Patent ID: 7329236
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A system for enhancing renal function in a patient, comprising: a delivery catheter with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion with a fluid delivery port; a flow diverter located along the distal end portion, the flow diverter comprising a tubular member that when in an expanded configuration provides an interior passageway therein, the interior passageway having a proximal opening and a distal opening, such that the proximal opening of the interior passageway is disposed proximal to the fluid delivery port and the distal opening of the interior passageway is disposed distal to the fluid delivery port; a pull wire having a distal end that is coupled with the tubular member; and a source of fluid agent; wherein the tubular member is configured to expand from a low profile configuration to an expanded configuration when the pull wire is retracted proximally, such that in the expanded configuration the tubular member provides an interior passageway that extends between a proximal opening of the tubular member and a distal opening of the tubular member; wherein the delivery catheter is adapted to couple to the source of fluid agent; wherein the delivery catheter is adapted to position the distal end portion at a location within an abdominal aorta associated with a plurality of renal artery ostia having unique respective positions along the abdominal aorta wall; wherein when the tubular member is in the expanded configuration so as to provide the interior passageway therein, the flow diverter at the location is adapted to divert a portion of aortic blood flow along a diverted flow path external to the tubular member and substantially only into the plurality of renal arteries via their respective ostia and to allow a second portion of aortic blood flow from the distal opening of the interior passageway downstream across the plurality of renal artery ostia to the proximal opening of the interior passageway; wherein the fluid delivery port is positioned relative to the flow diverter so as to inject a volume of the fluid agent from the source into the diverted flow path; and wherein the fluid agent is adapted to enhance renal function.