03-15
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for perfusing the spinal vasculature of a patient, comprising the steps of: inserting a catheter into the aorta, the catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shunt releasably mounted on the distal end, the shunt comprising a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a lumen therebetween, an expandable occluder disposed about the tubular member, and a valve to control fluid flow through the lumen; expanding the occluder; releasing the shunt by detaching the shunt from the catheter; making an incision in the aorta downstream of the occluder, attaching a first end of a second tubular member to the tubular member of the shunt, the second tubular member having a second end, a lumen, and a plurality of tubular branches attached to the second end of the tubular member, each tubular branch having a lumen communicating with the lumen of the tubular member; inserting the distal end of each tubular branch into a spinal artery; sealing the distal end of each tubular branch; and opening the valve to flow blood through each tubular branch into the spinal arteries.